"
That word "forever" did what nothing else could have achieved. It brought
Miss Parrott to herself. Then it was Rachel who led her about the
old-fashioned garden, and chattered about the flowers, unmindful whether or
no she was answered, until presently Miss Parrott was quite recovered, and
even smiling in a well-pleased way. At last she pulled out her ancient
watch from her belt.
"Now, Rachel," she said, "you must go back to the parsonage this afternoon,
for Mrs. Henderson expects you."
"I'll stay if you want me to," said Rachel, moving closer to Miss Parrott's
side.
"No, dear--not to-day, because it wouldn't be right; the parson and his
wife only loaned you to me for to-day, but----"
"What's 'loaned'?" interrupted Rachel abruptly, and wrinkling her forehead.
"Why, they only let me have you just for today," said Miss Parrott.
"Oh."
"And so you must go back, but I shall come for you again," and Miss Parrott
turned a hungry glance down upon the dark little face at her side.
"I'll come," said Rachel, with a sociable nod.
"And, Rachel"--Miss Parrott drew her closer to her side--"you may keep the
coral beads, dear. That shows you are really coming back to me to stay."
"For ever and always?" cried Rachel, patting the necklace lovingly with one
hand. "Can I keep 'em just forever? Say, can I?"
"Yes, child"--Miss Parrott's old face smiled in delight at the
compact--"they are yours to keep all your life.
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