"God bless our noble benefactor!" prayed his mother with folded hands.
But Ernest shouted, "Mother, we are now relieved of a great care!"
IX.
Dame Margaret just then entered with an unusually quick step, and with a countenance evidently announcing good tidings, but without little Agnes.
"Where have you left my Agnes?" inquired the mother anxiously.
"Do not trouble yourself about her; she will soon come, and not alone either. She is bringing an old acquaintance of yours with her!"
"An old, dear acquaintance?"
"Yes, and from your native place, too."
"From my native place?" asked the mother eagerly.
"He declares that he is very nearly related to you; and he does look very much like you."