Mark Manning's Mission; The Story of a Shoe Factory Boy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1905. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Vjla Chapter Xxxvii. CONCLUSION. i Meanwhile, Mrs. Manning could not help feeling anxious, about her prospects of a house. ' Have you heard of any house, Mr. Taylor?" she asked. The hermit smiled. "Don't be troubled, Mrs, Manning," he said; "when you leave this house you will find another one to move into." Mrs. Manning was silenced, but still disquieted. She was even tempted to wonder whether old Anthony was really quite right in his mind. But there was nothing to be done. She could only wait, patiently. The next day Mark arrived with little Jack. He was looking unusually well, his journey having given him a healthy color, and added to his flesh. Jack was still thin and pale, but was beginning to look better than when under Peggy's care. The hermit was much moved, as he took the boy in his arms and kissed him. "I can see my daughter's looks in you, Jack," he said. "I fear your life has been a sad one, poor child. It shall be my task to repay you for the hardships you have had to meet in your short life." Little Jack seemed to take instinctively to the rough-looking but, kind-hearted old man. The poor match boy seemed to have drifted into a haven of rest. "Shall I ever have to go back to Peggy?" he asked. "Never, my child. This good lady," indicating Mrs. Manning, "will supply the place of your own mother." "I will sell matches for you, if you want me to, grandfather. I didn't like working for Peggy, but I will work for you." "My dear Jack, instead of working you must go to school, and learn all you can. When you are grown up, it will be time for you to work." It soon became noised about that the little boy, who was seen about the village with Mark, was the hermit's grandson. But the grandson of old Anthony was not considered a very important person, and only ex...