Norton, for it was no other than the
good missionary of Miramichi. He was still the warmly cherished and
highly revered friend of the entire family.
Adele, a young lady of sixteen, was sitting on a low seat in the
drawing-room, beneath a blaze of waxen candles, intently occupied with
a new book. She gave a start, on being recalled so suddenly from the
fancy land in which she was roaming, but after a moment of
bewilderment, flung aside her book, came quickly forward, put her arms
around the neck of Mr. Norton, who bent down to receive them, and
welcomed him with a cordial kiss.
"Every day more and more like your mother, Miss Adele", said he, as,
after returning her salutation, he held her at arm's length and
surveyed her from head to foot.
"Papa and mamma will be home soon", said Adele. "They went to dine at
Mr. Holbrook's. It is time for their return".
"All right, my dear. And how are you all?"
The young lady led him to a large, cushioned arm-chair.
"How did you leave mamma Norton, Jenny, and Fanny?"
"All quite well. And they sent love;" replied the missionary.
"How is Gray Eagle?"
"Ah! Gray Eagle is good for many a trot round the parish yet".
"I have not forgotten how he shot over the hills with me, last summer.
He began his scamper, the moment I was fairly seated on his back. I
hope he has sobered down a little since then", said Adele.
"Yes, I remember. Gray Eagle knew well enough that the little sprite
he carried, liked a scamper as well as himself.
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