It was Miss Hull’s low musical laugh that broke the awkward silence.
“How did our little surprise turn out, Sally?” she asked.
“Oh, beautifully, Miss Hull,” Sally laughed. “Jan and Phyl never guessed for a minute.”
Miss Hull smiled delightedly and turned to the gentleman who was waiting for her.
“Mr. Ward,” she said, holding out her hand.
Mr. Ward scowled.
“Yes’m. They’re my twins; May and Bess,” his abrupt way of speaking contrasted oddly with his southern voice. “If you can take them right now and let me get back and catch that next train for town I’ll be mighty obliged. I kept the carriage waiting.”
“Certainly, Mr. Ward,” Miss Hull replied, “You go right on. We’ll take care of May and Bess.”
Mr. Ward bowed over her hand for a brief moment, nodded to his daughters and strolled out of the front door.
The Ward twins’s faces relaxed and they smiled. It was easy to see that their father’s departure was a relief rather than a sorrow.