or and Ruby. These had encouraged her to go, and Ruby had
furnished the money and had been very hopeful, and told her there was
nothing to fear even in New York, which Eloise dreaded the most. Howard
had seen her to the train and got her seats in the parlor car, and said
to her, as he had once before:

"I'd like to offer you money, but you say you have enough."

"Oh, yes," Eloise answered; "more than enough. Ruby has been so kind."

Then he said good-by, and went back to the house, which seemed empty and
desolate.

"I ought at least to have gone to New York with them, but that little
girl is so proud and independent, I dare say she would not have let me,"
he said to himself, and all day his thoughts followed them, until by
some clairvoyant process he seemed to see them at the station alone and
afraid, just as for a short time Eloise was afraid and wished she had
not come.

Then, rallying, she said to herself, "This won't do. I must keep up,"
and she helped her mother from the car, and began to walk through the
long station toward the street. Only half the distance had been gone
over when a hand was laid upon her shoulder, and a voice which made her
heart bound with delight, said to her, "Here you are! I was afraid I had
missed you in the crowd."

"Oh, Mr. Harcourt, I am so glad! How did you know we were coming?"
Eloise exclaimed, her gladness showing in her eyes and sounding in her
voice.

"Oh, I knew," Jack answered, taking her satchel and wraps and umbrella
from her, and giving his disengaged arm to her mother. "I have a friend
at court who lets me know what is going to happen. It is Ruby. She
telegraphed."

Calling a carriage, which was evidently waiting for him, Jack put the
ladies into it, attended to the baggage, and then sprang in himself.
With him opposite her, Eloise felt no further responsibility. Everything
would be right, she was sure, and it was. They were in time for the
south-bound train, and after a word with the porter, were ushered into a
drawing-room compartment, which Jack said was to be theirs during the
long journey.

"Yes, I know," Eloise said. "It is large and comfortable, and away from
the people, but I'm afraid it costs too much."

"It's all right," Jack answered, beginning to remove Amy's jacket, with
an air of being at home.

Just then Eloise glanced from the window and saw they were moving.

"Oh, Mr. Harcourt!" she screamed. "We have started! You will be carried
off! Do hurry