CHAPTER XXXII
A REWARD GREATER THAN PROMOTION
Rodney had risen from his seat to step inside when the arrival of a coach, which bore the marks of a long journey, attracted his attention.
The light from the small paned windows shone dimly, but he saw that only two passengers alighted, one a young woman accompanied by an old man who appeared to be very feeble and leaned heavily on her. “Father and daughter,” was Rodney’s thought, but his words were, “May I assist,” as he went to meet them.
The girl turned a white, tired face toward him, the face of Elizabeth, but, oh! so unlike that which had mocked him three years before!
“Rodney!” The girl’s voice trembled.
“Aye, lass,” said the old man in a weak, quavering voice. “Would the laddie were here the noo. I’m a sair burden for your frail strength.”
For an instant Rodney’s face was whiter than Elizabeth’s.