eturn of that inexplicable nervousness in
Elizabeth; the strained, anxious look almost entirely left her face; she
was even more lively than was customary with her. It was not that the
fear and dread had left her mind, but she was on her guard, and there
was a reticence and strength in her character which even those who knew
her best did not fully understand. A stern, settled purpose would keep
her through her course, whatever might lie behind.

During those happy days there had been no more confidences between her
and Elsie; indeed it seemed almost as if Elizabeth avoided the girl--not
in a way to be noticed even by Mellen's quick eyes--if it was so, Elsie
on her side did not attempt to break through these little restraints
that had fallen around them. It was natural that she should be glad to
escape from the gloom which surrounded Elizabeth, and in this respect
the fickleness of her character was fortunate; from her lack of
concentrativeness, the girl was able to throw off any trouble the moment
its actual danger was removed from her path.

Thus the first days had passed, allowing them to settle down into
tolerable quiet, but not too much of it, for Elsie could not endure
that. Society was her element; trifle and champagne seemed her natural
nourishment, and she drooped so quickly if compelled to seclusion, that,
with his usual weakness where she was concerned, Mellen relinquished his
own desires to gratify her caprices.

You may think this not in keeping with his character and habits, but
reflect a little and you will see that it was perfectly natural. The
promise which he had made to his mother was always in his mind; he never
forgot his fears for Elsie's health; she was more like a daughter than a
sister to him, and her very childishness was a great charm to a man of
his grave nature. The very servants delighted in waiting on her, though
her requirements were numerous; but they did it all willingly, and put a
great deal more heart into her service than they ever exhibited in
obeying Elizabeth's moderate and reasonable requests. They mistook Mrs.
Mellen's quiet manners for pride, and held her in slight favor in
consequence; so dazzled by Elsie's manner, that when she gave them a
cast-off garment or a worthless ornament, it seemed a much greater boon
than the real kindness Elizabeth invariably displayed when they were in
sickness or trouble.

Elizabeth humored her sister-in-law with the rest, but there was a
sore