She had come the long, toilsome journey solely for her own pleasure, and to be near her father, yet here was one thanking her for the privilege her coming conferred on these lone dwellers in the solitudes.

She was rarely a creature of impulse, and always prided herself on the way she kept her head; but the sweet friendliness of the sad-eyed little woman touched her mightily, and stooping forward she kissed Mrs.Burton warmly, then promptly apologized, being properly ashamed of her forwardness.
"Oh, please forgive me! I really could not help it, and you--you looked so kind!" she said ruefully.
Mrs.Burton laughed, although she looked rather embarrassed, then she said gently: "I am afraid you must be very tired.

If you will sit down I will quickly get you some tea." "Please don't trouble.

Father and I are quite used to doing things for ourselves, and I can make a kettle boil over my spirit lamp while the men are bringing the luggage up from the boats," Mary said hastily, feeling that she simply could not have this gentle, refined woman waiting upon her, But for all her gentleness Mrs.Burton could be firm when she chose, and she replied quietly: "I should not think of going away until I had seen you with a meal ready prepared.

The fire is all ready for lighting in the stove, and that will save your spirit lamp, and you are in the wilderness now, remember, where spirit is difficult to obtain." The two little girls trotted after their mother.