And, with a look of misery, was about to depart, when Tottie ran to his side, and plucking him by the coat, looked up into his face.
'Don't go,' said Tottie; 'stop and play.'
'I can't, my dear,' said George, raising the child in his arms and kissing her. 'I must go. Goodbye, little one.'--He set the child down; tears were coming to his eyes, but he kept them back.
'One moment, George Naldret,' said old Ben Sparrow, trying to be dignified, but breaking down. 'George--my dear George--what is the meaning of this?'
'I have no explanation to give, Mr. Sparrow,' replied George sadly.
'George, my dear boy, think for a moment! Are you right in what you are doing? Look at my darling, George; look----'
'Grandfather!'
The word came from Bessie's white lips; but the voice, struggling through her agony, sounded strange in their ears. The word, however, was sufficient; it carried its meaning in it; it told her grandfather not to beg for her of any man.
'You are right, my darling,' he sobbed; 'you are right. But neither of you will speak, and I am almost distracted. You are not going abroad then, George?'