Part 36 (2/2)
”I don't know what lady you mean,” he said; ”but my wife has been very ill for the past two weeks, and asking for you often. You see, I thought you had run away and left her.”
”I will drive back with you, please, sir, if you have room for me. I didn't know Mrs. Ashford was ill,” said the girl, humbly following him, as he turned towards the trap.
He lifted her up, and fastened her in securely.
All this time Mr. Harker had taken no notice of the little episode, save to wonder slightly at the delay. But directly he caught sight of the vivid, dark beauty of the girl, he started.
”Who is this?” he asked John, who was hurriedly driving on again.
”A poor girl whom Lucy has befriended,” he replied. ”Why, did you think you recognised her?”
Mr. Harker shook his head. She strongly resembled some one he had seen; but, for the moment, he could not call to mind who that person was.
”What is her name?” he inquired.
”Jessica,” replied his son-in-law. ”She doesn't seem to know any other.”
They drove on in silence, broken presently by Mr. Harker, who had stolen another glance at the silent girl.
”A wonderful likeness,” he murmured. ”I could have sworn that was Ada Lester, the actress, as she used to be.”
He relapsed again into silence, and John was too much wrapped up in his own thoughts to question him further.
They reached the little shop at last, and Jessica ran lightly and quickly up to the bedroom. She was welcomed warmly by Lucy, who had grown to like the girl, and had been greatly upset by her absence.
”I'm glad you have come back, dear,” she whispered, as Jessica bent over her. ”Where have you been?”
”To London, dear Mrs. Ashford. I did not know you were ill. I came back with Mr. Ashford.”
”John!” exclaimed Lucy, the colour rising in her face. ”My father as well?”
”Yes,” said the girl. ”I will call them.”
She did so, and a moment later John and Mr. Harker entered the room.
”Here he is, dear, you shall tell him the news yourself, while I take the horse back,” said the kindly John. He bent over and kissed her; and Lucy followed him with wistful, adoring eyes, as he went out accompanied by Jessica.
The next half-hour was an affecting one for father and daughter. Harker could hardly believe the good news; for so long had they tried and succeeded in keeping the truth back from Ashford, that it seemed incredible indeed that he had forgiven freely and wholly. Mr. Harker looked a different being when, after kissing his daughter affectionately, he left her and went down to the little parlour.
John was sitting smoking his pipe; but he started up when the old man entered.
”What is the matter?” he said, as he looked at his pale face. ”Is she worse?”
”No,” said Harker. ”She is better, thank Heaven! John Ashford,” he continued humbly, ”I have come to beg your forgiveness for the pain we have caused you. I knew my girl to be a good girl, although she had once been so foolish. I knew she would make you a true loving wife, in spite of her sin. It was I who overcame her scruples, and bade her marry you.
I did it for the best. I did it that she might be happy; for I knew how she loved you, and she so feared to lose your love and respect. She tells me you have forgiven her, but can you forgive me?”
John grasped his hand.
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