“Now let me tell you who I am, and how I came
to you in such an unceremonious way,” began
Christie, when her hostess returned and found her
warmed, refreshed, and composed by a woman’s
three best comforters,—kind words, a baby,
and a cup of tea.
“’Pears to me, dear, I wouldn’t
rile myself up by telling any werryments to-night,
but git right warm inter bed, and have a good long
sleep,” said Mrs. Wilkins, without a ray of curiosity
in her wholesome red face.
“But you don’t know any thing about me,
and I may be the worst woman in the world,”
cried Christie, anxious to prove herself worthy of
such confidence.
“I know that you want takin’ care of,
child, or Rachel wouldn’t a sent you. Ef
I can help any one, I don’t want no introduction;
and ef you be the wust woman in the world (which you
ain’t), I wouldn’t shet my door on you,
for then you’d need a lift more’n you do
now.”
Christie could only put out her hand, and mutely thank
her new friend with full eyes.
“You’re fairly tuckered out, you poor
soul, so you jest come right up chamber and let me
tuck you up, else you’ll be down sick. It
ain’t a mite of inconvenience; the room is kep
for company, and it’s all ready, even to a clean
night-cap. I’m goin’ to clap this
warm flat to your feet when you’re fixed; it’s
amazin’ comfortin’ and keeps your head
cool.”
Up they went to a tidy little chamber, and Christie
found herself laid down to rest none too soon, for
she was quite worn out. Sleep began to steal
over her the moment her head touched the pillow, in
spite of the much beruffled cap which Mrs. Wilkins
put on with visible pride in its stiffly crimped borders.
She was dimly conscious of a kind hand tucking her
up, a comfortable voice purring over her, and, best
of all, a motherly good-night kiss, then the weary
world faded quite away and she was at rest.
A cure for despair.
When Christie opened the eyes that had closed
so wearily, afternoon sunshine streamed across the
room, and seemed the herald of happier days.
Refreshed by sleep, and comforted by grateful recollections
of her kindly welcome, she lay tranquilly enjoying
the friendly atmosphere about her, with so strong
a feeling that a skilful hand had taken the rudder,
that she felt very little anxiety or curiosity about
the haven which was to receive her boat after this
narrow escape from shipwreck.
Her eye wandered to and fro, and brightened as it
went; for though a poor, plain room it was as neat
as hands could make it, and so glorified with sunshine
that she thought it a lovely place, in spite of the
yellow paper with green cabbage roses on it, the gorgeous
plaster statuary on the mantel-piece, and the fragrance
of dough-nuts which pervaded the air. Every thing
suggested home life, humble but happy, and Christie’s
solitary heart warmed at the sights and sounds about
her.
