However, she stole down the old creaking stairs, and undid the heavy bolt, and let her brother in.

She felt that his dress was quite wet, and she led him, with cautious steps, into the kitchen, and shut the door, and stirred the fire, before she spoke.

He sank into a chair, as if worn out with fatigue.

She stood, expecting some explanation.

But when she saw he could not speak, she hastened to make him a cup of tea; and, stooping down, took off his wet boots, and helped him off with his coat, and brought her own plaid to wrap round him.