She passed her crooked suffering fingers over it tenderly; then, as if she could not help it, she raised herself and pressed a kiss upon the lid. Then she bade Cherry take it away and keep it as her own. When Cherry showed her treasure to Mrs. Seymour she said-- "That's cost Miss Hobson a deal to give up, I can tell you. But when she thinks as her Lord would be pleased, she don't stick at it. It's for _His sake_, child!" [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER XIX. LISTENING. "Cherry, go down and ask Mrs. Blunt if any of them are going with us," said Meg, as they rose from breakfast the next morning. "Tell her we shall start at a quarter to eleven." Cherry made her way to the ground floor, and knocked at Mrs. Blunt's door. It was quickly opened by the eldest girl, with the baby in her arms. She did not ask Cherry to enter, but went back to her mother, who was busy in the other room. Mrs. Blunt herself came forward, and spoke in a low tone. "Ask 'em to be kind enough to knock as they come down, and if we're ready, we'll come." Cherry nodded. "How's little brother?" "All right," answered Cherry, smiling; "he's so pleased as father-Jem is going to carry him; and he says as he'll sit as still as anythink." "So do my Pattie. I've promised as I'll take her, if Blunt will go." She lowered her voice and half came outside. "I think he will--but men is men, my dear." Cherry understood, and went up-stairs again with her report. How proudly, when the time came, did she dress Dickie in his new hat and jacket, and sit with him on her knee telling him stories till the time that Meg should be ready. Presently she came out of her room, and Cherry fancied that her eyes looked rather tearful. "Well, my girl," said Jem, starting up from his chair, "we're none too soon. It is nice to have you to go along with me once more." "I'm very thankful," she answered gently, turning towards the door. Jem took Dickie up in his strong arms, while Cherry followed Meg to the stairs. She linked her arm confidingly in hers, and her golden hair fell over Meg's shoulder as she whispered, "I know as we don't make up for the little baby, even though we do love you very much indeed, mother-Meg; I wish as I could do anything for you." "You do a great deal for me, Cherry," said Meg affectionately, "and I'm very thankful that we've got you both. Doesn't Dickie look happy?" He did indeed, his arms clasped round Jem's neck, his little face leaning on the broad shoulder. Jem went out at the front door, while Meg tapped at Mrs. Blunt's. "We're ready," announced the woman, "and it's mighty kind of you to wait for us." She came out of her room, followed by her husband, who had brushed himself up as well as he was able. Three or four of the children pressed out also, and Meg, seeing this, offered a hand to two of them, which gratified them very much.