"she could work in the factory just as her mother
did!". It was strange how suddenly Mrs. Lincoln's most intimate
friends discovered that she had once been a poor factory girl,
remembering too that they had often noticed an air of vulgarity about
her! Even Mrs. Campbell was astonished that she should have been so
deceived, though she pitied the daughters, "who were really refined
and lady-like, considering--" and then she thought of Henry, hoping
that Ella would be now willing to give him up.

But with a devotion worthy of a better object, Ella replied, that he
was dearer to her than ever. "I have not loved him for his wealth,"
said she, "and I shall not forsake him now" And then she wondered why
he staid so long away, as day after day went by, and still he came
not. It was in vain that Mary, who visited the house frequently, told
her of many things which might detain him. Ella saw but one. He
fancied she, too, would desert him, like the cold unfeeling world. And
then she begged so imploringly of her sister to go to him, and ask him
to come, that Mary, loth as she was to do so, finally complied. She
found him in his office, and fortunately alone. He was looking very
pale and haggard, the result of last night's debauch, but Mary did not
know of this. She only saw grief for his misfortune, and her voice and
manner were far more cordial than usual as she bade him good
afternoon.

"It is kind in you, Miss Howard, to come here," said he, nervously
pressing the hand she offered. "I knew _you_ would not forsake me, and
I'd rather have your sympathy than that of the whole world."

Wishing to end such conversation, Mary replied, "I came here, Mr.
Lincoln, at Ella's request. Ever since your father's failure she has
waited anxiously for you--"

She was prevented from saying more by Henry, who, with a feigned
bitterness of manner, exclaimed, "Ella need not feel troubled, for I
am too honorable to insist upon her keeping an engagement, which I
would to Heaven had never been made. Tell her she is free to do as she
pleases."

"You are mistaken, sir," answered Mary; "Ella does not wish to be
free. But come with me; I promised to bring you."

With an air of desperation, Henry took his hat, and started with Mary
for Mrs. Campbell's. Oh, how eagerly Ella sprang forward to meet him,
and burying her face in his bosom, she sobbed like a child.

"Hush, Ella, this is foolish," said he; and then seating her in a
chair, he asked, "why