Perhaps Mrs. Raynor is on your side; but I am afraid that if you
should visit the house where Miss Raynor is, it would set her mother
against you. I imagine she is a woman who would not like that sort of
thing."
"Walkirk," said I, "your reasoning is very good; but this is not a time
to reason,--it is a time to act; and I am going to see Mrs. Raynor this
day."
"I hope it may all turn out well," he replied, and walked away gravely.
I did not start immediately for the Sand Lady's house. For a long time I
sat and thought upon the subject of the approaching interview, planning
and considering how I should plead my case, and what I should answer,
and how I should overcome the difficulties which would probably be
pointed out to me.
At last, like many another man when in a similar predicament, I
concluded to let circumstances shape my plan of action, and set forth
for Mrs. Raynor's house. The walk was a long one, but I turned in order
to pass under the tree where I had begun to dictate to Sylvia; and glad
I was that I did so, for to the twig on which I had hung the case
containing her inkstand there was now attached a half sheet of note
paper. I ran to the tree, eagerly seized the paper, and read these few
words that were written on it:--
"Thank you very much for taking such good care of my little case.
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