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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie's Womanhood, by Martha Finley
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Elsie's Womanhood
+
+Author: Martha Finley
+
+Release Date: February 2, 2005 [EBook #14874]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S WOMANHOOD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy and the PG Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ELSIE'S
+WOMANHOOD
+
+A sequel to
+"ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD"
+
+By
+MARTHA FINLEY
+
+Complete Authorized Edition
+
+Published by arrangement with
+Dodd, Mead and Company
+
+_A Burt Book_
+BLUE RIBBON BOOKS, Inc.
+
+_New York_
+
+
+
+
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by
+
+DODD & MEAD
+
+In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
+
+1903,
+
+BY MARTHA FINLEY
+
+1917,
+
+BY CHARLES B. FINLEY
+
+
+
+
+Preface.
+
+
+The call for a sequel to "Elsie's Girlhood" having become too loud and
+importunate to be resisted, the pleasant task of writing it was
+undertaken.
+
+Dates compelled the bringing in of the late war: and it has been the
+earnest desire and effort of the author to so treat the subject as to
+wound the feelings of none; to be as impartial as if writing history; and,
+by drawing a true, though alas, but faint picture, of the great losses and
+sufferings on both sides, to make the very thought of a renewal of the
+awful strife _utterly abhorrent_ to every lover of humanity, and
+especially of this, our own dear native land.
+
+Are we not one people: speaking the same language; worshipping the one
+true and living God; having a common history, a common ancestry; and
+united by the tenderest ties of blood? And is not this great grand,
+glorious old Union--known and respected all over the world--our common
+country, our joy and pride? O! let us forget all bitterness, and live
+henceforth in love, harmony, and mutual helpfulness.
+
+For all I know of the Teche country I am indebted to Mr. Edward King's
+"Old and New Louisiana"; for facts and dates in regard to the war, and in
+large measure for Mr. Dinsmore's views as to its causes, etc.,
+principally to Headley's "History of the Great Rebellion."
+
+The description of Andersonville, and the life led by the prisoners there,
+was supplied by one who shared it for six months. An effort was made to
+obtain a sketch of a Northern prison also, but without success.
+
+Yet what need to balance accounts in respect to these matters? The
+unnatural strife is over, and we are again one united people.
+
+M.F.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIRST.
+
+    "Oh! there is one affection which no stain
+       Of earth can ever darken;--when two find,
+     The softer and the manlier, that a chain
+       Of kindred taste has fastened mind to mind."
+                                 --PERCIVAL'S POEMS.
+
+
+In one of the cool green alleys at the Oaks, Rose and Adelaide Dinsmore
+were pacing slowly to and fro, each with an arm about the other's waist,
+in girlish fashion, while they conversed together in low, confidential
+tones.
+
+At a little distance to one side, the young son and heir had thrown
+himself prone upon the grass in the shade of a magnificent oak, story-book
+in hand. Much interested he seemed in his book, yet occasionally his eye
+would wander from its fascinating pages to watch, with pride and delight,
+the tiny Rosebud steady herself against a tree, then run with eager,
+tottering steps and a crow of delight into her nurse's outstretched arms,
+to be hugged, kissed, praised, and coaxed to try it over again.
+
+As Rose and Adelaide turned at one end of the alley, Mr. Horace Dinsmore
+entered it at the other. Hurriedly approaching the little toddler, he
+stooped and held out his hands, saying, in tender, half-tremulous tones,
+"Come, darling, come to papa."
+
+She ran into his arms, crying, "Papa," in her sweet baby voice, and
+catching her up, he covered her face with kisses; then, holding her
+clasped fondly to his breast, walked on towards his wife and sister.
+
+"What is it, Horace?" asked Rose anxiously, as they neared each other; for
+she saw that his face was pale and troubled.
+
+"I bring you strange tidings, my Rose," he answered low and sadly, as she
+laid her hand upon his arm with an affectionate look up into his face.
+
+Hers grew pale. "Bad news from home?" she almost gasped.
+
+"No, no; I've had no word from our absent relatives or friends, and I'm
+not sure I ought to call it bad news either; though I cannot yet think of
+it with equanimity, it has come upon me so suddenly."
+
+"What?" asked both ladies in a breath; "don't keep us in suspense."
+
+"It has been going on for years--on his part--I can see it now--but, blind
+fool that I was, I never suspected it till to-day, when it came upon me
+like a thunderbolt."
+
+"What? who?"
+
+"Travilla; after years of patient waiting he has won her at last--our
+darling--and--and I've given her to him."
+
+Both ladies stood dumb with astonishment, while young Horace, who had come
+running up in time to catch the last words, cried out with vehemence,
+"Papa! what! give our Elsie away? how could you? how can we ever do
+without her? But she shan't go, for she belongs to me too, and I'll
+_never_ give consent!"
+
+Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies smiled faintly.
+
+"They seemed to think mine quite sufficient, Horace," replied his father,
+"and I'm afraid will hardly consider it necessary to ask yours."
+
+"But, papa, we can't spare her--you know we can't--and why should you go
+and give her away to Mr. Travilla or anybody?"
+
+"My son, had I refused, it would have caused her great unhappiness."
+
+"Then she ought to be ashamed to go and love Mr. Travilla better than you
+and all of us."
+
+"I was never more astonished in my life!" cried Adelaide.
+
+"Nor I," said Rose. "And he's a great deal too old for her."
+
+"That is an objection," replied her husband, "but if not insuperable to
+her, need not be to us."
+
+"Think of your intimate friend addressing you as father!" laughed
+Adelaide; "it's really too ridiculous."
+
+"That need not be--is not an inevitable consequence of the match," smiled
+Mr. Dinsmore, softly caressing the little one clinging about his neck.
+
+Still conversing on the same subject, the minds of all being full of it to
+the exclusion of every other, they moved on as if by common consent
+towards the house.
+
+"Do you think it can be possible that she is really and truly in love with
+him?" queried Rose; "a man so much older than herself, and so intimate in
+the family since her early childhood."
+
+"Judge for yourself, my dear," said Mr. Dinsmore, as a turn in the path
+brought them within a few yards of the lovers, who were moving slowly in
+their direction so that the two parties must meet in another moment.
+
+One glance at the beaming faces, the rich color coming and going in
+Elsie's cheek, the soft, glad light in her sweet brown eyes, was a
+sufficient reply to Rose's question. She looked at her husband with a
+satisfied smile, which he returned.
+
+But little Horace, leaving his father's side, rushed up to Elsie, and
+catching her hand in his, cried, "I'll never give my consent! and you
+belong to me. Mr. Travilla, you can't have her."
+
+To the child's surprise Elsie only blushed and smiled, while Mr. Travilla,
+without the slightest appearance of alarm or vexation, said, "Ah, my dear
+boy, you may just as well; for she is willing to be mine and your papa has
+given her to me."
+
+But the others had come up, and inquiring looks, smiles and kindly
+greetings were exchanged.
+
+"Mr. Travilla," said Rose, half playfully but with a tear trembling in her
+eye, "you have stolen a march upon us, and I can hardly forgive you just
+yet."
+
+"I regret that exceedingly, my dear madam," he answered, with a smile that
+belied his words. "But Miss Adelaide, you will still stand my friend?"
+
+"I don't know," she answered demurely; "there's only one serious objection
+in my mind (if Elsie is satisfied); that I don't quite fancy having a
+nephew some years older than myself."
+
+"Ah! well, I shall be quite willing to be considered a brother-in-law."
+
+"Company to dinner!" shouted Horace. "I see a carriage; don't you, papa?"
+
+"It is your Uncle Edward's," said Mr. Travilla.
+
+"Yes," said Adelaide, "Lora and her tribe are in it, no doubt; and
+probably Mrs. Bowles too (Carrie Howard you know, Elsie). They have been
+late in calling."
+
+"Some good reason for it, and they are none the less welcome," remarked
+Rose, quickening her pace.
+
+The one party reached the house just as the other two had fairly alighted,
+and a scene of joyous greeting ensued.
+
+"You dear child! how good of you to come back to us again, and single
+too," exclaimed Mrs. Bowles, clasping Elsie in a warm embrace; "I'd almost
+given it up, and expected by every mail to hear you had become Lady or
+Countess this, or Duchess that."
+
+Elsie smiled and blushed, and meeting the eye of her betrothed fixed for
+an instant upon her with an expression of unutterable content,
+thankfulness, love and pride, smiled and blushed again.
+
+Carrie caught the look and its effect upon her friend, and almost
+breathless with astonishment, took the first opportunity, after all were
+seated in the drawing-room, to prefer a whispered request to be taken to
+Elsie's own private apartment for a moment, to see that her hair and dress
+were in proper order.
+
+They had come to spend the day, and bonnets and shawls had already been
+carried away by the servants in attendance.
+
+"Now girls, don't run off for an interminable chat by yourselves," said
+Mrs. Howard, as the two rose and crossed the room together.
+
+"No, Aunt Lora, we'll not stay long," said Elsie; "for I want to improve
+every moment of your visit, in renewing my acquaintance with you and my
+young cousins."
+
+"Your family has grown, Lora," remarked her brother.
+
+"Yes, rather faster than yours," she said, looking round with pride upon
+her little group of four boys, and a girl yet in her nurse's arms. "Go and
+speak to your uncle, Ned, Walter, Horace, and Arthur. You see I have given
+you a namesake; and this little pet we call Rose Louise, for her two
+aunties. Yours is Rose, too! and what a darling! and how little Horace has
+grown!"
+
+"Elsie, it can't be possible!" cried Carrie, the instant they found
+themselves alone.
+
+"What can't?" and Elsie's blush and smile were charming.
+
+"That you and Mr. Travilla are lovers! I saw it in your faces; but, 'tis
+too absurd! Why, he's your father's friend, and nearly as old."
+
+"All the wiser and better for that, Carrie, dear. But he is young in
+heart, and far from looking old, I think. I have grown so sick of your
+silly, brainless fops, who expect women neither to talk sense nor
+understand it."
+
+"Ah, I dare say! and Mr. Travilla is the most sensible and polished of
+men--always excepting my own spouse, of course. And you won't be taken
+away from us; so I give my consent."
+
+Elsie's only answer was a mirthful, amused look.
+
+"Oh, but I am glad to see you back!" Carrie ran on. "It seems an age since
+you went away."
+
+"Thank you. And your husband? what is he like?"
+
+"I was never good at description, but he is a fine specimen of a Kentucky
+planter, and very fond of his wife. By the way, you must blame me that
+Edward and Lora were so late in welcoming you home. I arrived only
+yesterday morning, quite fatigued with my journey, and begged them to wait
+till to-day, and bring me with them."
+
+"That was right. We have not seen Enna yet, or Arthur. Grandpa and Mrs.
+Dinsmore and Walter called yesterday. But there is the dinner-bell. Let me
+conduct you to the dining-room."
+
+They were just in time to sit down with the others.
+
+Elsie quickly perceived by her Aunt Lora's look and manner, that she, too,
+had heard the news, but no remark was make on the subject till the ladies
+had retired to the drawing-room, leaving the gentlemen to the enjoyment of
+their after-dinner cigars.
+
+Then Mrs. Howard, facing round upon her niece as they entered the room,
+exclaimed, "Elsie, you naughty child! are you not ashamed of yourself?"
+
+"On account of what, auntie?"
+
+"Such unconscious innocence!" cried Lora, throwing up the white and
+jeweled hands she had rested lightly for an instant upon the young girl's
+shoulder, while gazing steadily into the smiling, blushing, sparkling
+face. "You haven't been planning and promising to give Adelaide and me a
+nephew older than ourselves? I tell you, miss, I refuse my consent. Why,
+it's absurd! the very idea! I used to think him almost an elderly
+gentleman when you were a chit of eight or nine."
+
+"I remember having had some such idea myself; but he must have been
+growing young since then," returned Elsie, demurely.
+
+"He seems to have been standing still (waiting for you, I suppose); but I
+never was more astonished in my life!" said Lora, dropping into a chair.
+
+"It has been a genuine surprise to us all," remarked Rose.
+
+"To me as much as anyone, mamma," said Elsie. "I--had thought he was
+engaged to you, Aunt Adie."
+
+"To _me_, child!"
+
+"Why, my dear, I surely told you about her engagement to my brother
+Edward?" exclaimed Adelaide and Rose simultaneously.
+
+"You tried, mamma, and it was all my own fault that I did not hear the
+whole truth. And, Aunt Adie, I cannot understand how he could ever fancy
+me, while he might have hoped there was a possibility of winning you."
+
+"'Twould have been a much more suitable match," said Lora. "Though I'd
+have preferred the one in contemplation, except that in the other case,
+she would not be carried quite away from us. But suppose we proceed to
+business. We should have a double wedding, I think."
+
+"Oh, don't talk of it yet," said Rose, with a slight tremble in her voice,
+and looking at Elsie's flushed, conscious face with eyes full of unshed
+tears. "Adelaide's is to be within the next two months, and--we cannot
+give up Elsie so suddenly."
+
+"Of course not," said Adelaide; "and I should have serious objections to
+being used as a foil to Elsie's youth and beauty."
+
+The Howards and Mr. Travilla stayed to tea, and shortly before that meal
+the party was increased by the arrival of Walter Dinsmore and Mrs. Dick
+Percival.
+
+Enna had lost flesh and color; and long indulgence of a fretful, peevish
+temper had drawn down the corners of her mouth, lined her forehead, and
+left its ugly pencilings here and there over the once pretty face, so that
+it already began to look old and care-worn. She was very gayly dressed, in
+the height of the fashion, and rather overloaded with jewelry; but powder
+and rouge could not altogether conceal the ravages of discontent and
+passion. She was conscious of the fact, and inwardly dwelt with
+mortification and chagrin upon the contrast presented by her own faded
+face to that of Elsie, so fair and blooming, so almost childish in its
+sweet purity and innocence of expression.
+
+"So you are single yet," Enna said, with a covert sneer; "and not likely
+to marry either, so far as I've been able to learn. They'll soon begin to
+call you an old maid."
+
+"Will they?" said Mr. Dinsmore, with a laugh in which all present joined,
+Enna herself excepted; "well, if she is a fair specimen of that
+much-abused class, they are far more attractive than is generally
+supposed."
+
+"You needn't laugh," said Enna; "I was four years younger than she is now,
+when I married. I wasn't going to wait till they began to call me an old
+maid."
+
+"To bear that reproach is not the worst calamity that can befall a woman,"
+replied Mr. Dinsmore gravely; then changed the subject by a kind inquiry
+in regard to Arthur.
+
+"Slowly and steadily improving," answered Walter. "The doctors are now
+satisfied that he is not permanently crippled, though he still uses a
+crutch."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SECOND.
+
+    "Mutual love, the crown of all our bliss."
+                     --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+After a half hour of waiting for her son's return, Mrs. Travilla sat down
+to her lonely cup of tea. There was no lack of delicacies on the table,
+and in all Edward's taste had been consulted. To make him comfortable and
+happy was, next to serving her God, the great aim and object of his
+mother's life; and, in a less degree, of that of every servant in the
+house. They had all been born and brought up at Ion, and had all these
+years known him as the kindest, most reasonable and considerate of
+masters.
+
+"Wish Massa Edard come. Dese waffles jes' prime to-night, an' he so fond
+ob dem," remarked a pretty mulatto girl, handing a plate of them to her
+mistress.
+
+"Yes, Prilla, he expected to be at home, but is probably taking tea at the
+Oaks or Roselands." And the old lady supped her tea and ate her waffles
+with a serene, happy face, now and then lighted up by a pleased smile
+which her attendant handmaiden was at a loss to interpret.
+
+Having finished her meal, Mrs. Travilla threw a shawl about her shoulders
+and stepped out upon the veranda; then, tempted by the beauty of the
+night, walked down the avenue to meet her son or see if there were any
+signs of his approach.
+
+She had not gone half the distance ere the sound of horses' hoofs reached
+her ear--distant at first but coming rapidly nearer, till a lady and
+gentleman drew rein at the gate, while the servant who had been riding in
+the rear dismounted and threw it open.
+
+They came dashing up, but paused and drew rein again at sight of the old
+lady standing there under the trees.
+
+"Mother," cried her son, springing from the saddle, "you were not alarmed?
+anxious? surely."
+
+"No, no, Edward, but glad to see you and Elsie! my dear child, this is
+very kind."
+
+"Not at all, dear Mrs. Travilla; it is so lovely an evening for a ride; or
+walk either," she added, giving her hand to her escort and springing
+lightly to the ground.
+
+Mr. Travilla put the hand into that of his mother. "Take her to your
+heart, mother; she is mine--ours!" he said, in low tones tremulous with
+joy.
+
+The old lady folded the slight girlish form to her breast for a moment,
+with a silence more eloquent than words.
+
+"Thank God! thank God!" she murmured at length. "He has given me my
+heart's desire;" and mingled caresses and tears fell upon Elsie's face.
+"For many years I have loved you as my own child, and now I am to have
+you. How bright our home will be, Edward. But we are darkening another.
+Her father; can he--has he----"
+
+"He has given her to me," answered the son quickly, "and she has--we have
+given ourselves to each other. Let me give an arm to each of you and we
+will go into the house."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The veranda at the Oaks was deserted, and the house very quiet, though
+lights still shone here and there, as Mr. Travilla and Elsie rode up and
+dismounted on their return from Ion.
+
+A servant rose from the grass, where he had been lying at his ease; came
+forward and led away his young mistress's pony, while the lover bade her a
+tender good-night, sprang into the saddle again, and presently
+disappeared, lost to view amid the trees and the windings of the road,
+though the sound of horse's hoofs still came faintly to Elsie's ear as she
+stood intently listening, a sweet smile irradiating every feature.
+
+Absorbed in her own thoughts, and in the effort to catch those
+fast-retreating sounds, she did not hear a step approaching from behind;
+but an arm encircled her waist, and a low-breathed "My darling" woke her
+from her reverie.
+
+She looked up, her eyes beaming with affection; "Papa; I am rather late,
+am I not?"
+
+"Not very. Hark! the clock is but just striking ten. Come, let us sit down
+here for a little. We have hardly had a chat together to-day." He sighed
+slightly as he drew her closer to him.
+
+"No, papa dear, there has been so much company," she answered, laying her
+head on his shoulder. "And----"
+
+"And what?" as she paused. "Your father used to know all that concerned
+you one way or the other. Is he to be shut out from your confidence now?
+Ah, I think he must have been for some time past."
+
+"I could not tell you _that_, papa," she murmured, blushing visibly in the
+moonlight. "Indeed, I hardly knew it myself till----"
+
+"Till when?"
+
+"The night of Sophie's wedding."
+
+"Ah!" he said, musingly; "but I cannot get over my surprise; he is your
+senior by so many years, and you have known him from childhood and looked
+upon him as a sort of uncle. I wonder at your choice."
+
+"But you don't object, papa?"
+
+"No, if I must give you away--and I've always known that would come some
+time--I would rather it should be to him than any one else, for I can
+never doubt that he will be tender and true to my precious one, when she
+leaves her father's home for his."
+
+"Papa, papa, don't speak of it," she cried, winding her arms about his
+neck, "I can't bear to think of it; that our home will no longer be the
+same, that I can't come to you every night and be folded to your heart as
+I have been ever since I was a little girl."
+
+"Well, dearest," he said, after a moment, in which he held her very close
+and caressed her with exceeding tenderness, "we shall not be far apart or
+miss passing some time together many days of the year. And you are not in
+haste to leave me?"
+
+"Oh, no, no! why should I be? Please keep me a little while yet."
+
+"I intend to: it will take at least a year to get used to the thought of
+doing without you, and so long Travilla must be content to wait. Nor can
+we give you up wholly even then; your suite of rooms shall still be yours,
+and you must come now and then and occupy them for days or weeks at a
+time.
+
+"Now, daughter, good-night. Come to me to-morrow morning in my study, soon
+after breakfast, I have something more of importance to say to you."
+
+"I shall obey, and without fear," she answered gayly, "though I remember
+once being quite frightened at a similar order; but that was when I was a
+silly little girl and didn't know how dearly my own papa loved me."
+
+"And when he was strangely stern to his own little child," he answered,
+with another tender caress.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRD.
+
+    "So fair that had you beauty's picture took,
+     It must like her, or not like beauty look."
+                          --ALLEYN'S HENRY VII.
+
+
+Elsie paused at the half-open door of her father's private room.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore, like most men, was fond of light and air; through the wide
+open windows the morning breeze stole softly in, laden with sweets from
+garden and lawn, and the rich carpet of oak and green was flecked with
+gold where the sunbeams came shimmering down between the fluttering leaves
+of a beautiful vine that had festooned itself about the one looking to the
+east.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was seated at his desk with a pile of papers before
+him--legal documents in appearance; he would open one, glance over its
+contents, lay it aside, and take up another only to treat it in like
+manner.
+
+Elsie stood but a moment watching him with loving, admiring eyes, then
+gliding noiselessly across the floor, dropped gracefully at his feet and
+laying her folded hands upon his knee looked up into his face with an
+arch, sweet smile.
+
+"Mon père, I have come for my lecture, or whatever you have laid up in
+store for me," she announced with mock gravity and a slight tremble of
+pretended fear in her voice.
+
+Dropping the paper he held, and passing one hand caressingly over her
+shining hair, "My darling, how very, very lovely you are!" he said, the
+words bursting spontaneously from his lips; "there is no flaw in your
+beauty, and your face beams with happiness."
+
+"Papa turned flatterer!" she cried, springing up and allowing him to draw
+her to his knee.
+
+"I'm waiting for the lecture," she said presently, "you know I always like
+to have disagreeable things over as soon as possible."
+
+"Who told you there was to be a lecture?"
+
+"Nobody, sir."
+
+"What have you been doing that you feel entitles you to one?"
+
+"I don't remember."
+
+"Nor I either. So let us to business. Here, take this chair beside me. Do
+you know how much you are worth?"
+
+"Not precisely, sir," she answered demurely, taking the chair and folding
+her hands pensively in her lap; "but very little, I presume, since you
+have given me away for nothing."
+
+"By no means," he said, with a slight smile of amusement at her unwonted
+mood. "It was for your own happiness, which is no trifle in my esteem. But
+you belong to me still."
+
+She looked at him with glistening eyes. "Thank you, dearest papa; yes, I
+do belong to you and always shall. Please excuse my wilful
+misunderstanding of your query. I do not know how much money and other
+property I own, but have an idea it is a million more or less."
+
+"My dear child!--it is fully three times that."
+
+"Papa! is it indeed?"
+
+"Yes, it was about a million at the time of your Grandfather Grayson's
+death, and has increased very much during your mamma's minority and yours;
+which you know has been a very long one. You own several stores and a
+dwelling house in New Orleans, a fine plantation with between two and
+three hundred negroes, and I have invested largely for you in stocks of
+various kinds both in your own country and in England. I wish you to
+examine all the papers, certificates of stock, bonds, deeds, mortgages,
+and so forth."
+
+"Oh, papa!" she cried, lifting her hands in dismay, "what a task. Please
+excuse me. You know all about it, and is not that sufficient?"
+
+"No, the property is yours; I have been only your steward, and must now
+render up an account to you for the way in which I have handled your
+property."
+
+"You render an account to _me_, my own dear father," she said low and
+tremulously, while her face flushed crimson; "I cannot bear to hear you
+speak so. I am fully satisfied, and very, _very_ thankful for all your
+kind care of it and of me."
+
+He regarded her with a smile of mingled tenderness and amusement, while
+softly patting and stroking the small white hand laid lovingly upon his.
+
+"Could I--could any father--do less for his own beloved child?" he asked.
+
+"Not you, I know, papa. But may I ask you a question?"
+
+"As many as you like."
