He loved the child as though she were his own.
'Well, well,' said the clergyman.

'Let it be as you desire.

She is very young.' 'Old in adversity and trial, sir,' replied the schoolmaster.
'God help her.

Let her rest, and forget them,' said the old gentleman.
'But an old church is a dull and gloomy place for one so young as you, my child.' 'Oh no, sir,' returned Nell.

'I have no such thoughts, indeed.' 'I would rather see her dancing on the green at nights,' said the old gentleman, laying his hand upon her head, and smiling sadly, 'than have her sitting in the shadow of our mouldering arches.