“Let him in, then come up to me, will you?”

Ordering Dick to stay below, Huldah mounted the stairs, full of awe.  She had not been allowed up them before.  She thought the little winding white staircase was wonderful, and oh, how clean it all was!

At the top was a landing about a yard square, and an open door.  Through the doorway she saw an old-fashioned bed with pretty flowered frills and curtains, and lying on the bed was Mrs. Perry.

“Come in, child,” she said, feebly.  “I’ve been calling to you for ever so long, but I couldn’t make you hear.  I expect you were very tired, and slept heavy.”

“I’ve been awake for a good bit,” said Huldah, “but I didn’t like to move about till you come.  I wish I’d heard you.  Did you want me?”

“Yes, I’m feeling very bad.  I think I must have got a chill last night, or else the fright upset me.”

“Oh, I am sorry,” cried Huldah, with genuine feeling.  Mrs. Perry really did look very white and ill, and Huldah felt quite alarmed.  “Can I get you something?  What can I do?  Shall I light the fire?” she asked, eagerly.

“Yes, if you will, I’d be very much obliged.  I’d like a cup of tea, as hot as I can drink it, and,” pointing to some flannel lying on the bed, “if you could make that very hot, and bring it up to me, I’d be glad.  Perhaps heat’ll ease the pain a bit.”

“I’ll be as quick as I can,” said Huldah, eagerly, turning to hurry downstairs.  “Is there anything else?”

“Oh my, yes! there’s the fowls; they’ll be wanting their breakfast.  It’s all put ready for them in a pan in the scullery, if you’ll give it to them.  Don’t let them out into the garden.”

“I’ll see to that,” said Huldah, cheerfully.

“Then when they’re out eating their food, go into the house, and see if there’s any eggs in the nests.”

“Yes, ma’am, and please may I borrow the loan of the bucket, to have a wash?  I’m feeling all dusty and dirty.”

Mrs. Perry smiled, in spite of her pain.  “Yes, of course.  You’ll find a basin and soap, and a rough towel in the scullery, too.  I’m glad you reminded me.”

Huldah slipped down the stairs as blithe as a bird.  This was keeping house in real earnest, and she loved it.  She set to work to light the fire and tidy the stove first, then she went and fed the hens, and came back triumphantly, carrying three large eggs.  When she had shown these to Mrs. Perry, and discussed their size and beauty—­and surely there never had been such eggs found before—­she went down and had her wash, and oh, how she did enjoy it!  She wished she had a clean frock or apron to put on, too.  But when she remembered all she had got, she felt ashamed of herself, for even thinking of wanting anything more.

In the scullery was a sweeping-brush, and the sight of it tempted her to sweep up the kitchen.  She opened the door wide, to let in the sunshine and fresh air and the sweet scent of flowers, and then she went sweeping away, not only the doorstep, but the tiled path down the garden to the gate.  For the moment she had forgotten her fear of being discovered.  All here seemed so different, so safe and peaceful, and far away from her old unhappy life.