m fame and fortune to lay at
her feet.

Similar considerations alone held Malcom Lilburn back, and each was
tortured with the fear that the other would prove a successful rival.

Philip Ross, too, was waiting to grow rich, but feared no rival in the
meantime; so satisfied was he that no one could be so attractive to Elsie
as himself.

"She's waiting for me," he said to his mother, "and she will wait. She's
just friendly and kind to those other fellows, but it's plain she doesn't
care a pin for any of them."

"I'm not so sure of that, Phil," returned Mrs. Ross; "some one may cut you
out. Have you spoken to her yet? Is there a regular engagement between
you?"

"Oh, no! but we understand each other; always have since we were mere
babies."

Mrs. Ross and her daughters had accompanied Philip to the shore, and it
pleased Lucy greatly that they had been able to obtain rooms in the same
house with their old friends, the Travillas.

Mr. Hogg was of the party also, and Elsie and Violet had now an
opportunity to judge of the happiness of Gertrude's married life.

They were not greatly impressed with it; husband and wife seemed to have
few interests in common, and to be rather bored with each other's
society.

Mr. Hogg had a fine equipage, and drove out a great deal, sometimes with
his wife, sometimes without; both dressed handsomely and spent money
lavishly; but he did not look happy, and Gertrude, when off her guard,
wore a discontented, care-worn expression.

Mrs. Ross was full of cares and anxieties, and one day she unburdened her
heart to her childhood's friend.

They were sitting alone together on the veranda upon which Mrs. Travilla's
room opened, waiting for the summons to the tea-table.

"I have no peace of my life, Elsie," Lucy said fretfully; "one can't help
sympathizing with one's children, and my girls don't seem happy like
yours.

"Kate's lively and pleasant enough in company, but at home she's dull and
spiritless; and though Gertrude has made what is considered an excellent
match, she doesn't seem to enjoy life; she's easily fretted, and wants
change and excitement all the time."

"Perhaps matters may improve with her," Elsie said, longing to comfort
Lucy. "Some couples have to learn to accommodate themselves to each
other."

"Well, I hope it may be so," Lucy responded, sighing as though the hope
were faint indeed.

"And Kate may grow happier, too; dear Lucy, if you could only lead her to
Chris