“And there is a work,” replied Mr. Fleetwood, speaking in a tone of unusual seriousness, “which, if she have the wisdom to execute, will lay us under still higher obligations.”
Uncle John paused. Mr. and Mrs. Dainty looked at him inquiringly.
“Maddy is changed.”
He paused again,—then added,—
“And there is a fearful mystery connected with the change. We trace its beginning from the hour that demon in human guise entered our home, and let the glare of her evil eye fall upon the child. She gained, by some infernal art, control over the will of that child, and led her off a captive, powerless to resist. Thank God, we have rescued her, so far as the body is concerned. But the thraldom went far below the visible and the external. There is yet a spell upon her life,—a spell that must be broken; and I have no hope, except in Florence Harper!”
A shadow of fear settled on the face of Mrs. Dainty.
“It is wonderful,” continued Uncle John, “with what wise caution Miss Harper is already acting toward Maddy. Would you believe it? the child not only refused to let Florence read to her from the Bible, but actually sought to destroy the book! And yet the good girl was not turned aside from her holy purpose, but lured the perverse one into the right way. In the end, Maddy listened with deep interest while Florence read of the Saviour’s birth. Wise, loving, true-hearted girl! She is the angel in our house, Madeline! Fail not to honor the heavenly guest. She has begun right; let us give her all possible aid, so that the angel may triumph over the demon.”
CHAPTER XXVIII.
CONCLUSION.
On the next day Adele Weir was taken by Mr. Fleetwood and Florence to the house of Mrs. Elder. The good lady, when she clearly understood the case, and read something of the girl’s character and state of mind, did not hesitate about receiving her, and Adele accepted the proffered home and refuge with tearful gratitude.
Mr. Fleetwood and Florence returned together. As they drew near the house of Mr. Dainty, they saw a woman ascend the steps and ring the bell. Before they came up, the door was opened and the woman entered.