Visits had been frequent between Anna and Mrs. Warfield during the winter and early spring, Mrs. Ashley being the tie that bound them in close friendship, and Anna lost no time in going to the farmhouse to impart the information that “My Lady’s Manor” was again in her possession; and before she left, it was decided that they would go to Dorton the following week as a surprise to their Maryland friends.
Mrs. Warfield was as eager for this visit as was Anna; for Norman Ashley had fallen in battle, and she hoped to bring her sister and Hilda Brinsfield to make their home with her in the farmhouse.
Mrs. Lacy had never admired Anna more than upon the morning she and Mrs. Warfield set out for Maryland. The light of happiness beamed in her brilliant eyes, for she was returning to her childhood’s home, doubly prized because once lost and mourned.
Mr. Valentine Courtney was on a business trip to Europe, but she would visit his sister at “Friedenheim,” see the places where he had been, would again be with her loved Mrs. Ashley and Hilda, see again the Lattingers and the Merrymans, sit again in Dorton church, and walk again on the banks of the clear flowing stream, the favorite walk of the villagers.
Mrs. Warfield had reached the station at Springfield and was waiting her arrival. Soon the Lacy carriage drew up to the spot where she stood, the footman opened the door, and Anna stepped out as radiant as a May morning.
Together they entered the car, the whistle sounded, they were on their way, and had nearly reached the next halting place when there was a collision, then wails of mortal pain and Mrs. Warfield knew no more.
When consciousness returned she found herself in the waiting-room of the depot, and near her lay Anna Ashburton, dying, but rational, and dictating to an attorney her wishes in regard to the disposal of her property, Mrs. Warfield and others witnessing her signature to the document written by him.
“My Lady’s Manor” was bequeathed to her intended husband, Valentine Courtney, and the will was given in charge of Mrs. Warfield to deliver to Mrs. Lacy.
A few hours after the bright young life was ended and Mrs. Warfield accompanied all that remained of the lovely Anna Ashburton to the sorrow-stricken home in Springfield.
Mr. Valentine Courtney was on the eve of returning from London when Mrs. Lacy’s cablegram apprizing him of the accident reached him and as soon as he landed in America he went to her home. From her he learned the details of the calamity; of the will which had made him owner of “My Lady’s Manor,” and of the illness of Mrs. Warfield; and so far as Mrs. Lacy knew, no word of these things had reached Dorton.