you," said Leah. "Your aunt will certainly want you to herself
awhile. I'll meet you at the wharf in time. Till then, good-by."

As Mrs. Heartwell entered Lizzie's room, Leah passed out; and a
sweeter, sadder face Mrs. Heartwell said she had rarely seen.






CHAPTER XII.





THE hours stole on, and the one for Lizzie's departure was at hand.
As the sun sank slowly down to rest, on that memorable sunny June
day, clouds of crimson, purple, and gold, blended in fantastic
shapes, overspread the broad horizon, and attracted the most casual
observer by their wondrous beauty. Toward the eastern horizon the
sky was blue and cloudless, blending with the water in a vast azure
immensity.

The cool, crisp sea-breeze had dissipated the intense heat of the
day, and crowds of gay pedestrians, and scores of liveried vehicles,
were passing and repassing upon the fashionable boulevard, where the
wealth and beauty of the Queen City daily gathered after the heat of
the day was over.