noon
But Billy 's tears were flowing too , and he could only answer the little girl by affectionately smoothing her tangled curls , which for once in her life she had forgotten to arrange At length rising up , he said to Mary , `` Something must be done . The villagers must know of it , and I shall have to leave you alone while I tell them . '' In half an hour from that time the cottage was nearly filled with people , some of whom came out of idle curiosity , and after seeing all that was to be seen , started for home , telling the first woman who put her head out the chamber window for particulars , that '' 't was a dreadful thing , and such a pity , too , that Ella should have to go to the poor-house , with her pretty face and handsome curls . '' But there were others who went there for the sake of comforting the orphans and attending to the dead , and by noon the bodies were decently arranged for burial . Mrs. Johnson 's Irish girl Margaret was cleaning the room , and in the bedroom adjoining , Mrs. Johnson herself , with two or three other ladies , were busily at work upon some plain , neat shrouds , and as they worked they talked of the orphan children who were now left friendless . `` There will be no trouble , '' said one , `` in finding a place for Ella , she is so bright and handsome , but as for Mary , I am afraid she 'll have to go to the poor-house . '' `` Were I in a condition to take either , '' replied Mrs. Johnson , `` I should prefer Mary to her sister , for in my estimation she is much the best girl ; but there is the baby , who must go wherever Mary does , unless she can be persuaded to leave her . ''