"I am all alone," she added rather apologetically.

The squire, who was a simple man in many ways, understood the remark and felt slightly embarrassed.
"Is Miss Nellie out ?" he asked, coming forward and taking Mrs.Goddard's hand.

He had not yet reached the point of calling the child plain "Nellie;" he would have thought it an undue familiarity.
"She is gone to the vicarage," answered Mrs.Goddard.

"What a dreadful day! You must be nearly frozen.

Will you have a cup of tea ?" "No thanks--no, you are very kind.