But if I have not got a little girl, I know very well what to do for one." As he spoke he drew off the child's wet slippers and stockings, rubbed her feet with a flannel cloth, then laid her on the bed which stood in the alcove.
"Why, how warm this bed is!" cried the child; "just as if some one had been sleeping here." The old man's face betrayed some confusion as he responded: "Might I not have warmed it with a warming-pan ?" "But where did you get hot coals ?" "Well, well, what an inquisitive little creature it is!" muttered the old man.

Then, aloud: "My dear, don't you say your prayers before going to sleep ?" "No, indeed! Mama says we shall have plenty of time for that when we grow old." "An enlightened woman, truly! Well, I dare say, my little maid, your convictions will not prevent you from drinking a cup of egg-punch, and partaking of a bit of pasty or a small biscuit ?" At mention of these dainties the child's countenance brightened; and while she was eating the repast with evident relish, the younger man rummaged from somewhere a large, beautifully dressed doll.

All thought of fear now vanished from the small guest's mind.

She clasped the toy in her arms, and, having finished her light meal, began to sing a lullaby, to which she very soon fell asleep herself.
"She is sleeping soundly," whispered the elder man, softly drawing together the faded damask bed-curtains, and walking on tiptoe back to the fireplace, where his companion had fanned the fire into a fresh blaze.
"It is high time," was the low and rather impatient response.

"We can't stop here much longer.