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 give up the thought that Nancy is a thief. She is a poor, neglected child, and I should think that all your sympathies would go out towards her."

"I don't believe in her honesty," replied Hannah, unmoved. "I made up my mind she was a thief the first time I sot eyes on her."

"First impressions are not to be trusted," said Mrs. Winton. "I shall believe the child honest until I have reason to doubt her, and certainly there has been nothing to prove her guilt yet."

Hannah didn't dare say more, but she secretly resolved to watch the child closely.

The barn-cat, sitting on the window-sill, had heard the whole conversation, and so had the little gray kitten; and the barn-cat reported it faithfully to Mrs. Polly, who was greatly troubled by it. "I'll think it over and see if I can find any way to prove Nancy's innocence," she said. "'Give a