The report in the morning was, that the child was better, but was

extremely weak, and would at least require a day's rest, and careful

nursing, before she could proceed upon her journey. The

schoolmaster received this communication with perfect cheerfulness,

observing that he had a day to spare - two days for that matter - and

could very well afford to wait. As the patient was to sit up in the

evening, he appointed to visit her in her room at a certain hour, and

rambling out with his book, did not return until the hour arrived.

Nell could not help weeping when they were left alone; whereat, and at

sight of her pale face and wasted figure, the simple schoolmaster shed

a few tears himself, at the same time showing in very energetic

language how foolish it was to do so, and how very easily it could be

avoided, if one tried.

It makes me unhappy even in the midst of all this kindness' said the

child, 'to think that we should be a burden upon you. How can I ever

thank you? If I had not met you so far from home, I must have died,

and he would have been left alone.'

We'll not talk about dying,' said the schoolmaster; 'and as to burdens,

I have made my fortune since you slept at my cottage.'

Indeed!' cried the child joyfully.

Oh yes,' returned her friend. 'I have been appointed clerk and

schoolmaster to a village a long way from here - and a long way from

the old one as you may suppose - at five-and-thirty pounds a year.

Five-and-thirty pounds!'

'I am very glad,' said the child, 'so very, very glad.'

I am on my way there now,' resumed the schoolmaster. 'They allowed

me the stage-coach-hire - outside stage-coach-hire all the way. Bless

you, they grudge me nothing. But as the time at which I am expected

there, left me ample leisure, I determined to walk instead. How glad I

am, to think I did so!'

How glad should we be!'

Yes, yes,' said the schoolmaster, moving restlessly in his chair,

certainly, that's very true. But you - where are you going, where are

you coming from, what have you been doing since you left me, what

had you been doing before? Now, tell me - do tell me. I know very little

of the world, and perhaps you are better fitted to advise me in its

affairs than I am qualified to give advice to you; but I am very sincere,

and I have a reason (you have not forgotten it) for loving you. I have

felt since that time as if my love for him who died, had been

The Old Curiosity Shop