nce, Agnes having taken one of the three chairs offered
her.

"Yes, Mrs. Nelson, this is a sad occurrence. You have need of a great
deal of sympathy, and I am sure you will have it." As Agnes looked round
the room, and saw the various expressions of countenance at this remark,
they appeared so ludicrous that under any other circumstances it would
have been hard to control herself. As if encouraged by her notice, the
tongues were again set in motion, and to her horror she was having all
the details of the accident.

Martha had drawn her stool beside her teacher, who now took the
opportunity of whispering comfort, and telling her how much her
school-mates loved her and sympathized with her.

"I knew you would come when school was out, but it seemed so long. Did
anybody have to be kept in?"

"No, the scholars were all quiet and attentive to-day; they were
thinking of their little school-mate."

At these words, meant to comfort and reassure, the child laid her head
on her lap and broke into loud sobs. Agnes thought she had done harm
rather than good, and the tears sprang to her own eyes. Placing her arm
round the child, she drew the bowed head up and let it rest on her.

"Poor thing," whispered the neighbors, "she takes it hard."

With a great effort Martha looked up into her teacher's face and said:
"I wasn't thinking about father then."

Not knowing but what the child might have some trouble that she could
relieve, Agnes whispered: "What were you thinking of? Don't fear to tell
me; perhaps I can help you."

"O, teacher," and there came a great sigh, "you help me all the time.
Nobody ever was like you, and it was because you were so kind I had to
cry."

There were other wet cheeks than Martha's then, and Agnes was already
repaid for her long walk. With a few more kind words addressed to Mrs.
Nelson, she rose to go, and Mrs. Nelson followed her into the other
room.

"How can you manage without your husband? Had you anything but his
wages?" she inquired, feeling that sympathy at this time might perhaps
require a stronger expression than words.

"That is just what I've been thinking of, Miss, if I could get time to
think. They are well meaning, you see," pointing toward the other room,
"but they have no considerateness. It's not for me to sit down and be
grieving over what can't be mended, but to be looking round for a way to
bring bread into the house. For as you asked me, Miss, I'll just tell
you. We haven't