She kept on with her work, but it was with a feeling of relief that she saw the carriage with Mrs. Courtney and Cecil stop at the gate.
Hilda on her way from the village school had stopped to speak to them, and Mrs. Courtney, ever mindful of the pleasure of others, invited her to assist in welcoming Mr. Courtney.
The delicate flush which always visited the cheek of Hilda at an unexpected pleasure proved her eagerness to accept, and she followed Mrs. Courtney up the broad walk to the entrance.
“I am afraid I ought not to stay. Aunt Grace will worry about me,” she said, as Chloe, in new plaid turban, opened the door, beaming with satisfaction.
“I have thought of that, dear, and intend Cecil to drive over and tell Mrs. Merryman that you are here.”
“Oh, please let me go with him!” said Hilda eagerly; “I will put on my pink cashmere dress and ask Norah to curl my hair.”
“Certainly, my dear, if you wish it, but you look very neat to have been in school all day.”
With happiness heightening the beauty of her expressive face, Hilda turned to go.
“Tell Mrs. Merryman not to be anxious about your coming home this evening,” enjoined Mrs. Courtney; “we will take you in the carriage.”
“Come in and see the table before you go, honey,” said Chloe, leading the way to the supper room and watching for Hilda’s admiring glance when the table came in view.