ervants. At what
hour did the evening train leave for the north? She hastened
downstairs for the paper.

"It is all my fault! all my fault!" she murmured to herself, as with
trembling hands she searched for the railroad column. It was too late;
the train must have left half an hour ago.

She must consult somebody. Surely, something could be done. Opening
the front door, she looked out into the night. A bright light shone
from the Russells' across the way. Forgetting to close the door behind
her, she hurried over the street and rang the bell.

She told the servant tremblingly that she wished to speak to Miss
Alex, who presently came to her in evident surprise.

"Why, Miss Virginia! Is anything the matter?"

"Oh, Alex, something dreadful has happened!" In her agitation it was
not possible to say more.

"Is any one ill?"

"No, it is Charlotte--she has gone!"

"Gone?" echoed Alex. "But do come in, Miss Virginia."

"I can't; I left the door open. I don't want people to know. Oh, Alex,
what shall I do?"

"I'll go back with you," said Alex. "I don't understand yet what has
happened. Where has Charlotte gone?"

Once inside her own door, Miss Virginia thrust Charlotte's note into
Alexina's hand. "What shall I do?" she cried. "That long journey
alone, and it is all my fault!"

"Don't say that; I am afraid it is partly mine. I was hard on her this
afternoon, but I didn't dream-- There must be some way to stop
her,--by telegraphing ahead, you know. I wonder-- It should be done at
once. The train left half an hour ago, you say?"

Miss Virginia nodded; words were beyond her.

And now into the drawing-room, where they stood in agitated
uncertainty, walked Miss Pennington, the shopkeeper. Her face was
flushed, her hair a little disordered by the wind, but she was
smiling, and somehow her presence seemed at once to relieve the
tension.

"Perhaps you can help me," cried poor Miss Virginia, hardly knowing
what she said.

"I am sure I can," answered the stranger, going to her and taking the
trembling hands in her own firm ones. "Are you worried about
Charlotte? If you are, I have come to tell you she is safe, and is not
going to Philadelphia to-night."

"You are sure? How do you know?" cried Miss Virginia, in bewilderment.

Alex drew near in surprise. She had not at first recognized Miss
Pennington.

"I'll tell you about it as quickly as I can, but you must sit down;"
and Norah drew her to a sofa, where, sitting