rs, Mrs.
Grundy's voice softened, and in a milder tone she added, "We won't
mind about it, seein' it's the first morning, but come, you must be
hungry by this time."

Although so poor, Mrs. Howard had been extremely neat and as she said
"cold water cost nothing," she had insisted upon her children's being
very nice and particular in their morning toilet. Mary remembered
this, and now casting a rueful glance around the room she said, "I
wonder where I am going to wash me."

The loud, scornful laugh which followed this remark made her look up
amazed at Mrs. Grundy, who replied, "In the back room sink, of course.
May-be you expected to have a china bowl and pitcher in your room, and
somebody to empty your slop. I wonder what _airs_ paupers won't take
on themselves next."

"I didn't mean to take airs," said Mary; "I don't care where I wash
myself, but Alice is sick, and mother had me bathe her every morning.
While we were at Mrs. Bender's, though, I didn't do it, and I don't
think she seems as well."

"Pride and poverty," muttered Mrs. Grundy. "She won't get many baths
here, I can tell you, nor you either, unless it is a dishwater one.
Know how to wash dishes hey?"

"Yes, ma'am," said Mary meekly.

"Then I'll give you a chance to try your hand after breakfast, but
come, I'm in a hurry."

Mary glanced at Alice. She was sleeping sweetly, and though there
seemed to be no reason, she still lingered.

"What are you waiting for?" asked Mrs. Grundy, and Mary, with some
hesitation, answered, "I haven't said my prayers yet."

A change passed suddenly over Mrs. Grundy's face, and she turned away
without a word. When she was gone Mary fell on her knees, and though
the words she uttered were addressed more to her mother than to God,
she felt comforted, and rising up started for the kitchen. It was a
motley group which she found assembled around the breakfast table, and
as she entered the room, the man called Uncle Peter smiled on her,
saying, "Come here, little daughter, and let me touch you with the tip
of my fourth finger."

Shrinking to nearly half her usual size, she managed to pass him
without coming in contact with said finger, which was merely a stump,
the first joint having been amputated. On reaching the back room she
readily found the place where she with all the rest was to wash. For
this she did not care, as the water was as cold and pure, and seemed
as refreshing as when dipped from her mother's tin wash-basi