In old days there were angels who came and took men by the hand and
led them away from the city of destruction. We see no white-winged
angels now. But yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a
hand is put into theirs, which leads them forth gently towards a
calm and bright land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand
may be a little child's.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THERE was one person, as you will believe, who watched with keener
though more hidden interest than any other the prosperous growth of
Eppie under the weaver's care. He dared not do anything that would
imply a stronger interest in a poor man's adopted child than could
be expected from the kindliness of the young Squire, when a chance
meeting suggested a little present to a simple old fellow whom
others noticed with goodwill; but he told himself that the time
would come when he might do something towards furthering the welfare
of his daughter without incurring suspicions. Was he very uneasy in
the meantime at his inability to give his daughter her birthright? I
cannot say that he was. The child was being taken care of, and would
very likely be happy, as people in humble stations often were-
happier, perhaps, than those who are brought up in luxury.
That famous ring that pricked its owner when he forgot duty and
followed desire- I wonder if it pricked very hard when he set out on
the chase, or whether it pricked but lightly then, and only pierced to
the quick when the chase had long been ended, and hope, folding her
wings, looked backward and became regret?
Godfrey Cass's cheek and eye were brighter than ever now.
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