Part 38 (1/2)

”Yes, a young lady,” as Crystal moved away rather suddenly. ”Ah! there is a footman; he seems in search of some one. I will ask him if he be looking for you,” and Miss Merriman darted away.

Raby stood quietly waiting, but he little knew that the girl whom he had come to London to seek was standing a few yards from him, trying to see him through the tears that blinded her.

Many people turned to look after the tall, striking-looking man in clerical dress. The felt hat just shaded the pale, ma.s.sively cut features. He looked older, Crystal thought, and a little sadder, but the mouth was as beautiful as ever.

Once he looked up as hasty footsteps brushed him, as though he would move aside, but a girlish figure interposed between him and the loaded truck, and again the little hand guided him to safety.

”It is all right--the man says he is waiting for Mr. Ferrers,”

observed Miss Merriman briskly at this moment. ”What horrid things those trucks are; I was afraid one would have knocked you, only the young lady led you away.”

”What! a young lady?” asked Raby, quickly.

”Oh, only a tall young lady in brown, who seemed to notice you wanted help. She has gone now--probably a pa.s.senger for the down-train.”

”I think all young ladies are good to me,” returned Raby, with grave courtesy, holding out his hand. ”I know I have met with a very kind fellow-pa.s.senger;” and then, as he took the footman's arm and entered the carriage, Miss Merriman saw the tall young lady in brown walk quickly out of the station, and as she pa.s.sed her there were tears running down her cheeks.

CHAPTER XXVII.

FLUFF GOES TO SEE GRANDPAPA.

Thou, like a little curious fly That fusses through the air, Dost pry and pry With thy keen inquisitive eye.

And with many questions, ever Rippling like a restless river, Puzzling many an older brain Dost thou hour by hour increase thy store Of marvelous lore.

Thus a squirrel, darting deftly, Up and down autumnal trees, Sees its h.o.a.rd of chestnuts growing swiftly In a heap upon the leaf-strewn leas.

CLAUDE LAKE.

”And now, I look almost as smart as the Princess Dove herself.”

”I really think you do, Fluff, though you remember her dress was a curious embroidery of rainbows and dew-drops sewn all over with peac.o.c.ks' eyes; but I a.s.sure you I like your white frock much better; and the new hat is very pretty.”

”But Fern!--”

”But Fluff!--”

”If I were to be lost--really and truly lost, you know--would the funny old town-crier tell a long story about me as he did about the dog when we were down by the sea last summer?”

”Of course he would, and mother and I would stand and listen to him and try not to laugh. 'Lost, stolen, or strayed, a little witch-girl in a clean white frock, rather too much starched; a frilled cape that crackles when she moves, and a pretty broad-brimmed hat.' Well, Fluffy, what does that mysterious look mean? you are very rude to interrupt the old crier,” and Fern tried to frown, while Fluff nodded her head sagaciously.

”It would not be stolen or lost, it would be strayed like the sheep in the turnip-field, when the shepherd turned them all out because they had no business there. Supposing I strayed on purpose, Fern, you must send a crier covered all over with gold lace to find me.”

”Indeed! have you lost your senses, Fluff?”

”Never mind the senses; I saw them all five in china in Mrs. Watkins's left hand corner-cupboard, china images she called them, and I thought them so pretty. Give me the fourpence half-penny for buns, Fern--one Bath, two plain, and a half-penny to the sweeper that takes me best over the crossing.”

”Oh, Fluff, Fluff, do be careful, and mind you do not go too far; come back soon, like a good child.”

”Of course I am good on my birthday. What did they do to Ananias and Sapphira, Fern?”