A deep sleep had overtaken Ella, although her breathing was heavy, and the fever raged with redoubled violence.
"Mother can't I get something to eat ?" asked her little son.

His words woke his mother from her thoughts, but before she could reply, the old negro had forestalled.
"Is it some ting you want to eat, my little darling," she enquired, rising from her seat, and going to a little cupboard near the door of the room.
"Yes granny," he answered, "I am quite hungry." "Bress your little heart," she remarked, giving him a large piece of bread.

"Here is some ting to eat." Taking the child on her knees, she watched him until he had completed eating the food, when putting him down, she opened a trunk, and pulled out a clean white sheet, which she placed on a little mattress near the bed.
"Come now," she said, "go to bed now like a good boy." The child obeyed her, and was soon enjoying a refreshing sleep.
"Where will you sleep to-night, auntie," asked Mrs.Wentworth, who had been a silent observer of the old woman's proceedings.
"I got some tings 'bout here; missis, dat will do for a bed," she answered.
"I am sorry I have to take away your bed to-night," remarked Mrs.
Wentworth, "but I hope I will be able to pay you for your kindness some time." "Dat's all right," replied the old negress, and spreading a mass of different articles on the floor, she crept in among them, and shortly after fell asleep, leaving Mrs.Wentworth alone with her thoughts, watching over the sleeping forms of her children.
The next morning the old woman woke up early, and lighting fire, made a frugal but amply sufficient breakfast, which, she placed before her uninvited guests.

Mrs.Wentworth partook of the meal but slightly, and her little son ate heartily.

Ella being still asleep, she was not disturbed.