She was wise enough to rest when and how she could; and, with a little forethought, she hoped to be able to go through this weary time without any bad effect.

One morning (it was on the second of December; and even the change of name in the month, although it brought no change of circumstances or weather, was a relief--December brought glad tidings even in its very name), one morning, dim and dreary, Maggie had looked at the clock on leaving Nancy's room, and finding it was not yet half-past five, and knowing that her mother and Nancy were both asleep, she determined to lie down and rest for an hour before getting up to light the fires.

She did not mean to go to sleep; but she was tired out and fell into a sound slumber.

When she awoke it was with a start.

It was still dark; but she had a clear idea of being wakened by some distinct, rattling noise.
There it was once more--against the window, like a shower of shot.