The child was now standing. What a sorry little figure! The part that was not eyes seemed just rags, and two bare feet pressed upon the brown pine needles like chunks of withered wood. Her head was covered with an ugly gray scarf and yet the day was warm enough to feel the sun’s rays even through the dense trees.
“What’s your name, little girl?” asked Nora, venturing a step nearer.
The eyes rolled and then a smile broke over that frightened face. “I’m Lucia,” replied the child, and her voice was as pretty as her name.
[CHAPTER XVI—LADY BOUNTIFUL JUNIOR]
Hearing that small, fluty voice Nora sighed with relief.
“Come here, little girl,” she said gently. “I won’t hurt you.”
“Please, I can’t. I must run——”
“Oh, no; don’t run,” begged Nora, as the child showed every sign of escaping. “I am all alone. I just want to talk to you.”
“But I must not. I have to run,” insisted the other.
“Why?”