he dirt was washed
off--and bright, earnest eyes. Now, too, she wore neat and pretty
clothing. Her dark curly hair was nicely brushed, and tied with fresh
ribbons. She had a small, pleasant room all for herself and her doll,
and Miss Kennedy had taught her how to keep it in order.

Biddy had given a great deal of trouble to this gentle lady at first,
because Biddy had many unpleasant habits. She used bad words; she did
not seem to think it any harm to tell lies; she was not at all neat; she
was sometimes willful and disobedient; she was often careless, broke
dishes, tore her clothes, and put things out of order. These things were
a much greater trouble to Miss Kennedy than Biddy knew. Miss Kennedy was
so good and kind and true that Biddy's faults grieved her much, and
carelessness and disorder were like pain to her, she was herself so neat
and pure, like a fine white pearl.

But Miss Kennedy never forgot what poor Biddy's life had been, and Biddy
was so affectionate and grateful, and tried so hard, that Miss Kennedy
grew to love her dearly, and little by little Biddy conquered her old
bad habits.

She did not see much of Mr. Kennedy, who was very busy, and was away a
great deal. When she did see him, he had always a kind word and a
pleasant smile for her, which made Biddy feel as if he took care of her.

Charley had brought her the doll, as Biddy said he would. But she could
not make him come within a block of the house; and when he saw Biddy so
fresh and clean in her pretty new garments, he had blushed and run away
almost without speaking. She did not see much of him. She met him
sometimes when she was out on an errand. The last time she had seen him
he had looked very much pleased, but she had not been able to get him to
speak to her. She thought him more bashful than ever.

Biddy did not forget Charley, or cease to wish he might have a nice home
in the same house with her; but she was kept so busy with her easy but
constant duties in waiting upon Miss Kennedy, who was also teaching her
to read, that time flew very fast with Biddy, and it was midsummer when
one day she went out on an errand, and--did not come back!

Miss Kennedy waited and wondered; and when it began to grow dark, and
Biddy had not come back, she grew really alarmed. One of the servants
had been sent out twice to look for Biddy, but in vain. At last, just as
Miss Kennedy was about to send for him, Mr. Kennedy came in. As soon as
he learned the c