Then, growing tired, she went to the window and looked out. A
carriage was passing slowly, on account of a press of carriages. Ida
saw a face that she knew. Forgetting her bonnet in her sudden joy,
she ran down the stairs, into the street, and up to the carriage
window.
"O Jack!" she exclaimed; "have you come for me?"
It was Mrs. Clifton's carriage, returning from Peg's lodgings.
"Why, it's Ida!" exclaimed Jack, almost springing through the window
of the carriage. "Where did you come from, and where have you been
all the time?"
He opened the door of the carriage, and drew Ida in.
Till then she had not seen the lady who sat at Jack's side.
"My child, my child! Thank God, you are restored to me," exclaimed
Mrs. Clifton.
She drew the astonished child to her bosom. Ida looked up into her
face. Was it Nature that prompted her to return the lady's embrace?
"My God, I thank thee!" murmured Mrs. Clifton; "for this, my child,
was lost and is found."
"Ida," said Jack, "this lady is your mother."
"My mother!" said the child, bewildered. "Have I two mothers?"
"Yes, but this is your real mother. You were brought to our house
when you were an infant, and we have always taken care of you; but
this lady is your real mother."
Ida hardly knew whether to feel glad or sorry.
"And you are not my brother?"
"You shall still consider him your brother, Ida," said Mrs.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163