The house will scarcely keep out wind and rain another winter . It is as roughly shielded from the weather , Bertha , '' Dot continued in a low , clear voice , `` as your poor father in his sackcloth coat . '' The Blind Girl , greatly agitated , rose , and led the Carrier 's little wife aside . `` Those presents that I took such care of ; that came almost at my wish , and were so dearly welcome to me , '' she said , trembling ; `` where did they come from ? Did you send them ? '' `` No . '' `` Who , then ? '' Dot saw she knew already , and was silent . The Blind Girl spread her hands before her face again . But in quite another manner now . `` Dear Mary , a moment . One moment . More this way . Speak softly to me . You are true I know . You 'd not deceive me now ; would you ? '' `` No , Bertha , indeed ! '' `` No , I am sure you would not . You have too much pity for me . Mary , look across the room to where we were just now -- to where my father is -- my father , so compassionate and loving to me -- and tell me what you see . ''
`` I see , '' said Dot , who understood her well , `` an old man sitting XXXXX a chair , and leaning sorrowfully on the back , with his face resting on his hand .
across as at before for from in of that to