Looking very fair and sweet in her becoming toilet and with rosebuds in hand, Hilda reached “My Lady’s Manor” and was assisted from the carriage by Mr. Valentine Courtney, who was watching for her.
“My little Hilda expected to welcome me. Instead I welcome, gladly welcome her to my home,” and, taking her hand in his, they went up the broad path to the entrance.
“Thank you, sir,” smiled Hilda. “When I went past here to school this morning I never thought of being here this evening.”
“I hope it is as much pleasure to you to be here as it is to me to welcome you,” he said kindly.
“Yes, I love to be here. I think ‘My Lady’s Manor’ the loveliest place in the world.”
“Then I hope you will come very often,” he returned smiling with pleasure. “You are fond of reading, I am sure.”
“Oh, yes, I do love a pretty book; I am reading a beautiful story now.”
“Here is a large collection and suitable for every age,” said Mr. Courtney as they reached the library, which since the days of Mr. Reginald Farnsworth was on the first floor, across the hall from the parlor—“you can read here when it suits you, or you can take any books home with you that you wish.”
The glad light in Hilda’s eyes and the flush upon her cheek showed her appreciation of the offer, for which she thanked him in her naturally graceful manner.
It was one of the happiest hours of Mr. Courtney’s life when, in company with his sister, her husband and sons and Hilda, they sat at supper in his own home for the first time.