"Many thanks for the kind consideration you showed my old
mother," he said. "I know that you went down to her on the night
when my father died, and you stayed with her till his eyes were
closed. My heartiest thanks!"
He took Emily's hand and kissed it—he might do so on such
an occasion. She blushed deeply, but pressed his hand, and looked
at him with her dear blue eyes.
"Your mother was a dear soul!" she said. "How fond she was
of her son! And she let me read all your letters, so that I almost
believe I know you. How kind you were to me when I was little girl!
You used to give me pictures."
"Which you tore in two," said George.
"No, I have still your drawing of the castle."
"I must build the castle in reality now," said George; and
he became quite warm at his own words.
The
