Seated on a rustic bench, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes on the ground and a book lying unheeded in the grass at her feet, she was startled by a sound as of some heavy body falling from a height and crashing through the branches of a thick clump of trees on the other side of the lake.
She sprang up and stood looking and listening with a palpitating heart.
She could see that a large branch had broken from a tall tree, and lay upon the ground and--yes, something else lay beside or on it, half concealed from her view by the green leaves and twigs; and--did she hear a groan?
Perhaps it was only fancy, but it might be that some one was lying there in pain and needing assistance.
Instantly she flew toward the spot, her heart beating wildly; she drew near, started back and caught at a young sapling for support; yes, there lay a motionless form among the fallen branches, that of a man, a gentleman, as she discerned by what she could see of his clothing; her heart told her the rest.
Another moment and she was kneeling at his side, gazing with unutterable anguish into the still white face.
"He is dead, the fall has killed him." She had no hope of anything else at the moment; there seemed no possibility of life in that rigid form and death-like face; and she made no effort to give assistance or to call for it.

She was like one turned to stone by the sudden crushing blow.

She loved and she had lost--that was all she knew.
But at length this stony grief gave place to a sharper anguish, a low cry burst from her lips, and hot scalding tears fell upon his face.
They brought him back to consciousness, and he heard her bitter sighs and moans; he knew she thought him dead and mourned as for one who was very dear.
He was in terrible pain, for he had fallen with his leg bent under him and it was badly broken; but a thrill of joy shot through his whole frame.

For a moment more he was able to control himself and remain perfectly still, then his eyelids quivered, and a groan burst from him.
At the sound Elsie started to her feet, then bending over him, "You're hurt, Lester," she said, unconsciously addressing him for the first time by his Christian name; "what can I do for you ?" "Have me carried to Fairview," he said faintly; "my leg is broken and I cannot rise or help myself." "Oh, what can I do," she cried, "how can I leave you alone in such pain?
Ah!" as steps were heard approaching, "here is grandpa coming up in search of me." She ran to meet him and told him what had happened.
He seemed much concerned.

"Solon is here with the carriage," he said.