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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE SUNBEAM ***

+

+Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.

+

+[Illustration: THE CORNISH FLOWER-FARM.]

+

+

+

+                           LITTLE SUNBEAM

+

+

+

+                                 BY

+

+                         ELEANORA H. STOOKE

+

+

+                      AUTHOR OF "GRANFER," ETC.

+

+

+

+                 WITH FRONTISPIECE BY MYRA K. HUGHES

+

+

+

+                              LONDON

+                    NATIONAL SOCIETY'S DEPOSITORY

+                     BROAD SANCTUARY, WESTMINSTER

+            NEW YORK: THOMAS WHITTAKER, 2 & 3 BIBLE HOUSE

+

+                       [All rights reserved]

+

+

+

+                            PRINTED BY

+            SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. LTD., NEW-STREET SQUARE

+                             LONDON

+

+

+

+                        BY THE SAME AUTHOR

+

+                  GRANFER, and ONE CHRISTMAS TIME.

+                             Price 1s.

+

+                    NATIONAL SOCIETY'S DEPOSITORY,

+                     Sanctuary, Westminster, S. W.

+

+

+

+                             CONTENTS

+

+CHAPTER

+

+   I. KNOCKED DOWN

+

+  II. CONCERNING AUNT CAROLINE

+

+ III. THE DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION

+

+  IV. PEGGY'S FIRST DAY AT LOWER BRIMLEY

+

+   V. AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

+

+  VI. MISS LEIGHTON'S DISCOVERY

+

+ VII. A GREAT SURPRISE

+

+VIII. CONCERNING ELLEN BARNES

+

+  IX. TEA AT LOWER BRIMLEY

+

+   X. GOOD-BYES

+

+  XI. HOME AGAIN

+

+ XII. AUNT CAROLINE'S DISAPPOINTMENT

+

+XIII. PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

+

+ XIV. CONCLUSION

+

+

+

+                           LITTLE SUNBEAM

+

+CHAPTER I

+

+KNOCKED DOWN

+

+"COME along, Billy. Mother said we were not to be long; and I'm sure

+we've been more than half an hour."

+

+The speaker—a little girl of about nine years old, clad in a somewhat

+shabby blue serge coat and skirt, with a Tam o' Shanter cap on her

+golden curls—tried to pull her brother away from the toy shop window

+into which he was gazing longingly; but he resisted, and still lingered.

+

+"There's plenty of time, Peggy," he assured her. "You know we never

+have tea till five o'clock, and you can't imagine what a heap of jolly

+things there are in this window. I wish you could see them."

+

+"I wish I could," she answered. "Never mind, you can tell me all about

+them by-and-by."

+

+It was a cold, dull, February day; but it did not rain, and the street

+was thronged with vehicles, whilst the pedestrians—mostly of the lower

+classes, for the district was a poor one—hustled against each other

+on the pavements. No one took any notice of the two children who had

+been standing before a toy shop window for the last ten minutes. And,

+indeed, there was nothing about them to attract the observation of a

+casual observer, although the countenance of the little girl, with its

+finely-cut features and sweet expression, possessed a delicate beauty

+which was certainly out of the common. No one looking at Peggy Pringle

+would have guessed that she was blind, for her eyes, in colour the

+darkest blue, were as clear as crystal; but the sad fact was that the

+blessing of sight was denied to her.

+

+It had been a terrible trouble to the child's parents when, some months

+after her birth, they had learnt the truth, that the happy baby, whose

+rosebud lips seemed formed only for smiles, and whose eyes were "bits

+of Heaven's blue" as her young mother had used to declare, would never

+see the light of day, and they had grieved deeply. But Peggy had never

+appeared to realise how great was her affliction, and at the present

+time it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to find a more

+contented little girl. "Little Sunbeam" her father had nicknamed her

+years before, and a veritable sunbeam in the household she continued to

+be.

+

+Peggy and her brother, who was only thirteen months her junior, had

+been sent to buy buns for tea, and she was holding the bag which

+contained them with one hand, whilst with the other she kept a firm

+grip of Billy's coat. She was not exactly nervous in a crowd, for she

+had been accustomed to London all her life, and her home was in a

+thickly populated district. But she experienced a sense of bewilderment

+as she listened to the hurrying footsteps on the pavement and the

+continual roll of carriage wheels, and she wished Billy would tire of

+looking into shop windows and return home.

+

+"Come, Billy," she urged again, "mother will wonder what is keeping us.

+Do come."

+

+Accordingly, Billy took his sister by the hand with an air of

+protection, and they walked on. At the corner of the street, they stood

+waiting for a favourable opportunity to cross.

+

+"Is there a policeman near?" asked Peggy.

+

+"There's one on the other side of the road," replied Billy, "but we

+don't want him. I can manage all right. When I say 'Now,' mind you come

+right on."

+

+A minute later Billy cried, "Now!"

+

+So, hand in hand, the children went fearlessly forward. And they would

+have effected the crossing in safety had not a private carriage, drawn

+by a pair of spirited horses, turned the corner from a side street.

+Billy hurried his sister on; but the road was slippery, and, in her

+haste, the little girl stumbled and let go her brother's hand. Some

+one flung Billy on one side, whilst the coachman driving the pair of

+horses pulled them back on their haunches in time to prevent a serious

+accident, but not before one of the animals had struck poor Peggy on

+the shoulder with its hoof. She was borne to the pavement in the arms

+of the policeman whose help Billy had disdained, and in a few minutes a

+small crowd had congregated.

+

+"What has happened?" inquired an imperious voice from the interior of

+the carriage. "Is any one injured?"

+

+"A little girl," answered the policeman. "I think she's more frightened

+than hurt, though," he added, as he set Peggy on the ground, and Billy,

+pale and frightened, rushed to her side.

+

+"Was my coachman at fault?" was the next question.

+

+"No, ma'am. He was driving carefully, and had the horses under proper

+control; but—"

+

+"That's all I want to know, thank you."

+

+A head was thrust out of the carriage window, and the crowd saw the

+face—a haughty, handsome face it was—of a white-haired old lady, who

+beckoned to the policeman to approach, which he did.

+

+"You had better take the little girl to a hospital, if she is hurt,"

+the old lady said, in a tone which expressed neither interest nor

+sympathy. "I suppose that would be your duty? Well, you know your

+business; it is none of mine, as my servant, you assure me, is

+blameless. However, here is my card should you require to communicate

+with me."

+

+The handsome old face drew back from the window, and the carriage was

+driven away, whilst the crowd dispersed, leaving only the policeman and

+one other—an elderly clergyman, who had come upon the scene after the

+accident—with the frightened children.

+

+"Where are you hurt, my dear little girl?"

+

+Peggy's shocked face brightened at the sound of the kindly voice, which

+she recognised immediately as belonging to Mr. Maloney, the Vicar of

+St. John's Church, where her father was the organist.

+

+"It's my shoulder," she answered. "Oh, Mr. Maloney, do please take me

+home!"

+

+"Of course I will, my dear," he responded promptly, with a reassuring

+nod and smile at Billy. "What happened?" he inquired of the policeman,

+who briefly explained, adding that no one had been in fault.

+

+"Billy couldn't have helped it," Peggy said hastily, fearful lest blame

+should be attached to her brother.

+

+"No, the little boy was not to blame," agreed the policeman. "Are you

+going to take charge of the children, sir?" he asked of the clergyman.

+

+"Yes. I know them well; their father is Mr. Pringle, the organist of

+St. John's Church. What is this?" Mr. Maloney questioned as he took the

+card the policeman presented to him.

+

+"The lady in the carriage gave it to me, sir. I have made a note of the

+name and the address. Maybe the little girl's father will make some

+claim—"

+

+"I imagine not," interposed the clergyman quickly; "but I will take the

+card and give it to Mr. Pringle. Thank you,"—and he slipped the bit of

+pasteboard into his vest pocket.

+

+"Oh, Billy, I dropped the buns!" exclaimed Peggy regretfully. They had

+no money to buy more, and the buns had been purchased for a treat.

+

+"The horses trod on them," Billy replied; "but, never mind, mother

+won't think anything about them when she knows what's happened. I'm

+afraid she'll never trust you out alone with me any more."

+

+The little girl made no response. The pain in her shoulder was making

+her feel sick and faint, and her legs trembled as she walked along by

+Mr. Maloney's side, her hand in his. He saw she was suffering, and

+regarded her with compassionate eyes, whilst he exchanged remarks

+with Billy. Soon she began to lose the drift of her companions'

+conversation, and when at length, home—a small house, one of a

+terrace—was reached, the shock she had received proved too much for

+her, and she fell insensible into her mother's arms.

+

+When Peggy regained consciousness, she found herself undressed and

+in bed. Everything was very quiet, but she was aware of some one's

+presence, and it was no surprise when soft lips met hers in a loving

+kiss, and her mother's voice said, "You are better, Peggy dear."

+

+Then she was gently raised in bed, and, to her astonishment, she found

+her shoulder was bandaged; but she was not in much pain now, so she

+took the bread and milk offered to her, and lay down again, feeling

+strangely weak and tired, and disinclined to talk.

+

+"Sleep if you can, darling," her mother said tenderly. "You will be

+much stronger to-morrow. The doctor has attended to your poor shoulder.

+Thank God you are not more seriously hurt!"

+

+"What is the time mother?" Peggy asked. "Have you had tea? I was so

+sorry about the buns. I dropped them, you know."

+

+"Did you? As if that mattered! No, we have not had tea. We have been

+too anxious about you to think of it. Now we shall have tea and supper

+together. It is nearly seven o'clock—not quite your usual bedtime, but

+never mind that to-night. Rest will do you good. I want you to sleep."

+

+"I am very tired," Peggy murmured, "but I haven't said my prayers,

+and my head feels so funny that I can't think. I will say my 'little

+prayer' to-night.' Then she repeated very slowly and softly:

+

+   "Holy Father, cheer our way

+    With Thy love's perpetual ray:

+    Grant us every closing day

+       Light at evening time."

+

+It was a pathetic prayer, coming as it did from the lips of one who

+lived in permanent darkness. But it had been one of the first Peggy had

+learnt and she had always been very fond of it, calling it her "little

+prayer." To-night her eyelids closed as she repeated the last line, and

+a few minutes later she had fallen asleep.

+

+Mrs. Pringle remained by the bedside some while longer, tears, which

+she had repressed till now, running down her cheeks, though her heart

+was full of gratitude to Him Who had spared her child's life. She was a

+most affectionate mother, devoted to both her children; but her little

+daughter, doubtless by reason of her affliction, was always her first

+care. She shuddered as she thought what might have been the result of

+the accident that afternoon, and pictured her darling trampled beneath

+the horses' hoofs.

+

+"God gave His angels charge over her," she murmured, as she bent her

+head once more, and kissed the little sleeper. Then she stole softly

+away, and went downstairs to the sitting-room where Billy his father

+were keeping each other company, both heavy-hearted, though the doctor

+had assured them there was no cause for alarm.

+

+"How is she now?" they asked, with one accord, as she entered the room.

+

+"Sleeping peacefully," she told them, a smile lighting up her pale,

+tearful countenance. "You may go and look at her; but please be very

+careful not to disturb her. I have every hope that she will be better

+after a good rest. We have much to thank God for this night!"

+

+

+

+CHAPTER II

+

+CONCERNING AUNT CAROLINE

+

+WHEN Mr. Pringle and Billy returned to the sitting-room after having

+been upstairs to look at Peggy asleep so comfortably, they found that

+Mrs. Pringle, with the assistance of Sarah, the maid-of-all-work of the

+establishment, had prepared the long-delayed tea. Whilst the family sat

+down to the meal, Sarah, at her own suggestion, went to keep watch by

+the little sleeper; and a few minutes later there was a knock at the

+front door.

+

+"Go and see who's there, Billy," said Mr. Pringle. "I should not be

+surprised if it is Mr. Maloney," he proceeded, turning to his wife,

+"for he was very concerned about Peggy and said he hoped to look in

+by-and-by to hear the doctor's report."

+

+And Mr. Maloney the visitor proved to be. He accepted Mrs. Pringle's

+offer of a cup of tea, and took the chair Billy placed for him at the

+table.

+

+"I am glad to know the doctor thinks your little girl is not much

+hurt," he said in his pleasant voice. "Billy greeted me with the good

+news the moment he opened the door."

+

+"The only injury she has sustained is to her shoulder," replied Mr.

+Pringle, "but of course she has experienced a great shock. Her escape

+from a frightful death was quite providential," he added with a slight

+break in his voice.

+

+"Quite," Mr. Maloney agreed. "It was too bad of the owner of the

+carriage to drive on, as she did, without ascertaining the extent of

+the poor child's injuries," he continued warmly. "The least she could

+have done, under the circumstances, one would have thought, would have

+been to have driven her home."

+

+"She was a nasty old woman, I'm sure she was," declared Billy with

+flushing cheeks and sparkling eyes. "She told the policeman, he had

+better take Peggy to a hospital if she was hurt, and she said it was

+his business, not hers. She spoke in such a proud way—as though she

+didn't care for anything or any one."

+

+"Well, Peggy found a friend in need," Mr. Pringle remarked with a

+grateful glance at Mr. Maloney, who smiled and said he was glad to have

+been of service.

+

+The Vicar and the organist of St. John's were on terms of friendship,

+though the former was elderly and the latter not middle-aged. Mr.

+Maloney had lived most of his life in London. He was a hard worker,

+and much beloved by all who knew him. But some of his acquaintances

+declared him lacking in ambition, for on several occasions he had

+declined preferment, choosing to retain the living of St. John's, which

+he had held for more than twenty years. He was an unmarried man, and

+consequently the living, though a poor one, supplied his simple needs.

+

+He was getting an old man now, but the bright, unquenchable light of

+that enthusiasm which had made him a faithful labourer in Christ's

+vineyard all his days still shone in his earnest, deep-set eyes, and

+earnestness was stamped indelibly upon his countenance. And the truth

+was that his ambition soared far and away beyond the worldly meaning of

+the term: he was working for the "Well done" of the Master for Whose

+sake he had elected to live amongst those of little account in this

+world.

+

+Mr. Pringle had been the organist of St. John's since his marriage ten

+years previously. He was a tall, fair man with a thoughtful face and

+clear blue eyes. Peggy much resembled him; whilst Billy took after his

+mother in appearance, being brown-haired and brown-eyed. The Pringles

+were a very united family, and theirs was a happy home though it was

+a rather poor one, and Mr. Pringle was glad to add to his salary by

+taking music pupils.

+

+"I did not see the owner of the carriage," Mr. Maloney remarked

+by-and-by, after they had discussed Peggy's accident at some length.

+"Why, dear me, how stupid of me!" he exclaimed, a sudden recollection

+crossing his mind. "I have her card in my pocket here! She gave it

+to the policeman, who, in his turn, gave it to me, thinking that you

+might be inclined to seek redress from her for poor Peggy's injuries, I

+believe. Let us see who the unsympathetic old lady is."

+

+He had produced the card by this time, and now handed it to Mrs.

+Pringle, who glanced at it, uttered a cry of astonishment, and grew

+very red.

+

+"You know her?" Mr. Maloney inquired.

+

+"Yes," she replied in a low tone, "I do. I can understand that she

+evinced no interest—though she could not have known whose child Peggy

+was."

+

+She passed the card to her husband as she spoke.

+

+A brief silence followed, during which Billy, keenly observant, noticed

+that his mother was trembling, and that his father's face had grown

+very stern.

+

+"Who is the lady, father?" he ventured to ask at length.

+

+"She is called Miss Leighton," was the answer. "You never heard of her,

+Billy; but I expect you have?" he said, addressing Mr. Maloney.

+

+"I think not," the Vicar responded. "Is she a person of importance?"

+

+"She is a very rich woman. Her father was James Leighton, the great

+ironfounder who died so immensely wealthy—"

+

+"Ah, then I have heard of her," Mr. Maloney broke in. "But I thought

+she was quite a philanthropist—hardly the sort of woman who would act

+as this Miss Leighton did to-day."

+

+"That is exactly how she would act," Mrs. Pringle said decidedly. "We

+are speaking of the same person. She gives away vast amounts of money

+yearly to charities, but she denies herself nothing in order to do so,

+for she is very wealthy. She was never a woman who showed kindness in

+little ways or to individuals. I know her well; in fact, she is my

+aunt."

+

+"Really?" the Vicar said, looking intensely astonished. He knew the

+Pringles were not well off—that they lived solely on Mr. Pringle's

+earnings, and it seemed odd that so rich and charitable a lady as Miss

+Leighton should do so much for strangers and nothing for her relations.

+

+"The truth is, my wife offended her aunt by marrying me," Mr. Pringle

+explained, rightly reading the expression of Mr. Maloney's countenance;

+"and Miss Leighton never forgives any one who offends her."

+

+"Then God help her!" the Vicar exclaimed solemnly.

+

+"Yes," said Mrs. Pringle, sighing, "poor Aunt Caroline! She was very

+good to me years ago, she had me educated when my parents died, and

+afterwards she allowed me to live with her. She would have continued

+to provide for me, if I had not become engaged to John," glancing at

+her husband with a loving smile. "I had to choose between him and Aunt

+Caroline, and since my marriage I have never seen my aunt. 'She washed

+her hands of me,' she said, on my wedding day. She declared she would

+never willingly look on my face again, and I know she will keep her

+word."

+

+"You can realise now what sacrifices my wife has made for my sake," Mr.

+Pringle said, rather sadly, as he met Mr. Maloney's interested glance.

+

+"I have made no sacrifices," Mrs. Pringle returned quickly. "But,

+sometimes it grieves me to think of the bitter feelings Aunt Caroline

+harbours against me. She considers me ungrateful; I was never that. I

+do not want her money, but I should like to be on friendly terms with

+her. It was ten years ago I saw her; she must be getting an old woman."

+

+"She looked very old, mother," Billy said, and as he spoke, Mrs.

+Pringle started, for in the excitement of talking of her aunt, whom she

+rarely mentioned now even to her husband, she had forgotten the boy was

+present, listening to every word.

+

+"Her hair was quite white," he continued, "as white as snow. I didn't

+like her eyes, they were so very sharp. Oh, mother, how odd that she

+should be your aunt! And how surprised she would have been, if she had

+found out that Peggy was your little girl, wouldn't she? I expect she

+would have been sorry for her, then, don't you think so?"

+

+"I—I—perhaps so," his mother replied, "but she did not find out, and it

+was best as it was."

+

+She took up the card which her husband had laid on the table and tore

+it into little bits, which, upon rising, she threw into the fire.

+

+"There, we will talk no more of Aunt Caroline," she said. "Thinking of

+her always makes me unhappy, and I don't want to be that to-night, when

+I ought to be feeling nothing but thankfulness on Peggy's account."

+

+A short while later, Mr. Maloney took his departure, and, after that,

+Billy said good-night to his parents and went upstairs. He peeped into

+Peggy's room; but did not go in, for Sarah, who was still watching by

+the bedside, raised a warning finger when she caught sight of him in

+the doorway. She was to be relieved from her post very soon by her

+mistress, whose intention it was to sit up all night.

+

+Although Billy was really tired and was soon in bed, it was long before

+he could get to sleep, for he felt strangely restless and excited; he

+continually pictured the pair of high-stepping horses which had so

+nearly trodden his sister beneath their hoofs, and he was haunted by

+the proud face of the old lady who had appeared so unconcerned.

+

+"She must be very wicked," thought the little boy, "for father said she

+never forgives any one who offends her. How dreadful that is! Doesn't

+she know it's wrong, I wonder! And, oh, how strange that she should be

+mother's aunt! How surprised Peggy will be when she knows!"

+

+Then he forgot Miss Leighton in thinking of Peggy once more. He had not

+omitted to thank his Father in Heaven, as he had knelt by his bedside

+before getting into bed, for having spared his sister's life; but

+his full heart thanked Him again and again as he lay awake mentally

+reviewing the events of the last few hours, and he fell asleep, at

+length, with the fervent prayer upon his lips:

+

+   "Dear Jesus, please always take care of Peggy, and remember she is

+blind."

+

+

+

+CHAPTER III

+

+THE DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION

+

+A MONTH had elapsed since Peggy's accident, and the little girl, though

+about again, had not recovered her usual health and spirits. Her mother

+watched her with loving solicitude, noting how shattered her nerves

+seemed to be, for she started at any sudden sound and dreaded being

+left alone. The doctor pronounced her to be suffering from the effects

+of the shock to her nervous system, prescribed a complete change of

+air, and said time would work a cure.

+

+"How can we send her away for a change?" Mrs. Pringle asked her husband

+despairingly. "It is impossible."

+

+"I wish you could take her to the seaside for a few weeks, Margaret,"

+Mr. Pringle responded, looking much troubled. "But I really do not see

+how it can be managed—where the money is to come from, I mean."

+

+"Never mind, father," Peggy said quickly, "I am sure I shall be well

+soon. I am a lot better, really."

+

+"Do you feel so, darling?" he questioned, as he drew her towards him,

+and anxiously scrutinised her face.

+

+Then, as she assured him she did, he kissed her gently, an expression

+of deep pain and regret on his own countenance.

+

+It grieved Mr. Pringle that he could not afford his little daughter

+the change of air which the doctor had prescribed, and he went off to

+give a music lesson with a very heavy heart. When he returned, an hour

+later, upon opening the front door the sound of a man's hearty laugh

+fell upon his ears, and almost immediately Peggy, with a flush of

+excitement on her cheeks, came out of the sitting-room, her sensitive

+ears having warned her of his arrival, and whispered:

+

+"Oh, father, we've a visitor! Guess who it is. But, no, you never will,

+so I may as well tell you. It's Mr. Tiddy. You remember who he is,

+don't you? The Cornish gentleman who married Miss Bates."

+

+"Oh!" exclaimed Mr. Pringle, suddenly enlightened. Miss Bates had

+been a school friend of his wife's. The two had always corresponded

+regularly, though they had not met of late. Miss Bates had earned her

+living as a governess until five years previously, when she had married

+a well-to-do farmer in Cornwall.

+

+"He is a very nice man, father," Peggy continued, "and he's brought us

+a hamper full of all sorts of good things to eat—cream, and butter, and

+eggs, and a big cake, which his wife made herself, with a sugary top,

+and a couple of chickens! Do come and see him at once."

+

+Accordingly Mr. Pringle allowed his little daughter to lead him into

+the sitting-room, where the visitor was being entertained by Mrs.

+Pringle and Billy, and after a few minutes' conversation with him, he

+mentally agreed with Peggy that this new acquaintance was a very nice

+man.

+

+Ebenezer Tiddy was a thorough countryman in appearance, being clad

+in a tweed suit, and boots which had evidently been made to keep out

+inches deep of mud. He was tall and vigorous, with a ruddy, kindly

+countenance, and steady grey eyes which looked one straight in the

+face. He had entered the house a complete stranger half an hour before,

+but already the children were at their ease with him, and Mrs. Pringle

+was looking decidedly more cheerful than when her husband had left her

+after their conversation about the doctor's prescription. Mr. Pringle

+felt glad Mr. Tiddy had come, since his presence had evidently proved

+exhilarating.

+

+"I arrived in town last night," the visitor explained, "and the first

+thing this morning I said to myself, 'I'd better execute my wife's

+business before I attend to my own.' And now you're here, Mr. Pringle,

+I'll speak of the real object of my visit. Said my wife to me one day

+last week, 'Ebenezer, how I should like to have little Peggy Pringle

+to stay with us for a while! Her mother has written to me that she met

+with an accident and doesn't seem to pick up after it as she ought. I

+believe a change of air would be the best medicine for her now.'"

+

+Here Mr. Tiddy paused, and looked at Peggy, who, sensitive like all

+blind people, was fully conscious of his gaze.

+

+"Oh, Mr. Tiddy!" she exclaimed. "And—what did you say?"

+

+"That she'd better write and invite you to visit us at once, my dear,

+believing, as I do, that Cornish breezes and Cornish living would

+make you strong in no time. 'But she can't travel alone,' said my

+wife, who is quicker of thought than I am, 'and how are we to get her

+here, Ebenezer?' 'That can be easily managed,' I replied; 'when I go

+to London next week to interview the florist who is going to buy our

+flowers this spring, I'll ask her parents to trust her to me.' And

+if they will," concluded Mr. Tiddy, looking smilingly first at Mrs.

+Pringle, then at her husband, "I am sure I shall be very pleased and

+proud, and my wife and myself will do our best to make her visit a

+happy one. The little maid won't have any children for playmates, but

+I don't think she'll be dull, for there's always something or other to

+interest folks at a farm, and I need hardly say we'll take good care of

+her."

+

+"How kind you are!" Mrs. Pringle exclaimed, her face alight with

+pleasure, "Peggy does indeed need a change very badly, and we have been

+bemoaning the fact that we could not give her one. I am sure she would

+be quite happy with you and your wife."

+

+"I remember Miss Bates," said Peggy. "She stayed with us once when I

+was a little girl."

+

+"And what are you now, pray?" asked Mr. Tiddy, highly amused. "A big

+girl, eh?"

+

+"I am nine years old," she answered, in a dignified tone. "But I am not

+very tall for my age."

+

+"Cornish air will make you grow. Will you make up your mind, then, to

+travel westwards with me? Would your brother care to come too?"

+

+"Billy goes to school, and it is the middle of the term," Mrs. Pringle

+explained; "being Saturday, it is the weekly holiday: that is why you

+find him at home now. You are very kind to give him an invitation, but

+he knows he must not neglect his work."

+

+"He must pay us a visit in his summer holidays, then," said Mr. Tiddy,

+sympathising with the disappointment he read in the little boy's face.

+"I shall not forget. And now, Mrs. Pringle, do you think you can part

+with your little maid on Tuesday? I hope to return to Cornwall as soon

+as that. I only require one clear day in town to transact my business."

+

+"Peggy can be ready by Tuesday," Mrs. Pringle answered, after a few

+moments' reflection, whilst Peggy herself felt quite bewildered by the

+suddenness with which everything was being arranged.

+

+"Come and spend to-morrow with us," suggested Mr. Pringle hospitably,

+"that is, if you have made no previous engagement."

+

+"I have not. Thank you, I shall be delighted to come," answered Mr.

+Tiddy, his countenance beaming with pleasure. "I have heard so much of

+you all from my wife that I can't fancy you were strangers to me till

+this last hour."

+

+When at length he took his departure, which was after a little further

+conversation, he seemed quite an old friend, and the children were

+pleased and excited at the prospect of his visit on the morrow.

+

+"It is as though a load has been lifted off my shoulders," Mr. Pringle

+confessed, as he returned to the sitting-room after having said

+good-bye to Mr. Tiddy at the front door. He sat down in an arm-chair

+as he spoke, and his little daughter took a stool at his feet and

+rested her golden head against his knee. "It seems so marvellous this

+invitation should have come for Peggy just at this very time," he

+proceeded earnestly, "when it seemed utterly impossible to carry out

+the doctor's prescription. Surely God must have prompted Mr. Tiddy to

+come to us to-day."

+

+"Yes, and there's no one I would so gladly entrust Peggy to as my old

+friend," Mrs. Pringle answered contentedly. "You're pleased you're

+going, are you not, Peggy?" she questioned, noticing a faint shadow on

+her little daughter's face.

+

+"Y-e-s," was the response, given a trifle doubtfully. The thought of

+a visit to Cornwall had filled Peggy with a transport of delight at

+first; but now, she had had time to reflect that she would have no

+mother and father and Billy with her, and she had never been parted

+from them before. "I shall miss you all so much," she murmured with

+quivering lips, "and Cornwall is so far away."

+

+"We shall miss you, little Sunbeam," her father assured her as he

+softly stroked her curly hair, "but we are glad you are going, because

+we want you to get well and strong. I believe you will have a most

+enjoyable time, and, of one thing I am quite certain, that both Mr. and

+Mrs. Tiddy will be kindness itself. I only hope they won't spoil you

+and want to keep you altogether."

+

+"I shouldn't stay, if they did," Peggy returned, half indignant at the

+suggestion. "And—and I'm beginning to wish I wasn't going at all."

+

+She lay awake a long while that night, crying at the thought of the

+coming separation from her family, but she did not admit it the next

+morning.

+

+Mr. Tiddy spent Sunday with his new friends as had been arranged, and

+in the evening he accompanied them to St. John's. After the service, he

+waited with Mrs. Pringle and the children to hear the voluntary. It was

+"The Heavens are telling," which Mr. Pringle played at his visitor's

+request.

+

+"Did you like it, Mr. Tiddy?" Peggy whispered at the conclusion of the

+piece as they passed out of the church.

+

+"Yes, I liked it," he answered earnestly. "Your father plays the organ

+beautifully. 'The Heavens are telling the glory of God!' So they do,

+don't they?" They were in the street by now, Peggy's hand in the firm

+clasp of her new friend. "I can't tell how folks can prefer to live in

+town," he proceeded. "Give me the country and plenty of fresh air. Ah,

+my dear, I'll show you some rare sights in Cornwall—"

+

+"You forget," interposed Peggy, "I cannot see."

+

+"Poor dear!" he said softly. "How thoughtless of me to forget!"

+

+"Does it seem to you very dreadful to be blind?" she asked, catching

+the tone of tender sympathy in his deep voice.

+

+Then, as he hesitated what answer to make, she continued:

+

+"You know, I shall never see as long as I live, but I think I shall get

+on very well. Mother says I am very useful in the house. I am learning

+to do lots of things—to play the piano and to knit, and father says, if

+he had more money—Oh, here are the others!" And she suddenly broke off.

+

+That was the first occasion on which Peggy had been to church since her

+accident. Her mother had been doubtful about taking her to-night, and

+had wanted to leave her at home with Sarah for her companion. But the

+little girl had begged to be allowed to go, and had gained her own way,

+and the service had had a beneficial effect upon her, having soothed

+her nerves instead of having excited them. She slept well that night,

+and the next day was spent in making preparations for her visit, and

+passed so busily that when bedtime came again, she was too weary to lie

+awake thinking of the parting from all those who made up her little

+world, which was so near at hand.

+

+She was called early on the following morning, and after breakfast—of

+which she partook but little—and a somewhat tearful good-bye to Billy

+and Sarah, she drove off in a cab with her parents to Paddington

+railway station, where she was consigned to the care of Mr. Tiddy, who

+had already selected a comfortable carriage and procured a foot-warmer

+for his little charge.

+

+"Good-bye, Peggy, darling," whispered her mother, as the guard bustled

+by requesting people to take their places. "God bless and protect you,

+dear."

+

+"Good-bye, little Sunbeam," said her father cheerily, as he lifted her

+into the carriage and wrapped her up in a rug. "We shall expect you to

+come back well and strong."

+

+"Yes," murmured Peggy, bravely smiling. "Good-bye—oh, good-bye!"

+

+

+

+CHAPTER IV

+

+PEGGY'S FIRST DAY AT LOWER BRIMLEY

+

+ON a certain bright March morning, Mrs. Tiddy stood beneath the

+creeper-covered porch at the front door of Lower Brimley Farm, waiting

+for her husband, who had been up and out-of-doors since daybreak, to

+return to breakfast. Mr. Tiddy had arrived home from London on the

+previous evening, having brought Peggy Pringle with him. But the little

+girl, over-tired as the result of the long journey, had been sleeping

+firmly when her hostess had visited her bedroom half an hour before,

+and orders had been given that she was not to be awakened.

+

+The mistress of Lower Brimley was a small-sized woman with a trim

+figure and a pleasant countenance, which wore a very contented

+expression at the present moment. The view over which Mrs. Tiddy's blue

+eyes wandered admiringly was a most beautiful one, for Lower Brimley

+was situated on the slope of a hill, not ten minutes' walk from the sea

+and the small fishing village which straggled in one steep street from

+the beach to the old grey church on the cliff.

+

+The soft air was sweet with the scent of flowers on this sunny spring

+morning, for the land close by was given up to the cultivation of

+daffodils and narcissi of nearly every species, which flourished in the

+rich moist soil and were now in full bloom, and the garden in front of

+the house was a fine show, too, with violets, hyacinths, and purple

+and scarlet anemones, against a background of rhododendron bushes. In

+short, there was a wealth of flowers everywhere; and as Mrs. Tiddy's

+contemplative gaze roamed over her own domain to the distant sea,

+glimmering like silver in the bright sunshine, it was caught and held

+by the golden furze on the cliffs, and she murmured admiringly:

+

+"What a glorious sight! And to think that that dear child will never

+know how beautiful it all is! How sad to be blind!"

+

+An expression of deep regret crossed Mrs. Tiddy's face as she thought

+of her little visitor; but it gave place to a bright smile as she

+caught sight of her husband approaching. And she ran down the path

+to the garden gate to meet him, anxious to hear that he had found

+everything on the farm in good order. She was soon satisfied upon

+that point, for he was in high spirits, and complimented her upon

+her management during his absence. And then they went into the

+house together, and sat down to breakfast in the parlour, a large

+comfortably-furnished room, the windows of which commanded a view of

+the village and the sea.

+

+"And how is my fellow-traveller?" Mr. Tiddy inquired by-and-by.

+

+"She was sleeping firmly half an hour ago and I have given orders that

+she is not to be disturbed," his wife-responded. "She was so very tired

+last night, and I fancy she felt home-sick—poor little soul! She has

+never been away from her own people before, you see, and oh, Ebenezer,

+think how helpless one must feel to be always in darkness!"

+

+"Yes," he agreed, "but though she has been denied sight, her other

+senses seem preternaturally keen. It's always the way with blind

+people, I've heard. And—why, here she comes!"

+

+Mr. Tiddy rose as the door opened, and Peggy stood hesitating upon the

+threshold of the room. Going to her side, he gave her a hearty kiss,

+inquired how she was this morning, and, having been assured that she

+was quite well, led her to his wife.

+

+"I thought you were still in bed and asleep, my dear child," said Mrs.

+Tiddy, her voice expressing the surprise she felt.

