Old Densie had for the last few days been much in 'Lina's mind. She had

disliked her at Saratoga, and somehow it made her feel uncomfortable

every time she thought of finding her at Spring Bank. Densie had never

forgotten 'Lina, and many a time had she recalled the peculiar

expression of her black eyes, shuddering as she remembered how much they

were like another pair of eyes whose gleams of passion had once thrilled

her with terror.

"Upon my word," 'Lina began, as she entered the pleasant parlor, "this

is better than I expected. Somebody has been very kind for my sake. Miss

Johnson, I'm sure it's you I have to thank," and with a little flash of

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gratitude she turned to Alice, who replied in a low tone: "Thank your brother. He made a sacrifice for the sake of surprising

you."

Whether it was with a desire to appear amiable in Alice's eyes, or

because she really was touched with Hugh's generosity, 'Lina

involuntarily threw her arm around his neck, and gave to him a kiss

which he remembered for many, many years. At the nicely prepared dinner

served soon after her arrival, a cloud lowered on 'Lina's brow, induced

by the fact that Densie Densmore was permitted a seat at the table, a

proceeding sadly at variance with 'Lina's lately acquired ideas of

aristocracy.

Accordingly that very day she sought an opportunity to speak with her

mother when she knew that Densie was in an adjoining room.

"Mother," she began, "why do you suffer that woman to come to the table?

Is it a whim of Alice's, or what?"

"Oh, you allude to Mrs. Densmore. I couldn't at first imagine whom you

meant," Mrs. Worthington replied, going on to say how foolish it was for

'Lina to assume such airs, that Densie was as good as anybody, or at all

events was a quiet, well-behaved woman, worthy of respect, and that Hugh

would as soon stay away himself as banish her from the table because she

had once been a servant.

"Yes, but consider Dr. Richards when he comes. What must he think of us?

At the North they recognize white niggers as well as black. I tell you I

won't have it, and unless you speak to her, I shall."

'Lina ate her supper exultingly, free from Densie's presence, caring

little for the lonely old woman whose lip quivered and whose tears

started every time that she remembered the slighting words accidentally

overheard.

Swiftly the days went by, bringing callers to see 'Lina; Ellen Tiffton,

who received back her jewelry, never guessing that the bracelet she

clasped upon her arm was not the same lent so many months ago. Ellen was

to be bridesmaid, inasmuch as Alice preferred to be more at liberty, and

see that matters went on properly. This brought Ellen often to Spring

Bank, and as 'Lina was much with her, Alice was left more time to think.

Adah's continued silence with regard to Dr. Richards had troubled her at

first, but now she felt relieved. 'Lina had stated distinctly that ere

coming to Kentucky, he was going to Terrace Hill, and Adah's last letter

had said the same. She would see him then, and if--if he were

George--alas! for the unsuspecting girl who fluttered gayly in the midst

of her bridal finery, and wished the time would come when she could

"escape from that hole, and go back to dear, delightful Fifth Avenue

Hotel."




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