"Miss Adèle is in the drawing-room sir", he added, immediately throwing open the door of that apartment, to its widest extent, as if to insure the entrance of Mr. Norton, for it was no other than the good missionary of Miramichi. He was still the warmly cherished and highly revered friend of the entire family.
Adèle, a young lady of sixteen, was sitting on a low seat in the drawing-room, beneath a blaze of waxen candles, intently occupied with a new book. She gave a start, on being recalled so suddenly from the fancy land in which she was roaming, but after a moment of bewilderment, flung aside her book, came quickly forward, put her arms around the neck of Mr. Norton, who bent down to receive them, and welcomed him with a cordial kiss.
"Every day more and more like your mother, Miss Adèle", said he, as, after returning her salutation, he held her at arm's length and surveyed her from head to foot.
"Papa and mamma will be home soon", said Adèle. "They went to dine at Mr. Holbrook's. It is time for their return".
"All right, my dear. And how are you all?"
The young lady led him to a large, cushioned arm-chair.
"How did you leave mamma Norton, Jenny, and Fanny?"
"All quite well. And they sent love;" replied the missionary.
"How is Gray Eagle?"
"Ah! Gray Eagle is good for many a trot round the parish yet".