"To be sure I do," said Ellen "always."
"So do I; but Marianne Gillespie won't even put on her shoes and stockings for herself."
"Who does it, then?" said Ellen.
"Why, Lester aunt Matilda's maid. Mamma sent away her maid when we came here, and she says if she had fifty she would like me to do everything I can for myself. I shouldn't think it was pleasant to have any one put on one's shoes and stockings for you, should you?"
"No, indeed," said Ellen. "Then you live here all the time?"
"Oh, yes ever since papa didn't come back from that long voyage we live here since then."
"Is he coming back soon?"
"No," said little Ellen, gravely "he never will came back he never will come back any more."
Ellen was sorry she had asked, and both children were silent for a minute.
"I'll tell you what," said little Ellen, jumping up "Mamma said we mustn't sit up too long talking, so I'll run and get my things and bring 'em here, and we can undress together; won't that be a nice way?"