"I have some nice pieces of fine linen," said Alice; "suppose I cut out a collar for him, and you can make it and stitch it, and then Margery will starch and iron it for you, all ready to give to him. How will that do? Can you stitch well enough?"
"Oh, yes, I guess I can," said Ellen. "Oh, thank you, dear Alice! you are the best help that ever was. Will he like that, do you think?"
"I am sure he will very much."
"Then, that will do nicely," said Ellen, much relieved. "And now, what do you think about Nancy's Bible?"
"Nothing could be better; only that I am afraid Nancy would either sell it for something else, or let it go to destruction very quickly. I never heard of her spending five minutes over a book, and the Bible, I am afraid, last of all."
"But I think," said Ellen slowly, "I think she would not spoil it, or sell it either, if I gave it to her."
And she told Alice about Nancy's asking for the kiss last night.
"That's the most hopeful thing I have heard about Nancy for a long time," said Alice. "We will get her the Bible by all means, my dear a nice one and I hope you will be able to persuade her to read it."
She rose as she spoke, and went to the glass door. Ellen followed her, and they looked out into the night. It was very dark. She opened the door a moment, but the wind drove the snow into their faces, and they were glad to shut it again.
"It's almost as bad as the night we were out, isn't it?" said
Ellen.