Margaret saved her from falling by catching her in her arms. She sate down in the rocking chair, and held the woman upon her knees, her head lying on Margaret's shoulder. The other children, clustered together in affright, began to understand the mystery of the scene; but the ideas came slowly, for their brains were dull and languid of perception. They set up such a cry of despair as they guessed the truth, that Margaret knew not how to bear it. Johnny's cry was loudest of them all, though he knew not why he cried, poor little fellow.
The mother quivered as she lay in Margaret's arms. Margaret heard a noise at the door.

Margaret saved her from falling by catching her in her arms. She sat down and held the woman, her head lying on Margaret's shoulder. The other children, clustered together in affright, began to slowly understand the mystery of the scene; for their brains were dull and languid. Then they set up such a cry of despair that Margaret knew not how to bear it. Johnnie's cry was loudest of them all, though he knew not why he cried, poor little fellow.
As she held the quivering mother, Margaret heard a noise at the door.
