The view over the housetops from the little window was absolutely magnificent, including as it did domes, minarets, mosques, palm-trees, shipping, and sea! Here, for a considerable time, Hester worked at her former occupation, for Dinah had a private plan to make a little money for her own pocket by means of embroidery.
In this pleasant retreat our fugitive was visited one day by Peter the Great, the expression of whose visage betokened business. After some conversation, he said that he had come for the express purpose of taking Hester to see her father.
“But not to talk to him,” he added quickly—“not eben to make you’self known to him, for if you did, not’ing would keep ’im quiet, an’ you an’ he would be parted for eber. Mind dat—for eber!”
“Yes, yes, I will remember,” said the poor girl, who was profoundly agitated at the mere thought of such a meeting.
“But you mus’ promise,” said Peter solemnly.
“Promise on you’ word ob honour dat you not say one word; not make a sound; not gib an unor’nary look; not try in any way to attrack his attention. Come—speak, else I go home ag’in.”
“I promise,” said Hester, in a low voice.
“An’ you won’t cry?”
“I’ll try not to.”
“Come ’long, den, wid me, an’ see you’ poor fadder.”