Besides, it is not too late for her to return
to-night."
This cheered Mrs. Crump a little.
The evening passed slowly.
At length there came a knock at the door.
"I guess that is Ida," said Mrs. Crump, joyfully.
Jack seized a candle, and hastening to the door, threw it open. But
there was no Ida there. In her place stood William Fitts, the boy
who had met Ida in the cars.
"How do you do, Bill?" said Jack, endeavoring not to look
disappointed. "Come in, and take a seat, and tell us all the news."
"Well," said William, "I don't know of any. I suppose Ida has got
home."
"No," said Jack, "we expected her to-night, but she hasn't come
yet."
"She told me that she expected to come back to-day," said William.
"What! have you seen her?" exclaimed all in chorus.
"Yes, I saw her yesterday noon."
"Where?"
"Why, in the cars," said William, a little surprised at the
question.
"What cars?" asked the cooper.
"Why, the Philadelphia cars. Of course, you knew that was where she
was going?"
"Philadelphia!" all exclaimed, in surprise.
"Yes, the cars were almost there when I saw her. Who was that with
her?"
"Mrs. Hardwick, who was her old nurse."
"Anyway, I didn't like her looks," said the boy.
"That's where I agree with you," said Jack, decidedly.
"She didn't seem to want me to speak to Ida," continued William,
"but hurried her off, just as quick as possible.
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