Nelly took Miss Tremayne’s hand, and, prompted by her feelings, kissed it affectionately; but even she was for the moment unable to express her feelings by words.
“Thank you, sir, thank you,” said Michael at last, as they went back. “You have made a man of me, and I can now work for those who have to look to me for support.”
“I hope you will have the strength, as I am sure you have the will, and may God bless you, my lad,” said Mr Tremayne, shaking him warmly by the hand, for he was far more pleased with the few words Michael had uttered than had he poured out his gratitude in measured language. As he and the ladies proceeded up the pathway, Nelly ran into the cottage. She soon again overtook them.
“Will you please, miss, take these small shells?” she said; “they are little worth, I fear, but I have nothing else to give which you might wish to accept, and they may put you in mind of this place, and those who will pray for you and bless your father and mother as long as they live.”
Miss Tremayne, much pleased, thanked Nelly for her gift, and, assuring her that she should never forget her or Michael and her granny, accepted the gift.
It is scarcely necessary to say that Michael spent a considerable portion of the remainder of the day examining his new boat over and over again, blessing the donor in his heart, and thankful that he should now be able to support Nelly and her granny.
Then the little family assembled in their sitting room, and offered up their thanks to the merciful Being Who looked down upon them in their distress.