Starting up in bed and looking earnestly at Dora, Ella said, "And
_you_ are the little girl whom Howard and Mrs. Elliott found
sleeping on her mother's neck that New Year's morning. But God
didn't let you freeze. He saved you to live with me, which you
will do always. And I will be to you a sister, for I know you must
be good."
And the impulsive creature threw her arms around the neck of the
astonished Dora, who for some time could not speak, so surprised
and delighted was she to learn that her benefactress was indeed
the sister of Mr. Hastings, After a moment, Ella continued, "And
you came to live with some distant relatives--with Mrs. Deane?"
"Yes, with Aunt Sarah" answered Dora, stating briefly the
comparatively double relationship that existed between herself and
her cousins, and casually mentioning her uncle Nathaniel, whom she
had never seen.
"Then he is _your_ uncle, too--the old East India man, whose
heir Eugenia is to be. I should think he would send _you_
money."
"He never does," said Dora, in a choking voice.
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