She slunk away now, afraid
to meet her mother's wrath, should it descend upon her devoted head.
Hester, accompanied by Miss Vallence, went upstairs.
"It's all very well," she said. "We ha' got rid of Isaac Dent, and
poor Will is cleared. But where's Bet! It'll be a sad day for my lad
when he gets his liberty, and can't get no tidings of the gel he have
given his heart to."
"Oh, we must find her, and we will," said Miss Vallence. "God has
helped us--we must not begin to doubt Him now."
Hester stared at her companion.
"I believe in Lord God Almighty," she then said in a solemn tone.
"After to-night, I believe in God."
As she said this she stepped into the attic.
"Miss Vallence!" she said, with a glad cry. "Oh, Miss Vallence--come
here!"
Hand in hand the two girls approached Bet's humble little bed. A child
lay there in a light and refreshing sleep; his head rested on a girl's
breast, and her right arm was thrown protectingly over him. The girl,
too, slept, and her disordered red-gold hair half covered her face.
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