Mrs. Larkin did not reply.
Miss Sprague found herself so coldly treated in the village that she shortly left Groveton on a prolonged visit to some relatives in a neighboring town. It is to be feared that the consciousness of having done her duty did not wholly console her. What she regretted most, however, was the loss of the reward which she had hoped to receive from the bank.
CHAPTER XV — THE LARKINS ARE IN LUCK
Luke and his mother, accompanied by Roland Reed, took their way from the court-room to the widow's modest cottage.
"You may take the tin box, Luke," said the stranger, "if you are not afraid to keep in your charge what has given you so much trouble."
"All's well that ends well!" said Luke.
"Yes; I don't think it will occasion you any further anxiety."
Roland Reed walked in advance with Mrs. Larkin, leaving Luke to follow.