"I think I have a pleasant surprise for you, dear," said Mr. Courtney, taking the infant upon his knee and looking with loving admiration upon mother and child.
"I am not easily surprised, but have my share of woman's curiosity. What is it?" smiled Hilda.
"Judge Sylvester happened to mention to me some time ago that he wished a partner in his law business and preferred a young man. I thought immediately of Fred, and as Sylvester appeared willing to have me write to him, I did so, remembering that Mrs. Warfield said in one of her letters that he wished to go into partnership with an established firm. Fred answered promptly, and the result is that he is coming to Baltimore and we will have him near us."
"That was so kind and thoughtful in you; Aunt Sarah will appreciate it," said Hilda, gratefully.
"I have been wishing to do them some favor that they would accept, in return for their kindness to you, and am glad that this was acceptable."
Hilda wrote that evening to Mrs. Warfield, inviting her to come with Fred and make a long visit, a request with which Mrs. Warfield gladly complied.
Thus before a month passed Fred Warfield was established as partner with Judge Sylvester in Baltimore, and Mrs. Warfield was at "My Lady's Manor," where her son was always a welcome guest.
Five happy years had passed since Hilda had become the cherished wife of Mr. Courtney, and during those years Mrs. Warfield had spent two winters at "My Lady's Manor," and was there for the third. She was expecting to return to her Ohio home, for spring had again made the earth jubilant with the song of birds and fragrant with the perfume of flowers.
Although no confidences were solicited or given upon the subject, Hilda knew that her beloved guest was happier during these visits than at any other time since Paul's marriage, because away from the domineering presence of Mrs. Lura, who was growing more like Jerusha Flint every year of her life.
No childish voices disturbed the quietude of the farmhouse; perfect order reigned, and Mrs. Lura could devote all the time she wished to embroidery, the chief pleasure of her existence.
There were many reasons for the sojourn at "My Lady's Manor" being pleasant to Mrs. Warfield, not the least of which was having Fred so near, a lawyer in good position, popular in society as he had been in Springfield, and, as was characteristic, falling in love with every beautiful face new to him.