She never refused anything that was offered her, except money.

That she had taken only once in her life--from Mr Cowie, whom she continued to love the more dearly for it, although she no longer attended his church.
But again the harvest was safely lodged, and the sad old age of the year sank through rains and frosts to his grave.
The winter came and Alec went.
He had not been gone a week when Mrs Forbes's invitations re-commenced; and, as if to make up for the neglect of the summer, they were more frequent than before.

No time was so happy for Annie as the time she spent with her.

She never dreamed of accusing her of fickleness or unevenness, but received whatever kindness she offered with gratitude.
And, this winter, she began to make some return in the way of household assistance.
One day, while searching in the lumber-room for something for Mrs Forbes, she came upon a little book lying behind a box.

It was damp and swollen and mouldy, and the binding was decayed and broken.