It seemed a princely home, and Ethie experienced more than one bitter pang of regret that by her own act she had in all probability cut herself off from any part or lot in this earthly paradise.
"I deserve it, but it is very hard to bear," she thought, just as Mrs.
Dobson appeared and bowing respectfully, began: "Hannah tells me you are kin to the governor's folks,--his cousin, I reckon--and I am so sorry they are all, gone, and will be yet for some weeks.

The governor is at a water cure down East--strange you didn't hear of it--and t'other Mr.Markham has gone with his wife to Olney, and St.Paul, and dear knows where.

Too bad, ain't it?
But maybe you'll stay a day or two and rest?
We'll make you as comfortable as we can.

You look about beat out," and Mrs.Dobson came nearer to Ethelyn, whose face and lips were white as ashes, and whose eyes looked almost black with her excitement.
She was very tired.

The rapid journey, made without rest or food either, save the cup of tea and cracker she tried to swallow, was beginning to tell upon her, and while Mrs.Dobson was speaking she felt stealing over her the giddiness which she knew was a precursor to fainting.
"I am tired and heated," she gasped.