CHAPTER XXVIII.
“I AM THAT CHILD’S MOTHER!”
Eagerly those brown eyes looked up as Hattie entered Mrs. Emory’s chamber, and in the yearning look, even in the features, Hattie recognized a resemblance to Jessie Albemarle.
“Oh, thank you, Miss Butler. I am so glad you have come,” said Mrs. Emory, in a low, tremulous voice. “I have something to ask you, and then perhaps a long, strange story to tell you in all confidence.”
“Your confidence, dear madam, shall not be misplaced, and I will answer any question you ask, if it be in my power to do so.”
“Thank you, dear, I feel that it is so. Lock the door, please. I do not wish to be interrupted by any one while we are together. Then come and sit here close by my side. Do not fear that I shall faint again. It was a sudden shock that caused it before; but now I am prepared and calm.”
Hattie locked the door, and then seated herself, as desired, close to Mrs. Emory.
“You spoke a name yesterday—a name very, very dear to me,” said Mrs. Emory. “You see it here, engraved on a golden necklace, which was once worn by a little child.”
Hattie started in spite of herself. Was that the necklace that Miss Scrimp had spoken of? For on it she saw the name of “Jessie Albemarle” engraved.
“You start. Have you ever heard of this necklace or seen it before?” asked Mrs. Emory, eagerly.
“If it was once on the neck of an infant left at the orphan asylum by unknown parties I have heard of it,” said Hattie.