He had entirely got over any suspicion that Elizabeth might ever have cared for her cousin, and was prepared to rejoice in Tom's good fortune. "How much--how much?" broke in Elsie. "Thirty thousand a year," replied Elizabeth; "Tom is in a state of bewilderment that makes his letter sadly incoherent; he never expected a penny; his uncle changed his will at the last moment." "But wasn't he your uncle, too?" asked Elsie. "No; he was aunt Fuller's brother." "Oh, do let me see the letter," said Elsie. Elizabeth gave it to her, but between excitement and his usual odd penmanship Tom's epistle was quite a puzzle to unpractised eyes, and Elsie went into shrieks over it. "He promised to bring me a bracelet," said she, "diamonds it shall be now. If he brings anything less I'll send him straight back." "But when is he coming?" Mellen asked. "I can't make out," said Elsie; "here is something at the end about I shall burn--no return--at the--the--can that be Millennium?" "Scarcely, I should think," said Mellen, laughingly. "Try and make it out, Bess," said Elsie, giving her the letter. Elizabeth took it, examined the lines to which she pointed, and after a moment's study read it correctly. "I shall return by the Hammonia." "Why that's due now," said Elsie. Elizabeth glanced at the date. "The letter has been delayed," she said; "he may be here already." "Oh, it will be beautiful to see him," said Elsie; "why, he will give all he is worth to the person that asks first. Won't it be fun!" "You shall not tease him, Elsie, as you formerly did," said Elizabeth; "I will not have it." "But I will," said Elsie. "Thirty thousand a year! Good gracious, it will seem as if he had fallen from the moon. Of course I'll tease him half to death." CHAPTER XXX. THE WIDOW'S FASCINATIONS. About midday Mrs. Harrington arrived with a little party of friends; she would not allow Mellen to escape her till she had overwhelmed him with compliments and congratulations, all of which he received with becoming resignation. When they went upstairs she said to Elsie: "I haven't seen anything of that mysterious creature, North, in an age; what can have become of him?" "Horrid creature," cried Elsie, "don't mention his name! Now, Mary Harrington, don't forget for once in your life! If Grant knew that we had even one visit from a stranger he would be furious; if you let it out neither Elizabeth or I will ever speak to you again." "My dear, I won't open my lips." "Mind you don't, that's all; if you do, I'll be even with you, as sure as my name is Elsie." "You need not be so ferocious." "Oh, I hate to be scolded, and Grant would be dreadfully angry! I promised Bessie I would warn you, so be sure and remember." "I'll swear it if you like." "Bless me, don't be tragic! The matter is of no consequence to me, only Bess makes such a point of it; besides that, I dread to see Grant angry." "He never could be angry with you," said Mrs. Harrington.