“Why, there is Archie!” she cried, “dear, dear Archie!” and running to him, she took his hand in her soft little palms.
“Does you know him, honey?” asked Chloe, full of surprise.
“Know him? Oh, Chloe, he saved my life!”
“Yes, honey, I done heard that some old body found you in the snow. Mighty fine girl he saved; he ought to be proud of that find.”
“Archie is proud,” said the old man who had waked at the first sound of Hilda’s voice. “Archie looks all the time for people in the snow since he found her.”
By this time Cecil, who had finished bringing in the baskets, was waiting for her. She ran out, stepped into the carriage and was driven away.
“I hope we won’t meet any boys,” thought Cecil. “They would never stop plaguing me.”
Mrs. Merryman was glad that Hilda had the prospect of this pleasant visit and entertained Cecil while she ran up to her room to dress, keeping in remembrance the roses she was to take.
“I am so glad you will be there, Miss Hilda,” said Norah joyously as she curled the girl’s beautiful hair. “I am to go as soon as our supper is over, and will stay all night with aunt, for Mrs. Merryman, bless her kind heart, says that aunt will feel strange and lonely at first.”
“I am glad you are coming, Norah; I am sure your aunt will be glad to have you.”