“Forty dollars! And to a child like you?”
“Well, Miss Fielding, if he had sent it to Aunt Suse I’d never have seen a penny of it. And pa didn’t know what you’d done for me and how you’d put me with Miz Perkins.”
“I suppose that is so,” admitted the surprised Ruth. “But why did you come here?”
“’Cause pa wrote he had an engagement here. I came through Boston, an’ got me a dress, and some shoes, and a hat—all up to date—and I thought I’d surprise pa——”
“But, Bella! I haven’t seen your father here, have I?”
“No. There’s a mistake somehow. But this nice Miz Paisley says for me not to worry. That like enough pa will come here yet.”
“I never!” ejaculated Ruth. “Come right along with me, Bella, and see Mr. Hammond. Something must be done. Of course, Mrs. Perkins and the doctor’s wife have no idea where you have gone?”
“Oh, yes’m. I left a note telling ’em I’d gone to meet pa.”
“But we must send them a message that you are all right. Come on, Bella!” and with her arm about the child’s thin shoulders, Ruth urged her to Mr. Hammond’s office—and directly into her father’s arms!
This was how Arabella Montague Fitzmaurice Pike came to meet her father—in a most amazing fashion!