An oil painting of Marguerite Verne made the child clap her hands with delight.
"Oh, it is just like her! It seems as if Miss Verne were speaking to us," cried she, getting as near to the portrait as she possibly could. "I can imagine myself in Sunday-school now and our dear teacher among us. When do you expect her, Mrs. Montgomery?"
The bright eyes had a wistful look and gave the piquant face a thoughtful tone.
"I cannot say, my dear, but we hope we may expect her soon."
The eager eyes favored the portrait with occasional glances while the white fingers ran over the keys of the piano.
A pleasant evening was thus spent and Lottie was delighted when it was arranged that she would be allowed to pass many such pleasant hours during Mrs. Montgomery's stay at "Sunnybank."
"How thoughtful," was Mr. Verne's comment as he heard the voices in the parlor on his return.
Phillip Lawson with a pang at his heart could not but notice the wearied look upon Mr. Verne's face, also the stooping form which once had been erect and majestic, and his sympathetic look could not escape the eagle eye of Mrs. Montgomery.
"Business is business, my boy," said Mr. Verne as he bade his guests good-night.
"Yes sir, it is all business these hard times. Business is business," and musing thus Phillip Lawson went on his way, so busied in thought that he scarce heeded the prattle of the child at his side.