One kiss for the little Fannie--one farewell glance at
the weeping Ella, and then, with a heavy heart, Dora went out from
a place where she had been so happy--went back to the home where
no one greeted her kindly, save the old house cat, who purred a
joyous welcome, and rubbed against her side as she kindled a fire
in the dark, dreary kitchen, where, on the table, were piles of
dishes left for her to wash. That night, when, at a late hour, she
stole up to bed, the contrast between her humble room and the cozy
chamber where she had recently slept, affected her painfully, and,
mingled with her nightly prayer, was the petition, that "sometime
she might go back and live with _Mr. Hastings._"
Meantime at Rose Hill there was sorrowing for her, Ella refusing
to be comforted unless she should return, Mr. Hastings, who had
spent the day in the city, and did not come home until evening,
felt that something was wrong the moment he entered the door of
his chamber. The fire was nearly out, the lamp was burning dimly,
and Ella was in tears.
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