+
+"How much are you worth? Ah! you needn't look so quizzical. I mean how
+much do you own in money, land, etc.?"
+
+"Something less than a million; I cannot tell you the exact number of
+dollars and cents."
+
+"Hardly a third as much as I! It doesn't seem right. Papa, take half of
+mine."
+
+"That wouldn't balance the scales either," he said laughingly; "and
+besides, Mr. Travilla has now some right to be consulted."
+
+"Papa, I could never love him again, if he should object to my giving you
+all but a few hundred thousands."
+
+"He would not. He says he will never touch a cent of your property; it
+must be settled entirely upon yourself, and subject to your control. And
+that is quite right; for he, too, is wealthy."
+
+"Papa, I don't think I deserve so much; I don't want the care of so much.
+I do wish you would be so good as to take half for your own, and continue
+to manage the other half for me as you think best."
+
+"What you deserve is not the question just now. This is one of the talents
+which God has given you, and I think you ought, at least for the present,
+to keep the principal and decide for yourself what shall be done with the
+interest. You are old enough now to do so, and I hope do not wish to shirk
+the responsibility, since God, in His good providence, has laid it upon
+you."
+
+He spoke very gravely and Elsie's face reflected the expression of his.
+
+"No, I do not wish it now, papa," she said, in a low, sweet voice. "I
+will undertake it, asking Him for wisdom and grace to do it aright."
+
+They were busy for the next hour or two over the papers.
+
+"There!" cried Elsie, at length, "we have examined the last one, and I
+think I understand it all pretty thoroughly."
+
+"I think you do. And now another thing; ought you not to go and see for
+yourself your property in Louisiana?"
+
+Elsie assented, on condition that he would take her.
+
+"Certainly, my dear child, can you suppose I would ever think of
+permitting you to go alone?"
+
+"Thank you, papa. And if poor mammy objects this time, she may take her
+choice of going or staying; but go I must, and see how my poor people are
+faring at Viamede. I have dim, dreamy recollections of it as a kind of
+earthly paradise. Papa, do you know why mammy has always been so
+distressed whenever I talked of going there?"
+
+"Painful associations, no doubt. Poor creature! it was there her
+husband--an unruly negro belonging to a neighboring planter--was sold away
+from her, and there she lost her children, one by accidental drowning, the
+others by some epidemic disease. Your own mother, too, died there, and
+Chloe I think never loved one of her own children better."
+
+"No, I'm sure not. But she never told me of her husband and children, and
+I thought she had never had any. And now, papa, that we are done with
+business for the present, I have a request to make."
+
+"Well, daughter, what is it?"
+
+"That you will permit me to renew my old intimacy with Lucy Carrington; or
+at least to call on her. You remember she was not well enough to be at the
+wedding; she is here at Ashlands with her baby. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington
+called here yesterday while you were out, and both urged me not to be
+ceremonious with Lucy, as she is hardly well enough to make calls and is
+longing to see me."
+
+"And what answer did you give them?" he asked with some curiosity.
+
+"That I should do so if possible; that meant if I could obtain your
+permission, papa."
+
+"You have it. Lucy is in some sort taken into the family now, and you are
+safely engaged; to say nothing of your mature years," he added laughingly,
+as she seated herself on his knee again and thanked him with a hug and
+kiss.
+
+"You dear good papa!"
+
+"Some girls of your age, heiresses in their own right, would merely have
+said, 'I'm going,' never asking permission."
+
+"Ah, but I like to be ruled by you. So please don't give it up. Now about
+Enna?"
+
+"If I had any authority in the matter, I should say, you shall not give
+her a cent. She doesn't deserve it from you or any one."
+
+"Then I shall wait till you change your mind."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head. "Ah! my little girl, you don't realize how
+much some one else's opinions will soon weigh with you," he answered,
+putting an arm about her and looking with fatherly delight into the sweet
+face.
+
+"Ah, papa!" she cried, laying her cheek to his, "please don't talk so; it
+hurts me."
+
+"Then, dearest, I shall not say it again, though indeed I was not
+reproaching you; it is right, very right, that husband and wife should be
+more than all the world beside to each other."
+
+Elsie's cheek crimsoned. "It has not come to that yet, father dear," she
+murmured, half averting her blushing face; "and--I don't know which of you
+I love best--or how I could ever do without either: the love differs in
+kind rather than in degree."
+
+He drew her closer. "Thank you, my darling; what more could I ask or
+desire?" A slight tap on the door and Mrs. Dinsmore looked in. "Any
+admittance?" she asked playfully.
+
+"Always to my wife," answered her husband, releasing Elsie and rising to
+hand Rose a chair.
+
+"Thanks, my dear, but I haven't time to sit down," she said. "Here is a
+note of invitation for us all to spend the day at Roselands. Shall we go?"
+
+"Certainly, if it suits you, Rose," replied Mr. Dinsmore; "and Elsie;" he
+added, "will you go, daughter?"
+
+"If you wish it, papa," she answered cheerfully; yet there was a slight
+reluctance in her tone.
+
+He gave her a kind, fond look. "You are your own mistress, and can accept
+or decline as your judgment and wishes dictate."
+
+"But you would rather have me go, papa?"
+
+"I would, because it would seem more kind and courteous. But what is the
+objection in your mind? Perhaps it could be removed."
+
+"I wanted so much to see Lucy this morning," Elsie answered with a blush;
+"but to-morrow will do."
+
+"But both might be accomplished if mamma and Adelaide like to have Cæsar
+drive them and the little ones over to Roselands. Then you and I will
+mount our horses and away to Ashlands for a call, leaving there in good
+time to join the dinner party at Roselands. How will that do?"
+
+"Oh, bravely, you dear darling papa! always contriving for my enjoyment."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore followed his wife from the room. "'Twill be an early return
+of Carrington's call," he said, "but I have a little business with him."
+
+"Yes, I'm very glad: it is a good plan; but don't hurry Elsie away. She
+and Lucy will want a long talk."
+
+"I promise to be careful to obey orders," he answered, sportively. "Is
+that all?"
+
+"Yes; only see that you don't stay too long, and keep the dinner waiting
+at Roselands."
+
+"Mamma," asked Elsie, bringing up the rear as they entered the
+sitting-room, "can't you go, too--you and Aunt Adelaide? Four make as nice
+a party as two, and the babies can be driven over quite safely, with their
+mammies, to take care of them."
+
+"No," said Rose, "I never accept such late invitations; I shall----"
+
+"My dear," said her husband, "we would be very glad."
+
+"No, no; the first arrangement is decidedly the best;" putting on an air
+of pretended pique.
+
+"Babies! do you call me a baby?" cried young Horace, who had sprung to his
+feet with a flash of indignation in his great black eyes, "I'm nine years
+old, Elsie. Rosie there's the only baby belonging to this house. Do you
+think papa would let a baby have a pony like Gip? and a pistol of his own,
+too?"
+
+Elsie put her arms round his neck, and gave him a kiss, "I beg ten
+thousand pardons."
+
+"Elsie, my daughter, don't allow yourself to speak so extravagantly,"
+interrupted her father.
+
+"I will try not, papa," she answered. "I beg your pardon, Horace dear, and
+assure you I think you are quite a manly young man. Now I must prepare for
+my ride, papa. I shall be ready by the time the horses can be brought to
+the door."
+
+"Papa," said Horace, as the door closed upon his sister, "may I ride Gip
+to-day?"
+
+"If you promise me to keep close beside the carriage."
+
+"Oh, papa, can't I ride on ahead a little, now and then, or fall a few
+paces behind if I wish?"
+
+"No; you may do just what I have given permission for, and nothing else."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTH.
+
+    "Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
+     In ev'ry gesture, dignity and love."
+                          --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+"But, Elsie, what of Mr. Travilla?" asked her father, as he handed her
+into the saddle.
+
+"He will not be here till evening, sir," she answered, the rose on her
+cheek deepening slightly.
+
+"Then I can have undisturbed possession for to-day at least," replied Mr.
+Dinsmore, mounting. "We couldn't have a lovelier day for a ride."
+
+"Nor better company," added Elsie, archly, keeping her horse's head on a
+line with that of her father's larger Steed, as they followed the winding
+carriage road at a brisk canter.
+
+"Why, you conceited little puss?" returned Mr. Dinsmore laughing.
+
+Elsie blushed more deeply this time. "Why, papa, you are the company
+to-day, are you not? I wished to go, and you kindly arranged to accompany
+me."
+
+"Ah! and that is how you look at it? Well, I recall my rebuke, and thank
+you for your--what shall I say--pretty compliment, or appreciation of my
+society?"
+
+"Both, if you like. Oh, how nice it is to be at home again in our own dear
+native land."
+
+"And what do you call your own dear native land?"
+
+"What a strange question, papa! The great, grand old Union to be
+sure--North and South, East and West--is it not all mine? Have you not
+taught me so yourself?"
+
+"Yes," he said musingly.
+
+They rode on in silence for some minutes, and when he spoke again, it was
+upon a subject entirely foreign to the last.
+
+"The place looks natural," he remarked, as they turned into the avenue
+leading to the fine old dwelling of the Carringtons.
+
+"How kind, how very kind, to come so soon!" was Mrs. Carrington's cordial,
+joyful salutation. "Mr. Dinsmore, I owe you a thousand thanks for not only
+permitting your daughter to come, but bringing her yourself."
+
+"You are very welcome, my dear madam," he answered courteously; "and,
+indeed, I should like to see Mrs. Rose myself, when she is well enough and
+feels that it will be agreeable to her."
+
+A few moments' chat in the drawing-room, and Mr. Dinsmore drew out his
+watch. "How long a talk do you want with your friend to-day, Elsie?" he
+asked.
+
+"Oh, just as long as I can be allowed, papa!" she cried, with much of the
+old childish eagerness.
+
+"Then the sooner you begin, the better, I think, for we ought to be on our
+way to Roselands in an hour, or an hour and a quarter at the farthest."
+
+Upon that the gentlemen retired to the library to talk over business
+matters, and Mrs. Carrington led the way for Elsie to Lucy's room. But
+pausing in the upper hall, she took the young girl in her arms, folding
+her in a close, loving embrace, and heaping upon her tearful, tender,
+silent caresses.
+
+"My poor boy! my poor dear Herbert," she murmured at length, as she
+released her hold. "Darling, I can never forget that you might have been
+my daughter. But there--I will leave you. Lucy occupies her old rooms, and
+yonder is her door; you know the way."
+
+"But come in with me, dear Mrs. Carrington," urged Elsie, the tears
+shining in her eyes.
+
+"No, dear, not just yet. Lucy would prefer to see you quite alone at
+first, I know." And she glided away in the opposite direction.
+
+A soft, cooing sound came to Elsie's ear, mingled with fondling words, in
+a negro voice, as she stood an instant waiting admittance. Lucy, a good
+deal paler and thinner than the Lucy of old, lay back in an easy chair,
+languidly turning the leaves of a new magazine.
+
+"Open the door, mammy," she said, "I thought I heard a rap." Then at sight
+of Elsie, the magazine was hastily tossed aside, and with a cry of joy,
+"Oh, you darling! I thought I'd never see you again," she sprang forward,
+caught her friend in a close embrace, and wept upon her neck.
+
+Elsie soothed her with caresses and words of endearment, and presently she
+calmed down, made her friend take a seat, and sinking back into her own,
+wiped away the tears still welling up in her eyes, and with a little
+hysterical laugh said, "Please don't look so concerned, or think I'm
+unhappy with my dear old Phil, or going to die, or any such nonsense: it's
+just my nerves; hateful, torturing things! I wish I'd never found out I
+had any."
+
+"You poor dear, I'm so sorry for your lost health," said Elsie, exchanging
+her chair for a low ottoman at Lucy's feet, and taking the small thin
+hands in hers, stroking and patting them caressingly; "I know nerves won't
+be reasoned with, and that tears are often a great relief."
+
+"And I've everything to make me happy," sobbed Lucy--"the best husband in
+the world, and the darlingest of babies, to say nothing of mamma and papa,
+and the rest, and really almost everything one could desire."
+
+"Oh, the baby, yes!" cried Elsie, turning towards it with eager interest;
+"the sweet, pretty darling. May I take him a moment, Lucy?"
+
+"Certainly, if he's not too heavy--bring him here, mammy. I remember your
+father would not allow you to lift or carry little Horace."
+
+"Ah, but that was years ago! Ah, how lovely he is!" as the babe accepted
+her mute invitation to come to her. "You are rich indeed, with this
+treasure added to all your others. And you and your Phil don't quarrel
+yet?"
+
+"No indeed! not the first cross word yet. Mamma calls us her turtle-doves:
+says we're always billing and cooing. Ah, Elsie, how beautiful you are!
+I've always thought you just as lovely as possible, yet there's an added
+something--I can't divine what--that increases even your peerless
+attractions."
+
+"O Lucy, Lucy, still a flatterer!" laughed her friend.
+
+"Yet you've come back to us single," Lucy went on, ignoring the
+interruption, "though we all know you had ever so many good offers. Pray,
+do you intend to remain single all your days?"
+
+At that, Elsie's face dimpled all over with blushes and smiles.
+
+Lucy signed to the nurse to take the babe, and as the woman walked away
+with it in her arms, turned eagerly to her friend.
+
+"Now do tell me; for I'm sure you are not going to live single. Shall we
+have the pleasure of hailing you as duchess yet?"
+
+"No, Lucy; I intend to marry; am actually engaged, but not to a
+foreigner."
+
+"Dear me! I don't believe I could have resisted the title. That is," she
+added, hastily, "if I'd been heart-whole like you: but after seeing my
+Phil, of course I wouldn't give him up for all the nobles in Europe, Asia,
+and Africa. But do tell me who is the fortunate man?"
+
+"Suppose you try your skill at guessing."
+
+"Perfectly useless, never had any. It must be somebody I don't know."
+
+"My good little woman, you know him well."
+
+"Either of Harry's brothers-in-law? Richard? Harold?"
+
+"No, no, no; you are wide of the mark! Could you suppose papa would ever
+consent to such a mixture of relationships? Why, it would make papa my
+brother and mamma's brother her son-in-law."
+
+"So it would. Well, I give it up and beg of you to put a speedy end to my
+suspense."
+
+Lucy bent her head to listen, and Elsie murmured the name low and softly,
+the rose deepening on her cheek as she spoke. For a moment Lucy seemed
+struck dumb with astonishment. Then, "Elsie!" she exclaimed, "I can't
+believe it; you are only jesting."
+
+Elsie shook her head with a low, musical, happy laugh.
+
+"He's splendid, I don't deny that; but then--only think--your father's
+most intimate friend from boyhood up; and almost as old."
+
+"Some people seem like wine--to improve with age. But Mr. Travilla is not
+old to me now. He has been standing still, I believe, while I have grown
+up to him."
+
+"And you really are in love with him?"
+
+"He has all my heart, all the love I could give to any one, and I respect,
+honor, and trust him as I do no one else but my father."
+
+"And that reminds me; I was so afraid your father would not let you come
+to see me. But--you are your own mistress now, of course."
+
+"Papa tells me so sometimes," laughed Elsie, "and yet I know he would be
+greatly surprised should I take the liberty of doing anything he would not
+approve. I asked his permission to come, and he not only gave consent but
+brought me himself."
+
+"That was good in him; but I hope he won't hurry you away. I want to hear
+about your European conquests, and have ever so much to say besides."
+
+"No, he has kindly promised me time for a long talk. Besides, I can ride
+over any day and supplement it with another."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was as good as his word; their chat had lasted more than an
+hour when his summons came, yet Lucy declared it had not been half long
+enough, and would not be satisfied to let Elsie go without a promise to
+come again very soon.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Roselands, too, looks very natural, and very homelike," remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, as they rode up its avenue.
+
+"Yes, papa; and yet, do you know, it seems to me it has grown smaller and
+less grand since I lived here as a child."
+
+"Ah! did you think it very grand then, daughter?" he asked, turning to her
+with a smile.
+
+"I believe so, papa; but it is beautiful yet, even after all the fine
+places we have seen in our own country and Europe."
+
+Adelaide met them at the door. "Just in time," she said, "for there is the
+dressing-bell. Your own old room, Elsie dear: you know the way and will
+find Aunt Chloe in waiting. Horace, you will make yourself at home of
+course."
+
+It was strictly a family party, sociable and informal. Elsie had not met
+Arthur since their return, and at the first moment scarcely recognized him
+in the moustached and bewhiskered young man who rose and came forward,
+with a slight limp, to meet her as she entered the drawing-room.
+
+"How do you do?" he said, holding out his right hand, while steadying
+himself with a cane held in the left. "I hope you're glad to get back to
+America?"
+
+"Arthur, is it? Yes; thank you: and I'm very glad your injuries have
+proved less serious than was at first feared," she said, kindly meeting
+his advances half-way.
+
+"Oh yes," he replied, with attempted nonchalance, "I shall be all right by
+and by."
+
+Then retreating to the seat from which he had just risen, the corner of a
+sofa by the side of his sister Adelaide, his eye following Elsie as she
+crossed the room to pay her respects to her grandfather and others. "What
+on earth you call that girl little for, I can't imagine," he remarked in
+an undertone; "why she's quite above the average height; graceful as a
+young fawn, too; splendid figure, and actually the most beautiful face I
+ever saw. I don't wonder she turned the heads of lords and dukes on the
+other side of the water. But what _do_ you call her little for?"
+
+"I hardly know, Art; with me it's a term of endearment more than anything
+else, I believe," replied his sister; "but there is something in the
+expression of her face--something that has always been there, a sweet
+simplicity and innocence--that moves one to a sort of protecting love as
+to a little one who has not yet attained sufficient worldly wisdom to take
+care of herself."
+
+Old Mr. Dinsmore greeted his lovely granddaughter almost affectionately,
+holding her hand in his for a moment, and looking from her to her father.
+"Really, she's a girl to be proud of, Horace," he said with a paternal
+smile. "But I've no need to tell you that."
+
+"No, she is not bad looking," observed his wife with a slight sneer; "few
+girls would be in such elegant attire; but it surprises me to see that,
+with all her advantages and opportunities for improvement, she has not yet
+lost that baby expression she always had. She'll never be half the woman
+Enna is."
+
+The days were past in which the lady mother had gloried in the fact that
+anywhere Enna would have been taken for the elder of the two; and now the
+contrast between her faded, fretful face and Elsie's fresh bloom was a
+sore trial to madam's love, and pride in her household pet.
+
+But no one deemed it necessary to reply to the unpleasant remark. Elsie
+only smiled up into her father's face as he came forward and stood at her
+side, and meeting his look of loving content and pride in her, just as she
+was, and calling to mind how fully satisfied with her was another, whose
+loving approbation was no less precious, turned away with a half-breathed
+sigh of heartfelt happiness, finished her greetings, and, the dinner-bell
+ringing at that moment, accepted Walter's offered arm to the dining-room.
+
+Arthur was more and more charmed with his niece as he noted the modest
+ease and grace of her manners, both at the table, and afterwards in the
+drawing-room; listened to her music--greatly improved under the
+instructions of some of the first masters of Europe--and her conversation
+with his father and others, in which she almost unconsciously revealed
+rich stores of varied information gathered from books, the discourse of
+the wise and learned met in her travels, and her own keen yet kindly
+observations of men and things. These, with the elegance of her diction,
+and the ready play of wit and fancy, made her a fascinating talker.
+
+Contrary to Elsie's expectations, it was decided by the elders of the
+party that all should remain to tea.
+
+As the others returned to the drawing-room on leaving the table, she stole
+out upon the moonlighted veranda. Gazing wistfully down the avenue, was
+she thinking of one probably even then on his way to the Oaks--thinking of
+him and his disappointment at not finding her here?
+
+"It's a nice night, this," remarked Arthur's voice at her side, "I say,
+Elsie, suppose we bury the hatchet, you and I."
+
+"I never had any enmity towards you, Arthur," she answered, still gazing
+straight before her.
+
+"Well, it's odd if you hadn't; I gave you cause enough, as you did me by
+your niggardly refusal to lend me a small sum, on occasions when I was
+hard up. But I'm willing to let by-gones be by-gones, if you are."
+
+"Certainly; I should be glad to forget all that has been unpleasant in the
+past."
+
+"You have improved wonderfully since I saw you last: you were a pretty
+girl then, but now you are without exception the most superbly beautiful,
+graceful, accomplished, and intelligent woman I ever saw."
+
+"I do not like flattery, Arthur," she answered, turning coldly away.
+
+"Pooh! the truth's never flattery; I declare if we were not so nearly
+related, I'd marry you myself."
+
+"You forget," she said, half scornfully, "that it takes two to make a
+bargain; three in this case; and two of us would never consent."
+
+"Nonsense! I'd soon manage it by clever courting. A man can always get the
+woman he wants if he's only sufficiently determined."
+
+"In that you are mistaken. But why broach so disagreeable a subject, since
+we are so nearly related that the very thought seems almost a sin and a
+crime?"
+
+"And so you're going to throw yourself away on old Travilla?"
+
+Elsie faced him with flashing eyes. "No; it will be no throwing away of
+myself, nor will I allow him to be spoken of in such disrespectful terms,
+in my presence."
+
+"Humph!" laughed Arthur. "Well, I've found out how to make you angry, at
+all events. And I'm free to confess I don't like Travilla, or forgive him
+all old scores."
+
+Elsie scarcely seemed to hear. A horse was coming at a quiet canter up the
+avenue. Both the steed and his rider wore a familiar aspect, and the young
+girl's heart gave a joyous bound as the latter dismounted, throwing the
+reins to a servant, and came up the steps into the veranda.
+
+She glided towards him; there was an earnest, tender clasping of hands, a
+word or two of cordial greeting, and they passed into the house and
+entered the drawing room.
+
+"Humph! not much sentiment there; act towards each other pretty much as
+they always have," said Arthur to himself, taking a cigar from his pocket
+and lighting it with a match. "I wonder now what's the attraction to her
+for an old codger like that," he added watching the smoke as it curled
+lazily up from the end of his Havana.
+
+There was indeed nothing sentimental in the conduct of Mr. Travilla or
+Elsie: deep, true, heartfelt happiness there was on both sides, but calm
+and quiet, indulging in little demonstration, except when they were quite
+alone with each other. There was no secret made of the engagement, and it
+was soon known to all their friends and acquaintance. Mr. Travilla had
+always been in the habit of visiting the Oaks daily, and finding himself
+very much at home there; and he continued to come and go as formerly, all
+welcoming him with great cordiality, making him, if possible, more one of
+themselves than ever, while there was little change in Elsie's manner,
+except that all her late reserve had fled, and given place to the old ease
+and freedom, the sweet, affectionate confidences of earlier days.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's determination to delay the marriage for a year was
+decidedly a keen disappointment to the middle-aged lover, who had already
+endured so long and patient a waiting for his prize; yet so thankful and
+joyous was he that he had at last won her for his own, that, finding
+remonstrance and entreaties alike unavailing, he presently accepted the
+conditions with a very good grace, comforting himself with the certainty
+of the permanence of her love. Elsie had no coquettish arts, was
+simple-hearted, straightforward, and true, as in her childhood, and their
+confidence in each other was unbounded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTH.
+
+           "Joy never feasts so high
+    As when the first course is of misery."
+                              --SUCKLING.
+
+
+Adelaide's marriage was fixed for Christmas eve, and Mr. Dinsmore and
+Elsie decided to take their trip to Louisiana at once, that they might be
+able to return in season for the wedding, at which Elsie was to be first
+bridesmaid.
+
+It was Elsie herself who broke the news of her intended journey to her
+faithful old nurse, explaining why she felt it her duty to go, and kindly
+leaving to Chloe's own decision whether she would accompany her or not.
