"My nurse, Densie Densmore," Alice said at last, adding in an aside:
"She is somewhat deaf and may not hear distinctly, unless you speak
quite loud. Poor old Densie," she continued, as the latter bowed to her
new acquaintances, and then seated herself at a respectful distance.
"She has been in our family for a long time." Then changing the
conversation, Alice made many inquiries concerning Kentucky, startling
them with the announcement that she had that day received a letter from
Colonel Tiffton, who she believed was a friend of theirs, urging her to
spend a few weeks with him. "They heard from you what were mother's
plans for my future, and also that I was to meet you here. They must be
very thoughtful people, for they seem to know that I cannot be very
happy here."
For a moment 'Lina and her mother looked aghast, and neither knew what
to say. 'Lina, as usual, was the first to rally and calculate results.
They were very intimate at Colonel Tiffton's. She and Ellen were fast
friends. It was very pleasant there, more so than at Spring Bank; and
all the objection she could see to Alice's going was the fear lest she
should become so much attached to Mosside, the colonel's residence, as
to be homesick at Spring Bank.
"If she's going, I hope she'll go before Dr. Richards sees her, though
perhaps he knows her already--his mother lives in Snowdon," 'Lina
thought, and rather abruptly she asked if Alice knew Dr. Richards, who
was staying at the Union.
Alice blushed crimson as she replied: "Yes, I know him very well and his family, too. Are either of his
sisters with him?"
"His mother is here," 'Lina replied, "and I like her so much. She is
very familiar and friendly; don't you think so?"
Alice would not tell a lie, and she answered frankly: "She does not bear that name in Snowdon. They consider her very haughty
there. I think you must be a favorite."
"Are they very aristocratic and wealthy?" 'Lina asked, and Alice
answered: "Aristocratic, not wealthy. They were very kind to me, and the doctor's
sister, Anna, is one of the sweetest ladies I ever knew. She may
possibly be here during the summer. She is an invalid, and has been for
years."
Suddenly Ellen Tiffton's story of the ambrotype flashed into 'Lina's
mind. Alice might know something of it, and after a little she asked if
the doctor had not at one time been engaged.
Alice did not know. It was very possible. Why did Miss Worthington ask
the question?
'Lina did not stop to consider the propriety or impropriety of making so
free with a stranger, and unhesitatingly repeated what Ellen Tiffton had
told her of the ambrotype. This, of course, compelled her to speak of
Adah, who, she said, came to them under very suspicious circumstances,
and was cared for by her eccentric brother, Hugh.