"Grandpapa!" she exclaimed, looking all anxious curiosity, as the wagon stopped. Mr. Wyllys smiled, but not triumphantly. Ellsworth shook his head as he sprang from the wagon and took her hand. "Can it be possible!--Is the suit lost?" she again exclaimed. "Only too possible!" replied Mr. Ellsworth. "The jury have given a verdict for the plaintiff, in spite of our best endeavours." Elinor turned towards Harry, and offered him both her hands. Hazlehurst received them with feeling, with emotion. "I can't acknowledge that I am such a poor forlorn fellow as one might fancy," he said, smiling, "while I have still such kind and warm friends." Elinor blushing to find herself between the two gentlemen, advanced to receive the kiss of her aunt and Mrs. Stanley. The countenance of the latter lady showed evident traces of the painful feelings she had experienced at the decision. Mrs. Creighton too looked a little disturbed; though graceful as ever in her manner, she was not easy; it was clear that she had been much disappointed by Harry's defeat. "I am grieved to hear the bad news, Mr. Hazlehurst!" said Mary Van Alstyne. "Poor Harry--I am so sorry for you!" exclaimed Jane, looking very lovely as she raised her eyes to her kinsman's face. "Ellsworth, can't you manage to lose all you are worth and a little more?" said Harry, smiling, after having thanked the ladies for their kind reception. "As I could not keep your property for you with the best will in the world, no doubt I could get rid of my own too," replied his friend. When the whole party assembled in the drawing-room, nothing was talked of for a while but the trial. It appeared that the jury had been fifteen hours considering their verdict. The doors of the court-room had been crowded by people curious to learn the decision of the case, and when the jury entered the court with their verdict there was a rush forward to hear it. "Verdict for the plaintiff--" was announced by the clerk in a loud voice, in the usual official manner. "Clapp was standing near me at the moment," said Harry, "there was a flash of triumph in his face as he turned towards me. The sailor actually looked bewildered for an instant, but he soon appeared very well satisfied. As for myself, I honestly declare that I expected such would be the result." "It was too late to write to you, my child," said Mr. Wyllys; "we only heard the verdict in time to prepare for leaving town in the morning's boat. And now, Nelly, you must give us some consolation in the shape of a good dinner."