The old lady, who was no other than Miss Leighton, felt her heart begin to beat unevenly as she recognised Peggy. She had been on the lookout for her all through the service; but the church was so full of children that she had not picked out her little great-niece amongst so many, and lo! All the while she had been within reach of her hand.
In another minute the congregation had arisen, and with a dream-like sensation, Miss Leighton once more listened to the same hymn Peggy had sung to her in Cornwall months before:
"Holy Father, cheer our way
With Thy love's perpetual ray:
Grant us every closing day
Light at evening time."
Tears dimmed the old lady's eyes, and a softening influence stole into her proud heart; and when, at the conclusion of the hymn, the congregation knelt in prayer, Miss Leighton covered her face with her hands and prayed fervently that she, who had walked in darkness so long, might be guided into the way of light.
"Barnes, I must speak to Peggy," she said in an agitated voice, as she and her maid left the church and stood under the lamp outside. "Do not let her pass us by."
"She is with her brother, ma'am," Barnes answered. "I do not think Mrs. Pringle is here."
At that instant Peggy and Billy appeared, hand in hand, and Miss Leighton stepped quickly forward; but, immediately, Billy put himself between her and his sister.
"Go away!" he cried indignantly, for he had recognised Miss Leighton, and the wild idea that she might wish to lure Peggy away from him, then and there had flashed through his mind. "I'm not going to let you touch her!"
"What do you mean?" demanded Miss Leighton in surprise. "Peggy! It's I—Aunt Caroline! Won't you speak to me, child?"
At the sound of the well-remembered voice the little girl flushed rosily, a look of astonishment and—Miss Leighton saw she was not mistaken—of joy lighting up her face; seeing which, Billy allowed her to receive the old lady's warm embrace, though he still retained a firm grasp of her hand.