"Adam, Adam," she sobbed out, "never you talk of being o' no account to me. Never you say such words as you did just now. Listen, my man. If I had it to do again, I'd choose you, mind this, knowing all I know now, and with all to come that has come. Just think of that while I'm away, will you? I've tried your temper many a time. I wonder you've stood it, and not gone off drinking, like many have done. When I come back, I'm not sure that I shall be a bit better. I shall be the same Maggie, with the same tongue, and the old place and work before me. But you'll remember what I've said to-day."
Then there was a shower of kisses on Adam's rugged face, which were heartily returned, as her clasping arm held him close, and his arms were round her. Then there was a cry of "All tickets ready," and Maggie had to produce hers, as Adam left the carriage.
He stood watching the train till it was out of sight, and then went back to Rutherford's, like a man in a dream. Some of the workmen noticed the light on his face that afternoon, and Jim, the wag of the smithy, joked Adam about it.
"He's got rid of his missis for a bit, and he's going to shake a loose leg. You can tell by his face that he's up to mischief of some sort."
But Adam only smiled and shook his head, saying, "I'll give you all leave to watch me."
The happy look remained on his face. The daydream in which he was indulging was evidently a pleasant one.
[CHAPTER X.]
IN THE MISSION ROOM.
MRS. LIVESEY'S deputy promised to be a very efficient one. Adam and the children found everything in order when tea-time came, and to the little people, the sight of a young face had a great attraction. That of Sarah Evans might well have a charm for the small Liveseys, for, as we know, the mother who scrubbed from morning till night for the common good was very chary of praise or caresses. Too often the toil was accompanied by sharp words and fretful complaints, because her little namesake's hands were less skilful, her movements less quick, than were her own.
Sarah Evans, on the contrary, found much to praise. She told Adam that the children were "just wonderful for putting things in their places when they came in. Mrs. Livesey must have taken a world of pains with them," she said; "and it's a deal harder to get little ones in such neat ways, than to right up after them."