“But I can’t go as the crow flies. What is the best way to walk? Can’t you show me?”
“No-a. I be sleepy. Have you got a coin about you, Miss?”
“Money? No. I left my purse at home. I have not got a watch either, nor a chain, but I have got a little ring. It is very thin, but it is pure gold, and I am fond of it. I will give it to you if you will take me the very nearest way to Sleepy Hollow.”
The man grinned again. “You be a girl!” he said, in a tone of admiration. “Yes, I’ll take you; come.”
He turned on his heel, shambled on in front, and Flower followed.
In this manner the two walked for some time. Suddenly they mounted a ridge, and then the man pointed to where the Doctor’s house stood, snug in its own inclosure.
“Thank you,” said Flower.
She took a little twist of gold off her smallest finger, dropped it into the man’s dirty, open palm, and began quickly to descend the ridge in the direction of the Hollow. It was nearly three o’clock when she entered the cool, wide entrance-hall. The house felt still and restful. Flower acknowledged to herself that she was both tired and hungry, but her main idea to revenge herself on Polly was stronger than either fatigue or hunger. She walked into the dining-room, cut a thick slice from a home-made loaf of bread, broke off a small piece to eat at once, and put the rest into her pocket. A dish of apples stood near; she helped herself to two, stowed them away with the bread in the capacious pocket of her green cloth dress, and then looked around her. She had got to Polly’s home, but how was she to accomplish her revenge? How strike Polly through her most vulnerable point?
She walked slowly upstairs, meditating as she went. Her own little bower-like room stood open; she entered it. Polly’s hands had been mainly instrumental in giving choice touches to this room; Polly’s favorite blue vase stood filled with flowers on the dressing-table, and a lovely photograph of the Sistine Madonna which belonged to Polly hung over the mantelpiece. Flower did not look at any of these things. She unlocked a small drawer in a dainty inlaid cabinet, which she had brought with her from Ballarat, took out two magnificent diamond rings, a little watch set with jewels, and a small purse, very dainty in itself, but which only held a few shillings. She put all these treasures into a small black velvet bag, fastened the bag round her neck by a narrow gold chain, and then leaving her room, stood once more in a contemplative attitude on the landing.
She was ready now for flight herself, for when she had revenged herself on Polly, she must certainly fly. But how should she accomplish her revenge? what should she do? She thought hard. She knew she had but little time, for the Doctor and the children might return at any moment.