At the nicely prepared dinner served soon after her arrival, a cloud lowered on 'Lina's brow, induced by the fact that Densie Densmore was permitted a seat at the table, a proceeding sadly at variance with 'Lina's lately acquired ideas of aristocracy.
Accordingly that very day she sought an opportunity to speak with her mother when she knew that Densie was in an adjoining room.
"Mother," she began, "why do you suffer that woman to come to the table?
Is it a whim of Alice's, or what ?" "Oh, you allude to Mrs.Densmore.I couldn't at first imagine whom you meant," Mrs.Worthington replied, going on to say how foolish it was for 'Lina to assume such airs, that Densie was as good as anybody, or at all events was a quiet, well-behaved woman, worthy of respect, and that Hugh would as soon stay away himself as banish her from the table because she had once been a servant.
"Yes, but consider Dr.Richards when he comes.

What must he think of us?
At the North they recognize white niggers as well as black.

I tell you I won't have it, and unless you speak to her, I shall." 'Lina ate her supper exultingly, free from Densie's presence, caring little for the lonely old woman whose lip quivered and whose tears started every time that she remembered the slighting words accidentally overheard.
Swiftly the days went by, bringing callers to see 'Lina; Ellen Tiffton, who received back her jewelry, never guessing that the bracelet she clasped upon her arm was not the same lent so many months ago.

Ellen was to be bridesmaid, inasmuch as Alice preferred to be more at liberty, and see that matters went on properly.

This brought Ellen often to Spring Bank, and as 'Lina was much with her, Alice was left more time to think.
Adah's continued silence with regard to Dr.Richards had troubled her at first, but now she felt relieved.