* * * * *
Ann closed the shanty door after seeing the governor and his two companions disappear up the hill, and smiled at Fledra with shining eyes. The wonderful events of the evening had taken place in such rapid order that she had no time to express her happiness to the girl. She opened her arms, and Fledra darted into them.
"It's all because you prayed, Sister Ann," she sobbed, "and because you taught me how to pray. Does--does Horace know about my new father and mother?"
"No, Dear; he left Tarrytown before we ourselves knew. We received a telegram from Horace saying he had come on to Ithaca. We must wait here; for he'll arrive sometime tonight. We couldn't go and allow him to find this place empty."
"Of course not," the girl sighed impatiently. "Oh, I hope he comes soon!"
Her soul burned for a sight of him. He had been the first to fly to her rescue, even when he had thought her but a squatter girl. He had not shrunk from the dangers of the settlement, and, in spite of the peril of Lem and Lon, he had been willing to drag her away from harm for the love of her. The thought was infinitely sweet.
At length Ann brought her to the present.
"Fledra dear, can you realize that little Mildred is your own sister, and that Mildred's mother is yours? Oh, Darling, you ought to be the happiest girl in the world!"
"I'm happy, all right," said Fledra gravely; "only, I feel sorry for Katherine. Somehow, we changed Daddies, didn't we?"
"Yes, Dear, and I feel for her too," lamented Ann. "I can't see how she's going to bear it."
"Maybe she's been a praying," said Fledra, "as I did when I thought I was coming to Lem. It does help a lot."
"Dear child, dear heart," murmured Ann, "your faith is greater than mine! Katherine Vandecar is a saint, and--and so are you, Fledra."
"No, I'm not." The girl dropped her eyes and flushed deeply.
"Oh, but Fledra, you are!" Then a new thought entered Ann's mind, and she hesitated before she continued. "Fledra, will you tell me something about Mr. Brimbecomb? I mean--you know--the trouble you spoke of in your letter to him?"
Fledra flashed a startled glance.
"Did he dare show it to you?"
"No, no, Fledra; he dropped it, and Horace found it."
"Is that the way you knew where I'd gone?"