Part 32 (2/2)

Mrs. Blunt herself came forward, and spoke in a low tone.

”Ask 'em to be kind enough to knock as they come down, and if we're ready, we'll come.”

Cherry nodded.

”How's little brother?”

”All right,” answered Cherry, smiling; ”he's so pleased as father-Jem is going to carry him; and he says as he'll sit as still as anythink.”

”So do my Pattie. I've promised as I'll take her, if Blunt will go.” She lowered her voice and half came outside. ”I think he will--but men is men, my dear.”

Cherry understood, and went up-stairs again with her report.

How proudly, when the time came, did she dress d.i.c.kie in his new hat and jacket, and sit with him on her knee telling him stories till the time that Meg should be ready.

Presently she came out of her room, and Cherry fancied that her eyes looked rather tearful.

”Well, my girl,” said Jem, starting up from his chair, ”we're none too soon. It is nice to have you to go along with me once more.”

”I'm very thankful,” she answered gently, turning towards the door.

Jem took d.i.c.kie up in his strong arms, while Cherry followed Meg to the stairs. She linked her arm confidingly in hers, and her golden hair fell over Meg's shoulder as she whispered,

”I know as we don't make up for the little baby, even though we do love you very much indeed, mother-Meg; I wish as I could do anything for you.”

”You do a great deal for me, Cherry,” said Meg affectionately, ”and I'm very thankful that we've got you both. Doesn't d.i.c.kie look happy?”

He did indeed, his arms clasped round Jem's neck, his little face leaning on the broad shoulder.

Jem went out at the front door, while Meg tapped at Mrs. Blunt's.

”We're ready,” announced the woman, ”and it's mighty kind of you to wait for us.”

She came out of her room, followed by her husband, who had brushed himself up as well as he was able.

Three or four of the children pressed out also, and Meg, seeing this, offered a hand to two of them, which gratified them very much.

Jem waited till Blunt came up, and they paced along together, while Mrs.

Blunt joined Cherry, and so they came to the Mission Room where Jem and Meg generally attended.

Jem went in first with his little frail burden, and when he had found seats for his friends, he followed Meg to where they usually sat.

When the hymn began, d.i.c.kie raised his head from Jem's breast with a light in his face. Meg was afraid he would speak, but Jem warned him by a low word, and after another moment Meg saw tear after tear come from his little sightless eyes. The first he had shed since he had been their child, she thought; and she took his little hand in hers and kissed it.

But that hymn went to another heart besides d.i.c.kie's.

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