From the moment Hayley opened her eyes Austin was on her mind. Would he meet with her as she hoped?

Terror gripped her heart as she thought of the possibility of Mrs. Sommers finding the note instead of Austin.

Uncomfortable with the notion, she pushed the thought from her mind, dressed quickly and went downstairs for breakfast. As Hayley reached the parlor, she caught sight of her father speaking with Maddie. They were speaking in low voices so that Hayley could not make out their words. The moment her father saw her, she turned away, not wishing to intrude. He snapped in frustration.

"Child… what are you doing sneaking about?" Before she could answer, he changed his tone. "It is just that you startled Miss Hawthorn."

Hayley could not remember the last time he had referred to her in that manner. He had always treated her as family, calling her Maddie.

"I just came down for breakfast, and did not believe to be sneaking up on anyone." Noticing Maddie's back turned, she wondered if she was crying. "Maddie, are you all right?"

She only nodded her head.

"I thought you were to be gone all day, Father."

"I am leaving soon."

Feeling like an intruder for the first time in her own home, Hayley left the room.

_ _

The day was beautiful, though the sky was gray and cloudy. Hayley sat down beneath her favorite large and inviting oak tree. She again thought back to the day that she had said good-bye to Austin. She thought about how his heart seemed to change so quickly.