CHAPTER IV.

THE STARVING CHILDREN.

IN the basket Mrs. Corwin found a bottle of milk.

When it was given into the hands of the poor woman, for the first time the tears began to pour down her cheeks.

"O ma'am!" she sobbed, raising her hands to heaven. "It's this that will give life back to my baby. Oh, how good He is! Not a minute in the whole night did I shut my eyes, praying and pleading for help. His storehouse is full; and now see, see my children what he has sent us!

"Lady, I'm not slighting your kindness; but I'm sure He heard my poor prayers, and put it into your heart to come and help us."

When the woman became more composed, and the children, no longer hungry, were sitting on the floor, gazing at Bessie, Mrs. Corwin inquired what had brought them into this sad condition.

"We're not beggars, ma'am. At least we were not at home. We rented a few acres in Yorkshire across the water; but the taxes were awful. My man heard of this fine country; and we saved every penny till we had enough to buy tickets for all to come. Peter, poor man, was that hopeful, he thought when we once landed, all our troubles would be over."

"But, ma'am," she added, with a heavy sigh, "the ship-fever broke out on board our vessel, and my man was among the first who had it. When we landed, he was carried to the hospital on a litter, and I didn't see him again for five weeks.

"By that time every farthing had gone; but Peter was left, and la heart was too full of joy for one complaining word.

"An acquaintance told us of this place, and if my man could get light jobs till he's stronger, we'd do well enough. We're used to work and hardship, and not afraid of anything God sends, now that he's left us the father."

"What can your husband do, Mrs. Bell?"

"Sure he can till the ground, and raise some peas and potatoes; and he has a pretty taste for flowers. And, ma'am, now that the strength is put into me, I can wash and scrub, and weed onions and strawberry beds."

"Can you leave the baby?"

A proud smile came over the woman's face as she answered:

"Aggy can mind the children. She's a motherly little creature."

They were so busy talking, they did not see a poor man bent with illness walking unsteadily toward the hut.

He came in holding out a small roll, saying:—

"Here, wife, divide it with the children; you need it more than I do."

"O Peter!" screamed his wife. "The Lord has sent his angels. He heard my feeble prayers. Eat, husband. It will give back your strength."

At first Mrs. Corwin thought she should not like Peter as well as his wife. She thought he seemed surly; but when she looked again, she saw that his features were working with emotion; and that, weary with his long walk, he was wholly unable to express his thanks.

Before she left, Mrs. Corwin told John to bring in the bundle of clothing; and she was really affected to see with what joy it was received.

"Look up, Peter, man," the woman said, holding up a second-hand coat. "We'll be decent again. I take this for a token that the Lord has not forgotten us. Never as long as I live shall I forget this day."

"I shall speak to my husband," Mrs. Corwin said, "and by the time you are strong enough to work, I think we can find some for you."

She was turning to go, when Bessie eagerly pulled her dress, holding out her hand containing the pennies.

"Oh, yes!" said mamma. "You shall have the pleasure of giving your own money. Shall Aggy, the little girl mother, have it?"

"Yes, mamma." And she held it out to the child.

"Make your manners, Aggy," exclaimed her mother. "We none of us, ma'am, shall ever forget that little angel's pitying eyes. May she be the comfort to you, ma'am, in long years to come."