“I had to come down on business. I was in the down train, and walked up. I thought I should get to Brooklands before the bridal party arrived. But I heard the bells begin, and decided to let them pass me. So you are down here for good, are you, little Allumette? But we shall have to find a new name for you now. Matches don’t belong to you any longer.” “No, sir,” she answered shyly; “but I shall always like the name you gave me better than any other!” The roll of the carriage wheels began to be heard. “They are coming!” said Bertram Clayton, and stood the child up on the broad ledge of the stile, holding her with one strong arm. Two or three mounted tenants trotted past on horseback, and then the carriage dashed into sight round the bend. Allumette was quivering all over with excitement and a sort of vague fear lest Mrs. Brook might not be quite the same person as Miss Madge had been; but when she saw the smiling face in the carriage all fear left her, and, holding up her posy, she waved it in the air and threw it deftly into the lady’s lap. But Madge had already seen the pair, and was signalling to the coachman to stop. “Bertram, this is too delightful! Get into the carriage, and tell me all the news at home!” But though she spoke first to her brother her eyes were on the child too, and when he led her up to the carriage she held out her hands, and bending down, kissed the little quivering upturned face. “Little Allumette!” she said softly, and there was a sparkle of tears of thankfulness in her eyes. The carriage drove off; the child stood looking after it. Happiness was written on every line of her face. Her lady had seen her, had spoken to her, had kissed her. It was more than enough for little Allumette. THE END. Transcriber’s Notes Page 16: “resignation to His Holy Will” changed to “resignation to His Holy Will.” Page 102: “end of the story, Winnie!” changed to “end of the story, Winnie?” Page 111: “as that, Winnie?” changed to “as that, Winnie.” Page 175: “when she could to go” changed to “when she could go” Page 183: “be as good as my word” changed to “be as good as my word.” The original has several pages of text that are skipped in the page numbering. This has been maintained in the digital version.