Chilled by her manner, Hugh ordered the carriage, and told her they were
ready. Once inside the carriage, and alone with him, 'Lina's tongue was
loosened, and she poured out numberless questions, the first of which
was, what they heard from Adah, and if it were true, as her mother had
written, that she was at Terrace Hill as Rose Markham, and that no one
there knew of her acquaintance with Spring Bank?
Yes, he supposed it was, and he did not like it either. "Ad," and he
turned his honest face full toward her, "does that doctor still believe
you rich?"
"How do I know?" 'Lina replied, frowning gloomily. "I'm not to blame if
he does. I never told him I was."
"But your actions implied as much, which amounts to the same thing. It's
all wrong, Ad, all wrong. Even if he loves you, and it is to be hoped he
does, he will respect you less when he knows how you deceived him."
"Hadn't you better interfere and set the matter right?" asked 'Lina, now
really aroused.
"I did think of doing so once," Hugh rejoined, but ere he could say
more, 'Lina grasped his arm fiercely, her face dark with passion as she
exclaimed: "Hugh, if you meddle, you'll rue the day. It's my own affair, and I know
what I'm doing."
"I do not intend to meddle, though I encouraged Adah in her wild plan of
going to Terrace Hill, because I thought they would learn from her just
how rich we are. But Adah has foolishly taken another name, and says
nothing of Spring Bank. I don't like it, neither does Miss Johnson.
Indeed, I sometimes think she is more anxious than I am."
"Miss Johnson," and 'Lina spoke disdainfully, "I'd thank her to mind her
own business. Hugh, you are getting a ministerial kind of look, and you
have not sworn at me once since we met. I guess Alice has converted you.
Well, I only hope you'll not backslide."
'Lina laughed hatefully, and evidently expected an outburst of passion,
but though Hugh turned very white, he made her no reply, and they
proceeded on in silence, until they came in sight of Spring Bank, when
'Lina broke out afresh.
Such a tumble-down shanty as that. It was not fit for decent people to
live in, and mercy knew she was glad her sojourn there was to be short.
"You are not alone in that feeling," came dryly from Hugh.
'Lina said he was a very affectionate brother; that she was glad there
were those who appreciated her, even if he did not, and then the
carriage stopped at Spring Bank. Mrs. Worthington was hearty in her
welcome, for her mother heart went out warmly toward her daughter. Oh,
what airs 'Lina did put on, offering the tips of her fingers to good
Aunt Eunice, trying to patronize Alice herself, and only noticing Densie
Densmore with a haughty stare.