After all the congregation had left the church Roma still remained in her pew, to wait for the opportunity of speaking to her dear old friend and pastor, Dr. Shaw.
He had gone into the vestry to lay off his surplice.
As soon as he reappeared, in his black suit, Roma came out from her pew, leading little Owlet, and went into the chancel to speak to him.
He advanced with outstretched hands, took hers affectionately, and, shaking them gently, said:
“My dear child! I am so happy to see you. I had no idea that you had come back until I saw you in your pew to-day. When did you arrive?”
“Only on last Tuesday, dear doctor, and as glad to get back to you as you can be to see me,” cordially replied Roma.
“Right! right! right! my child! But who is this little one?” inquired the rector, taking the hand of Owlet in his own and looking tenderly down into her face.
“Catherine Nouvellini is a young ward of mine. I hope you will come to see us soon, and hear all about her, and teach me how to do my duty by her.”
“I will come, my child; be sure of that. You are going to remain among us now?”
“I think so.”