+

+"I woke up, and I was afraid I was late for breakfast, so I dressed as

+quickly as I could and came down," Peggy explained, as she returned

+Mrs. Tiddy's kiss and took the chair by her side.

+

+"How clever of you to find your way alone!"

+

+"Clever!" laughed Peggy. "You forget I had my supper in this room last

+night, and I heard your voices as I came downstairs. What a lovely

+morning, isn't it? I smelt violets and hyacinths when I opened my

+bedroom window, and I heard the sea."

+

+"The sea is very calm to-day, almost as still as a mill-pond," remarked

+Mr. Tiddy somewhat dubiously. "You must have very sharp ears, if you

+heard it."

+

+"Oh, but I did," persisted Peggy. "The waves were whispering ever so

+softly, but I heard them. I was never at the seaside but once before,

+when we all went to Bournemouth for a week, nearly two years ago."

+

+The little girl was looking very bright this morning, and she did full

+justice to the fried bacon and chopped potatoes to which Mr. Tiddy

+helped her, remarking, as he did so, that he hoped she could enjoy

+country fare. And at the conclusion of the meal, he suggested that she

+should put on her hat and jacket and go for a stroll with him about the

+farm, whilst his wife attended to her domestic duties in the house.

+

+Accordingly, Peggy accompanied her host out into the brilliant spring

+sunshine, and asked him numerous questions about his flowers. He

+explained all about their cultivation, and watched her with keenly

+interested eyes as she felt the various blooms with her sensitive

+fingers.

+

+"I shall remember all you have told me," she declared. "This is a

+'Princess Mary,' is it not? And this is the daffodil you said the

+country people call 'butter and eggs'?"

+

+"Yes!" he exclaimed in astonishment. "But how can you possibly tell?"

+

+"I can feel the difference, Mr. Tiddy, and I can smell. It seems to me

+all these daffodils have different scents."

+

+"To me, they are alike," he admitted, "but I suppose they are not.

+Really, Peggy, you are a very clever little girl."

+

+When they returned to the house they went by the back way, where,

+in the yard, they were met by a big, black-and-white smooth-haired

+sheep-dog, who sniffed at Peggy suspiciously at first. But when she

+ventured to extend her hand to him, he licked it with his great pink

+tongue, whilst a very soft expression crept into his amber eyes.

+

+"He likes you, my dear," Mr. Tiddy said. "And he does not take to every

+one, let me tell you. He evidently intends to regard you as a friend."

+

+"What is his name?" Peggy inquired, as she passed her hand over the

+dog's sleek head.

+

+"Wolf. We gave him the name when he was a puppy, because he was such a

+lean, fierce-looking creature. He is a splendid house-dog; but he is

+not very sociable, as a rule. He seems to have taken a fancy to you,

+however."

+

+"He knows I like him," Peggy said, as she caressed her new

+acquaintance, who continued to wag his tail amicably. "What a tall dog

+he is! Wolf—dear old Wolf!"

+

+The animal gave a delighted cry, and Mr. Tiddy nodded his head

+approvingly.

+

+"I'm glad he's taken to you," he said. "For you couldn't get a better

+protector than Wolf."

+

+Peggy never forgot that first day at Lower Brimley. The afternoon she

+passed quietly in the house with Mrs. Tiddy, who wrote a long letter to

+her old school fellow in which were many messages from Peggy.

+

+"Tell her how much I miss them all," said the little girl. "But please

+say, too, that I am sure I shall be very happy here, because every one

+is so kind to me, and it is a lovely, lovely place! And, please don't

+forget to send my dear love!" And for a few minutes, her blue eyes were

+full of tears.

+

+"Peggy," said Mrs. Tiddy by-and-by, "I have heard all the details in

+connection with your accident from my husband, and I do not wonder it

+was a shock to your nerves. Is your shoulder quite well now, dear?"

+

+"Oh, yes, Mrs. Tiddy. It got well very quickly. Every one said it was

+a wonder I was not killed; but I think myself God took especial care

+of me, because He knew I wasn't quite like other people—not being able

+to see, you know. Mr. Maloney—that's the Vicar of St. John's—thinks so

+too. Wasn't it strange that it should have been mother's aunt who was

+in the carriage?"

+

+"Very. Your mother never sees her Aunt Caroline, does she?"

+

+"Never. Do you know her, Mrs. Tiddy?"

+

+"No, though, of course, I have heard a good bit about her from your

+mother."

+

+"Billy and I never heard of her at all till my accident. I don't think

+she can be nice; and Billy said she looked very proud. I heard her

+speak, but I was too frightened then to take much notice of her voice.

+I always tell what people are like by their voices."

+

+"Do you, my dear?"

+

+"Yes," Peggy nodded. "I knew Mr. Tiddy was good and kind, the moment I

+heard him speak: I felt I could trust him. Do you know, I quite enjoyed

+the journey yesterday, after we had properly started. Of course, I

+didn't like saying good-bye to mother and father. I had never been in a

+corridor-train before, and we had dinner at a big table just as though

+we were in a proper room, and there was a kitchen on the train, and

+cooks. Oh, how Billy would have liked to have been there! What a lot I

+shall have to tell him when I go home! Oh, Mrs. Tiddy, it was kind of

+you to think of inviting me to stay with you!"

+

+"I am sure your visit will be a great pleasure to me, my dear," Mrs.

+Tiddy replied cordially. "And I shall be well content, if I can send

+you home with roses in your cheeks. To-morrow I will take you into the

+village and down to the beach; but I must not let you do too much on

+your first day. There, I have finished my letter, and can now have an

+idle hour before tea."

+

+She put aside her writing materials as she spoke, and went to the

+window, where Peggy was seated, listening to the sparrows twittering

+beneath the eaves of the roof and the sound of children's voices wafted

+upwards from the village below.

+

+"You and Mr. Tiddy are so very kind to take so much trouble to explain

+everything to me," the little girl said, with a grateful ring in her

+sweet, clear voice, "that I am already beginning to know this place

+quite well—the house and the grounds, too."

+

+"Shall I tell you what I see from this window?" asked Mrs. Tiddy.

+

+"Oh, please!" Peggy answered delightedly. Then as her kind hostess

+did so, she listened with attention, her face aglow with interest and

+pleasure. "How well you make me understand!" she cried, as Mrs. Tiddy

+ceased speaking. She leaned her head out of the open window and sniffed

+the fresh salt breeze appreciatively, and listened to the murmur of the

+sea. It seemed a very beautiful world to Peggy in spite of her lack of

+sight.

+

+

+

+CHAPTER V

+

+AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

+

+IN a very few days, Peggy had settled into the routine of life at Lower

+Brimley, and had become well known by sight to the villagers, who took

+a kindly interest in Mrs. Tiddy's guest—"the pretty little maid," as

+they called her, who, though she was blind, could play the piano, so

+the servants at the farm reported, and was so clever that wherever she

+went once she could go by herself a second time.

+

+Accompanied by the lean, long-legged sheep-dog, she was now a familiar

+figure on the beach, where she would sit for hours, listening to the

+incessant murmur of the sea or talking to the fishermen, whose deep

+voices insensibly softened in addressing her. For nowhere so much as in

+Cornwall is more respect shown to those whom God has afflicted; and,

+though Peggy knew it not, she was continually watched by friendly eyes

+to see that she came to no harm.

+

+Mrs. Tiddy, who had been nervous about letting her visitor wander out

+of her sight at first, soon grew less vigilant, and was quite satisfied

+if she knew Wolf was with her, for the dog had constituted himself

+her faithful companion, and showed marked signs of jealousy, if any

+stranger came near her.

+

+One afternoon, about a week after her arrival at Lower Brimley, Peggy

+was standing in a gateway waiting for Mr. Tiddy, who had gone across

+a meadow to look at some sheep, when Wolf, as usual at her side, gave

+a low, warning growl and drew closer to her. She put her hand on the

+dog's collar and listened, hearing at length the sound of footsteps

+slowly approaching. Some one was evidently ascending the hill which led

+from the village to the farm.

+

+After that one growl, Wolf remained silent, and Peggy did not move as

+the footsteps drew near. But when they suddenly stopped, the little

+girl, still holding the dog by the collar, turned her face, with an

+inquiring expression upon it, towards the spot where she knew some

+one—a woman, she thought, from the sound of the footsteps—to be.

+

+"Can you tell me, if this is the way to Lower Brimley Farm?" asked a

+somewhat patronising voice—the voice of a lady, Peggy's sharp ears

+informed her at once.

+

+"Yes," the little girl answered. "You will come within sight of the

+house, I know, when you turn the next corner. Are you going to call on

+Mrs. Tiddy? Perhaps you are a friend of hers? She is not at home; she

+has driven in to Penzance."

+

+"And I have driven from Penzance. But I have no acquaintance with Mrs.

+Tiddy—the mistress at the farm, I presume? I have no desire to see

+her, but I want to have a look at her flowers. I am told the daffodils

+and narcissi at Lower Brimley are especially fine. People talk so much

+nowadays of the flower-farms of Cornwall that I am curious to see one."

+

+The speaker—a tall, thin, erect old lady, with snow-white hair and

+very sharp dark eyes, looked carelessly at the child, and proceeded to

+question her: "Do you live here? Are you the farmer's daughter?"

+

+"No; I am no relation to either Mr. or Mrs. Tiddy, although they are

+so very kind to me," Peggy answered simply. "My home is in London;

+I am only here on a visit. I am sure Mr. Tiddy will let you look at

+his flowers; he is very proud of them, and no wonder, for they are so

+beautiful! He has gone across the meadow, but he will return directly.

+Perhaps you can see him?"

+

+"Do you mean that big man in breeches and leggings?"

+

+"Yes, that's Mr. Tiddy. I promised to wait here with Wolf—that's the

+dog—till he came back. Is he far off? Is he coming this way?"

+

+"Cannot you use your eyes, child?" began the lady, a trifle

+impatiently. Then she paused abruptly, and scanned the little girl's

+face with keener scrutiny.

+

+"I cannot see," Peggy responded, "because I am blind."

+

+"Blind! How shocking!"

+

+The stranger's voice had softened perceptibly, and sounded no longer

+indifferent. Peggy, conscious of the change, smiled, and a faint colour

+rose to her pale cheeks as she remarked:

+

+"Every one is surprised to hear I am blind, but it is quite true."

+

+"And have you been blind long?"

+

+"All my life."

+

+"And yet you look happy!" was the wondering exclamation.

+

+"I am very happy. Mother says I must always remember how many blessings

+God has given me, and so I do. Oh, here is Mr. Tiddy!" the little girl

+cried, with a sudden change of tone.

+

+The farmer came up, glancing curiously at Peggy's companion, who now

+put forward a request—it sounded almost like a command—to see his

+flowers, adding that she had come from Penzance on purpose to look at

+them, and had left her carriage at the foot of the hill.

+

+"You are just in time to see them at their best," Mr. Tiddy told her

+pleasantly. "In another week, I shall have cut them all: we rear them

+for the London markets. Lead the way, Peggy. A little friend of ours

+from town," he explained, lowering his voice as the child and the dog

+went on ahead. "She's been laid up ill and hasn't picked up her health

+and spirits yet. We're trying what our Cornish air will do for her."

+

+"I trust it will do wonders," said the lady, and her voice, though

+still cold in tone, was not ungracious. "She looks a delicate child,

+and she tells me, she is blind."

+

+"Ah, yes, poor dear," sighed Mr. Tiddy. "Though I don't know why I

+should pity her," he proceeded, "for she's as happy as the day is

+long. Her father—he's the organist of St. John's in the East End of

+London—calls her 'little Sunbeam,' and the name just suits her. Her

+mother and my wife were school friends, and—but here we are!"

+

+The stranger was evidently much gratified by the sight of the flowers,

+and she was greatly impressed by the knowledge Peggy evinced concerning

+them. And the more she conversed with Mr. Tiddy, the more gracious her

+manner became, till by-and-by she asked him if there were comfortable

+lodgings to be had in the neighbourhood.

+

+"There's a farm higher up the hill, the adjoining farm to this, Higher

+Brimley it's called—where they let apartments during the summer

+months," he replied. "I expect they'd consider themselves fortunate, if

+they obtained a lodger as early in the year as this. Ford, the people

+are called, and Mrs. Ford is a nice, respectable woman who'd make you

+very comfortable."

+

+"You never take lodgers here?" the stranger inquired hesitatingly.

+

+"Never," was the decisive answer. "My wife has plenty of work to do in

+connection with the poultry and the dairy, and—to be plain—we like our

+home to ourselves."

+

+When the lady had gazed her fill at the daffodils, Mr. Tiddy led the

+way into the garden, which she declared to be her idea of what a

+country garden should be. The kindly farmer, pleased at her admiration

+for his belongings, thereupon invited her into the house, and had tea

+brought into the parlour. "I wish my wife was at home," he observed

+regretfully, "but Peggy must play hostess in her place."

+

+"And a very nice little hostess she makes," replied the old lady, her

+curious gaze upon the child, who was offering her some of Mrs. Tiddy's

+home-made cake. "Do you always treat strangers as you are treating me?"

+she inquired, turning to Mr. Tiddy again. "I have heard of Cornish

+hospitality, but I never believed in it till now. You don't know

+anything about me—" She paused and laughed rather bitterly, then added:

+"Most people would not think it worth while to entertain a stranger—one

+never likely to cross their path in life again."

+

+"Then you do not mean to seek lodgings in the district?" Mr. Tiddy

+asked gravely.

+

+"I have not made up my mind on that point yet. I almost think I could

+be contented in a spot like this."

+

+Having finished her tea, she rose and prepared to depart. Mr. Tiddy now

+noted for the first time, how costly was her dress—evidently she was a

+woman rich in this world's goods—and he thought as he glanced at the

+deep lines of discontent around her hard mouth, that, in spite of her

+undeniably handsome face, she was the most ill-tempered looking old

+lady he had seen for many a long day, and doubted much if she would be

+contented anywhere.

+

+"Good-bye, child," she said stretching out her delicately-gloved hand

+to Peggy. "It is quite possible that we may meet again."

+

+"If we do, I shall remember you," was the grave response. "I shall

+remember you by your voice. And I can't help thinking that somewhere

+we have met before, or perhaps it is only that you remind me of some

+one—that must be it."

+

+The lady looked at Peggy searchingly, and shook her head. Then she went

+away, leaving the little girl in a very thoughtful frame of mind. When

+Mr. Tiddy returned, after having accompanied the stranger down the hill

+and placed her in the hired carriage in which she had been driven from

+Penzance, he asked Peggy what she thought of their late visitor.

+

+"She seemed rather unhappy, didn't she, Mr. Tiddy?" she questioned.

+

+"Unhappy?" he said, reflectively. "I don't know about that. To me she

+appeared simply discontented. She is a selfish woman, I'll be bound—so

+maybe you're right, my dear, for selfish folk are never happy—and

+wrapped up in her own concerns. But she liked my daffodils, didn't she?

+I could see she had a real love for flowers. And she was interested in

+you, too. One mustn't judge by appearances altogether—"

+

+"I judge by her voice," said Peggy, as he broke off, leaving his

+sentence unfinished.

+

+"A hard, cold voice, wasn't it?" questioned Mr. Tiddy.

+

+"Y-e-s. Was she very old, Mr. Tiddy?"

+

+"Over seventy, I should say."

+

+"That's a great age, isn't it? I wonder if she is always alone like she

+was to-day. Perhaps she has no one to love and care for her now she

+is old. How sad that must be! Poor old lady!" And there was deepest

+sympathy in her tone.

+

+Mr. Tiddy looked at the speaker with a tender smile; but he did not

+think it worth while to say that, to him, their visitor had appeared

+anything but poor. Perhaps, he reflected, the child might be right

+after all, for he knew how often those rich in worldly possessions are

+poor in heart.

+

+

+

+CHAPTER VI

+

+MISS LEIGHTON'S DISCOVERY

+

+THE daffodil blooms had all been gathered; March had given place

+to April; and, day by day, Peggy was improving in health, whilst

+roses—faint as yet, it is true—were appearing in her cheeks. The

+doctor's prescription of a change of air was evidently what she had

+needed; and Mrs. Tiddy was much gratified at being able to write most

+cheering reports of her visitor's condition to Mrs. Pringle, who read

+them aloud to her husband and Billy with deep thankfulness in her heart.

+

+"How we shall miss the child when she leaves us!" Mr. Tiddy remarked to

+his wife one evening, as they strolled up and down the path in front

+of the house when the work of the day was over, listening to the music

+which Peggy's fingers were drawing from the piano in the parlour. The

+little girl was naturally musical and had been well taught by her

+father, who had often told her that if she worked hard and practised

+industriously, she might become a real musician some day, and to be a

+real musician was her most earnest desire.

+

+"But she is not going to leave us for a long while yet," Mrs. Tiddy

+responded. "I have written and told her mother that she must spare

+her to us for another month, at least, and I think she will be glad

+to let her stay, as her health is benefiting so much by our Cornish

+air. By the way, Ebenezer, have you heard that there are lodgers at

+Higher Brimley? No? An elderly lady and her maid have taken Mrs. Ford's

+apartments. They were pointed out to me in the village this afternoon

+when Peggy and I were returning from the beach. And Peggy says she is

+sure the lady is the one who came from Penzance on purpose to look at

+our flowers. She is a tall, thin, old lady with quite white hair."

+

+"You don't say so!" exclaimed the farmer. "I told her she could get

+apartments at Higher Brimley, but I did not think she really meant to

+see about them. Did she speak to Peggy?"

+

+"No; she did not see her, for we were in the post office when she

+passed with her maid. Peggy recognised her by her voice."

+

+"I wonder who she is. You did not hear her name, I suppose?"

+

+"No. Listen! The child is singing!"

+

+They stood silently by the open window of the parlour and listened as

+the little girl's voice, low and sweet in tone, rang out clearly and

+softly:

+

+   "Holy Father, cheer our way

+    With Thy love's perpetual ray:

+    Grant us every closing day

+       Light at evening time."

+

+"Dear child," murmured Mrs. Tiddy, tears springing involuntarily to her

+eyes, "it does seem hard lines that one naturally so bright and joyous

+should be blind! But there, God knows best, and I suppose He has denied

+her sight for some good reason; and she has His love to cheer her way,

+I'm certain."

+

+"I think there's light in her heart," said Mr. Tiddy simply, and his

+wife agreed.

+

+It was on the following morning that Peggy, who had wandered down to

+the beach with Wolf in attendance, met the lodgers from Higher Brimley.

+The old lady spoke to the little girl, and inquired if she remembered

+her. And, receiving an answer in the affirmative, she dismissed her

+maid, telling her to wait within sight, and requested Peggy to sit down

+by her side on an upturned boat, and talk to her for a while.

+

+Peggy complied readily, for she was of a very sociable disposition,

+and commenced the conversation by informing her companion that she had

+recognised her voice when she had heard it on the previous day.

+

+"I was in the post office with Mrs. Tiddy when you passed," she said,

+"and you were talking. We were told you had taken Mrs. Ford's rooms."

+

+"I do not know how long I shall remain there-perhaps only a few days,

+perhaps longer. I suppose the daffodils are all gone now?"

+

+"Yes," Peggy nodded regretfully; "but there are more flowers than ever

+in the garden, and those will not be cut. Mr. Tiddy grows them for

+himself and his friends; but the daffodils and narcissi, he sells."

+

+"You are looking better than when I saw you before," observed the

+stranger. "I suppose you will be going home soon?"

+

+"Not for some weeks yet. Oh, yes, I am a lot better! I feel really

+well; and Mrs. Tiddy says I am getting quite rosy and sunburnt. I am so

+glad, because they will be pleased at home."

+

+"Are you one of a long family?"

+

+"No. I have only one brother—Billy. Father is the organist of St.

+John's, but I do not expect you know the church. Mr. Maloney is our

+Vicar. He's a great friend of ours. I'm sure you'd like him, because

+he's such a good man. Mother says he's very clever, and people come a

+long distance often to hear him preach, so I suppose he must be."

+

+"I think I've heard of him," said the old lady thoughtfully. "He gives

+up his life to working amongst the poor, does he not?"

+

+"Yes. Nearly every one in our parish is poor. Mr. Maloney is, I

+believe, and we are, you know, because father's salary isn't much,

+and his music pupils don't pay him as they ought. But father is very

+clever, too, and some day I dare say we shall be better off. Father

+composes music, and there are very few people who can do that," the

+little girl said, with a ring of affectionate pride in her voice. "Do

+you live in London, too?" she inquired, thinking it was her turn to ask

+a question now.

+

+"I have a house in town. Will you come and spend a day with me there

+when we both go back to our own homes?"

+

+"I—I hardly know," Peggy replied doubtfully, flushing with surprise.

+"It's very kind of you to invite me; but I must ask mother. I don't

+know who you are, and—"

+

+"And I don't know who you are, either! Suppose you tell me your name?"

+

+"It is Margaret Pringle; but I am always called Peggy, because father

+calls mother Margaret."

+

+"Pringle!" exclaimed the old lady, growing suddenly crimson. She looked

+almost angrily at Peggy as she spoke, but of course the little girl was

+unconscious of that fact, though she caught the sound of agitation in

+her voice. "Pringle!" she repeated. "Is it possible? Tell me, is your

+father's name John?"

+

+"Yes. You have heard of him?" Since her companion had evinced some

+knowledge of the Vicar of St. John's, it did not occur to Peggy as at

+all unlikely that she should know something of the organist too. "He

+plays most beautifully," she continued impressively. "Mr. Tiddy will

+tell you so, for he heard him one Sunday evening when he went to church

+with us. It was the first time I had been to church after my accident.

+Oh, I haven't told you about that! I was knocked down when I was out

+with Billy, and it was a great wonder that I was not killed!"

+

+And she recounted the story of her adventure at some length, utterly

+unconscious of the effect it was having upon her listener, who had lost

+all her colour again now, and was looking paler than before.

+

+"The—the person in the carriage would not have understood that you were

+blind," the old lady remarked at length, subsequent to a long pause

+which had followed the conclusion of Peggy's tale.

+

+"No, of course not," the little girl agreed, "but Mr. Maloney says

+the least she could have done would have been to have driven me home.

+Billy thinks she didn't care, if I was hurt or not. And—isn't it

+strange?—she's supposed to be a very charitable person!"

+

+"Then you know who she is?"

+

+"Oh, yes! She gave the policeman her card, and mother used to know her

+quite well—years ago."

+

+"Ah!"

+

+"I—I am afraid I have been talking too much," Peggy said hesitatingly,

+with a sudden touch of reserve in her tone as she became aware that she

+had let her tongue run away with her. She hoped she had not wearied her

+companion with her chatter.

+

+"Why did you say she—the person in the carriage, I mean—is supposed to

+be very charitable?" asked the old lady presently.

+

+"Because she gives away heaps and heaps of money," was the prompt reply.

+

+"Well, that is very generous of her, is it not?"

+

+"Yes. But I don't think she can be really charitable, if she isn't kind

+in little ways and if she's unforgiving. I asked Mr. Maloney what he

+thought."

+

+"Well? What did he say?"

+

+"He repeated that verse in the Corinthians, 'Though I bestow all my

+goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and

+have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.' He didn't say anything but

+that; but I know what he meant, don't you? But, don't let us talk about

+her any more—I am not sure that I ought to have spoken of her at all."

+

+"You have done no harm. So that accident was actually the cause of your

+illness?"

+

+"Yes. And just when the doctor said I must have a change of air, Mr.

+Tiddy arrived and invited me here. Wasn't it kind of him, and of Mrs.

+Tiddy too? You know I couldn't possibly have had a change but for them,

+for father couldn't have managed it, and it made him so dreadfully

+unhappy that he couldn't. Both he and mother were so worried about me."

+

+Soon after that the old lady rose, remarking that she found the wind a

+trifle chilly. She said good-bye to Peggy and joined her maid with the

+intention of returning to her lodgings. Left alone, the little girl

+reflected that her late companion had been decidedly less affable at

+the conclusion of their conversation, than at the commencement, and

+wondered why that had been. Had she unwittingly said anything to cause

+her annoyance? She felt puzzled and uneasy; and, though she had been

+encouraged to talk, she wished she had been less communicative.

+

+Meanwhile the old lady, who, as the reader has no doubt guessed, was

+no other than Miss Leighton, Mrs. Pringle's aunt, was walking up the

+hill towards Higher Brimley in anything but a happy frame of mind. That

+morning she had spoken of remaining some while longer in Cornwall, and

+had professed herself quite satisfied with the arrangements which had

+been made for her comfort; but now, she had almost decided to quit the

+neighbourhood at once.

+

+She had been greatly attracted by the blind child on the occasion

+of her visit from Penzance to look at Mr. Tiddy's flowers. And when

+she had caught sight of her on the beach an hour previously, she had

+determined to cultivate her acquaintance. But having learnt that Peggy

+was the daughter of the niece whom she had never forgiven for what she

+called her ingratitude, she was experiencing mingled feelings of anger,

+bitterness, and regret.

+

+"I will have no more to do with her," she thought.

+

+Then she shuddered as she reflected on the accident. How terrible it

+would have been if her horses had killed Margaret's little daughter!

+She had made no inquiries concerning her niece since her marriage and

+had not even known where she was living, or if she had any children

+or not. Therefore, it had been somewhat of a shock to discover she

+had a child who was afflicted with blindness. She pictured Peggy,

+golden-haired and sunny-faced, and an unwonted expression of tenderness

+crossed her countenance. After all, she decided, she would remain at

+Higher Brimley for the time, for—it was weak of her, no doubt—she felt

+she must see Peggy once again.

+

+

+

+CHAPTER VII

+

+A GREAT SURPRISE

+

+NOT quite a week later, Mr. Tiddy, crossing the fields in his usual

+leisurely fashion towards the house at dinner-time, caught sight of his

+wife and Peggy, standing at the garden gate, evidently waiting for him.

+As he drew near enough to see the expression of their faces, he noticed

+that both appeared excited, and as he joined them the little girl cried

+eagerly:

+

+"Oh, Mr. Tiddy, we've had a visitor! She came and knocked at the door

+and asked if she might go round the garden. And who do you think she

+was?"

+

+"Why, the old lady who's lodging at Higher Brimley, to be sure,"

+answered Mr. Tiddy promptly, evincing no surprise. "I met her this

+morning, and she stopped and spoke to me. She expressed a desire to see

+our flowers, so I told her, she'd be welcome to look at them, whenever

+she pleased. She didn't lose much time in taking me at my word," he

+concluded, smilingly.

+

+"Ah, but do you know who she is?" demanded Peggy. "No, we thought not.

+You'll be simply astounded when you hear. She didn't tell us until just

+as she was leaving, and then she said her name was Leighton, and that

+I was related to her—distantly related, she said. She's mother's Aunt

+Caroline, the rich lady who was in the carriage when—"

+

+"What!" broke in the farmer, "You don't say so!" He looked

+questioningly at his wife as he spoke, and she hastened to reply:

+

+"Yes, Ebenezer, it is true. There can be no doubt about it. She is that

+rich Miss Leighton of whom we have heard so much."

+

+"I told her who I was that day she talked to me on the beach," Peggy

+said, with face and voice full of excitement. "She asked me my name;

+and—and I told her, too, all about my accident and how unkind we

+thought it of her to have driven away when I was hurt. I think perhaps

+she was cross at what I said, but I never dreamt who she was, so I

+don't think really it was my fault, do you, Mr. Tiddy?"

+

+"No, my dear, I do not," he agreed.

+

+"Still, perhaps I ought not to have talked as I did to a stranger. She

+was very nice to-day, though, wasn't she, Mrs. Tiddy?"

+

+"Very. Will you run into the house, Peggy, and say we are ready for

+dinner?"

+

+Then as the little girl obeyed, Mrs. Tiddy turned to her husband and

+said gravely:

+

+"Ebenezer, what can have brought Miss Leighton here? Until Peggy told

+her her name the other day, she had no idea who she was or even that

+her niece had children. I don't believe she has forgiven Peggy's mother

+yet. Isn't it shocking to bear malice in one's heart so long? 'I don't

+wish to hear anything concerning your friend or her husband,' she said

+to me in a tone without an atom of feeling in it; 'but I was never one

+for visiting the sins of the parents upon the children. My niece proved

+herself ungrateful, and I regard ingratitude as a sin, but I feel no

+resentment against her innocent daughter.' I should think not indeed!

+I made no answer, however, for I was afraid, if I did, I might say too

+much."

+

+"Surely she did not make that remark before Peggy!" exclaimed Mr.

+Tiddy, his ruddy colour deepening with indignation.

+

+"No, certainly not; Peggy was not within hearing then. What shall I do?

+Miss Leighton asked me to call on her and bring Peggy with me, and I

+half promised I would; I did not like to refuse. I think the old lady

+has taken a fancy to the child. Isn't it strange that those two should

+have crossed each other's path again?"

+

+The farmer nodded, a very thoughtful expression on his face. "There's

+One above Who planned they should meet, that's my opinion," he said

+gravely; "and I don't think we ought to try to keep them apart. Maybe

+the old lady will get to feel more kindly towards her niece when she

+knows Peggy better and realises what a dear little soul she is and how

+well her mother has brought her up. I am sure Mrs. Pringle will not

+object to your taking the child to call on her aunt. By the way, does

+Miss Leighton like her lodgings?"

+

+"She said they were fairly comfortable. She strikes me as a rather

+dissatisfied body. She is anything but a happy woman, Ebenezer, though

+God has given her so much; and I hear from the servants, who have

+become friendly with her maid, that she is a very jealous, exacting

+temper, and she is always imagining people are trying to cultivate her

+acquaintance on account of her wealth."

+

+"Well, she cannot possibly imagine that about you," Mr. Tiddy replied,

+"for she has sought your acquaintance herself. I suppose we had better

+go in to dinner now. There's Peggy under the porch beckoning to us."

+

+Mrs. Tiddy decided she would not call upon Miss Leighton until she had

+mentioned the matter to her old school friend; so she wrote to her that

+same day, and received an answer by return of post. Mrs. Pringle said

+very little about her aunt in her letter, but she raised no objection

+to her little daughter's calling with Mrs. Tiddy at Higher Brimley.

+"Aunt Caroline is not fond of young people," she remarked, "so please

+don't force the child upon her notice—but I am sure you will not do

+that."

+

+"I certainly will not," Mrs. Tiddy reflected as she folded up her

+friend's letter, "but I will take Peggy to call on Miss Leighton, as

+the old lady made a point of my doing so. We need not stay very long,

+any way."

+

+Peggy experienced a feeling of unusual shyness when, one April

+afternoon, she accompanied Mrs. Tiddy to Higher Brimley; and, although

+Miss Leighton received them with every sign of cordiality, she was

+anything but at ease in her presence. As the little girl sat in silence

+listening to the conversation of the two ladies, she was aware that the

+elder's eyes were upon her, and she alternately flushed and paled as

+she thought over the small amount of information she had gleaned from

+her mother since her accident about this aunt of hers. Her tender heart

+had gone out in sympathy towards the old lady, whom she had sincerely

+pitied because she had fancied she might be all alone in the world, but

+now she mentally regarded her from quite another point of view.

+

+"Mother would have loved her, if she would have let her," she

+reflected. "It is her own fault if she is lonely. I wonder if she will

+speak of mother to me!"

+

+But Miss Leighton did not once mention her niece's name. She addressed

+herself very kindly to Peggy every now and again, and seemed wishful

+to make much of her, and Mrs. Tiddy saw she was disappointed and

+half-vexed by the child's evident disinclination to talk.

+

+"What have you done with your dog this afternoon?" Miss Leighton

+inquired, when at length her visitors rose to go.

+

+"We shut him up in the stable before we started," Peggy answered. "He

+wanted to come because he loves a walk."

+

+"He is rather quarrelsome with other dogs," Mrs. Tiddy explained, "so

+we thought it wiser to leave him at home. The poor creature was very

+disappointed, for he spends most of his time with Peggy now, and we

+always feel she is safe if Wolf is with her."

+

+"What will he do when he loses her altogether?" asked Miss Leighton.

+"Peggy does not propose taking him back with her to London, I presume?"

+

+"No," the little girl answered, accepting the question seriously, "I

+wouldn't do that, even if Mr. Tiddy would give him to me, for I am sure

+he would be wretched in town. I'd rather know he is here, guarding the

+yard and looking after the sheep, and going on as he always does—having

+such a good time! He will miss me at first, but—where is Mrs. Tiddy?"

+she asked quickly.

+

+They had left the house and were in the garden now, Mrs. Tiddy having

+lingered at the door to exchange a few words with Mrs. Ford.

+

+"She is talking to my landlady," Miss Leighton replied. "She will be

+here presently. Are you in a great hurry to go? You have no objection

+to being alone with me for a few minutes, I suppose?" she questioned

+sharply.

+

+"Oh! No!" Peggy assured her. "And—and now we are alone, I should like

+to say that I hope I wasn't rude to you the other day on the beach,"

+she proceeded, looking distressed. "I would not have spoken like that

+if—if I had known who you were. I—I have thought of it often since,

+and I am sorry if I said anything you did not like. I was afraid,

+afterwards, that you were displeased with me."

+

+"People are seldom pleased to hear others' opinions of themselves,"

+was the dry response. "You evidently considered my conduct towards you

+had been heartless; but I am not angry with you, child. You only said

+frankly what you thought."

+

+"Yes," Peggy agreed, colouring hotly in her confusion. "I am glad you

+are not angry, though, because I did not mean to be rude, and I am

+afraid I must have been," she added deprecatingly.

+

+"I think you are prejudiced against me." Miss Leighton paused

+momentarily, and sighed, then continued, "Well, it is natural you

+should be. I am sorry, nevertheless. Cannot you dismiss all you have

+heard of me from your mind and take me as you find me?"

+

+"I—I will try. I have not heard much about you, indeed! I never heard

+of you at all till after my accident! Then Billy told me who you were,

+and I was so surprised! Billy and I have often talked of you since!"

