'Yes; thanks to this little person here with me.'
Betty was kissed, but for once Nesta seemed oblivious of her presence. The child could not understand it, neither could she understand the explanation that followed in low, earnest tones. She saw Nesta's eyes light up with a sudden joy, and then fill with tears; she saw Major St. Clair bend his head very close to hers, and though she stood silently by she might just as well have been miles away, for all the notice that she received. At last with a little sigh she said,—
'I'm rather tired; I think I'll go home with Prince.'
Nesta turned to her at once.
'You poor little mite! Godfrey, will you carry her? I must leave you. No, don't come with me. I shall see you to-morrow, and I would rather see my mother alone. She has been so different lately, but I never dared to hope for this! Good-bye, Betty; you have been our little benefactor.'
Betty was hoisted on the broad shoulders of the major, and carried home in silence; he was busy with his own thoughts, and she was tired and sleepy.
They found Captain Stuart impatiently waiting for dinner.
'Where have you been?' he asked; 'has Betty bewitched you?'
'She has done me a good turn to-day,' responded the major.
Betty dipped her little hand into her uncle's.