'I am Danesford, of Danesford,' he said gaily; 'and I believe you are
Stephen Fern, of Fern's Hollow. I've brought you a message, my boy. Can
you guess what young lady has sent me over the hills after you?'
'Miss Anne,' answered Stephen promptly.
'No; there are other young ladies in the world beside Miss Anne!'
replied Mr. Danesford. 'Have you forgotten Miss Lockwood? She has not
forgotten you; and we are come home ready to give battle to your
enemies, and reinstate you in all your rights. She gives Mr. Lockwood
and me no rest until we have got Fern's Hollow, and everything else, for
you again.'
'Sir,' said Stephen, and his eyes filled with tears, 'nobody can give me
back little Nan.'
'No,' answered Mr. Danesford gravely; 'I know how hardly you have been
dealt with, my boy. Tell me truly, is your religion strong enough to
enable you to forgive Mr. Wyley indeed? Is it possible that you can
forgive him from your heart?'
Stephen was silent, looking down at the heath upon which his feet were
pressed, but seeing none of its purple blossoms. It was a question that
must not be answered rashly, for even that morning he had glanced down
the fatal shaft with a deep yearning after little Nan; and as he passed
the ruins of his master's house, his memory had recalled the destruction
of the old hut with something of a feeling of triumph.
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