Leaving the two conspirators to improve and perfect their plot, we must return to the breakfast parlor at Luckenough. The family were assembled around the table. Dr. Grimshaw's dark, sombre and lowering looks, enough to have spread a gloom over any circle, effectually banished cheerfulness from the board. Marian had had no opportunity of reading her note--she had slipped it into her pocket But as soon as breakfast was over, amid the bustle of rising from the table, Marian withdrew to a window and glanced over the lines.
"My own dearest one, forgive my haste this morning. I regret the necessity of leaving so abruptly. I earnestly implore you to see me once more--upon the beach, near the Pine Bluffs, this evening at dusk. I have something of the utmost importance to say to you."
She hastily crumpled the note, and thrust it into her pocket just as Jacquelina's quizzical face looked over her shoulder.
"You're going to stay all day with me, Marian?"
"Yes, love--that is, till after dinner. Then I shall have to beg of Mrs. Waugh the use of the carriage to go home."
"Well, then, I will ride with you, Marian, and return in the carriage."
All the company, with the exception of Mrs. Waugh, Marian and Jacquelina, had left the breakfast-room.
Mrs. Waugh was locking her china closet, and when she had done, she took her bunch of keys, and turning to Marian, said:
"Hebe, dear, I want you to go with me and see poor old Cracked Nell. She is staying in one of our quarters. I think she has not long to live, and I want you to talk to her."
"Yes, dear, I am going to carry her some breakfast. So, come along, and get your mantle," said the good woman, passing out through the door.
Marian followed, drawing out her pocket handkerchief to tie over her head; and as she did so, the note, unperceived by her, fluttered out, and fell upon the carpet.
Jacquelina impulsively darted upon it, picked it up, opened, and read it. Had Jacquelina first paused to reflect, she would never have done so. But when did the elf ever stop to think? As she read, her eyes began to twinkle, and her feet to patter up and down, and her head to sway from side to side, as if she could scarcely keep from singing and dancing for glee.