d Elizabeth's heart confessed to
a longing desire for something else. And then her attention
suddenly came back to poor Karen at her side saying, softly,
"Bless the Lord, O my soul!" -- Elizabeth stopped short; she
was choked.

At this juncture Clam noiselessly presented herself.

"He's come, Miss 'Lizabeth."

The start that Miss Haye's inward spirits gave at this, was
not to be seen at all on the outside. She looked at Clam, but
she gave no sign that her words had been understood. Yet
Elizabeth had understood them so well, that she did not even
think at first to ask the question, and when she did, it was
for form's sake, _who_ had come? Probably Clam knew as much, for
she only repeated her words.

"He's come. What'll I do with him, Miss 'Lizabeth?"

"Where is he?"

"He ain't come yet -- he's comin'."

"Coming when? And what do you mean by saying he is come?"

"I don't mean nothin' bad," said Clam. "He's just a comin' up
the walk from the boat -- I see him by the moon."

"See who it is, first, before you do anything with him; and
then you can bring me word."

Elizabeth closed her book however, in some little doubt what
she should do with herself. She knew, -- it darted into her
mind, -- that it would please Winthrop to find her there; that
it would meet his approbation; and then with the stern
determination that motives of self-praise, if they came into
her head should not come into her life, she hurried out and
across the kitchen and hid her book in her own room. Then came
out into the kitchen and stood waiting for the steps outside
and for the opening of the door.

"You are come in good time," she said, as she met and answered
Winthrop's offered hand.

"I am glad I am in time," he said.

"Karen has been wishing for you particularly to-night -- but I
don't know that that is any sign, except to the superstitious,
that she is in particular danger."

"I shall be all the more welcome, at any rate."

"I don't know whether that is possible, in Karen's case. But
did you know she wanted you? -- did you know she was ill?"

"Do you suppose nothing but an errand of mercy could bring
me?" he answered slightly, though with a little opening of the
eyes which Elizabeth afterwards remembered and speculated
upon. But for the present she was content with the pleasant
implication of his words. Clam was ordered to bring
refreshments. These Winthrop declined; he had had all he
wanted. Then Elizabeth asked if he wou