“The ways of Providence are inscrutable, mysterious, but they ever lead aright,” said Mr. Legare. “Who would have thought that my chance acquaintance with Miss Butler, through those old books, could lead to this happy result? My dear young lady, we owe you a debt of gratitude which it seems impossible to repay. Sister, take some refreshment to strengthen you, and soon we will be on our way to reclaim your long-lost loved one.”
And now Lizzie and Frank were sent in by their father, for the story was no longer a family secret.
“You are to have a real cousin now,” said Hattie to Lizzie, after the story was told.
“But she’ll not be like you. I shall never love her half so well,” sighed Lizzie.
“She is a sweet girl, and very smart, for the chances she has had. It will take but a little while, with good teachers, to make her one to be really proud of.”
Mr. Legare and Mrs. Emory were now ready, and with Hattie they went out to the carriage.
It was astonishing to see the change in the lately invalid lady. New hope, new joys, new life beamed in her eyes—her very step was elastic and happy.
“This is better than medicine. We’ll have to discharge the doctor, and keep you with us,” said Mr. Legare to Hattie, as the carriage dashed away to its destination.
“We will keep her,” said Mrs. Emory. “I had intended to adopt her in place of my lost child, and now I will have two daughters instead of one.”
Tears arose in Hattie’s eyes, but she made no reply then.