By her daily visits she had become so familiar with all the wants and sufferings of the fisherman's family that she had been led on to undertake more and more, till at last she had come to do nearly all the housework of the poor little dwelling.

But gradually had grown upon her the conviction that Mrs.Stanhope would be extremely displeased if she knew of her conduct.

In great agony she now started after Aunt Clarissa, crying out:-- "Oh, do let me go with you! I have something to tell you, and we can talk as we go." "My dear child, what a time to choose to tell me something! How could I listen now?
Turn back directly.

What will Mrs.Stanhope think to see you running away at such a time ?" Mrs.Stanhope only thought that Elsli was anxious about her brother, as was very natural.

She bade the children go to bed, since they could be of no use in finding the missing ones.