When she turned and spoke to John it was with a manner also changed.

No hesitation, no shyness; trouble had put aside both.
"Thank you, my father is indeed seriously ill.

I am in great trouble, you see, though Mrs.Tod is very, very kind.

Don't cry so, good Mrs.
Tod; I can't cry, I dare not.

If I once began I should never stop, and then how could I help my poor father?
There now, there!" She laid her hand, with its soft, fluttering motions, on the good woman's shoulder, and looked up at John.