"Perhaps you will allow Nellie and Bessie to come and see her every day until her foot is better?"
"Yes, certainly, sir!"
"Thank you. Now Una, my darling, you must try to be brave, because I am going to carry you home, and however gentle I am, I fear I shall hurt your poor foot a little. Say good-bye to your friends now!"
Una lifted her face from her father's shoulders, and turned it towards the motherly countenance of Mrs. Maple. The kind woman kissed the little girl affectionately.
"I hope you will soon be well again, my dear," she said gently. "Good-bye!"
"Good-bye," Una answered, "and please give my best love to Granfer!"
Then she was borne off in her father's arms, whilst Nanny hurried on in front to make preparations for the little invalid. Mrs. Maple, with Nellie and Bessie at her side, stood at the door watching the retreating figures.
"Isn't he a nice gentleman, mother?" Bessie said. Then, receiving no reply, asked: "What are you thinking about, mother?"
"I was thinking that Mr. Manners is very like someone I used to know years ago," she answered with a sigh. "When he spoke, I declare the sound of his voice gave me quite a shock, and I could have almost thought it was my brother David, especially when he was talking to his little girl!"
"Is Mr. Manners really like Uncle David?" Nellie enquired eagerly. "If so, I think I should love Uncle David dearly!"