+

+"Really? I dare say you heard Mrs. Tiddy ask me to take tea with her

+one afternoon, soon? I shall hope then to hear you play. I hear you are

+quite a musician."

+

+"Oh, no! But I love music. I play to Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy every night."

+The mantle of reserve was falling from Peggy and the brightness was

+returning to her face. "Do you love music too?" she inquired, lifting

+her sightless blue eyes to her companion's countenance.

+

+"Indeed I do; so we have that much in common, at any rate."

+

+"Oh, we have more than that, for I am sure you love flowers, and so

+do I. Do you know, there are such a lot of sea-pinks growing on the

+cliffs—"

+

+"You do not go on the cliffs alone?" Miss Leighton interposed.

+

+"Oh, no! But I have been several times with Mr. Tiddy, and I hold fast

+to his hand. There is a sheep-track along the cliffs, you know, and

+it is quite safe if you keep to that. I could find my way alone, I am

+sure, but I never mean to try, because I have promised, I won't."

+

+"That's well. Perhaps you and I might walk there together some day. Do

+you think you could put up with an old woman for a companion?"

+

+"Yes, Miss Leighton," Peggy answered, smiling.

+

+"And you shall show me the sea-pinks, and we will take Wolf to protect

+us both. But do not call me 'Miss Leighton,' child; call me 'Aunt

+Caroline,' for you are my great-niece and—and I should like to be kind

+to you."

+

+

+

+CHAPTER VIII

+

+CONCERNING ELLEN BARNES

+

+MISS LEIGHTON'S maid—Ellen Barnes—was a plain, sad-faced, middle-aged

+woman who had been with her present employer for many years. She had

+known Mrs. Pringle before her marriage, and consequently, it was with

+considerable satisfaction and some astonishment that she saw the

+interest with which her mistress regarded the daughter of the niece,

+the very existence of whom she had ignored so long.

+

+It cannot be said that Miss Leighton was on anything like confidential

+terms with her maid; but she trusted her, and she would have certainly

+been at a loss without the services of the quiet, rather spiritless

+woman who rarely spoke except in answer to a question.

+

+Miss Leighton had now been nearly a fortnight at Higher Brimley, and

+had had several interviews with her little great-niece on the beach,

+and had walked with her along the sheep-track on the cliffs to look at

+the sea-pinks. But she had not yet taken tea with Mrs. Tiddy as had

+been suggested, and when, one sunshiny morning, Peggy arrived with an

+invitation for her to do so that afternoon, she accepted it immediately.

+

+"Of course I will come," she replied, after Peggy—rosy with the

+exercise of walking—had delivered her message. "Please give my kind

+regards to Mrs. Tiddy and say I accept her invitation with pleasure.

+Did you walk here by yourself, child?"

+

+"No," answered Peggy. She had been ushered into Miss Leighton's

+sitting-room by Ellen Barnes, who had been on an errand to the post

+office for her mistress and had overtaken the little girl on her way

+home. "I started to come alone," she said, "but I had not gone far

+before I heard some one calling to me. It was Barnes. So we walked on

+together. What a very nice woman she is, Aunt Caroline! We had such a

+long talk!"

+

+"Humph!" exclaimed Miss Leighton, rather surprised. "And, pray, what

+did you find to talk about?"

+

+"Oh, about things at home, first of all," was the somewhat vague

+response. "My home, of course I mean. I did not know till to-day that

+Barnes knew my mother."

+

+The little girl had taken the chair which had been placed for her close

+to the open window by which Miss Leighton was sitting, and the bright

+spring sunshine fell full upon her face framed in its golden curls.

+Certainly she made a very pretty picture.

+

+"I like Barnes," she proceeded in a tone of decision as her companion

+vouchsafed no response. "How very fortunate you are to have such a nice

+woman for your maid, Aunt Caroline!"

+

+"I believe she is thoroughly trustworthy," Miss Leighton remarked,

+somewhat astonished at this expression of opinion, "and that is a great

+deal to be able to say of any one. Barnes has been with me many years.

+I pay her good wages and she is not overworked. I believe she values

+her situation."

+

+"Oh, yes, I am sure she does!" Peggy agreed earnestly.

+

+"How can you tell, child?" Miss Leighton asked, a slightly amused smile

+curving her lips.

+

+"She told me she did, Aunt Caroline."

+

+"Did she?" There was gratification in the old lady's voice. "But—how

+strange of her to say so to you! She must have been very confidential."

+

+"She was telling me about her brother, and how she values her situation

+with you because you pay her such good wages that she is able to send

+home more than half she earns. Oh, Aunt Caroline, when she told me

+about her brother, I thought how thankful I ought to be that God has

+only made me blind! Suppose I was like poor Barnes's brother: how much

+worse that would be!"

+

+"What about Barnes's brother?" inquired Miss Leighton, in utter

+bewilderment. "I have never heard anything about my maid's relations;

+she has a week's holiday every summer; I suppose she goes to see them

+then. Stay—I think I remember hearing her once mention a mother, who,

+by the way, must be a very old woman, for Barnes herself is quite

+middle-aged."

+

+"Barnes's mother is more than eighty years old, and she lives in a

+little village near Plymouth with her son. Oh, Aunt Caroline, he is

+only two years younger than Barnes, and he has been an idiot all his

+life!"

+

+"Dear me!" exclaimed Miss Leighton, feeling really shocked. "I never

+heard that before. Barnes never told me."

+

+Peggy looked intensely surprised for a minute, then an expression of

+comprehension crossed her face. "I expect she did not like to tell

+you," she said. "Perhaps she thought you would not be interested, you

+know."

+

+"Why should she think that?" Miss Leighton questioned sharply.

+

+The little girl was silent. She had heard Mrs. Tiddy say that Barnes

+looked a broken-spirited woman; and Mrs. Ford, when she had called

+at Lower Brimley a few days previously, had declared her to be a

+perfect slave to her mistress's whims, and wondered why she did not

+seek another situation with some one who, at any rate, would be less

+inconsiderate and exacting. In the conversation the little girl had

+had with Barnes, she had discovered the reason which induced her to

+keep her post. It was because it enabled her to do so much for her poor

+mother and her imbecile brother in their cottage home.

+

+"Why should you think that?" Miss Leighton persisted. "Come, speak out,

+child! Don't be afraid of me!"

+

+"I'm not," Peggy answered truthfully, for she was not in the least in

+awe of the old lady. "I meant that—that perhaps if you have never asked

+Barnes about her relations, she would think you would not care to hear

+about them. But it does seem so very odd that she should have lived

+with you so many years, and you should not know all about her mother

+and brother!"

+

+"The brother is an idiot, you say?"

+

+"Yes; but Barnes and her mother are very fond of him; it would break

+her mother's heart to be parted from him, and Barnes says they shall

+never be separated as long as God gives her health and strength to

+work. They get parish pay, and with what Barnes sends them they manage

+to live pretty comfortably. Oh, Aunt Caroline, mustn't it be dreadful

+to have a brother like that! Oh dear, I do think it is so very sad!"

+And the pitiful tears rose to Peggy's blue eyes and ran down her cheeks.

+

+"You mustn't take other people's troubles to heart like that!" Miss

+Leighton exclaimed hastily.

+

+"I feel so sorry for Barnes," Peggy said, with deepest sorrow in her

+tone, "because I am sure it must make her very unhappy to think of her

+brother and her old mother sometimes. She must wish to see them so

+much, and always be wondering how they are getting on. Mrs. Tiddy says

+Barnes looks a very sad woman. I wish I could do something to make her

+happier."

+

+"I said so to her just now," she continued, with a brightening face,

+"and what do you think she answered? That I had helped her by being

+sorry for her brother; she said she wouldn't have told me anything

+about him if I hadn't been afflicted myself, and it warmed her heart to

+know I cared. I told her I should pray to God every night to make her

+brother right in his mind, and she said she was afraid that would never

+be in this world. Poor fellow! He's like me, Aunt Caroline, in that

+way, isn't he? He will have to bear his cross as long as he lives, and

+his cross is so much heavier than mine."

+

+A silence followed, during which Miss Leighton sat gazing, unseeingly,

+out of the window. There was a mist before her eyes, and a lump in her

+throat which prevented her uttering a word. By-and-by Peggy rose to go.

+

+"Mrs. Tiddy said she hoped you would come early this afternoon," she

+observed. "Please do, for I've so many things to show you."

+

+"I certainly will," Miss Leighton replied. "Shall Barnes take you home?"

+

+"Oh no, thank you, I know the way quite well; I have only to keep to

+the road. Good-bye, Aunt Caroline—till this afternoon."

+

+Miss Leighton stood at the window and watched the little girl out of

+sight, a gentler expression than usual on her face. Then she resumed

+her seat and took up the book she had been reading before the child's

+arrival; but it failed to interest her now, for her mind was full of

+uneasy thoughts. Barnes had lived with her for nearly twenty years,

+she reflected; and yet how little she really knew of the woman! Well,

+it could not be expected that she would interest herself in her maid's

+concerns. And yet, how surprised Peggy had been at discovering her

+ignorance of aged mother and her imbecile son. Peggy had learnt all

+there was to know about them in less than half an hour.

+

+Miss Leighton paid her servants liberal wages—she was never stingy

+where money was concerned—and it had often occurred to her that Barnes

+must be of a miserly disposition, for she dressed very plainly and it

+had been impossible not to notice that she begrudged spending money.

+Now she understood where the woman's wages had gone. Barnes had not

+been making a purse for herself, but spending it upon those dear

+to her, and, all the while, she had been regarding her as a mean,

+poor-spirited creature.

+

+It was difficult to realise that the humble, silent woman who had borne

+with her mistress's haughty temper so patiently, had been leading a

+life of self-sacrifice and self-repression from the noblest of motives;

+but Miss Leighton now realised that such had been the case, for Peggy

+had thrown a new light upon the maid's character.

+

+What had made Barnes tell Peggy about her brother? the old lady

+wondered. Was it because her heart had been hungry for sympathy,

+and she had known instinctively that she would receive it from the

+blind child? Probably so. She had preferred to confide in a stranger,

+rather than in the mistress whom she knew to be accounted a charitable

+woman—one lavish in giving of her wealth.

+

+"I don't think she can really be charitable, if she isn't kind in

+little ways," Peggy had said ingenuously, passing her childish judgment

+on her mother's rich aunt, and the words returned forcibly to Miss

+Leighton's mind now, and cause her a strange pang, whilst she asked

+herself if she had ever been really kind to Ellen Barnes, or for that

+matter, to any member of her household. She was a lonely old woman;

+but, after all, was it not greatly owing to her own fault? She had

+certainly never been "kind in little ways."

+

+

+

+CHAPTER IX

+

+TEA AT LOWER BRIMLEY

+

+IT was not the ordinary "afternoon tea" to which Miss Leighton was

+invited, but a substantial meal laid on the square mahogany table in

+the parlour at Lower Brimley, with a mass of primroses in the centre

+intermingled with sprays of beautiful fern moss, surrounded by plates

+of daintily cut bread-and-butter and various kinds of preserves in

+glass dishes, an old china bowl full of clotted cream, a plum cake, and

+some saffron buns—"knobbies" as they are called in Cornwall.

+

+It was but natural that Mrs. Tiddy should put her best possessions

+before this relation of her little visitor's, so the silver tea-service

+had come out of its flannel wrappings, and Miss Leighton drank her tea

+from a rare old china teacup with a wreath of pink roses inside its

+brim—one of a set which had been treasured in Mr. Tiddy's family for

+three generations and was only used on great occasions—and stirred her

+tea with an apostle spoon, worn thin with age; whilst, much to her

+hostess's gratification, she evidently appreciated the efforts which

+were being made to entertain her.

+

+Seated at Mrs. Tiddy's right hand at the tea-table, the old lady looked

+about her with a sense of unusual contentment. For once in a way, she

+was satisfied with the company in which she found herself. Yes, she

+liked this hearty, out-spoken west-country farmer and his pleasant,

+intelligent wife, for she was under the impression—a true one—that

+they would have welcomed her as cordially if she had been poor instead

+of rich, and she so seldom felt that about people. After tea, Peggy

+took possession of her, and, after visiting the yard and inspecting

+the poultry, she was led into the great farm kitchen, where, in one

+corner of the oak settle close to the fire was a flannel-lined basket

+containing two weakly chicks.

+

+"Mrs. Tiddy thought this morning that they would die," Peggy said as

+she covered the invalids with her warm hands. "But they are getting on

+nicely now, and to-morrow, they'll be strong enough to run with their

+brothers and sisters."

+

+Miss Leighton glanced around the kitchen with admiring, appreciative

+eyes, noticing the shining tins on the mantel-piece, the big copper

+warming-pan and the tall, brass-faced clock against the wall, and the

+linen bags hanging from the beams which spanned the ceiling, containing

+home-cured hams and sides of bacon. And then, after a visit to the

+dairy, she returned with Peggy to the parlour, where the tea-things had

+disappeared from the table, and the easiest chair in the room was drawn

+near the window for the guest.

+

+"What a peaceful scene it is!" Miss Leighton exclaimed, as her eyes

+rested on the village below and the distant sea. "I suppose, Mrs.

+Tiddy, you have become greatly attached to this charming spot?"

+

+"Yes," Mrs. Tiddy answered. "I love Lower Brimley as I imagine only

+a woman who has been homeless and dependent can love her home. There

+was nowhere in the world where I could feel I had a right to be, till

+I married, for I was left an orphan at an early age and brought up by

+relations who regarded me in the light of an incubus. The bread of

+charity is very bitter, Miss Leighton—how bitter, it is impossible for

+those who have never tasted it to guess. I finished my education in a

+school as a pupil teacher, so I can truthfully say, that after I was

+seventeen, I maintained myself. You know I was a governess for several

+years, but I prefer being a farmer's wife," she concluded with a happy

+laugh.

+

+"Your lines have fallen in pleasant places," Miss Leighton remarked,

+with a smile which was very gracious.

+

+And Mrs. Tiddy agreed.

+

+Then Peggy was asked to give them some music, and she went to the piano

+willingly. Miss Leighton was astonished to hear the child could play so

+well, and expressed herself delighted, remarking that she had evidently

+been most carefully taught.

+

+"Soon I am going to learn the organ," Peggy informed the old lady,

+twisting round on the piano-stool, "and then, perhaps, when I am quite

+grown up I shall be able to earn my own living. How splendid that will

+be! I think I would rather be a musician than anything else, because

+it makes people happy to hear music. Oh! here's Mr. Tiddy!" she cried,

+catching the sound of footsteps in the hall; and a minute later the

+farmer entered the room.

+

+"You've been having some music?" he said, glancing at Peggy on the

+piano-stool. "Well, now, won't you sing something, my dear? She has a

+voice as sweet as a lark's," he continued, turning to the visitor. "I

+am sure you would like to hear her sing, wouldn't you?"

+

+"Indeed I should," Miss Leighton replied.

+

+"I don't know any songs," Peggy said doubtfully; "only a few hymns, and

+little scraps from anthems which I've heard at church."

+

+"Sing that hymn about 'Light at evening time,' my dear," requested Mr.

+Tiddy. "I dearly like to hear you sing that."

+

+Peggy complied immediately, and when her sweet voice ceased there was

+dead silence for a minute or so. Surprised, the little girl turned her

+sightless eyes in the direction of Miss Leighton, wondering why she did

+not at least say, "Thank you."

+

+"Don't you like it?" she asked. "It's my favourite hymn, and when I was

+a very little girl mother taught me to say the first verse as a prayer.

+I say it every night now, and I expect I always shall. I suppose I like

+it so much because I'm blind. I don't know what light is, but I know

+it's very beautiful and wonderful, because Jesus is called 'The Light

+of the World,' and people seem to think it's so dreadful to be without

+it."

+

+"The light our Saviour brought into the world is given to the blind as

+freely as to others," Mrs. Tiddy reminded her gently. "Its home is in

+the heart, making peace and happiness and joy." She glanced at Miss

+Leighton as she spoke and was surprised at the expression of her face.

+The old lady was regarding the child with yearning eyes, and her whole

+countenance—generally so repellent in its pride—was softened by an

+emotion which rendered her incapable of speech.

+

+At that moment Peggy started to her feet, declaring she heard Wolf

+outside the window—he was in search of her—and hastened out of the

+room. A few minutes later, she and her faithful canine friend ran down

+the garden path side by side, the dog barking joyously at having lured

+her from the house.

+

+"How full of life and high spirits she is!" remarked Mr. Tiddy, as he

+moved to the window to watch the pair. "She is looking capital, isn't

+she? I declare her cheeks have become quite round and rosy, and she was

+such a pale little soul not much more than a month ago."

+

+"It is terrible that she should be blind!" Miss Leighton exclaimed, a

+sort of restrained vehemence in her tone as she found her voice once

+more. "Can nothing really be done for her? Has she had good advice?"

+

+"The best in London, I believe," Mrs. Tiddy answered with a sigh.

+

+"Then money would be no good—" The old lady paused as both her

+companions shook their heads. "Because if it was a question of money

+I would gladly pay any amount for the child's sake," she proceeded

+eagerly. "I—I have taken a great fancy to her. I do not know when I was

+so much attracted by a child before. I would give a great deal if she

+could be made to see."

+

+"Hers is not a case money can touch," Mr. Tiddy responded gravely, "I

+have been assured of that by her parents. As long as her life lasts,

+the little maid will be blind, and she knows it, but she's contented to

+wait. Her eyes will see the King in His beauty by-and-by, and meanwhile

+His love is lightening her darkness and cheering her way. Did you like

+that hymn she sang?"

+

+"Yes," Miss Leighton assented, "but it made me sad. To me, blindness

+seems the heaviest affliction that can fall upon any one."

+

+She glanced out of the window, her expression one of mingled affection

+and pity as her gaze fell upon the little girl who was now leaning over

+the garden gate in the attitude of listening.

+

+"Ah, here comes Barnes to escort me home!" she exclaimed. "I have to

+thank you for a very pleasant time," she continued earnestly, looking

+from one of her companions to the other. "I am afraid I shall have no

+opportunity of returning your hospitality now, for I am leaving Higher

+Brimley at the end of the week; but surely, Mr. Tiddy, you sometimes

+bring your wife to town?"

+

+"She has not been back to London since I married her," Mr. Tiddy

+replied smilingly, "and she says she has no desire to go. But I mean

+for us both to take a holiday in the autumn—after the corn harvest—and

+then—"

+

+"And then you will come to London," Miss Leighton interposed quickly,

+"and do come and stay with me. Don't say 'No,' but think it over. It

+would give me so much pleasure to have you for my guests, and you

+should do as you pleased in every way. At any rate, promise you will

+not visit London without seeing me."

+

+"I readily promise that," Mrs. Tiddy answered, secretly much surprised

+at the invitation she and her husband had received. "You are very

+kind—so many thanks. Won't you stay a little longer? Barnes can wait

+for you."

+

+"I think I must go, for I would rather return before dark, and the

+evening is drawing in. There is a mist rising from the sea; I dare say

+it is 'only for heat and pilchards' as you Cornish folk say, but I am

+liable to bronchitis and I fear to be out in a fog."

+

+Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy escorted their visitor to the garden gate, where

+Barnes was waiting for her, in conversation with Peggy; and five

+minutes later, mistress and maid were climbing the hill towards Higher

+Brimley.

+

+"I shall leave here at the end of the week," Miss Leighton abruptly

+remarked as they neared their destination.

+

+"Yes, ma'am," replied Barnes, in her usual quiet tone.

+

+"It is my intention to return to town, but I think I shall break our

+journey at Plymouth," Miss Leighton announced. "I may probably stay

+there for a day or so."

+

+"Yes, ma'am," Barnes replied again. Not a muscle of her face moved, nor

+was there any sign to show the delight she experienced as her mistress

+made known her plans, though her heart was palpitating with joy at the

+thought that she might soon have an opportunity of seeing her mother

+and brother.

+

+Miss Leighton was disappointed. She had planned to stop at Plymouth

+solely on her maid's account; but of course, she reflected, Barnes

+could not know that.

+

+"By the way, you have relatives living near Plymouth, have you not?"

+she asked, after a brief hesitation.

+

+"Yes, ma'am—my mother and my brother." Barnes regarded her mistress

+dubiously, then added: "I shall be glad to see them, if you will allow

+me a day to myself, for my mother is very old, and my brother is sorely

+afflicted—he has no mind, or none to speak of. It will be a great

+pleasure to me to go and see them."

+

+"How is it you never mentioned them to me before?" Miss Leighton

+demanded sharply. "You are deeply attached to them, are you not?"

+

+"Yes," Barnes admitted, "I am." But she did not explain why their names

+had never passed her lips, and her mistress did not ask her again.

+

+

+

+CHAPTER X

+

+GOOD-BYES

+

+"HAVE you nearly finished, Barnes?"

+

+The speaker—Miss Leighton—put the question in a querulous tone. She

+had that moment entered her bedroom at Higher Brimley, where her maid

+was engaged in packing her belongings; and, taking off her bonnet and

+cloak, she flung them upon the bed with an irritability of manner which

+showed she had been put out.

+

+"Yes, ma'am," Barnes answered, as she proceeded to lock the last trunk

+and securely fasten its leather straps.

+

+"I have been to Lower Brimley," Miss Leighton announced. "I thought I

+would call and say good-bye to the Tiddys this evening, but they have

+gone to Penzance for the day and taken the child with them."

+

+There was a distinct note of disappointment in her voice, and her face

+wore an expression of mingled annoyance and regret.

+

+"They might have thought that I should call to-day!" she exclaimed,

+vexedly.

+

+"Do they know you are leaving to-morrow, ma'am?" Barnes questioned,

+respectfully.

+

+"I told Mrs. Tiddy I intended leaving at the end of this week: probably

+she imagines that would be on Saturday—not Friday. I should like to

+have said good-bye to little Peggy. Barnes, what I would give if the

+child's parents would consent to my adopting her!"

+

+"Ma'am!" cried Barnes in great astonishment, rising to her feet—she

+had been kneeling to secure the straps of the trunk—and staring at her

+mistress as though she doubted if she had heard aright. "Her mother

+would never permit it!" she declared decisively.

+

+"How do you know?" queried Miss Leighton, with a frown and a cold

+glance of displeasure.

+

+"Of course I don't know, ma'am," Barnes answered quietly, "and

+perhaps I have no right to pass my opinion; but, from what I've heard

+Miss Peggy say herself, I judge that it's very unlikely her mother

+and father would part with her, especially as she's blind. Parents

+generally love an afflicted child so much more dearly than those who

+are better fitted to face the world!" And Barnes's face softened into

+tenderness as she spoke.

+

+"But they will have to provide for her future, and my niece's husband

+is a poor man. If anything happened to him—if he died, his widow

+and children would be penniless, and what would become of Peggy

+then—helpless and blind? Surely if her parents are so deeply attached

+to her, they will consider her interests! I will have nothing to do

+with Margaret herself, but she shall not be a loser if she will allow

+me to adopt Peggy. What do you think of my plan, Barnes?"

+

+"I don't like it," Barnes responded in a low tone. "No, I don't like

+it," she repeated, gaining courage to speak her mind; "the little girl

+has a happy home, though I suppose it's a poor one, and she's been

+accustomed to a great deal of love—"

+

+"And if I did not love her, should I desire to adopt her?" Miss

+Leighton broke in with unusual impetuosity.

+

+"Your love is not like that which she's had all her life," Barnes said,

+refraining from meeting her mistress's glance. "How can it be, ma'am?

+You've taken a fancy to the child and you want her for your own sake,

+because she's sweet and loveable; but her mother and father will think

+of what's best for her—"

+

+The maid's sentence was never finished—and perhaps it was as well, as

+Miss Leighton's countenance had darkened with anger—for at that moment

+Mrs. Ford knocked at the door with the information that there were

+visitors downstairs. And on descending to her sitting-room, the old

+lady found Mrs. Tiddy and Peggy awaiting her.

+

+"We are so sorry we were not at home when you called, Miss Leighton,"

+said Mrs. Tiddy, "especially as you are leaving to-morrow—I thought you

+would not go till Saturday. We have just returned from Penzance, where

+we have spent the day."

+

+"I hope you have had a pleasant time," Miss Leighton remarked genially.

+"But are you not very tired?"

+

+"I think Peggy is," Mrs. Tiddy replied, "but when we heard you had been

+to Lower Brimley in our absence to say good-bye to us, she felt with me

+that we could not let you go without a word of farewell, so we decided

+to come straight on here. We must only stay a few minutes, though, as

+my husband is waiting in the dog-cart outside."

+

+"We have had such a lovely day," Peggy informed Miss Leighton. "We had

+dinner at an hotel, and we rode to Land's End in a Jersey car; Mr.

+Tiddy said I must not go home without having been to Land's End."

+

+"And when do you go home?" Miss Leighton inquired.

+

+"At the end of the month," Peggy answered, "when father is coming to

+fetch me. It has all been arranged. Father is going to take a few days'

+holiday; and I shall be able to show him the sea, and the village, and

+the church on the cliff, and all the poultry and the animals on the

+farm! Oh! I am so much looking forward to that! But I shall be very

+sorry when the time comes to leave Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy and dear old

+Wolf! I shall never forget my visit to Cornwall as long as I live! I

+shall not forget you, either," she went on, taking the old lady's hand

+between her own and pressing it. "I don't suppose we shall ever meet

+again, but I shall remember you—always. I wish you were not unfriendly

+with mother! I am sure she would like to be friendly with you. Don't

+you think, Aunt Caroline, you might forgive her now?"

+

+"Did any one tell you to say this to me?" questioned Miss Leighton

+suspiciously, glancing from the child to Mrs. Tiddy, who looked

+somewhat alarmed.

+

+"Oh, no, no! But it seems so dreadful and—and sad that you and mother

+should not be friends, for I know you used to be kind to her long ago;

+and you have been very kind to me—so different from what I thought you

+were like!"

+

+"It's my great desire to be always kind to you, Peggy," Miss Leighton

+said gravely and impressively. "I wish you to bear that in mind. But

+you must not meddle between your mother and me. Little girls should not

+interfere in matters they do not understand."

+

+Peggy blushed rosy red and her blue eyes filled with tears, but she

+managed to keep them back. She felt snubbed and uncomfortable, and was

+very relieved when Mrs. Tiddy declared they must go. Miss Leighton rose

+to escort her visitors to the garden gate, and, as they were leaving

+the room, Barnes came downstairs. Peggy recognised the maid's step

+immediately, and meet her with extended hands.

+

+"Good-bye, Barnes," she said, adding in a whisper, "I sha'n't forget

+all you told me about your poor brother, and I shall remember always to

+pray for him as I said I would. If you ever see me in London, you'll be

+sure to speak to me, will you not?"

+

+"Yes, miss," Barnes responded. She glanced hastily around and saw that

+her mistress had followed Mrs. Tiddy out of the front door, then she

+put her arms around Peggy and kissed her. "Good-bye, you dear little

+soul," she said affectionately. "You're going home soon, are you not,

+my dear?"

+

+"Yes," Peggy assented happily.

+

+"Ah, you'll be glad to be with your mother and father and brother

+again, won't you?"

+

+"Indeed I shall," agreed Peggy.

+

+"There's no place like home and the love we get there—remember that,

+Miss Peggy. It's better to be rich in love than in money, any day!"

+

+"Of course it is," smiled the little girl. "And I shall be very glad to

+be at home again, though Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy have been as kind as kind

+could be!"

+

+"They're good, kind people, miss; any one can see that, and you've been

+happy with them, I know; but—there, I mustn't keep you any longer!" And

+Barnes kissed Peggy once more and hurried away.

+

+After that, Peggy hastened to join the others at the garden gate. Mrs.

+Tiddy had already taken her place on the front seat of the dog-cart,

+and Mr. Tiddy was shaking hands with Miss Leighton and telling her, in

+his hearty, hospitable way, that she must never pay that district a

+visit without coming to Lower Brimley. She assured him that she never

+would.

+

+"Now then, Peggy. Ready?" he inquired briskly.

+

+The little girl assented, approaching Miss Leighton and holding out her

+hand. She raised her face to the old lady's and received a lingering

+kiss, which she returned rather shyly. Then, Mr. Tiddy lifted her in

+his arms and placed her on the back seat of the dog-cart, bidding her

+keep a firm hold of the rail of the vehicle and not fall out.

+

+"Good-bye, Aunt Caroline!" cried Peggy brightly, waving her hand, as

+they started off for home.

+

+But Miss Leighton made no response. There was a choking sensation in

+her throat, and she dared not attempt to speak for fear her voice

+should betray her emotion. She had a feeling, at that moment, that

+Peggy was going from her for ever, and that made her very sad.

+

+The spring evening was closing in fast now; and, as the dog-cart

+disappeared from sight, Miss Leighton turned and slowly retraced her

+footsteps towards the house, encountering Barnes as she entered the

+front door. The maid looked at her mistress a trifle curiously, and

+received a somewhat defiant glance in return.

+

+"Tell Mrs. Ford I shall require my supper immediately, as I shall have

+to be up early in the morning, and therefore shall go to bed in good

+time to-night, Barnes," Miss Leighton said, in her usual cold tone.

+

+"Yes, ma'am," Barnes replied. "I am glad, ma'am, that Mrs. Tiddy

+brought little Miss Peggy to say good-bye to you," she ventured to add.

+

+"I have said good-bye to the child for the present," Miss Leighton

+responded deliberately; "but she too will soon be returning to town,

+and I have planned that we shall meet again."

+

+

+

+CHAPTER XI

+

+HOME AGAIN

+

+"I SHOULD think they will be here very soon now!"

+

+The speaker was Mrs. Pringle, who stood at the sitting-room window of

+her home, looking out into the narrow street, one cold, wet, spring

+evening. Her arm was around Billy's shoulders; and the little boy's

+face, which wore an expression of eager watchfulness, was pressed close

+to the window-pane.

+

+"Yes," Billy answered, "I hope so. It always seems so long when one is

+waiting, doesn't it, mother? How it is raining!"

+

+"I wish it had been a finer evening for Peggy's return," Mrs. Pringle

+remarked. "We must keep the fire up."

+

+She moved back from the window and put mare coals into the grate.

+

+"We will give our little Sunbeam a warm welcome, at any rate," she

+added with a smile.

+

+All day, she had gone about her household duties with the happiest

+of hearts, and every now and again she had run upstairs to make sure

+that Peggy's bedroom was quite in order. For her husband, who had gone

+to Cornwall a few days previously, was expected to bring his little

+daughter home that night. Needless to say, Billy was no less delighted

+than his mother at the prospect of so soon seeing Peggy again; whilst

+Sarah, in the kitchen, had opened the door, that she might hear the

+expected cab pull up before the house, and kept the kettle on the boil

+in readiness to make tea the minute the travellers should arrive.

+

+"Here they are!" cried Billy excitedly, at last, and, followed by his

+mother, he rushed into the passage, almost colliding with Sarah, who

+was hurrying from the kitchen, and flung wide the front door, admitting

+as he did so a blast of cold wind.

+

+"Don't go out into the rain, Billy," advised Mrs. Pringle, her face

+aglow with expectancy. "See, your father is lifting Peggy out of the

+cab; he will bring her straight in."

+

+The next minute, Peggy was in her mother's arms, rapturously returning

+her mother's welcoming kiss; then came Billy's turn to be embraced,

+and after that, Sarah's. The little girl's countenance was one beam of

+happiness, and her cheeks were so rosy that her brother gazed at her in

+surprise.

+

+"Why, Peggy, how you've altered!" he cried. "And I do believe you've

+grown!"

+

+"I'm sure she has," Mrs. Pringle agreed. "She is looking remarkably

+well. She left home as white as a lily, and she has returned like a

+red, red rose."

+

+"Are you glad I've come home?" Peggy asked, not because she was in the

+least doubtful on the point, but because it was so sweet to know she

+had been missed and how welcome was her presence at home once more.

+

+"Glad?" exclaimed Billy, "I should think we are! We've all of us missed

+you most dreadfully, Peggy. Even Mr. Maloney noticed that the house

+seemed quite different without you!"

+

+"Yes; but now our little Sunbeam has returned to us," Mrs. Pringle said

+lovingly, "and it is such happiness to have her given back to us well

+and strong!"

+

+"And has no one a welcome for me?" asked Mr. Pringle at that point.

+He had seen about the luggage and dismissed the cabman, and now stood

+regarding the excited group with a glance half humorous, half tender.

+"Have you forgotten that you have not seen me for three whole days?

+Never mind," he continued, after he had kissed his wife and his little

+son, "I am content to take the second place to-night. But Peggy and I

+are both tired and hungry; so, suppose we have our tea at once—as soon

+as Peggy has removed her wraps."

+

+A very pleasant meal followed; and afterwards the family drew round the

+fireplace, in a circle, to talk.

+

+"I've so much to tell you, that I don't know where to begin," Peggy

+remarked. "Oh, I do think the very nicest part of going away on a visit

+is the coming home again!"

+

+There was a general laugh at that, and Mr. Pringle said:

+

+"That's good hearing, my dear. We left Cornwall bathed in glorious

+sunshine this morning," he continued, addressing his wife. "Your

+schoolfellow's home is in a most beautiful spot. I cannot express how

+greatly I have enjoyed my three days' holiday at Lower Brimley. Both

+Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy have been kindness itself, and never shall we be

+able to repay them for all they have done for Peggy!"

+

+"I was—oh, so sorry to say good-bye to them," the little girl said

+soberly, "and there was Wolf—poor Wolf! He had to be shut up in the

+stable for fear he would follow us to the station and want to go by

+train. He is such a dear, dear dog! You will love him, Billy, when you

+see him!"

+

+"Do you think I shall ever see him, Peggy?" Billy asked, anxiously. "Do

+you really think Mr. Tiddy will remember to invite me to Lower Brimley

+in the summer holidays?"

+

+"I am sure he will," the little girl replied positively. "I heard him

+mention it several times; he won't forget, he always keeps his word."

+

+"And what about Aunt Caroline?" Mrs. Pringle at length asked. "I was

+never more surprised in my life than when I heard you and she had met!"

