She had become as thoroughly
interested in them as though she had known and cared for them for a long
while; and as she was one who was incapable of doing in an imperfect or
partial way aught she attempted, and whose friendship never stopped
short with pleasant sounding words, this interest had already bloomed
beautifully, and was fast ripening into solid fruit.
She had written in advance to desire that certain preparations should be
made for her _proteges_,--preparations which had been faithfully
attended to; and thus, reaching a strange city, they felt themselves not
strangers, since they had a home ready to receive them, and this
excellent friend by their side.
The home consisted of two rooms, neat, cheerful, high up,--"the airier
and healthier for that," as Sallie decided when she saw them.
"I believe everything is in order," said the good-natured-looking old
lady, the mistress of the establishment. "My lodgers are all gentlemen
who take their meals out, and I shall be glad of some company. Any one
whom Friend Comstock recommends will be all right, I know."
As Mrs. Healey's style of designation indicated, Friend Comstock was a
Quakeress, well known, greatly esteemed, an old friend of Miss
Ercildoune, and of Miss Ercildoune's father. She it was to whom
Francesca had written, and who had found this domicile for the
wanderers, and who at the outset furnished Sallie with an abundance of
fine and dainty sewing.
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