+
+The dusky face grew very sad for a moment, tears springing to the dark
+eyes; but the voice was almost cheerful as she answered, "Yes, you's
+right, honey darlin' you's all right to go and see 'bout dem poor souls
+and let 'em see dere beau'ful young missus; and your ole mammy 'll go
+'long too, for she neber could stay and let her chile run all dem risks on
+de boats an' cars an' she no dar to take care ob her."
+
+"That's right, my own dear old mammy. I shall be glad to have you along,
+and hope you will find it pleasanter than you expect; but we must trust
+the Lord to take care of us all; for He only can prevent the accidents you
+fear."
+
+"Yes, yes, honey, dat's de truff; an' we'll trust Him an' not be 'fraid,
+'cause don't He say, 'Not a hair ob your head shall perish.'"
+
+"'What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee,'" murmured Elsie, softly.
+"Ah, the joy, the peace, of knowing that His presence and His love will
+ever go with us everywhere; and that He has all power in heaven and in
+earth."
+
+A week later, Mr. Dinsmore was showing his daughter the beauties of New
+Orleans, where they had arrived without accident or loss. They remained in
+the city long enough to attend thoroughly to the business which had called
+them there, and to see everything worth looking at.
+
+Elsie's plantation was in the Teche country, the very loveliest part of
+grand old Louisiana. In order that suitable preparations might be made for
+their reception, word had been sent that they might be expected on a
+certain day.
+
+"We have allowed more time than necessary for this place," said Mr.
+Dinsmore to his daughter one evening on returning to their hotel, after
+seeing the last of the lions of the Crescent City; "we have two days to
+spare; what shall be done in them?"
+
+"Let us go on to Viamede at once then, papa," replied Elsie, promptly. "I
+have been regretting that we sent notice of our coming. I doubt if it
+would not have been wiser to take them by surprise."
+
+"There would not be the same preparations for your comfort," replied her
+father, taking a seat by her on the sofa, for they were in their own
+private parlor; "you may find unaired bed-linen and an empty larder,
+which, beside inconveniencing yourself, would sorely mortify and trouble
+Aunt Phillis and her right-hand woman, Sarah, the cook."
+
+"I should be sorry you should have an inhospitable reception, papa, but
+fires are soon kindled and linen aired, and is not the pantry kept
+supplied with canned and preserved fruits? and are there not fresh fruits,
+vegetables, chickens, and eggs at hand for immediate use?"
+
+"Yes, certainly; and we are not likely to suffer. We Will, then, leave
+here to-morrow, if you wish, taking the steamer for Berwick Bay. But why
+prefer to come upon them unexpectedly?"
+
+Elsie smiled, and blushed slightly. "You know I never have any
+concealments from you, papa, and I will be frank about this," she said. "I
+don't think I apt to be suspicious, and yet the thought has come to me
+several times within the last few days, that the overseer has had every
+opportunity to abuse my poor people if he happens to be of a cruel
+disposition. And if he is ill-treating them I should like to catch him at
+it," she added, her eyes kindling, and the color deepening on her cheek.
+
+"And what would you do in that case?" her lather asked, with a slight
+smile, drawing her close to him and touching his lips to the blooming
+cheek.
+
+"Dismiss him, I suppose, papa; I don't know what else I could do to punish
+him or prevent further cruelties. I should not like to shoot him down,"
+she added, laughingly; "and I doubt if I should have strength to flog
+him."
+
+"Doubt?" laughed her father, "certainly you could not, single-handed;
+unless his politeness should lead him to refrain from any effort to defend
+himself; and I, it would seem, am not expected to have anything to do with
+the matter."
+
+A deeper blush than before now suffused Elsie's fair cheek. "Forgive me,
+dear papa," she said, laying her head on his shoulder, and fondly stroking
+his face with her pretty white hand. "Please consider yourself master
+there as truly as at the Oaks, and as you have been for years; and
+understand that your daughter means to take no important step without your
+entire approval."
+
+"No, I do not go there as master, but as your guest," he answered, half
+playfully, half tenderly.
+
+"My guest? That seems pleasant indeed, papa; and yet I want you to be
+master too. But you will at least advise me?"
+
+"To the best of my ability, my little girl."
+
+"Thank you, my dear kind father. I have another reason for wishing to
+start to-morrow. I'm growing anxious and impatient to see my birthplace
+again: and," she added low and tenderly, "mamma's grave."
+
+"Yes, we will visit it together for the first time; though I have stood
+there alone again and again, and her baby daughter used to be taken there
+frequently to scatter flowers over it and play beside it. Do you remember
+that?"
+
+"Yes, sir, as an almost forgotten dream, as I do the house and grounds and
+some of the old servants who petted and humored me."
+
+While father and daughter conversed thus together in the parlor, a dusky
+figure sat at a window in the adjoining bedroom, gazing out upon the
+moonlighted streets and watching the passers-by. But her thoughts, too,
+were straying to Viamede; fast-coming memories of earlier days, some all
+bright and joyous, others filled with the gloom and thick darkness of a
+terrible anguish, made her by turns long for and dread the arrival at her
+journey's end.
+
+A light touch on her shoulder, and she turned to find her young mistress
+at her side.
+
+"My poor old mammy, I bring you news you will be sorry to hear," said
+Elsie, seating herself upon the ample lap, and laying her arm across the
+broad shoulders.
+
+"What dat, honey?"
+
+"We start to-morrow for Viamede; papa has sent John to engage our passage
+on the steamer."
+
+"Dat all, darlin'?" queried Chloe, with a sigh of relief, "if we's got to
+go, might's well go quick an' hab it ober."
+
+"Well, I'm glad you take so sensible a view of it," remarked Elsie,
+relieved in her turn; "and I hope you will find much less pain and more
+pleasure than you expect in going back to the old home."
+
+The next morning, as Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter sat upon the deck of
+the steamer, enjoying the sunlight, the breeze, and the dancing of the
+water, having cleared their port and gotten fairly out into the gulf, a
+startling incident occurred.
+
+Chloe stood at a respectful distance, leaning over the side of the vessel,
+watching the play of the wheel and the rainbow in the spray that fell in
+showers at its every revolution. An old negro busied about the deck; drew
+near and addressed her:
+
+"Well, auntie, you watchin' dat ole wheel dar? Fust time you trable on dis
+boat, eh?"
+
+Chloe started at the sound of the voice, turned suddenly round and faced
+the speaker, her features working with emotion: one moment of earnest
+scrutiny on the part of both, and with a wild cry, "Aunt Chloe! my ole
+woman," "Uncle Joe! it can't be you," they rushed into each other's arms,
+and hung about each other's neck, weeping and sobbing like two children.
+
+"Papa! what is it?" exclaimed Elsie, greatly surprised at the little
+scene.
+
+"Her husband, no doubt: he's too old to be a son."
+
+"Oh, how glad, how glad I am!" and Elsie started to her feet, her eyes
+full of tears, and her sweet face sparkling all over with sympathetic joy.
+"Papa, I shall buy him! they must never be parted again till death comes
+between."
+
+A little crowd had already gathered about the excited couple, every one on
+deck hurrying to the spot, eager to learn the cause of the tumult of joy
+and grief into which the two seemed to have been so suddenly thrown.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore rose, and giving his arm to Elsie, led her towards the
+throng, saying in answer to her last remark, "Better act through me, then,
+daughter, or you will probably be asked two or three prices."
+
+"O papa, yes; please attend to it for me--only--only I must have him, for
+dear old mammy's sake, at whatever cost."
+
+The crowd opened to the lady and gentleman as they drew near.
+
+"My poor old mammy, what is it? whom have you found?" asked Elsie.
+
+But Chloe was speechless with a joy so deep that it wore the aspect of an
+almost heart-breaking sorrow. She could only cling with choking sobs to
+her husband's arm. "What's all this fuss, Uncle Joe?" queried the captain.
+"Let go the old darkie; what's she to you?"
+
+"My wife, sah, dat I ain't seed for twenty years, sah," replied the old
+man, trying to steady his trembling tones, obeying the order, but making
+no effort to shake off Chloe's clinging hold.
+
+"Leave him for a little now, mammy dear; you shall never be parted again,"
+whispered Elsie in her nurse's ear. "Come with me, and let papa talk to
+the captain."
+
+Chloe obeyed, silently following her young mistress to the other side of
+the deck, but ever and anon turning her head to look back with wet eyes at
+the old wrinkled black face and white beard that to her were so dear, so
+charming. His eyes were following her with a look of longing, yearning
+affection, and involuntarily he stretched out his arms towards her.
+
+"Off to your work, sir," ordered the captain, "and let's have no more of
+this nonsense."
+
+Old Joe moved away with a patient sigh.
+
+"The woman is your property, I presume, sir?" the captain remarked in a
+respectful tone, addressing Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Yes, my daughter's, which amounts to the same thing," that gentleman
+replied in a tone of indifference; then changing the subject, made some
+inquiries about the speed and safety of the boat, the length of her trips,
+etc.
+
+The captain answered pleasantly, showing pride in his vessel. Then they
+spoke of other things: the country, the crops, the weather.
+
+"Sit down, mammy," said Elsie pityingly, as they reached the settee where
+she and her father had been sitting; "you are trembling so you can
+scarcely stand."
+
+"O darlin', dat's true 'nuff, I'se mos' ready to drop," she said
+tremulously, coming down heavily upon a trunk that stood close at hand.
+"Oh, de good Lord hab bring me face to face wid my ole Uncle Joe; oh, I
+neber 'spected to see him no more in dis wicked world. But dey'll take 'im
+off again an' dis ole heart'll break," she added, with a bursting sob.
+
+"No, no, mammy, you shall have him, if money can accomplish it."
+
+"You buy 'im, darlin'? Oh, your ole mammy can neber t'ank you 'nuff!" and
+a low, happy laugh mingled with the choking sobs. "But dey'll ask heaps ob
+money."
+
+"You shall have him, let the price be what it will," was Elsie's
+assurance. "See papa is bargaining with the captain now, for they look at
+Uncle Joe as they talk."
+
+Chloe regarded them with eager interest; yes, they were looking at Uncle
+Joe, and evidently speaking of him.
+
+"By the way," Mr. Dinsmore remarked carelessly, "does Uncle Joe belong to
+you? or is he merely a hired hand?"
+
+"He's my property, sir."
+
+"Would you like to sell?"
+
+"I am not anxious; he's a good hand, faithful and honest: quite a
+religious character in fact," he concluded with a sneer; "overshoots the
+mark in prayin and psalm-singing. But do you want to buy?"
+
+"Well yes; my daughter is fond of her old mammy, and for her sake would be
+willing to give a reasonable sum. What do you ask?"
+
+"Make me an offer."
+
+"Five hundred dollars."
+
+"Five hundred? ridiculous! he's worth twice that."
+
+"I think not, he is old--not far from seventy and will soon be past work
+and only a burden and expense. My offer is a good one."
+
+"Make it seven hundred and I'll take it."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore considered a moment. "That is too high," he said at length,
+"but for the sake of making two poor creatures happy, I will give it."
+
+"Cash down?"
+
+"Yes, a check on a New Orleans bank."
+
+"Please walk down into the cabin then, sir, and we'll conclude the
+business at once."
+
+In a few moments Mr. Dinsmore returned to his daughter's side, and placing
+the receipted bill of sale in her hands, asked, "Have I given too much?"
+
+"Oh, no, papa, no indeed! I should have given a thousand without a
+moment's hesitation, if asked it--five, ten thousand, if need be, rather
+than have them parted again," she exclaimed, the bright tears shining in
+her eyes. "Mammy, my poor old mammy, Uncle Joe belongs to me now, and you
+can have him always with you as long as the Lord spares your lives."
+
+"Now bress de Lord!" cried the old woman devoutly, raising her streaming
+eyes and clasped hands to heaven; "de good Lord dat hears de prayers ob
+His chilen's cryin' to Him when dere hearts is oberwhelmed!"
+
+"Go break the news to Uncle Joe, mammy," said Elsie; "see, yonder he
+stands looking so eager and wistful."
+
+Chloe hurried to his side, spoke a few rapid words; there was another
+long, clinging, tearful embrace, and they hastened to their master and
+mistress to pour out their thanks and blessings upon them, mingled with
+praises and fervent thanksgivings to the Giver of all good.
+
+The joy and gratitude of the poor old couple were very sweet, very
+delightful to Elsie, and scarcely less so to her father.
+
+"Mammy dear, I never saw you wear so happy a face," Elsie said, as Chloe
+returned to her after an hour or two spent in close conversation with her
+newly recovered spouse.
+
+"Ah, honey, your ole mammy tinks she neber so glad in all her life!" cried
+the poor old creature, clasping her hands together in an ecstasy of joy
+and gratitude while the big tears shone in her eyes. "I'se got ole Uncle
+Joe back agin, an' he not de same, he bettah man, Christian man. He say,
+'Aunt Chloe we uns trabble de same road now, honey: young Joe proud,
+angry, swearing drinkin' boy, your Ole Joe he lub de Lord an' try to sarve
+Him wid all he might. And de Lord good Massa. De debbil berry bad one.'"
+
+"Dear mammy, I am very glad for you; I think nothing else could have made
+you so happy."
+
+Chloe, weeping again for joy, went on to tell her young mistress that
+Uncle Joe had discovered a grandchild in New Orleans, Dinah by name,
+waiting-maid in a wealthy family.
+
+"But how is that, mammy? Papa and I thought all your children died young."
+
+"No, darlin', when Massa Grayson buy me in New Orleans, an' de odder
+gentleman buy Uncle Joe, we hab little girl four years ole, an' de ole
+missus keep her," sobbed Chloe, living over again the agony of the
+parting, "an' Dinah her chile."
+
+"Mammy, if money will buy her, you shall have her, too," said Elsie
+earnestly.
+
+The remainder of the short voyage was a happy time to the whole of our
+little party, Chloe, with her restored husband by her side, now looking
+forward to the visit to Viamede with almost unmingled pleasure.
+
+As they passed up the bay, entered Teche Bayou and pressed on, threading
+their way through lake and lakelet, past plain and forest, plantation and
+swamp, Elsie exclaimed again and again at the beauty of the scenery. Cool
+shady dells carpeted with the rich growth of flowers, miles upon miles of
+lawns as smoothly shaven, as velvety green and as nobly shaded by
+magnificent oaks and magnolias, as any king's demesne; lordly villas
+peering through groves of orange trees, tall white, sugar-houses and the
+long rows of cabins of the laborers; united to form a panorama of
+surpassing loveliness.
+
+"Is Viamede as lovely as that, papa?" Elsie would ask, as they steamed
+past one fine residence after another.
+
+"Quite," he would reply with a smile, at length adding, "There is not a
+more beautiful or valuable estate in the country; as you may judge for
+yourself, for this is it."
+
+"This, papa? Oh it is lovely, lovely! and everything in such perfect
+order," she cried delightedly as they swept on past a large sugar-house
+and an immense orange orchard, whose golden fruit and glossy leaves shone
+brightly in the slanting rays of the nearly setting sun, to a lawn as
+large, as thickly carpeted with smoothly shaven grass and many-hued
+flowers, and as finely shaded with giant oaks, graceful magnolias, and
+groves of orange trees, as any they had passed. The house--a grand old
+mansion with spacious rooms, wide cool halls and corridors--was now in
+full view, now half concealed by the trees and shrubbery.
+
+The boat rounded to at a little pier opposite the dwelling, and in another
+moment our friends had landed, and leaving the servants to attend to the
+baggage were walking on towards the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTH.
+
+    "Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods?
+     Draw near them then in being merciful,
+     Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge."
+                                 --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+"Papa, it seems an earthly paradise," said Elsie, "and like a dream that I
+have seen all before."
+
+"A dream that was a reality. And it is all your own, my darling," he
+answered with a proud, fond look into the bright animated face, keenly
+enjoying her pleasure.
+
+"But what, what is going on there?" she asked, gazing intently in the
+direction of the negro quarter, where a large crowd of them, probably all
+belonging to the plantation, were assembled.
+
+At that instant something rose in the air and descended again, and a wild
+shriek, a woman's wail of agony, rent the air.
+
+Elsie flew over the ground as though she had been a winged creature, her
+father having to exert himself to keep pace with her. But the whip had
+descended again and again, another and another of those wild shrieks
+testifying to the sharpness of its sting, ere they were near enough to
+interfere.
+
+So taken up with the excitement of the revolting scene were all present,
+that the landing and the approach of our friends had not been observed
+until Elsie, nearing the edge of the crowd, called out in a voice of
+authority, and indignation, "Stop! not another blow!"
+
+The crowd parted, showing a middle-aged negress stripped to the waist and
+tied to a whipping post, writhing and sobbing with pain and terror, while
+a white man stood over her with a horse-whip in his uplifted hand, stayed
+in mid-air by the sudden appearance of those in authority over him.
+
+"How dare you! how _dare_ you!" cried Elsie, stamping her foot, and
+drawing a long, sobbing breath. "Take her down this instant."
+
+"Mr. Spriggs, what is the meaning of this?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, in tones
+of calm displeasure; "did I not forbid all cruel punishment on this
+estate?"
+
+"I've got to make 'em work; I'm bound they shall, and nothing but the
+whip'll do it with this lazy wretch," muttered Spriggs, dropping his whip
+and stepping back a little, while two stalwart fellows obeyed Elsie's
+order to take the woman down, a murmur at the same time running from lip
+to lip, "It's Marse Dinsmore, and our young missus."
+
+Elsie shuddered and wept at sight of the bleeding back and shoulders.
+"Cover her up quickly, and take her away where she can lie down and rest,"
+she said to the women who were crowding round to greet and welcome
+herself. "I will speak to you all afterwards, I'm glad to be here among
+you." Then leaning over the sufferer for an instant, with fast-dropping
+tears, "Be comforted," she said, in tones of gentle compassion, "you shall
+never have this to endure again."
+
+"Come, daughter, speak to these eager people, and let us go into the
+house," said Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Yes, papa, in one moment."
+
+Drawing herself up to her full height, and flashing one look of scorn and
+indignation out of her dark eyes upon the crest-fallen Spriggs, she
+addressed him with the air of a queen. "You, sir, will meet me in the
+library at eight o'clock this evening."
+
+Turning to the men, "Dig up that post, and split it into kindling-wood for
+the kitchen fire."
+
+Her father, while shaking hands with the blacks, speaking a kindly word to
+each, regarded her with mingled curiosity and admiration; thoroughly
+acquainted with his child as he had believed himself to be, he now saw her
+in a new character.
+
+She took his arm, and he felt that she was trembling very much. He
+supported her tenderly, while the women flocked about them, eagerly
+welcoming her to Viamede; kissing her hand, and declaring with tears in
+their eyes, that it was just their "dear dead young missus come back to
+them, like a beautiful white angel."
+
+The first who claimed her attention, introduced herself as "Aunt Phillis
+de housekeepah. An' I'se got eberyting ready for you, honey; de beds is
+aired, de fires laid in de drawin'-room, an' library, an' sleepin' rooms,
+an' de pantry full ob the nicest tings dis chile an' ole Aunt Sally know
+how to cook; an' I sent Jack right to de house to start de fires de fust
+minute dese ole eyes catch sight ob massa an' young missus, an' knows dey
+heyah."
+
+"My dear child, all this is quite too much for you," said Mr. Dinsmore,
+attempting to draw his daughter away.
+
+"Just a moment, papa, please," she answered in a slightly unsteady voice;
+"let me speak to them all." He yielded, but cut short the garrulity of
+some who would have liked to mingle reminiscences of her baby-hood with
+their rejoicing over her return, telling them they must reserve such
+communication for a more suitable time, as their young mistress was faint
+and weary, and must have rest.
+
+The appearance of Chloe and her recovered husband upon the scene, now
+created a diversion in their favor, and he presently succeeded in leading
+Elsie to the house.
+
+A young mulatto girl followed them into the drawing-room, where a bright
+wood-fire was blazing on the hearth, asking if she should take Miss
+Elsie's things.
+
+"Yes," Mr. Dinsmore said, removing his daughter's hat and shawl, and
+handing them to her.
+
+She left the room; and taking Elsie in his arms, and gently laying her
+head upon his breast, "Let the tears have their way, darling," he said,
+"it will do you good."
+
+For several minutes the tears came in floods. "Oh, papa," she sobbed, "to
+think that my people, my poor people, should be so served. It must never,
+never be again!"
+
+"No," he said, "we will find means to prevent it. There, you feel better
+now, do you not?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Papa dear, welcome, welcome to my house; the dearest guest
+that could come to it." And wiping away her tears, she lifted her loving
+eyes to his, a tender smile playing about the sweet lips.
+
+"Save one," he answered half-playfully, passing his hand caressingly over
+her hair, and bending down to press his lips on brow, and cheeks, and
+mouth. "Is not that so?"
+
+"No, my own dear father, save none," with a charming blush, but eyes
+looking steadily into his; "when he comes, it shall be as master, not
+guest. But now tell me, please, what can I do with this Spriggs? I should
+like to pay him a month's wages in advance, and start him off early
+to-morrow morning."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head gravely. "It would not do, my child. The
+sugar-making season will shortly begin; he understands the business
+thoroughly; we could not supply his place at a moment's notice, or
+probably in a number of months, and the whole crop would be lost. We must
+not be hasty or rash, but remember the Bible command, 'Let your moderation
+be known unto all men.' Nor should we allow ourselves to judge the man too
+hardly."
+
+"Too hardly, papa! too hardly, when he has shown himself so cruel! But I
+beg pardon for interrupting you."
+
+"Yes, too hardly, daughter. He is a New Englander, used to see every one
+about him working with steady, persevering industry, and the indolent,
+dawdling ways of the blacks, which we take as a matter of course, are
+exceedingly trying to him. I think he has been very faithful to your
+interests, and that probably his desire and determination to see them
+advanced to the utmost, led, more than anything else, to the act which
+seems to us so cruel."
+
+"And could he suppose that I would have blood wrung from my poor people
+that a few more dollars might find their way into my purse?" she cried in
+indignant sorrow and anger. "Oh, papa, I am not so cruel, you know I am
+not."
+
+"Yes, my darling, I know you have a very tender, loving heart."
+
+"But what shall I do with Spriggs?"
+
+"For to-night, express your sentiments and feelings on the subject as
+calmly and moderately as you can, and enjoin it upon him to act in
+accordance with them. Then we may consider at our leisure what further
+measures can be taken."
+
+"Papa, you are so much wiser and better than I," she said, with loving
+admiration, "I'm afraid if you had not been here to advise me, I should
+have sent him away at once, with never a thought of crops or anything
+except securing my people from his cruelties."
+
+"You should never allow yourself to act from mere impulse, except it be
+unquestionably a right one, and the case admitting of no time for
+deliberation. As to my superior wisdom," he added with a smile, "I have
+lived some years longer than you, and had more experience in the
+management of business matters."
+
+"I am very sorry, my darling, that the pleasure of your return to the home
+of your infancy should be so marred. But you have scarcely taken a look
+yet at even this room. What do you think of it?"
+
+She glanced about her with freshly aroused curiosity and interest. "Papa,
+it is just to my taste!"
+
+The firelight gleamed upon rare old cabinets, gems of art in painting and
+statuary, and rich, massive, well-preserved, though old-fashioned sofas,
+chairs, tables, etc. But it was already growing dark, deep shadows were
+gathering in the more distant parts of the spacious apartment, and only
+near the fire could objects be distinctly seen. Elsie was about to ring
+for lights, when Sarah, the mulatto girl, appeared, bringing them, Chloe
+following close in the rear.
+
+"Have you fires and lights in the library, the dining-room, and your
+master's rooms and mine?" inquired Elsie.