+

+"Was it not strange?" Peggy said seriously. "You know she came from

+Penzance on purpose to see Mr. Tiddy's daffodils, and she was so

+pleased with them."

+

+"Did she find out who you were, then?"

+

+"Oh, no—not until long after that—when she was lodging at Higher

+Brimley. I met her on the beach and she spoke to me, and—and I talked

+rather much, for I told her my name—she asked me, I think—and all about

+my accident. Even then she didn't say who she was. But afterwards she

+came to Lower Brimley and asked permission to go around the garden—Mr.

+Tiddy had told her she might—and Mrs. Tiddy and I went with her, and

+just before she left she said I was distantly related to her and

+explained who she was. After that, she was very nice and kind to

+me—very kind indeed!"

+

+"But you don't like her, Peggy, do you?" cried Billy. "I thought her

+such a proud, cross old woman!"

+

+"She speaks in rather a proud way sometimes," Peggy allowed

+reluctantly, "but she isn't cross when you know her—at least, she

+wasn't to me. She said she wouldn't have driven away so quickly after I

+had been knocked down by her horse, if she had known I was blind. Yes,

+I rather like her, but I don't suppose I shall ever meet her again,

+though I should like to. And then there's Barnes—"

+

+"Barnes? Is she still with Aunt Caroline?" broke in Mrs. Pringle,

+eagerly.

+

+"Yes," nodded Peggy, "and she asked me such a lot of questions about

+you, mother. I like Barnes. She told me about her poor afflicted

+brother, and—wasn't it strange?—Aunt Caroline had never heard of him

+till I happened to speak of him to her."

+

+"I dare say not, my dear," Mrs. Pringle answered, evincing no surprise.

+"I remember about poor Barnes's brother," she proceeded. "He is not

+right in his mind, and Barnes helps support him and her mother too. The

+mother must be a very aged woman now."

+

+"Yes," the little girl answered. "Poor Barnes! Aunt Caroline used to

+speak so sharply to her sometimes—I heard her—but that is her way, I

+suppose."

+

+"It used to be," Mrs. Pringle admitted with a sigh, "and, from what you

+tell me, I imagine she has not altered much these last ten years."

+

+"I don't think she's a bit happy," Peggy said, shaking her golden head.

+"That seems very sad, doesn't it? Barnes told the servants at Lower

+Brimley that Aunt Caroline has no friends, because she always thinks

+people who are nice to her want her money."

+

+"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Pringle understandingly, with a quick glance at

+her husband. "Poor Aunt Caroline!"

+

+She sat in silence after that, listening whilst Peggy expatiated at

+great length upon all the delights of life at a farm. Billy drank in

+every word with keen interest, reflecting that some day, not so very

+distant, he would most likely enjoy his share of the pleasures which

+his sister explained so marvellously—considering she had been unable to

+see.

+

+"I know everything was very beautiful," she said, in conclusion, "for

+there seemed to be flowers everywhere, and the scent of the gorse on

+the cliffs was wonderful—I never smelt anything so sweet or strong

+before! And the air was so warm, and the sun shone nearly every day,

+and—"

+

+"And now you have come back to rain and cold," interposed Mrs. Pringle;

+"you will feel it a hardship, I fear, after the mild climate you've

+enjoyed of late and after having spent so much time out-of-doors, to be

+cooped up in a small house again."

+

+"I don't mind the rain and the cold in the very least," Peggy declared,

+"and I love our little house. Oh, I'm so glad to be at home! Yes,

+indeed I am! I've enjoyed my visit to Cornwall; but I think I've missed

+you all as much or more than you have missed me. I'm glad I went, but

+I'm gladder still to be back again—to be able to hear your voices and

+put out my hands and feel you are here! You would understand what that

+means, if you were blind. Oh, I think I was never so happy in my life

+before as I am to-night."

+

+"Thank God for that, my darling," Mrs. Pringle responded in a tremulous

+voice. "Oh, we have much to thank Him for!" she added softly, as

+she remembered the pale, delicate little girl she had seen off at

+Paddington railway station with a very heavy heart six weeks previously

+and mentally compared her with the one—a picture of health and

+contentment—who now nestled close to her side. She had prayed—oh, so

+earnestly!—that Peggy might be restored to her well and strong, and her

+Father in Heaven had answered her prayer.

+

+

+

+CHAPTER XII

+

+AUNT CAROLINE'S DISAPPOINTMENT

+

+THE first few days after Peggy's return home were very wet and cold,

+although it was late spring. But one morning, she arose conscious of a

+change in the atmosphere and that the sun was shining into her bedroom

+window, whilst the sparrows were twittering noisily outside as though

+they had matters of great importance to discuss with each other.

+

+"I think we are going to have a taste of spring weather at last,"

+observed Mr. Pringle at the breakfast table that morning. "There's the

+promise of a beautiful May day, and I hope," he continued, addressing

+his wife, "that you will manage to get out for a while in the

+sunshine—you and Peggy."

+

+"I want to do so," Mrs. Pringle replied. "I have some shopping to do

+first of all, and afterwards we may, perhaps, extend our walk."

+

+Accordingly Peggy and her mother spent most of the morning

+out-of-doors. They were both in excellent spirits, and though, of

+course, they had to take their walk in the streets, they thoroughly

+enjoyed it. Mrs. Pringle looked into the shops and told her little

+daughter what the windows contained; and they bought a bunch of

+wallflowers from a costermonger's barrow, for a penny, which smelt

+almost as sweet as those at Lower Brimley, Peggy declared, and she

+wondered if they had come from Cornwall—that corner of the world which,

+to the blind child, would always be remembered as a paradise of flowers.

+

+Then, on their way home, they encountered Mr. Maloney, whom Peggy had

+not met since her return. He turned and walked with them as far as

+their own door, listening with a rather preoccupied air, Mrs. Pringle

+thought, to the little girl's chatter, and watching her animated

+countenance with an expression of grave scrutiny in his kindly eyes.

+

+"I want a private conversation with you and your husband, Mrs.

+Pringle," he remarked. "If I call this evening, shall I find you both

+disengaged?"

+

+"Yes," she assented, adding anxiously, "there is nothing wrong, is

+there? You have no bad news to tell us?"

+

+"Oh, no!" he responded, with a reassuring smile. "Please do not imagine

+that for a moment. I will call this evening, then, about seven."

+

+Peggy wondered what Mr. Maloney could have to say to her parents in

+private. And Mr. Pringle expressed astonishment when his wife informed

+him at dinner-time of the reason the Vicar had assigned for his

+proposed call. Whilst Billy, though he made no remark, was filled with

+intense curiosity, and by the evening had become quite excited, and

+found great difficulty in concentrating his mind to prepare his lessons

+for the following day.

+

+Mr. Pringle had given orders that the Vicar was to be shown into the

+music-room, as the small apartment was called which was apportioned

+to the use of the master of the house. And as soon as Mrs. Pringle,

+who had been sewing in the sitting-room, heard Sarah admit Mr. Maloney

+punctually at the hour he had appointed, she laid aside her work, and

+the next moment, the children were alone.

+

+Billy continued to pore over his lesson books, whilst Peggy sat

+opposite to him at the table, her busy fingers engaged in knitting a

+sock, one of a pair she was making for her father. Sarah had taught the

+little girl the accomplishment of knitting during the long evenings

+of the previous winter, and the pupil did her teacher great credit.

+There had been silence in the room, except for the click of Peggy's

+knitting-needles, for some minutes, when the little girl suddenly

+dropped her work, and springing to her feet, stood listening intently.

+

+"What is it?" asked Billy, glancing at her quickly, and noting that she

+had grown very pale. "What do you hear?"

+

+"Nothing, now," she answered tremulously. "But I thought—I thought—I

+suppose it was my fancy!"

+

+"What did you think you heard?" he questioned curiously. "Why, you have

+turned quite white! What startled you, Peggy?"

+

+"I thought I heard mother crying, but I suppose I was wrong. I don't

+hear anything now."

+

+Billy went to the door, opened it, and listened; but nothing could be

+heard except a murmur of voices from the music-room. He shut the door

+and returned to the table.

+

+"Why should mother cry?" he demanded, uneasily.

+

+"Didn't you tell me Mr. Maloney said nothing was wrong?"

+

+"Yes," Peggy responded, "and he wouldn't have deceived us, I know."

+

+"Then mother wouldn't cry for nothing!"

+

+"I expect it was my mistake, Billy."

+

+More than half an hour passed—an hour—and at last the children heard

+the music-room door open and footsteps in the passage. Then the front

+door opened and shut, and a moment afterwards, Mr. and Mrs. Pringle

+entered the sitting-room without their visitor.

+

+One glance at his mother told Billy that his sister's sharp ears

+had not deceived her, for there were traces of recent tears on Mrs.

+Pringle's face. She crossed the room and took a chair by her little

+daughter's side, and her voice bespoke strong emotion as she said:

+

+"Peggy, dear, we have decided to tell you what brought Mr. Maloney here

+to-night. Yesterday, he had a visit from Aunt Caroline, who wishes

+to—to—"

+

+"Oh, I know!" cried Peggy joyfully, as her mother hesitated. "She

+wishes to be friendly with you, mother! Isn't it that?"

+

+"No, dear," Mrs. Pringle replied sadly. "She has no desire to have

+anything to do with any of us but you. She would like to adopt you,

+Peggy—to have you to live with her—"

+

+"Oh mother!" broke in the little girl. "No! No!"

+

+"That is what she wishes. She offers to bring you up and provide for

+you, and to make you a rich woman some day. But your father and I have

+declined her offer, Peggy darling. We will keep our little daughter and

+trust to Providence to take care of her future."

+

+"You have been crying," said Peggy distressfully, "and I can hear the

+tears in your voice now. Oh, don't cry, mother! What can Aunt Caroline

+be thinking of, to imagine you and father would let her adopt me! As

+though I could leave you all to go and live with her!"

+

+"I knew she was a nasty old woman!" cried Billy, in tones of the

+greatest indignation. "And now I know she is cruel too! It is cruel of

+her to wish to take Peggy away from us! And the idea of her going to

+Mr. Maloney and—"

+

+"Hush, Billy!" admonished Mr. Pringle. "She went to Mr. Maloney because

+she knew he was our friend," he proceeded. "You must not misjudge her;

+certainly she did not mean to be cruel. I have no doubt she imagines

+she is acting kindly; but she does not understand us or realise that

+Peggy would not be happy separated from the members of her own family.

+We have talked over Miss Leighton's offer with Mr. Maloney, and we have

+declined it. I think we are right, and Mr. Maloney thinks so too; but

+he could not well refuse to put Miss Leighton's offer before us, as

+she had made a point of his doing so. To-morrow he will give her our

+reply, and I fear she will be very angry as well as disappointed; but

+we cannot part with our little Sunbeam," he concluded tenderly.

+

+"Did she want me to live with her altogether?" Peggy asked wonderingly,

+taking her mother's hand and holding it in a firm clasp.

+

+"Yes, dear. She said you might come home sometimes—that she would not

+object to your coming to see us now and again, but—oh, Peggy, Peggy!"

+And poor Mrs. Pringle caught the little girl in her arms and kissed her

+passionately. "I hope we haven't been selfish," she continued, "but God

+gave you to us, and I cannot think it would be right to give you up

+for the sake of worldly advantages. No, I cannot think that! You have

+always had a happy home, have you not, Peggy?"

+

+"Oh, so happy!" the little girl answered earnestly. "Why do you cry,

+mother—when I am not going to leave you?"

+

+"I am very foolish, I dare say," said Mrs. Pringle. "But it hurts me to

+think Aunt Caroline could imagine I would give up my own child."

+

+"Poor woman, she over-estimates the worth of her money," Mr. Pringle

+remarked, with a pitying note in his voice. "She does not understand

+that there are things even in this world not to be purchased with gold."

+

+"Why should she want to adopt me?" questioned Peggy wonderingly,

+turning her flushed face towards her father. "It is not even as though

+I wasn't blind! Why doesn't she adopt some little girl who has no

+mother or father or brother to love her? Why should she want me?"

+

+"Because, somehow, you have touched a soft spot in her heart, little

+Sunbeam," Mr. Pringle answered. "I can think of no other reason. Poor

+Miss Leighton! I am afraid she will be very disappointed when she hears

+we cannot favour her plan."

+

+"Poor Aunt Caroline!" sighed Peggy. "Why can't she be friendly with us

+all, and come and see us and be nice like she was when she came to tea

+at Lower Brimley?" And she shook her head sorrowfully as she thought of

+the old lady, so rich in money, so poor in other ways.

+

+Billy, looking at his sister, wondered at the regretful expression of

+her face. He could not tell, and he certainly would have been amazed,

+had he known that her tender heart was ready to pour a portion of the

+wealth of its affection upon her whom he regarded, not unnaturally,

+as one of the proudest and most disagreeable of people, and he felt

+triumphant as he reflected that Miss Leighton would be disappointed at

+finding herself balked in her selfish plan.

+

+When, on the following day, Miss Leighton heard from Mr. Maloney that

+Mr. and Mrs. Pringle had considered her offer and courteously declined

+it, she made no comment on their decision whatever. But she was even

+more disappointed than Billy had anticipated she would be, and there

+was more of sorrow than of anger in her heart. Briefly she informed

+Barnes that Peggy's parents had refused to allow her to adopt the child.

+

+"You were right, Barnes," she admitted with a sigh. "You thought my

+niece would refuse my offer, did you not?"

+

+"Yes, ma'am," Barnes answered briefly. She said no more, for in her

+heart she was confident that Peggy would be better and happier at home.

+

+

+

+CHAPTER XIII

+

+PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

+

+FOR many months, the Pringle family heard no more of Miss Leighton.

+Spring gave place to summer; and in the early autumn Billy paid his

+visit to Cornwall, returning, after a never-to-be forgotten six weeks'

+holiday, with Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy, who spent a short while in London,

+during which time they went to see Miss Leighton, mindful of the

+promise which they had made to her.

+

+But, although the old lady received her Cornish acquaintances with

+every sign of cordiality and pleasure, she never once mentioned Peggy,

+and when Mrs. Tiddy spoke of her, she quickly changed the conversation,

+so that her visitors came to the conclusion that her liking for the

+little blind girl had been merely a passing fancy, and that she had

+lost the interest she had certainly once entertained for the child.

+Such, however, was not the case.

+

+It was the end of September when the Tiddys returned to their Cornish

+home; and shortly afterwards Miss Leighton had a long and serious

+illness, the result of a neglected cold. When she had recovered and

+was able to dispense with the services of the trained nurse, who, with

+Barnes, had nursed her back to health, it was December, and every one

+was preparing for Christmas.

+

+The season of peace and goodwill never brought much happiness to Miss

+Leighton nowadays; but it made many calls upon her purse. And when

+she had written several cheques to be sent to the various charities

+to which she was a regular contributor, she generally considered she

+had done all that could be reasonably expected of her for her fellow

+creatures.

+

+But this year, as she sat by the fire in the drawing-room of her London

+house, one afternoon about a week before Christmas, a sense of unusual

+dissatisfaction with herself began to creep over her. Memory was busy

+with her; and, gazing into the fire, she pictured a little figure clad

+in a shabby blue serge coat and skirt and a Tam o' Shanter cap, and saw

+once more a fair face with a halo of golden curls around it—a happy

+face, beautiful with that inward peace and light which only God can

+give. Then, in her imagination, she heard a clear, child's voice say:

+

+"But I don't think she can be really charitable, if she isn't kind in

+little ways and if she's unforgiving!"

+

+Miss Leighton winced as she recalled the words and the decided tone

+in which they had been uttered. How the child's judgment of her had

+rankled in her heart! It had hurt her at the time it had been given,

+though she had never resented it: it hurt her a great deal more now.

+

+"I would have been kind to Peggy, if her parents would have let me,"

+she thought. "There is nothing I would have denied her. I should like

+to do something to please her—to add to her happiness this Christmas.

+How I should like to see her again! She was such a bright, contented

+little girl! When I was ill, she was continually in my thoughts, and

+one night, I fancied I heard her singing that hymn about light at

+evening time—she has a very sweet voice. I wonder if Margaret would let

+the child come and see me? I hardly like to ask her a favour, but I

+long to see Peggy once more. Ah, here's Barnes!"

+

+The maid had been to match some silks for a piece of fancy-work her

+mistress was making; but Miss Leighton was not in the mood to look at

+her purchases now.

+

+"Sit down, Barnes," she said. "I want to speak to you."

+

+"Yes, ma'am," Barnes replied, taking a chair and glancing at her

+mistress inquiringly. There was a better understanding between these

+two than there had been formerly, for each had discovered of late, that

+the other had a heart; and Barnes had nursed Miss Leighton devotedly

+during her long illness, a fact Miss Leighton was not likely to forget.

+

+"I suppose the shops are very gay?" Miss Leighton questioned.

+

+"Yes, ma'am, they are full of Christmas presents."

+

+"And doubtless you've made some purchases to send to your mother and

+brother?"

+

+Barnes assented, a pleased flush rising to her pale cheeks at the

+unusual kindness of her mistress's tone. She was emboldened to give

+Miss Leighton a list of the articles she had bought to send home to her

+people.

+

+"I pack up a hamper for them every Christmas," she explained in

+conclusion, "and my poor brother is always so excited to see it

+unpacked."

+

+"But would it not be much less trouble to you to send your mother the

+money you spend and let her buy what she wants herself?" Miss Leighton

+inquired.

+

+"Perhaps so, ma'am; but that would not be half so much pleasure to

+mother or to me. I like thinking and planning how I shall fill the

+hamper with those things which I know will be most acceptable, and when

+mother receives it and takes out its contents, she knows I've borne her

+wants in mind. I've knitted her a nice warm shawl, and she'll be much

+prouder of it, because I've made it, than if I'd bought it ready made."

+

+"I see, Barnes. I wonder what sort of Christmas my little grand-niece

+will spend."

+

+Barnes started, and a somewhat guilty expression crossed her

+countenance as she answered hurriedly:

+

+"A very happy one, I expect. Children mostly love Christmas time, and

+she has a very happy home."

+

+"How do you know?" Miss Leighton asked suspiciously.

+

+"I— I've been there, ma'am. I went to St. John's one Sunday afternoon

+to hear Mr. Maloney preach at a children's service, and I saw Miss

+Peggy there with her mother and brother. After the service, outside the

+church, I spoke to them, and Mrs. Pringle asked me to their house to

+have a cup of tea—and I went."

+

+"Well?" said Miss Leighton, with repressed eagerness in her voice.

+"What is the place like?"

+

+"The house, ma'am? It's one of a terrace, very small but comfortable

+and homely. Perhaps I ought to have told you that I'd been there, but I

+did not like to mention it."

+

+"Has my niece altered much?" Miss Leighton asked after a brief pause.

+

+"No, ma'am, very little. She inquired for you and looked so sorry when

+she heard how ill you'd been, and Miss Peggy said—" Barnes paused

+abruptly in some confusion.

+

+"Well, what did Miss Peggy say? I insist upon your telling me."

+

+"She said, 'Poor Aunt Caroline! How dreadful it would have been if she

+had died and we had never known! How I wish she would be friends with

+us all! She used to be so nice in Cornwall.' That's what she said,

+ma'am, shaking her curly head—you remember how she used to do that?

+It's natural she shouldn't understand how you feel towards her mother."

+

+Miss Leighton sighed. During her late illness she had been brought

+face to face with death; and, for the first time, doubts of herself

+had assailed her, and she had seen her unforgiving spirit in its true

+light. Pride had always been her stumbling-block through life; and it

+had been her pride which had suffered when her niece, to whom in her

+way she had really been attached, had elected to marry the hardworking

+music-master who was now the organist of St. John's.

+

+Her only reason for objecting to Mr. Pringle as her niece's husband

+had been because he had been poor. She had always thought so much of

+riches, but they had never brought her happiness; as a matter of fact,

+they had stood between her and her fellow creatures, they had warped

+her sympathies; and sadly and regretfully, the woman of great wealth

+admitted to herself that though she had given her money to clothe the

+naked and feed the poor, it had profited her nothing, for the spirit of

+charity had never been hers.

+

+"I am an old woman, and no one cares for me," she thought. "The love I

+might have had, I deliberately put away. I should not be lonely to-day,

+if I had not cast Margaret aside when she married. How she wept when I

+said I would never willingly look on her face again, and I thought it

+was my money she was regretting, not me!"

+

+Aloud she said:

+

+"Does Mr. Maloney hold a children's service every Sunday afternoon,

+Barnes?"

+

+Then, as Barnes assented, she continued: "I have heard high praises of

+his preaching, and I should like to hear one of his sermons. If I go to

+St. John's next Sunday afternoon, will you accompany me?"

+

+"Certainly, ma'am," Barnes responded promptly, her face showing the

+intense amazement she felt. She regarded her mistress with anxious

+scrutiny, marvelling at the softened expression on her countenance. She

+hoped she was not going to be ill again.

+

+"Perhaps we shall see Miss Peggy there," she proceeded; "but, if so,

+I expect her mother will be with her. I suppose you will not speak to

+them, ma'am?"

+

+"I cannot tell," Miss Leighton answered musingly. "I—I shall be guided

+by circumstances."

+

+"Oh, ma'am!" cried Barnes eagerly. "Don't be angry with me for saying

+this; but, if you could bring yourself to forgive Mrs. Pringle—"

+

+"That will do," broke in Miss Leighton with a return of her usual

+imperious manner. "I can imagine what you were about to say. No, I'm

+not angry. You're a well-meaning soul, Barnes, but—you may go!"

+

+Barnes needed no second bidding. She slipped quietly out of the room,

+fearing she had done more harm than good; whilst Miss Leighton leaned

+back in her easy chair, a prey to anxious thoughts. She had said she

+would go to St. John's on the following Sunday, and she meant to keep

+her word, for she really was curious to hear Mr. Maloney preach, and

+she hoped she might at any rate catch a glimpse of Peggy, though she

+determined, now, that she would not speak to her. How could she ignore

+the mother and notice the child?

+

+

+

+CHAPTER XIV

+

+CONCLUSION

+

+IT was Sunday afternoon. The children's service at St. John's was

+nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to

+address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the

+number of the concluding hymn. He took for his text the Saviour's

+promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in

+the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they

+would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the

+World." Would they not try to follow Him? he asked.

+

+Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright

+young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was

+chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing

+out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern,

+that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient. And that,

+if they trusted in Him, He would be their Saviour and their Friend.

+

+Finally, he explained that darkness meant selfishness and sin, and that

+the child who was untruthful, or dishonest, or unkind, was walking in

+darkness, apart from God. And that to follow Jesus, they must learn to

+be gentle, and pitiful, and loving, and faithful in word and deed: then

+would Christ's promise be for them—"He that followeth Me shall not walk

+in darkness!"

+

+It was a very short sermon, but so simple that no child could fail to

+understand it; and when it was over, and the Vicar descended from the

+pulpit, Peggy Pringle, who, seated by her brother's side, had listened

+to every word Mr. Maloney had said with the closest attention, turned

+her face to Billy with a pleased smile curving her lips, and thus

+allowed an old lady close behind her, a sight of her profile.

+

+The old lady, who was no other than Miss Leighton, felt her heart begin

+to beat unevenly as she recognised Peggy. She had been on the lookout

+for her all through the service; but the church was so full of children

+that she had not picked out her little great-niece amongst so many, and

+lo! All the while she had been within reach of her hand.

+

+In another minute the congregation had arisen, and with a dream-like

+sensation, Miss Leighton once more listened to the same hymn Peggy had

+sung to her in Cornwall months before:

+

+   "Holy Father, cheer our way

+    With Thy love's perpetual ray:

+    Grant us every closing day

+       Light at evening time."

+

+Tears dimmed the old lady's eyes, and a softening influence stole

+into her proud heart; and when, at the conclusion of the hymn, the

+congregation knelt in prayer, Miss Leighton covered her face with her

+hands and prayed fervently that she, who had walked in darkness so

+long, might be guided into the way of light.

+

+"Barnes, I must speak to Peggy," she said in an agitated voice, as she

+and her maid left the church and stood under the lamp outside. "Do not

+let her pass us by."

+

+"She is with her brother, ma'am," Barnes answered. "I do not think Mrs.

+Pringle is here."

+

+At that instant Peggy and Billy appeared, hand in hand, and Miss

+Leighton stepped quickly forward; but, immediately, Billy put himself

+between her and his sister.

+

+"Go away!" he cried indignantly, for he had recognised Miss Leighton,

+and the wild idea that she might wish to lure Peggy away from him, then

+and there had flashed through his mind. "I'm not going to let you touch

+her!"

+

+"What do you mean?" demanded Miss Leighton in surprise. "Peggy! It's

+I—Aunt Caroline! Won't you speak to me, child?"

+

+At the sound of the well-remembered voice the little girl flushed

+rosily, a look of astonishment and—Miss Leighton saw she was not

+mistaken—of joy lighting up her face; seeing which, Billy allowed her

+to receive the old lady's warm embrace, though he still retained a firm

+grasp of her hand.

+

+"How are you, Peggy?" Miss Leighton began. "You look very well," she

+continued, without waiting for a reply. "We—Barnes and I—came to hear

+your friend Mr. Maloney preach, and I thought I should like a word with

+you. We sat close behind you in church."

+

+"Did you?" said Peggy, smiling. "Wasn't it a nice sermon? And we had my

+favourite hymn! Oh, Aunt Caroline," she proceeded sympathetically, "we

+were so sorry to hear you had been ill. Are you really quite well now?

+Yes. Oh, I'm so glad! Oh, Barnes, how do you do? Aunt Caroline, this is

+Billy. Billy, you remember Aunt Caroline, don't you? You know you saw

+her once before and you said you would know her again."

+

+Billy had no alternative but to shake hands with Miss Leighton. And,

+now he came to regard her more closely, she did not look the sort of

+person who would steal his sister from him. He thought he read goodwill

+towards himself in her face, as he scrutinised it in the light of the

+lamp near which they were standing, and she showed no resentment for

+the decidedly rude way in which he had treated her, the real fact

+being that she had guessed the impulse which had prompted his strange

+behaviour. For some minutes, he watched her talking to Peggy whilst

+Barnes stood aside patiently waiting. Then, he reminded his sister that

+if they did not go home, their mother would wonder what had become of

+them.

+

+"Yes," agreed Peggy, "we mustn't wait any longer. Mother's at home

+alone—it's Sarah's afternoon out—and she's always anxious if we're

+later than she expects us."

+

+"One moment more," said Miss Leighton. "I must wish you a very happy

+Christmas before we part, and I want you to tell me what I can give

+you for a present. Choose whatever you like. And Billy—he must choose

+something too!"

+

+"Oh, how kind of you!" cried Peggy. Whilst Billy's eyes glistened

+with delight, and a look of approval settled on his face—approval of

+this great-aunt of his, against whom he had entertained such a strong

+prejudice before.

+

+"I want to do something to add to your happiness," Miss Leighton said,

+in a voice which trembled with an emotion which she tried in vain to

+repress.

+

+"Do you, Aunt Caroline?" the little girl questioned earnestly. "Do you,

+indeed?"

+

+"Yes, my dear—"

+

+"Then if you really and truly want to add to my happiness," Peggy broke

+in excitedly, "you'll come home with us now—we've not far to go—and be

+friends with mother again! Oh, do come! It grieves mother dreadfully to

+think you're angry with her! But, you're not angry any longer, are you?"

+

+Miss Leighton could not say she was, for her bitterness against Peggy's

+mother had been slowly fading away since she had known Peggy herself.

+Her head was in a whirl with conflicting thoughts. But she felt she

+must accept or decline her little niece's invitation at once—she could

+not discuss it there in the street.

+

+"My dear, I cannot—" she was beginning, when a rush of tenderer,

+better feelings than she had experienced for years filled her heart

+and caused her to hesitate. She looked at Peggy's expectant face with

+its sightless blue eyes, and the last remnant of her pride died away,

+though she repeated, "I cannot, I cannot!"

+

+But the sharp ears of the blind child had caught the note of indecision

+in the other's tone, and taking the old lady by the hand she said

+persuasively:

+

+"Come, Aunt Caroline, we will go on, and Barnes and Billy will follow.

+I know the way quite well. Oh, do come!"

+

+And, much to Barnes's astonishment, and Billy's intense excitement,

+Miss Leighton answered in a voice which no longer wavered, but had

+become decided and firm:

+

+"To please you, little Sunbeam, I will!"

+

+       *       *       *       *       *

+

+"Here's wonderful news from the Pringles!" exclaimed Mrs. Tiddy on

+Christmas morning, as she stood in the hall at Lower Brimley, ready

+to start for church with her husband, and glanced hastily through the

+letter she held in her hand—one of several which the postman had just

+delivered. "I cannot stay to read all Margaret says now, but I see she

+has had a visit from her aunt, and there must have been a complete

+reconciliation, for—fancy, Ebenezer!—the old lady is going to dine with

+them to-day!"

+

+"I'm heartily glad to hear it," Mr. Tiddy responded. "Depend upon it,

+Peggy has brought that about—the reconciliation, I mean. But come, my

+dear, or we shall be late for church."

+

+Then as they passed down the garden path, side by side, he continued:

+

+"I always felt there was One above Who arranged that Miss Leighton and

+Peggy should meet here and get to know each other. I expect the old

+lady will have a happier Christmas to-day than she has had for many a

+long year."

+

+And Mr. Tiddy was right, for this year, Miss Leighton found fresh

+beauty in the angels' message of peace and goodwill, and her Christmas

+Day was a very happy one, spent in her niece's home. God had softened

+her proud heart by the unconscious influence of the blind child, and He

+was granting her light in the evening time of her life. Miss Leighton

+had never felt so rich before as she did on this Christmas Day.

+

+

+

+PRINTED BY

+SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. LTD., NEW-STREET SQUARE

+LONDON

+

+

+

+

+

+

+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE SUNBEAM ***
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+<head>

+    <meta charset="UTF-8">

+    <title>

+      Little Sunbeam, by Eleanora H. Stooke—A Project Gutenberg eBook

+    </title>

+   <link rel="icon" href="images/image001.jpg" type="image/cover">

+    <style>

+

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+</head>

+<body>

+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE SUNBEAM ***</div>

+

+<p>Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<figure class="figcenter" id="image001" style="max-width: 33.8125em;">

+  <img class="w100" src="images/image001.jpg" alt="image001">

+</figure>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<figure class="figcenter" id="image002" style="max-width: 29.875em;">

+  <img class="w100" src="images/image002.jpg" alt="image002">

+</figure>

+<p class="t4">

+<b>THE CORNISH FLOWER-FARM.</b><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h1><em>LITTLE SUNBEAM</em></h1>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p class="t3">

+BY<br>

+</p>

+

+<p class="t1">

+<em>ELEANORA H. STOOKE</em><br>

+<br>

+</p>

+

+<p class="t4">

+<em>AUTHOR OF "GRANFER," ETC.</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br><br></p>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>WITH FRONTISPIECE BY MYRA K. HUGHES</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<p class="t4">

+LONDON<br>

+</p>

+

+<p class="t3">

+NATIONAL SOCIETY'S DEPOSITORY<br>

+</p>

+

+<p class="t4">

+BROAD SANCTUARY, WESTMINSTER<br>

+NEW YORK: THOMAS WHITTAKER, 2 &amp; 3 BIBLE HOUSE<br>

+<br>

+[All rights reserved]<br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+

+

+<p class="t4">

+PRINTED BY<br>

+SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. LTD., NEW-STREET SQUARE<br>

+LONDON<br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+

+

+<p class="t3">

+BY THE SAME AUTHOR<br>

+<br>

+GRANFER, and ONE CHRISTMAS TIME.<br>

+</p>

+

+<p class="t4">

+Price 1s.<br>

+<br>

+</p>

+

+<p class="t3">

+NATIONAL SOCIETY'S DEPOSITORY,<br>

+</p>

+

+<p class="t4">

+Sanctuary, Westminster, S. W.<br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<p class="t3b">

+CONTENTS<br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>CHAPTER</p>

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_1">I. KNOCKED DOWN</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_2">II. CONCERNING AUNT CAROLINE</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_3">III. THE DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_4">IV. PEGGY'S FIRST DAY AT LOWER BRIMLEY</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_5">V. AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_6">VI. MISS LEIGHTON'S DISCOVERY</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_7">VII. A GREAT SURPRISE</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_8">VIII. CONCERNING ELLEN BARNES</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_9">IX. TEA AT LOWER BRIMLEY</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_10">X. GOOD-BYES</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_11">XI. HOME AGAIN</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_12">XII. AUNT CAROLINE'S DISAPPOINTMENT</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_13">XIII. PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS</a></p>

+

+<p><a href="#Chapter_14">XIV. CONCLUSION</a></p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<p class="t2">

+<em>LITTLE SUNBEAM</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_1">CHAPTER I</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>KNOCKED DOWN</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>"COME along, Billy. Mother said we were not to be long; and I'm sure

+we've been more than half an hour."</p>

+

+<p>The speaker—a little girl of about nine years old, clad in a somewhat

+shabby blue serge coat and skirt, with a Tam o' Shanter cap on her

+golden curls—tried to pull her brother away from the toy shop window

+into which he was gazing longingly; but he resisted, and still lingered.</p>

+

+<p>"There's plenty of time, Peggy," he assured her. "You know we never

+have tea till five o'clock, and you can't imagine what a heap of jolly

+things there are in this window. I wish you could see them."</p>

+

+<p>"I wish I could," she answered. "Never mind, you can tell me all about

+them by-and-by."</p>

+

+<p>It was a cold, dull, February day; but it did not rain, and the street

+was thronged with vehicles, whilst the pedestrians—mostly of the lower

+classes, for the district was a poor one—hustled against each other

+on the pavements. No one took any notice of the two children who had

+been standing before a toy shop window for the last ten minutes. And,

+indeed, there was nothing about them to attract the observation of a

+casual observer, although the countenance of the little girl, with its

+finely-cut features and sweet expression, possessed a delicate beauty

+which was certainly out of the common. No one looking at Peggy Pringle

+would have guessed that she was blind, for her eyes, in colour the

+darkest blue, were as clear as crystal; but the sad fact was that the

+blessing of sight was denied to her.</p>

+

+<p>It had been a terrible trouble to the child's parents when, some months

+after her birth, they had learnt the truth, that the happy baby, whose

+rosebud lips seemed formed only for smiles, and whose eyes were "bits

+of Heaven's blue" as her young mother had used to declare, would never

+see the light of day, and they had grieved deeply. But Peggy had never

+appeared to realise how great was her affliction, and at the present

+time it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to find a more

+contented little girl. "Little Sunbeam" her father had nicknamed her

+years before, and a veritable sunbeam in the household she continued to

+be.</p>

+

+<p>Peggy and her brother, who was only thirteen months her junior, had

+been sent to buy buns for tea, and she was holding the bag which

+contained them with one hand, whilst with the other she kept a firm

+grip of Billy's coat. She was not exactly nervous in a crowd, for she

+had been accustomed to London all her life, and her home was in a

+thickly populated district. But she experienced a sense of bewilderment

+as she listened to the hurrying footsteps on the pavement and the

+continual roll of carriage wheels, and she wished Billy would tire of

+looking into shop windows and return home.</p>

+

+<p>"Come, Billy," she urged again, "mother will wonder what is keeping us.

