"I passed you on the bridge. I did not see your face, but you stood
leaning there so wearily, and looking down into the water, as I used
to look, that I wanted to speak, but did not; and I went on to
comfort a poor girl who is dying yonder. Something turned me back,
however; and when I saw you down here I knew why I was sent. You
were almost gone, but I kept you; and when I had you in my arms I
knew you, though it nearly broke my heart to find you here. Now,
dear, come home.
"Home! ah, Rachel, I've got no home, and for want of one I shall be
lost!"
The lament that broke from her was more pathetic than the tears that
streamed down, hot and heavy, melting from her heart the frost of
her despair. Her friend let her weep, knowing well the worth of
tears, and while Christie sobbed herself quiet, Rachel took thought
for her as tenderly as any mother.
When she had heard the story of Christie's troubles, she stood up as
if inspired with a happy thought, and stretching both hands to her
friend, said, with an air of cheerful assurance most comforting to
see:
"I'll take care of you; come with me, my poor Christie, and I'll
give you a home, very humble, but honest and happy."
"With you, Rachel?"
"No, dear, I must go back to my work, and you are not fit for that.
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