CHAPTER XIV.
MATERNAL SORROW.
SLOW and heavy passed the time while the carriage was conveying Mr.
Eldridge home; and yet when he came in sight of the house, he wished a longer reprieve from the dreadful task of informing Mr.and Mrs.Temple of their daughter's elopement.
It is easy to judge the anxiety of these affectionate parents, when they found the return of their father delayed so much beyond the expected time.

They were now met in the dining parlour, and several of the young people who had been invited were already arrived.

Each different part of the company was employed in the same manner, looking out at the windows which faced the road.

At length the long-expected chaise appeared.

Mrs.
Temple ran out to receive and welcome her darling: her young companions flocked round the door, each one eager to give her joy on the return of her birth-day.