not find her. It has been a long while, and I had not much money. That is why I am in distress."
"Our mother will be good to you," cried Mab. "See what a nice little mother she is!"
"Do sit down now," said Kate, moving a chair forward, while Amy ran to get some tea.
Mirah resisted no longer, but seated herself with perfect grace, crossing her little feet, laying her hands one over the other on her lap, and looking at her friends with placid reverence; whereupon Hafiz, who had been watching the scene restlessly, came forward with tail erect and rubbed himself against her ankles. Deronda felt it time to take his leave.
"Will you allow me to come again and inquire—perhaps at five to-morrow?" he said to Mrs Meyrick.
"Yes, pray; we shall have had time to make acquaintance then."
"Good-bye," said Deronda, looking down at Mirah, and putting out his hand. She rose as she took it, and the moment brought back to them both strongly the other moment when she had first taken that outstretched hand. She lifted her eyes to his and said with reverential fervour, "The God of our fathers bless you and deliver you from all evil as you have delivered me. I did
