She anticipated the visit from her former charge with great pleasure.

She had had Mary Bell under her charge from early infancy, and she loved her, accordingly, almost as much as if she were her own child.

Besides, as Mary Bell had grown up she had become a very attractive and beautiful child, so kind to all, so considerate, so gentle, so active and intelligent, and at the same time so docile, and so quiet, that she was a universal favorite wherever she went.

Mary Erskine was full of joy at the idea of having her come and spend several days and nights too, at her house, and she was impatient for the time to arrive when she might begin to expect her.

At eight o'clock, she began to go often to the door to look down the road.