r far than
ever her father was. But, dark or fair, she is my own dear little
girlie, and her mother's pet." The little creature ran across at the
words and nestled up against the lady's dress.

"When I left her in America," she continued, "it was only because her
health was weak, and the change might have done her harm. She was given
to the care of a faithful Scotchwoman who had once been our servant.
Never for an instant did I dream of disowning her as my child. But when
chance threw you in my way, Jack, and I learned to love you, I feared to
tell you about my child. God forgive me, I feared that I should lose
you, and I had not the courage to tell you. I had to choose between you,
and in my weakness I turned away from my own little girl. For three
years I have kept her existence a secret from you, but I heard from the
nurse, and I knew that all was well with her. At last, however, there
came an overwhelming desire to see the child once more. I struggled
against it, but in vain. Though I knew the danger I determined to have
the child over, if it were but for a few weeks. I sent a hundred pounds
to the nurse, and I gave her instructions about this cottage, so that
she might come as a neighbour without my appearing to be in any way
connected with her. I pushed my precautions so far as to order her to
keep the child in the house during the daytime, and to cover up her
little face and hands, so that even those who might see her at the
window should not gossip about there being a black child in the
neighbourhood. If I had been less cautious I might have been more wise,
but I was half crazy with fear lest you should learn the truth.

[Illustration: "HE LIFTED THE LITTLE CHILD."]

"It was you who told me first that the cottage was occupied. I should
have waited for the morning, but I could not sleep for excitement, and
so at last I slipped out, knowing how difficult it is to awaken you. But
you saw me go, and that was the beginning of my troubles. Next day you
had my secret at your mercy, but you nobly refrained from pursuing your
advantage. Three days later, however, the nurse and child only just
escaped from the back door as you rushed in at the front one. And now
to-night you at last know all, and I ask you what is to become of us, my
child and me?" She clasped her hands and waited for an answer.

It was a long two minutes before Grant Munro broke the silence, and when
his answer came it was one of which I love to think