"I suppose," said Jack, with a pang, "that she is so taken up with her new friends that she has nearly forgotten her old friends in New York."
"If she had," answered Peg, "she would not deserve to have friends at all. She is quite happy here, but she will be very glad to return to New York to those who have been so kind to her."
"Really," thought Jack, "I don't know what to make of this Mrs. Hardwick. She talks fair enough, though looks are against her. Perhaps I have misjudged her."
CHAPTER XXV
CAUGHT IN A TRAP
Jack and his guide paused in front of a large three-story brick building. The woman rang the bell. An untidy servant girl made her appearance.
Mrs. Hardwick spoke to the servant in so low a voice that Jack couldn't hear what she said.
"Certainly, mum," answered the servant, and led the way upstairs to a back room on the third floor.
"Go in and take a seat," she said to Jack. "I will send Ida to you immediately."