Part 25 (2/2)
CHAPTER XVII.
Big Mistake
”HERE comes Miss Judson,” Nancy whispered. ”If she proves to be the one we want, let's not tell her the real purpose of our visit.”
The door opened, and the same young woman Nancy had spoken to at Hemlock Hall peered out.
”Miss Judson?” Nancy asked.
”Yes.”
As a beam of light fell directly on the girl's face, the young woman added, ”Oh, I remember you. We met at Hemlock Hall. Do come in.”
Nancy introduced Ned and herself. The three walked into the colonial furnished living room and seated themselves.
”I'm afraid I have rather distressing news to report,” Nancy said. ”I'm staying at Deer Mountain Hotel and became acquainted with a man who formerly worked at your estate.”
”Not Joe Haley?” Margaret Judson asked quickly.
”Yes. Mr. Haley was injured in an accident.” Nancy told the woman what had happened. ”He mentioned you and pleaded to see you.”
”Oh, I must go to him at once!” Margaret cried. ”What hospital is he in?”
”Mr. Haley is at his cabin in the woods,” Nancy explained. ”The doctor did not think it necessary to move him.”
”Then I shall go there!” the young woman exclaimed. Suddenly a startled expression came over her face. ”No, I can't go after all,” she murmured.
”I'm sorry,” Nancy said. ”Mr. Haley really needs you.”
”I want to go-you don't understand. I'm just afraid I might meet a certain person there.”
”Mark Wardell?” Nancy questioned.
Margaret Judson buried her face in her hands and sobbed.
”Yes, yes, he's the one. How can I face him while I am regarded as a thief!”
Nancy crossed the room and put an arm around the young woman. ”Please don't cry,” she said soothingly.
Meanwhile, Bess and George were enjoying the dance at Deer Mountain Hotel with Burt and Dave.
”The dancing will soon be over,” Bess declared anxiously as she gazed about the ballroom. ”What can be keeping Nancy and Ned?”
Before anyone could hazard a guess, a boy came through the ballroom, calling George Fayne's name. The girls motioned to him, hoping that Nancy had sent a note to explain her absence.
<script>