+
+"De fires is lit, Miss Elsie."
+
+"Then add the lights at once, and put them in all the principal rooms of
+the house. We will have an illumination in honor of our arrival, papa,"
+she said, in a sprightly tone, turning to him with one of her sweetest
+smiles, "and besides, I want to see the whole house now."
+
+"Are you not too much fatigued, daughter? and would it not be better to
+defer it till to-morrow?"
+
+"I don't think I'm too tired, papa; but if you forbid me----"
+
+"No, I don't forbid or even advise, if you are sure you feel equal to the
+exertion."
+
+"Thank you, sir, I think I'll be better able to sleep if I've seen at
+least the most of it; old memories are troubling me, and I want to see how
+far they are correct You will go with me?"
+
+"Certainly," he said, giving her his arm. "But while the servants are
+obeying your order in regard to the lights, let us examine these paintings
+more attentively. They will repay close scrutiny, for some of them are by
+the first masters. Your Grandfather Grayson seems to have been a man of
+cultivated taste, as well as great business talent."
+
+"Yes, papa. What is it, mammy?"
+
+"Does you want me, darlin'?"
+
+"No, not now. Go and enjoy yourself with your husband and old friends."
+
+Chloe expressed her grateful thanks, and withdrew.
+
+Elsie found the paintings and statuary a study, and had scarcely finished
+her survey of the drawing-room and its treasures of art, when Aunt Phillis
+came to ask if they would have tea served up immediately.
+
+Elsie looked at her father.
+
+"Yes," he said; "you will feel stronger after eating, and it is about our
+usual time."
+
+"Then let us have it, Aunt Phillis. How is that poor creature now?" asked
+her young mistress.
+
+"Suse, honey? oh, she'll do well 'nuff; don't do her no harm to take some
+ob de lazy blood out. Massa Spriggs not so terrible cross, Miss Elsie; but
+he bound de work git done, an' Suse she mighty powerful lazy, jes' set in
+de sun an' do nuffin' from mornin' to night, ef nobody roun' to make her
+work."
+
+"Ah, that is very bad; we must try to reform her in some way. But perhaps
+she's not well."
+
+"Dunno, missus; she's always 'plaining ob de misery in her back, an'
+misery in her head; but don't ebery one hab a misery, some kind, most
+days? an' go on workin' all de same. No, missus, Suse she powerful lazy
+ole nigga."
+
+With that Phillis retired, and shortly after, tea was announced as ready.
+
+Elsie played the part of hostess to perfection, presiding over the tea-urn
+with ease and grace, and pressing upon her father the numerous dainties
+with which the table was loaded. She seemed to have recovered her spirits,
+and as she sat there gayly chatting--of the room, which pleased her as
+entirely as the other, and of her plans for usefulness and pleasure during
+her stay, he thought he had never seen her look happier or more beautiful.
+
+"What rooms have you prepared for your mistress, Aunt Phillis?" asked Mr.
+Dinsmore, as they rose from the table.
+
+"De same whar she was born, massa, an' whar her dear bressed ma stay when
+she livin' heyah."
+
+A slight shadow stole over Elsie's bright face. "That was right," she
+said, low and softly. "I should prefer them to any others. But where are
+papa's rooms?"
+
+"Jes' across de hall, Miss Elsie."
+
+"That is a good arrangement," said Mr. Dinsmore. "Now, daughter, I think
+we should repair to the library. It is near the hour you appointed for Mr.
+Spriggs."
+
+"Just as handsome, as tastefully, appropriately, and luxuriously furnished
+as the others," was Elsie's comment on the library. "I seem to see the
+same hand everywhere."
+
+"Yes, and it is the same all over the house," replied her father. "The
+books here will delight you; for a private library it is a very fine one,
+containing many hundred volumes, as you may see at a glance; standard
+works on history, and the arts and sciences, biographies, travels, works
+of reference, the works of the best poets, novelists, etc."
+
+"Ah, how we will enjoy them while here! But it seems a sad pity they
+should have lain on those shelves unused for so many years."
+
+"Not entirely, my child; I have enjoyed them in my brief visits to the
+plantation, and have always allowed the overseer free access to them, on
+the single condition that they should be handled with care, and each
+returned promptly to its proper place when done with. But come, take this
+easy chair by this table; here are some fine engravings I want you to look
+at."
+
+Elsie obeyed, but had scarcely seated herself when the door was thrown
+open and a servant's voice announced, "Massa Spriggs, Massa Dinsmore and
+Miss Elsie."
+
+Spriggs, a tall, broad-shouldered, powerfully-built man, with dark hair
+and beard and a small, keen black eye, came forward with a bold free air
+and a "Good-even', miss, good-even', sir;" adding, as he helped himself to
+a seat without waiting for an invitation, "Well, here I am, and I s'pose
+you've somethin' to say or you wouldn't have appointed the meetin'."
+
+"Yes, Mr. Spriggs," said Elsie, folding her pretty hands in her lap and
+looking steadily and coldly into his brazen face, "I have this to say;
+that I entirely disapprove of flogging, and will have none of it on the
+estate. I hope you understand me."
+
+"That's plain English and easy understood, Miss Dinsmore, and Dinsmore,
+and of course you have a right to dictate in the matter; but I tell you
+what, these darkies o' yours are a dreadful lazy set, specially that Suse;
+and it's mighty hard for folks that's been used to seein' things done up
+spick and span and smart to put up with it."
+
+"But some amount of patience with the natural slowness of the negro is a
+necessary trait in the character of an overseer who wishes to remain in my
+employ."
+
+"Well, miss, I always calculate to do the very best I can by my employers,
+and when you come to look round the estate, I guess you'll find things in
+prime order; but I couldn't ha' done it without lettin' the darkies know
+they'd got to toe the mark right straight."
+
+"They must attend to the work, of course, and if they won't do so
+willingly, must under compulsion; but there are milder measures than this
+brutal flogging."
+
+"What do you prescribe, Miss Dinsmore?"
+
+"Deprive them of some privilege, or lock them up on bread and water for a
+few days," Elsie answered; then turned an appealing look upon her father,
+who had as yet played the part of a mere listener.
+
+"I have never allowed any flogging on my estate," he observed, addressing
+Spriggs, "and I cannot think it at all necessary."
+
+There was a moment of silence, Spriggs sitting looking into the fire, a
+half-smile playing about his lips; then turning to Elsie, "I thought,
+miss, you'd a mind this evening to dismiss me on the spot," he remarked
+inquiringly.
+
+She flushed slightly, but replied with dignity, "If you will comply with
+my directions, sir, pledging yourself never again to be so cruel, I have
+no desire to dismiss you from my service."
+
+"All right then, miss. I promise, and shall still do the best I can for
+your interests; but if they suffer because I'm forbidden to use the lash,
+please remember it's not my fault."
+
+"I am willing to take the risk," she answered, intimating with a motion of
+her hand that she considered the interview at an end; whereupon he rose
+and bowed himself out.
+
+"Now, papa, for our tour of inspection," she cried gayly, rising as she
+spoke, and ringing for a servant to carry the light. "But first please
+tell me if I was sufficiently moderate."
+
+"You did very well," he answered, smiling. "You take to the role of
+mistress much more naturally than I expected."
+
+"Yet it does seem very odd to me to be giving orders while you sit by a
+mere looker-on. But, dear papa, please remember I am still your own child,
+and ready to submit to your authority, whenever you see fit to exert it."
+
+"I know it, my darling," he said, passing an arm about her waist, as they
+stood together in front of the fire, and gazing fondly down into the sweet
+fair face.
+
+Aunt Chloe answered the bell, bringing a lamp in her hand.
+
+"That is right, mammy," Elsie said. "Now lead the way over the house."
+
+As they passed from room to room, and from one spacious hall or corridor
+to another, Elsie expressed her entire satisfaction with them and their
+appointments, and accorded to Aunt Phillis the meed of praise due her
+careful housekeeping.
+
+"And here, my darling," Mr. Dinsmore said at length, leading the way
+through a beautiful boudoir and dressing-room into an equally elegant and
+attractive bedroom beyond, "they tell me you were born, and your beloved
+mother passed from earth to heaven."
+
+"An' eberyting in de room stands jees' as dey did den, honey," said Aunt
+Chloe. And approaching the bed, her eyes swimming in tears, and laying her
+hand upon the pillow, "jes' here my precious young missus lie, wid cheeks
+'mos' as white as de linen, an' eyes so big an' bright, an' de lubly curls
+streamin' all roun', an' she say, weak an' low, 'Mammy, bring me my baby.'
+Den I put you in her arms, darlin', an' she kiss you all ober your tiny
+face, an' de tears an' sobs come fast while she say, 'Poor little baby; no
+fader no mudder to lub her! nobody but you, mammy; take her an' bring her
+up to lub de dear Lord Jesus.'"
+
+Silent tears rolled down Elsie's cheeks as she looked and listened; but
+her father drew her to his breast and kissed them away, his own eyes
+brimming, his heart too full for speech.
+
+Presently he led her back to the boudoir, and showed her the portraits of
+her maternal grandparents, and one of her mother, taken at ten or twelve
+years of age.
+
+"What a lovely little girl she was," murmured Elsie, gazing lovingly upon
+it.
+
+"Very much like what her daughter was at the same age," he answered. "But
+come, this, too, will interest you." And lifting the lid of a dainty
+work-basket, he pointed to a bit of embroidery, in which the needle was
+still sticking, as though it had been laid down by the deft fingers but a
+few moments ago.
+
+Elsie caught it up and kissed it, thinking of the touch of those dear dead
+fingers, that seemed to linger over it yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTH.
+
+                        "She was the pride
+    Of her familiar sphere, the daily joy
+    Of all who on her gracefulness might gaze,
+    And in the light and music of her way
+    Have a companion's portrait,"
+                       --WILLIS' POEMS.
+
+
+Elsie had fallen asleep thinking of the dear mother whose wealth she
+inherited, and whose place she was now filling; thinking of her as
+supremely blest, in that glorious, happy land, where sin and sorrow are
+unknown. Thinking, too, of Him, through whose shed blood she had found
+admittance there.
+
+The same sweet thoughts were still in the loving daughter's mind, as she
+woke to find the morning sun shining brightly, a fire blazing cheerily on
+the hearth, and Aunt Chloe coming in with a silver waiter filled with
+oranges prepared for eating in the manner usual in the tropics.
+
+She had gathered them the night before, taken off the peel, leaving the
+thick white skin underneath except on the top of each, where she cut it
+away from a spot about the size of a silver quarter of a dollar. She then
+placed them on a waiter, with the cut part uppermost, and set them where
+the dew would fall on them all night. Morning found them with the skin
+hard and leathery, but filled with delicious juice, which could be readily
+withdrawn from it.
+
+At that sight, a sudden memory seemed to flash upon Elsie, and starting up
+in the bed, "Mammy!" she cried, "didn't you do that very thing when I was
+a child?"
+
+"What, honey? bring de oranges in de mornin'?"
+
+"Yes, I seem to remember your coming in at that door, with just such a
+waiterful."
+
+"Yes, darlin', de folks allus eats dem 'foah breakfast. Deys jes' lubly,
+Miss Elsie; massa say so, lubly and delicious." And she brought the waiter
+to her bedside, holding it out for her young mistress to help herself.
+
+"Yes, mammy dear, they look very tempting, but I won't eat with unwashed
+hands and face," said Elsie gayly. "And so papa has stolen a march upon me
+and risen first?"
+
+"Yes, darlin', massa out on the veranda, but he say 'Let your missus sleep
+long as she will.'"
+
+"My always kind and indulgent father! Mammy, I'll take a bath; and then
+while you arrange my hair, I'll try the oranges. Go now and ask papa when
+he will have his breakfast, and tell Aunt Phillis to see that it is ready
+at the hour he names."
+
+Chloe obeyed, and an hour later Elsie met her father in the breakfast-room
+so glad, so gay, so bright, that his heart swelled with joy and pleasure
+in his child, and all fears that she had overfatigued herself vanished
+from his mind.
+
+She was full of plans for the comfort and profit of her people, but all to
+be subject to his approval "Papa dear," she said as soon as their morning
+greetings had been exchanged, "I think of sending for a physician to
+examine Suse and tell us whether there is reason for her complaints. She
+must not be forced to work if she is really ill."
+
+"I think it would be well," he replied. "There is an excellent physician
+living about three miles from here."
+
+Elsie was prompt in action by both nature and training, and instantly
+summoning a servant, despatched him at once on the proposed errand.
+
+"And now what next?" smilingly inquired her father.
+
+"Well, papa, after breakfast and prayers--how some of the old servants
+seemed to enjoy them last night--I think of going down to the quarter to
+see what may be needed there. Unless you have some other plan for me," she
+added quickly.
+
+"Suppose we first mount our horses and ride over the estate, to learn for
+ourselves whether Mr. Spriggs has been as faithful as he would have us
+believe."
+
+"Ah yes, papa; yours is always the better plan."
+
+Their ride in the clear, sweet morning air was most delightful, and both
+felt gratified with the fine appearance of the crops and the discovery
+that Spriggs' boast was no idle one; everything being in the nicest order.
+
+They took the quarter on the way to the house, and dismounting, entered
+one neatly whitewashed cabin after another, kindly inquiring into the
+condition and wants of the inmates, Elsie making notes on her tablets that
+nothing might be forgotten.
+
+Everywhere the visit was received with joy and gratitude, and an almost
+worshipful homage paid to the sweet young mistress whom they seemed to
+regard as akin to the angels: probably in a great measure because of her
+extraordinary likeness to her mother, of whom, for so many years they had
+been accustomed to think and speak as one of the heavenly host.
+
+Spriggs' victim of the previous day was in bed, complaining much of a
+misery in back and head and limbs.
+
+"De doctah hab been heyah," she said, "an' leff me dese powdahs to take,"
+drawing a tiny package from under her pillow.
+
+Elsie spoke soothingly to her; said she should have some broth from the
+house, and should be excused from work till the doctor pronounced her
+quite fit for it again; and left her apparently quite happy.
+
+It was the intention of our friends to spend some weeks at Viamede.
+
+"I want you to have every possible enjoyment while here, my darling," Mr.
+Dinsmore said, as they sat together resting after their ride, in the wide
+veranda at the front of the house, looking out over the beautiful lawn,
+the bayou, and the lovely scenery beyond. "There are pleasant neighbors
+who will doubtless call when they hear of our arrival."
+
+"I almost wish they may not hear of it then," Elsie said half laughing; "I
+just want to be left free from the claims of society for this short time,
+that I may fully enjoy being alone with my father and attending to the
+comfort of my people. But excuse me, dear papa, I fear I interrupted you."
+
+"I excuse you on condition that you are not again guilty of such a breach
+of good manners. I was going on to say there are delightful drives and
+walks in the vicinity, of which I hope we will be able to make good use;
+also, we will have a row now and then on the bayou, and many an hour of
+quiet enjoyment of the contents of the library."
+
+"Yes, papa, I hope so; I do so enjoy a nice book, especially when read
+with you. But I think that, for the present at least, I must spend a part
+of each day in attending to the preparation of winter clothing for
+house-servants and field hands."
+
+"I won't have you doing the actual work, the cutting out and sewing, I
+mean," he answered decidedly; "the head work, calculating how much
+material is needed, what it will cost, etc., may be yours; but you have
+servants enough to do all the rest."
+
+"But, papa, consider; over three hundred to clothe, and I want it all done
+while I am here to oversee."
+
+"Have not some of the house-servants been trained as seamstresses?"
+
+"Yes, sir, two of them, mammy tells me."
+
+"Very well; she knows how to run a sewing-machine. Send for one when you
+order your material; both can be had in the nearest town. Aunt Chloe can
+soon teach the girls how to manage it; Uncle Joe, too; he has had no
+regular work assigned him yet, and the four can certainly do all without
+anything more than a little oversight from you; yes, without even that."
+
+"What a capital planner you are, papa," she said brightly; "I never
+thought of getting a machine or setting Uncle Joe to running it; but I am
+sure it's just the thing to do. Mammy can cut and the girls baste, and
+among them the machine can easily be kept going from morning to night.
+I'll make out my orders and send for the things at once."
+
+"That is right, daughter; it pleases me well to note how you put in
+practice the lesson of promptness I have always tried to teach you. I will
+help you in making your estimate of quantities needed, prices to be paid,
+etc., and I think we can accomplish the whole before dinner. Come to the
+library and let us to work."
+
+"You dear, kind father, always trying to help me and smooth the least
+roughness out of my path, and make life as enjoyable to me as possible,"
+she said, laying her hand on his arm and looking up into his face with
+eyes beaming with filial love, as they rose and stood together for a
+moment.
+
+"A good daughter deserves a good father," he answered, smoothing with soft
+caressing motion the shining hair. "But have you the necessary data for
+our estimates?"
+
+"The number to be clothed, papa? I know how many house-servants, how many
+babies and older children at the quarter, but not the number of field
+hands."
+
+"That will be easily ascertained. I will send a note to Spriggs, who can
+tell us all about it."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's plans were carried out to the letter, and with entire
+success. This was Saturday; the orders were sent that afternoon, and on
+Monday morning the work began. Aunt Chloe proved fully equal to the
+cutting of the garments, and Uncle Joe an apt scholar under her patient,
+loving teaching, and a willing worker at his new employment. There was
+scarcely need of even oversight on the part of the young mistress. She
+would drop in occasionally, commend their industry, and inquire if
+anything were wanting; then felt free for books, rides or walks, music or
+conversation with her father.
+
+But she was often down at the quarter visiting the sick, the aged and
+infirm, seeing that their wants were supplied, reading the Bible to them,
+praying with them, telling of the better land where no trouble or sorrow
+can come, and trying to make the way to it, through the shed blood of
+Christ, very plain and clear. Then she would gather the children about her
+and tell them of the blessed Jesus and His love for little ones.
+
+"Does He lub niggahs, missus?" queried one grinning little wooly head.
+
+"Yes, if they love Him: and they won't be negroes in heaven."
+
+"White folks, missus? Oh, dat nice! Guess I go dar; ef dey let me in."
+
+But we are anticipating somewhat, though Elsie found time for a short
+visit to the sick and aged on the afternoon of even that first day at
+Viamede. The next was the Sabbath, and as lovely a day as could be
+desired. The horses were ordered for an early hour, and father and
+daughter rode some miles together to morning service, then home again.
+
+As the shadows began to lengthen in the afternoon, Elsie was sitting alone
+on the veranda, her father having left her side but a moment before, when
+an old negro, familiarly known as Uncle Ben, came round the corner of the
+house, and slowly approached her.
+
+Very sweet and fair, very beautiful she looked to his admiring eyes. She
+held a Bible in her hand, and was so intent upon its perusal that she was
+not aware of his coming until he had drawn quite near. Ascending the
+steps, and standing at a respectful distance, hat in hand, he waited till
+she should notice and address him.
+
+Glancing up from her book, "Ah, Uncle Ben, good evening," she said. "What
+can I do for you?"
+
+"Missus," he answered, making a low salam, "all de darkies is gadered
+togedder under a tree 'round de house yondah, and dey 'pint me committee
+to come an' ax de young missus would she be so kind for to come an' read
+the Bible to dem, an' talk, an' pray, an' sing like she do for de sick
+ones down to de quarter? Dey be berry glad, missus, an' more dan obliged."
+
+"Indeed I will, uncle," Elsie said, rising at once and going with him,
+Bible in hand; "I had been thinking of doing this very thing."
+
+She found a rustic seat placed for her under a giant oak, and garlanded
+with fragrant flowers. Aunt Phillis, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, and the rest
+of the house-servants, gathered in a semicircle around it, while beyond,
+the men, women, and children from the quarter sat or lay upon the grass,
+enjoying the rest from the toils of the week, the quiet, the balmy air
+laden with the fragrance of the magnolia and orange, and all the sweet
+sights and sounds of rural life in that favored region.
+
+Every one rose at the appearance of their young mistress, and there were
+murmurs of delight and gratitude coming from all sides. "Now bress de
+Lord, she read the good book for us." "She good an' lubly as de angels."
+"Missus berry kind, de darkies neber forget."
+
+Elsie acknowledged it all with a smile and a few kindly words, then
+commanding silence by a slight motion of the hand, addressed them in a
+clear, melodious voice, which, though not loud, could be distinctly heard
+by every one of the now almost breathless listeners.
+
+"I shall read to you of Jesus and some of His own words," she said, "but
+first we will ask Him to help us to understand, to love, and to obey His
+teachings."
+
+Then folding her hands and lifting her eyes to the clear blue sky above,
+she led them in a prayer so simple and childlike, so filial and loving in
+spirit and expression, that the dullest understood it, and felt that she
+spoke to One who was very near and dear to her.
+
+After that she read with the same distinct utterance the third chapter of
+John's Gospel, and commented briefly upon it. "You all want to go to
+heaven?" she said, closing the book.
+
+"Yes, Miss Elsie." "Yes missus, we all does."
+
+"But to be able to go there you must know the way, and now I want to make
+sure you do know it. Can you tell me what you must do to be saved?"
+
+There were various answers. "Be good," "Mine de rules an' do 'bout right."
+"Pray to de Lord," etc., etc.
+
+Elsie shook her head gravely. "All that you must do, and more besides.
+What does Jesus say? 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only
+begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
+everlasting life.' We must believe _in_ Jesus--believe all that the Bible
+tells us about Him, that He was very God and very man, that He came down
+from heaven, was born a little babe and laid in a manger, that He grew up
+to be a man, went about doing good, and at last suffered and died the
+cruel death of the cross; and all to save poor lost sinners.
+
+"But even that is not enough: the devils believe so much; they know it is
+all true. But beside this, we must believe _on_ Christ Jesus. He offers to
+be our Saviour. 'Come unto Me ... and I will give you rest.' 'Him that
+cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out,' And you must come, you must
+take the eternal life He offers you; you must rest on Him and Him only.
+
+"Suppose you were out on the bayou yonder, and the boat should upset and
+float beyond your reach, or be swept away from you by the wind and waves,
+and you couldn't swim; but just as you are sinking, you find a plank
+floating near; you catch hold of it, you find it strong and large enough
+to bear your weight, and you throw yourself upon it and cling to it for
+life. Just so you must cast yourself on Jesus, and cling to Him with all
+your strength: and He will save you; for He is able and willing 'to save
+to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.'
+
+"He will wash away your sins in His own precious blood, and dress you in
+the beautiful robe of His perfect righteousness; that is, set His goodness
+to your account, so that you will be saved just as if you had been as good
+and holy as He was. Then you will love Him and try to do right to please
+Him; not to buy heaven; you cannot do that, for 'all our righteousnesses
+are as filthy rags,' and we cannot be saved unless we trust only in Jesus
+and His righteousness."
+
+Something in the faces before her caused Elsie to turn her head. Her
+father stood with grave, quiet air, but a few feet from her.
+
+"Papa," she said, in an undertone, and blushing slightly, "I did not know
+you were here. Will you not speak to them? you can do it so much better
+than I."
+
+She sat down, and stepping to her side he made a brief and simply worded
+address on the necessity of repentance and faith in Jesus, "the only
+Saviour of sinners," His willingness to save _all_ who come to Him, and
+the great danger of delay in coming. Then with a short prayer and the
+singing of a hymn, they were dismissed.
+
+With murmured thanks and many a backward look of admiring love at their
+already almost idolized young mistress, and her father, who had won their
+thorough respect and affection years ago, they scattered to their homes.
+
+"You must have a shawl and hat, for the air begins to grow cool," said Mr.
+Dinsmore to his daughter.
+
+"Yes, massa, I'se brought dem," said Chloe, hurrying up almost out of
+breath, with the required articles in her hand.
