“In spite of anything I may say or do? You see how hasty I am at times. Will you love me and caress me, through anything I may say or do?”
“No doubt,” replied Annie, smiling. “It will be the happiest way if you constrain us to love and cherish you as your due. But if not, these are charities that God has put into every hand that is reached out to Him, that the very humblest and poorest may have the best of alms to give.”
“Alms!” sighed the lady. She shook off the kind hand that was upon her aching brow, for the thought struck upon her heart that she was a destitute beggar for those smallest offices of kindness and courtesy which she had not affections or temper to reciprocate or claim.
Chapter Nine.
The Cove.
Rollo brought word that Macdonald and his people had left the eastern caves, and were now exploring the large northern one called Asdrafil. It was time the lady was returning to her hiding place.
“O dear!” exclaimed she. “May I not rest under a roof for one night? Will Macdonald come here again so soon?”
The widow had little doubt he would. He would be popping in at all times of the day or night till he could learn where his prisoner was. She could not advise the lady to stay here, if she wished to remain on the island till the minister came.