"Well, little Missy," he said, smiling, "I suppose this fine morning has enticed you out-of-doors. I wondered why Rags had deserted me, and I guessed some one he knew must be coming down the road!"
"Are you going for a walk, Granfer?" Una enquired.
"No. I have been to look at the sheep in this field for my son-in-law," he explained, indicating a meadow adjoining the road, "and now I'm going home."
"Are you in a hurry? Please sit down here," pointing to a log of wood close to the hedge. "I have something for you, Granfer."
The old man willingly complied with her request, and Una seated herself by his side. She had wrapped the book-marker in tissue-paper, and she now handed him the little packet, saying:
"It is for you, for your Bible. I cut it out this morning, and painted it myself! Father sketched the letters for me, but he did not do anything else towards it! I wonder if you will like it?"
By this time Mr. Norris had taken the book-marker from its wrapping, and was regarding it with a pleased smile.
"Yes, I do indeed like it," he said heartily. "Thank you, my dear. I feel quite touched that you should have taken so much trouble for me!"
"It was no trouble; I liked doing it! What do you think of the verse?"
"'As thy days, so shall thy strength be.' It is a grand promise—a blessed truth!"