After a long time the schoolmaster appeared at the wicket-gate of the churchyard, and hurried towards them, jingling in his hand, as he came along, a bundle of rusty keys. He was quite breathless with pleasure.
"You see those two old houses?" he said at last.
"Yes, surely," replied Nell. "I have been looking at them nearly all the time you have been away."
"And you would have looked at them still more if you could have guessed what I have to tell you," said her friend. "One of those houses is mine."
Without saying any more, or giving the child time to reply, the schoolmaster took her hand, and his honest face shining with pleasure, led her to the place of which he spoke.
They stopped before its low, arched door. After trying several of the keys in vain, the schoolmaster found one to fit the huge lock, which turned back creaking, and they stepped within.
The room which they entered was large and lofty, with a finely decorated roof. "It is a very beautiful place!" said the child in a low voice.
"A peaceful place to live in; don't you think so?" said her friend.
"Oh yes!" said the child, clasping her hands earnestly; "a quiet, happy place."
"A place to live and gather health of mind and body in," said the schoolmaster; "and this old house is yours."