While the meal was in progress, their host remarked that the old man seemed much fatigued, and evidently stood in need of rest.
'If the journey you have before you is a long one,' he said, 'and don't press you for one day, you're very welcome to pass another night here.
I should really be glad if you would, friend.' He saw that the old man looked at Nell, uncertain whether to accept or decline his offer; and added, 'I shall be glad to have your young companion with me for one day.

If you can do a charity to a lone man, and rest yourself at the same time, do so.

If you must proceed upon your journey, I wish you well through it, and will walk a little way with you before school begins.' 'What are we to do, Nell ?' said the old man irresolutely, 'say what we're to do, dear.' It required no great persuasion to induce the child to answer that they had better accept the invitation and remain.

She was happy to show her gratitude to the kind schoolmaster by busying herself in the performance of such household duties as his little cottage stood in need of.

When these were done, she took some needle-work from her basket, and sat herself down upon a stool beside the lattice, where the honeysuckle and woodbine entwined their tender stems, and stealing into the room filled it with their delicious breath.