+Do come."</p>

+

+<p>Accordingly, Billy took his sister by the hand with an air of

+protection, and they walked on. At the corner of the street, they stood

+waiting for a favourable opportunity to cross.</p>

+

+<p>"Is there a policeman near?" asked Peggy.</p>

+

+<p>"There's one on the other side of the road," replied Billy, "but we

+don't want him. I can manage all right. When I say 'Now,' mind you come

+right on."</p>

+

+<p>A minute later Billy cried, "Now!"</p>

+

+<p>So, hand in hand, the children went fearlessly forward. And they would

+have effected the crossing in safety had not a private carriage, drawn

+by a pair of spirited horses, turned the corner from a side street.

+Billy hurried his sister on; but the road was slippery, and, in her

+haste, the little girl stumbled and let go her brother's hand. Some

+one flung Billy on one side, whilst the coachman driving the pair of

+horses pulled them back on their haunches in time to prevent a serious

+accident, but not before one of the animals had struck poor Peggy on

+the shoulder with its hoof. She was borne to the pavement in the arms

+of the policeman whose help Billy had disdained, and in a few minutes a

+small crowd had congregated.</p>

+

+<p>"What has happened?" inquired an imperious voice from the interior of

+the carriage. "Is any one injured?"</p>

+

+<p>"A little girl," answered the policeman. "I think she's more frightened

+than hurt, though," he added, as he set Peggy on the ground, and Billy,

+pale and frightened, rushed to her side.</p>

+

+<p>"Was my coachman at fault?" was the next question.</p>

+

+<p>"No, ma'am. He was driving carefully, and had the horses under proper

+control; but—"</p>

+

+<p>"That's all I want to know, thank you."</p>

+

+<p>A head was thrust out of the carriage window, and the crowd saw the

+face—a haughty, handsome face it was—of a white-haired old lady, who

+beckoned to the policeman to approach, which he did.</p>

+

+<p>"You had better take the little girl to a hospital, if she is hurt,"

+the old lady said, in a tone which expressed neither interest nor

+sympathy. "I suppose that would be your duty? Well, you know your

+business; it is none of mine, as my servant, you assure me, is

+blameless. However, here is my card should you require to communicate

+with me."</p>

+

+<p>The handsome old face drew back from the window, and the carriage was

+driven away, whilst the crowd dispersed, leaving only the policeman and

+one other—an elderly clergyman, who had come upon the scene after the

+accident—with the frightened children.</p>

+

+<p>"Where are you hurt, my dear little girl?"</p>

+

+<p>Peggy's shocked face brightened at the sound of the kindly voice, which

+she recognised immediately as belonging to Mr. Maloney, the Vicar of

+St. John's Church, where her father was the organist.</p>

+

+<p>"It's my shoulder," she answered. "Oh, Mr. Maloney, do please take me

+home!"</p>

+

+<p>"Of course I will, my dear," he responded promptly, with a reassuring

+nod and smile at Billy. "What happened?" he inquired of the policeman,

+who briefly explained, adding that no one had been in fault.</p>

+

+<p>"Billy couldn't have helped it," Peggy said hastily, fearful lest blame

+should be attached to her brother.</p>

+

+<p>"No, the little boy was not to blame," agreed the policeman. "Are you

+going to take charge of the children, sir?" he asked of the clergyman.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes. I know them well; their father is Mr. Pringle, the organist of

+St. John's Church. What is this?" Mr. Maloney questioned as he took the

+card the policeman presented to him.</p>

+

+<p>"The lady in the carriage gave it to me, sir. I have made a note of the

+name and the address. Maybe the little girl's father will make some

+claim—"</p>

+

+<p>"I imagine not," interposed the clergyman quickly; "but I will take the

+card and give it to Mr. Pringle. Thank you,"—and he slipped the bit of

+pasteboard into his vest pocket.</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, Billy, I dropped the buns!" exclaimed Peggy regretfully. They had

+no money to buy more, and the buns had been purchased for a treat.</p>

+

+<p>"The horses trod on them," Billy replied; "but, never mind, mother

+won't think anything about them when she knows what's happened. I'm

+afraid she'll never trust you out alone with me any more."</p>

+

+<p>The little girl made no response. The pain in her shoulder was making

+her feel sick and faint, and her legs trembled as she walked along by

+Mr. Maloney's side, her hand in his. He saw she was suffering, and

+regarded her with compassionate eyes, whilst he exchanged remarks

+with Billy. Soon she began to lose the drift of her companions'

+conversation, and when at length, home—a small house, one of a

+terrace—was reached, the shock she had received proved too much for

+her, and she fell insensible into her mother's arms.</p>

+

+<p>When Peggy regained consciousness, she found herself undressed and

+in bed. Everything was very quiet, but she was aware of some one's

+presence, and it was no surprise when soft lips met hers in a loving

+kiss, and her mother's voice said, "You are better, Peggy dear."</p>

+

+<p>Then she was gently raised in bed, and, to her astonishment, she found

+her shoulder was bandaged; but she was not in much pain now, so she

+took the bread and milk offered to her, and lay down again, feeling

+strangely weak and tired, and disinclined to talk.</p>

+

+<p>"Sleep if you can, darling," her mother said tenderly. "You will be

+much stronger to-morrow. The doctor has attended to your poor shoulder.

+Thank God you are not more seriously hurt!"</p>

+

+<p>"What is the time mother?" Peggy asked. "Have you had tea? I was so

+sorry about the buns. I dropped them, you know."</p>

+

+<p>"Did you? As if that mattered! No, we have not had tea. We have been

+too anxious about you to think of it. Now we shall have tea and supper

+together. It is nearly seven o'clock—not quite your usual bedtime, but

+never mind that to-night. Rest will do you good. I want you to sleep."</p>

+

+<p>"I am very tired," Peggy murmured, "but I haven't said my prayers,

+and my head feels so funny that I can't think. I will say my 'little

+prayer' to-night.' Then she repeated very slowly and softly:</p>

+

+<p class="poem">

+<br>"Holy Father, cheer our way<br>

+&nbsp;With Thy love's perpetual ray:<br>

+&nbsp;Grant us every closing day<br>

+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Light at evening time."<br>

+<br>

+</p>

+

+<p>It was a pathetic prayer, coming as it did from the lips of one who

+lived in permanent darkness. But it had been one of the first Peggy had

+learnt and she had always been very fond of it, calling it her "little

+prayer." To-night her eyelids closed as she repeated the last line, and

+a few minutes later she had fallen asleep.</p>

+

+<p>Mrs. Pringle remained by the bedside some while longer, tears, which

+she had repressed till now, running down her cheeks, though her heart

+was full of gratitude to Him Who had spared her child's life. She was a

+most affectionate mother, devoted to both her children; but her little

+daughter, doubtless by reason of her affliction, was always her first

+care. She shuddered as she thought what might have been the result of

+the accident that afternoon, and pictured her darling trampled beneath

+the horses' hoofs.</p>

+

+<p>"God gave His angels charge over her," she murmured, as she bent her

+head once more, and kissed the little sleeper. Then she stole softly

+away, and went downstairs to the sitting-room where Billy his father

+were keeping each other company, both heavy-hearted, though the doctor

+had assured them there was no cause for alarm.</p>

+

+<p>"How is she now?" they asked, with one accord, as she entered the room.</p>

+

+<p>"Sleeping peacefully," she told them, a smile lighting up her pale,

+tearful countenance. "You may go and look at her; but please be very

+careful not to disturb her. I have every hope that she will be better

+after a good rest. We have much to thank God for this night!"</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_2">CHAPTER II</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>CONCERNING AUNT CAROLINE</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>WHEN Mr. Pringle and Billy returned to the sitting-room after having

+been upstairs to look at Peggy asleep so comfortably, they found that

+Mrs. Pringle, with the assistance of Sarah, the maid-of-all-work of the

+establishment, had prepared the long-delayed tea. Whilst the family sat

+down to the meal, Sarah, at her own suggestion, went to keep watch by

+the little sleeper; and a few minutes later there was a knock at the

+front door.</p>

+

+<p>"Go and see who's there, Billy," said Mr. Pringle. "I should not be

+surprised if it is Mr. Maloney," he proceeded, turning to his wife,

+"for he was very concerned about Peggy and said he hoped to look in

+by-and-by to hear the doctor's report."</p>

+

+<p>And Mr. Maloney the visitor proved to be. He accepted Mrs. Pringle's

+offer of a cup of tea, and took the chair Billy placed for him at the

+table.</p>

+

+<p>"I am glad to know the doctor thinks your little girl is not much

+hurt," he said in his pleasant voice. "Billy greeted me with the good

+news the moment he opened the door."</p>

+

+<p>"The only injury she has sustained is to her shoulder," replied Mr.

+Pringle, "but of course she has experienced a great shock. Her escape

+from a frightful death was quite providential," he added with a slight

+break in his voice.</p>

+

+<p>"Quite," Mr. Maloney agreed. "It was too bad of the owner of the

+carriage to drive on, as she did, without ascertaining the extent of

+the poor child's injuries," he continued warmly. "The least she could

+have done, under the circumstances, one would have thought, would have

+been to have driven her home."</p>

+

+<p>"She was a nasty old woman, I'm sure she was," declared Billy with

+flushing cheeks and sparkling eyes. "She told the policeman, he had

+better take Peggy to a hospital if she was hurt, and she said it was

+his business, not hers. She spoke in such a proud way—as though she

+didn't care for anything or any one."</p>

+

+<p>"Well, Peggy found a friend in need," Mr. Pringle remarked with a

+grateful glance at Mr. Maloney, who smiled and said he was glad to have

+been of service.</p>

+

+<p>The Vicar and the organist of St. John's were on terms of friendship,

+though the former was elderly and the latter not middle-aged. Mr.

+Maloney had lived most of his life in London. He was a hard worker,

+and much beloved by all who knew him. But some of his acquaintances

+declared him lacking in ambition, for on several occasions he had

+declined preferment, choosing to retain the living of St. John's, which

+he had held for more than twenty years. He was an unmarried man, and

+consequently the living, though a poor one, supplied his simple needs.</p>

+

+<p>He was getting an old man now, but the bright, unquenchable light of

+that enthusiasm which had made him a faithful labourer in Christ's

+vineyard all his days still shone in his earnest, deep-set eyes, and

+earnestness was stamped indelibly upon his countenance. And the truth

+was that his ambition soared far and away beyond the worldly meaning of

+the term: he was working for the "Well done" of the Master for Whose

+sake he had elected to live amongst those of little account in this

+world.</p>

+

+<p>Mr. Pringle had been the organist of St. John's since his marriage ten

+years previously. He was a tall, fair man with a thoughtful face and

+clear blue eyes. Peggy much resembled him; whilst Billy took after his

+mother in appearance, being brown-haired and brown-eyed. The Pringles

+were a very united family, and theirs was a happy home though it was

+a rather poor one, and Mr. Pringle was glad to add to his salary by

+taking music pupils.</p>

+

+<p>"I did not see the owner of the carriage," Mr. Maloney remarked

+by-and-by, after they had discussed Peggy's accident at some length.

+"Why, dear me, how stupid of me!" he exclaimed, a sudden recollection

+crossing his mind. "I have her card in my pocket here! She gave it

+to the policeman, who, in his turn, gave it to me, thinking that you

+might be inclined to seek redress from her for poor Peggy's injuries, I

+believe. Let us see who the unsympathetic old lady is."</p>

+

+<p>He had produced the card by this time, and now handed it to Mrs.

+Pringle, who glanced at it, uttered a cry of astonishment, and grew

+very red.</p>

+

+<p>"You know her?" Mr. Maloney inquired.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," she replied in a low tone, "I do. I can understand that she

+evinced no interest—though she could not have known whose child Peggy

+was."</p>

+

+<p>She passed the card to her husband as she spoke.</p>

+

+<p>A brief silence followed, during which Billy, keenly observant, noticed

+that his mother was trembling, and that his father's face had grown

+very stern.</p>

+

+<p>"Who is the lady, father?" he ventured to ask at length.</p>

+

+<p>"She is called Miss Leighton," was the answer. "You never heard of her,

+Billy; but I expect you have?" he said, addressing Mr. Maloney.</p>

+

+<p>"I think not," the Vicar responded. "Is she a person of importance?"</p>

+

+<p>"She is a very rich woman. Her father was James Leighton, the great

+ironfounder who died so immensely wealthy—"</p>

+

+<p>"Ah, then I have heard of her," Mr. Maloney broke in. "But I thought

+she was quite a philanthropist—hardly the sort of woman who would act

+as this Miss Leighton did to-day."</p>

+

+<p>"That is exactly how she would act," Mrs. Pringle said decidedly. "We

+are speaking of the same person. She gives away vast amounts of money

+yearly to charities, but she denies herself nothing in order to do so,

+for she is very wealthy. She was never a woman who showed kindness in

+little ways or to individuals. I know her well; in fact, she is my

+aunt."</p>

+

+<p>"Really?" the Vicar said, looking intensely astonished. He knew the

+Pringles were not well off—that they lived solely on Mr. Pringle's

+earnings, and it seemed odd that so rich and charitable a lady as Miss

+Leighton should do so much for strangers and nothing for her relations.</p>

+

+<p>"The truth is, my wife offended her aunt by marrying me," Mr. Pringle

+explained, rightly reading the expression of Mr. Maloney's countenance;

+"and Miss Leighton never forgives any one who offends her."</p>

+

+<p>"Then God help her!" the Vicar exclaimed solemnly.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," said Mrs. Pringle, sighing, "poor Aunt Caroline! She was very

+good to me years ago, she had me educated when my parents died, and

+afterwards she allowed me to live with her. She would have continued

+to provide for me, if I had not become engaged to John," glancing at

+her husband with a loving smile. "I had to choose between him and Aunt

+Caroline, and since my marriage I have never seen my aunt. 'She washed

+her hands of me,' she said, on my wedding day. She declared she would

+never willingly look on my face again, and I know she will keep her

+word."</p>

+

+<p>"You can realise now what sacrifices my wife has made for my sake," Mr.

+Pringle said, rather sadly, as he met Mr. Maloney's interested glance.</p>

+

+<p>"I have made no sacrifices," Mrs. Pringle returned quickly. "But,

+sometimes it grieves me to think of the bitter feelings Aunt Caroline

+harbours against me. She considers me ungrateful; I was never that. I

+do not want her money, but I should like to be on friendly terms with

+her. It was ten years ago I saw her; she must be getting an old woman."</p>

+

+<p>"She looked very old, mother," Billy said, and as he spoke, Mrs.

+Pringle started, for in the excitement of talking of her aunt, whom she

+rarely mentioned now even to her husband, she had forgotten the boy was

+present, listening to every word.</p>

+

+<p>"Her hair was quite white," he continued, "as white as snow. I didn't

+like her eyes, they were so very sharp. Oh, mother, how odd that she

+should be your aunt! And how surprised she would have been, if she had

+found out that Peggy was your little girl, wouldn't she? I expect she

+would have been sorry for her, then, don't you think so?"</p>

+

+<p>"I—I—perhaps so," his mother replied, "but she did not find out, and it

+was best as it was."</p>

+

+<p>She took up the card which her husband had laid on the table and tore

+it into little bits, which, upon rising, she threw into the fire.</p>

+

+<p>"There, we will talk no more of Aunt Caroline," she said. "Thinking of

+her always makes me unhappy, and I don't want to be that to-night, when

+I ought to be feeling nothing but thankfulness on Peggy's account."</p>

+

+<p>A short while later, Mr. Maloney took his departure, and, after that,

+Billy said good-night to his parents and went upstairs. He peeped into

+Peggy's room; but did not go in, for Sarah, who was still watching by

+the bedside, raised a warning finger when she caught sight of him in

+the doorway. She was to be relieved from her post very soon by her

+mistress, whose intention it was to sit up all night.</p>

+

+<p>Although Billy was really tired and was soon in bed, it was long before

+he could get to sleep, for he felt strangely restless and excited; he

+continually pictured the pair of high-stepping horses which had so

+nearly trodden his sister beneath their hoofs, and he was haunted by

+the proud face of the old lady who had appeared so unconcerned.</p>

+

+<p>"She must be very wicked," thought the little boy, "for father said she

+never forgives any one who offends her. How dreadful that is! Doesn't

+she know it's wrong, I wonder! And, oh, how strange that she should be

+mother's aunt! How surprised Peggy will be when she knows!"</p>

+

+<p>Then he forgot Miss Leighton in thinking of Peggy once more. He had not

+omitted to thank his Father in Heaven, as he had knelt by his bedside

+before getting into bed, for having spared his sister's life; but

+his full heart thanked Him again and again as he lay awake mentally

+reviewing the events of the last few hours, and he fell asleep, at

+length, with the fervent prayer upon his lips:</p>

+

+<p class="poem">

+<br>

+"Dear Jesus, please always take care of Peggy, and remember she is

+blind."<br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_3">CHAPTER III</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>THE DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>A MONTH had elapsed since Peggy's accident, and the little girl, though

+about again, had not recovered her usual health and spirits. Her mother

+watched her with loving solicitude, noting how shattered her nerves

+seemed to be, for she started at any sudden sound and dreaded being

+left alone. The doctor pronounced her to be suffering from the effects

+of the shock to her nervous system, prescribed a complete change of

+air, and said time would work a cure.</p>

+

+<p>"How can we send her away for a change?" Mrs. Pringle asked her husband

+despairingly. "It is impossible."</p>

+

+<p>"I wish you could take her to the seaside for a few weeks, Margaret,"

+Mr. Pringle responded, looking much troubled. "But I really do not see

+how it can be managed—where the money is to come from, I mean."</p>

+

+<p>"Never mind, father," Peggy said quickly, "I am sure I shall be well

+soon. I am a lot better, really."</p>

+

+<p>"Do you feel so, darling?" he questioned, as he drew her towards him,

+and anxiously scrutinised her face.</p>

+

+<p>Then, as she assured him she did, he kissed her gently, an expression

+of deep pain and regret on his own countenance.</p>

+

+<p>It grieved Mr. Pringle that he could not afford his little daughter

+the change of air which the doctor had prescribed, and he went off to

+give a music lesson with a very heavy heart. When he returned, an hour

+later, upon opening the front door the sound of a man's hearty laugh

+fell upon his ears, and almost immediately Peggy, with a flush of

+excitement on her cheeks, came out of the sitting-room, her sensitive

+ears having warned her of his arrival, and whispered:</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, father, we've a visitor! Guess who it is. But, no, you never will,

+so I may as well tell you. It's Mr. Tiddy. You remember who he is,

+don't you? The Cornish gentleman who married Miss Bates."</p>

+

+<p>"Oh!" exclaimed Mr. Pringle, suddenly enlightened. Miss Bates had

+been a school friend of his wife's. The two had always corresponded

+regularly, though they had not met of late. Miss Bates had earned her

+living as a governess until five years previously, when she had married

+a well-to-do farmer in Cornwall.</p>

+

+<p>"He is a very nice man, father," Peggy continued, "and he's brought us

+a hamper full of all sorts of good things to eat—cream, and butter, and

+eggs, and a big cake, which his wife made herself, with a sugary top,

+and a couple of chickens! Do come and see him at once."</p>

+

+<p>Accordingly Mr. Pringle allowed his little daughter to lead him into

+the sitting-room, where the visitor was being entertained by Mrs.

+Pringle and Billy, and after a few minutes' conversation with him, he

+mentally agreed with Peggy that this new acquaintance was a very nice

+man.</p>

+

+<p>Ebenezer Tiddy was a thorough countryman in appearance, being clad

+in a tweed suit, and boots which had evidently been made to keep out

+inches deep of mud. He was tall and vigorous, with a ruddy, kindly

+countenance, and steady grey eyes which looked one straight in the

+face. He had entered the house a complete stranger half an hour before,

+but already the children were at their ease with him, and Mrs. Pringle

+was looking decidedly more cheerful than when her husband had left her

+after their conversation about the doctor's prescription. Mr. Pringle

+felt glad Mr. Tiddy had come, since his presence had evidently proved

+exhilarating.</p>

+

+<p>"I arrived in town last night," the visitor explained, "and the first

+thing this morning I said to myself, 'I'd better execute my wife's

+business before I attend to my own.' And now you're here, Mr. Pringle,

+I'll speak of the real object of my visit. Said my wife to me one day

+last week, 'Ebenezer, how I should like to have little Peggy Pringle

+to stay with us for a while! Her mother has written to me that she met

+with an accident and doesn't seem to pick up after it as she ought. I

+believe a change of air would be the best medicine for her now.'"</p>

+

+<p>Here Mr. Tiddy paused, and looked at Peggy, who, sensitive like all

+blind people, was fully conscious of his gaze.</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, Mr. Tiddy!" she exclaimed. "And—what did you say?"</p>

+

+<p>"That she'd better write and invite you to visit us at once, my dear,

+believing, as I do, that Cornish breezes and Cornish living would

+make you strong in no time. 'But she can't travel alone,' said my

+wife, who is quicker of thought than I am, 'and how are we to get her

+here, Ebenezer?' 'That can be easily managed,' I replied; 'when I go

+to London next week to interview the florist who is going to buy our

+flowers this spring, I'll ask her parents to trust her to me.' And

+if they will," concluded Mr. Tiddy, looking smilingly first at Mrs.

+Pringle, then at her husband, "I am sure I shall be very pleased and

+proud, and my wife and myself will do our best to make her visit a

+happy one. The little maid won't have any children for playmates, but

+I don't think she'll be dull, for there's always something or other to

+interest folks at a farm, and I need hardly say we'll take good care of

+her."</p>

+

+<p>"How kind you are!" Mrs. Pringle exclaimed, her face alight with

+pleasure, "Peggy does indeed need a change very badly, and we have been

+bemoaning the fact that we could not give her one. I am sure she would

+be quite happy with you and your wife."</p>

+

+<p>"I remember Miss Bates," said Peggy. "She stayed with us once when I

+was a little girl."</p>

+

+<p>"And what are you now, pray?" asked Mr. Tiddy, highly amused. "A big

+girl, eh?"</p>

+

+<p>"I am nine years old," she answered, in a dignified tone. "But I am not

+very tall for my age."</p>

+

+<p>"Cornish air will make you grow. Will you make up your mind, then, to

+travel westwards with me? Would your brother care to come too?"</p>

+

+<p>"Billy goes to school, and it is the middle of the term," Mrs. Pringle

+explained; "being Saturday, it is the weekly holiday: that is why you

+find him at home now. You are very kind to give him an invitation, but

+he knows he must not neglect his work."</p>

+

+<p>"He must pay us a visit in his summer holidays, then," said Mr. Tiddy,

+sympathising with the disappointment he read in the little boy's face.

+"I shall not forget. And now, Mrs. Pringle, do you think you can part

+with your little maid on Tuesday? I hope to return to Cornwall as soon

+as that. I only require one clear day in town to transact my business."</p>

+

+<p>"Peggy can be ready by Tuesday," Mrs. Pringle answered, after a few

+moments' reflection, whilst Peggy herself felt quite bewildered by the

+suddenness with which everything was being arranged.</p>

+

+<p>"Come and spend to-morrow with us," suggested Mr. Pringle hospitably,

+"that is, if you have made no previous engagement."</p>

+

+<p>"I have not. Thank you, I shall be delighted to come," answered Mr.

+Tiddy, his countenance beaming with pleasure. "I have heard so much of

+you all from my wife that I can't fancy you were strangers to me till

+this last hour."</p>

+

+<p>When at length he took his departure, which was after a little further

+conversation, he seemed quite an old friend, and the children were

+pleased and excited at the prospect of his visit on the morrow.</p>

+

+<p>"It is as though a load has been lifted off my shoulders," Mr. Pringle

+confessed, as he returned to the sitting-room after having said

+good-bye to Mr. Tiddy at the front door. He sat down in an arm-chair

+as he spoke, and his little daughter took a stool at his feet and

+rested her golden head against his knee. "It seems so marvellous this

+invitation should have come for Peggy just at this very time," he

+proceeded earnestly, "when it seemed utterly impossible to carry out

+the doctor's prescription. Surely God must have prompted Mr. Tiddy to

+come to us to-day."</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, and there's no one I would so gladly entrust Peggy to as my old

+friend," Mrs. Pringle answered contentedly. "You're pleased you're

+going, are you not, Peggy?" she questioned, noticing a faint shadow on

+her little daughter's face.</p>

+

+<p>"Y-e-s," was the response, given a trifle doubtfully. The thought of

+a visit to Cornwall had filled Peggy with a transport of delight at

+first; but now, she had had time to reflect that she would have no

+mother and father and Billy with her, and she had never been parted

+from them before. "I shall miss you all so much," she murmured with

+quivering lips, "and Cornwall is so far away."</p>

+

+<p>"We shall miss you, little Sunbeam," her father assured her as he

+softly stroked her curly hair, "but we are glad you are going, because

+we want you to get well and strong. I believe you will have a most

+enjoyable time, and, of one thing I am quite certain, that both Mr. and

+Mrs. Tiddy will be kindness itself. I only hope they won't spoil you

+and want to keep you altogether."</p>

+

+<p>"I shouldn't stay, if they did," Peggy returned, half indignant at the

+suggestion. "And—and I'm beginning to wish I wasn't going at all."</p>

+

+<p>She lay awake a long while that night, crying at the thought of the

+coming separation from her family, but she did not admit it the next

+morning.</p>

+

+<p>Mr. Tiddy spent Sunday with his new friends as had been arranged, and

+in the evening he accompanied them to St. John's. After the service, he

+waited with Mrs. Pringle and the children to hear the voluntary. It was

+"The Heavens are telling," which Mr. Pringle played at his visitor's

+request.</p>

+

+<p>"Did you like it, Mr. Tiddy?" Peggy whispered at the conclusion of the

+piece as they passed out of the church.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, I liked it," he answered earnestly. "Your father plays the organ

+beautifully. 'The Heavens are telling the glory of God!' So they do,

+don't they?" They were in the street by now, Peggy's hand in the firm

+clasp of her new friend. "I can't tell how folks can prefer to live in

+town," he proceeded. "Give me the country and plenty of fresh air. Ah,

+my dear, I'll show you some rare sights in Cornwall—"</p>

+

+<p>"You forget," interposed Peggy, "I cannot see."</p>

+

+<p>"Poor dear!" he said softly. "How thoughtless of me to forget!"</p>

+

+<p>"Does it seem to you very dreadful to be blind?" she asked, catching

+the tone of tender sympathy in his deep voice.</p>

+

+<p>Then, as he hesitated what answer to make, she continued:</p>

+

+<p>"You know, I shall never see as long as I live, but I think I shall get

+on very well. Mother says I am very useful in the house. I am learning

+to do lots of things—to play the piano and to knit, and father says, if

+he had more money—Oh, here are the others!" And she suddenly broke off.</p>

+

+<p>That was the first occasion on which Peggy had been to church since her

+accident. Her mother had been doubtful about taking her to-night, and

+had wanted to leave her at home with Sarah for her companion. But the

+little girl had begged to be allowed to go, and had gained her own way,

+and the service had had a beneficial effect upon her, having soothed

+her nerves instead of having excited them. She slept well that night,

+and the next day was spent in making preparations for her visit, and

+passed so busily that when bedtime came again, she was too weary to lie

+awake thinking of the parting from all those who made up her little

+world, which was so near at hand.</p>

+

+<p>She was called early on the following morning, and after breakfast—of

+which she partook but little—and a somewhat tearful good-bye to Billy

+and Sarah, she drove off in a cab with her parents to Paddington

+railway station, where she was consigned to the care of Mr. Tiddy, who

+had already selected a comfortable carriage and procured a foot-warmer

+for his little charge.</p>

+

+<p>"Good-bye, Peggy, darling," whispered her mother, as the guard bustled

+by requesting people to take their places. "God bless and protect you,

+dear."</p>

+

+<p>"Good-bye, little Sunbeam," said her father cheerily, as he lifted her

+into the carriage and wrapped her up in a rug. "We shall expect you to

+come back well and strong."</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," murmured Peggy, bravely smiling. "Good-bye—oh, good-bye!"</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_4">CHAPTER IV</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>PEGGY'S FIRST DAY AT LOWER BRIMLEY</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>ON a certain bright March morning, Mrs. Tiddy stood beneath the

+creeper-covered porch at the front door of Lower Brimley Farm, waiting

+for her husband, who had been up and out-of-doors since daybreak, to

+return to breakfast. Mr. Tiddy had arrived home from London on the

+previous evening, having brought Peggy Pringle with him. But the little

+girl, over-tired as the result of the long journey, had been sleeping

+firmly when her hostess had visited her bedroom half an hour before,

+and orders had been given that she was not to be awakened.</p>

+

+<p>The mistress of Lower Brimley was a small-sized woman with a trim

+figure and a pleasant countenance, which wore a very contented

+expression at the present moment. The view over which Mrs. Tiddy's blue

+eyes wandered admiringly was a most beautiful one, for Lower Brimley

+was situated on the slope of a hill, not ten minutes' walk from the sea

+and the small fishing village which straggled in one steep street from

+the beach to the old grey church on the cliff.</p>

+

+<p>The soft air was sweet with the scent of flowers on this sunny spring

+morning, for the land close by was given up to the cultivation of

+daffodils and narcissi of nearly every species, which flourished in the

+rich moist soil and were now in full bloom, and the garden in front of

+the house was a fine show, too, with violets, hyacinths, and purple

+and scarlet anemones, against a background of rhododendron bushes. In

+short, there was a wealth of flowers everywhere; and as Mrs. Tiddy's

+contemplative gaze roamed over her own domain to the distant sea,

+glimmering like silver in the bright sunshine, it was caught and held

+by the golden furze on the cliffs, and she murmured admiringly:</p>

+

+<p>"What a glorious sight! And to think that that dear child will never

+know how beautiful it all is! How sad to be blind!"</p>

+

+<p>An expression of deep regret crossed Mrs. Tiddy's face as she thought

+of her little visitor; but it gave place to a bright smile as she

+caught sight of her husband approaching. And she ran down the path

+to the garden gate to meet him, anxious to hear that he had found

+everything on the farm in good order. She was soon satisfied upon

+that point, for he was in high spirits, and complimented her upon

+her management during his absence. And then they went into the

+house together, and sat down to breakfast in the parlour, a large

+comfortably-furnished room, the windows of which commanded a view of

+the village and the sea.</p>

+

+<p>"And how is my fellow-traveller?" Mr. Tiddy inquired by-and-by.</p>

+

+<p>"She was sleeping firmly half an hour ago and I have given orders that

+she is not to be disturbed," his wife-responded. "She was so very tired

+last night, and I fancy she felt home-sick—poor little soul! She has

+never been away from her own people before, you see, and oh, Ebenezer,

+think how helpless one must feel to be always in darkness!"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," he agreed, "but though she has been denied sight, her other

+senses seem preternaturally keen. It's always the way with blind

+people, I've heard. And—why, here she comes!"</p>

+

+<p>Mr. Tiddy rose as the door opened, and Peggy stood hesitating upon the

+threshold of the room. Going to her side, he gave her a hearty kiss,

+inquired how she was this morning, and, having been assured that she

+was quite well, led her to his wife.</p>

+

+<p>"I thought you were still in bed and asleep, my dear child," said Mrs.

+Tiddy, her voice expressing the surprise she felt.</p>

+

+<p>"I woke up, and I was afraid I was late for breakfast, so I dressed as

+quickly as I could and came down," Peggy explained, as she returned

+Mrs. Tiddy's kiss and took the chair by her side.</p>

+

+<p>"How clever of you to find your way alone!"</p>

+

+<p>"Clever!" laughed Peggy. "You forget I had my supper in this room last

+night, and I heard your voices as I came downstairs. What a lovely

+morning, isn't it? I smelt violets and hyacinths when I opened my

+bedroom window, and I heard the sea."</p>

+

+<p>"The sea is very calm to-day, almost as still as a mill-pond," remarked

+Mr. Tiddy somewhat dubiously. "You must have very sharp ears, if you

+heard it."</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, but I did," persisted Peggy. "The waves were whispering ever so

+softly, but I heard them. I was never at the seaside but once before,

+when we all went to Bournemouth for a week, nearly two years ago."</p>

+

+<p>The little girl was looking very bright this morning, and she did full

+justice to the fried bacon and chopped potatoes to which Mr. Tiddy

+helped her, remarking, as he did so, that he hoped she could enjoy

+country fare. And at the conclusion of the meal, he suggested that she

+should put on her hat and jacket and go for a stroll with him about the

+farm, whilst his wife attended to her domestic duties in the house.</p>

+

+<p>Accordingly, Peggy accompanied her host out into the brilliant spring

+sunshine, and asked him numerous questions about his flowers. He

+explained all about their cultivation, and watched her with keenly

+interested eyes as she felt the various blooms with her sensitive

+fingers.</p>

+

+<p>"I shall remember all you have told me," she declared. "This is a

+'Princess Mary,' is it not? And this is the daffodil you said the

+country people call 'butter and eggs'?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes!" he exclaimed in astonishment. "But how can you possibly tell?"</p>

+

+<p>"I can feel the difference, Mr. Tiddy, and I can smell. It seems to me

+all these daffodils have different scents."</p>

+

+<p>"To me, they are alike," he admitted, "but I suppose they are not.

