She managed to leave the house without being seen by any one, and took her way, through the deep and untracked snow, towards the mill, which was about a quarter of a mile off.

The air was bitter cold, and the storm still continued; but the child plodded on, chilled to the very heart, as she soon was, and, at length, almost frozen, reached the mill.

The owner had observed her approach from the window, and wondering who she was, or what brought so small a child to the mill through the cold and storm, went down to meet her.
"Bless me! little one!" he said, lifting her from the ground and placing her within the door.

"Who are you, and what do you want ?" "I'm George's sister, and I've come to work in his place till he gets well," replied the child, as she stood, with shivering body and chattering teeth, looking up earnestly into the man's face.
"George Foster's sister ?" "Yes, sir.

His hand's hurt so he can't work, and I've come to work in his place." "You have! Who sent you, pray ?" "Nobody sent me." "Does your mother know about your coming ?" "No, sir." "Why do you want to work in George's place ?" "If I do, then you'll send mother a dollar and a half every week, won't you ?" The owner of the mill was a kind-hearted man, and this little incident touched his feelings.
"You are not big enough to work in the mill, my child," said he, kindly.
"I'm nine years old," replied Emma, quickly.
"Oh yes! I can work as well as anybody.