I placed in her hand
money sufficient to secure her from want for two or three days at least.
I did not in the least doubt her story, for her countenance bore the
impress of sincerity. When she left, I requested her to call again in
two or three days, as I felt certain that Mrs. Leighton would assist her
in obtaining some employment. She left me with many thanks, and blessing
me after the manner of her country.
CHAPTER X.
A SURPRISE.
After tea I felt that I must walk out in the air, as I was suffering
from a severe headache. I made my way to the church-yard, and sought the
graves of my parents; and, seating myself at the headstone of my
mother's grave, I remained for a long time wrapped in profound
meditation.
I know not how long I remained thus, for I took no note of time; but
when I raised my head at the sound of approaching footsteps, the shades
of evening were gathering around me. It was Willie Leighton whose
footsteps had aroused me from my reverie.
"My dear Clara," he began.
But when I looked up with a little surprise at his familiar use of my
christian name, it being the first time he had thus addressed me, he
colored slightly, and said,--
"I beg pardon, Miss Roscom, for thus intruding upon your solitude, but,
finding you absent on our return, I came to seek you and, with your
permission, to escort you home.
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