He drew towards them, having already guessed that their discourse related to himself. In this he was not mistaken.
As he approached, an extraordinary thing happened. The old woman and the boy started at the same moment, and each gazed earnestly into each other’s eyes, which were lighted up with a mingled expression of curiosity and surprise.
The effect was most remarkable. They both stood for one moment as if rendered motionless by some sudden thought, and petrified into stone.
This feeling, however, was but a transient one, and soon passed away. The woman turned impatiently on one side, as if to crush and smother the weakness which appeared reasonless because it was intuitive.
But she could not conceal from herself that some mysterious and overpowering influence had been plainly manifested for a brief period. What it was she was at a loss to discover.
There is always a reason for these magnetic impulses, which, instead of welcoming and cherishing, men and women but too often drive by main force from their hearts.
Alf Purvis stood motionless before the females.
“You’re a brave little fellow,” said the younger one. “What is your name, my lad?”
“Alfred Purvis, marm.”
“Ah, just so, and your trade?”