She let him go at last, but stood on the doorstep watching his large figure, with the empty basket slung on one arm, and the shrunken form of Mr. Harding, who was accompanying his visitor to the station, until they were out of sight.
Mousey turned slowly into the house, entering the parlour with misty eyes and quivering lips. John Monday, who was evidently waiting to speak to her, glanced at her with some concern.
"I say, don't cry," he said kindly; "but I don't wonder you're sorry he's gone. He's a proper sort of man, he is!"
"See what he's given me. Such a beautiful purse, and a half-crown as well."
Mousey drew the scarlet purse from her pocket and handed it to her companion, who examined it with evident admiration, and declared it to be real leather.
"Oh, ain't he good-natured!" he exclaimed. "Look here," and opening his hand he exposed to view another half-crown. "He gave it to me when he said good-bye," he explained, "and I'd no time to thank him."
Mousey was delighted that Mr. Dawson had extended his kindness to John Monday too. She asked him what he meant to do with the money.
"I haven't decided. How shall you spend yours?" he inquired as he returned her purse to her keeping.
"I think I shall keep mine till I see something I really want," she said thoughtfully. "Oh, dear!" she continued, with a sudden change of tone, "I have not done one of my lessons for to-morrow. I must hurry, or I shan't get them learnt to-night," and she fetched her books and set to work at once.