+
+"Thank you, mammy, you are always careful of your nursling;" Elsie said,
+smilingly, as the shawl was wrapped carefully about her shoulders and the
+hat placed upon her head.
+
+Her father drew her hand within his arm and led her across the lawn.
+
+"There is one spot, very dear to us both, which we have not yet visited,"
+he said, low and feelingly, "and I have rather wondered at your delay in
+asking me to take you there."
+
+She understood him. "Yes, sir," she said, "I should have done so last
+evening, but that you looked weary. It has hardly been out of my mind
+since we came, and I have only waited for a suitable time."
+
+"None could be better than the present," he answered.
+
+On a gently sloping hillside, and beneath the shade of a beautiful
+magnolia, they found what they sought: a grave, with a headstone on which
+was carved the inscription:
+
+            "Fell asleep in Jesus,
+                March 15, 18--,
+         ELSIE, WIFE OF HORACE DINSMORE,
+           and only remaining child of
+           WILLIAM AND ELSPETH GRAYSON,
+            Aged 16 years, and 2 weeks.
+    'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'"
+
+They read it standing side by side.
+
+"How young," murmured the daughter, tears filling her eyes, "how young to
+be a wife, a mother, and to die and leave husband and child! Oh, papa, how
+I used to long for her, and dream of her--my own precious mamma!"
+
+"When, my darling?" he asked in moved tones, drawing her tenderly to him
+and passing an arm about her waist.
+
+"Before I knew you, papa, and before you began to love me so dearly and be
+father and mother both, to me, as you have been for so many years," The
+low, sweet voice was tremulous with emotion, and the soft eyes lifted to
+his were brimming over with tears of mingled grief and joy, gratitude and
+love.
+
+
+"I have tried to be," he said; "but no one could supply her place. What a
+loving, tender mother she would have been! But let us forget our loss in
+the bliss of knowing that it is so well with her."
+
+It was a family burying-ground; there were other graves; those of our
+Elsie's grandparents, and several of their sons and daughters who had died
+in infancy or early youth; and in the midst uprose a costly monument,
+placed there by Mr. Grayson after the death of his wife. The spot showed
+the same care as the rest of the estate, and was lovely with roses and
+other sweet flowers and shrubs.
+
+"My mother's grave!" said Elsie, bending over it again. "Papa, let us
+kneel down beside it and pray that we may meet her in heaven."
+
+He at once complied with the request, giving thanks for the quiet rest of
+her who slept in Jesus, and asking that, when each of them had done and
+suffered all God's holy will here on earth, they might be reunited to her
+above, and join in her glad song of praise to redeeming love.
+
+Elsie joined fervently in the "Amen," and rising, they lingered a moment
+longer, then wended their way in sweet and solemn silence to the house.
+
+They sat together in the library after tea, each occupied with a book. But
+Elsie seemed little interested in hers, looking off the page now and then,
+as if in deep and troubled thought. At length closing it, she stole round
+to the side of her father's easy chair, and taking possession of a
+footstool, laid her head on his knee.
+
+"I have my little girl again to-night," he said, passing his hand
+caressingly over her hair and cheek.
+
+"I almost wish it was, papa."
+
+"Why? is anything troubling you, dearest?" And he pushed his book aside,
+ready to give his whole attention to her.
+
+"I am anxious about my poor people, papa; they are so ignorant of the
+truths necessary to salvation; and what can I teach them in three or four
+weeks? I have almost decided that I ought--that I must stay as many
+months."
+
+"And that without even consulting your father? much less considering his
+permission necessary to your action?" Though the words seemed to convey
+reproach, if not reproof, his tone was gentle and tender.
+
+"No, no, papa! I must cease to think it my duty if you forbid it."
+
+"As I do most positively, _I_ cannot stay, and I should never think for a
+moment of leaving you here!"
+
+"But, papa, how then am I to do my duty by these poor ignorant creatures?
+how can I let them perish for lack of knowledge whom Christ has put into
+my care?"
+
+"Procure a chaplain, who shall hold regular services for them every
+Sabbath, and do pastoral work among them through the week. You will not
+grudge him his salary."
+
+"Papa, what an excellent idea! Grudge him his salary? No, indeed; if I can
+get the right man to fill the place, he shall have a liberal one. And then
+he will be a check upon Mr. Spriggs, and inform me if the people are
+abused. But how shall I find him?"
+
+"What do you do when in want of something you do not know exactly how to
+procure?"
+
+"Pray for direction and help," she answered, low and reverently.
+
+"We will both do that, asking that the right man may be sent us; and I
+will write to-morrow to some of the presidents of the theological
+seminaries, asking them to recommend some one suited for the place."
+
+"Papa," she cried, lifting a very bright face to his, "what a load you
+have taken from my mind."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTH.
+
+    "A mighty pain to love it is
+     And 'tis a pain that pain to miss;
+     But of all pains, the greatest pain
+     It is to love, but love in vain."
+                             --COWLEY.
+
+
+One lovely afternoon in the second week of their stay at Viamede, Mr.
+Dinsmore and his daughter were seated in the shade of the trees on the
+lawn, she busied with some fancy-work while her father read aloud to her.
+
+As he paused to turn a leaf, "Papa," she said, glancing off down the
+bayou, "there is a steamer coming, the same that brought us, I think; and
+see, it is rounding to at our landing. Can it be bringing us a guest?"
+
+"Yes, a gentleman is stepping ashore. Why, daughter, it is Harold
+Allison."
+
+"Harold! oh, how delightful!" And rising they hastened to meet and welcome
+him with truly Southern warmth of hospitality.
+
+"Harold! how good of you!" cried Elsie. "Mamma wrote us that you were
+somewhere in this region, and if I'd had your address, I should have sent
+you an invitation to come and stay as long as possible."
+
+"And you have done well and kindly by us to come without waiting for
+that," Mr. Dinsmore said, shaking the hand of his young brother-in-law
+with a warmth of cordiality that said more than his words.
+
+"Many thanks to you both," he answered gayly. "I was conceited enough to
+feel sure of a welcome, and did not wait, as a more modest fellow might,
+to be invited. But what a lovely place! a paradise upon earth! And, Elsie,
+you, in those dainty white robes, look the fit presiding genius."
+
+Elsie laughed and shook her head. "Don't turn flatterer, Harold; though I
+do not object to praise of Viamede."
+
+"I have not heard from Rose in a long time," he said, addressing Mr.
+Dinsmore. "She and the little folks are well, I hope?"
+
+"I had a letter this morning, and they were all in good health when it was
+written."
+
+The servants had come trooping down from the house, and seizing Harold's
+baggage had it all ready in the guest-chamber to which Aunt Phillis
+ordered it. Aunt Chloe now drew near to pay her respects to "Massa
+Harold," and tell him that his room was ready.
+
+"Will you go to it at once? or sit down here and have a little chat with
+papa and me first?" asked Elsie.
+
+"Thank you; I think I shall defer the pleasure of the chat till I have
+first made myself presentable for the evening."
+
+"Then let me conduct you to your room," said Mr. Dinsmore, leading the way
+to the house.
+
+Elsie had come in the course of years to look upon the older brothers of
+her stepmother as in some sort her uncles, but for Harold, who was so much
+nearer her own age, she entertained a sincere sisterly regard. And he was
+worthy of it and of the warm place his many noble qualities had won for
+him in Mr. Dinsmore's heart.
+
+They did all they could to make his visit to Viamede a pleasant one; there
+were daily rides and walks, moonlight and early morning excursions on the
+bayou, rowing parties; oftenest of the three alone, but sometimes in
+company with gallant chivalrous men and refined, cultivated women and
+charming young girls from the neighboring plantations.
+
+One of these last, a beautiful brunette, Elsie had selected in her own
+mind for Harold, and she contrived to throw them together frequently.
+
+"Don't you admire Miss Durand?" she asked, after they had met several
+times. "I think she is lovely; as good, too, as she is beautiful; and
+would make you a charming wife."
+
+He flushed hotly. "She is very handsome, very fascinating and talented,"
+he said; "but would never suit me. Nor do I suppose I could win her if I
+wished."
+
+"Indeed! if you are so hard to please, I fear there will be nothing for
+you but old bachelorhood," laughed Elsie. "I have picked her out for you,
+and I believe you could win her if you tried, Harold; but I shall not try
+to become a match-maker."
+
+"No, I must select for myself; I couldn't let even you choose for me."
+
+"Choose what?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, stepping out upon the veranda, where
+Harold stood leaning against a vine-wreathed pillar, his blue eyes fixed
+with a sort of wistful, longing look upon Elsie's graceful figure and fair
+face, as she sat in a half-reclining posture on a low couch but a few
+feet from him.
+
+"A wife," he answered, compelling himself to speak lightly.
+
+"Don't let her do it," said Mr. Dinsmore, taking a seat by his daughter's
+side; "I've warned her more than once not to meddle with match-making."
+And he shook his head at her with mock gravity.
+
+"I won't any more, papa; I'll leave him to his own devices, since he shows
+himself so ungrateful for my interest in his welfare," Elsie said, looking
+first at her father and then at Harold with a merry twinkle in her eye.
+
+"I don't think I've asked how you like your new home and prospects,
+Harold," said Mr. Dinsmore, changing the subject.
+
+"Very much, thank you; except that they take me so far from the rest of
+the family."
+
+A few months before this Harold had met with a piece of rare good fortune,
+looked at from a worldly point of view, in being adopted as his sole heir
+by a rich and childless Louisiana planter, a distant relative of Mrs.
+Allison.
+
+"Ah, that is an objection," returned Mr. Dinsmore; "but you will be
+forming new and closer ties, that will doubtless go far to compensate for
+the partial loss of the old. I hope you are enjoying yourself here?"
+
+"I am indeed, thank you." This answer was true, yet Harold felt himself
+flush as he spoke, for there was one serious drawback upon his felicity;
+he could seldom get a word alone with Elsie; she and her father were so
+inseparable that he scarcely saw the one without the other. And Harold
+strongly coveted an occasional monopoly of the sweet girl's society. He
+had come to Viamede with a purpose entirely unsuspected by her or her
+apparently vigilant guardian.
+
+He should perhaps, have confided his secret to Mr. Dinsmore first, but his
+heart failed him; and "what would be the use?" he asked himself, "if Elsie
+is not willing? Ah, if I could but be alone with her for an hour!"
+
+The coveted opportunity offered itself at last, quite unexpectedly. Coming
+out upon the veranda one afternoon, he saw Elsie sitting alone under a
+tree far down on the lawn. He hastened towards her.
+
+"I am glad to see you," she said, looking up with a smile and making room
+for him on the seat by her side. "You see I am 'lone and lorn,' Mr. Durand
+having carried off papa to look at some new improvement in his sugar-house
+machinery."
+
+"Ah! and when will your father return?"
+
+"In about an hour, I presume. Shall you attend Aunt Adie's wedding?" she
+asked.
+
+"Yes, I think so. Don't you sometimes feel as if you'd like to stay here
+altogether?"
+
+"Yes, and no; it's very lovely, and the more charming I believe, because
+it is my own; but--there is so much more to bind me to the Oaks, and I
+could never live far away from papa."
+
+"Couldn't you? I hoped---- Oh, Elsie, couldn't you possibly love some one
+else better even than you love him? You're more to me than father, mother,
+and all the world beside. I have wanted to tell you so for years, but
+while I was comparatively poor your fortune sealed my lips. Now I am rich,
+and I lay all I have at your feet; myself included; and----"
+
+"Oh, Harold, hush!" she cried in trembling tones, flushing and paling by
+turns, and putting up her hand as if to stop the torrent of words he was
+pouring forth so unexpectedly that astonishment had struck her dumb for an
+instant; "oh! don't say any more, I--I thought you surely knew that--that
+I am already engaged."
+
+"No. To whom?" he asked hoarsely, his face pale as death, and lips
+quivering so that he could scarcely speak.
+
+"To Mr. Travilla. It has been only for a few weeks, though we have loved
+each other for years. Oh, Harold, Harold, do not look so wretched! you
+break my heart, for I love you as a very dear brother."
+
+He turned away with a groan, and without another word hastened back to the
+house, while Elsie, covering her face with her hands, shed some very
+bitter tears.
+
+Heart-broken, stunned, feeling as if every good thing in life had suddenly
+slipped from his grasp, Harold sought his room, mechanically gathered up
+his few effects, packed them into his valise, then sat down by the open
+window and leant his head upon his hand.
+
+He couldn't think, he could only feel that all was lost, and that he must
+go away at once, if he would not have everybody know it, and make the idol
+of his heart miserable with the sight of his wretchedness.
+
+Why had he not known of her engagement? Why had no one told him? Why had
+he been such a fool as to suppose he could win so great a prize? He was
+not worthy of her. How plainly he saw it now, how sorely repented of the
+conceit that had led him on to the avowal of his passion.
+
+He had a vague recollection that a boat was to pass that afternoon. He
+would take passage in that, and he hoped Mr. Dinsmore's return might be
+delayed till he was gone. He would away without another word to Elsie; she
+should not be disturbed by any further unmanly manifestation of his bitter
+grief and despair.
+
+The hour of the passing of the boat drew near, and valise in hand, he left
+his room and passed down the stairs. But Elsie was coming in from the
+lawn, and they met in the lower hall.
+
+"Harold," she cried, "you are not going? You must not leave us so
+suddenly."
+
+"I must," he said in icy tones, the stony eyes gazing into vacancy; "all
+places are alike to me now, and I cannot stay here to trouble you and
+Horace with the sight of a wretchedness I cannot hide."
+
+Trembling so that she could scarcely stand, Elsie leaned against the wall
+for support, the hot tears coursing down her cheeks. "Oh, Harold!" she
+sobbed, "what an unhappy creature I am to have been the cause of such
+sorrow to you! Oh why should you ever have thought of me so?"
+
+Dropping his valise, his whole manner changing, he turned to her with
+passionate vehemence. "Because I couldn't help it! Even as a boy I gave up
+my whole heart to you, and I cannot call it back. Oh, Elsie, why did I
+ever see you?" and he seized both her hands in a grasp that almost forced
+a cry of pain from her white, quivering lips. "Life is worthless without
+you. I'd rather die knowing that you loved me than live to see you in the
+possession of another."
+
+"Harold, Harold, a sister's love I can, I do give you; and can you not be
+content with that?"
+
+"A sister's love!" he repeated scornfully. "Offer a cup with a drop of
+water in it, to a man perishing, dying with thirst. Yes, I'm going away, I
+care not whither; all places are alike to him who has lost all interest in
+life."
+
+He threw her hands from him almost with violence, half turned away, then
+suddenly catching her in his arms, held her close to his heart, kissing
+passionately, forehead, cheek, and lips. "Oh, Elsie, Elsie, light of my
+eyes, core of my heart, why did we ever meet to part like this? I don't
+blame you. I have been a fool. Good-bye, darling." And releasing her, he
+was gone ere she could recover breath to speak. It had all been so sudden
+she had had no power, perhaps no will, to resist, so sore was the tender,
+loving heart for him.
+
+He was barely in time to hail the boat as it passed, and at the instant he
+was about to step aboard, Mr. Dinsmore rode up, and springing from the
+saddle, throwing the reins to his servant, cried out in astonishment,
+"Harold! you are not leaving us? Come, come, what has happened to hurry
+you away? Must you go?"
+
+"Yes, I must," he answered with half-averted face. "Don't call me a
+scoundrel for making such a return for your hospitality. I couldn't help
+it. Good-bye. Try to forget that I've been here at all; for Rose's sake,
+you know."
+
+He sprang into the boat; it pushed off, and was presently lost to sight
+among the trees shading the bayou on either hand.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore stood for a moment as if spellbound; then turned and walked
+thoughtfully towards the house. "What did it all mean?" he asked himself;
+"of what unkind return of his or Elsie's hospitality could the lad have
+been guilty? Elsie! ha! can it be possible?" and quickened his pace,
+glancing from side to side in search of her as he hurried on.
+
+Entering the hall, the sound of a half-smothered sob guided him to a
+little parlor or reception-room seldom used. Softly he opened the door.
+She was there half-reclining upon a sofa, her face buried in the cushions.
+In a moment he had her in his arms, the weary, aching head on his breast,
+while he tenderly wiped away the fast-falling tears.
+
+"My poor darling, my poor little pet, don't take it so to heart. It is
+nothing; he will probably get over it before he is a month older."
+
+"Papa, is it my fault? did I give him undue encouragement? am I a
+coquette?" she sobbed.
+
+"Far from it! did he dare to call you that?"
+
+"No, no, oh, no; he said he did not blame me; it was all his own folly."
+
+"Ah! I think the better of him for that; though 'twas no more than just."
+
+"I thought he knew of my engagement."
+
+"So did I. And the absurdity of the thing! Such a mixture of relationships
+as it would have been! I should never have entertained the thought for a
+moment. And he ought to have spoken to me first, and spared you all this.
+No, you needn't fret; he deserves all he suffers, for what he has
+inflicted upon you, my precious one."
+
+"I hardly think that, papa; he was very generous to take all the blame to
+himself; but oh, you have eased my heart of half its load. What should I
+ever do without you, my own dear, dear father!"
+
+The pleasure of our friends, during the rest of their stay at Viamede, was
+somewhat dampened by this unfortunate episode, though Elsie, for her
+father's sake, did her best to rally from its effect on her spirits, and
+to be cheerful and gay as before.
+
+Long, bright, loving letters from home, and Ion coming the next day, were
+a great help. Then the next day brought a chaplain, who seemed in all
+respects so well suited to his place as to entirely relieve her mind in
+regard to the future welfare of her people. He entered into all her plans
+for them, and promised to carry them out to the best of his ability.
+
+So it was with a light heart, though not without some lingering regrets
+for the sad ones and the loveliness left behind, that she and her father
+set out on their homeward way.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's man John, Aunt Chloe, and Uncle Joe, went with them; and it
+was a continual feast for master and mistress to see the happiness of the
+poor old couple, especially when their grandchild Dinah, their only living
+descendant so far as they could learn, was added to the party; Elsie
+purchasing her, according to promise, as they passed through New Orleans
+on their return trip.
+
+Dinah was very grateful to find herself installed as assistant to her
+grandmother, who, Elsie said, must begin to take life more easily now in
+her old age. Yet that Aunt Chloe found it hard to do, for she was very
+jealous of having any hands but her own busied about the person of her
+idolized young mistress.
+
+A glad welcome awaited them at home, where they arrived in due season for
+Adelaide's wedding.
+
+Sophie and Harry Carrington had returned from their wedding trip, and were
+making their home with his parents, at Ashlands; Richard, Fred, and May
+Allison, came with their brother Edward; but Harold, who was to meet them
+at Roselands, was not there. He had engaged to act as second groomsman,
+Richard being first, and there was much wondering over his absence; many
+regrets were expressed, and some anxiety was felt.
+
+But Elsie and her father kept their own counsel, and breathed no word of
+the episode at Viamede, which would have explained all.
+
+Harold's coming was still hoped for by the others until the last moment,
+when Fred took his place, and the ceremony passed off as satisfactorily as
+if there had been no failure on the part of any expected, to participate
+in it.
+
+It took place in the drawing-room at Roselands, in presence of a crowd of
+aristocratic guests, and was considered a very grand affair. A round of
+parties followed for the next two weeks, and then the happy pair set sail
+for Europe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINTH.
+
+    "My plots fall short, like darts which rash hands throw
+     With an ill aim, and have too far to go."
+                                       --SIR ROBERT HOWARD.
+
+
+"I'm so glad it's all over at last!"
+
+"What, my little friend?" and Mr. Travilla looked fondly into the sweet
+face so bright and happy, where the beauties of rare intellect and moral
+worth were as conspicuous as the lesser ones of exquisite contour and
+coloring.
+
+"The wedding and all the accompanying round of dissipation. Now I hope we
+can settle down to quiet home pleasures for the rest of the winter."
+
+"So do I, and that I shall see twice as much of you as I have of late. You
+can have no idea how I missed you while you were absent. And I am more
+than half envious of our bride and groom. Shall our trip be to Europe,
+Elsie?"
+
+"Are we to take a trip?" she asked with an arch smile.
+
+"That will be as you wish, dearest, of course."
+
+"I don't wish it now, nor do you, I know; but we shall have time enough to
+settle all such questions."
+
+"Plenty; I only wish we had not so much. Yet I don't mean to grumble; the
+months will soon slip away and bring the time when I may claim my prize."
+
+They were riding towards the Oaks; the sun had just set, and the moon was
+still below the horizon.
+
+Elsie suddenly reined in her horse, Mr. Travilla instantly doing likewise,
+and turned a pale, agitated face upon him. "Did you hear that?" she asked
+low and tremulously.
+
+"What, dear child? I heard nothing but the sound of our horses' hoofs, the
+sighing of the wind in the tree-tops, and our own voices."
+
+"I heard another; a muttered oath and the words, 'You shall never win her.
+I'll see to that.' The tones were not loud but deep, and the wind seemed
+to carry the sounds directly to my ear," she whispered, laying a trembling
+little hand on his arm, and glancing nervously from side to side.
+
+"A trick of the imagination, I think, dearest; but from whence did the
+sounds seem to come?"
+
+"From yonder thicket of evergreens and--I knew the voice for that of your
+deadly foe, the man from whom you and papa rescued me in Landsdale."
+
+"My child, he is expiating his crime in a Pennsylvania penitentiary."
+
+"But may he not have escaped, or have been pardoned out? Don't, oh don't,
+I entreat you!" she cried, as he turned his horse's head in the direction
+of the thicket. "You will be killed."
+
+"I am armed, and a dead shot," he answered, taking a revolver from his
+breast pocket.
+
+"But he is in ambush, and can shoot you down before you can see to aim at
+him."
+
+"You are right, if there is really an enemy concealed there," he
+answered, returning the revolver to its former resting-place; "but I feel
+confident that it was either a trick of the imagination with you, or that
+some one is playing a practical joke upon us. So set your tears at rest,
+dear child, and let us hasten on our way."
+
+Elsie yielded to his better judgment, trying to believe it nothing worse
+than a practical joke; but had much ado to quiet her agitated nerves and
+recover her composure before a brisk canter brought them to the Oaks, and
+she must meet her father's keen eye.
+
+They found Arthur in the drawing-room, chatting with Rose. He rose with a
+bland, "Good-evening," and gallantly handed Elsie to a seat. Arthur was a
+good deal changed since his recall from college; and in nothing more than
+in his manner to Elsie; he was now always polite; often cordial even when
+alone with her. He was not thoroughly reformed, but had ceased to gamble
+and seldom drank to intoxication.
+
+"Thank you; but indeed I must go at once and dress for tea," Elsie said,
+consulting her watch. "You are not going yet?"
+
+"No, he will stay to tea," said Rose.
+
+"But must go soon after, as I have an engagement," added Arthur.
+
+Elsie met her father in the hall. "Ah, you are at home again," he remarked
+with a pleased look; "that is well; I was beginning to think you were
+making it very late."
+
+"But you are not uneasy when I am in such good hands, papa?"
+
+"No, not exactly; but like better to take care of you myself."
+
+The clock was just striking eight as Arthur mounted and rode away from his
+brother's door. It was not a dark night, or yet very light; for though the
+moon had risen, dark clouds were scudding across the sky, allowing but an
+occasional glimpse of her face, and casting deep shadows over the
+landscape.
+
+In the partial obscurity of one of these, and only a few rods ahead of
+him, when about half-way between the Oaks and Roselands, Arthur thought he
+discovered the figure of a man standing by the roadside, apparently
+waiting to halt him as he passed.
