"It was a mistake. No lady shared my rambles," said North.
"But there was a lady," cried Mrs. Harrington, a good deal excited. "I saw her with my own eyes. Mr. Hawkins remarked her too."
North smiled and shook his head.
"She had on a riding-habit and an upright plume like——"
"Well, well," said North, gently, "it is useless going on with the subject. I assure you that I went down the precipice alone and came up alone."
Mrs. Harrington looked at Elsie and smiled.
"Of course he is in honor bound to say that," she whispered.
Elsie seemed disturbed and answered quickly, "I, for one, believe that he speaks the truth. It is folly to say that you saw any one in that dress; besides, it was just as likely to be me as Elizabeth—our habits are alike."
"Poor generous dove!" whispered the widow, "you know better; but if you are satisfied it's no business of mine, only if Mellen asks me about it I must tell the truth."
"Mary Harrington, you must have better proof than this before you dare to make mischief between my brother and his wife," said Elsie, with a force of expression that made the widow open her eyes wide. "Don't be slanderous and wicked, for I won't bear that, especially against Elizabeth."