She is only tired and worried.

You see, she's got me to look after, and me and father to keep, and ever so many lodgers.

I am so glad you're come to help her.

I do long to be able to, and I can only give her extra trouble." He spoke with sad earnestness far beyond his age.
A ray of comfort entered Jessie's sad heart.

She felt really drawn towards her new stepbrother, and she loved to feel she was being useful.
"Yes, I'll help her," she said as brightly as she could for the weariness which was creeping over her.