he might obtain them. In reply,
she informed her where she could get them, and then concluded, by
offering her and Fanny an asylum, for such she termed it, if for their
board, Helen would instruct her three cousins. She took care to
insinuate, that as doing this, would involve additional expense, she
must be content to be received as a mere stranger; she would be
expected even to assist in the family needle work. Fanny, Mrs. Selwyn
said, would not require much clothing to be purchased, as two of her
cousins were older than she, was, and never half wore their things
out, adding, as Helen, would in all probability, obtain the
compassionate allowance, it might, with care, clothe her and help
Henry, if he needed anything. She finished her heartless letter, by
saying: of course, Helen would try and find a place for him, as he
must not, she said, be too particular _now_. Helen read, and re-read
it, and then bursting into tears, fell on her knees, and thanked her
Heavenly Father, who had given her the means, by honest industry, of
saving herself and little ones the bitter pang of eating the bread of
dependence. After this, with what heartfelt thankfulness, did she sit
down with them, to their frugal meal.

She wrote and respectfully declined her aunt's offer. The fact of the
matter was this: Mrs. Selwyn had heard of Helen's successful attempt,
and though she held no communication with her sister,--Willoughby,
after that lady had offended her father by marrying, yet she had
little doubt of Helen's capability; and thought, after the energy and
self reliance she had manifested, she might, for she was, though rich,
a most parsimonious woman, turn it to her own account and for a few
years, at least, get her children cheaply educated. It was Helen's
determination, if she obtained the compassionate allowance, to keep
it, as a reserve for her brother's education. She mentioned her
intention to Dr. Sherman, who expressed his warm approval of her plan.

One day, Nancy, who had been to the shop for groceries, came in, very
hastily, to the room Helen and Mrs. Cameron were sitting in.

"Oh, Miss Helen! do you know, while I was waiting in Mrs. Conway's
shop, who should come in, but Peggy Smith, to say she was going to
leave, the place, and go to her mother, a long way off, as she was,
all along, so sickly, and she herself but a lone woman here; well
she's going to sell that nice cow, and let the field that joins our
little paddock, which