y of friends; she
would not allow Mellen to escape her till she had overwhelmed him with
compliments and congratulations, all of which he received with becoming
resignation. When they went upstairs she said to Elsie:

"I haven't seen anything of that mysterious creature, North, in an age;
what can have become of him?"

"Horrid creature," cried Elsie, "don't mention his name! Now, Mary
Harrington, don't forget for once in your life! If Grant knew that we
had even one visit from a stranger he would be furious; if you let it
out neither Elizabeth or I will ever speak to you again."

"My dear, I won't open my lips."

"Mind you don't, that's all; if you do, I'll be even with you, as sure
as my name is Elsie."

"You need not be so ferocious."

"Oh, I hate to be scolded, and Grant would be dreadfully angry! I
promised Bessie I would warn you, so be sure and remember."

"I'll swear it if you like."

"Bless me, don't be tragic! The matter is of no consequence to me, only
Bess makes such a point of it; besides that, I dread to see Grant
angry."

"He never could be angry with you," said Mrs. Harrington.

"Well, it would be just as bad if he scolded her."

"How good you are!" cried the widow. "You are just the dearest thing in
the world."

"Of course I am; but there's no use in standing here to say pretty
things to each other, for there is no one to hear."

"Oh, you odd creature!" laughed Mrs. Harrington. "But, really, that man
was the strangest, fascinating person--"

"There you go!" interrupted Elsie angrily.

"My dear, there is no one in the room but ourselves."

"I don't care if there is not; I don't want to hear that man's name."

"I can't see why you dislike him so," pursued the widow. "It always
seemed to me that he and Elizabeth treated each other oddly--"

Elsie interrupted her, quite pale with anger.

"Mary Harrington," said she, "if you and I are to remain friends, stop
this instant. I won't hear another word, nor must the subject come up
again."

Mrs. Harrington was quite subdued by her friend's vehemence, and dropped
the matter without another allusion to the forbidden subject.

When they went downstairs after the rest of the party were assembled,
Mellen began laughing at the widow about the conquest she had made of
Mr. Rhodes.

"Isn't it delicious?" she cried. "I just want you to see us together--it
is better than a play."

"And Jemima's spite is something to witness," added Elsie. "I kno