An expression of disappointment came over the young girl's face, but it was almost instantly chased away by a look like sunshine.
"Oh! Here is another opportunity given me of showing my love to my Lord, of proving that my faith is real; that I am not hanging out false colours! Is it not an honour and a joy to do, or to give up anything to please my Heavenly Master?"
Norah caught up the coins, and hastily thrust them all back into the bag, counting them as she did so. She would not trust herself to look again at the glittering gold, she would not trust herself even to think what Mrs. Peele or Sophy would say if they knew that she now held so large a sum in her hands. Norah felt impatient for the time when Mrs. Martin would come down from her room, that she might give over the tempting bag into the charge of the lady, and ask her what would be the best way of finding out its owner. Norah could think of nothing else as she filled the kettle, spread the table, and made the toast for breakfast. She felt as if in possession of a very great secret, which she longed to disclose to her mistress.
"You must have received some good news, Norah," was Mrs. Martin's remark, as she first met the beaming glance of her little servant.
"Oh, ma'am! Only see what I've found this morning on the road, not ten yards from the door, eight new sovereigns, all in this bag!"
And Norah, with some excitement, placed the bag in the hand of her mistress.
"And what will you do with this?" asked the old lady.
"Oh, ma'am! You know it's not mine, I thought you would kindly help me to find out who has lost it."
"Norah, you're the most honest girl that ever I met with!" burst involuntarily from the lips of her mistress.
Mrs. Martin had unintentionally touched a painful chord; Norah's awakened conscience started back from unmerited praise.