“I do not intend to meddle, though I encouraged Adah in her wild plan of going to Terrace Hill, because I thought they would learn from her just how rich we are. But Adah foolishly says nothing of Spring Bank. I don’t like it, neither does Miss Johnson. Indeed, I sometimes think she is more anxious than I am.” “Miss Johnson,” and ’Lina spoke disdainfully, “I’d thank her to mind her own business. She’s only jealous and wants the doctor herself.” Hugh made her no reply, and they proceeded on in silence, until they came in sight of Spring Bank, when ’Lina broke out afresh, “Such a tumble-down shanty as that! It was not fit for decent people to live in, and mercy knew she was glad her sojourn there was to be short.” “You are not alone in that feeling,” came dryly from Hugh, who could not forbear that remark. ’Lina said he was a very affectionate brother; that she was glad there were those who appreciated her, even if he did not, and then the carriage stopped at Spring Bank, where the family stood waiting for her upon the long piazza. Mrs. Worthington was hearty in her welcome, for her mother heart went out warmly towards her daughter, who, as bride-elect of a Richards, was, in her estimation, a creature of more importance than plain ’Lina had been, with nothing in prospect. Oh, what airs ’Lina did put on, and what pains she took to appear _cityfied_, merely noticing the expectant negroes with a “how dye,” offering the tips of her fingers to good Aunt Eunice, trying to patronize Alice herself, and only noticing Densie Densmore with a haughty stare. “Upon my word,” ’Lina began, as she entered the pleasant parlor, “this is better than I expected. Somebody has been very kind for my sake. Miss Johnson, I am sure it’s you I have to thank,” and with a little flush of gratitude she turned to Alice, who replied in a low tone, “Thank your brother. He made a sacrifice for the sake of surprising you.” Whether it was a desire to appear amiable in Alice’s eyes, or because she really was touched with Hugh’s generosity, ’Lina involuntarily threw her arm around his neck, and gave to him a kiss which he remembered for a long, long time. Swiftly the days went by, bringing callers to see ’Lina, Ellen Tiffton, who received back her jewelry, and who was to be bridesmaid, inasmuch as Alice preferred to be more at liberty, and see that matters went on properly. This brought Ellen often to Spring Bank, and as ’Lina was much with her, Alice was left more time to think. Adah’s continued silence with regard to Dr. Richards had troubled her at first, but now she felt relieved. ’Lina had stated distinctly that ere coming to Kentucky he was going to Terrace Hill, and Adah’s last letter had said the same. She would see him then, and—if he were George—alas, for the unsuspecting girl who fluttered gaily in the midst of her bridal finery, and wished the time would come when “she could escape from that hole, and go back to dear, delightful Fifth Avenue Hotel.”