Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/249

 gone, too. The little girl that was born after I left home, he talks of bringing with him."

"If so many are coming, I must certainly go," said Nattie, who shrank very much from the sight of strangers.

"Oh, no," said the wife, re-assuringly; "there is plenty of room in the cottage, and you are not fit to leave. Besides, where would you go?"

Nattie turned her face away at the question, and answered slowly, "To see if I could get work at some of the houses near."

"When you are fit to work, we will employ you," said the young woman. "But if you would like to be more retired than you can be in this room, I will have Robert move you to the little bed-room adjoining."

"Can I go to-night?" asked Nattie.

"You can," was the answer; "though our company may not be here for several days."

"When they do come, please don't let them know that I am here," said Nattie.