‘I care for you, my lambie, and I’ll be kind to you; I’ll be as kind as your father.’
It would appear that these words had been spoken affectionately, for the little girl, forgetful of her hurt, returned, and placed herself between his knees; but her brother still stood aloof.
‘But will ye be kind to mamma?’ said the boy, with an eager and suspicious look.
‘That I will,’ was the answer. ‘She’ll ne’er again hae to blame me—nor hae reason to be sorrowful on my account.’
‘But were nae ye ance papa’s papa?’ rejoined the child, still more suspiciously.
The old man felt the full force of all that was meant by these simple expressions, and he drew his hand hastily over his eyes to wipe away the rising tears.
‘And will ye never trust me?’ said he sorrowfully to the child, who, melted by the tone in which it was uttered, advanced two or three steps towards him.
‘Aye, if ye’ll say as sure’s death that ye’ll no hurt me.’
‘Then I do say as sure’s death,’ exclaimed Claud fervently, and held out his hand, which the child, running forward, caught in his, and was in the same moment folded to his grandfather’s bosom.