But now that I am at home again, child, I wish you to look upon me, who am so much your elder, as your guardian and protector still.

If there is anything which you lack, if you are misused, are in need of help, why, think that your troubles are the Indians again, little maid, and turn to me once more for help!" Having spoken honestly and well and very unwisely, he looked at his watch and said that it was late.

When he rose to his feet Audrey did not move, and when he looked down upon her he saw that her eyes, that had been wet, were overflowing.

He put out his hand, and she took it and touched it with her lips; then, because he said that he had not meant to set her crying, she smiled, and with her own hand dashed away the tears.
"When I ride this way I shall always stop at the minister's house," said Haward, "when, if there is aught which you need or wish, you must tell me of it.

Think of me as your friend, child." He laid his hand lightly and caressingly upon her head.