“He appears to be one who has seen better times,” commented Mrs. Courtney. “There is an air of refinement about him that one does not see in the ordinary wayfarer. I believe that he has a history, but it is not likely that we will ever know it.”
It was now time to return to “Friedenheim,” and Mrs. Courtney arose to go.
“I hope, sister, that you will allow Roy and Cecil to come here frequently and pass the night with me. I will bring Ralph and James often, and wish all these young people and their friends to take pleasure in visiting here.”
“They will not be more pleased to come than I will be to have them with you, and we all wish you every happiness in your home,” replied his sister affectionately. And thus ended the happy day that welcomed Hilda Brinsfield for the second period of her life to “My Lady’s Manor.”
CHAPTER VIII—LETTERS WHICH BRING A TRIAL TO HILDA
Not only the village of Dorton, but the whole country around it rejoiced that Mr. Valentine Courtney was the owner of “My Lady’s Manor,” and that it was again occupied and one of the hospitable homes of the neighborhood.
His first purchase was a pair of handsome horses, a comfortable carriage and a phaeton.
For coachman he wished a middle-aged, unmarried man, for whom he advertised, and among the many who responded was one he was satisfied to engage. This man was Sandy MacQuoid, a Scotchman who bore testimonials from two Edinburgh families as to his exemplary character and capability.
Sandy was tall, thin and pale, quiet in manner and scrupulously neat in attire, which was always black and perfect in fit.
With congratulations of his own good fortune, Mr. Courtney brought him to “My Lady’s Manor” and the years which followed proved Sandy’s testimonials correct; he vied in fidelity with the Irish housekeeper and the African cook.