Allumette was quivering all over with excitement and a sort of vague fear lest Mrs. Brook might not be quite the same person as Miss Madge had been; but when she saw the smiling face in the carriage all fear left her, and, holding up her posy, she waved it in the air and threw it deftly into the lady’s lap.
But Madge had already seen the pair, and was signalling to the coachman to stop.
“Bertram, this is too delightful! Get into the carriage, and tell me all the news at home!”
But though she spoke first to her brother her eyes were on the child too, and when he led her up to the carriage she held out her hands, and bending down, kissed the little quivering upturned face.
“Little Allumette!” she said softly, and there was a sparkle of tears of thankfulness in her eyes.
The carriage drove off; the child stood looking after it. Happiness was written on every line of her face. Her lady had seen her, had spoken to her, had kissed her. It was more than enough for little Allumette.
THE END.
Transcriber’s Notes
[Page 16]: “resignation to His Holy Will” changed to “resignation to His Holy Will.”
[Page 102]: “end of the story, Winnie!” changed to “end of the story, Winnie?”