Floating in through the open window came the sound of gay, childish mirth, and looking out she saw the little strangers dancing and laughing and chatting merrily to old Mrs. Martin, the housekeeper, as she took them round the grounds.
Then Miss Griselda went downstairs, and she and Miss Katharine had their interview with the grave, quiet young mother, who had come, as she said, to make terms. No one heard what they said to her nor what she said to them; no one knew what arrangements were arrived at between the three; no one guessed either then or long years afterward what the terms were. When the somewhat protracted interview had come to an end, the young mother left Miss Griselda’s study with her veil drawn tightly over her face. If her eyes were red and her lips trembled, no one noticed those signs of grief through her thick crape veil. Miss Griselda offered her food, and Miss Katharine wanted to take her hand and wring it with a kindly pressure; but she shook her head at the one and drew back proudly from the other’s proffered hand-shake.
The dog-cart was waiting at a side entrance, and she got into it and drove away. Nor did she once look back as she drove down the long straight avenue under the shade of the old forest trees.
That night Squire Lovel said a word or two to his daughters.
“So you have kept the children?”
“We have kept the children,” repeated Miss Griselda tersely.
“It is nothing to me. I have made that codicil to my will. You have had your way in that.”
“You have done justice, father—you will die happier,” replied Miss Griselda.
“Have you made arrangements with the mother?” questioned the squire.
“The mother will not trouble us; we have arranged with her,” answered the elder Miss Lovel.