There was now nothing to prevent Hilda from acceding to Mr. Courtney’s wish to appoint an early day for the marriage, which would be at the home of the Merrymans, Rev. Carl officiating, and the bridal tour followed by a reception at “My Lady’s Manor” under the auspices of Mrs. Courtney and Mrs. Merryman.
As upon a former occasion, Mrs. Courtney offered her assistance in the matter of shopping, and the offer was accepted gladly by Hilda.
The evening before they were to drive to Baltimore, Mrs. Merryman and Hilda took a walk to the cottage, and upon reaching the gate saw Archie coming down the road from “My Lady’s Manor,” where he had been the past night and day.
“I am sure he is on his way to ‘Fair Meadow,’” said Mrs. Merryman. “Ask him to wait and go with us; he can carry the things you wish to take.”
Archie was willing to oblige and followed them up the grass-grown path. He sat down upon the door-step while the ladies went inside and opened the windows, letting in the soft evening air, laden with the odors of early spring.
As upon former visits, Hilda went to the desk, let down the lid and searched through the small drawers and other receptacles, but found nothing, and was about to lock it again when the old man entered and stood beside her.
“Archie knows where there is money,” he said abruptly.
“No, Archie,” said Hilda, “we have searched several times and can find nothing.”
“But Archie knows it is there. Archie saw the woman put it in there one night when he was looking for people in the snow.”
“Where is it, Archie?” asked Hilda, trying to conceal her eagerness, knowing it would confuse him.