"I will see to it that he does come to you in half an hour. Come, take my arm."
Elise did not hesitate any longer, but timidly placed her little delicately-gloved hand on the arm of the handsome stranger, who was so kind and generous.
"Ah!" she thought, "if I had married him instead of Clarence!"
They descended the stairs together, and her tears ceased to flow.
[CHAPTER II.]
A SURPRISE.
In the street they saw a carriage, which Mr. Smith hailed, and when it drove up he placed Mrs. Holt inside.
"Drive this lady to No. 113 Mission Street," he exclaimed.
Elise opened her eyes wide with astonishment.