+
+"Ha! you'll not take me by surprise, my fine fellow, whoever you may be,"
+muttered Arthur between his set teeth, drawing out a revolver and cocking
+it, "Halloo there! Who are you; and what d'ye want?" he called, as his
+horse brought him nearly opposite the suspicious looking object.
+
+"Your money or your life, Dinsmore," returned the other with a coarse
+laugh. "Don't pretend not to know me, old chap."
+
+"You!" exclaimed Arthur, with an oath, but half under his breath. "I
+thought you were safe in----"
+
+"State prison, eh? Well, so I was, but they've pardoned me out. I was a
+reformed character, you see; and then my vote was wanted at the last
+election, ha! ha! And so I've come down to see how my old friends are
+getting along."
+
+"Friends! don't count me among them!" returned Arthur, hastily;
+"jail-birds are no mates for me."
+
+"No, I understand that, the disgrace is in being caught. But you'd as well
+keep a civil tongue in your head; for if you're covering me with a
+revolver, I'm doing the same by you."
+
+"I'm not afraid of you, Tom," answered Arthur, with a scornful laugh, "but
+I'm in a hurry; so be good enough to move out of the way and let me pass."
+For the other had now planted himself in the middle of the road, and laid
+a heavy hand upon the horse's bridle-rein.
+
+"When I've said my say; no sooner. So that pretty niece of yours, my
+former fiancée, is engaged to Travilla? the man whom, of all others, I
+hate with a hatred bitterer than death. I would set my heel upon his head
+and grind it into the earth as I would the head of a venomous reptile."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"I overheard some o' their sweet talk as they rode by here not two hours
+ago. He robbed me of her that he might snatch the prize himself; I saw his
+game at the time. But he shall never get her," he concluded, grinding his
+teeth with rage.
+
+"Pray, how do you propose to prevent it?"
+
+"I'll call him out."
+
+Arthur's laugh rang out mockingly upon the still night air. "Southern
+gentlemen accept a challenge only from gentlemen; and as for Travilla,
+besides being a dead shot, he's too pious to fight a duel, even with his
+own class."
+
+"He'll meet me in fair fight, or I'll shoot him down, like a dog, in his
+tracks." The words, spoken in low tone, of concentrated fury, were
+accompanied with a volley of horrible oaths.
+
+"You'd better not try it!" said Arthur; "you'd be lynched and hung on the
+nearest tree within an hour."
+
+"They'd have to catch me first."
+
+"And they would, they'd set their bloodhounds on your track, and there'd
+be no escape. As to the lady having been your fiancée--she never was; she
+would not engage herself without my brother's consent, which you were not
+able to obtain. And now you'd better take yourself off out of this
+neighborhood, after such threats as you've made!"
+
+"That means you intend to turn informer, eh?"
+
+"It means nothing of the kind, unless I'm called up as a witness in court;
+but you can't prowl about here long without being seen and arrested as a
+suspicious character, an abolitionist, or some other sort of
+scoundrel--which last you know you are," Arthur could not help adding in a
+parenthesis. "So take my advice, and retreat while you can. Now out o' the
+way, if you please, and let me pass."
+
+Jackson sullenly stood aside, letting go the rein, and Arthur galloped
+off.
+
+In the meantime, the older members of the family at the Oaks were quietly
+enjoying themselves in the library, where bright lights, and a cheerful
+wood-fire snapping and crackling on the hearth, added to the sense of
+comfort imparted by handsome furniture, books, painting, statuary, rich
+carpet, soft couches, and easy chairs.
+
+The children had been sent to bed. Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore sat by the centre
+table, the one busy with the evening paper, the other sewing, but now and
+then casting a furtive glance at a distant sofa, where Mr. Travilla and
+Elsie were seated side by side, conversing in an undertone.
+
+"This is comfort, having you to myself again," he was saying, as he
+watched admiringly the delicate fingers busied with a crochet needle,
+forming bright meshes of scarlet zephyr. "How I missed you when you were
+gone! and yet, do you know, I cannot altogether regret the short
+separation, since otherwise I should have missed my precious budget of
+letters."
+
+"Ah," she said, lifting her merry brown eyes to his face for an instant,
+then dropping them again, with a charming smile and blush, "do you think
+that an original idea, or rather that it is original only with yourself?"
+
+"And you are glad to have mine? though not nearly so sweet and fresh as
+yours." How glad he looked as he spoke.
+
+"Ah!" she answered archly, "I'll not tell you what I have done with them,
+lest you grow conceited. But I have a confession to make," and she laughed
+lightly. "Will you absolve me beforehand?"
+
+"Yes, if you are penitent, and promise to offend no more. What is it?"
+
+"I see I have aroused your curiosity, I shall not keep you in suspense. I
+am corresponding with a young gentleman. Here is a letter from him,
+received to-day;" drawing it from her pocket as she spoke, she put it into
+his hand.
+
+"I have no wish to examine it," he said gravely, laying it on her lap. "I
+can trust you fully, Elsie."
+
+"But I should like you to read it; 'tis from Mr. Mason, my chaplain at
+Viamede, and gives a lengthy, and very interesting account of the
+Christmas doings there."
+
+"Which I should much prefer to hear from your lips, my little friend."
+
+"Ah, read it, please; read it aloud to me; I shall then enjoy it as much
+as I did the first time; and you will learn how truly good and pious Mr.
+Mason is, far better than from my telling. Not that he talks of himself,
+but you perceive it from what he says of others."
+
+He complied with her request, reading in the undertone in which they had
+been talking.
+
+"A very well written and interesting letter," he remarked, as he refolded
+and returned it. "Yes, I should judge from it that he is the right man in
+the right place. I presume the selection of gifts so satisfactory to all
+parties must have been yours?"
+
+"Yes, sir; being with them, I was able to ascertain their wants and
+wishes, by questioning one in regard to another. Then I made out the list,
+and left Mr. Mason to do the purchasing for me. I think I can trust him
+again, and it is a great relief to my mind to have some one there to
+attend to the welfare of their souls and bodies."
+
+"Have you gotten over your fright of this evening?" he inquired tenderly,
+bending towards her, and speaking lower than before.
+
+"Almost if--if you have not to return to Ion to-night. Must you, really?"
+
+"Yes; mother would be alarmed by my absence; and she seldom retires till I
+am there to bid her good-night."
+
+"Then promise me to avoid that thicket," she pleaded anxiously.
+
+"I cannot think there is any real danger," he said, with a reassuring
+smile, "but I shall take the other road; 'tis but a mile further round,
+and it would pay me to travel fifty to spare you a moment's anxiety,
+dearest."
+
+She looked her thanks.
+
+He left at ten, his usual hour, bidding her have no fear for him, since no
+real evil can befall those who put their trust in Him whose watchful,
+protecting care is ever about His chosen ones.
+
+"Yes," she whispered, as for a moment his arm encircled her waist, "'What
+time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.' It is comparatively easy to trust
+for myself, and God will help me to do it for you also."
+
+She stood at the window watching his departure, her heart going up in
+silent prayer for his safety. Then, saying to herself, "Papa must not be
+disturbed with my idle fancies," she turned to receive his good-night with
+a face so serene and unclouded, a manner so calm and peaceful, that he had
+no suspicion of anything amiss.
+
+Nor was it an assumed peace and calmness; for she had not now to learn to
+cast her care on the Lord, whom she had loved and served from her very
+infancy; and her head had not rested many moments upon her pillow ere she
+fell into a deep, sweet sleep, that lasted until morning.
+
+While Elsie slept, and Mr. Travilla galloped homeward by the longer route,
+the moon, peering through the cloud curtains, looked down upon a dark
+figure, standing behind a tree not many yards distant from the thicket
+Elsie had besought her friend to shun. The man held a revolver in his
+hand, ready cocked for instant use. His attitude was that of one
+listening intently for some expected sound.
+
+He had stood thus for hours, and was growing very weary. "Curse the
+wretch!" he muttered, "does he court all night? How many hours have I been
+here waiting for my chance for a shot at him? It's getting to be no joke,
+hungry, cold, tired enough to lie down here on the ground. But I'll stick
+it out, and shoot him down like a dog. He thinks to enjoy the prize he
+snatched from me, but he'll find himself mistaken, or my name's n----" The
+sentence ended with a fierce grinding of the teeth. Hark! was that the
+distant tread of a horse? He bent his ear to the earth, and almost held
+his breath to listen. Yes, faint but unmistakable; the sounds filled him
+with a fiendish joy. For years he had nursed his hatred of Travilla, whom
+he blamed almost exclusively for his failure to get possession of Elsie's
+fortune.
+
+He sprang up and again placed himself in position to fire. But what had
+become of the welcome sounds? Alas for his hoped-for revenge; they had
+died away entirely. The horse and his rider must have taken some other
+road. More low-breathed, bitter curses: yet perchance it was not the man
+for whose life he thirsted. He would wait and hope on.
+
+But the night waned: one after another the moon and stars set and day
+began to break in the east; the birds waking in their nests overhead grew
+clamorous with joy, yet their notes seemed to contain a warning tone for
+him, bidding him begone ere the coming of the light hated by those whose
+deeds are evil. Chilled by the frosty air, and stiff and sore from long
+standing in a constrained position, he limped away, and disappeared in the
+deeper shadows of the woods.
+
+Arthur's words of warning had taken their desired effect; and cowardly, as
+base, wicked, and cruel, the man made haste to flee from the scene of his
+intended crime, imagining at times that he even heard the bloodhounds
+already on his track.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TENTH.
+
+    "At last I know thee--and my soul,
+      From all thy arts set free,
+     Abjures the cold consummate art
+      Shrin'd as a soul in thee."
+                    --SARA J. CLARK.
+
+
+The rest of the winter passed quietly and happily with our friends at Ion
+and the Oaks, Mr. Travilla spending nearly half his time at the latter
+place, and in rides and walks with Elsie, whom he now and then coaxed to
+Ion for a call upon his mother.
+
+Their courtship was serene and peaceful: disturbed by no feverish heat of
+passion, no doubts and fears, no lovers' quarrels, but full of a deep,
+intense happiness, the fruit of their long and intimate friendship, their
+full acquaintance with, and perfect confidence in each other, and their
+strong love. Enna sneeringly observed that "they were more like some staid
+old married couple than a pair of lovers."
+
+Arthur made no confidant in regard to his late interview with Jackson;
+nothing more was heard or seen of the scoundrel, and gradually Elsie came
+to the conclusion that Mr. Travilla, who occasionally rallied her
+good-naturedly on the subject of her fright, had been correct in his
+judgment that it was either the work of imagination or of some practical
+joker.
+
+Arthur, on his part, thought that fear of the terrors he had held up
+before him would cause Jackson--whom he knew to be an arrant coward--to
+refrain from adventuring himself again in the neighborhood.
+
+But he miscalculated the depth of the man's animosity towards Mr.
+Travilla, which so exceeded his cowardice as at length to induce him to
+return and make another effort to destroy either the life of that
+gentleman or his hopes of happiness; perhaps both.
+
+Elsie was very fond of the society of her dear ones, yet occasionally
+found much enjoyment in being alone, for a short season, with Nature or a
+book. A very happy little woman, as she had every reason to be, and full
+of gratitude and love to the Giver of all good for His unnumbered
+blessings, she loved now and then to have a quiet hour in which to count
+them over, as a miser does his gold, to return her heartfelt thanks, tell
+her best, her dearest Friend of all, how happy she was, and seek help from
+Him to make a right use of each talent committed to her care.
+
+Seated in her favorite arbor one lovely spring day, with thoughts thus
+employed, and eyes gazing dreamily upon the beautiful landscape spread out
+at her feet, she was startled from her reverie by some one suddenly
+stepping in and boldly taking a seat by her side.
+
+She turned her head. Could it be possible? Yes, it was indeed Tom Jackson,
+handsomely dressed and looking, to a casual observer, the gentleman she
+had once believed him to be. She recognized him instantly.
+
+A burning blush suffused her face, dyeing even the fair neck and arms. She
+spoke not a word, but rose up hastily with the intent to fly from his
+hateful presence.
+
+"Now don't, my darling, don't run away from me," he said, intercepting
+her. "I'm sure you couldn't have the heart, if you knew how I have lived
+for years upon the hope of such a meeting: for my love for you, dearest
+Elsie, has never lessened, the ardor of my passion has never cooled----"
+
+"Enough, sir," she said, drawing herself up, her eyes kindling and
+flashing as he had never thought they could; "how dare you insult me by
+such words, and by your presence here? Let me pass."
+
+"Insult you, Miss Dinsmore?" he cried, in affected surprise. "You were not
+wont, in past days, to consider my presence an insult, and I could never
+have believed fickleness a part of your nature. You are now of age, and
+have a right to listen to my defense, and my suit for your heart and
+hand."
+
+"Are you mad? Can you still suppose me ignorant of your true character and
+your history for years past? Know then that I am fully acquainted with
+them; that I know you to be a lover of vice and the society of the
+vicious--a drunkard, profane, a gambler, and one who has stained his hands
+with the blood of a fellow-creature," she added with a shudder. "I pray
+God you may repent and be forgiven; but you are not and can never be
+anything to me."
+
+"So with all your piety you forsake your friends when they get into
+trouble," he remarked with a bitter sneer.
+
+"Friend of mine you never were," she answered quietly; "I know it was my
+fortune and not myself you really wanted. But though it were true that
+you loved me as madly and disinterestedly as you professed, had I known
+your character, never, _never_ should I have held speech with you, much
+less admitted you to terms of familiarity--a fact which I look back upon
+with the deepest mortification. Let me pass, sir, and never venture to
+approach me again."
+
+"No you don't, my haughty miss! I'm not done with you yet," he exclaimed
+between his clenched teeth, and seizing her rudely by the arm as she tried
+to step past him. "So you're engaged to that fatherly friend of yours,
+that pious sneak, that deadly foe to me?"
+
+"Unhand me, sir!"
+
+"Not yet," he answered, tightening his grasp, and at the same time taking
+a pistol from his pocket. "I swear you shall never marry that man: promise
+me on your oath that you'll not, or--I'll shoot you through the heart; the
+heart that's turned false to me. D'ye hear," and he held the muzzle of his
+piece within a foot of her breast.
+
+Every trace of color fled from her face, but she stood like a marble
+statue, without speech or motion of a muscle, her eyes looking straight
+into his with firm defiance.
+
+"Do you hear?" he repeated, in a tone of exasperation, "speak! promise
+that you'll never marry Travilla, or I'll shoot you in three
+minutes--shoot you down dead on the spot, if I swing for it before night."
+
+"That will be as God pleases," she answered low and reverently; "you can
+have no power at all against me except it be given you from above."
+
+"I can't, hey? looks like it; I've only to touch the trigger here, and
+your soul's out o' your body. Better promise than die."
+
+Still she stood looking him unflinchingly in the eye; not a muscle moving,
+no sign of fear except that deadly pallor.
+
+"Well," lowering his piece, "you're a brave girl, and I haven't the heart
+to do it," he exclaimed in admiration. "I'll give up that promise; on
+condition that you make another--that you'll keep all this a secret for
+twenty-four hours, so I can make my escape from the neighborhood before
+they get after me with their bloodhounds."
+
+"That I promise, if you will be gone at once."
+
+"You'll not say a word to any one of having seen me, or suspecting I'm
+about here?"
+
+"Not a word until the twenty-four hours are over."
+
+"Then good-bye. Your pluck has saved your life; but remember, I've not
+said I won't shoot him or your father, if chance throws them in my way,"
+he added, looking back over his shoulder with a malicious leer, as he left
+the arbor, then disappearing from sight among the trees and shrubbery
+beyond.
+
+Elsie's knees shook and trembled under her; she sank back into her seat,
+covering her face and bowing her head upon her lap, while she sent up
+silent, almost agonizing petitions for the safety of those two so
+inexpressibly dear to her. Some moments passed thus, then she rose and
+hastened, with a quick nervous step, to the house. She entered her
+boudoir, and lay down upon a couch trembling in every fibre, every nerve
+quivering with excitement. The shock had been terrible.
+
+"What de matter wid my chile? what ails you, honey?" asked Aunt Chloe,
+coming to her side full of concern.
+
+"I think one of my bad headaches is coming on, mammy. But oh, tell me, is
+Mr. Travilla here?--and papa! where is he?"
+
+"Here daughter," his voice answered, close at hand, "and with a note for
+you from Mr. Travilla, who has not shown himself to-day."
+
+She took it eagerly, but with a hand that trembled as if with sudden
+palsy, while the eyes, usually so keen-sighted, saw only a blurred and
+confused jumble of letters in place of the clear, legible characters
+really there.
+
+"I cannot see," she said, in a half-frightened tone, and pressing the
+other hand to her brow.
+
+"And you are trembling like an aspen leaf," he said, bending over her in
+serious alarm. "My child, when did this come on? and what has caused it?"
+
+"Papa, I cannot tell you now, or till to-morrow, at this hour; I will
+then. But oh, papa dear, dear papa!" she cried, putting her arm about his
+neck and bursting into hysterical weeping, "promise me, if you love me
+promise me, that you will not leave the house till I have told you. I am
+sick, I am suffering; you will stay by me? you will not leave me?"
+
+"My darling, I will do anything I can to relieve you, mentally or
+physically," he answered in tones of tenderest love and concern. "I shall
+not stir from the house, while to do so would increase your suffering. I
+perceive there has been some villainy practised upon you, and a promise
+extorted, which I shall not ask you to break; but rest assured, I shall
+keep guard over my precious one."
+
+"And Mr. Travilla!" she gasped. "Oh, papa, if I only knew he was safe!"
+
+"Perhaps the note may set your mind at rest on that point. Shall I read it
+for you?"
+
+"Yes, sir," she said, putting it into his hand with a slight blush, "he
+never writes what I should be ashamed or afraid to have my father see."
+
+It was but short, written merely to explain his absence, and dated from a
+neighboring plantation, where he had gone to assist in nursing a sick
+friend whom he should not be able to leave for some days. There were words
+of deep, strong affection, but as she had foreseen, nothing that she need
+care to have her father know or see.
+
+"Does not this news allay your fears for him?" Mr. Dinsmore asked
+tenderly.
+
+"Yes, papa," she answered, the tears streaming from her eyes. "Oh, how
+good God is to me! I will trust Him, trust Him for you both, as well as
+myself." She covered her face with her hands while shudder after shudder
+shook her whole frame.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was much perplexed, and deeply concerned. "Shall I send for
+Dr. Barton?" he asked.
+
+"No, no, papa! I am not ill; only my nerves have had a great, a terrible
+shock; they seem all unstrung, and my temples are throbbing with pain."
+
+"My poor, poor darling! strange that with all my care and watchfulness you
+should have been subjected to such a trial. Some ruffian has been trying
+to extort money from you, I presume, by threatened violence to yourself,
+Travilla, and me. Where were you?"
+
+"In my arbor, sir."
+
+"And alone?"
+
+"Yes, papa; I thought myself safe there."
+
+"I forbid you to go there or to any distance from the house, alone, again.
+You must always have some one within call, if not close at your side."
+
+"And my father knows I will obey him," she said, tremulously lifting his
+hand to her lips.
+
+He administered an anodyne to relieve the tortured nerves, then sitting
+down beside her, passed his hand soothingly over hair and cheek, while
+with the other he held one of hers in loving, tender clasp. Neither spoke,
+and at length she fell asleep; yet not a sound, refreshing slumber, but
+disturbed by starts and moans, and frequent wakings to see and feel that
+he was still there. "Papa, don't go away; don't leave me!" was her
+constant cry.
+
+"My darling, my precious one, I will not," was his repeated assurance; "I
+will stay with you while this trouble lasts."
+
+And all that day and night he never left her side, while Rose came and
+went, full of anxiety and doing everything that could be done for the
+sufferer's relief.
+
+It was a night of unrest to them all; but morning found her free from
+pain, though weak and languid, and still filled with distress if her
+father was absent for more than a few moments from her side. She inquired
+of him at what hour she had come in the day before: then watched the time
+and, as soon as released from her promise, told them all.
+
+Great was his indignation; and, determined that, if possible, the villain
+should be apprehended and brought to justice, he sent word at once to the
+magistrates: a warrant was issued, and several parties were presently out
+in different directions in hot pursuit.
+
+But with the twenty-four hours' start Jackson had made good his escape,
+and the only advantage gained was the relief of knowing that he no longer
+infested the neighborhood.
+
+"But when may he not return?" Elsie said with a shudder. "Papa, I tremble
+for you, and for--Mr. Travilla."
+
+"I am far more concerned for you," he answered, gazing upon her pale face
+with pitying, fatherly tenderness. "But let us cast this care, with all
+others, upon our God. 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is
+stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVENTH.
+
+    "Of truth, he truly will all styles deserve
+     Of wise, good, just; a man both soul and nerve."
+                                          --SHIRLEY.
+
+
+The story reached Mr. Travilla's ears that evening, and finding he could
+be spared from the sick-room, he hastened to the Oaks. His emotions were
+too big for utterance as he took his "little friend" in his arms and
+clasped her to his beating heart.
+
+"God be thanked that you are safe!" he said at last. "Oh, my darling, my
+darling, what peril you have been in and how bravely you met it! You are
+the heroine of the hour," he added with a faint laugh, "all, old and
+young, male and female, black and white, are loud in praise of your
+wonderful firmness and courage. And, my darling, I fully agree with them,
+and exult in the thought that this brave lady is mine own."
+
+He drew her closer as he spoke, and just touched his lips to the shining
+hair and the pure white forehead resting on his breast.
+
+"Ah!" she murmured low and softly, a dewy light shining in her eyes, "why
+should they think it anything wonderful or strange that I felt little
+dread or fear at the prospect of a sudden transit from earth to heaven--a
+quick summons home to my Father's house on high, to be at once freed from
+sin and forever with the Lord? I have a great deal to live for, life
+looks very bright and sweet to me; yet but for you and papa, I think it
+would have mattered little to me had he carried out his threat."
+
+"My little friend, it would have broken my heart: to lose you were worse
+than a thousand deaths."
+
+They were alone in Elsie's boudoir, but when an hour had slipped rapidly
+away there came a message from Mr. Dinsmore to the effect that their
+company would be very acceptable in the library.
+
+They repaired thither at once, and found him and Rose laying out plans for
+a summer trip. The matter was under discussion all the rest of the evening
+and for some days after, resulting finally in the getting up a large party
+of tourists, consisting of the entire families of the Oaks and Ion, with
+the addition of Harry and Sophie Carrington, and Lora with her husband and
+children; servants of course included.
+
+They kept together for some time, visiting different points of interest in
+Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York; spending several weeks at Cape May;
+where they were joined by the Allisons of Philadelphia; Mr. Edward and
+Adelaide among the rest, they having returned from Europe shortly before.
+
+At length they separated, some going in one direction, some in another.
+Lora went to Louise, Rose to her father's, Mrs. and Mr. Travilla to
+friends in Cincinnati and its suburbs, and Elsie to pay a long-promised
+visit to Lucy in her married home, a beautiful country-seat on the banks
+of the Hudson. Her father saw her safely there, then left her for a
+fortnight; their fears in regard to Jackson having been allayed by the
+news that he had been again arrested for burglary, and Lucy and her
+husband promising to guard their precious charge with jealous care.
+
+At the end of the fortnight Mr. Dinsmore returned for his daughter, and
+they went on together to Lansdale to visit Miss Stanhope.
+
+Elsie had set her heart on having her dear old aunt spend the fall and
+winter with them in the "sunny South," and especially on her being present
+at the wedding; and Miss Stanhope, after much urging and many
+protestations that she was too old for such a journey, had at last
+yielded, and given her promise, on condition that her nephew and niece
+should come for her, and first spend a week or two in Lansdale. She
+entreated that Mr. Travilla and his mother might be of the party. "He was
+a great favorite of hers, and she was sure his mother must be a woman in a
+thousand."
