It is often so in such matches, and little Lucy is darker far than ever her father was.
But dark or fair, she is my own dear little girlie, and her mother's pet." The little creature ran across at the words and nestled up against the lady's dress.
"When I left her in America," she continued, "it was only because her health was weak, and the change might have done her harm.
She was given to the care of a faithful Scotch woman who had once been our servant.
Never for an instant did I dream of disowning her as my child.
But when chance threw you in my way, Jack, and I learned to love you, I feared to tell you about my child.
God forgive me, I feared that I should lose you, and I had not the courage to tell you.
I had to choose between you, and in my weakness I turned away from my own little girl.
For three years I have kept her existence a secret from you, but I heard from the nurse, and I knew that all was well with her.
At last, however, there came an overwhelming desire to see the child once more.