how much charity, mercy, and purified affection, would be seen to

have their growth in dusty graves!'

Yes,' said the child, 'it is the truth; I know it is. Who should feel its

force so much as I, in whom your little scholar lives again! Dear, dear,

good friend, if you knew the comfort you have given me!'

The poor schoolmaster made her no answer, but bent over her in

silence; for his heart was full.

They were yet seated in the same place, when the grandfather

approached. Before they had spoken many words together, the church

clock struck the hour of school, and their friend withdrew.

A good man,' said the grandfather, looking after him; 'a kind man.

Surely he will never harm us, Nell. We are safe here, at last, eh? We

will never go away from here?'

The child shook her head and smiled.

She needs rest,' said the old man, patting her cheek; 'too pale - too

pale. She is not like what she was.'

When?' asked the child.

'Ha!' said the old man, 'to be sure - when? How many weeks ago?

Could I count them on my fingers? Let them rest though; they're

better gone.' 'Much better, dear,' replied the child. 'We will forget

them; or, if we ever call them to mind, it shall be only as some uneasy

dream that has passed away.'

'Hush!' said the old man, motioning hastily to her with his hand and

looking over his shoulder; 'no more talk of the dream, and all the

miseries it brought. There are no dreams here. 'Tis a quiet place, and

they keep away. Let us never think about them, lest they should

pursue us again. Sunken eyes and hollow cheeks - wet, cold, and

famine - and horrors before them all, that were even worse - we must

forget such things if we would be tranquil here.'

Thank Heaven!' inwardly exclaimed the child, 'for this most happy

change!'

I will be patient,' said the old man, 'humble, very thankful, and

obedient, if you will let me stay. But do not hide from me; do not steal

away alone; let me keep beside you. Indeed, I will be very true and

faithful, Nell.'

The Old Curiosity Shop