Mrs. Graham met them at the door. Not having heard of the little girl's loss, she was surprised to see her returning in the care of a stranger.
"Mrs. Graham," said Mrs. Kenyon, "I am glad to be the means of restoring your little girl to you."
"But where is Susan—where is the nurse?" asked Mrs. Graham, bewildered.
"I lost her," said little Florette.
"I found the little girl crying," continued Mrs. Kenyon, "and fortunately learned where you were staying. She was very anxious to find her mamma."
"I am very much indebted to you," said Mrs. Graham warmly. "Let me know who has been so kind to my little girl."
"My name is Conrad, and I am boarding at the hotel," answered Mrs. Kenyon.
She had resumed the name of her first husband, not being willing to acknowledge the tie that bound her to a man that she had reason to detest.
Mrs. Graham pressed her so strongly to enter the house that she at length yielded. In truth she was longing for human sympathy and companionship. Always fond of children, the little girl attracted her, and for her sake she wished to make acquaintance with the mother.
This was the beginning of friendship between them. Afterward Mrs. Kenyon, or Conrad, as we may now call her, called, and, assuming the nurse's place, took Florette to walk. She exerted herself to amuse the child, and was repaid by her attachment.