"Mrs. Hamilton is grateful and will be ready after a hasty cup of coffee."
So soon! The time had come but how strong she was! Not a tremor shook her frame; not an emotion quickened her pulse! Mr. Bancroft assisting her to a seat in the carriage, entered and took one beside her.
"We shall not be late? I slept so soundly. Really I forgot to wake this morning, and must thank you for reminding me of it."
Mrs. Hamilton laughed and Mr. Bancroft looked into the beaming eyes and thought "how like Lily Gaylord's they are!"
"You spoke last evening of two protegees?"
"Yes, a brother of the young lady—and a cripple."
"A brother, did you say?" and the heart of his listener gave a great bound of pain. The carriage suddenly wheeled up at the station, and "all aboard for the West" was shouted.
"This way Mrs. Hamilton," and her escort handed her into the car, and wishing her success waved his adieus as the train moved on.
"Her brother! Then she is not my child! Have I been led thus far only to find the fruit that allured me with its golden brightness nothing but ashes? Can it be?" With fearful apprehensions the hour flew by; the junction was reached at last.
It was a short ride to the hotel, and as she entered the spruce-looking village inn sensation of suffocation caused her to throw back her veil that she might breathe more freely.