This restored her cheerfulness, and when she
returned, she was herself again.
"A thousand thanks; but does Mademoiselle
remember the forfeit I might demand to add to the
favor she has already done me?" asked the gallant
old gentleman, as Debby took the hat off
her own head, and presented it with a martial
salute.
"Ah, I had forgotten that; but you may claim
[text missing in original copy]
do something more to give you pleasure;" and
Debby looked up into the withered face which
had grown familiar to her, with kind eyes, full
of pity and respect.
Her manner touched the old man very much;
he bent his gray head before her, saying,
gratefully,--
"My child, I am not good enough to salute
these blooming checks; but I shall pray the Virgin
to reward you for the compassion you bestow on
the poor exile, and I shall keep your memory very
green through all my life."
He kissed her hand, as if it were a queen's,
and went on his way, thinking of the little daughter
whose death left him childless in a foreign land.
Pages:
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137