The latter nodded, as it was too late now to explain to Leonore what action would have been better.

She made up her mind to do it afterwards for similar occasions.
With many words the poor woman thanked her for the gift.

She was very anxious to kiss the young lady's hand for the two garments, but Leonore had immediately run away.

Mea followed and found Leonore, who had been so merry on the walk, sitting in her sofa-corner, crying bitterly with her head between her hands.
"What is the matter, Leonore?
Why do you cry so terribly ?" Mea, asked, quite frightened.
She could not answer at once.

The mother and the other children had come in, too, and now they all surrounded the sobbing girl in great amazement and sympathy.
"That is the way I am," she said at last, sobbing aloud, "I am homeless like them.