Page:The Fate of Fenella (1892).djvu/156

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FLORENCE MARRYAT.
141

complete. She remembered how Fenella had gloated over this boy, how Lord Francis had written of him as his "darling child" and smiled to herself as she thought what they would both say and do, when they found he had gone beyond recall. In a short time the door opened again, and Mrs. Grandison appeared with Ronny. He recognized Lucille at once as the lady he had seen at the table d'hôte at Harrogate.

"I know you!" he said, coming forward with a shy, outstretched hand, "you were with my papa at Harrogate."

"And with your mamma, Ronny, of course. We were all there together. But mamma wants you sadly. She has been fretting terribly for her boy. We are going back to her together."

"Going back to mummy? Oh, I am glad! I have wanted her so," said Ronny, trying hard to keep back his tears. "It's been very jolly with Harold, of course, and Mrs. Grandison's been ever so good to me—but I've missed mummy every day. Shall we go at once? I'm all ready, and my box is packed. And shall I see her to-day? Oh! do let us make haste and go."

He thrust his hand in that of Lucille as he spoke, who rose smiling, and addressed Helen Grandison:

"You see, madame, the ties of nature surmount those of friendship. Please to accept the best thanks of the parents of this boy, for your care