"What is her name?" he inquired.
"Jessica," replied his son-in-law. "She doesn't seem to know any other."
They drove on in silence, broken presently by Mr. Harker, who had stolen
another glance at the silent girl.
"A wonderful likeness," he murmured. "I could have sworn that was Ada
Lester, the actress, as she used to be."
He relapsed again into silence, and John was too much wrapped up in his
own thoughts to question him further.
They reached the little shop at last, and Jessica ran lightly and
quickly up to the bedroom. She was welcomed warmly by Lucy, who had
grown to like the girl, and had been greatly upset by her absence.
"I'm glad you have come back, dear," she whispered, as Jessica bent over
her. "Where have you been?"
"To London, dear Mrs. Ashford. I did not know you were ill. I came back
with Mr. Ashford."
"John!" exclaimed Lucy, the colour rising in her face. "My father as
well?"
"Yes," said the girl. "I will call them."
She did so, and a moment later John and Mr. Harker entered the room.
"Here he is, dear, you shall tell him the news yourself, while I take
the horse back," said the kindly John.
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