CHAPTER XI.
HULDAH'S NEW HOME.
And there was very much to be faced, she found as the days came and went, for within a week of that afternoon when Emma Smith crossed her path again, much had been discussed and arranged, and another change was to come into Huldah's life.
The doctor, the vicar's own doctor, had seen and examined Emma Smith, and had given her but another year to live.

He had not told her that, but he had warned her very gravely that she was in a very bad state of health, and that he would not answer for the consequences, if she did not obey him; and something in his voice or manner had stopped her peevish complainings, and set her thinking seriously.
The doctor strongly urged that she should go to the workhouse infirmary.

"She will be well nursed and looked after there," he said, "and she will be provided with all she requires," but she herself showed such violent opposition that at last, in fear for her health, they ceased to press it.

Had they done so, she would surely have run away.

At the same time she had no other home, no means, and what powers she had had of earning any were fast failing her.
"I thought you'd be able to help me, now you'm getting on so well," she said to Huldah.