They returned together, while Testbridge was yet but half awake.
Many things had to be done before the shop could be opened.

Beenie went after charwomen, and soon a great bustle of cleaning arose.

But the door was kept shut, and the front windows.
In the afternoon Letty came fresh from misery into more than counterbalancing joy.

She took but time to put off her bonnet and shawl, and was presently at work helping Mary, cheerful as hope and a good conscience could make her.
Mary was in no hurry to open the shop.

There was "stock to be taken," many things had to be rearranged, and not a few things to be added, before she could begin with comfort; and she must see to it all herself, for she was determined to engage no assistant until she could give her orders without hesitation.
She was soon satisfied that she could not do better than make a proposal to Letty which she had for some time contemplated--namely, that she should take up her permanent abode with her, and help her in the shop.