She is eleven years old, and will sleep in that room." "A little girl--coming here, Miss Harrington?
Oh, won't that be nice!" cried Nancy, thinking of the sunshine her own little sisters made in the home at "The Corners." "Nice?
Well, that isn't exactly the word I should use," rejoined Miss Polly, stiffly.

"However, I intend to make the best of it, of course.

I am a good woman, I hope; and I know my duty." Nancy colored hotly.
"Of course, ma'am; it was only that I thought a little girl here might--might brighten things up for you," she faltered.
"Thank you," rejoined the lady, dryly.

"I can't say, however, that I see any immediate need for that." "But, of course, you--you'd want her, your sister's child," ventured Nancy, vaguely feeling that somehow she must prepare a welcome for this lonely little stranger.
Miss Polly lifted her chin haughtily.
"Well, really, Nancy, just because I happened to have a sister who was silly enough to marry and bring unnecessary children into a world that was already quite full enough, I can't see how I should particularly WANT to have the care of them myself.

However, as I said before, I hope I know my duty.