the light conversation so prevalent at all times, it was with a quiet
grace that modified it without offering rebuke. He seemed to give no
preference to the society of any one of the three ladies, but most
frequently attended Mrs. Harrington in her walks and rides. To Elsie he
was reserved, almost paternal, and in his society the young girl would
become grave, sometimes thoughtful, as if his presence depressed her
childish flow of spirits.

If North ever had more than ordinary intercourse with his hostess no one
witnessed it, yet a close observer might have seen that he watched her
with a quiet vigilance that bespoke some deep interest in her movements.
Those who have seen this very man creep into the mansion house at night
and wander cautiously from room to room, as if to fix a plan of the
dwelling in his mind, will understand that his visit, which seemed so
purely accidental, had its object; but no one could have discovered, by
look or movement, what that object was.

At last the party broke up and returned to the city. Elsie went with
them. At first Mrs. Mellen opposed her going, but the pretty creature
was resolute enough when her own wishes were concerned, and would listen
to no opposition.

"I am not going to live in this stupid place, like a nun in a convent,
just because my brother desires to amuse himself in California," she
said, when Elizabeth would have dissuaded her from leaving home. "I tell
you, Grant would not wish it. I am not married and obliged to shut
myself up and play proper like you. It's downright cruel of you wanting
me to stay here. I'm half dead with grieving already. The house isn't
like home without Grant. At any rate, I'm going; you are not my mother!"

She carried her point; Elizabeth had no absolute authority which could
enforce obedience on a creature at once so stubborn and so volatile. So
she made no further opposition, fearing that anything like violent
measures might prove distasteful to her husband.

CHAPTER XVII.

STARTING FOR THE PIC-NIC.

But one day now remained of Mrs. Harrington's unwelcome visit. The whole
party, except Elizabeth, were to start for New York in the morning,
where Mrs. Harrington had resolved to open a splendid succession of
receptions and parties in Elsie's behalf.

This last day Elsie declared should be the crowning pleasure of Mrs.
Harrington's visit. They would ride down to the sea-side tavern on
horseback, have a chowder party on the pre