"They are coming!" she cried; and in another instant she was on the piazza, followed by Mary and Jane. Two carriages were approaching the door.
"Here they are—all our friends!" exclaimed Mary Van Alstyne, as she recognized in the first open wagon Mr. Wyllys and Ellsworth, and in the barouche behind, the ladies, including Mrs. Creighton; while Harry himself sat at the side of the coachman.
Elinor was on the last step of the piazza, looking eagerly towards the faces of her friends as they advanced.
"Grandpapa!" she exclaimed, looking all anxious curiosity, as the wagon stopped.
Mr. Wyllys smiled, but not triumphantly.
Ellsworth shook his head as he sprang from the wagon and took her hand.
"Can it be possible!—Is the suit lost?" she again exclaimed.
"Only too possible!" replied Mr. Ellsworth. "The jury have given a verdict for the plaintiff, in spite of our best endeavours."
Elinor turned towards Harry, and offered him both her hands.
Hazlehurst received them with feeling, with emotion.
"I can't acknowledge that I am such a poor forlorn fellow as one might fancy," he said, smiling, "while I have still such kind and warm friends."