"Well, I must go home to-morrow; now, I've got something to say to you. You're not rich, and there's no nonsense about you to pretend you are."
The widow's colour was heightened, but she had grown accustomed to her lodger's abrupt manner of speaking, so she took no notice of his remark, and he went on,—
"I'm a lonely old man, and have neither chick nor child to care for me. I didn't believe anything pure and innocent could be found in this place; but I've discovered some daisies, and I want to dig up one and take it back to my home."
"I'll dig up one for you to-morrow," said Janet eagerly; but Mrs. Shipton saw his meaning, and she became very pale, and looked anxiously at her child.
"Thank you, my dear," said the old man, putting his arm round her. "Now, I want you to come and be my own little girl, and live with me in the country."
"And go away from mother?" said Janet, lifting her eyes to his face.
"Yes; come and be mine, and perhaps I'd bring you to see your mother sometimes."
Janet looked away to her mother, and saw that her eyes were full of tears; then she sprang into her mother's arms and hid her face on her shoulder.
"I will promise to take all care of her," said the old man; "and the country would do her all the good in the world."
"I can't leave mother! no, no, no!" sobbed little Janet.