“She was sitting among the bushes by the piazza. Archie thought she was looking in at the people. Archie did not know she was dead until he took her up.”
“Why were you here?” asked Mrs. Merryman kindly. “I thought you had left.”
“Archie was cold and hungry and tired. He went to the barn to sleep; he had no other place to go. Archie heard sleigh bells and people coming in with horses, and was afraid they would drive him away. Archie walked about to keep warm; he heard singing and came to look in the window and found the little girl.”
The efforts of Dr. Lattinger were rewarded; after a time Hilda had recovered sufficiently to be taken to the nursery where Diana watched beside her until time to help serve refreshments.
“Where is mamma?” whispered Hilda without opening her weary eyes. “I heard the sweet music and saw the beautiful angels, but did not know my mamma or Aunt Ashley.”
“You will see them after a time,” said Diana tenderly; “go to sleep now and get rested.”
“I will,” whispered the little girl; “I am tired, so tired, but I have found heaven.”
Tears flowed from Diana’s eyes as she watched her sleeping, and tender-hearted Norah wept in sympathy.
Hilda was so changed; she seemed no longer the light-hearted, care-free, high-spirited child which had been loved and cherished by Mrs. Ashley. Sadness had its place upon the wan face, the pinched features, in the deep-sunken eyes. Diana almost censured herself for a share in the cause.
Fortunately Diana could remain at the farmhouse while the bridal company stayed, and her heart was comforted by knowing that Hilda had found a good home; for the next morning Mrs. Merryman received a note from Miss Flint saying that as Hilda had run away from the cottage, she should not be received again under that roof.