Was it possible that this gentle, conscientious creature had been capable of doing something wrong and concealing it?
But she only said quietly: "Tell me everything that is on your mind, it will relieve you; but do not hurry, there is time enough." Elsli told her of her accidental acquaintance with the fisherman's family, of their extreme poverty, of the illness of the mother, and of her own efforts to help them.
"Do you think I have done very wrong ?" she asked, timidly, looking up at Clarissa with wistful eyes.
Clarissa was very much moved.
"My darling," she said, "do not worry about it.

You did not mean to do anything wrong, and all that you did was in kindness.

You wanted to tell me about it long ago, I remember; and it was no fault of yours that I did not hear it.

I will explain it all to Mrs.Stanhope, and she will understand it and will not be displeased." "And do you think she will let me go again and help them ?" "You are too ill to think about going now; but I promise to see to them myself, so do not fret about it, dear.

I had no idea that the family were so poor; the man never has complained when he has been here with the fish.