+Really, Peggy, you are a very clever little girl."</p>

+

+<p>When they returned to the house they went by the back way, where,

+in the yard, they were met by a big, black-and-white smooth-haired

+sheep-dog, who sniffed at Peggy suspiciously at first. But when she

+ventured to extend her hand to him, he licked it with his great pink

+tongue, whilst a very soft expression crept into his amber eyes.</p>

+

+<p>"He likes you, my dear," Mr. Tiddy said. "And he does not take to every

+one, let me tell you. He evidently intends to regard you as a friend."</p>

+

+<p>"What is his name?" Peggy inquired, as she passed her hand over the

+dog's sleek head.</p>

+

+<p>"Wolf. We gave him the name when he was a puppy, because he was such a

+lean, fierce-looking creature. He is a splendid house-dog; but he is

+not very sociable, as a rule. He seems to have taken a fancy to you,

+however."</p>

+

+<p>"He knows I like him," Peggy said, as she caressed her new

+acquaintance, who continued to wag his tail amicably. "What a tall dog

+he is! Wolf—dear old Wolf!"</p>

+

+<p>The animal gave a delighted cry, and Mr. Tiddy nodded his head

+approvingly.</p>

+

+<p>"I'm glad he's taken to you," he said. "For you couldn't get a better

+protector than Wolf."</p>

+

+<p>Peggy never forgot that first day at Lower Brimley. The afternoon she

+passed quietly in the house with Mrs. Tiddy, who wrote a long letter to

+her old school fellow in which were many messages from Peggy.</p>

+

+<p>"Tell her how much I miss them all," said the little girl. "But please

+say, too, that I am sure I shall be very happy here, because every one

+is so kind to me, and it is a lovely, lovely place! And, please don't

+forget to send my dear love!" And for a few minutes, her blue eyes were

+full of tears.</p>

+

+<p>"Peggy," said Mrs. Tiddy by-and-by, "I have heard all the details in

+connection with your accident from my husband, and I do not wonder it

+was a shock to your nerves. Is your shoulder quite well now, dear?"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, yes, Mrs. Tiddy. It got well very quickly. Every one said it was

+a wonder I was not killed; but I think myself God took especial care

+of me, because He knew I wasn't quite like other people—not being able

+to see, you know. Mr. Maloney—that's the Vicar of St. John's—thinks so

+too. Wasn't it strange that it should have been mother's aunt who was

+in the carriage?"</p>

+

+<p>"Very. Your mother never sees her Aunt Caroline, does she?"</p>

+

+<p>"Never. Do you know her, Mrs. Tiddy?"</p>

+

+<p>"No, though, of course, I have heard a good bit about her from your

+mother."</p>

+

+<p>"Billy and I never heard of her at all till my accident. I don't think

+she can be nice; and Billy said she looked very proud. I heard her

+speak, but I was too frightened then to take much notice of her voice.

+I always tell what people are like by their voices."</p>

+

+<p>"Do you, my dear?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Peggy nodded. "I knew Mr. Tiddy was good and kind, the moment I

+heard him speak: I felt I could trust him. Do you know, I quite enjoyed

+the journey yesterday, after we had properly started. Of course, I

+didn't like saying good-bye to mother and father. I had never been in a

+corridor-train before, and we had dinner at a big table just as though

+we were in a proper room, and there was a kitchen on the train, and

+cooks. Oh, how Billy would have liked to have been there! What a lot I

+shall have to tell him when I go home! Oh, Mrs. Tiddy, it was kind of

+you to think of inviting me to stay with you!"</p>

+

+<p>"I am sure your visit will be a great pleasure to me, my dear," Mrs.

+Tiddy replied cordially. "And I shall be well content, if I can send

+you home with roses in your cheeks. To-morrow I will take you into the

+village and down to the beach; but I must not let you do too much on

+your first day. There, I have finished my letter, and can now have an

+idle hour before tea."</p>

+

+<p>She put aside her writing materials as she spoke, and went to the

+window, where Peggy was seated, listening to the sparrows twittering

+beneath the eaves of the roof and the sound of children's voices wafted

+upwards from the village below.</p>

+

+<p>"You and Mr. Tiddy are so very kind to take so much trouble to explain

+everything to me," the little girl said, with a grateful ring in her

+sweet, clear voice, "that I am already beginning to know this place

+quite well—the house and the grounds, too."</p>

+

+<p>"Shall I tell you what I see from this window?" asked Mrs. Tiddy.</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, please!" Peggy answered delightedly. Then as her kind hostess

+did so, she listened with attention, her face aglow with interest and

+pleasure. "How well you make me understand!" she cried, as Mrs. Tiddy

+ceased speaking. She leaned her head out of the open window and sniffed

+the fresh salt breeze appreciatively, and listened to the murmur of the

+sea. It seemed a very beautiful world to Peggy in spite of her lack of

+sight.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_5">CHAPTER V</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>IN a very few days, Peggy had settled into the routine of life at Lower

+Brimley, and had become well known by sight to the villagers, who took

+a kindly interest in Mrs. Tiddy's guest—"the pretty little maid," as

+they called her, who, though she was blind, could play the piano, so

+the servants at the farm reported, and was so clever that wherever she

+went once she could go by herself a second time.</p>

+

+<p>Accompanied by the lean, long-legged sheep-dog, she was now a familiar

+figure on the beach, where she would sit for hours, listening to the

+incessant murmur of the sea or talking to the fishermen, whose deep

+voices insensibly softened in addressing her. For nowhere so much as in

+Cornwall is more respect shown to those whom God has afflicted; and,

+though Peggy knew it not, she was continually watched by friendly eyes

+to see that she came to no harm.</p>

+

+<p>Mrs. Tiddy, who had been nervous about letting her visitor wander out

+of her sight at first, soon grew less vigilant, and was quite satisfied

+if she knew Wolf was with her, for the dog had constituted himself

+her faithful companion, and showed marked signs of jealousy, if any

+stranger came near her.</p>

+

+<p>One afternoon, about a week after her arrival at Lower Brimley, Peggy

+was standing in a gateway waiting for Mr. Tiddy, who had gone across

+a meadow to look at some sheep, when Wolf, as usual at her side, gave

+a low, warning growl and drew closer to her. She put her hand on the

+dog's collar and listened, hearing at length the sound of footsteps

+slowly approaching. Some one was evidently ascending the hill which led

+from the village to the farm.</p>

+

+<p>After that one growl, Wolf remained silent, and Peggy did not move as

+the footsteps drew near. But when they suddenly stopped, the little

+girl, still holding the dog by the collar, turned her face, with an

+inquiring expression upon it, towards the spot where she knew some

+one—a woman, she thought, from the sound of the footsteps—to be.</p>

+

+<p>"Can you tell me, if this is the way to Lower Brimley Farm?" asked a

+somewhat patronising voice—the voice of a lady, Peggy's sharp ears

+informed her at once.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," the little girl answered. "You will come within sight of the

+house, I know, when you turn the next corner. Are you going to call on

+Mrs. Tiddy? Perhaps you are a friend of hers? She is not at home; she

+has driven in to Penzance."</p>

+

+<p>"And I have driven from Penzance. But I have no acquaintance with Mrs.

+Tiddy—the mistress at the farm, I presume? I have no desire to see

+her, but I want to have a look at her flowers. I am told the daffodils

+and narcissi at Lower Brimley are especially fine. People talk so much

+nowadays of the flower-farms of Cornwall that I am curious to see one."</p>

+

+<p>The speaker—a tall, thin, erect old lady, with snow-white hair and

+very sharp dark eyes, looked carelessly at the child, and proceeded to

+question her: "Do you live here? Are you the farmer's daughter?"</p>

+

+<p>"No; I am no relation to either Mr. or Mrs. Tiddy, although they are

+so very kind to me," Peggy answered simply. "My home is in London;

+I am only here on a visit. I am sure Mr. Tiddy will let you look at

+his flowers; he is very proud of them, and no wonder, for they are so

+beautiful! He has gone across the meadow, but he will return directly.

+Perhaps you can see him?"</p>

+

+<p>"Do you mean that big man in breeches and leggings?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, that's Mr. Tiddy. I promised to wait here with Wolf—that's the

+dog—till he came back. Is he far off? Is he coming this way?"</p>

+

+<p>"Cannot you use your eyes, child?" began the lady, a trifle

+impatiently. Then she paused abruptly, and scanned the little girl's

+face with keener scrutiny.</p>

+

+<p>"I cannot see," Peggy responded, "because I am blind."</p>

+

+<p>"Blind! How shocking!"</p>

+

+<p>The stranger's voice had softened perceptibly, and sounded no longer

+indifferent. Peggy, conscious of the change, smiled, and a faint colour

+rose to her pale cheeks as she remarked:</p>

+

+<p>"Every one is surprised to hear I am blind, but it is quite true."</p>

+

+<p>"And have you been blind long?"</p>

+

+<p>"All my life."</p>

+

+<p>"And yet you look happy!" was the wondering exclamation.</p>

+

+<p>"I am very happy. Mother says I must always remember how many blessings

+God has given me, and so I do. Oh, here is Mr. Tiddy!" the little girl

+cried, with a sudden change of tone.</p>

+

+<p>The farmer came up, glancing curiously at Peggy's companion, who now

+put forward a request—it sounded almost like a command—to see his

+flowers, adding that she had come from Penzance on purpose to look at

+them, and had left her carriage at the foot of the hill.</p>

+

+<p>"You are just in time to see them at their best," Mr. Tiddy told her

+pleasantly. "In another week, I shall have cut them all: we rear them

+for the London markets. Lead the way, Peggy. A little friend of ours

+from town," he explained, lowering his voice as the child and the dog

+went on ahead. "She's been laid up ill and hasn't picked up her health

+and spirits yet. We're trying what our Cornish air will do for her."</p>

+

+<p>"I trust it will do wonders," said the lady, and her voice, though

+still cold in tone, was not ungracious. "She looks a delicate child,

+and she tells me, she is blind."</p>

+

+<p>"Ah, yes, poor dear," sighed Mr. Tiddy. "Though I don't know why I

+should pity her," he proceeded, "for she's as happy as the day is

+long. Her father—he's the organist of St. John's in the East End of

+London—calls her 'little Sunbeam,' and the name just suits her. Her

+mother and my wife were school friends, and—but here we are!"</p>

+

+<p>The stranger was evidently much gratified by the sight of the flowers,

+and she was greatly impressed by the knowledge Peggy evinced concerning

+them. And the more she conversed with Mr. Tiddy, the more gracious her

+manner became, till by-and-by she asked him if there were comfortable

+lodgings to be had in the neighbourhood.</p>

+

+<p>"There's a farm higher up the hill, the adjoining farm to this, Higher

+Brimley it's called—where they let apartments during the summer

+months," he replied. "I expect they'd consider themselves fortunate, if

+they obtained a lodger as early in the year as this. Ford, the people

+are called, and Mrs. Ford is a nice, respectable woman who'd make you

+very comfortable."</p>

+

+<p>"You never take lodgers here?" the stranger inquired hesitatingly.</p>

+

+<p>"Never," was the decisive answer. "My wife has plenty of work to do in

+connection with the poultry and the dairy, and—to be plain—we like our

+home to ourselves."</p>

+

+<p>When the lady had gazed her fill at the daffodils, Mr. Tiddy led the

+way into the garden, which she declared to be her idea of what a

+country garden should be. The kindly farmer, pleased at her admiration

+for his belongings, thereupon invited her into the house, and had tea

+brought into the parlour. "I wish my wife was at home," he observed

+regretfully, "but Peggy must play hostess in her place."</p>

+

+<p>"And a very nice little hostess she makes," replied the old lady, her

+curious gaze upon the child, who was offering her some of Mrs. Tiddy's

+home-made cake. "Do you always treat strangers as you are treating me?"

+she inquired, turning to Mr. Tiddy again. "I have heard of Cornish

+hospitality, but I never believed in it till now. You don't know

+anything about me—" She paused and laughed rather bitterly, then added:

+"Most people would not think it worth while to entertain a stranger—one

+never likely to cross their path in life again."</p>

+

+<p>"Then you do not mean to seek lodgings in the district?" Mr. Tiddy

+asked gravely.</p>

+

+<p>"I have not made up my mind on that point yet. I almost think I could

+be contented in a spot like this."</p>

+

+<p>Having finished her tea, she rose and prepared to depart. Mr. Tiddy now

+noted for the first time, how costly was her dress—evidently she was a

+woman rich in this world's goods—and he thought as he glanced at the

+deep lines of discontent around her hard mouth, that, in spite of her

+undeniably handsome face, she was the most ill-tempered looking old

+lady he had seen for many a long day, and doubted much if she would be

+contented anywhere.</p>

+

+<p>"Good-bye, child," she said stretching out her delicately-gloved hand

+to Peggy. "It is quite possible that we may meet again."</p>

+

+<p>"If we do, I shall remember you," was the grave response. "I shall

+remember you by your voice. And I can't help thinking that somewhere

+we have met before, or perhaps it is only that you remind me of some

+one—that must be it."</p>

+

+<p>The lady looked at Peggy searchingly, and shook her head. Then she went

+away, leaving the little girl in a very thoughtful frame of mind. When

+Mr. Tiddy returned, after having accompanied the stranger down the hill

+and placed her in the hired carriage in which she had been driven from

+Penzance, he asked Peggy what she thought of their late visitor.</p>

+

+<p>"She seemed rather unhappy, didn't she, Mr. Tiddy?" she questioned.</p>

+

+<p>"Unhappy?" he said, reflectively. "I don't know about that. To me she

+appeared simply discontented. She is a selfish woman, I'll be bound—so

+maybe you're right, my dear, for selfish folk are never happy—and

+wrapped up in her own concerns. But she liked my daffodils, didn't she?

+I could see she had a real love for flowers. And she was interested in

+you, too. One mustn't judge by appearances altogether—"</p>

+

+<p>"I judge by her voice," said Peggy, as he broke off, leaving his

+sentence unfinished.</p>

+

+<p>"A hard, cold voice, wasn't it?" questioned Mr. Tiddy.</p>

+

+<p>"Y-e-s. Was she very old, Mr. Tiddy?"</p>

+

+<p>"Over seventy, I should say."</p>

+

+<p>"That's a great age, isn't it? I wonder if she is always alone like she

+was to-day. Perhaps she has no one to love and care for her now she

+is old. How sad that must be! Poor old lady!" And there was deepest

+sympathy in her tone.</p>

+

+<p>Mr. Tiddy looked at the speaker with a tender smile; but he did not

+think it worth while to say that, to him, their visitor had appeared

+anything but poor. Perhaps, he reflected, the child might be right

+after all, for he knew how often those rich in worldly possessions are

+poor in heart.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_6">CHAPTER VI</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>MISS LEIGHTON'S DISCOVERY</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>THE daffodil blooms had all been gathered; March had given place

+to April; and, day by day, Peggy was improving in health, whilst

+roses—faint as yet, it is true—were appearing in her cheeks. The

+doctor's prescription of a change of air was evidently what she had

+needed; and Mrs. Tiddy was much gratified at being able to write most

+cheering reports of her visitor's condition to Mrs. Pringle, who read

+them aloud to her husband and Billy with deep thankfulness in her heart.</p>

+

+<p>"How we shall miss the child when she leaves us!" Mr. Tiddy remarked to

+his wife one evening, as they strolled up and down the path in front

+of the house when the work of the day was over, listening to the music

+which Peggy's fingers were drawing from the piano in the parlour. The

+little girl was naturally musical and had been well taught by her

+father, who had often told her that if she worked hard and practised

+industriously, she might become a real musician some day, and to be a

+real musician was her most earnest desire.</p>

+

+<p>"But she is not going to leave us for a long while yet," Mrs. Tiddy

+responded. "I have written and told her mother that she must spare

+her to us for another month, at least, and I think she will be glad

+to let her stay, as her health is benefiting so much by our Cornish

+air. By the way, Ebenezer, have you heard that there are lodgers at

+Higher Brimley? No? An elderly lady and her maid have taken Mrs. Ford's

+apartments. They were pointed out to me in the village this afternoon

+when Peggy and I were returning from the beach. And Peggy says she is

+sure the lady is the one who came from Penzance on purpose to look at

+our flowers. She is a tall, thin, old lady with quite white hair."</p>

+

+<p>"You don't say so!" exclaimed the farmer. "I told her she could get

+apartments at Higher Brimley, but I did not think she really meant to

+see about them. Did she speak to Peggy?"</p>

+

+<p>"No; she did not see her, for we were in the post office when she

+passed with her maid. Peggy recognised her by her voice."</p>

+

+<p>"I wonder who she is. You did not hear her name, I suppose?"</p>

+

+<p>"No. Listen! The child is singing!"</p>

+

+<p>They stood silently by the open window of the parlour and listened as

+the little girl's voice, low and sweet in tone, rang out clearly and

+softly:</p>

+

+<p class="poem">

+<br>"Holy Father, cheer our way<br>

+&nbsp;With Thy love's perpetual ray:<br>

+&nbsp;Grant us every closing day<br>

+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Light at evening time."<br>

+<br>

+</p>

+

+<p>"Dear child," murmured Mrs. Tiddy, tears springing involuntarily to her

+eyes, "it does seem hard lines that one naturally so bright and joyous

+should be blind! But there, God knows best, and I suppose He has denied

+her sight for some good reason; and she has His love to cheer her way,

+I'm certain."</p>

+

+<p>"I think there's light in her heart," said Mr. Tiddy simply, and his

+wife agreed.</p>

+

+<p>It was on the following morning that Peggy, who had wandered down to

+the beach with Wolf in attendance, met the lodgers from Higher Brimley.

+The old lady spoke to the little girl, and inquired if she remembered

+her. And, receiving an answer in the affirmative, she dismissed her

+maid, telling her to wait within sight, and requested Peggy to sit down

+by her side on an upturned boat, and talk to her for a while.</p>

+

+<p>Peggy complied readily, for she was of a very sociable disposition,

+and commenced the conversation by informing her companion that she had

+recognised her voice when she had heard it on the previous day.</p>

+

+<p>"I was in the post office with Mrs. Tiddy when you passed," she said,

+"and you were talking. We were told you had taken Mrs. Ford's rooms."</p>

+

+<p>"I do not know how long I shall remain there-perhaps only a few days,

+perhaps longer. I suppose the daffodils are all gone now?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Peggy nodded regretfully; "but there are more flowers than ever

+in the garden, and those will not be cut. Mr. Tiddy grows them for

+himself and his friends; but the daffodils and narcissi, he sells."</p>

+

+<p>"You are looking better than when I saw you before," observed the

+stranger. "I suppose you will be going home soon?"</p>

+

+<p>"Not for some weeks yet. Oh, yes, I am a lot better! I feel really

+well; and Mrs. Tiddy says I am getting quite rosy and sunburnt. I am so

+glad, because they will be pleased at home."</p>

+

+<p>"Are you one of a long family?"</p>

+

+<p>"No. I have only one brother—Billy. Father is the organist of St.

+John's, but I do not expect you know the church. Mr. Maloney is our

+Vicar. He's a great friend of ours. I'm sure you'd like him, because

+he's such a good man. Mother says he's very clever, and people come a

+long distance often to hear him preach, so I suppose he must be."</p>

+

+<p>"I think I've heard of him," said the old lady thoughtfully. "He gives

+up his life to working amongst the poor, does he not?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes. Nearly every one in our parish is poor. Mr. Maloney is, I

+believe, and we are, you know, because father's salary isn't much,

+and his music pupils don't pay him as they ought. But father is very

+clever, too, and some day I dare say we shall be better off. Father

+composes music, and there are very few people who can do that," the

+little girl said, with a ring of affectionate pride in her voice. "Do

+you live in London, too?" she inquired, thinking it was her turn to ask

+a question now.</p>

+

+<p>"I have a house in town. Will you come and spend a day with me there

+when we both go back to our own homes?"</p>

+

+<p>"I—I hardly know," Peggy replied doubtfully, flushing with surprise.

+"It's very kind of you to invite me; but I must ask mother. I don't

+know who you are, and—"</p>

+

+<p>"And I don't know who you are, either! Suppose you tell me your name?"</p>

+

+<p>"It is Margaret Pringle; but I am always called Peggy, because father

+calls mother Margaret."</p>

+

+<p>"Pringle!" exclaimed the old lady, growing suddenly crimson. She looked

+almost angrily at Peggy as she spoke, but of course the little girl was

+unconscious of that fact, though she caught the sound of agitation in

+her voice. "Pringle!" she repeated. "Is it possible? Tell me, is your

+father's name John?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes. You have heard of him?" Since her companion had evinced some

+knowledge of the Vicar of St. John's, it did not occur to Peggy as at

+all unlikely that she should know something of the organist too. "He

+plays most beautifully," she continued impressively. "Mr. Tiddy will

+tell you so, for he heard him one Sunday evening when he went to church

+with us. It was the first time I had been to church after my accident.

+Oh, I haven't told you about that! I was knocked down when I was out

+with Billy, and it was a great wonder that I was not killed!"</p>

+

+<p>And she recounted the story of her adventure at some length, utterly

+unconscious of the effect it was having upon her listener, who had lost

+all her colour again now, and was looking paler than before.</p>

+

+<p>"The—the person in the carriage would not have understood that you were

+blind," the old lady remarked at length, subsequent to a long pause

+which had followed the conclusion of Peggy's tale.</p>

+

+<p>"No, of course not," the little girl agreed, "but Mr. Maloney says

+the least she could have done would have been to have driven me home.

+Billy thinks she didn't care, if I was hurt or not. And—isn't it

+strange?—she's supposed to be a very charitable person!"</p>

+

+<p>"Then you know who she is?"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, yes! She gave the policeman her card, and mother used to know her

+quite well—years ago."</p>

+

+<p>"Ah!"</p>

+

+<p>"I—I am afraid I have been talking too much," Peggy said hesitatingly,

+with a sudden touch of reserve in her tone as she became aware that she

+had let her tongue run away with her. She hoped she had not wearied her

+companion with her chatter.</p>

+

+<p>"Why did you say she—the person in the carriage, I mean—is supposed to

+be very charitable?" asked the old lady presently.</p>

+

+<p>"Because she gives away heaps and heaps of money," was the prompt reply.</p>

+

+<p>"Well, that is very generous of her, is it not?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes. But I don't think she can be really charitable, if she isn't kind

+in little ways and if she's unforgiving. I asked Mr. Maloney what he

+thought."</p>

+

+<p>"Well? What did he say?"</p>

+

+<p>"He repeated that verse in the Corinthians, 'Though I bestow all my

+goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and

+have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.' He didn't say anything but

+that; but I know what he meant, don't you? But, don't let us talk about

+her any more—I am not sure that I ought to have spoken of her at all."</p>

+

+<p>"You have done no harm. So that accident was actually the cause of your

+illness?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes. And just when the doctor said I must have a change of air, Mr.

+Tiddy arrived and invited me here. Wasn't it kind of him, and of Mrs.

+Tiddy too? You know I couldn't possibly have had a change but for them,

+for father couldn't have managed it, and it made him so dreadfully

+unhappy that he couldn't. Both he and mother were so worried about me."</p>

+

+<p>Soon after that the old lady rose, remarking that she found the wind a

+trifle chilly. She said good-bye to Peggy and joined her maid with the

+intention of returning to her lodgings. Left alone, the little girl

+reflected that her late companion had been decidedly less affable at

+the conclusion of their conversation, than at the commencement, and

+wondered why that had been. Had she unwittingly said anything to cause

+her annoyance? She felt puzzled and uneasy; and, though she had been

+encouraged to talk, she wished she had been less communicative.</p>

+

+<p>Meanwhile the old lady, who, as the reader has no doubt guessed, was

+no other than Miss Leighton, Mrs. Pringle's aunt, was walking up the

+hill towards Higher Brimley in anything but a happy frame of mind. That

+morning she had spoken of remaining some while longer in Cornwall, and

+had professed herself quite satisfied with the arrangements which had

+been made for her comfort; but now, she had almost decided to quit the

+neighbourhood at once.</p>

+

+<p>She had been greatly attracted by the blind child on the occasion

+of her visit from Penzance to look at Mr. Tiddy's flowers. And when

+she had caught sight of her on the beach an hour previously, she had

+determined to cultivate her acquaintance. But having learnt that Peggy

+was the daughter of the niece whom she had never forgiven for what she

+called her ingratitude, she was experiencing mingled feelings of anger,

+bitterness, and regret.</p>

+

+<p>"I will have no more to do with her," she thought.</p>

+

+<p>Then she shuddered as she reflected on the accident. How terrible it

+would have been if her horses had killed Margaret's little daughter!

+She had made no inquiries concerning her niece since her marriage and

+had not even known where she was living, or if she had any children

+or not. Therefore, it had been somewhat of a shock to discover she

+had a child who was afflicted with blindness. She pictured Peggy,

+golden-haired and sunny-faced, and an unwonted expression of tenderness

+crossed her countenance. After all, she decided, she would remain at

+Higher Brimley for the time, for—it was weak of her, no doubt—she felt

+she must see Peggy once again.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_7">CHAPTER VII</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>A GREAT SURPRISE</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>NOT quite a week later, Mr. Tiddy, crossing the fields in his usual

+leisurely fashion towards the house at dinner-time, caught sight of his

+wife and Peggy, standing at the garden gate, evidently waiting for him.

+As he drew near enough to see the expression of their faces, he noticed

+that both appeared excited, and as he joined them the little girl cried

+eagerly:</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, Mr. Tiddy, we've had a visitor! She came and knocked at the door

+and asked if she might go round the garden. And who do you think she

+was?"</p>

+

+<p>"Why, the old lady who's lodging at Higher Brimley, to be sure,"

+answered Mr. Tiddy promptly, evincing no surprise. "I met her this

+morning, and she stopped and spoke to me. She expressed a desire to see

+our flowers, so I told her, she'd be welcome to look at them, whenever

+she pleased. She didn't lose much time in taking me at my word," he

+concluded, smilingly.</p>

+

+<p>"Ah, but do you know who she is?" demanded Peggy. "No, we thought not.

+You'll be simply astounded when you hear. She didn't tell us until just

+as she was leaving, and then she said her name was Leighton, and that

+I was related to her—distantly related, she said. She's mother's Aunt

+Caroline, the rich lady who was in the carriage when—"</p>

+

+<p>"What!" broke in the farmer, "You don't say so!" He looked

+questioningly at his wife as he spoke, and she hastened to reply:</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, Ebenezer, it is true. There can be no doubt about it. She is that

+rich Miss Leighton of whom we have heard so much."</p>

+

+<p>"I told her who I was that day she talked to me on the beach," Peggy

+said, with face and voice full of excitement. "She asked me my name;

+and—and I told her, too, all about my accident and how unkind we

+thought it of her to have driven away when I was hurt. I think perhaps

+she was cross at what I said, but I never dreamt who she was, so I

+don't think really it was my fault, do you, Mr. Tiddy?"</p>

+

+<p>"No, my dear, I do not," he agreed.</p>

+

+<p>"Still, perhaps I ought not to have talked as I did to a stranger. She

+was very nice to-day, though, wasn't she, Mrs. Tiddy?"</p>

+

+<p>"Very. Will you run into the house, Peggy, and say we are ready for

+dinner?"</p>

+

+<p>Then as the little girl obeyed, Mrs. Tiddy turned to her husband and

+said gravely:</p>

+

+<p>"Ebenezer, what can have brought Miss Leighton here? Until Peggy told

+her her name the other day, she had no idea who she was or even that

+her niece had children. I don't believe she has forgiven Peggy's mother

+yet. Isn't it shocking to bear malice in one's heart so long? 'I don't

+wish to hear anything concerning your friend or her husband,' she said

+to me in a tone without an atom of feeling in it; 'but I was never one

+for visiting the sins of the parents upon the children. My niece proved

+herself ungrateful, and I regard ingratitude as a sin, but I feel no

+resentment against her innocent daughter.' I should think not indeed!

+I made no answer, however, for I was afraid, if I did, I might say too

+much."</p>

+

+<p>"Surely she did not make that remark before Peggy!" exclaimed Mr.

+Tiddy, his ruddy colour deepening with indignation.</p>

+

+<p>"No, certainly not; Peggy was not within hearing then. What shall I do?

+Miss Leighton asked me to call on her and bring Peggy with me, and I

+half promised I would; I did not like to refuse. I think the old lady

+has taken a fancy to the child. Isn't it strange that those two should

+have crossed each other's path again?"</p>

+

+<p>The farmer nodded, a very thoughtful expression on his face. "There's

+One above Who planned they should meet, that's my opinion," he said

+gravely; "and I don't think we ought to try to keep them apart. Maybe

+the old lady will get to feel more kindly towards her niece when she

+knows Peggy better and realises what a dear little soul she is and how

+well her mother has brought her up. I am sure Mrs. Pringle will not

+object to your taking the child to call on her aunt. By the way, does

+Miss Leighton like her lodgings?"</p>

+

+<p>"She said they were fairly comfortable. She strikes me as a rather

+dissatisfied body. She is anything but a happy woman, Ebenezer, though

+God has given her so much; and I hear from the servants, who have

+become friendly with her maid, that she is a very jealous, exacting

+temper, and she is always imagining people are trying to cultivate her

+acquaintance on account of her wealth."</p>

+

+<p>"Well, she cannot possibly imagine that about you," Mr. Tiddy replied,

+"for she has sought your acquaintance herself. I suppose we had better

+go in to dinner now. There's Peggy under the porch beckoning to us."</p>

+

+<p>Mrs. Tiddy decided she would not call upon Miss Leighton until she had

+mentioned the matter to her old school friend; so she wrote to her that

+same day, and received an answer by return of post. Mrs. Pringle said

+very little about her aunt in her letter, but she raised no objection

+to her little daughter's calling with Mrs. Tiddy at Higher Brimley.

+"Aunt Caroline is not fond of young people," she remarked, "so please

+don't force the child upon her notice—but I am sure you will not do

+that."</p>

+

+<p>"I certainly will not," Mrs. Tiddy reflected as she folded up her

+friend's letter, "but I will take Peggy to call on Miss Leighton, as

+the old lady made a point of my doing so. We need not stay very long,

+any way."</p>

+

+<p>Peggy experienced a feeling of unusual shyness when, one April

+afternoon, she accompanied Mrs. Tiddy to Higher Brimley; and, although

+Miss Leighton received them with every sign of cordiality, she was

+anything but at ease in her presence. As the little girl sat in silence

+listening to the conversation of the two ladies, she was aware that the

+elder's eyes were upon her, and she alternately flushed and paled as

+she thought over the small amount of information she had gleaned from

+her mother since her accident about this aunt of hers. Her tender heart

+had gone out in sympathy towards the old lady, whom she had sincerely

+pitied because she had fancied she might be all alone in the world, but

+now she mentally regarded her from quite another point of view.</p>

+

+<p>"Mother would have loved her, if she would have let her," she

+reflected. "It is her own fault if she is lonely. I wonder if she will

+speak of mother to me!"</p>

+

+<p>But Miss Leighton did not once mention her niece's name. She addressed

+herself very kindly to Peggy every now and again, and seemed wishful

+to make much of her, and Mrs. Tiddy saw she was disappointed and

+half-vexed by the child's evident disinclination to talk.</p>

+

+<p>"What have you done with your dog this afternoon?" Miss Leighton

+inquired, when at length her visitors rose to go.</p>

+

+<p>"We shut him up in the stable before we started," Peggy answered. "He

+wanted to come because he loves a walk."</p>

+

+<p>"He is rather quarrelsome with other dogs," Mrs. Tiddy explained, "so

+we thought it wiser to leave him at home. The poor creature was very

+disappointed, for he spends most of his time with Peggy now, and we

+always feel she is safe if Wolf is with her."</p>

+

+<p>"What will he do when he loses her altogether?" asked Miss Leighton.

+"Peggy does not propose taking him back with her to London, I presume?"</p>

+

+<p>"No," the little girl answered, accepting the question seriously, "I

+wouldn't do that, even if Mr. Tiddy would give him to me, for I am sure

+he would be wretched in town. I'd rather know he is here, guarding the

+yard and looking after the sheep, and going on as he always does—having

+such a good time! He will miss me at first, but—where is Mrs. Tiddy?"

+she asked quickly.</p>

+

+<p>They had left the house and were in the garden now, Mrs. Tiddy having

+lingered at the door to exchange a few words with Mrs. Ford.</p>

+

+<p>"She is talking to my landlady," Miss Leighton replied. "She will be

+here presently. Are you in a great hurry to go? You have no objection

+to being alone with me for a few minutes, I suppose?" she questioned

+sharply.</p>

+

+<p>"Oh! No!" Peggy assured her. "And—and now we are alone, I should like

+to say that I hope I wasn't rude to you the other day on the beach,"

+she proceeded, looking distressed. "I would not have spoken like that

+if—if I had known who you were. I—I have thought of it often since,

+and I am sorry if I said anything you did not like. I was afraid,

+afterwards, that you were displeased with me."</p>

+

+<p>"People are seldom pleased to hear others' opinions of themselves,"

+was the dry response. "You evidently considered my conduct towards you

+had been heartless; but I am not angry with you, child. You only said

+frankly what you thought."</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Peggy agreed, colouring hotly in her confusion. "I am glad you

+are not angry, though, because I did not mean to be rude, and I am

+afraid I must have been," she added deprecatingly.</p>

+

+<p>"I think you are prejudiced against me." Miss Leighton paused

+momentarily, and sighed, then continued, "Well, it is natural you

+should be. I am sorry, nevertheless. Cannot you dismiss all you have

+heard of me from your mind and take me as you find me?"</p>

+

+<p>"I—I will try. I have not heard much about you, indeed! I never heard

+of you at all till after my accident! Then Billy told me who you were,

+and I was so surprised! Billy and I have often talked of you since!"</p>

+

+<p>"Really? I dare say you heard Mrs. Tiddy ask me to take tea with her

+one afternoon, soon? I shall hope then to hear you play. I hear you are

+quite a musician."</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, no! But I love music. I play to Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy every night."

