What was it that he told thee?
Nothing more than that he would see me to-morrow or next day?
That was in the note.' 'Nothing more,' said the child.

'Shall I go to him again to-morrow, dear grandfather?
Very early?
I will be there and back, before breakfast.' The old man shook his head, and sighing mournfully, drew her towards him.
''Twould be of no use, my dear, no earthly use.

But if he deserts me, Nell, at this moment--if he deserts me now, when I should, with his assistance, be recompensed for all the time and money I have lost, and all the agony of mind I have undergone, which makes me what you see, I am ruined, and--worse, far worse than that--have ruined thee, for whom I ventured all.

If we are beggars--!' 'What if we are ?' said the child boldly.

'Let us be beggars, and be happy.' 'Beggars--and happy!' said the old man.