The little girl, gladdened by this unwonted sight, made a hearty meal, without a thought of the trials and sorrows which the future might have in store for them.
When she had put away the dishes, and placed everything in order, she washed herself, combed her hair, sewed up a great rent in her dress, and otherwise attempted to make herself as tidy as possible for the mission she was about to undertake.
"It is not time for you to go yet, Katy; and before the watch is carried off, I want to tell you something about your father, that you may learn to prize it as I do." Katy seated herself on the side of the bed, for she was very anxious to hear more about her father than she already knew.

She had often asked her mother about him, but she had generally evaded her questions, and did not seem willing to tell her all she knew.

She thought there was some secret connected with his history, and with a child's curiosity she was eager to have the mystery unfolded.

But it was no great secret, after all only a painful history, which her sensitive mother did not like to rehearse.

Mrs.Redburn handed the watch to Katy, and asked her to look upon the back of it.
"Yes, mother, I have often seen those words on there--'All for the Best.' What do they mean ?" said Katy.
"This watch was given to your father by my father," replied Mrs.
Redburn, with a deep sigh, for the words seemed to recall happy memories of the past.
"Who was your father ?" asked the attentive little girl.
"His name was Matthew Guthrie.