+The mantle of reserve was falling from Peggy and the brightness was

+returning to her face. "Do you love music too?" she inquired, lifting

+her sightless blue eyes to her companion's countenance.</p>

+

+<p>"Indeed I do; so we have that much in common, at any rate."</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, we have more than that, for I am sure you love flowers, and so

+do I. Do you know, there are such a lot of sea-pinks growing on the

+cliffs—"</p>

+

+<p>"You do not go on the cliffs alone?" Miss Leighton interposed.</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, no! But I have been several times with Mr. Tiddy, and I hold fast

+to his hand. There is a sheep-track along the cliffs, you know, and

+it is quite safe if you keep to that. I could find my way alone, I am

+sure, but I never mean to try, because I have promised, I won't."</p>

+

+<p>"That's well. Perhaps you and I might walk there together some day. Do

+you think you could put up with an old woman for a companion?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, Miss Leighton," Peggy answered, smiling.</p>

+

+<p>"And you shall show me the sea-pinks, and we will take Wolf to protect

+us both. But do not call me 'Miss Leighton,' child; call me 'Aunt

+Caroline,' for you are my great-niece and—and I should like to be kind

+to you."</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_8">CHAPTER VIII</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>CONCERNING ELLEN BARNES</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>MISS LEIGHTON'S maid—Ellen Barnes—was a plain, sad-faced, middle-aged

+woman who had been with her present employer for many years. She had

+known Mrs. Pringle before her marriage, and consequently, it was with

+considerable satisfaction and some astonishment that she saw the

+interest with which her mistress regarded the daughter of the niece,

+the very existence of whom she had ignored so long.</p>

+

+<p>It cannot be said that Miss Leighton was on anything like confidential

+terms with her maid; but she trusted her, and she would have certainly

+been at a loss without the services of the quiet, rather spiritless

+woman who rarely spoke except in answer to a question.</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton had now been nearly a fortnight at Higher Brimley, and

+had had several interviews with her little great-niece on the beach,

+and had walked with her along the sheep-track on the cliffs to look at

+the sea-pinks. But she had not yet taken tea with Mrs. Tiddy as had

+been suggested, and when, one sunshiny morning, Peggy arrived with an

+invitation for her to do so that afternoon, she accepted it immediately.</p>

+

+<p>"Of course I will come," she replied, after Peggy—rosy with the

+exercise of walking—had delivered her message. "Please give my kind

+regards to Mrs. Tiddy and say I accept her invitation with pleasure.

+Did you walk here by yourself, child?"</p>

+

+<p>"No," answered Peggy. She had been ushered into Miss Leighton's

+sitting-room by Ellen Barnes, who had been on an errand to the post

+office for her mistress and had overtaken the little girl on her way

+home. "I started to come alone," she said, "but I had not gone far

+before I heard some one calling to me. It was Barnes. So we walked on

+together. What a very nice woman she is, Aunt Caroline! We had such a

+long talk!"</p>

+

+<p>"Humph!" exclaimed Miss Leighton, rather surprised. "And, pray, what

+did you find to talk about?"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, about things at home, first of all," was the somewhat vague

+response. "My home, of course I mean. I did not know till to-day that

+Barnes knew my mother."</p>

+

+<p>The little girl had taken the chair which had been placed for her close

+to the open window by which Miss Leighton was sitting, and the bright

+spring sunshine fell full upon her face framed in its golden curls.

+Certainly she made a very pretty picture.</p>

+

+<p>"I like Barnes," she proceeded in a tone of decision as her companion

+vouchsafed no response. "How very fortunate you are to have such a nice

+woman for your maid, Aunt Caroline!"</p>

+

+<p>"I believe she is thoroughly trustworthy," Miss Leighton remarked,

+somewhat astonished at this expression of opinion, "and that is a great

+deal to be able to say of any one. Barnes has been with me many years.

+I pay her good wages and she is not overworked. I believe she values

+her situation."</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, yes, I am sure she does!" Peggy agreed earnestly.</p>

+

+<p>"How can you tell, child?" Miss Leighton asked, a slightly amused smile

+curving her lips.</p>

+

+<p>"She told me she did, Aunt Caroline."</p>

+

+<p>"Did she?" There was gratification in the old lady's voice. "But—how

+strange of her to say so to you! She must have been very confidential."</p>

+

+<p>"She was telling me about her brother, and how she values her situation

+with you because you pay her such good wages that she is able to send

+home more than half she earns. Oh, Aunt Caroline, when she told me

+about her brother, I thought how thankful I ought to be that God has

+only made me blind! Suppose I was like poor Barnes's brother: how much

+worse that would be!"</p>

+

+<p>"What about Barnes's brother?" inquired Miss Leighton, in utter

+bewilderment. "I have never heard anything about my maid's relations;

+she has a week's holiday every summer; I suppose she goes to see them

+then. Stay—I think I remember hearing her once mention a mother, who,

+by the way, must be a very old woman, for Barnes herself is quite

+middle-aged."</p>

+

+<p>"Barnes's mother is more than eighty years old, and she lives in a

+little village near Plymouth with her son. Oh, Aunt Caroline, he is

+only two years younger than Barnes, and he has been an idiot all his

+life!"</p>

+

+<p>"Dear me!" exclaimed Miss Leighton, feeling really shocked. "I never

+heard that before. Barnes never told me."</p>

+

+<p>Peggy looked intensely surprised for a minute, then an expression of

+comprehension crossed her face. "I expect she did not like to tell

+you," she said. "Perhaps she thought you would not be interested, you

+know."</p>

+

+<p>"Why should she think that?" Miss Leighton questioned sharply.</p>

+

+<p>The little girl was silent. She had heard Mrs. Tiddy say that Barnes

+looked a broken-spirited woman; and Mrs. Ford, when she had called

+at Lower Brimley a few days previously, had declared her to be a

+perfect slave to her mistress's whims, and wondered why she did not

+seek another situation with some one who, at any rate, would be less

+inconsiderate and exacting. In the conversation the little girl had

+had with Barnes, she had discovered the reason which induced her to

+keep her post. It was because it enabled her to do so much for her poor

+mother and her imbecile brother in their cottage home.</p>

+

+<p>"Why should you think that?" Miss Leighton persisted. "Come, speak out,

+child! Don't be afraid of me!"</p>

+

+<p>"I'm not," Peggy answered truthfully, for she was not in the least in

+awe of the old lady. "I meant that—that perhaps if you have never asked

+Barnes about her relations, she would think you would not care to hear

+about them. But it does seem so very odd that she should have lived

+with you so many years, and you should not know all about her mother

+and brother!"</p>

+

+<p>"The brother is an idiot, you say?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes; but Barnes and her mother are very fond of him; it would break

+her mother's heart to be parted from him, and Barnes says they shall

+never be separated as long as God gives her health and strength to

+work. They get parish pay, and with what Barnes sends them they manage

+to live pretty comfortably. Oh, Aunt Caroline, mustn't it be dreadful

+to have a brother like that! Oh dear, I do think it is so very sad!"

+And the pitiful tears rose to Peggy's blue eyes and ran down her cheeks.</p>

+

+<p>"You mustn't take other people's troubles to heart like that!" Miss

+Leighton exclaimed hastily.</p>

+

+<p>"I feel so sorry for Barnes," Peggy said, with deepest sorrow in her

+tone, "because I am sure it must make her very unhappy to think of her

+brother and her old mother sometimes. She must wish to see them so

+much, and always be wondering how they are getting on. Mrs. Tiddy says

+Barnes looks a very sad woman. I wish I could do something to make her

+happier."</p>

+

+<p>"I said so to her just now," she continued, with a brightening face,

+"and what do you think she answered? That I had helped her by being

+sorry for her brother; she said she wouldn't have told me anything

+about him if I hadn't been afflicted myself, and it warmed her heart to

+know I cared. I told her I should pray to God every night to make her

+brother right in his mind, and she said she was afraid that would never

+be in this world. Poor fellow! He's like me, Aunt Caroline, in that

+way, isn't he? He will have to bear his cross as long as he lives, and

+his cross is so much heavier than mine."</p>

+

+<p>A silence followed, during which Miss Leighton sat gazing, unseeingly,

+out of the window. There was a mist before her eyes, and a lump in her

+throat which prevented her uttering a word. By-and-by Peggy rose to go.</p>

+

+<p>"Mrs. Tiddy said she hoped you would come early this afternoon," she

+observed. "Please do, for I've so many things to show you."</p>

+

+<p>"I certainly will," Miss Leighton replied. "Shall Barnes take you home?"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh no, thank you, I know the way quite well; I have only to keep to

+the road. Good-bye, Aunt Caroline—till this afternoon."</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton stood at the window and watched the little girl out of

+sight, a gentler expression than usual on her face. Then she resumed

+her seat and took up the book she had been reading before the child's

+arrival; but it failed to interest her now, for her mind was full of

+uneasy thoughts. Barnes had lived with her for nearly twenty years,

+she reflected; and yet how little she really knew of the woman! Well,

+it could not be expected that she would interest herself in her maid's

+concerns. And yet, how surprised Peggy had been at discovering her

+ignorance of aged mother and her imbecile son. Peggy had learnt all

+there was to know about them in less than half an hour.</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton paid her servants liberal wages—she was never stingy

+where money was concerned—and it had often occurred to her that Barnes

+must be of a miserly disposition, for she dressed very plainly and it

+had been impossible not to notice that she begrudged spending money.

+Now she understood where the woman's wages had gone. Barnes had not

+been making a purse for herself, but spending it upon those dear

+to her, and, all the while, she had been regarding her as a mean,

+poor-spirited creature.</p>

+

+<p>It was difficult to realise that the humble, silent woman who had borne

+with her mistress's haughty temper so patiently, had been leading a

+life of self-sacrifice and self-repression from the noblest of motives;

+but Miss Leighton now realised that such had been the case, for Peggy

+had thrown a new light upon the maid's character.</p>

+

+<p>What had made Barnes tell Peggy about her brother? the old lady

+wondered. Was it because her heart had been hungry for sympathy,

+and she had known instinctively that she would receive it from the

+blind child? Probably so. She had preferred to confide in a stranger,

+rather than in the mistress whom she knew to be accounted a charitable

+woman—one lavish in giving of her wealth.</p>

+

+<p>"I don't think she can really be charitable, if she isn't kind in

+little ways," Peggy had said ingenuously, passing her childish judgment

+on her mother's rich aunt, and the words returned forcibly to Miss

+Leighton's mind now, and cause her a strange pang, whilst she asked

+herself if she had ever been really kind to Ellen Barnes, or for that

+matter, to any member of her household. She was a lonely old woman;

+but, after all, was it not greatly owing to her own fault? She had

+certainly never been "kind in little ways."</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_9">CHAPTER IX</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>TEA AT LOWER BRIMLEY</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>IT was not the ordinary "afternoon tea" to which Miss Leighton was

+invited, but a substantial meal laid on the square mahogany table in

+the parlour at Lower Brimley, with a mass of primroses in the centre

+intermingled with sprays of beautiful fern moss, surrounded by plates

+of daintily cut bread-and-butter and various kinds of preserves in

+glass dishes, an old china bowl full of clotted cream, a plum cake, and

+some saffron buns—"knobbies" as they are called in Cornwall.</p>

+

+<p>It was but natural that Mrs. Tiddy should put her best possessions

+before this relation of her little visitor's, so the silver tea-service

+had come out of its flannel wrappings, and Miss Leighton drank her tea

+from a rare old china teacup with a wreath of pink roses inside its

+brim—one of a set which had been treasured in Mr. Tiddy's family for

+three generations and was only used on great occasions—and stirred her

+tea with an apostle spoon, worn thin with age; whilst, much to her

+hostess's gratification, she evidently appreciated the efforts which

+were being made to entertain her.</p>

+

+<p>Seated at Mrs. Tiddy's right hand at the tea-table, the old lady looked

+about her with a sense of unusual contentment. For once in a way, she

+was satisfied with the company in which she found herself. Yes, she

+liked this hearty, out-spoken west-country farmer and his pleasant,

+intelligent wife, for she was under the impression—a true one—that

+they would have welcomed her as cordially if she had been poor instead

+of rich, and she so seldom felt that about people. After tea, Peggy

+took possession of her, and, after visiting the yard and inspecting

+the poultry, she was led into the great farm kitchen, where, in one

+corner of the oak settle close to the fire was a flannel-lined basket

+containing two weakly chicks.</p>

+

+<p>"Mrs. Tiddy thought this morning that they would die," Peggy said as

+she covered the invalids with her warm hands. "But they are getting on

+nicely now, and to-morrow, they'll be strong enough to run with their

+brothers and sisters."</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton glanced around the kitchen with admiring, appreciative

+eyes, noticing the shining tins on the mantel-piece, the big copper

+warming-pan and the tall, brass-faced clock against the wall, and the

+linen bags hanging from the beams which spanned the ceiling, containing

+home-cured hams and sides of bacon. And then, after a visit to the

+dairy, she returned with Peggy to the parlour, where the tea-things had

+disappeared from the table, and the easiest chair in the room was drawn

+near the window for the guest.</p>

+

+<p>"What a peaceful scene it is!" Miss Leighton exclaimed, as her eyes

+rested on the village below and the distant sea. "I suppose, Mrs.

+Tiddy, you have become greatly attached to this charming spot?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Mrs. Tiddy answered. "I love Lower Brimley as I imagine only

+a woman who has been homeless and dependent can love her home. There

+was nowhere in the world where I could feel I had a right to be, till

+I married, for I was left an orphan at an early age and brought up by

+relations who regarded me in the light of an incubus. The bread of

+charity is very bitter, Miss Leighton—how bitter, it is impossible for

+those who have never tasted it to guess. I finished my education in a

+school as a pupil teacher, so I can truthfully say, that after I was

+seventeen, I maintained myself. You know I was a governess for several

+years, but I prefer being a farmer's wife," she concluded with a happy

+laugh.</p>

+

+<p>"Your lines have fallen in pleasant places," Miss Leighton remarked,

+with a smile which was very gracious.</p>

+

+<p>And Mrs. Tiddy agreed.</p>

+

+<p>Then Peggy was asked to give them some music, and she went to the piano

+willingly. Miss Leighton was astonished to hear the child could play so

+well, and expressed herself delighted, remarking that she had evidently

+been most carefully taught.</p>

+

+<p>"Soon I am going to learn the organ," Peggy informed the old lady,

+twisting round on the piano-stool, "and then, perhaps, when I am quite

+grown up I shall be able to earn my own living. How splendid that will

+be! I think I would rather be a musician than anything else, because

+it makes people happy to hear music. Oh! here's Mr. Tiddy!" she cried,

+catching the sound of footsteps in the hall; and a minute later the

+farmer entered the room.</p>

+

+<p>"You've been having some music?" he said, glancing at Peggy on the

+piano-stool. "Well, now, won't you sing something, my dear? She has a

+voice as sweet as a lark's," he continued, turning to the visitor. "I

+am sure you would like to hear her sing, wouldn't you?"</p>

+

+<p>"Indeed I should," Miss Leighton replied.</p>

+

+<p>"I don't know any songs," Peggy said doubtfully; "only a few hymns, and

+little scraps from anthems which I've heard at church."</p>

+

+<p>"Sing that hymn about 'Light at evening time,' my dear," requested Mr.

+Tiddy. "I dearly like to hear you sing that."</p>

+

+<p>Peggy complied immediately, and when her sweet voice ceased there was

+dead silence for a minute or so. Surprised, the little girl turned her

+sightless eyes in the direction of Miss Leighton, wondering why she did

+not at least say, "Thank you."</p>

+

+<p>"Don't you like it?" she asked. "It's my favourite hymn, and when I was

+a very little girl mother taught me to say the first verse as a prayer.

+I say it every night now, and I expect I always shall. I suppose I like

+it so much because I'm blind. I don't know what light is, but I know

+it's very beautiful and wonderful, because Jesus is called 'The Light

+of the World,' and people seem to think it's so dreadful to be without

+it."</p>

+

+<p>"The light our Saviour brought into the world is given to the blind as

+freely as to others," Mrs. Tiddy reminded her gently. "Its home is in

+the heart, making peace and happiness and joy." She glanced at Miss

+Leighton as she spoke and was surprised at the expression of her face.

+The old lady was regarding the child with yearning eyes, and her whole

+countenance—generally so repellent in its pride—was softened by an

+emotion which rendered her incapable of speech.</p>

+

+<p>At that moment Peggy started to her feet, declaring she heard Wolf

+outside the window—he was in search of her—and hastened out of the

+room. A few minutes later, she and her faithful canine friend ran down

+the garden path side by side, the dog barking joyously at having lured

+her from the house.</p>

+

+<p>"How full of life and high spirits she is!" remarked Mr. Tiddy, as he

+moved to the window to watch the pair. "She is looking capital, isn't

+she? I declare her cheeks have become quite round and rosy, and she was

+such a pale little soul not much more than a month ago."</p>

+

+<p>"It is terrible that she should be blind!" Miss Leighton exclaimed, a

+sort of restrained vehemence in her tone as she found her voice once

+more. "Can nothing really be done for her? Has she had good advice?"</p>

+

+<p>"The best in London, I believe," Mrs. Tiddy answered with a sigh.</p>

+

+<p>"Then money would be no good—" The old lady paused as both her

+companions shook their heads. "Because if it was a question of money

+I would gladly pay any amount for the child's sake," she proceeded

+eagerly. "I—I have taken a great fancy to her. I do not know when I was

+so much attracted by a child before. I would give a great deal if she

+could be made to see."</p>

+

+<p>"Hers is not a case money can touch," Mr. Tiddy responded gravely, "I

+have been assured of that by her parents. As long as her life lasts,

+the little maid will be blind, and she knows it, but she's contented to

+wait. Her eyes will see the King in His beauty by-and-by, and meanwhile

+His love is lightening her darkness and cheering her way. Did you like

+that hymn she sang?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Miss Leighton assented, "but it made me sad. To me, blindness

+seems the heaviest affliction that can fall upon any one."</p>

+

+<p>She glanced out of the window, her expression one of mingled affection

+and pity as her gaze fell upon the little girl who was now leaning over

+the garden gate in the attitude of listening.</p>

+

+<p>"Ah, here comes Barnes to escort me home!" she exclaimed. "I have to

+thank you for a very pleasant time," she continued earnestly, looking

+from one of her companions to the other. "I am afraid I shall have no

+opportunity of returning your hospitality now, for I am leaving Higher

+Brimley at the end of the week; but surely, Mr. Tiddy, you sometimes

+bring your wife to town?"</p>

+

+<p>"She has not been back to London since I married her," Mr. Tiddy

+replied smilingly, "and she says she has no desire to go. But I mean

+for us both to take a holiday in the autumn—after the corn harvest—and

+then—"</p>

+

+<p>"And then you will come to London," Miss Leighton interposed quickly,

+"and do come and stay with me. Don't say 'No,' but think it over. It

+would give me so much pleasure to have you for my guests, and you

+should do as you pleased in every way. At any rate, promise you will

+not visit London without seeing me."</p>

+

+<p>"I readily promise that," Mrs. Tiddy answered, secretly much surprised

+at the invitation she and her husband had received. "You are very

+kind—so many thanks. Won't you stay a little longer? Barnes can wait

+for you."</p>

+

+<p>"I think I must go, for I would rather return before dark, and the

+evening is drawing in. There is a mist rising from the sea; I dare say

+it is 'only for heat and pilchards' as you Cornish folk say, but I am

+liable to bronchitis and I fear to be out in a fog."</p>

+

+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy escorted their visitor to the garden gate, where

+Barnes was waiting for her, in conversation with Peggy; and five

+minutes later, mistress and maid were climbing the hill towards Higher

+Brimley.</p>

+

+<p>"I shall leave here at the end of the week," Miss Leighton abruptly

+remarked as they neared their destination.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am," replied Barnes, in her usual quiet tone.</p>

+

+<p>"It is my intention to return to town, but I think I shall break our

+journey at Plymouth," Miss Leighton announced. "I may probably stay

+there for a day or so."</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am," Barnes replied again. Not a muscle of her face moved, nor

+was there any sign to show the delight she experienced as her mistress

+made known her plans, though her heart was palpitating with joy at the

+thought that she might soon have an opportunity of seeing her mother

+and brother.</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton was disappointed. She had planned to stop at Plymouth

+solely on her maid's account; but of course, she reflected, Barnes

+could not know that.</p>

+

+<p>"By the way, you have relatives living near Plymouth, have you not?"

+she asked, after a brief hesitation.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am—my mother and my brother." Barnes regarded her mistress

+dubiously, then added: "I shall be glad to see them, if you will allow

+me a day to myself, for my mother is very old, and my brother is sorely

+afflicted—he has no mind, or none to speak of. It will be a great

+pleasure to me to go and see them."</p>

+

+<p>"How is it you never mentioned them to me before?" Miss Leighton

+demanded sharply. "You are deeply attached to them, are you not?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Barnes admitted, "I am." But she did not explain why their names

+had never passed her lips, and her mistress did not ask her again.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_10">CHAPTER X</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>GOOD-BYES</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>"HAVE you nearly finished, Barnes?"</p>

+

+<p>The speaker—Miss Leighton—put the question in a querulous tone. She

+had that moment entered her bedroom at Higher Brimley, where her maid

+was engaged in packing her belongings; and, taking off her bonnet and

+cloak, she flung them upon the bed with an irritability of manner which

+showed she had been put out.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am," Barnes answered, as she proceeded to lock the last trunk

+and securely fasten its leather straps.</p>

+

+<p>"I have been to Lower Brimley," Miss Leighton announced. "I thought I

+would call and say good-bye to the Tiddys this evening, but they have

+gone to Penzance for the day and taken the child with them."</p>

+

+<p>There was a distinct note of disappointment in her voice, and her face

+wore an expression of mingled annoyance and regret.</p>

+

+<p>"They might have thought that I should call to-day!" she exclaimed,

+vexedly.</p>

+

+<p>"Do they know you are leaving to-morrow, ma'am?" Barnes questioned,

+respectfully.</p>

+

+<p>"I told Mrs. Tiddy I intended leaving at the end of this week: probably

+she imagines that would be on Saturday—not Friday. I should like to

+have said good-bye to little Peggy. Barnes, what I would give if the

+child's parents would consent to my adopting her!"</p>

+

+<p>"Ma'am!" cried Barnes in great astonishment, rising to her feet—she

+had been kneeling to secure the straps of the trunk—and staring at her

+mistress as though she doubted if she had heard aright. "Her mother

+would never permit it!" she declared decisively.</p>

+

+<p>"How do you know?" queried Miss Leighton, with a frown and a cold

+glance of displeasure.</p>

+

+<p>"Of course I don't know, ma'am," Barnes answered quietly, "and

+perhaps I have no right to pass my opinion; but, from what I've heard

+Miss Peggy say herself, I judge that it's very unlikely her mother

+and father would part with her, especially as she's blind. Parents

+generally love an afflicted child so much more dearly than those who

+are better fitted to face the world!" And Barnes's face softened into

+tenderness as she spoke.</p>

+

+<p>"But they will have to provide for her future, and my niece's husband

+is a poor man. If anything happened to him—if he died, his widow

+and children would be penniless, and what would become of Peggy

+then—helpless and blind? Surely if her parents are so deeply attached

+to her, they will consider her interests! I will have nothing to do

+with Margaret herself, but she shall not be a loser if she will allow

+me to adopt Peggy. What do you think of my plan, Barnes?"</p>

+

+<p>"I don't like it," Barnes responded in a low tone. "No, I don't like

+it," she repeated, gaining courage to speak her mind; "the little girl

+has a happy home, though I suppose it's a poor one, and she's been

+accustomed to a great deal of love—"</p>

+

+<p>"And if I did not love her, should I desire to adopt her?" Miss

+Leighton broke in with unusual impetuosity.</p>

+

+<p>"Your love is not like that which she's had all her life," Barnes said,

+refraining from meeting her mistress's glance. "How can it be, ma'am?

+You've taken a fancy to the child and you want her for your own sake,

+because she's sweet and loveable; but her mother and father will think

+of what's best for her—"</p>

+

+<p>The maid's sentence was never finished—and perhaps it was as well, as

+Miss Leighton's countenance had darkened with anger—for at that moment

+Mrs. Ford knocked at the door with the information that there were

+visitors downstairs. And on descending to her sitting-room, the old

+lady found Mrs. Tiddy and Peggy awaiting her.</p>

+

+<p>"We are so sorry we were not at home when you called, Miss Leighton,"

+said Mrs. Tiddy, "especially as you are leaving to-morrow—I thought you

+would not go till Saturday. We have just returned from Penzance, where

+we have spent the day."</p>

+

+<p>"I hope you have had a pleasant time," Miss Leighton remarked genially.

+"But are you not very tired?"</p>

+

+<p>"I think Peggy is," Mrs. Tiddy replied, "but when we heard you had been

+to Lower Brimley in our absence to say good-bye to us, she felt with me

+that we could not let you go without a word of farewell, so we decided

+to come straight on here. We must only stay a few minutes, though, as

+my husband is waiting in the dog-cart outside."</p>

+

+<p>"We have had such a lovely day," Peggy informed Miss Leighton. "We had

+dinner at an hotel, and we rode to Land's End in a Jersey car; Mr.

+Tiddy said I must not go home without having been to Land's End."</p>

+

+<p>"And when do you go home?" Miss Leighton inquired.</p>

+

+<p>"At the end of the month," Peggy answered, "when father is coming to

+fetch me. It has all been arranged. Father is going to take a few days'

+holiday; and I shall be able to show him the sea, and the village, and

+the church on the cliff, and all the poultry and the animals on the

+farm! Oh! I am so much looking forward to that! But I shall be very

+sorry when the time comes to leave Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy and dear old

+Wolf! I shall never forget my visit to Cornwall as long as I live! I

+shall not forget you, either," she went on, taking the old lady's hand

+between her own and pressing it. "I don't suppose we shall ever meet

+again, but I shall remember you—always. I wish you were not unfriendly

+with mother! I am sure she would like to be friendly with you. Don't

+you think, Aunt Caroline, you might forgive her now?"</p>

+

+<p>"Did any one tell you to say this to me?" questioned Miss Leighton

+suspiciously, glancing from the child to Mrs. Tiddy, who looked

+somewhat alarmed.</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, no, no! But it seems so dreadful and—and sad that you and mother

+should not be friends, for I know you used to be kind to her long ago;

+and you have been very kind to me—so different from what I thought you

+were like!"</p>

+

+<p>"It's my great desire to be always kind to you, Peggy," Miss Leighton

+said gravely and impressively. "I wish you to bear that in mind. But

+you must not meddle between your mother and me. Little girls should not

+interfere in matters they do not understand."</p>

+

+<p>Peggy blushed rosy red and her blue eyes filled with tears, but she

+managed to keep them back. She felt snubbed and uncomfortable, and was

+very relieved when Mrs. Tiddy declared they must go. Miss Leighton rose

+to escort her visitors to the garden gate, and, as they were leaving

+the room, Barnes came downstairs. Peggy recognised the maid's step

+immediately, and meet her with extended hands.</p>

+

+<p>"Good-bye, Barnes," she said, adding in a whisper, "I sha'n't forget

+all you told me about your poor brother, and I shall remember always to

+pray for him as I said I would. If you ever see me in London, you'll be

+sure to speak to me, will you not?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, miss," Barnes responded. She glanced hastily around and saw that

+her mistress had followed Mrs. Tiddy out of the front door, then she

+put her arms around Peggy and kissed her. "Good-bye, you dear little

+soul," she said affectionately. "You're going home soon, are you not,

+my dear?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Peggy assented happily.</p>

+

+<p>"Ah, you'll be glad to be with your mother and father and brother

+again, won't you?"</p>

+

+<p>"Indeed I shall," agreed Peggy.</p>

+

+<p>"There's no place like home and the love we get there—remember that,

+Miss Peggy. It's better to be rich in love than in money, any day!"</p>

+

+<p>"Of course it is," smiled the little girl. "And I shall be very glad to

+be at home again, though Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy have been as kind as kind

+could be!"</p>

+

+<p>"They're good, kind people, miss; any one can see that, and you've been

+happy with them, I know; but—there, I mustn't keep you any longer!" And

+Barnes kissed Peggy once more and hurried away.</p>

+

+<p>After that, Peggy hastened to join the others at the garden gate. Mrs.

+Tiddy had already taken her place on the front seat of the dog-cart,

+and Mr. Tiddy was shaking hands with Miss Leighton and telling her, in

+his hearty, hospitable way, that she must never pay that district a

+visit without coming to Lower Brimley. She assured him that she never

+would.</p>

+

+<p>"Now then, Peggy. Ready?" he inquired briskly.</p>

+

+<p>The little girl assented, approaching Miss Leighton and holding out her

+hand. She raised her face to the old lady's and received a lingering

+kiss, which she returned rather shyly. Then, Mr. Tiddy lifted her in

+his arms and placed her on the back seat of the dog-cart, bidding her

+keep a firm hold of the rail of the vehicle and not fall out.</p>

+

+<p>"Good-bye, Aunt Caroline!" cried Peggy brightly, waving her hand, as

+they started off for home.</p>

+

+<p>But Miss Leighton made no response. There was a choking sensation in

+her throat, and she dared not attempt to speak for fear her voice

+should betray her emotion. She had a feeling, at that moment, that

+Peggy was going from her for ever, and that made her very sad.</p>

+

+<p>The spring evening was closing in fast now; and, as the dog-cart

+disappeared from sight, Miss Leighton turned and slowly retraced her

+footsteps towards the house, encountering Barnes as she entered the

+front door. The maid looked at her mistress a trifle curiously, and

+received a somewhat defiant glance in return.</p>

+

+<p>"Tell Mrs. Ford I shall require my supper immediately, as I shall have

+to be up early in the morning, and therefore shall go to bed in good

+time to-night, Barnes," Miss Leighton said, in her usual cold tone.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am," Barnes replied. "I am glad, ma'am, that Mrs. Tiddy

+brought little Miss Peggy to say good-bye to you," she ventured to add.</p>

+

+<p>"I have said good-bye to the child for the present," Miss Leighton

+responded deliberately; "but she too will soon be returning to town,

+and I have planned that we shall meet again."</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_11">CHAPTER XI</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>HOME AGAIN</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>"I SHOULD think they will be here very soon now!"</p>

+

+<p>The speaker was Mrs. Pringle, who stood at the sitting-room window of

+her home, looking out into the narrow street, one cold, wet, spring

+evening. Her arm was around Billy's shoulders; and the little boy's

+face, which wore an expression of eager watchfulness, was pressed close

+to the window-pane.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Billy answered, "I hope so. It always seems so long when one is

+waiting, doesn't it, mother? How it is raining!"</p>

+

+<p>"I wish it had been a finer evening for Peggy's return," Mrs. Pringle

+remarked. "We must keep the fire up."</p>

+

+<p>She moved back from the window and put mare coals into the grate.</p>

+

+<p>"We will give our little Sunbeam a warm welcome, at any rate," she

+added with a smile.</p>

+

+<p>All day, she had gone about her household duties with the happiest

+of hearts, and every now and again she had run upstairs to make sure

+that Peggy's bedroom was quite in order. For her husband, who had gone

+to Cornwall a few days previously, was expected to bring his little

+daughter home that night. Needless to say, Billy was no less delighted

+than his mother at the prospect of so soon seeing Peggy again; whilst

+Sarah, in the kitchen, had opened the door, that she might hear the

+expected cab pull up before the house, and kept the kettle on the boil

+in readiness to make tea the minute the travellers should arrive.</p>

+

+<p>"Here they are!" cried Billy excitedly, at last, and, followed by his

+mother, he rushed into the passage, almost colliding with Sarah, who

+was hurrying from the kitchen, and flung wide the front door, admitting

+as he did so a blast of cold wind.</p>

+

+<p>"Don't go out into the rain, Billy," advised Mrs. Pringle, her face

+aglow with expectancy. "See, your father is lifting Peggy out of the

+cab; he will bring her straight in."</p>

+

+<p>The next minute, Peggy was in her mother's arms, rapturously returning

+her mother's welcoming kiss; then came Billy's turn to be embraced,

+and after that, Sarah's. The little girl's countenance was one beam of

+happiness, and her cheeks were so rosy that her brother gazed at her in

+surprise.</p>

+

+<p>"Why, Peggy, how you've altered!" he cried. "And I do believe you've

+grown!"</p>

+

+<p>"I'm sure she has," Mrs. Pringle agreed. "She is looking remarkably

+well. She left home as white as a lily, and she has returned like a

+red, red rose."</p>

+

+<p>"Are you glad I've come home?" Peggy asked, not because she was in the

+least doubtful on the point, but because it was so sweet to know she

+had been missed and how welcome was her presence at home once more.</p>

+

+<p>"Glad?" exclaimed Billy, "I should think we are! We've all of us missed

+you most dreadfully, Peggy. Even Mr. Maloney noticed that the house

+seemed quite different without you!"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes; but now our little Sunbeam has returned to us," Mrs. Pringle said

+lovingly, "and it is such happiness to have her given back to us well

+and strong!"</p>

+

+<p>"And has no one a welcome for me?" asked Mr. Pringle at that point.

