Perry had returned and, to the relief of Diana, could remain as long as wanted, so the moment the undertaker departed Miss Flint hurried to “Friedenheim,” saw Rev. Courtney, who made it convenient to conduct the services the following afternoon, and thus far the plan was working well.
Her next call was upon the owner of the cottage, who was willing to allow her to live there in Mrs. Ashley’s place, the rent having been paid by the year, and she returned in exuberant spirits.
“I will tell you what I have been doing,” she said, her black eyes sparkling and her cheeks glowing with the brisk walk. “There is no one to care for Hilda, so I will stay here until Mrs. Warfield comes.”
“Oh, that is so kind of you!” said Diana eagerly. “I never for a moment thought you would stay. I thought you had such a good home with my sister-in-law and your brother.”
“There is where I stop,” replied Miss Flint with emphasis. “I told Horace the very day he brought his wife there that his house would be my home only while I could not have a better one. I have the chance now to have one more to my liking and am going to take it. I will stay here until Mrs. Warfield comes, and then can decide what course to take.”
In her own mind she did not believe that Mrs. Warfield would ever come, but she kept her opinion to herself.
“Hilda is no relation of Mrs. Warfield’s, I think you said,” she remarked after a pause.
“No, she was Mr. Ashley’s niece, not Mrs. Ashley’s; but Mrs. Warfield will surely take her when she hears that it was her sister’s last request.”
Miss Flint had another plan in her mind but she said nothing about it to Diana; and that was that as soon as the funeral was over the next afternoon, and Diana gone, she would go immediately about arranging the furniture to suit herself, and then walk to her brother’s house in the village and make arrangements with him to have her effects brought to her new abode.
All these plans fell into line at the proper place; the funeral was over, a long train of neighbors following the bier to the Dorton churchyard, but among them not one relative or near friend of the departed.