+
+They accepted the kindness as cordially as it was proffered; met the
+others at the nearest point of connection, and all arrived together.
+
+It was not Lottie King who met them at the depot this time, but a
+fine-looking young man with black moustache and roguish dark eye, who
+introduced himself as Harry Duncan, Miss Stanhope's nephew.
+
+"Almost a cousin! Shall we consider you quite one?" asked Mr. Dinsmore,
+warmly shaking the hand held out to him in cordial greeting.
+
+"Thank you, I shall feel highly honored," the young man answered in a
+gratified tone, and with a glance of undisguised admiration and a
+respectful bow directed towards Elsie. Then turning with an almost
+reverential air and deeper bow to Mrs. Travilla, "And, madam, may I have
+the privilege of placing you alongside of my dear old aunt, and addressing
+you by the same title?"
+
+"You may, indeed," was the smiling rejoinder. "And my son here, I suppose,
+will take his place with the others as cousin. No doubt we are all
+related, if we could only go back far enough in tracing out our
+genealogies."
+
+"To Father Adam, for instance," remarked Mr. Travilla, laughingly.
+
+"Or good old Noah, or even his son Japheth," rejoined Harry, leading the
+way to a family carriage sufficiently roomy to hold them all comfortably.
+
+"Your checks, if you please, aunt and cousins; and Simon here will attend
+to your luggage. Servants' also."
+
+Elsie turned her head to see a young colored man, bowing, scraping, and
+grinning from ear to ear, in whom she perceived a faint resemblance to the
+lad Simon of four years ago.
+
+"You hain't forgot me, miss?" he said. "I'm still at de ole place wid Miss
+Wealthy."
+
+She gave him a smile and a nod, dropping a gold dollar into his hand along
+with her checks; the gentlemen said, "How d'ye do," and were equally
+generous, and he went off chuckling.
+
+As they drew near their destination, a quaint little figure could be seen
+standing at the gate in the shade of a maple tree, whose leaves of mingled
+green and scarlet, just touched by the September frosts, made a brilliant
+contrast to the sober hue of her dress.
+
+"There she is! our dear old auntie!" cried Elsie with eager delight, that
+brought a flush of pleasure to Harry's face.
+
+Miss Stanhope's greetings were characteristic. "Elsie! my darling! I have
+you again after all these years! Mrs. Vanilla too! how kind! but you tell
+me your face is always that. Horace, nephew, this _is_ good of you! And
+Mr. Torville, I'm as glad as the rest to see you. Come in, come in, all of
+you, and make yourselves at home."
+
+"Does Mrs. Schilling still live opposite to you, Aunt Wealthy?" asked
+Elsie as they sat about the tea-table an hour later.
+
+"Yes, dearie; though she's lost all commercial value," laughed the old
+lady; "she's taken a second wife at last; not Mr. Was though, but a
+newcomer, Mr. Smearer."
+
+"Dauber, auntie," corrected Harry, gravely.
+
+"Well, well, child, the meaning's about the same," returned Miss Stanhope,
+laughing afresh at her own mistake, "and I'd as soon be the other as one."
+
+"Mrs. Dauber wouldn't though," said Harry. "I noticed her face grow as red
+as a beet the other day when you called her Mrs. Smearer."
+
+"She didn't mind being Mrs. Sixpence, I think," said Elsie.
+
+"Oh yes, she did; it nettled her a good deal at first, but she finally got
+used to it; after finding out how innocent auntie was, and how apt to
+miscall other names."
+
+"But I thought she would never be content with anybody but Mr. Wert."
+
+"Well, she lost all hope there, and dropped him at once as soon as Dauber
+made his appearance."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore inquired about the Kings. Elsie had done so in a private chat
+with her aunt, held in her room directly after their arrival.
+
+"The doctor's as busy as ever, killing people all round the country; he's
+very successful at it," replied Miss Stanhope; "I've the utmost confidence
+in his skill."
+
+"You are a warm friend of his, I know, aunt," said Mr. Dinsmore, smiling,
+"but I would advise you not to try to assist his reputation among
+strangers."
+
+"Why not, nephew?"
+
+"Lest they should take your words literally, auntie."
+
+"Ah, yes, I must be careful how I use my stumbling tongue," she answered
+with a good-humored smile. "I ought to have always by, somebody to correct
+my blunders. I've asked Harry to do me that kindness, and he often does."
+
+"It is quite unnecessary with us; for we all know what you intend to say,"
+remarked Mrs. Travilla, courteously.
+
+"Thank you, dear madam," said Miss Stanhope; "I am not at all sensitive
+about it, fortunately, as my nephew knows, and my blunders afford as much
+amusement to any one else as to me; when I'm made aware of them."
+
+"Nettie King is married, papa," said Elsie.
+
+"Ah! Lottie also?"
+
+"No, she's at home and will be in, with her father and mother, this
+evening," said Aunt Wealthy. "I've been matching to make a hope between
+her and Harry, but find it's quite useless."
+
+"No, we're the best of friends, but don't care to be anything more,"
+remarked the young gentleman, coloring and laughing.
+
+"No," said Mr. Travilla, "it is said by some one that two people with hair
+and eyes of the same color should beware of choosing each other as
+partners for life."
+
+"And I believe it," returned Harry. "Lottie and I are too much alike in
+disposition. I must look for a blue-eyed, fair-haired maiden, whose mental
+and moral characteristics will supply the deficiencies in mine."
+
+"Gray eyes and brown; that will do very well, won't it?" said the old lady
+absently, glancing from Elsie to Mr. Travilla and back again.
+
+Both smiled, and Elsie cast down her eyes with a lovely blush, while Mr.
+Travilla answered cheerily, "We think so, Miss Stanhope."
+
+"Call me Aunt Wealthy; almost everybody does, and you might as well begin
+now as any time."
+
+"Thank you, I shall avail myself of the privilege in future."
+
+The weather was warm for the time of year, and on leaving the table the
+whole party repaired to the front porch, where Harry quickly provided
+every one with a seat.
+
+"That is a beautiful maple yonder," remarked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"Yes, sir," returned Harry; "we have a row of them all along the front of
+the lot; and as Mrs. Dauber says, they are 'perfectly gordeous' in the
+fall."
+
+"The maple is my favorite among the shade leaves," remarked Miss Stanhope,
+joining in the talk, "from the time it trees out in the spring till the
+bare become branches in the fall. Through this month and next they're a
+perpetual feast to the eye."
+
+"Aunt, how did you decide in regard to that investment you wrote to
+consult me about?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, turning to her.
+
+"Oh, I concluded to put in a few hundreds, as you thought it safe, on the
+principle of not having all my baskets in one egg."
+
+"Small baskets they would have to be, auntie," Harry remarked quietly.
+
+"Yes, my eggs are not so many, but quite enough for an old lady like me."
+
+As the evening shadows crept over the landscape the air began to be
+chilly, and our friends adjourned to the parlor.
+
+Here all was just as when Elsie last saw it; neat as wax, everything in
+place, and each feather-stuffed cushion beaten up and carefully smoothed
+to the state of perfect roundness in which Miss Stanhope's soul delighted.
+
+Mrs. Travilla, who had heard descriptions of the room and its appointments
+from both her son and Elsie, looked about her with interest: upon the old
+portraits, the cabinet of curiosities, and the wonderful sampler worked by
+Miss Wealthy's grandmother. She examined with curiosity the rich
+embroidery of the chair cushions, but preferred a seat upon the sofa.
+
+"Dr. and Mrs. King and Miss Lottie!" announced Simon's voice from the
+doorway, and the three entered.
+
+Lively, cordial greetings followed, especially on the part of the two
+young girls. Mrs. Travilla was introduced, and all settled themselves for
+a chat; Lottie and Elsie, of course, managing to find seats side by side.
+
+"You dearest girl, you have only changed by growing more beautiful than
+ever," cried Lottie, squeezing Elsie's hand which she still held, and
+gazing admiringly into her face.
+
+Elsie laughed low and musically.
+
+"Precisely what I was thinking of you, Lottie. It must be your own fault
+that you are still single. But we won't waste time in flattering each
+other, when we have so much to say that is better worth while."
+
+"No, surely; Aunt Wealthy has told me of your engagement."
+
+"That was right; it is no secret, and should not be from you if it were
+from others. Lottie, I want you to be one of my bridesmaids. We're going
+to carry Aunt Wealthy off to spend the winter with us, and I shall not be
+content unless I can do the same by you.'
+
+"A winter in the 'sunny South!' and with you; how delightful! you dear,
+kind creature, to think of it, and to ask me. Ah, if I only could!"
+
+"I think you can; though of course I know your father and mother must be
+consulted; and if you come, you will grant my request?"
+
+"Yes, yes indeed! gladly."
+
+Aunt Chloe, always making herself useful wherever she went, was passing
+around the room with a pile of plates, Phillis following with cakes and
+confections, while Simon brought in a waiter with saucers and spoons, and
+two large moulds of ice cream.
+
+"Will you help the cream, Harry?" said Miss Stanhope. "There are two
+kinds, you see, travilla and melon. Ask Mrs. Vanilla which she'll have; or
+if she'll take both."
+
+"Mrs. Travilla, may I have the pleasure of helping you to ice cream?" he
+asked. "There are two kinds, vanilla and lemon. Let me give you both."
+
+"If you please," she answered, with a slightly amused look; for though
+Aunt Wealthy had spoken in an undertone, the words had reached her ear.
+
+"Which will you have, dearies?" said the old lady, drawing near the young
+girls' corner, "travilla cream or melon?"
+
+"Lemon for me, if you please, Aunt Wealthy," replied Lottie.
+
+"And I will take Travilla," Elsie said, low and mischievously, and with a
+merry twinkle in her eye.
+
+"But you have no cake! your plate is quite empty and useless," exclaimed
+the aunt. "Horace," turning towards her nephew, who was chatting with the
+doctor at the other side of the room, "some of this cake is very plain;
+you don't object to Elsie eating a little of it?"
+
+"She is quite grown up now, aunt, and can judge for herself in such
+matters," he answered smiling, then turned to finish what he had been
+saying to the doctor.
+
+"You will have some then, dear, won't you?" Miss Stanhope inquired in her
+most coaxing tone.
+
+"A very small slice of this sponge cake, if you please, auntie."
+
+"How young Mr. Travilla looks," remarked Lottie, "younger I think, than he
+did four years ago. Happiness, I presume; it's said to have that effect. I
+believe I was vexed when I first heard you were engaged to him, because I
+thought he was too old; but really he doesn't look so; a man should be
+considerably older than his wife, that she may find it easier to look up
+to him; and he know the better how to take care of her."
+
+"I would not have him a day younger, except that he would like to be
+nearer my age, or different in any way from what he is," Elsie said, her
+eyes involuntarily turning in Mr. Travilla's direction.
+
+They met the ardent gaze of his. Both smiled, and rising he crossed the
+room and joined them. They had a half hour of lively chat together, then
+Mrs. King rose to take leave.
+
+Mr. Travilla moved away to speak to the doctor, and Lottie seized the
+opportunity to whisper to her friend, "He's just splendid, Elsie! I don't
+wonder you look so happy, or that he secured your hand and heart after
+they had been refused to dukes and lords. You see Aunt Wealthy has been
+telling me all about your conquests in Europe," she added, in answer to
+Elsie's look of surprise.
+
+"I am, indeed, very happy, Lottie," Elsie replied in the same low tone; "I
+know Mr. Travilla so thoroughly, and have not more perfect confidence in
+papa's goodness and love to me, than in his. It is a very restful thing to
+have such a friend."
+
+Dr. King's circumstances had greatly improved in the last four years, so
+that he was quite able to give Lottie the pleasure of accepting Elsie's
+invitation, and at once gave his cordial consent. Mrs. King at first
+objected that the two weeks of our friends' intended stay in Lansdale
+would not give sufficient time for the necessary additions to Lottie's
+wardrobe; but this difficulty was overcome by a suggestion from Elsie. She
+would spend two or three weeks in Philadelphia, attending to the
+purchasing and making up of her trousseau, she said, and Lottie's dresses
+could be bought and made at the same time and place.
+
+The two weeks allotted to Lansdale of course passed very rapidly;
+especially to Harry, to whom the society of these new-found relatives was
+a great pleasure, and who on their departure would be left behind, with
+only Phillis for his housekeeper.
+
+The latter received so many charges from Aunt Wealthy in regard to careful
+attention to "Mr. Harry's" health and comfort, that at length she grew
+indignant, and protested that she loved "Mr. Harry as if he was her own
+child--didn't she nuss him when he was a little feller? and there was no
+'casion for missus to worry an' fret as if she was leavin' him to a
+stranger."
+
+It was not for want of a cordial invitation to both the Oaks and Ion that
+Harry was left behind; but business required his presence at home, and he
+could only promise himself a week's holiday at the time of the wedding.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELFTH
+
+    "Bring flowers, fresh flowers for the bride to wear;
+     They were born to blush in her shining hair;
+     She's leaving the home of her childhood's mirth;
+     She hath bid farewell to her father's hearth;
+     Her place is now by another's side;
+     Bring flowers for the locks of the fair young bride."
+                                          --MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+A fair October day is waning, and as the shadows deepen and the stars
+shine out here and there in the darkening sky, the grounds at the Oaks
+glitter with colored lamps, swinging from the branches of the trees that
+shade the long green alleys, and dependent from arches wreathed with
+flowers. In doors and out everything wears a festive look; almost the
+whole house is thrown open to the guests who will presently come thronging
+to it from nearly every plantation for miles around.
+
+The grand wedding has been talked of, prepared for, and looked forward to
+for months past, and few, if any, favored with an invitation, will
+willingly stay away.
+
+The spacious entrance hall is brilliantly lighted, and on either hand
+wide-open doors give admission to long suites of richly, tastefully
+furnished rooms, beautiful with rare statuary, paintings, articles of
+vertu, and flowers scattered everywhere, in bouquets, wreaths, festoons,
+filling the air with their delicious fragrance.
+
+These apartments, waiting for the guests, are almost entirely deserted;
+but in Elsie's dressing-room a bevy of gay young girls, in white tarletan
+and with flowers in their elaborately dressed hair, are laughing and
+chatting merrily, and now and then offering a suggestion to Aunt Chloe and
+Dinah, whose busy hands are arranging their young mistress for her bridal.
+
+"Lovely!" "Charming!" "Perfect!" the girls exclaim in delighted, admiring
+chorus, as the tirewomen having completed their labors, Elsie stands
+before them in a dress of the richest white satin, with an overskirt of
+point lace, a veil of the same, enveloping her slender figure like an airy
+cloud, or morning mist, reaching from the freshly gathered orange blossoms
+wreathed in the shining hair to the tiny white satin slipper just peeping
+from beneath the rich folds of the dress. Flowers are her only ornament
+to-night, and truly she needs no other.
+
+"Perfect! nothing superfluous, nothing wanting," says Lottie King.
+
+Rose, looking almost like a young girl herself, so sweet and fair in her
+beautiful evening dress, came in at that instant to see if all was right
+in the bride's attire. Her eyes grew misty while she gazed, her heart
+swelling with a strange mixture of emotions: love, joy, pride, and a touch
+of sadness at the thought of the partial loss that night was to bring to
+her beloved husband and herself.
+
+"Am I all right, mamma?" asked Elsie.
+
+"I can see nothing amiss," Rose answered, with a slight tremble in her
+voice. "My darling, I never saw you so wondrously sweet and fair," she
+whispered, adjusting a fold of the drapery. "You are very happy?"
+
+"Very, mamma dear; yet a trifle sad too. But that is a secret between you
+and me. How beautiful you are to-night."
+
+"Ah, dear child, quite ready, and the loveliest bride that ever I saw,
+from the sole of your head to the crown of your foot," said a silvery
+voice, as a quaint little figure came softly in and stood at Mrs.
+Dinsmore's side--"no, I mean from the crown of your foot to the sole of
+your head. Ah, funerals are almost as sad as weddings. I don't know how
+people can ever feel like dancing at them."
+
+"Well, auntie dear, there'll be no dancing at mine," said Elsie, smiling
+slightly.
+
+"I must go and be ready to receive our guests," said Rose, hearing the
+rumble of carriage wheels. "Elsie, dear child," she whispered, "keep calm.
+You can have no doubts or fears in putting your future in----"
+
+"No, no, mamma, not the slightest," and the fair face grew radiant.
+
+As Rose passed out at one door, Miss Stanhope following, with a parting
+injunction to the bride not to grow frightened or nervous, Mr. Dinsmore
+entered by another.
+
+He stood a moment silently gazing upon his lovely daughter; then a slight
+motion of his hand sent all others from the room, the bridesmaids passing
+into the boudoir, where the groom and his attendants were already
+assembled, the tirewomen vanishing by a door on the opposite side.
+
+"My darling!" murmured the father, in low, half tremulous accents, putting
+his arm about the slender waist, "my beautiful darling! how can I give you
+to another?" and again and again his lips were pressed to hers in long,
+passionate kisses.
+
+"Papa, please don't make me cry," she pleaded, the soft eyes lifted to
+his, filled almost to overflowing.
+
+"No, no, I must not," he said, hastily taking out his handkerchief and
+wiping away the tears before they fell. "It is shamefully selfish in me to
+come and disturb your mind thus just now."
+
+"No, papa, no, no; I will not have you say that. Thank you for coming. It
+would have hurt me had you stayed away. But you would not have things
+different now if you could? have no desire to."
+
+"No, daughter, no; yet, unreasonable as it is, the thought will come,
+bringing sadness with it, that to-night you resign my name, and my house
+ceases to be your only home."
+
+"Papa, I shall never resign the name dear to me because inherited from
+you: I shall only add to it; your house shall always be one of my dear
+homes, and I shall be your own, own daughter, your own child, as truly as
+I ever have been. Is it not so?"
+
+"Yes, yes, my precious little comforter."
+
+"And you are not going to give me away--ah, papa, I could never bear that
+any more than you; you are taking a partner in the concern," she added
+with playful tenderness, smiling archly through gathering tears.
+
+Again he wiped them hastily away. "Did ever father have such a dear
+daughter?" he said, gazing fondly down into the sweet face. "I ought to be
+the happiest of men. I believe I am----"
+
+"Except one," exclaimed a joyous voice, at sound of which Elsie's eyes
+brightened and the color deepened on her cheek. "May I come in?"
+
+"Yes, Travilla," said Mr. Dinsmore; "you have now an equal right with me."
+
+Travilla thought his was superior, or would be after the ceremony, but
+generously refrained from saying so. And had Mr. Dinsmore been questioned
+on the subject, he could not have asserted that it had ever occurred to
+him that Mr. Allison had an equal right with himself in Rose. But few
+people are entirely consistent.
+
+Mr. Travilla drew near the two, still standing together, and regarded his
+bride with a countenance beaming with love and delight. The sweet eyes
+sought his questioningly, and meeting his ardent gaze the beautiful face
+sparkled all over with smiles and blushes.
+
+"Does my toilet please you, my friend?" she asked. "And you, papa?"
+
+"The general effect is charming," said Mr. Travilla; "but," he added, in
+low, tender tones saying far more than the words, "I've been able to see
+nothing else for the dear face that is always that to me."
+
+"I can see no flaw in face or attire," Mr. Dinsmore said, taking a more
+critical survey; "you are altogether pleasing in your doting father's
+eyes, my darling. But you must not stand any longer. You will need all
+your strength for your journey." And he would have led her to a sofa.
+
+But she gently declined. "Ah, I am much too fine to sit down just now, my
+dear, kind father, I should crush my lace badly. So please let me stand. I
+am not conscious of weariness."
+
+He yielded, saying with a smile, "That would be a pity; for it is very
+beautiful. And surely you ought to be allowed your own way to-night if
+ever."
+
+"To-night and ever after," whispered the happy groom in the ear of his
+bride.
+
+A loving, trustful look was her only answer.
+
+A continued rolling of wheels without, and buzz of voices coming from
+veranda, hall, and reception rooms, could now be heard.
+
+"The house must be filling fast," said Mr. Dinsmore, "and as host I should
+be present to receive and welcome my guests, Travilla," and his voice
+trembled slightly, as he took Elsie's right hand and held it for a moment
+closely clasped in his; "I do not fear to trust you with what to me is a
+greater treasure than all the gold of California. Cherish my darling as
+the apple of your eye; I know you will."
+
+He bent down for another silent caress, laid the hand in that of his
+friend, and left the room.
+
+"And you do not fear to trust me, my little friend?" Travilla's tones,
+too, were tremulous with deep feeling.
+
+"I have not the shadow of a fear," she answered, her eyes meeting his with
+an earnest, childlike confidence.
+
+"Bless you for those words, dearest," he said; "God helping me you never
+shall have cause to regret them."
+
+A door opened, and a handsome, dark eyed boy, a miniature likeness of his
+father, came hurrying in. "Elsie! Papa said I might come and see how
+beautiful you are!" he cried, as if resolutely mastering some strong
+emotion, "but I'm not to say anything to make you cry. I'm not to hug you
+hard and spoil your dress. Oh, but you do look like an angel, only
+without the wings. Mr. Travilla, you'll be good, _good_ to her, won't
+you?" and the voice almost broke down.
+
+"I will, indeed, Horace; you may be sure of that. And you needn't feel as
+if you are losing her, she'll be back again in a few weeks, please God."
+
+"But not to live at home any more!" he cried impetuously. "No, no, I
+wasn't to say that, I----"
+
+"Come here and kiss me, my dear little brother," Elsie said tenderly; "and
+you shall hug me, too, as hard as you like, before I go."
+
+He was not slow to accept the invitation, and evidently had a hard
+struggle with himself, to refrain from giving the forbidden hug.
+
+"You may hug me instead, Horace, if you like," said Mr. Travilla; "you
+know we're very fond of each other, and are going to be brothers now."
+
+"Yes, that I will, for I do like you ever so much," cried the boy,
+springing into the arms held out to him, and receiving and returning a
+warm embrace, while the sister looked on with eyes glistening with
+pleasure.
+
+"Now, in a few minutes I'll become your brother Edward; and that's what I
+want you to call me in future. Will you do it?"
+
+"Yes, sir; if papa doesn't forbid me."
+
+A light tap at the door leading into the boudoir, and Walter put in his
+head. "The company, the clergy-man, and the hour have come. Are the bride
+and groom ready?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Releasing the child, Mr. Travilla drew Elsie's hand within his arm. For
+an instant he bent his eyes with earnest, questioning gaze upon her face.
+It wore an expression that touched him to the heart, so perfectly
+trustful, so calmly, peacefully happy, yet with a deep tender solemnity
+mingling with and subduing her joy. The soft eyes were misty with unshed
+tears as she lifted them to his.
+
+"It is for life," she whispered; "and I am but young and foolish; shall
+you never regret?"
+
+"Never, _never_; unless you grow weary of your choice."
+
+The answering smile was very sweet and confiding. "I have not chosen
+lightly, and do not fear because it is for life," was its unspoken
+language.
+
+And truly it was no hasty, ill-considered step she was taking, but one
+that had been calmly, thoughtfully pondered in many an hour of solitude
+and communion with that unseen Friend whom from earliest youth she had
+acknowledged in all her ways, and who had, according to His promise,
+directed her paths. There was no excitement, no nervous tremor, about her
+then or during the short ceremony that made them no more twain but one
+flesh. So absorbed was she in the importance and solemnity of the act she
+was performing, that little room was left for thought of anything
+else--her personal appearance, or the hundreds of pairs of eyes fixed upon
+her; even her father's presence, and the emotions swelling in his breast
+were for the time forgotten. Many marked the rapt expression of her face,
+and the clear and distinct though low tones of the sweet voice as she
+pledged herself to "love, honor, and obey." Mr. Travilla's promise "to
+love, honor, and cherish to life's end," was given no less earnestly and
+emphatically.
