"Oh, Uncle Dick, indeed I do!"
"That's right, my dear. 'Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.' If you do that, you won't be likely to forget Him as you grow older. And now, don't you think it's about time we turned homewards?"
"Perhaps it is," she agreed regretfully. "What a nice talk we've had together, haven't we? You'll be able to tell Aunt Eliza everything when you get home."
"You may depend upon that. Your aunt will ask me dozens of questions," Mr. Dawson answered. "I should like to give you a little present, my dear. Here's half a crown for you to spend in any way you please," and he slipped the coin into her hand.
"Oh, thank you, thank you!" she cried earnestly: "Half a crown! Why, I never had so much money in my life before! Oh, how good of you, Uncle Dick!"
"Nonsense, nonsense! It's little enough I can do for you. What, you have no purse?"
"No; but it will be perfectly safe tied up in the corner of my pocket-handkerchief."
"Come in here."
Mr. Dawson drew her into a fancy shop, and purchased a scarlet leather purse, which he presented to her. Her pleasure was delightful to witness, and she could hardly find words in which to thank him, so deeply was she touched by his generosity and kindness.
John Monday was closing the shop as they returned, and in another half-hour it was time for Mr. Dawson to start for the station. Mousey could not help shedding a few tears as she said good-bye to him, and she kept on giving him "one more message for Aunt Eliza" till he laughingly declared she would make him miss his train.