"
George was bent on breaking the ice between them, and so proposed
that the younger members of the family party should go up a
swollen stream and see the fall. But Elsie flanked herself with a
sister-in-law on one side and a niece on the other, while Stanhope
was so diffident that nothing but downright encouragement would
bring him to her side. So George was almost in despair. Elsie's
eyes had been conveying favorable impressions to her reluctant
mind throughout the walk. She sincerely regretted that such an
absurd barrier had grown up between her and Stanhope, but could
not for the life of her, especially before others, do anything to
break the awkward spell.
At last they were on their return, and were all grouped together
on a little bluff, watching the water pour foamingly through a
narrow gorge.
"Oh, see," cried Elsie, suddenly pointing to the opposite bank,
"what beautiful moss that is over there! It is just the kind I
have been wanting. Oh, dear! there isn't a bridge within half a
mile."
Stanhope glanced around a moment, and then said gallantly, "I will
get you the moss, Miss Alford.
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