'Her mother was, and she was poor.

I save nothing--not a penny--though I live as you see, but'-- he laid his hand upon my arm and leant forward to whisper--'she shall be rich one of these days, and a fine lady.

Don't you think ill of me because I use her help.

She gives it cheerfully as you see, and it would break her heart if she knew that I suffered anybody else to do for me what her little hands could undertake.

I don't consider!'-- he cried with sudden querulousness, 'why, God knows that this one child is the thought and object of my life, and yet he never prospers me--no, never!' At this juncture, the subject of our conversation again returned, and the old man motioning to me to approach the table, broke off, and said no more.
We had scarcely begun our repast when there was a knock at the door by which I had entered, and Nell bursting into a hearty laugh, which I was rejoiced to hear, for it was childlike and full of hilarity, said it was no doubt dear old Kit coming back at last.
'Foolish Nell!' said the old man fondling with her hair.