The words entered Ellen's heart like cold iron. She did not move hand or foot; she sat motionless with pain and fear, yet what she feared she dared not think. When the bees'-wax was given her, she rose up from her chair, and stood gazing into Mrs. Lowndes' face as if she had lost her senses.
"My goodness, child, how you look!" said that lady. "What ails you, honey?"
"Ma'am," said Ellen "what was that you said, about "
"About what, dear?" said Mrs. Lowndes, with a startled look at the others.
"About a ribbon?" said Ellen, struggling to get the words out of white lips.
"My goodness!" said the other; "did you ever hear anything like that? I didn't say nothing about a ribbon, dear."
"Do you suppose her aunt han't told her?" said Miss Mary in an under tone.
"Told me what?" cried Ellen; "Oh! what? what?"
"I wish I was a thousand miles off!" said Mrs. Lowndes; "I don't know, dear I don't know what it is Miss Alice knows."
"Yes, ask Miss Alice," said Mary Lawson; "she knows better than we do."