"As I knew Mrs. Hazlehurst and your brother had engaged rooms here, I hoped you would join us, soon after your arrival," said Mr. Ellsworth. "It was much the best plan for you," said Mr. Wyllys. Harry looked gratified by this friendly remark. It was already late; and Mrs. Hazlehurst, who had been conversing in a corner with Jane, complained of being fatigued by her day's journey, which broke up the party. The Hazlehursts, like Mrs. Creighton and her brother, were staying at the United States, and they all went off together. When Elinor, as usual, kissed Mr. Wyllys before retiring to her own room, she hesitated a moment, and then said: "I must thank you, grandpapa, for having granted my request, and received Harry as of old. It is much better that the past should be entirely forgotten. Self-respect seems to require that we should not show resentment under the circumstances," she added, colouring slightly. "I cannot forget the past, Elinor. Harry does not stand with me where he once did, by the side of my beloved grandchild; but we will not think of that any longer, as you say. I hope for better things from the future. Bless you, dear!" CHAPTER VI. {XXIX} "The foam upon the waters, not so light." COWPER. {William Cowper (English poet, 1731-1800), "Truth" line 43} As usual at Saratoga, early the next morning groups of people were seen moving from the different hotels, towards the Congress Spring. It was a pleasant day, and great numbers appeared disposed to drink the water at the fountain-head, instead of having it brought to their rooms. The Hazlehursts were not the only party of our acquaintances who had arrived the night before. The Wyllyses found Miss Emma Taylor already on the ground, chattering in a high key with a tall, whiskered youth. The moment she saw Elinor, she sprang forward to meet her. {"Congress Spring" = principal mineral water source at Saratoga Springs} "How do you do, Miss Wyllys?--Are you not surprised to see me here?" "One can hardly be surprised at meeting anybody in such a crowd," said Elinor. "When did you arrive?" "Last night, at eleven o'clock. We made a forced march from Schenectady, where we were to have slept; but I persuaded Adeline and Mr. St. Leger to come on. You can't think how delighted I am to be here, at last," said the pretty little creature, actually skipping about with joy. "And where is Mrs. St. Leger?" "Oh, she will he here in a moment. She has gone to Jane's room. I left her there just now." The platform round the spring was quite crowded. In one party, Elinor remarked Mrs. Hilson and Miss Emmeline Hubbard, escorted by Monsieur Bonnet and another Frenchman. They were soon followed by a set more interesting to Elinor, the Hazlehursts, Mrs. Creighton, and her brother. "I hope none of your party from Wyllys-Roof are here from necessity," said Harry, after wishing Elinor good-morning.