“Oh, Mr. Dugald, it was diamonds—in that box, you know, why—” But here Sidney stopped. For Mr. Dugald was not even hearing her, he was staring over her head at Trude.
“Oh, I forgot—this is my sister, Trude. Trude, this is Mr. Dugald, Aunt Achsa’s—”
But her introduction went no farther. At sight of Trude’s face she broke off abruptly. And Mr. Dugald was saying quietly:
“I know your sister, Sidney. Trude, I am more glad to see you than you can ever know!”
Sidney’s brain whirled. Mr. Dugald knew Trude! And Trude—only once before had she seen that look on Trude’s face and that had been when she had watched Trude reading a letter to Issy.
“Why—why—why—” she gasped, a great enlightenment slowly dawning over her. “You’re—you’re—why, you’re Trude’s lost love!”
“Sidney!” cried Trude, scarlet-faced.
Dugald Allan laughed. “Sidney, go in and see Lav. He’s been calling for you and Miss Letty says you can see him for five minutes if you won’t let him do any of the talking. I want to tell your sister a few things about you that I think she ought to know.” He caught Trude’s arm in a masterful way, wheeled her about and led her down the lane.
Sidney stared after them; even the excitement of the diamonds faded to nothing by the side of this amazing revelation. Mr. Dugald had known Trude all the time! He was the man who had made Trude so unhappy! He had let her talk of Trude and had never betrayed by so much as a blush their acquaintance!
Sidney had no choice but to go on alone to the cottage. Her elation and her delight at seeing Lavender were shadowed by a growing apprehension. Mr. Dugald had promised to forget what she had told him of Trude’s broken heart, but perhaps he hadn’t! And he might tell Trude that he knew!