Fanny's face was clean, and her hair was nicely brushed; she did not look now like a child of the gutter. "I feel all new, Becky--and so 'appy!" she said, with quivering lips. "That's right, dear," said Becky; "now tumble into bed. I hear Mrs. Preedy opening the street door." Fanny flew back to the bedroom, and scrambling into bed, fell asleep with a prayer in her mind that God would bless Becky for ever, and ever, and ever, and send her everything in the world she wanted. Becky was prepared for her interview with Mrs. Preedy; her plan was already formed. She put the newspapers out of sight, and when Mrs. Preedy entered the kitchen she found Becky busy with her needle. "Still up, Becky!" exclaimed Mrs. Preedy. "You ought to 'ave been a-bed." "I didn't like to go," said Becky, "till you came home; I wanted to speak to you about something." "What is it?" cried Mrs. Preedy, for ever ready to take alarm. "Nothink's 'appened in the 'ouse, I 'ope. Mrs. Bailey!"---- "Nothing has happened; it's about myself I want to speak." "I suppose you're going to give notice," said Mrs. Preedy, glaring at Becky. "O, no; I'm satisfied with the place, and I'm sure no servant ever had a kinder missis." Mrs. Preedy was mollified. "It's about my legacy and a little cousin of mine." "O," said Mrs. Preedy, feeling no interest in the little cousin, but a great deal in the legacy. "You may sit down, Becky." "Thank you, mum. I am to receive fifty pounds of my legacy to-morrow, and I want you to take care of some of it." "I'll do it with pleasure, Becky." Mrs. Preedy was slightly bewildered by the circumstance of having a servant with so much money at command; it was an unprecedented experience. Of course she would take care of the girl's money. "While you were out," said Becky, "there was a knock at the door, and when I opened it I saw a little cousin of mine who has lost her mother, and has no one in the world but me to look after her. She knew I was in service here and she came to ask me to help her. I hope you will not consider it a liberty, but I took her in, poor little thing, and perhaps you'll let her sleep with me to-night." Mrs. Preedy stared at Becky. "Is she there?" she asked, pointing to the servant's bedroom. "Yes, mum." Mrs. Preedy took a candle, and went into the room. Fanny was asleep, and when Mrs. Preedy laid her hand on her, she moved, and murmured-- "Is that you, Becky?" Becky called out, "Yes, Fanny. Go to sleep again." "I thought," said Becky, upon Mrs. Preedy's return, "as my little cousin has no home now, and as there is plenty of room in the house, that you might let her remain here as a lodger." "As a lodger!" said Mrs. Preedy, in a tone of surprise and satisfaction.