"Are you so glad to see me? or so sorry? or what is it?"
"Oh, glad and sorry both, I think!" said Ellen, with a long breath, and sitting up.
"Have you wanted me so much, my poor child?"
"I cannot tell you how much," said Ellen, her words cut short.
"And didn't you know that I have been sick, too? What did you think had become of me? Why, Mrs. Vawse was with me a whole week, and this is the very first day I have been able to go out. It is so fine to-day, I was permitted to ride Sharp down."
"Was that it?" said Ellen. "I did wonder, Miss Alice I did wonder very much why you did not come to see me, but I never liked to ask Aunt Fortune, because "
"Because what?"
"I don't know as I ought to say what I was going to; I had a feeling she would be glad about what I was sorry about."
"Don't know that you ought to say," said Alice. "Remember, you are to study English with me."
Ellen smiled a glad smile.