Anna Ashburton’s parting with her Dorton friends, especially Mrs. Ashley, was a trial to her, but their sympathy cheered and strengthened, and in comparatively good spirits she set out for Springfield.
She felt self-condemned that she had been reluctant to accept Mrs. Lacy’s offer of a home when she saw the genuine pleasure with which she was welcomed by the sister of her foster mother.
The young people of Mrs. Lacy’s large circle of friends rejoiced that an amiable, attractive girl was added to their list, and the festivities at the Lacy mansion were a delight to all.
Mr. Valentine Courtney, Mrs. Ashley and other intimate friends wrote to her in response to her letters, telling of her safe arrival and cordial reception, and congratulated her heartily upon having another mother in Mrs. Lacy and pleasant companionship in the young people of Springfield.
They kept her apprised of all the happenings in Dorton and its neighborhood, told her of the grief of Lois, Phebe and Judy who could not speak without tears of the absence of their young mistress, but of the spectre that had frightened the superstitious from “My Lady’s Manor” they made no mention.
Had the apparition taken any other form than that of Mrs. Joshua Farnsworth, they might have mentioned it in a spirit of jesting; as it was, no one in Dorton would thus wound her.
She was aware that Mr. Reginald Farnsworth had remained but a few months at “My Lady’s Manor,” but had heard that his wife insisted upon going to Philadelphia, and from thence to California, her widowed mother accompanying her.
That “My Lady’s Manor” was unoccupied she attributed to a rich man’s indifference. That the servants remained in their quarters was no surprise to her, well knowing that Mr. Farnsworth could find no better care-takers.
It was therefore a great surprise to her when one day the Baltimore lawyer called to inform her that Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth asked her as a favor to them to accept “My Lady’s Manor” as a gift.
It was not until she read their letter in which they besought her pardon for the injustice done her, that she realized that the dear home of her childhood was restored to her, and with happy tears she thanked the one who brought the good news to her.