said. "I suppose your mother has sent me my
money. If so, it is very thoughtful of her. If you have brought the
money, Susy, you shall have a cup of tea before you start on your
homeward walk. It is a fine day, child, and your cheeks look very fresh.
Come in, dear; come in."

Mrs. Church hobbled back again into her small sitting-room. She got back
into her chair, and motioned to Susy to take one opposite to her.

"If that is the money you have in your hand," she said, noticing that
the child held a small parcel, "you may give it to me, and then go over
there and get me that black cash-box. I will put the gold and silver in
immediately. It is never safe to leave money about."

"But I haven't got the money, Aunt Church. Mother couldn't have saved it
in the time."

Mrs. Church's face became very bleak and decidedly wintry in
appearance.

"Then what have you come for, Susan?" she said. "You needn't suppose I
am going to waste my good tea on you if you haven't brought the money.
If you think so, you are fine and mistaken."

"I don't think so, really, Aunt Church; but perhaps when you know all
you will give me a cup of tea, and perhaps you won't be so cross the
next time I wear my pale-blue blouse."

"Ah, my dear, I wasn't cross at the end of the time, although I did
think it a bit suspicious: your mother losing nineteen-and-sixpence of
my own money out of her till--you forget that fact, Susan Hopkins; it
was my money--and then you decking yourself out in the most unsuitable
garment I ever saw on a little girl of your age and station. It has
pleased the Almighty, Susan, to put you in a low walk of life, and in
that walk you ought to remain, and dress according--yes, dress
according. But, as I said, I was not displeased at the end. That was a
very bonny young lady who came into your mother's shop--miles and miles
above you, Susan. And how she can demean herself to call you her friend
passes my comprehension."

"You are very rude, Aunt Church," said Susy; "but I am not going to be
angry with you, for I want you to help us. I have got news for you, and
very good news, too. But I will only tell it to you on condition."

Mrs. Church looked first skeptical, then curious, then keenly desirous.

"Well, child?" she said. "Maybe you might as well put the kettle on the
fire; it takes a good long time to boil. It's a very bobbish little
kettle, and it has cranky whims just as though it were a human. There's
a good child, Susa