"Perhaps he will not be content with a cousinly regard," said Mrs. Harrington, mysteriously. Elizabeth glanced quickly at Elsie, with a little trouble in her face, but the girl laughed, and replied-- "Oh yes, he will; Bessie is his ideal--he will never think of poor little me." "Family affection is so sweet!" added Mrs. Harrington. Elsie made a grimace, and hastened to change the conversation, for there was nothing she dreaded so much as the widow's attempt at romance and sentiment. CHAPTER III. A FRIGHT AND A RESCUE. For some time the ladies rode on in silence. Then Elsie broke into a fit of ecstasy over the horses. "They are so perfectly matched," she said. "Brother Grant needn't have been doubtful about them; he sha'n't persuade you to change them, shall he?" "They are beautiful creatures," Bessie observed, absently. "Naturally, Mr. Mellen was anxious that they should be entirely safe," said Mrs. Harrington, theatrically, "for he has trusted his dearest treasures--his sister and his betrothed wife--to me; and if there is danger, it is for them as well as me." "What a pretty speech!" said Elsie. "I know you got it out of a novel!" Elsie had a gay scarf wound about her neck, and began complaining of the warmth. "I would not take it off," Mrs. Harrington urged, "you will be certain to get cold." "There is no danger," replied Elsie; "I shall smother, wrapped up in this way." "But you must keep it on!" "Indeed, I won't; there!" They had a playful contention for an instant, then Elsie snatched the scarf from her neck with a triumphant laugh, and held it up beyond Mrs. Harrington's reach. A sudden rush of wind carried the light fabric out of her hand, and it sailed away like a gorgeous streamer. Elsie gave a little cry, but it was frozen on her lips. One of the horses had been restive from the first. The scarf floated over his head, curved downward, and one end got entangled with his bridle. The shy, spirited creature gave a wild bound, communicated like terror to his companion, and away the frenzied pair dashed, taking the coachman so completely by surprise, that he was helpless as a child. It was one of those brief occurrences which pass like lightning to lookers-on, but seem an eternity to the persons in danger. Mrs. Harrington's shrieks rang out sharp and shrill; Elsie gave one shuddering moan, and crouched down in the bottom of the carriage, hiding her face in Elizabeth's dress. Elizabeth Fuller was deathly pale. She realized the full terror of their situation. She uttered no shriek, but clasped her arms around Elsie, and strove to speak a few reassuring words to Mrs. Harrington, which were drowned by the woman's terrified shrieks.