As the patient was to sit up in the evening, he appointed to visit her in her room at a certain hour, and rambling out with his book, did not return until the hour arrived.
Nell could not help weeping when they were left alone; whereat, and at sight of her pale face and wasted figure, the simple schoolmaster shed a few tears himself, at the same time showing in very energetic language how foolish it was to do so, and how very easily it could be avoided, if one tried.
'It makes me unhappy even in the midst of all this kindness' said the child, 'to think that we should be a burden upon you.

How can I ever thank you?
If I had not met you so far from home, I must have died, and he would have been left alone.' 'We'll not talk about dying,' said the schoolmaster; 'and as to burdens, I have made my fortune since you slept at my cottage.' 'Indeed!' cried the child joyfully.
'Oh yes,' returned her friend.

'I have been appointed clerk and schoolmaster to a village a long way from here--and a long way from the old one as you may suppose--at five-and-thirty pounds a year.
Five-and-thirty pounds!' 'I am very glad,' said the child, 'so very, very glad.' 'I am on my way there now,' resumed the schoolmaster.

'They allowed me the stage-coach-hire--outside stage-coach-hire all the way.

Bless you, they grudge me nothing.