Isobel sobbed even harder. "Nay, lady, no harm nor hurt. I can't begin to thank you for buying it for me. You are so caring to me. You didn't know me. We weren't friends before. I am a stranger to you, yet you welcome me into your home, feed me, clothe me. No one has ever been this nice to me before. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness."

She clung harder to Ailene, who could do nothing more but gather her head to her shoulder and let her cry. She patted her back, rubbing it as she cried herself out.

"You're like the sister I've...