On the way, her string of beads broke, the pillow which they used to help make her unconscious was dropped on the kitchen floor, and then she was carried down the well, through the tunnel and cave and away in a swift motor boat.
But in a half conscious state, all these things were like a dream to her.
“A dream which must not be recalled,” said Granniss, with an air of authority that sat well upon him.
“My blessing,” Minna said, fondling the girl. “Never mind about anything, now that I have you back. I miss your father more than words can say, but with you restored, I can know happiness again. Let us both try to forget.”
Later, a council was held as to whether to tell Minna the true story of Betty’s birth.
The two young people had to be told, and Doctor Varian was appealed to for a decision regarding Minna.
“I don’t know,” he said, uncertainly. “You see it explains the pearls,——”
“I’ll tell you,” Granniss said. “Don’t let’s tell Mother Varian now. Betty and I will be married very soon, and after that we can see about it. Or, if she has to know at the time of the wedding, we’ll tell her then. But let her rejoice in her new found child as her own child as long as she can. Surely she deserves it.”
“And you don’t care?” Betty asked, looking at him, wistfully.
“My darling! I don’t care whether you’re the daughter of a princess or pauperess,—you’ll soon be my wife, and Granniss is all the name you’ll ever want or need!”