So you see, Miss, there's a hook and staple to this door, as well as the lock.' "'Thank you, Mrs.Atkins,' said Mary, 'that will do nicely, I am sure.
And now we must really not keep you any longer from your husband.
Good-night, and thank you very much.' "'Good-night,' I repeated, and we both stood at the door of the passage as she made her way out into the darkness.

The snow was still falling very heavily, and the blast of cold wind that made its way in was piercing.
"'Oh, Mary, come back to the fire,' I cried.

'Isn't it _awfully_ cold?
Oh, Mary dear,' I added, when we had both crouched down beside the welcome warmth for a moment, 'won't it be _delicious_ to be back with mother again?
We never thought we'd have such adventures, did we?
Can you fancy this house ever feeling _home-y_, Mary?
It seems so dreary now.' "'Yes, but you've no idea how different it will seem even to-morrow morning, if it's a bright day,' said Mary.

'Let's plan the rooms, Laura.
Don't you think the one to the south with the crimson curtains will be best for father ?' "So she talked cheerfully, more, I am sure--though I did not see it at the time--to encourage me than to amuse herself.

And after awhile, when she saw that I was getting sleepy, she took a candle into the outer room, saying she would lock the door and make all snug for the night.