Then the lawyer remembered Beryl's great good fortune and that nothing had been said concerning that. How happy Robin would be!
In answer to Madame's summons Robin and Beryl came to the library, nervously sedate in manner and with fingers intertwined in a close grip.
Madame beckoned to them with her jeweled white hand.
"Come to me, Robin. Are you sorry to find that your mysterious friend by the Rushing Waters—is your aunt?"
Robin advanced slowly, her eyes on her aunt's face.
"No, oh, no! Only—maybe you're sorry about—me—being a girl and such a small one—and lame, too—"
"Oh, my dear!" And Madame Forsyth held out her arms impulsively and Robin, her face aglow, snuggled into them.
Every moment of that day something exciting and significant seemed to happen. Ever so many people called, and it was fun to see their surprise at finding Madame home. Aunt Mathilde, (Robin could not make the name sound natural) upon introduction, had acted as though she almost liked Susy, and Susy had looked very cunning in the new dress the nurse had made for her. And she hadn't said Susy would have to go! Then Robin flew off, the very first moment, with Beryl to find Mrs. Lynch and hug her over the wonderful fortune and talk about the farm which must be very near Wassumsic. Then Beryl played for Aunt Mathilde and Aunt Mathilde had looked as though she "felt funny inside!"
And then Dale had come with Tom Granger, both of them looking haggard from anxiety and lack of sleep. They came in while Beryl was playing. Robin was glad of that for it gave her a moment to think what she must say to Tom Granger in explanation.
She did not need to say anything, however. Tom knew the whole story, from his father and from Dale. He and Dale had become fast friends.