"Yes, I recognised his voice in a moment. I had never seen him since he came to live at Coombe Villa except in church, but if I had met him face to face, I should have known him immediately," the old man declared, with conviction in his tones. "God has been very merciful to me, and heard my prayers, and I am happier to-night than I have been for years—indeed ever since David went away."
"Will Uncle David show you the beautiful picture he is painting, Granfer?" Bessie asked. "Oh, you will want to see it, won't you?"
"Yes, I shall," he acknowledged. "Do you remember, Bessie, when you said if painting was his talent, it would have been wrong for him not to use it?"
"Of course I do, Granfer!"
"You were quite right, my dear, quite right!"
"Has God given you your heart's desire, Granfer?" Nellie questioned softly.
"Ay, that He has!"
"And now you will be so happy, won't you?" the little girl continued: "and you shall have such a beautiful birthday, and Uncle David and Una will come to tea, and we shall all have such a lovely time together! Oh, I wonder what Una will say when she knows that you are really and truly her grandfather?"
"She will be very pleased, I feel sure," Mrs. Maple said, her face beaming with happiness. "You children shall have a holiday from school to-morrow, and then you will be able to help me get everything straight by the time our visitors arrive!"