"Nor I, thank you," added Emma; "but you may, if you please, give my love to Mrs. Grey, and tell her we shall feel anxious until we hear of her safe arrival and improved health."
"I will do so with much pleasure," said Mr. Kyte, rising to take leave.
As soon as the visitor had left them the two young ladies exchanged glances of droll amazement.
"As sure as you live, Emma, the business of importance that takes him to Charlottesville is Mrs. Mary Grey! He's taken in and done for, poor wretch! I shouldn't wonder a bit if he sold out his share in the fancy dry-goods store at Wendover and invested all his capital in college fees and entered himself as a student at the University, for the sake of being near his enchantress," said Electra.
"Poor boy!" sighed Emma, with genuine pity.
And before they could exchange another word, the sound of carriage-wheels at the gate announced the arrival of Alden and Laura Lytton.
Chapter X.
THE FALSE AND THE TRUE LOVE.
Did woman's charms thy youth beguile,
And did the fair one faithless prove?
Hath she betrayed thee with a smile
And sold thy love?