"Oh, Cousin Robert," she cried, "how good of you! But won't it cost a lot of money?"
"Never mind that," he replied, smiling a little sadly, she thought; then, suddenly changing the conversation, he remarked: "Mousey, I should like to hear Mr. Bradley preach. I always respected him, and lately I have grown to like him. Will you take me to the mission chapel with you next Sunday morning?"
"Indeed I will!" she responded earnestly.
The train was running into Haughton Station, so there was no time for further conversation; but the little girl's heart was so glad it seemed to be singing with joy. She slipped her fingers into Mr. Harding's hand as they passed from the station into the street. It was a beautifully clear night, and as she lifted her eyes to the starlit sky she whispered softly—
"Doesn't it make one think of heaven, Cousin Robert?"
"Yes," he agreed, following her thoughts; then, more to himself than to his companion, he repeated in a low tone—
"'Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.'"
"'For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'"
The pressure of her slight fingers upon his hand tightened, and thus they returned to Homeleigh, where Maria was on the look-out for them.
A few more words and the story is ended.