Each succeeding train brought additional worshippers or visitors to the grove, and the walks were so densely lined with people that he might have passed within ten feet of Mr. Pratt without seeing him.
Having made up his mind to that which he considered a sacrifice, he was impatient to have it finished, and walked rapidly until the afternoon was more than half spent; but all in vain.
It seemed more than probable he had gone home, or at least Jack so argued to himself, and returned to the tent looking as if suffering from some grievous disappointment.
Aunt Nancy was at the flap of the canvas house with an expression of anxiety on her face, but the baby was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Louis?" Jack asked in alarm.
"Mrs. Hayes is taking care of him. I thought it best he shouldn't be seen when Mr. Pratt came. Will he be here soon?"
"I couldn't find him; he must have gone home."
The little woman's face lighted up wonderfully as she cried,—
"O Jack dear, I know it is wicked to say, but I am so glad! It is only right I should bear the burden I myself have caused; but the thought of losing you and the baby almost broke my heart."
Then she kissed him on both cheeks, and again did he feel the moisture of her tears.