"I'd much rather wait. I'm horribly afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"That Mam'selle Morey may not approve of me as a boarder."
"Then she will say so," comforted the girl, turning to open the gate across the road for the horse. "Molly," she said, "you trot along and make yourself easy, I'll be back in a few minutes." Then she turned to Norval. "We'd better go right in. If you are not to stay here you'll have to try Captain Longville's and that is a good three miles."
"Good Lord!" muttered Norval, and began to straighten his tie and hat in a desperate attempt at respectability.
As long as he lived Norval was to remember his first glimpse of Jo Morey and the strangely home-like room that greeted him. Perhaps because his need was great the scene touched his heart.
The brilliant stove was doing its best. The hanging lamp was like electricity for clearness. The brightness, comfort, and Jo at her loom made a picture upon which the tired, heartsore man looked reverently.
Jo lifted her glad face to welcome Donelle and saw the stranger!
Instantly the protecting brows fell, but not until Norval had seen the worship that filled the eyes.
"Mamsey!" Donelle went quickly forward and half whispered.