And over the grave of the woman whom they both had loved the friends again joined hands.
[CHAPTER VI.]
MR. LEWIS NATHAN INTRODUCES HIMSELF.
A few words are necessary to fill up the gap in our story. Directly Mr. Hart arrived home, he sought out William Smith's mother, and executed his friend's commission. This done, to the extravagant delight of the old woman (you may be sure that Mr. Hart was not sparing in his praises of William Smith), Mr. Hart and Margaret set off for Devonshire. Years ago, when his darling Lucy was a little child, he had confided her to the care of friends, so called, who had promised to look after her as a daughter. How they had fulfilled their trust may be judged by the circumstance that when, after his long absence, her father was announced, the gentle girl ran into his arms, sobbing, and begged him never again to leave her. He then discovered that she had for the last two years led an unhappy life in the house, and that she was nothing less than a dependent there. He chid her gently for allowing him to remain in ignorance of the true state of affairs, and he released her at once from her bondage.
"We will never be parted again, my darling," he said, with fond caresses; "your father will protect you now."
She clung to him affectionately. The old man was proud of his daughter, and already she was proud of him.
"I will make you happy, child," he said.
"Will you, papa?" she asked, with a little sob; but seeing that this made him look sorrowful, she dried her tears, and gazed into his face with a smile on her lips.
"That's right, my darling," he said; "be brave, be brave."
She shook her head seriously.