+He had seen about the luggage and dismissed the cabman, and now stood

+regarding the excited group with a glance half humorous, half tender.

+"Have you forgotten that you have not seen me for three whole days?

+Never mind," he continued, after he had kissed his wife and his little

+son, "I am content to take the second place to-night. But Peggy and I

+are both tired and hungry; so, suppose we have our tea at once—as soon

+as Peggy has removed her wraps."</p>

+

+<p>A very pleasant meal followed; and afterwards the family drew round the

+fireplace, in a circle, to talk.</p>

+

+<p>"I've so much to tell you, that I don't know where to begin," Peggy

+remarked. "Oh, I do think the very nicest part of going away on a visit

+is the coming home again!"</p>

+

+<p>There was a general laugh at that, and Mr. Pringle said:</p>

+

+<p>"That's good hearing, my dear. We left Cornwall bathed in glorious

+sunshine this morning," he continued, addressing his wife. "Your

+schoolfellow's home is in a most beautiful spot. I cannot express how

+greatly I have enjoyed my three days' holiday at Lower Brimley. Both

+Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy have been kindness itself, and never shall we be

+able to repay them for all they have done for Peggy!"</p>

+

+<p>"I was—oh, so sorry to say good-bye to them," the little girl said

+soberly, "and there was Wolf—poor Wolf! He had to be shut up in the

+stable for fear he would follow us to the station and want to go by

+train. He is such a dear, dear dog! You will love him, Billy, when you

+see him!"</p>

+

+<p>"Do you think I shall ever see him, Peggy?" Billy asked, anxiously. "Do

+you really think Mr. Tiddy will remember to invite me to Lower Brimley

+in the summer holidays?"</p>

+

+<p>"I am sure he will," the little girl replied positively. "I heard him

+mention it several times; he won't forget, he always keeps his word."</p>

+

+<p>"And what about Aunt Caroline?" Mrs. Pringle at length asked. "I was

+never more surprised in my life than when I heard you and she had met!"</p>

+

+<p>"Was it not strange?" Peggy said seriously. "You know she came from

+Penzance on purpose to see Mr. Tiddy's daffodils, and she was so

+pleased with them."</p>

+

+<p>"Did she find out who you were, then?"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, no—not until long after that—when she was lodging at Higher

+Brimley. I met her on the beach and she spoke to me, and—and I talked

+rather much, for I told her my name—she asked me, I think—and all about

+my accident. Even then she didn't say who she was. But afterwards she

+came to Lower Brimley and asked permission to go around the garden—Mr.

+Tiddy had told her she might—and Mrs. Tiddy and I went with her, and

+just before she left she said I was distantly related to her and

+explained who she was. After that, she was very nice and kind to

+me—very kind indeed!"</p>

+

+<p>"But you don't like her, Peggy, do you?" cried Billy. "I thought her

+such a proud, cross old woman!"</p>

+

+<p>"She speaks in rather a proud way sometimes," Peggy allowed

+reluctantly, "but she isn't cross when you know her—at least, she

+wasn't to me. She said she wouldn't have driven away so quickly after I

+had been knocked down by her horse, if she had known I was blind. Yes,

+I rather like her, but I don't suppose I shall ever meet her again,

+though I should like to. And then there's Barnes—"</p>

+

+<p>"Barnes? Is she still with Aunt Caroline?" broke in Mrs. Pringle,

+eagerly.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," nodded Peggy, "and she asked me such a lot of questions about

+you, mother. I like Barnes. She told me about her poor afflicted

+brother, and—wasn't it strange?—Aunt Caroline had never heard of him

+till I happened to speak of him to her."</p>

+

+<p>"I dare say not, my dear," Mrs. Pringle answered, evincing no surprise.

+"I remember about poor Barnes's brother," she proceeded. "He is not

+right in his mind, and Barnes helps support him and her mother too. The

+mother must be a very aged woman now."</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," the little girl answered. "Poor Barnes! Aunt Caroline used to

+speak so sharply to her sometimes—I heard her—but that is her way, I

+suppose."</p>

+

+<p>"It used to be," Mrs. Pringle admitted with a sigh, "and, from what you

+tell me, I imagine she has not altered much these last ten years."</p>

+

+<p>"I don't think she's a bit happy," Peggy said, shaking her golden head.

+"That seems very sad, doesn't it? Barnes told the servants at Lower

+Brimley that Aunt Caroline has no friends, because she always thinks

+people who are nice to her want her money."</p>

+

+<p>"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Pringle understandingly, with a quick glance at

+her husband. "Poor Aunt Caroline!"</p>

+

+<p>She sat in silence after that, listening whilst Peggy expatiated at

+great length upon all the delights of life at a farm. Billy drank in

+every word with keen interest, reflecting that some day, not so very

+distant, he would most likely enjoy his share of the pleasures which

+his sister explained so marvellously—considering she had been unable to

+see.</p>

+

+<p>"I know everything was very beautiful," she said, in conclusion, "for

+there seemed to be flowers everywhere, and the scent of the gorse on

+the cliffs was wonderful—I never smelt anything so sweet or strong

+before! And the air was so warm, and the sun shone nearly every day,

+and—"</p>

+

+<p>"And now you have come back to rain and cold," interposed Mrs. Pringle;

+"you will feel it a hardship, I fear, after the mild climate you've

+enjoyed of late and after having spent so much time out-of-doors, to be

+cooped up in a small house again."</p>

+

+<p>"I don't mind the rain and the cold in the very least," Peggy declared,

+"and I love our little house. Oh, I'm so glad to be at home! Yes,

+indeed I am! I've enjoyed my visit to Cornwall; but I think I've missed

+you all as much or more than you have missed me. I'm glad I went, but

+I'm gladder still to be back again—to be able to hear your voices and

+put out my hands and feel you are here! You would understand what that

+means, if you were blind. Oh, I think I was never so happy in my life

+before as I am to-night."</p>

+

+<p>"Thank God for that, my darling," Mrs. Pringle responded in a tremulous

+voice. "Oh, we have much to thank Him for!" she added softly, as

+she remembered the pale, delicate little girl she had seen off at

+Paddington railway station with a very heavy heart six weeks previously

+and mentally compared her with the one—a picture of health and

+contentment—who now nestled close to her side. She had prayed—oh, so

+earnestly!—that Peggy might be restored to her well and strong, and her

+Father in Heaven had answered her prayer.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_12">CHAPTER XII</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>AUNT CAROLINE'S DISAPPOINTMENT</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>THE first few days after Peggy's return home were very wet and cold,

+although it was late spring. But one morning, she arose conscious of a

+change in the atmosphere and that the sun was shining into her bedroom

+window, whilst the sparrows were twittering noisily outside as though

+they had matters of great importance to discuss with each other.</p>

+

+<p>"I think we are going to have a taste of spring weather at last,"

+observed Mr. Pringle at the breakfast table that morning. "There's the

+promise of a beautiful May day, and I hope," he continued, addressing

+his wife, "that you will manage to get out for a while in the

+sunshine—you and Peggy."</p>

+

+<p>"I want to do so," Mrs. Pringle replied. "I have some shopping to do

+first of all, and afterwards we may, perhaps, extend our walk."</p>

+

+<p>Accordingly Peggy and her mother spent most of the morning

+out-of-doors. They were both in excellent spirits, and though, of

+course, they had to take their walk in the streets, they thoroughly

+enjoyed it. Mrs. Pringle looked into the shops and told her little

+daughter what the windows contained; and they bought a bunch of

+wallflowers from a costermonger's barrow, for a penny, which smelt

+almost as sweet as those at Lower Brimley, Peggy declared, and she

+wondered if they had come from Cornwall—that corner of the world which,

+to the blind child, would always be remembered as a paradise of flowers.</p>

+

+<p>Then, on their way home, they encountered Mr. Maloney, whom Peggy had

+not met since her return. He turned and walked with them as far as

+their own door, listening with a rather preoccupied air, Mrs. Pringle

+thought, to the little girl's chatter, and watching her animated

+countenance with an expression of grave scrutiny in his kindly eyes.</p>

+

+<p>"I want a private conversation with you and your husband, Mrs.

+Pringle," he remarked. "If I call this evening, shall I find you both

+disengaged?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," she assented, adding anxiously, "there is nothing wrong, is

+there? You have no bad news to tell us?"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, no!" he responded, with a reassuring smile. "Please do not imagine

+that for a moment. I will call this evening, then, about seven."</p>

+

+<p>Peggy wondered what Mr. Maloney could have to say to her parents in

+private. And Mr. Pringle expressed astonishment when his wife informed

+him at dinner-time of the reason the Vicar had assigned for his

+proposed call. Whilst Billy, though he made no remark, was filled with

+intense curiosity, and by the evening had become quite excited, and

+found great difficulty in concentrating his mind to prepare his lessons

+for the following day.</p>

+

+<p>Mr. Pringle had given orders that the Vicar was to be shown into the

+music-room, as the small apartment was called which was apportioned

+to the use of the master of the house. And as soon as Mrs. Pringle,

+who had been sewing in the sitting-room, heard Sarah admit Mr. Maloney

+punctually at the hour he had appointed, she laid aside her work, and

+the next moment, the children were alone.</p>

+

+<p>Billy continued to pore over his lesson books, whilst Peggy sat

+opposite to him at the table, her busy fingers engaged in knitting a

+sock, one of a pair she was making for her father. Sarah had taught the

+little girl the accomplishment of knitting during the long evenings

+of the previous winter, and the pupil did her teacher great credit.

+There had been silence in the room, except for the click of Peggy's

+knitting-needles, for some minutes, when the little girl suddenly

+dropped her work, and springing to her feet, stood listening intently.</p>

+

+<p>"What is it?" asked Billy, glancing at her quickly, and noting that she

+had grown very pale. "What do you hear?"</p>

+

+<p>"Nothing, now," she answered tremulously. "But I thought—I thought—I

+suppose it was my fancy!"</p>

+

+<p>"What did you think you heard?" he questioned curiously. "Why, you have

+turned quite white! What startled you, Peggy?"</p>

+

+<p>"I thought I heard mother crying, but I suppose I was wrong. I don't

+hear anything now."</p>

+

+<p>Billy went to the door, opened it, and listened; but nothing could be

+heard except a murmur of voices from the music-room. He shut the door

+and returned to the table.</p>

+

+<p>"Why should mother cry?" he demanded, uneasily.</p>

+

+<p>"Didn't you tell me Mr. Maloney said nothing was wrong?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," Peggy responded, "and he wouldn't have deceived us, I know."</p>

+

+<p>"Then mother wouldn't cry for nothing!"</p>

+

+<p>"I expect it was my mistake, Billy."</p>

+

+<p>More than half an hour passed—an hour—and at last the children heard

+the music-room door open and footsteps in the passage. Then the front

+door opened and shut, and a moment afterwards, Mr. and Mrs. Pringle

+entered the sitting-room without their visitor.</p>

+

+<p>One glance at his mother told Billy that his sister's sharp ears

+had not deceived her, for there were traces of recent tears on Mrs.

+Pringle's face. She crossed the room and took a chair by her little

+daughter's side, and her voice bespoke strong emotion as she said:</p>

+

+<p>"Peggy, dear, we have decided to tell you what brought Mr. Maloney here

+to-night. Yesterday, he had a visit from Aunt Caroline, who wishes

+to—to—"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, I know!" cried Peggy joyfully, as her mother hesitated. "She

+wishes to be friendly with you, mother! Isn't it that?"</p>

+

+<p>"No, dear," Mrs. Pringle replied sadly. "She has no desire to have

+anything to do with any of us but you. She would like to adopt you,

+Peggy—to have you to live with her—"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh mother!" broke in the little girl. "No! No!"</p>

+

+<p>"That is what she wishes. She offers to bring you up and provide for

+you, and to make you a rich woman some day. But your father and I have

+declined her offer, Peggy darling. We will keep our little daughter and

+trust to Providence to take care of her future."</p>

+

+<p>"You have been crying," said Peggy distressfully, "and I can hear the

+tears in your voice now. Oh, don't cry, mother! What can Aunt Caroline

+be thinking of, to imagine you and father would let her adopt me! As

+though I could leave you all to go and live with her!"</p>

+

+<p>"I knew she was a nasty old woman!" cried Billy, in tones of the

+greatest indignation. "And now I know she is cruel too! It is cruel of

+her to wish to take Peggy away from us! And the idea of her going to

+Mr. Maloney and—"</p>

+

+<p>"Hush, Billy!" admonished Mr. Pringle. "She went to Mr. Maloney because

+she knew he was our friend," he proceeded. "You must not misjudge her;

+certainly she did not mean to be cruel. I have no doubt she imagines

+she is acting kindly; but she does not understand us or realise that

+Peggy would not be happy separated from the members of her own family.

+We have talked over Miss Leighton's offer with Mr. Maloney, and we have

+declined it. I think we are right, and Mr. Maloney thinks so too; but

+he could not well refuse to put Miss Leighton's offer before us, as

+she had made a point of his doing so. To-morrow he will give her our

+reply, and I fear she will be very angry as well as disappointed; but

+we cannot part with our little Sunbeam," he concluded tenderly.</p>

+

+<p>"Did she want me to live with her altogether?" Peggy asked wonderingly,

+taking her mother's hand and holding it in a firm clasp.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, dear. She said you might come home sometimes—that she would not

+object to your coming to see us now and again, but—oh, Peggy, Peggy!"

+And poor Mrs. Pringle caught the little girl in her arms and kissed her

+passionately. "I hope we haven't been selfish," she continued, "but God

+gave you to us, and I cannot think it would be right to give you up

+for the sake of worldly advantages. No, I cannot think that! You have

+always had a happy home, have you not, Peggy?"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, so happy!" the little girl answered earnestly. "Why do you cry,

+mother—when I am not going to leave you?"</p>

+

+<p>"I am very foolish, I dare say," said Mrs. Pringle. "But it hurts me to

+think Aunt Caroline could imagine I would give up my own child."</p>

+

+<p>"Poor woman, she over-estimates the worth of her money," Mr. Pringle

+remarked, with a pitying note in his voice. "She does not understand

+that there are things even in this world not to be purchased with gold."</p>

+

+<p>"Why should she want to adopt me?" questioned Peggy wonderingly,

+turning her flushed face towards her father. "It is not even as though

+I wasn't blind! Why doesn't she adopt some little girl who has no

+mother or father or brother to love her? Why should she want me?"</p>

+

+<p>"Because, somehow, you have touched a soft spot in her heart, little

+Sunbeam," Mr. Pringle answered. "I can think of no other reason. Poor

+Miss Leighton! I am afraid she will be very disappointed when she hears

+we cannot favour her plan."</p>

+

+<p>"Poor Aunt Caroline!" sighed Peggy. "Why can't she be friendly with us

+all, and come and see us and be nice like she was when she came to tea

+at Lower Brimley?" And she shook her head sorrowfully as she thought of

+the old lady, so rich in money, so poor in other ways.</p>

+

+<p>Billy, looking at his sister, wondered at the regretful expression of

+her face. He could not tell, and he certainly would have been amazed,

+had he known that her tender heart was ready to pour a portion of the

+wealth of its affection upon her whom he regarded, not unnaturally,

+as one of the proudest and most disagreeable of people, and he felt

+triumphant as he reflected that Miss Leighton would be disappointed at

+finding herself balked in her selfish plan.</p>

+

+<p>When, on the following day, Miss Leighton heard from Mr. Maloney that

+Mr. and Mrs. Pringle had considered her offer and courteously declined

+it, she made no comment on their decision whatever. But she was even

+more disappointed than Billy had anticipated she would be, and there

+was more of sorrow than of anger in her heart. Briefly she informed

+Barnes that Peggy's parents had refused to allow her to adopt the child.</p>

+

+<p>"You were right, Barnes," she admitted with a sigh. "You thought my

+niece would refuse my offer, did you not?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am," Barnes answered briefly. She said no more, for in her

+heart she was confident that Peggy would be better and happier at home.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_13">CHAPTER XIII</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>FOR many months, the Pringle family heard no more of Miss Leighton.

+Spring gave place to summer; and in the early autumn Billy paid his

+visit to Cornwall, returning, after a never-to-be forgotten six weeks'

+holiday, with Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy, who spent a short while in London,

+during which time they went to see Miss Leighton, mindful of the

+promise which they had made to her.</p>

+

+<p>But, although the old lady received her Cornish acquaintances with

+every sign of cordiality and pleasure, she never once mentioned Peggy,

+and when Mrs. Tiddy spoke of her, she quickly changed the conversation,

+so that her visitors came to the conclusion that her liking for the

+little blind girl had been merely a passing fancy, and that she had

+lost the interest she had certainly once entertained for the child.

+Such, however, was not the case.</p>

+

+<p>It was the end of September when the Tiddys returned to their Cornish

+home; and shortly afterwards Miss Leighton had a long and serious

+illness, the result of a neglected cold. When she had recovered and

+was able to dispense with the services of the trained nurse, who, with

+Barnes, had nursed her back to health, it was December, and every one

+was preparing for Christmas.</p>

+

+<p>The season of peace and goodwill never brought much happiness to Miss

+Leighton nowadays; but it made many calls upon her purse. And when

+she had written several cheques to be sent to the various charities

+to which she was a regular contributor, she generally considered she

+had done all that could be reasonably expected of her for her fellow

+creatures.</p>

+

+<p>But this year, as she sat by the fire in the drawing-room of her London

+house, one afternoon about a week before Christmas, a sense of unusual

+dissatisfaction with herself began to creep over her. Memory was busy

+with her; and, gazing into the fire, she pictured a little figure clad

+in a shabby blue serge coat and skirt and a Tam o' Shanter cap, and saw

+once more a fair face with a halo of golden curls around it—a happy

+face, beautiful with that inward peace and light which only God can

+give. Then, in her imagination, she heard a clear, child's voice say:</p>

+

+<p>"But I don't think she can be really charitable, if she isn't kind in

+little ways and if she's unforgiving!"</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton winced as she recalled the words and the decided tone

+in which they had been uttered. How the child's judgment of her had

+rankled in her heart! It had hurt her at the time it had been given,

+though she had never resented it: it hurt her a great deal more now.</p>

+

+<p>"I would have been kind to Peggy, if her parents would have let me,"

+she thought. "There is nothing I would have denied her. I should like

+to do something to please her—to add to her happiness this Christmas.

+How I should like to see her again! She was such a bright, contented

+little girl! When I was ill, she was continually in my thoughts, and

+one night, I fancied I heard her singing that hymn about light at

+evening time—she has a very sweet voice. I wonder if Margaret would let

+the child come and see me? I hardly like to ask her a favour, but I

+long to see Peggy once more. Ah, here's Barnes!"</p>

+

+<p>The maid had been to match some silks for a piece of fancy-work her

+mistress was making; but Miss Leighton was not in the mood to look at

+her purchases now.</p>

+

+<p>"Sit down, Barnes," she said. "I want to speak to you."</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am," Barnes replied, taking a chair and glancing at her

+mistress inquiringly. There was a better understanding between these

+two than there had been formerly, for each had discovered of late, that

+the other had a heart; and Barnes had nursed Miss Leighton devotedly

+during her long illness, a fact Miss Leighton was not likely to forget.</p>

+

+<p>"I suppose the shops are very gay?" Miss Leighton questioned.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, ma'am, they are full of Christmas presents."</p>

+

+<p>"And doubtless you've made some purchases to send to your mother and

+brother?"</p>

+

+<p>Barnes assented, a pleased flush rising to her pale cheeks at the

+unusual kindness of her mistress's tone. She was emboldened to give

+Miss Leighton a list of the articles she had bought to send home to her

+people.</p>

+

+<p>"I pack up a hamper for them every Christmas," she explained in

+conclusion, "and my poor brother is always so excited to see it

+unpacked."</p>

+

+<p>"But would it not be much less trouble to you to send your mother the

+money you spend and let her buy what she wants herself?" Miss Leighton

+inquired.</p>

+

+<p>"Perhaps so, ma'am; but that would not be half so much pleasure to

+mother or to me. I like thinking and planning how I shall fill the

+hamper with those things which I know will be most acceptable, and when

+mother receives it and takes out its contents, she knows I've borne her

+wants in mind. I've knitted her a nice warm shawl, and she'll be much

+prouder of it, because I've made it, than if I'd bought it ready made."</p>

+

+<p>"I see, Barnes. I wonder what sort of Christmas my little grand-niece

+will spend."</p>

+

+<p>Barnes started, and a somewhat guilty expression crossed her

+countenance as she answered hurriedly:</p>

+

+<p>"A very happy one, I expect. Children mostly love Christmas time, and

+she has a very happy home."</p>

+

+<p>"How do you know?" Miss Leighton asked suspiciously.</p>

+

+<p>"I— I've been there, ma'am. I went to St. John's one Sunday afternoon

+to hear Mr. Maloney preach at a children's service, and I saw Miss

+Peggy there with her mother and brother. After the service, outside the

+church, I spoke to them, and Mrs. Pringle asked me to their house to

+have a cup of tea—and I went."</p>

+

+<p>"Well?" said Miss Leighton, with repressed eagerness in her voice.

+"What is the place like?"</p>

+

+<p>"The house, ma'am? It's one of a terrace, very small but comfortable

+and homely. Perhaps I ought to have told you that I'd been there, but I

+did not like to mention it."</p>

+

+<p>"Has my niece altered much?" Miss Leighton asked after a brief pause.</p>

+

+<p>"No, ma'am, very little. She inquired for you and looked so sorry when

+she heard how ill you'd been, and Miss Peggy said—" Barnes paused

+abruptly in some confusion.</p>

+

+<p>"Well, what did Miss Peggy say? I insist upon your telling me."</p>

+

+<p>"She said, 'Poor Aunt Caroline! How dreadful it would have been if she

+had died and we had never known! How I wish she would be friends with

+us all! She used to be so nice in Cornwall.' That's what she said,

+ma'am, shaking her curly head—you remember how she used to do that?

+It's natural she shouldn't understand how you feel towards her mother."</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton sighed. During her late illness she had been brought

+face to face with death; and, for the first time, doubts of herself

+had assailed her, and she had seen her unforgiving spirit in its true

+light. Pride had always been her stumbling-block through life; and it

+had been her pride which had suffered when her niece, to whom in her

+way she had really been attached, had elected to marry the hardworking

+music-master who was now the organist of St. John's.</p>

+

+<p>Her only reason for objecting to Mr. Pringle as her niece's husband

+had been because he had been poor. She had always thought so much of

+riches, but they had never brought her happiness; as a matter of fact,

+they had stood between her and her fellow creatures, they had warped

+her sympathies; and sadly and regretfully, the woman of great wealth

+admitted to herself that though she had given her money to clothe the

+naked and feed the poor, it had profited her nothing, for the spirit of

+charity had never been hers.</p>

+

+<p>"I am an old woman, and no one cares for me," she thought. "The love I

+might have had, I deliberately put away. I should not be lonely to-day,

+if I had not cast Margaret aside when she married. How she wept when I

+said I would never willingly look on her face again, and I thought it

+was my money she was regretting, not me!"</p>

+

+<p>Aloud she said:</p>

+

+<p>"Does Mr. Maloney hold a children's service every Sunday afternoon,

+Barnes?"</p>

+

+<p>Then, as Barnes assented, she continued: "I have heard high praises of

+his preaching, and I should like to hear one of his sermons. If I go to

+St. John's next Sunday afternoon, will you accompany me?"</p>

+

+<p>"Certainly, ma'am," Barnes responded promptly, her face showing the

+intense amazement she felt. She regarded her mistress with anxious

+scrutiny, marvelling at the softened expression on her countenance. She

+hoped she was not going to be ill again.</p>

+

+<p>"Perhaps we shall see Miss Peggy there," she proceeded; "but, if so,

+I expect her mother will be with her. I suppose you will not speak to

+them, ma'am?"</p>

+

+<p>"I cannot tell," Miss Leighton answered musingly. "I—I shall be guided

+by circumstances."</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, ma'am!" cried Barnes eagerly. "Don't be angry with me for saying

+this; but, if you could bring yourself to forgive Mrs. Pringle—"</p>

+

+<p>"That will do," broke in Miss Leighton with a return of her usual

+imperious manner. "I can imagine what you were about to say. No, I'm

+not angry. You're a well-meaning soul, Barnes, but—you may go!"</p>

+

+<p>Barnes needed no second bidding. She slipped quietly out of the room,

+fearing she had done more harm than good; whilst Miss Leighton leaned

+back in her easy chair, a prey to anxious thoughts. She had said she

+would go to St. John's on the following Sunday, and she meant to keep

+her word, for she really was curious to hear Mr. Maloney preach, and

+she hoped she might at any rate catch a glimpse of Peggy, though she

+determined, now, that she would not speak to her. How could she ignore

+the mother and notice the child?</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<h3><a id="Chapter_14">CHAPTER XIV</a></h3>

+

+<p class="t3">

+<em>CONCLUSION</em><br>

+</p>

+

+<p><br></p>

+

+<p>IT was Sunday afternoon. The children's service at St. John's was

+nearly at an end; and now the Vicar had ascended into the pulpit to

+address a few simple words to his congregation before giving out the

+number of the concluding hymn. He took for his text the Saviour's

+promise, "He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness," and, in

+the first place, reminded his hearers that in a very few days, they

+would be commemorating the birth of Him Who is called "The Light of the

+World." Would they not try to follow Him? he asked.</p>

+

+<p>Then he pictured the childhood of Jesus, and many a pair of bright

+young eyes grew earnest and thoughtful as their owners' interest was

+chained by the story which the Vicar knew so well how to tell, pointing

+out to the children that the Christ-Child should be their pattern,

+that, like Him, they should be good, and kind, and obedient. And that,

+if they trusted in Him, He would be their Saviour and their Friend.</p>

+

+<p>Finally, he explained that darkness meant selfishness and sin, and that

+the child who was untruthful, or dishonest, or unkind, was walking in

+darkness, apart from God. And that to follow Jesus, they must learn to

+be gentle, and pitiful, and loving, and faithful in word and deed: then

+would Christ's promise be for them—"He that followeth Me shall not walk

+in darkness!"</p>

+

+<p>It was a very short sermon, but so simple that no child could fail to

+understand it; and when it was over, and the Vicar descended from the

+pulpit, Peggy Pringle, who, seated by her brother's side, had listened

+to every word Mr. Maloney had said with the closest attention, turned

+her face to Billy with a pleased smile curving her lips, and thus

+allowed an old lady close behind her, a sight of her profile.</p>

+

+<p>The old lady, who was no other than Miss Leighton, felt her heart begin

+to beat unevenly as she recognised Peggy. She had been on the lookout

+for her all through the service; but the church was so full of children

+that she had not picked out her little great-niece amongst so many, and

+lo! All the while she had been within reach of her hand.</p>

+

+<p>In another minute the congregation had arisen, and with a dream-like

+sensation, Miss Leighton once more listened to the same hymn Peggy had

+sung to her in Cornwall months before:</p>

+

+<p class="poem">

+<br>"Holy Father, cheer our way<br>

+&nbsp;With Thy love's perpetual ray:<br>

+&nbsp;Grant us every closing day<br>

+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Light at evening time."<br>

+<br>

+</p>

+

+<p>Tears dimmed the old lady's eyes, and a softening influence stole

+into her proud heart; and when, at the conclusion of the hymn, the

+congregation knelt in prayer, Miss Leighton covered her face with her

+hands and prayed fervently that she, who had walked in darkness so

+long, might be guided into the way of light.</p>

+

+<p>"Barnes, I must speak to Peggy," she said in an agitated voice, as she

+and her maid left the church and stood under the lamp outside. "Do not

+let her pass us by."</p>

+

+<p>"She is with her brother, ma'am," Barnes answered. "I do not think Mrs.

+Pringle is here."</p>

+

+<p>At that instant Peggy and Billy appeared, hand in hand, and Miss

+Leighton stepped quickly forward; but, immediately, Billy put himself

+between her and his sister.</p>

+

+<p>"Go away!" he cried indignantly, for he had recognised Miss Leighton,

+and the wild idea that she might wish to lure Peggy away from him, then

+and there had flashed through his mind. "I'm not going to let you touch

+her!"</p>

+

+<p>"What do you mean?" demanded Miss Leighton in surprise. "Peggy! It's

+I—Aunt Caroline! Won't you speak to me, child?"</p>

+

+<p>At the sound of the well-remembered voice the little girl flushed

+rosily, a look of astonishment and—Miss Leighton saw she was not

+mistaken—of joy lighting up her face; seeing which, Billy allowed her

+to receive the old lady's warm embrace, though he still retained a firm

+grasp of her hand.</p>

+

+<p>"How are you, Peggy?" Miss Leighton began. "You look very well," she

+continued, without waiting for a reply. "We—Barnes and I—came to hear

+your friend Mr. Maloney preach, and I thought I should like a word with

+you. We sat close behind you in church."</p>

+

+<p>"Did you?" said Peggy, smiling. "Wasn't it a nice sermon? And we had my

+favourite hymn! Oh, Aunt Caroline," she proceeded sympathetically, "we

+were so sorry to hear you had been ill. Are you really quite well now?

+Yes. Oh, I'm so glad! Oh, Barnes, how do you do? Aunt Caroline, this is

+Billy. Billy, you remember Aunt Caroline, don't you? You know you saw

+her once before and you said you would know her again."</p>

+

+<p>Billy had no alternative but to shake hands with Miss Leighton. And,

+now he came to regard her more closely, she did not look the sort of

+person who would steal his sister from him. He thought he read goodwill

+towards himself in her face, as he scrutinised it in the light of the

+lamp near which they were standing, and she showed no resentment for

+the decidedly rude way in which he had treated her, the real fact

+being that she had guessed the impulse which had prompted his strange

+behaviour. For some minutes, he watched her talking to Peggy whilst

+Barnes stood aside patiently waiting. Then, he reminded his sister that

+if they did not go home, their mother would wonder what had become of

+them.</p>

+

+<p>"Yes," agreed Peggy, "we mustn't wait any longer. Mother's at home

+alone—it's Sarah's afternoon out—and she's always anxious if we're

+later than she expects us."</p>

+

+<p>"One moment more," said Miss Leighton. "I must wish you a very happy

+Christmas before we part, and I want you to tell me what I can give

+you for a present. Choose whatever you like. And Billy—he must choose

+something too!"</p>

+

+<p>"Oh, how kind of you!" cried Peggy. Whilst Billy's eyes glistened

+with delight, and a look of approval settled on his face—approval of

+this great-aunt of his, against whom he had entertained such a strong

+prejudice before.</p>

+

+<p>"I want to do something to add to your happiness," Miss Leighton said,

+in a voice which trembled with an emotion which she tried in vain to

+repress.</p>

+

+<p>"Do you, Aunt Caroline?" the little girl questioned earnestly. "Do you,

+indeed?"</p>

+

+<p>"Yes, my dear—"</p>

+

+<p>"Then if you really and truly want to add to my happiness," Peggy broke

+in excitedly, "you'll come home with us now—we've not far to go—and be

+friends with mother again! Oh, do come! It grieves mother dreadfully to

+think you're angry with her! But, you're not angry any longer, are you?"</p>

+

+<p>Miss Leighton could not say she was, for her bitterness against Peggy's

+mother had been slowly fading away since she had known Peggy herself.

+Her head was in a whirl with conflicting thoughts. But she felt she

+must accept or decline her little niece's invitation at once—she could

+not discuss it there in the street.</p>

+

+<p>"My dear, I cannot—" she was beginning, when a rush of tenderer,

+better feelings than she had experienced for years filled her heart

+and caused her to hesitate. She looked at Peggy's expectant face with

+its sightless blue eyes, and the last remnant of her pride died away,

+though she repeated, "I cannot, I cannot!"</p>

+

+<p>But the sharp ears of the blind child had caught the note of indecision

+in the other's tone, and taking the old lady by the hand she said

+persuasively:</p>

+

+<p>"Come, Aunt Caroline, we will go on, and Barnes and Billy will follow.

+I know the way quite well. Oh, do come!"</p>

+

+<p>And, much to Barnes's astonishment, and Billy's intense excitement,

+Miss Leighton answered in a voice which no longer wavered, but had

+become decided and firm:</p>

+

+<p>"To please you, little Sunbeam, I will!"</p>

+

+<p>

+<br>

+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;

+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

+&nbsp;&nbsp;*<br>

+<br>

+</p>

+

+<p>"Here's wonderful news from the Pringles!" exclaimed Mrs. Tiddy on

+Christmas morning, as she stood in the hall at Lower Brimley, ready

+to start for church with her husband, and glanced hastily through the

+letter she held in her hand—one of several which the postman had just

+delivered. "I cannot stay to read all Margaret says now, but I see she

+has had a visit from her aunt, and there must have been a complete

+reconciliation, for—fancy, Ebenezer!—the old lady is going to dine with

+them to-day!"</p>

+

+<p>"I'm heartily glad to hear it," Mr. Tiddy responded. "Depend upon it,

+Peggy has brought that about—the reconciliation, I mean. But come, my

+dear, or we shall be late for church."</p>

+

+<p>Then as they passed down the garden path, side by side, he continued:</p>

+

+<p>"I always felt there was One above Who arranged that Miss Leighton and

+Peggy should meet here and get to know each other. I expect the old

+lady will have a happier Christmas to-day than she has had for many a

+long year."</p>

+

+<p>And Mr. Tiddy was right, for this year, Miss Leighton found fresh

+beauty in the angels' message of peace and goodwill, and her Christmas

+Day was a very happy one, spent in her niece's home. God had softened

+her proud heart by the unconscious influence of the blind child, and He

+was granting her light in the evening time of her life. Miss Leighton

+had never felt so rich before as she did on this Christmas Day.</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<p>PRINTED BY</p>

+

+<p>SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. LTD., NEW-STREET SQUARE</p>

+

+<p>LONDON</p>

+

+<p><br><br><br></p>

+

+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE SUNBEAM ***</div>

+</body>

+</html>

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