CHAPTER XL.
CONCLUSION.
The bolt of Fate falls sometimes like a flash of lightning from a clear sky.
Thus it came to Mrs. Ellsworth and her scheming nieces in the moment when they felt themselves most secure.
On that golden May evening, when Love Ellsworth found his happiness again, they had been busy laying their plans for a summer campaign.
They decided to take an early trip to Europe, and return in August for a brief tour of the watering-places before the close of the season.
"We will get us some loves of dresses and bonnets while in Paris," cried Ela, while Olive added:
"And some rare jewels. I think I should like some fine rubies best of all."
With a slight sarcasm, Mrs. Ellsworth exclaimed:
"Really, for two young girls who were reared in poverty, you two have developed very extravagant tastes—so extravagant that I could not afford to gratify them if I had not so opportunely come into my step-son's fortune!"