But she felt an arm stealing round her, and Martha's voice whispered close in her ear,-- 'Bess, dear Bess, thee must not hide thyself from us.

We love thee, Bess; and we are sore sorry for thee.

Stephen is ever so down-hearted about thee and thy father.

Oh, Bess, thee must have no spite at us.' 'Bess,' said Stephen, 'thy father owned I was telling the truth, and said he forgave me for speaking agen him; and he shook hands with me afore he went; and he said, "Stephen, thee be a friend to my poor lass!" and I gave him a sure promise that I would.' 'Nobody'll ever look at me now,' cried Bess; 'nobody'll be friends with me if father's transported.' 'We're thy friends,' answered Stephen, 'and thee has a Father in heaven that cares for thee.

Listen, Bess; it will do thee good, and poor old grandfather no harm now.