Gabriel scarcely heard her. He opened his precious book.
"There," he cried triumphantly, "see the living words:—
"'Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'"
"H'm," said the old woman. "The print is too fine for my old eyes."
"Yes, perhaps 'tis for that that the letters flame like threads of fire. You see them?"
"Ahem!" returned Mother Lemon, for she saw no flaming letters, and she looked curiously at the boy's radiant face. Moreover, Tommy suddenly leaped from her shoulder to his. All signs of the cat's fear and anger had vanished, and as it rubbed its sleek fur against Gabriel's cheek, it purred so loudly that Mother Lemon marveled.
"Had my father studied this book he might have been happy," continued the boy; "but he is offended with me and has sent me out into the world, and well I know that an unhappy heart drives him."
"Go back, boy, and make your peace with him," cried Mother Lemon excitedly, "or you will get nothing."
"Oh, I have received what I asked for. I asked to have this cottage, and he gave it to me, and I have come now to give it to you, Mother Lemon."
"My lad!" exclaimed the amazed woman, and her eyes swam with sudden tears.