"Yes," said Adelaide, "Lora and her tribe are in it, no doubt; and
probably Mrs. Bowles too (Carrie Howard you know, Elsie). They have been
late in calling."

"Some good reason for it, and they are none the less welcome," remarked
Rose, quickening her pace.

The one party reached the house just as the other two had fairly alighted,
and a scene of joyous greeting ensued.

"You dear child! how good of you to come back to us again, and single
too," exclaimed Mrs. Bowles, clasping Elsie in a warm embrace; "I'd almost
given it up, and expected by every mail to hear you had become Lady or
Countess this, or Duchess that."

Elsie smiled and blushed, and meeting the eye of her betrothed fixed for
an instant upon her with an expression of unutterable content,
thankfulness, love and pride, smiled and blushed again.

Carrie caught the look and its effect upon her friend, and almost
breathless with astonishment, took the first opportunity, after all were
seated in the drawing-room, to prefer a whispered request to be taken to
Elsie's own private apartment for a moment, to see that her hair and dress
were in proper order.

They had come to spend the day, and bonnets and shawls had already been
carried away by the servants in attendance.

"Now girls, don't run off for an interminable chat by yourselves," said
Mrs. Howard, as the two rose and crossed the room together.