Already her feelings towards the child had changed so much that she did not like to think of sending her away in the morning, to wander on alone again, with no home, no money or food, and no protection but Dick.
Dick might be killed, or stolen, and then the poor little soul would be alone in the world.

Huldah looked up eagerly at her hostess more than once, but, though she was longing to ask some more questions, she did not like to interrupt her while she gazed with such grave, thoughtful eyes into the fire.
At last Mrs.Perry roused herself from her thoughts, with a tired sigh, and brought her eyes back to Huldah again.

"Have a bit more bread," she urged, kindly, seeing that the little brown hand was empty.

"You must be hungry." Huldah was always hungry, but she was not accustomed to any notice being taken of the fact.

"No, thank you, ma'am," she said, politely.
She had already guessed that her kind protector was very poor, and she knew well what a difference every slice made to a loaf, so she said, "No, thank you, ma'am," though she could really have eaten the whole of the nice brown crusty top.