"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. He bent over and kissed her; and
Lucy followed him with wistful, adoring eyes, as he went out accompanied
by Jessica.

The next half-hour was an affecting one for father and daughter. Harker
could hardly believe the good news; for so long had they tried and
succeeded in keeping the truth back from Ashford, that it seemed
incredible indeed that he had forgiven freely and wholly. Mr. Harker
looked a different being when, after kissing his daughter
affectionately, he left her and went down to the little parlour.

John was sitting smoking his pipe; but he started up when the old man
entered.

"What is the matter?" he said, as he looked at his pale face. "Is she
worse?"

"No," said Harker. "She is better, thank Heaven! John Ashford," he
continued humbly, "I have come to beg your forgiveness for the pain we
have caused you. I knew my girl to be a good girl, although she had once
been so foolish. I knew she would make you a true loving wife, in spite
of her sin. It was I who overcame her scruples, and bade her marry you.
I did it for the best. I did it that she might be happy; for I knew how
she loved you, and she so feared to lose your love and respect. She
tells me you have forgiven her, but can you forgive me?"

John grasped his hand.

"Of course I do," he said heartily. "You did it for her so I have
nothing to forgive.