only one you'll get, Miss Pry," replied Grannie.

The other children laughed, and began to call Polly "Miss Pry," and
attention was completely diverted from Alison.

After the tea-things had been washed and the children had settled down
to their books and different occupations, there came a knock at the
door, and Hardy entered.

Alison was in her bedroom.

"Set down, Mr. Hardy," said Grannie, if her cheerful voice. "You've
come to see Ally, I suppose?"

"Yes, if I may," answered the young man, an anxious expression on his
face.

"To be sure you may; who more welcome? Children, run into my bedroom,
dears. I'll turn on the gas and you can study your books in there.
Run now, and be quick about it."

"It's so cold," said Polly.

"Tut, tut, not another word; scatter, all of you."

The children longed particularly to stay; they were very fond of Hardy,
who generally brought them sweets. Polly's quick eyes had seen a white
parcel sticking out of his pocket. It was horrid to have to go into
Grannie's bedroom. It was an icy-cold room; just, too, when the
kitchen was most enticing. They had to go, however, and Grannie shut
the door behind them.

"Poor things, it will be cold for them in there," said the young man.

"Tut, tut," answered Grannie again, "you don't want 'em to be brought
up soft and lazy and good for naught. Now then, Jim, set down and make
yourself at home."

"How is she?" asked Hardy, speaking in a low voice, and raising his
handsome eyes to the old lady's face.

Grannie's eyes blazed in reply.

"How do you expect her to be?" she answered. "Publicly shamed as she
were; I wonder you didn't take her part, Jim, that I do."

"I felt stunned," replied Hardy; "it was all so sudden. I tried to
push forward and to speak, but I was prevented. There was such an
excitement, and Mr. Shaw was in a towering passion--there's no doubt of
that. I'm sorry she has left, though."

"Well," said Grannie, "she's had the offer to take her place again if
she likes."

"Has she? Then he doesn't believe her to be guilty?"

"No; who would who knew her?"

"Who would, indeed?" answered the young man, a glow of pride and
pleasure o& his face.

"I'll tell her you are here in a minute," said Grannie, "and then I'll
leave you two the kitchen to yourselves. But before I go away I jest
want to say one thing--Alison won't go back."

"Won't?"

"No, nor would I let her. Alison will stay here till she's cleared