Reed hoarsely. Then reaching her hand into
the hole, she drew out bag after bag, handling them very carefully, so
that they would not fall to pieces as the first one had done.
In the meantime Alice had pushed a table up near the fire-place. The
bags were emptied upon it, until the glittering gold made a heap that
struck Mrs. Reed and Alice with greater amazement than ever.
"Alice," said Mrs. Reed, "this is a blessing from Heaven that I do not
deserve. I can not tell you how thankful I am for it. My happiness now
will be in doing for others."
Alice said nothing; her heart was too full. A look of sadness came over
her face.
She was wondering whether Mrs. Reed would continue to love her, and
thinking, with a mingled feeling of fear and dread, that now her friend
was rich, perhaps she, the poor orphan girl, might not be so welcome at
the cottage as before.
Mrs. Reed seemed to understand somewhat the nature of Alice's thoughts.
"Cheer up, Alice," said she; "this is not a time to be sad! Come, help
me put away this gold.
"By the way, Alice, now is the time to use your pocket-book; you know I
told you it was handy to have things in the house, they might be
needed," she continued, smilingly.
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