She
managed, also, to interest the children in these things, and taught them
a lesson some people never learn,--how to use their eyes.
Thus, living close to nature's heart, they could not be absolutely
miserable, though want did press them closely.
Sara had enjoined secrecy on the children in regard to the money. She
was naturally reticent, and dreaded the gossip of the little town, which
made a nine-days' wonder of every small happening; and had besides that
self-respecting pride which dislikes to thrust its misfortunes on a
careless world. But perhaps more than all, a certain loyalty to the dead
mother closed her lips. She would not have her blamed for her
foolishness now she could not defend herself, poor thing! And they would
manage somehow till father returned.
If worse came to worst, she could borrow of Squire Scrantoun, though she
felt she could not resort to that humiliation except in case of actual
necessity. So long as a potato or herring was left in store, she would
wait for relief; but one thing did cause her most anxious thought, and
that was how to procure milk for the little one.
As she stood one morning counting over the few pennies left in the old
blue teapot, and wondering what she should do when they were gone, the
door was flung open, and Morton, flushed and bright-eyed, entered and
threw something at her feet.
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