CHAPTER X.
WINTER AT THE POOR-HOUSE.
One afternoon about the middle of October, Mary sat under an apple-tree in the orchard, weeping bitterly.

It was in vain that Alice, who was with her, and who by this time was able to stand alone, climbed up to her side, patting her cheeks, and trying various ways to win her attention.

She still wept on, unmindful of the sound of rapid footsteps upon the grass, nor until twice repeated did she hear the words, "Why, Mary, what is the matter?
What's happened ?"--then looking up she saw Billy Bender, who raised her in his arms, and insisted upon knowing what was the matter.
Laying her head on his shoulder, she sobbed out, "She's gone,--she's gone, and there's nobody left but Sally.

Oh dear, oh dear!" "Gone! Who's gone ?" asked Billy.
"Jenny," was Mary's reply.

"She's gone to Boston, and won't come back till next May; and I loved her so much." "Oh, yes, I know," returned Billy.