And the Prince, seeing that it was of no use to remonstrate, bowed and retired.
—The Golden Branch.
Susan came home and told her mistress that Judy was spending the day with Mr. Rivers.
"What an extraordinary thing for the child to do!" said Hilda.
"She said, ma'am, that Mr. Rivers asked her to lunch, and that you knew about it."
"Yes; but why did she not say something to me when she was going out? It is so unlike Miss Judy to keep a thing of that sort to herself."
Susan made no reply. She was no longer responsible, and was only too anxious not to betray the child.
"Mr. Rivers says he'll take the best care of her, ma'am," she said, after a pause.
"Well, go and take off your hat, Susan, and lay the lunch," said Hilda, feeling still more puzzled, but not caring to pursue her inquiries any further.
She had a sense of aggrievement and a feeling of added loneliness as she sat down to her solitary lunch. She missed Judy, and wondered at her sudden want of confidence; but soon the deeper trouble which Jasper's conduct had caused returned to trouble her, and she forgot her little sister in the sadness of her thoughts.