"The man felt young and strong and he walked so fast the little girl had to skip along to keep up with him, and the bird flew around their heads and sang 'Love, love, love; true delight, true delight,' just as plain."
Jewel gave the bird-song realistically, then she unclasped her hands. "Mother," she said, turning to Mrs. Evringham, "now you finish the story. Will you?"
"Yes, indeed, I know the rest," returned Mrs. Evringham quietly, and she took up the thread:—
"As the man and Purity drew near to the great gates before the castle, these flew open of their own accord, and the travelers entered. Drawing near the velvet green of the terraces, a curious familiarity in the fair scene suddenly impressed the man. He stared, then frowned, then smiled. A great light streamed across his mind.
"'Purity,' he asked slowly, 'is this my castle?'
"'Yes,' she answered, watching him with eyes full of happiness.
"'And will you live with me here, my precious child?'
"'Always. The great King wills it so.'