Like the adjoining habitation, it held such old articles of furniture as were absolutely necessary, and had its stack of fire-wood.
To make these dwellings as habitable and full of comfort as they could, was now their pleasant care.

In a short time, each had its cheerful fire glowing and crackling on the hearth, and reddening the pale old wall with a hale and healthy blush.

Nell, busily plying her needle, repaired the tattered window-hangings, drew together the rents that time had worn in the threadbare scraps of carpet, and made them whole and decent.

The schoolmaster swept and smoothed the ground before the door, trimmed the long grass, trained the ivy and creeping plants which hung their drooping heads in melancholy neglect; and gave to the outer walls a cheery air of home.

The old man, sometimes by his side and sometimes with the child, lent his aid to both, went here and there on little patient services, and was happy.