“Yes—yes—certainly!” exclaimed Charley. “But one moment: I have something to say to you.”
“Mr Vining is mistaken,” said Ella coldly; “he forgets that I am not a visitor or friend of the family. Pray allow me to return!”
“Of course—yes!” said Charley. “But indeed I have something to say, Miss Bedford. Look here!”
He drew the little gold cross from his pocket, and held it up in the soft twilight shed by the coloured lamps, when his companion uttered a cry of joy.
“I have grieved so for its loss!” she exclaimed. “You found it?”
“Yes; beneath that tree where you were taking refuge from the rain. I know it was my duty to have returned it sooner; but I wished to place it in your hands myself.”
“O, thank you—I am so grateful!” exclaimed Ella, hardly noticing the empressement with which he spoke.
“I wished, too,” said Charley, speaking softly and deeply, “for some reward for what I have done.”
“Reward?” ejaculated Ella.
“Surely, yes,” said Charley, laying his hand upon the tiny glove resting upon his arm. “You would accord that to the poorest lout who had been the lucky finder.”