"And co-heiress in misfortune," said the young lawyer, shrugging his shoulder.
"She is lovely—come," said Miss Rennie. She took both gentlemen across the room. Elsie started when she saw them coming close up to her.
"Miss Alice Melville—Mr. Malcolm—a successful author. Your sister saw him here some months ago."
The sight of a successful author was rather too much for Elsie's present feelings. Her eyes filled with tears, but yet she must speak.
"Yes, Jane told me she had that pleasure," said she.
"Miss Melville is here also, I hope," said Mr. Malcolm.
"Yes, she is talking to—to Mr. Hogarth."
"To Mr. Hogarth? Yes, I see—very good friends they appear to be, in spite of circumstances. Two superior minds, you see."
"He takes such care of your horses and dogs, Miss Alice; and as for your room, when mama proposed making it into a card-room, as it was larger than the library, he looked as black as thunder, and said he never would have cards played there. It was a Blue Beard's room, so we got no access to it."
"I thought he would be kind to the animals; he promised as much to Jane."