Maybe I can do something." "All right, dear child," said Andrew, lovingly and wearily.

He had a look as if some mighty wind had passed over him and he were beaten down under it, except for that one single uprearing of love which no tempest could fairly down.
Ellen went up-stairs, and lay down beside poor little Amabel without undressing herself.

The child stirred, but not to awake, when she settled down beside her, and reached over her poor little claw of a hand to the girl, who clasped it fervently, and slipped a protecting arm under the tiny shoulders.

Then the little thing nestled close to Ellen, with a movement of desperate seeking for protection.

"There, there, darling, Ellen will take care of you," whispered Ellen.