His manner was that of the police, and it had come so sharply upon Tommy that he looked not unlike a detected criminal.
Most of them thought he was being accused of something vile, and the Dominie demanded, with a light heart, "Who is the woman ?" while Mr.
James had a pleasant feeling that the ladies should be requested to retire.

But just then the woman came in, and she was much older than they had expected.
"That's him, granny," the boy said, still severely; "that's the man as saved my life at the Slugs." And then, when the truth was dawning on them all, and there were exclamations of wonder, a pretty scene suddenly presented itself, for the old lady, who had entered with the timidest courtesy, slipped down on her knees before Tommy and kissed his hand.

That young rascal of a boy was all she had.
They were all moved by her simplicity, but none quite so much as Tommy.

He gulped with genuine emotion, and saw her through a maze of beautiful thoughts that delayed all sense of triumph and even made him forget, for a little while, to wonder what Grizel was thinking of him now.

As the old lady poured out her thanks tremblingly, he was excitedly planning her future.