“Come in! Come in! We are so glad to see you! But where on earth did you come from? How did you come? You did not come by the stage this afternoon, for I was at the stage office myself when it came in,” said Dr. Hardcastle. “No; I missed the coach at the last station, and had to hire a horse to bring me hither. But how do you all do?” said Hugh, shaking hands with both. “Well, very well! But you, Hugh, how is it with you?” asked Dr. Hardcastle, glancing at his black suit. “I may reply in your own words—‘Well, very well!’ You got my letter?” “Yes.” “Well, friends, it was a bitter blow to me, but I believe now it was dealt in mercy to her. You have heard from Hemlock Hollow.” “Yes—but only this evening.” “And what do you intend to do?” “To go on there immediately and prepare for the removal of my family as soon as the weather permits. But, come, Hugh—come, here is supper. See, Elsie has already set your plate and knife and fork and poured out your coffee.” “What! have you really not supped yet?” “I have not! Draw up.” The conversation at supper turned upon the affairs of Hemlock Hollow, Point Pleasant, Huttontown, and its neighborhood. Yet there was a studious avoidance of the subject of Mount Calm and Garnet Seabright, until the cloth was removed, and Dr. Hardcastle arose with the evident intention of showing his guest to his chamber. Then Hugh made a sign to his host to take his seat, and resumed his own, saying: “Well, my dear friends, you have inquired after everybody in our old neighborhood except my fair young hostess, Miss Seabright of Mount Calm; and yet one would think that she would interest you more than all.” Hugh paused for a reply, and looked at them both. Elsie’s brow crimsoned, and she turned away. Dr. Hardcastle looked very grave, and remained silent. “If you knew Miss Seabright personally you would admire her very much. She is the most superbly beautiful woman I ever saw—of the brunette order, I mean,” he added, bowing and smiling toward Mrs. Hardcastle, who averted her face with a heightened color. “Yes, she is certainly the most splendidly beautiful brunette I ever saw—and with a soul, too, more beautiful than its shrine.” Still Elsie averted her head, and Dr. Hardcastle continued gravely silent. “You do not answer me,” said Hugh perseveringly. “Hugh, my dear boy, Elsie and myself love and admire you sufficiently. Do not insist upon our loving and admiring your friend, Miss Seabright. Under all the circumstances it is quite too great a task for human nature.”