"Hers is not a case money can touch," Mr. Tiddy responded gravely, "I have been assured of that by her parents. As long as her life lasts, the little maid will be blind, and she knows it, but she's contented to wait. Her eyes will see the King in His beauty by-and-by, and meanwhile His love is lightening her darkness and cheering her way. Did you like that hymn she sang?"
"Yes," Miss Leighton assented, "but it made me sad. To me, blindness seems the heaviest affliction that can fall upon any one."
She glanced out of the window, her expression one of mingled affection and pity as her gaze fell upon the little girl who was now leaning over the garden gate in the attitude of listening.
"Ah, here comes Barnes to escort me home!" she exclaimed. "I have to thank you for a very pleasant time," she continued earnestly, looking from one of her companions to the other. "I am afraid I shall have no opportunity of returning your hospitality now, for I am leaving Higher Brimley at the end of the week; but surely, Mr. Tiddy, you sometimes bring your wife to town?"
"She has not been back to London since I married her," Mr. Tiddy replied smilingly, "and she says she has no desire to go. But I mean for us both to take a holiday in the autumn—after the corn harvest—and then—"
"And then you will come to London," Miss Leighton interposed quickly, "and do come and stay with me. Don't say 'No,' but think it over. It would give me so much pleasure to have you for my guests, and you should do as you pleased in every way. At any rate, promise you will not visit London without seeing me."
"I readily promise that," Mrs. Tiddy answered, secretly much surprised at the invitation she and her husband had received. "You are very kind—so many thanks. Won't you stay a little longer? Barnes can wait for you."
"I think I must go, for I would rather return before dark, and the evening is drawing in. There is a mist rising from the sea; I dare say it is 'only for heat and pilchards' as you Cornish folk say, but I am liable to bronchitis and I fear to be out in a fog."
Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy escorted their visitor to the garden gate, where Barnes was waiting for her, in conversation with Peggy; and five minutes later, mistress and maid were climbing the hill towards Higher Brimley.
"I shall leave here at the end of the week," Miss Leighton abruptly remarked as they neared their destination.