"Now to see Mother Bunch," said Hester to herself. "There's no doubt as my hands 'ull be full for the next few days; but I think I see a way of getting the better of Dent, and of Granger too,--see ef I don't--oh! that poor child--that poor, poor child!" At the corner of the street, leaning half tipsily against the wall, stood the old hag to whom Hester had once given twopence. Her eyes brightened when she saw who was walking down the street. "God bless yer, Hetty Wright!" she mumbled. Hester was accustomed to many such exclamations; they always had a power over her, and brought a light into her eyes. She stopped now in front of the old woman. "Thank you, Mrs. Flannigan. These are hard times with you, I fear." "So they be, dearie--so they be. I haven't taken sixpence this blessed day, and 'tis bitter cold standing about, and with not much chance of a shelter before yon for the night." "I have thought of something," said Hester. "I'll be very busy for the next few days, and I'd like to have my hands free. Will you carry round my basket for me, mother? I'll go to the market and get it filled for you every morning, and you'll give me the change at night. You shall have a third of what you earns. One-third goes for stock--one to me, one to you. It's better nor nought; and ef you say an' it's Hester Wright's basket, folks 'ull buy, for they know as my cresses and oranges ain't to be beat in Liverpool." The old woman's eyes absolutely danced as Hester made her this offer. "And I won't cheat you of a farthing, darling," she exclaimed. "Oh, but it's you as is the blessing of God to me!" "Come home with me, then," said Hester. "The basket is in my room, and the things unsold,--come at once, for I'm in a rare bit of a hurry." Having disposed of old Mrs. Flannigan, and in this manner secured for herself as well as for the dame a means of livelihood for the next few days, Hester started off for Paradise Row. It was a fact that there was not a more dishonest nor evil-minded old woman in Liverpool than this same Mrs. Flannigan; but Hester was firmly convinced that she would be true to her word, and not rob her of a farthing, and this proved to be the case. As usual Mother Bunch was bending over her wash-tub. Her broad back was turned to Hester as she entered the little room. Even in Paradise Row the singer was not quite unknown, and Mother Bunch gave her a welcoming word. Hester soon poured out her story, which was received with many exclamations, and such growing and deepening interest that the wash-tub was forgotten and the Irishwoman stood with her arms a-kimbo, fairly panting with indignation and excitement. "Oh, the villains!--oh, the black-hearted creatures!" she exclaimed once or twice. "Right you are, Hetty,--you have got Mother Bunch on your side, and I have got an ahrum--see, honey,--I'll do whatever you bids me, darlint,--but I'll save Bet and the poor children."