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"Thanks"

Rebecca's old dress turned out to be a little loose on Prudence, which ht of how fat she had been "I think I'll take a nap"

"You've certainly earned it"

Rebecca curled up next to Molly on the pile of clothes She kept her arms around the baby, so Molly wouldn't fall and hurt herself Before long she drifted off, into a grateful sleep As she did, she thought she heard fabric tearing

She woke up to Prudence shaking her "What is it? Did so happen to Molly?" Rebecca looked over to see Molly still sleeping, a foot or ar to find Sao alone-"

"It'll be faster this way" Prudence wagged one shoe "I stuffed them with cloth so they fit better I should be able to walk faster"

"I can go with you I won't slow you down"

"It'll be safer for you both here"

"But-"

"I can't let anything bad happen to you two I've failed enough already"

"Prudence-"

"I'oes You stay here with Molly"

"But we'll be all alone down here," Rebecca whined She hated herself for starting to cry like a baby "What if the candle runs out before you get back?"

"Rebecca, I know you're still a big girl In soer than me You can do this" Prudence put a hand on Rebecca's shoulder "You're Molly'scare of her"

Rebecca looked over at the sleeping baby and then back at Prudence "All right But don't be gone too long"

"I won't"

Prudence tousled Rebecca's hair again and then went back up the stairs The cellar door closed with a thud, sealing Rebecca and Molly into ould perhaps be their tomb

Rebecca and Molly whimpered in unison