So slowly had she come that darkness was already beginning to fall.

Seeing this, she tried to hurry on more quickly, and once within sight of their own lane relief gave her strength to run.

In the lane the twilight was deeper, and already Mrs.Perry, growing nervous, had lighted the lamp in the kitchen.

The warm glow streamed out on poor frightened Huldah, and welcomed her.

At the sound of her footsteps the house door flew open, and Mrs.Perry came out on the step to meet her; but instead of her usual smile and greeting, Huldah fell exhausted into her arms and burst into a passion of bitter sobs..