The glass door was thrown open, and the little girl rushed into the parlour with her face aglow with excitement, having been informed by John Monday that a visitor awaited her within. She flung herself into Mr. Dawson's arms, and, much to his dismay, burst into a flood of tears, hiding her face against his breast. He soon discovered, however, that she was crying from excessive joy, for presently she looked up and smiled at him, whispering that she was as glad as glad could be, and there was no one like him, so kind, so dear, in the whole wide world!
[CHAPTER XIV]
MOUSEY AND UNCLE DICK
THERE was a jealous feeling in Mr. Harding's heart as he watched Mousey and her uncle; still, he could but acknowledge that Mr. Dawson had a way with him which was certainly very attractive. He seemed capable of bringing his mind on a level with the child's, and looking at people and things from her point of view. As the old man listened to the conversation between uncle and niece, he heard more about Mousey's school life than he had ever heard before; and he realised that his quiet little cousin could be a great chatterbox. She was in high spirits, asking dozens of questions about her aunt and cousins. At last Mr. Harding suggested that she should take off her hat, and go and see what her uncle had brought them for a present.
"And tell Maria to get us an early cup of tea," he added, as she was leaving the room; "ask her to put the ham on the table, and boil some eggs."
Maria was struck by the unusual munificence of her master's orders, but she obeyed him without making a remark. Mousey arranged the great bunch of flowers Mr. Dawson had brought, in a big bowl, and placed it in the centre of the table. Mr. Dawson smiled upon her lovingly, glad to see her face so full of happiness; whilst Mr. Harding nodded his approval, and declared the flowers brightened the room wonderfully. Rarely had the little girl seen her cousin so amiable as he was during tea-time. He exerted himself to talk upon topics of interest to his visitor, and really proved a capital host. After the meal was over, he asked Mousey if she did not think her uncle would like her to take him for a walk.
"It's much cooler now," he said, "and I dare say Mr. Dawson would be pleased to see something of Haughton. Why not show him the park, eh?"
Mousey was delighted with the idea, and flew upstairs to fetch her hat, whilst her uncle explained to Mr. Harding that it was his intention to go home by a train leaving Haughton at eight o'clock.
"I'll have a stroll with Mousey, and then return here to say good-bye," he said.
"Very well," Mr. Harding replied; "I know you will be glad to have a quiet chat with the child."