She would do anything, would go into service, perform the hardest and coarsest toil.

She told him how Ida had been brought up, and implored his pity for the child, who at all events was innocent.
When Ida reached home from her visit to the City, she saw her mother risen and sitting by the fire.

Lotty had found the suspense insupportable as she lay still, and, though the pains in her chest grew worse and the feeling of lassitude was gaining upon her, she had half-dressed, and even tried to move about.

Just before the child's appearance, she seemed to have sunk into something of a doze on her chair, for, as the door opened, she started and looked about her in doubt.
"Where have you been so long ?" she asked impatiently.
"I got back as quickly as I could, mother," said Ida, in some surprise.
"Got back?
Is school over ?" "From the--the place you sent me to, mother." "What am I thinking of!" exclaimed Lotty, starting to consciousness.
"Come here, and tell me.

Did you see--see him, Ida?
Mr.Woodstock, you know." "Yes, mother," began the child, with pale face, "and he--he said I was to tell you--" She burst into tears, and flew to her mother's neck.
"Oh, you won't send me away from you, mother dear?
I can't go away from you!" Lotty felt she knew what this meant.