She knew there is no
bond so strong, none so close, none so lasting as the truth. In
God alone, who is the truth, can creatures meet.
The place was left in sad confusion and dirt, and she did not a
little that night to restore order at least. But at length she
was tired, and went up to her room.
On the first landing there was a window to the street. She
stopped and looked out, candle in hand, but drew back with a
start: on the opposite side of the way stood a man, looking up,
she thought, at the house! She hastened to her room, and to bed.
If God was not watching, no waking was of use; and if God was
watching, she might sleep in peace. She did sleep, and woke
refreshed.
Her first care in the morning was to write to Letty--with the
result I have set down. The next thing she did was to go and ask
Beenie to give her some breakfast. The old woman was delighted to
see her, and ready to lock her door at once and go back to her
old quarters. They returned together, while Testbridge was yet
but half awake.
Many things had to be done before the shop could be opened.
Beenie went after charwomen, and soon a great bustle of cleaning
arose. But the door was kept shut, and the front windows.
In the afternoon Letty came fresh from misery into more than
counterbalancing joy. She took but time to put off her bonnet and
shawl, and was presently at work helping Mary, cheerful as hope
and a good conscience could make her.
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