Granfer turned over the leaves of his Bible with a trembling hand, and finding the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke's Gospel, slowly read the parable of the Prodigal Son; then he closed the Holy Book, and his heart was uplifted in a fervent prayer that he might be allowed to see his only son, David, once again.
[CHAPTER IV]
THE BOOK-MARKER
Six weeks had elapsed since the day when Una had become acquainted with Granfer, and she now saw him often, for she had become very friendly with all the inmates of Lowercoombe Farm.
Mr. Manners, who was a quiet, reserved man, had never paid a visit himself to the farm, but he allowed his little daughter to go there whenever she was asked, and was pleased to see Nellie and Bessie at Coombe Villa.
One beautiful May morning found the artist at his easel in his studio, and Una busily employed at a small table with pencils and colour-box of her own.
"What are you about, Una?" her father asked, noticing how absorbed the child appeared in what she was doing.
"I'm making a book-marker for Granfer's Bible: I promised him I would paint him one. Do you think you could sketch in the letters for me, father?"
"I dare say I could," he answered, smiling, "if you explain what you want."
Una held up the narrow strip of cardboard which she had been engaged in cutting out.