Noel took Jasmine to his friend’s house, where the little girl began by being almost frightened, but soon forgot herself in the strong interest of her pleasant work.  Noel was right when he said Jasmine had true artistic instincts.  Certainly, hers was untaught genius, but her unerring taste came to her aid, and Mrs. Daintree’s dinner-table never looked prettier or fresher than when the little maiden had completed her work.  The room was bright and sunny, but Jasmine gave the table a bower-like and cool effect, and she not only dressed the dinner-table but placed flowers here and there about the room.  Mrs. Daintree was delighted, and asked the pretty little girl to come again to arrange a dinner-table for her the following week.

With her golden sovereign and her shilling tucked tightly away in her glove Jasmine did not feel altogether miserable as she went home; even though Daisy might still be lost, those first earnings were sweet.  She rushed upstairs and told her tale to Poppy, who sympathized most warmly with her.  Very soon after her arrival a four-wheeler was heard to draw up to the door, and Mrs. Dredge alone returned.

“I have left Primrose at Rosebury,” she said; “we have made inquiries, and there is no doubt a child resembling Daisy went down by the night train yesterday.  We have searched high and low, however, but cannot at present get any trace of her.  Don’t look so pale, Jasmine, she must soon be found.  Primrose is staying with Miss Martineau, and they are not leaving a stone unturned to find her.  Most likely they have done so by now.  Don’t cry, Jasmine; take example by your sister—­she’s a fine plucky bit of a lass, and does not waste her time in tears when there’s something to be done.”

“Yes, that’s just it,” said Jasmine; Primrose has got something to do, but I haven’t—­I can do nothing to find my little darling!  Oh, Mrs. Dredge, are not you awfully frightened about her?”

“Tut, tut, my dear, not a bit of it!  Of course, when a little lass runs away all by herself there are most times difficulties in getting trace of her, but don’t you be in a way, for they won’t last long.”

Poor little Jasmine sighed, and all her deep depression returned.  She was soothed again, however, by the sight of Noel, who came in very soon afterwards.  He said he had seen the Ellsworthys, and meant to go down to Rosebury by the night train.

“I’m pleased to hear it, young man,” said Mrs. Dredge; “you’re doing just what my Joshua would have approved of had he been alive.  Even though Joshua was in the chandlery line he had a truly noble heart, and one of his mottoes was that the strong should help the weak, and if shoulders are made broad they should carry big burdens, so you go down to Rosebury, young man, and prosper in your work.”

Noel smiled.

“I will certainly do my best,” he said; “I quite agree with your husband’s sentiments.”

“Well, well, young man, Joshua would have liked to know you in his day.  Dear, how stupid I am! but I didn’t rightly catch your name.  What are you pleased to call yourself, sir?”