Again Tory returned to her work, having now acquired the impression that she was no longer alone.
Once more she looked suddenly around.
A figure behind the clump of shrubs undoubtedly stirred.
Rising, Tory walked in that direction.
She had not moved more than a few feet when the intruder, aware of discovery, came toward her.
A small figure Tory beheld dressed in a pale green linen frock, crumpled and torn. The large leghorn hat had a band of green velvet ribbon encircling it. In one hand she bore a small yellow leather suit case.
“Why, Lucy, what in the world does this mean? Are you by yourself? Do Mr. or Mrs. Hammond know where you are?”
“No, you may tell them,” the little girl answered calmly. “I am on my way to Kara. I am going to take her back to the Gray House or somewhere else, where we can be alone. I hated Kara sitting still in a chair and never moving and all of you keeping me from her.”
“Then you do care for Kara?” Tory demanded, putting her arms about the picturesque little figure.
Coldly but politely Lucy drew away.