“You haven’t got to leave Lakeview Hall!” cried the delighted Bess. “You are coming back next term!”
Nan’s color came back. She sighed and wiped her eyes. But she shook her head slowly. “No, dear, I told you before I could not accept your father’s help. It would not be right,” said Nan.
“Oh, nonsense! Who said anything about that?” demanded Bess, in disgust. “I heard ’em talking about it! Things are all right! Your folks have got some money after all! And they sent me after you!”
“Who sent you after me?” suddenly cried Nan, seizing the reckless and excited Bess by the shoulders.
“Oh! oh! ouch! Dr. Beulah, of course!”
“What for?” demanded Nan, exasperated, and fairly shaking her.
“Why——Oh! didn’t I tell you? Nan dear! Your father! And your mother! They have just arrived from Scotland, and they are waiting for you now in Dr. Beulah’s office!”
Joy never kills—that is sure. But when she was folded in “Momsey’s” arms, and “Papa Sherwood” stood by waiting his turn to hug his plucky little daughter, Nan really thought her heart would burst, it beat so hard.
It was not until later that she heard about the money, or cared to ask about it. Her parents had settled their business in Scotland so suddenly and had left for the United States so hurriedly, that they could send no further news about the settlement of Hughie Blake’s legacy.