better get stronger before you had a governess."

"It makes me feel strong when I play and the
wind comes over the moor," argued Mary.

"Where do you play?" he asked next.

"Everywhere," gasped Mary. "Martha's
mother sent me a skipping-rope. I skip and run
-- and I look about to see if things are beginning
to stick up out of the earth. I don't do any
harm."

"Don't look so frightened," he said in a worried
voice. "You could not do any harm, a child
like you! You may do what you like."

Mary put her hand up to her throat because she
was afraid he might see the excited lump which
she felt jump into it. She came a step nearer to
him.

"May I?" she said tremulously.

Her anxious little face seemed to worry him
more than ever.

"Don't look so frightened," he exclaimed.
"Of course you may. I am your guardian, though
I am a poor one for any child. I cannot give you
time or attention. I am too ill, and wretched and
distracted; but I wish you to be happy and comfortable.
I don't know anything about children,
but Mrs. Medlock is to see that you have all you
need. I sent for you to-day because Mrs. Sowerby

[[147]]

p146 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p147w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p148

v?