In the sorrow and excitement which followed, it is not strange that Eliza was for a time forgotten, and when I remembered and inquired for her again, I heard that Hugh had been adopted by some relation in Kentucky, that the stolen child had been mysteriously returned, and was living with its mother in Elmwood.
"At first Eliza appeared a little cool, but this soon wore off.

She did not talk much of Hugh.

Neither did she say much of Adaline, who was then away at school.

Still my visit was a sadly satisfactory one, as we recalled old times when we were girls together, weeping over our great loss when our husbands were laid to rest.

Then we spoke of their friendship, and lastly of the contract.
"'It sounds preposterous, in me, I know,' Mrs.Worthington said, when we parted, 'you are so rich, and I so poor, but if ever your Alice should want a mother's care, I will gladly give it to her.' "This was nearly eight years ago.