But now, as if in answer to the prayer, a carriage was seen approaching; and the little old gentleman said—"Don't cry, my little one; here, eat this candy, and don't cry. I will get you home safely."
As the carriage came near, he saw that there were two ladies inside, and he held up his hand and beckoned them to stop. One of them was a kind-looking lady, with soft gray hair; and he said to her—
"Madam, I am deaf. I cannot hear a single word. I was taking a walk, when this little child came up and put her hand into mine. I think she is lost; but I cannot hear what she says. Will you take her with you, and restore her to her home?"
"Certainly, I will, poor little darling," said the kind lady; and the door was opened, and Susy tenderly lifted in, and placed on the lady's lap.
The little old gentleman kissed Susy, and thanked the ladies; then taking off his hat, he made them a low bow, and then they drove away.
"Can you tell me where you live?" said the lady.
"Oh, yes; I live with mamma and papa," said Susy, "and my kitty, and my doll; we all live together."
The lady smiled, and said—"Well, dear, we'll try to find them." So they rode on a little way, and soon came where the houses were nearer each other. Susy looked out of the carriage window, and did not cry any more; because she thought she would very soon see her dear mamma.
Suddenly she screamed—"Mamma! mamma! here is Susy." Sure enough! there was a lady hurrying along; looking in every direction. As soon as she heard Susy, her face lost its troubled expression, and she ran to the carriage door, and opened it, caught her little child, and hugged her to her breast, and said—"Oh, my darling! my darling! Thank God you are safe!" and then she burst into tears—tears of joy and gratitude.
The kind ladies told her how Susy had strayed away into the green lane; and how the little deaf old gentleman had given her to them to take home; and Susy's mother thanked them again, and again; and carried her precious child home.