"He didn't say much to me somebody else will hear of it, I guess. He was mad about it, or I am mistaken. What makes you sorry?"
"It will only do harm, and make Aunt Fortune angry."
"Well, that's just what I should like, if I were you. I can't make you out."
"I'd a great deal rather have her like me," said Ellen. "Was she vexed when Grandma came down?"
"I don't know, but she had to keep it to herself if she was; everybody else was so glad, and Mr. Van Brunt made such a fuss. Just look at the old lady, how pleased she is! I declare if the folks ain't talking of going! Come, Ellen! now for the cloaks! you and me'll finish our supper afterwards."
That, however, was not to be. Nancy was offered a ride home to Mrs. Van Brunt's, and a lodging there. They were ready cloaked and shawled, and Ellen was still hunting for Miss Janet's things in the moonlit hall, when she heard Nancy close by, in a lower tone than common, say
"Ellen, will you kiss me?"
Ellen dropped her armful of things, and, taking Nancy's hands, gave her truly the kiss of peace.
When she went up to undress for the second time, she found on her bed her letter! And with tears Ellen kneeled down and gave earnest thanks for this blessing, and that she had been able to gain Nancy's good-will.