As soon as Martha had gone, Ellen began to make such preparations as shethought necessary for the night. She placed the furniture of the room inorder. She brought in some wood from the back room and laid it down verygently by the side of the fire, so as to have a sufficient supply offuel at hand. She also brought the water pail and put it under the seatof the settle, in order that the water might not freeze, and by means ofa long-handled tin dipper she filled the tea kettle full, in order thatthere might be an ample supply of hot water, should any occasion occurrequiring any. She then brought a small blanket and held