He felt embarrassed when the servant-maid opened the door, and inquired what it was that he wanted. But, recovering himself, he asked if he might speak with the lady who had just entered the house. He said that he had something which he believed that she had lost; and the servant, without making any difficulty, ushered him into the parlour.
A silver-haired old gentleman and the lady were there; she had just opened a piano, and was sitting down to play. Her face looked so gentle and bright that Mark was somewhat reassured, though most reluctant to part with his treasure.
“What did you want with me, my good boy,” said the lady, turning round without quitting her seat, her fingers resting on the silent notes of the instrument.
[Illustration: MARK RESTORING THE LOST BIBLE.]
Mark drew from his bosom the Bible. “I believe, ma’am, that this is yours,” said he.
“My long-lost Bible!” exclaimed the lady, rising with an expression of joy. “Oh! I never thought to see it again. Where could you have found it?”
“Near a stile, where you had dropped it as you went to church.”
“It was in my bag with other things; have you anything else?”
“I have nothing else,” replied Mark, feeling very uneasy.
“What is your name?” said the old gentleman, looking up from his paper.
“Mark Dowley! Ellen, have we not heard that name before?”
“Oh yes; ’tis the name of the boy in whom dear Mr. Ewart was interested. Do you not remember his speaking about him?”
“I remember it perfectly well, my dear; it is easy to imagine what became of the other contents of the bag.”
“And where are you staying now?” said Ellen, with a look of interest; “I hope that you have a good situation.”
“I had a good situation last night, but the fire that happened to-day burned down the house of my master, and now I am abroad in the world.”
Ellen glided to her father, and whispered something in his ear. Mark’s heart beat very quickly, he scarcely knew why; but it was with a sensation of hope. After a few minutes of conversation which he could not hear, Mr. Searle—for that was the gentleman’s name—said aloud, “As you please, my dear; we certainly were looking out for such a boy. We could take him with us to Yorkshire; there could be no difficulty about that.”