+
+The deed was done; and relatives and friends gathered about them with
+kindly salutations and good wishes.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was the first to salute the bride. "God bless and keep you,
+my daughter," were his tenderly whispered words.
+
+"Dear, dear papa," was all she said in response, but her eyes spoke
+volumes. "I am yours still, your very own, and glad it is so," they said.
+
+Then came Rose with her tender, silent caress, half-sorrowful,
+half-joyful, and Mrs. Travilla with her altogether joyous salutation, "My
+dear daughter, may your cup of happiness be ever filled to overflowing;"
+while Mr. Dinsmore to hide his emotion turned jocosely to Travilla with a
+hearty shake of the hand, and "I wish you joy, my son."
+
+"Thank you, father," returned the groom gravely, but with a twinkle of
+merriment in his eye.
+
+Aunt Wealthy, standing close by awaiting her turn to greet the bride,
+shook her head at her nephew. "Ah, you are quite too old for that, Horace.
+Mr. Vanilla, I wish you joy; but what am I to call you now?"
+
+"Edward, if you please, Aunt Wealthy."
+
+"Ah, yes, that will do nicely; it's a good name--so easily forgotten.
+Elsie, dearie, you went through it brave as a lion. May you never wish
+you'd lived your lane like your auld auntie."
+
+"As if single blessedness could ever be real blessedness!" sneered Enna,
+coming up just in time to catch the last words.
+
+"Our feelings change as we grow older," returned Miss Stanhope, in her
+gentle, refined tones, "and we come to look upon quiet and freedom from
+care as very desirable things."
+
+"And I venture to say that old age is not likely to find Mrs. Percival so
+happy and contented as is my dear old maiden aunt," remarked Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Yet we will hope it may, papa," said Elsie, receiving Enna's salutation
+with kindly warmth.
+
+But the list of relatives, near connections, and intimate friends, is too
+long for particular mention of each. All the Dinsmores were there, both
+married and single; also most of the Allisons. Harold had not come with
+the others, nor had he either accepted or rejected the invitation.
+
+On first raising her eyes upon the conclusion of the ceremony, had Elsie
+really seen, far back in the shadow of the doorway, a face white, rigid,
+hopeless with misery as his when last they met and parted? She could not
+tell; for if really there, it vanished instantly.
+
+"Did Harold come?" she asked of Richard when he came to salute the bride
+and groom.
+
+"I think not; I haven't seen him, I can't think what's come over the lad
+to be so neglectful of his privileges."
+
+Harry Duncan was there, too, hanging upon the smiles of merry, saucy,
+blue-eyed May Allison; while her brother Richard seemed equally enamored
+with the brunette beauty and sprightliness of Lottie King.
+
+Stiffness and constraint found no place among the guests, after the event
+of the evening was over.
+
+In the great dining-room a sumptuous banquet was laid; and thither, after
+a time, guests and entertainers repaired.
+
+The table sparkled with cut-glass, rare and costly china, and solid silver
+and gold plate. Every delicacy from far and near was to be found upon it;
+nothing wanting that the most fastidious could desire, or the most lavish
+expenditure furnish. Lovely, fragrant flowers were there also in the
+utmost profusion, decorating the board, festooning the windows and
+doorways, in bouquets upon the mantels and antique stands, scattered here
+and there through the apartment, filling the air with their perfume; while
+a distant and unseen band discoursed sweetest music in soft, delicious
+strains.
+
+The weather was warmer far than at that season in our northern clime, the
+outside air balmy and delightful, and through the wide-open doors and
+windows glimpses might be caught of the beautiful grounds, lighted here
+and there by a star-like lamp shining out among the foliage. Silent and
+deserted they had been all the earlier part of the evening, but now group
+after group, as they left the bountiful board, wandered into their green
+alleys and gay parterres; low, musical tones, light laughter, and merry
+jests floating out upon the quiet night air and waking the echoes of the
+hills.
+
+But the bride retired to her own apartments, where white satin, veil, and
+orange blossoms, were quickly exchanged for an elegant traveling dress,
+scarcely less becoming to her rare beauty.
+
+She reappeared in the library, which had not been thrown open to the
+guests, but where the relations and bridesmaids were gathered for the
+final good-bye.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's family carriage, roomy, easy-rolling, and softly cushioned,
+stood at the door upon the drive, its spirited gray horses pawing the
+ground with impatience to be gone. It would carry the bride and groom--and
+a less pretentious vehicle their servants--in two hours to the seaport
+where they were to take the steamer for New Orleans; for their honeymoon
+was to be spent at Viamede, Elsie still adhering to the plan of a year
+ago.
+
+Her adieus were gayly given to one and another, beginning with those least
+dear; very very affectionately to Mrs. Travilla, Aunt Wealthy, Rose, and
+the little Horace (the sleeping Rosebud had already been softly kissed in
+her crib).
+
+Her idolized father only remained; and now all her gayety forsook her, all
+her calmness gave way, and clinging about his neck, "Papa, papa, oh papa!"
+she cried, with a burst of tears and sobs.
+
+    "Holy and pure are the drops that fall,
+     When the young bride goes from her father's hall;
+     She goes unto love yet untried and new--
+     She parts from love which hath still been true."
+
+It was his turn now to comfort her. "Darling daughter," he said, caressing
+her with exceeding tenderness, "we do not part for long. Should it please
+God to spare our lives, I shall have my precious one in my arms in a few
+short weeks. Meantime we can have a little talk on paper every day. Shall
+we not?"
+
+"Yes, yes, dear, dear, precious father."
+
+Mr. Travilla stood by with a face full of compassionate tenderness.
+Putting one hand into her father's, Elsie turned, gave him the other, and
+together they led her to the carriage and placed her in it. There was a
+hearty, lingering hand-shaking between the two gentlemen. Mr. Travilla
+took his seat by Elsie's side, and amid a chorus of good-byes they were
+whirled rapidly away.
+
+"Cheer up, my dear," said Rose, leaning affectionately on her husband's
+arm; "it is altogether addition and not subtraction; you have not lost a
+daughter but gained a son."
+
+"These rooms tell a different tale," he answered with a sigh. "How
+desolate they seem. But this is no time for the indulgence of sadness. We
+must return to our guests, and see that all goes merry as a marriage bell
+with them till the last has taken his departure."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.
+
+                                  "My bride,
+    My wife, my life. O we will walk this world
+    Yok'd in all exercise of noble aim
+    And so through those dark gates across the wild
+    That no man knows."
+                              --TENNYSON'S PRINCESS.
+
+
+Elsie's tears were falling fast, but an arm as strong and kind as her
+father's stole quietly about her, a hand as gentle and tender as a woman's
+drew the weary head to a resting-place on her husband's shoulder, smoothed
+back the hair from the heated brow, and wiped away the falling drops.
+
+"My wife! my own precious little wife!"
+
+How the word, the tone, thrilled her! her very heart leaped for joy
+through all the pain of parting from one scarcely less dear. "My husband,"
+she murmured, low and shyly--it seemed so strange to call him that, so
+almost bold and forward--"my dear, kind friend, to be neither hurt nor
+angry at my foolish weeping."
+
+"Not foolish, dear one, but perfectly natural and right. I understand it;
+I who know so well what your father has been to you these many years."
+
+"Father and mother both."
+
+"Yes; tutor, friend, companion, confidant, everything. I know, dear little
+wife, that you are sacrificing much for me, even though the separation
+will be but partial. And how I love you for it, and for all you are to
+me, God only knows."
+
+The tears had ceased to flow; love, joy, and thankfulness were regaining
+their ascendancy in the heart of the youthful bride; she became again
+calmly, serenely happy.
+
+The journey was accomplished without accident. They were favored with
+warm, bright days, clear, starlit nights; and on as lovely an afternoon as
+was ever known in that delicious clime, reached Viamede.
+
+Great preparations had been made for their reception; banners were
+streaming, and flags flying from balconies and tree-tops. Mr. Mason met
+them at the pier with a face beaming with delight; Spriggs with a stiff
+bow. A gun was fired and a drum began to beat as they stepped ashore; two
+pretty mulatto girls scattered flowers in their path, and passing under a
+grand triumphal arch they presently found themselves between two long rows
+of smiling, bowing negroes, whose fervent ejaculations: "God bless our
+dear young missus an' her husband!" "God bless you, massa an' missus!"
+"Welcome home!" "Welcome to Viamede!" "We've not forgot you, Miss Elsie;
+you's as welcome as de daylight!" affected our tender-hearted heroine
+almost to tears.
+
+She had a kind word for each, remembering all their names, and inquiring
+after their "miseries"; every one was permitted to take her small white
+hand, many of them kissing it with fervent affection. They were introduced
+to their "new master," too (that was what she called him), and shaken
+hands with by him in a cordial interested way that won their hearts at
+once.
+
+Aunt Phillis was in her glory, serving up a feast the preparation of which
+had exhausted the united skill of both Aunt Sally and herself. Their
+efforts were duly appreciated and praised, the viands evidently greatly
+enjoyed, all to their intense delight.
+
+Mr. Mason was invited to partake with the bride and groom, and assigned
+the seat of honor at Mr. Travilla's right hand. Elsie presided over the
+tea-urn with the same gentle dignity and grace as when her father occupied
+the chair at the opposite end of the table, now filled by her husband. Her
+traveling dress had been exchanged for one of simple white, and there were
+white flowers in her hair and at her throat. Very sweet and charming she
+looked, not only in the eyes of her husband, who seemed to find her fair
+face a perpetual feast, but in those of all others who saw her.
+
+On leaving the table they repaired to the library, where Mr. Mason gave a
+report of the condition of the people and his work among them, also
+assuring Mrs. Travilla that Spriggs had carefully carried out her wishes,
+that the prospect for the crops was fine, and everything on the estate in
+excellent order.
+
+She expressed her gratification, appealing to Mr. Travilla for his
+approval, which was cordially given; said she had brought a little gift
+for each of the people, and desired they should be sent up to the house
+about sunset the next evening to receive it.
+
+The chaplain promised that her order should be attended to, then retired,
+leaving husband and wife alone together.
+
+"All very satisfactory, my little friend, was it not?" said Mr. Travilla.
+
+"Yes, sir, very. I'm so glad to have secured such a man as Mr. Mason to
+look after the welfare of these poor helpless creatures. And you like the
+house, Mr. Travilla, do you not?"
+
+"Very much, so far as I have seen it. This is a beautiful room, and the
+dining-room pleased me equally well."
+
+"Ah, I am eager to show you all!" she cried, rising quickly and laying her
+hand on the bell-rope.
+
+"Stay, little wife, not to-night," he said, "you are too much fatigued."
+
+She glided to the back of the easy chair in which he sat, and leaning over
+him, said laughingly, "I'm not conscious of being fatigued, but I have
+promised to obey and----"
+
+"Hush, hush!" he said flushing, "I meant to have that left out; and did I
+not tell you you were to have your own way that night and ever after?
+You've already done enough of obeying to last you a lifetime. But please
+come round where I can see you better." Then, as she stepped to his side,
+he threw an arm about her and drew her to his knee.
+
+"But it wasn't left out," she said, shyly returning his fond caress; "I
+promised and must keep my word."
+
+"Ah, but if you can't, you can't; how will you obey when you get no
+orders?"
+
+"So you don't mean to give me any?"
+
+"No, indeed; I'm your husband, your friend, your protector, your lover,
+but not your master."
+
+"Now, Mr. Travilla----"
+
+"I asked you to call me Edward."
+
+"But it seems so disrespectful."
+
+"More so than to remind me of the disparity of our years? or than to
+disregard my earnest wish? Then I think I'll have to require the keeping
+of the promise in this one thing. Say Edward, little wife, and never again
+call me Mr. Travilla when we are alone."
+
+"Well, Edward, I will try to obey; and if I use the wrong word through
+forgetfulness you must please excuse it. But ah, I remember papa would say
+that was no excuse."
+
+"But I shall not be so strict--unless you forget too often. I have
+sometimes thought my friend too hard with his tender-hearted, sensitive
+little daughter."
+
+"Don't blame him--my dear, dear father!" she said, low and tremulously,
+her face growing grave and almost sad for the moment. "He was very strict,
+it is true, but none too strict in the matter of requiring prompt and
+implicit obedience, and oh, so kind, so loving, so tender, so
+sympathizing. I could, and did go to him with every little childish joy
+and sorrow, every trouble, vexation, and perplexity; always sure of
+sympathy, and help, too, if needed. Never once did he repulse me, or show
+himself an uninterested listener.
+
+"He would take me on his knee, hear all I had to say, clasp me close to
+his heart, caress me, call me pet names, joy, sorrow with, or counsel me
+as the case required, and bid me always come freely to him so, assuring me
+that nothing which concerned me, one way or another, was too trivial to
+interest him, and he would be glad to know I had not a thought or feeling
+concealed from him. I doubt if even you, my friend, have ever known all
+that papa has been and is to me: father, mother, everything--but
+husband," she added with a blush and smile, as her eyes met the kindly,
+tender look in his.
+
+"Ah, that is my blessed privilege," he whispered, drawing her closer to
+him. "My wife, my own precious little wife! God keep me from ever being
+less tender, loving, sympathizing to you than your father has been."
+
+"I do not fear it, my husband. Oh, was ever woman so blessed with love as
+I! Daughter, and wife! they are the sweetest of all names when addressed
+to me by papa's lips and yours."
+
+"I ought not to find fault with his training, seeing what credit you do
+it. However, you seemed to me as near perfection as possible before he
+began. Ah, my little friend, for how many years I loved you with scarcely
+a hope it would ever be returned in the way I wished. Indeed I can hardly
+yet believe fully in my own happiness," he concluded with a joyous laugh.
+The next day Elsie had the pleasure of showing her husband over the house
+first, and then the estate. Their life at Viamede, for the few weeks of
+their stay, seemed much like a repetition of her visit there the year
+before with her father. They took the same rides, walks and drives; glided
+over the clear waters of the bayou in the same boat; sought out each spot
+of beauty or interest he had shown her; were, if possible, even more
+constantly together, reading, writing, or engaged with music in library or
+drawing-room, seated side by side on veranda or lawn enjoying
+conversation, book or periodical; or, it might be, silently musing, hand
+in hand, by the soft moonlight that lent such a witchery to the lovely
+landscape. A pleasanter honeymoon could hardly have been devised.
+
+In one thing, however, they were disappointed: they had hoped to be left
+entirely to each other; but it was impossible to conceal their presence at
+Viamede from the hospitable neighbors, and calls and invitations had to be
+received and returned. But, both being eminently fitted to shine in
+society, and each proud to display the other, this state of things did
+not, after all, so greatly interfere with their enjoyment.
+
+In fact, so delightful did they find their life in that lovely country
+that they lingered week after week till nearly six had slipped away, and
+letters from home began to be urgent for their return. Mr. Dinsmore was
+wearying for his daughter, Mrs. Travilla for her son, and scarcely less
+for the daughter so long vainly hoped for.
+
+Every day a servant was despatched to the nearest post-office with their
+mail, generally returning as full handed as he went. Mr. Dinsmore's
+letters were, as he had promised, daily, and never left unanswered. The
+old love was not, could not be forgotten in the new. Elsie was no less a
+daughter because she had become a wife; but Edward was always a sharer in
+her enjoyment, and she in his.
+
+They were sitting on the veranda one morning when Uncle Ben rode up and
+handed the mail-box to his master. Mr. Travilla hastened to open it, gave
+Elsie her letters and began the perusal of his own.
+
+A softly breathed sigh called his attention to her.
+
+"What is it, little wife?" he asked; "your face is grave almost to
+sadness."
+
+"I was thinking," she answered, with her eye still upon her father's
+letter open in her hand. "Papa says," and she read aloud from the sheet,
+"How long you are lingering in Viamede. When will you return? Tell
+Travilla I am longing for a sight of the dear face his eyes are feasting
+upon, and he must remember his promise not to part us.
+
+"I am writing in your boudoir. I have been thinking of the time (it seems
+but yesterday) when I had you here a little girl, sitting on my knee
+reciting your lessons or listening with almost rapt attention to my
+remarks and explanations. Never before had tutor so dear, sweet, and
+interesting a scholar!"
+
+"A fond father's partiality," she remarked, looking up with a smile and
+blush. "But never, I am sure, was such another tutor; his lucid
+explanations, intense interest in the subject and his pupil, apt
+illustrations, and fund of information constantly opened up to me, made my
+lessons a delight."
+
+"He has made you wonderfully well informed and thorough," said her
+husband.
+
+She colored with pleasure.
+
+"Such words are very sweet, coming from your lips. You appreciate papa."
+
+"Yes, indeed, and his daughter too, I hope," he answered, smiling fondly
+upon her. "Yes, your father and I have been like brothers since we were
+little fellows. It seems absurd to think of him in any other relation."
+
+"But what about going home? isn't it time, as papa thinks?"
+
+"That you shall decide, _ma chere_; our life here has been very delightful
+to me, and to you also, I hope."
+
+"Very, if we had your mother and papa and mamma and the children here, I
+should like to stay all winter. But as it is I think we ought to return
+soon." He assented, and after a little more consultation they decided to
+go soon--not later than the middle of the next week, but the day was not
+set.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.
+
+    "The low reeds bent by the streamlet's side,
+     And hills to the thunder peal replied;
+     The lightning burst on its fearful way
+     While the heavens were lit in its red array."
+                         --WILLIS GAYLORD CLARK.
+
+
+
+    "Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge
+     Accurs'd, and in a cursed hour he hies."
+                        --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+They were alone that evening, and retired earlier than usual. They had
+been quietly sleeping for some time when Elsie was wakened by a sudden
+gust of wind that swept round the house, rattling doors and windows; then
+followed the roll and crash of thunder, peal on peal, accompanied with
+vivid flashes of lightning.
+
+Elsie was not timid in regard to thunder and lightning; she knew so well
+that they were entirely under the control of her Father, without whom not
+a hair of her head could perish; she lay listening to the war of the
+elements, thinking of the words of the Psalmist, "The clouds poured out
+water: the skies sent out a sound; Thine arrows also went abroad. The
+voice of Thy thunder was in the heaven; the lightnings lightened the
+world, the earth trembled and shook."
+
+But another sound startled her. Surely she heard some stealthy step on the
+veranda upon which the windows of the room opened (long windows reaching
+from the floor almost to the ceiling), and then a hand at work with the
+fastenings of the shutters of the one farthest from the bed.
+
+Her husband lay sleeping by her side. She half raised herself in the bed,
+put her lips to his ear, and shaking him slightly, whispered, "Edward,
+some one is trying to get in at the window!"
+
+He was wide-awake in an instant, raised himself and while listening
+intently took a loaded revolver from under his pillow and cocked it ready
+for use.
+
+"Lie down, darling," he whispered; "it will be safer, and should the
+villain get in, this will soon settle him, I think."
+
+"Don't kill him, if you can save yourself without," she answered, in the
+same low tone and with a shudder.
+
+"No; if I could see, I should aim for his right arm."
+
+A moment of silent waiting, the slight sound of the burglar's tool faintly
+heard amid the noise of the storm, then the shutter flew open, a man
+stepped in; at that instant a vivid flash of lightning showed the three to
+each other, and the men fired simultaneously.
+
+A heavy, rolling crash of thunder followed close upon the sharp crack of
+the revolvers; the robber's pistol fell with a loud thump upon the floor
+and he turned and fled along the veranda, this time moving with more haste
+than caution. They distinctly heard the flying footsteps.
+
+"I must have hit him," said Mr. Travilla, "Dearest, you are not hurt?"
+
+"No, no; but you?"
+
+"Have escaped also, thank God," he added, with earnest solemnity.
+
+Elsie, springing to the bell-rope, sent peal after peal resounding through
+the house. "He must be pursued, if possible!" she cried; "for oh, Edward,
+your life is in danger as long as he is at large. You recognized him?"
+
+"Yes, Tom Jackson; I thought him safe in prison at the North; but probably
+he has been bailed out; perhaps by one of his own gang; for so are the
+ends of justice often defeated."
+
+He was hurrying on his clothes as he spoke. Elsie had hastily donned
+dressing-gown and slippers, and now struck a light.
+
+Steps and voices were heard in the hall without, while Aunt Chloe coming
+in from the other side, asked in tones tremulous with affright, "What's de
+matter? what's de matter, darlin'? is you hurted?"
+
+"No, mammy; but there was a burglar here a moment since," said Elsie. "He
+and Mr. Travilla fired at each other, and he must be pursued instantly.
+Send Uncle Joe to rouse Mr. Spriggs and the boys, and go after him with
+all speed."
+
+Meantime Mr. Mason was knocking at the door opening into the hall, asking
+what was wrong and offering his services; a number of negro men's voices
+adding, "Massa and missus, we's all heyah and ready to fight for ye."
+
+Mr. Travilla opened the door, briefly explained what had happened, and
+repeated Elsie's order for an immediate and hot pursuit.
+
+"I myself will head it," he was adding, when she interposed.
+
+"No, no, no, my husband, surely you will not think of it; he may kill you
+yet. Or he might return from another direction, and what could I do with
+only the women to help me? Oh, Edward, don't go! don't leave me!" And she
+clung to him trembling and with tears in the soft, entreating eyes.
+
+"No, dearest, you are right. I will stay here to protect you, and Spriggs
+may lead the boys," he answered, throwing an arm about her. "I think I
+wounded the fellow," he added to Mr. Mason. "Here, Aunt Chloe, bring the
+light nearer."
+
+Yes, there lay a heavy revolver, and beside it a pool of blood on the
+carpet where the villain had stood; and there was a bloody trail all along
+the veranda where he had run, and on the railing and pillar by which he
+had swung himself to the ground; indeed, they could track him by it for
+some distance over the lawn, where the trees kept the ground partially
+dry; but beyond that the rain coming down in sheets, had helped the
+fugitive by washing away the telltale stains.
+
+Elsie shuddering and turning pale and faint at the horrible sight, ordered
+an immediate and thorough cleansing of both carpet and veranda.
+
+"Dere's hot water in de kitchen," said Aunt Phillis. "You, Sal an' Bet,
+hurry up yah wid a big basin full, an' soap an' sand an' house-cloths.
+Glad 'nuff dat massa shot dat ole debbil, but Miss Elsie's house not to be
+defiled wid his dirty blood."
+
+"Cold watah fust, Aunt Phillis," interposed Chloe, "cold watah fust to
+take out blood-stain, den de hot after dat."
+
+"Mammy knows; do as she directs," said Elsie, hastily retreating into her
+dressing-room.
+
+"My darling, this has been too much for you," her husband said tenderly,
+helping her to lie down on a sofa.
+
+Chloe came hurrying in with a tumbler of cold water in one hand, a bottle
+of smelling salts in the other, her dusky face full of concern.
+
+Mr. Travilla took the articles from her. "That is right, but I will attend
+to your mistress," he said in a kindly tone; "and do you go and prepare a
+bed for her in one of the rooms on the other side of the hall."
+
+"It is hardly worth while, dear," said Elsie; "I don't think I can sleep
+again to-night."
+
+"Yet perhaps you may; it is only two o'clock," he said, as the timepiece
+on the mantle struck the hour, "and at least you may rest a little better
+than you could here."
+
+"And perhaps you may sleep. Yes, mammy, get the bed ready as soon as you
+can."
+
+"My darling, how pale you are!" Mr. Travilla said with concern, as he
+knelt by her side, applying the restoratives. "Do not be alarmed; I am
+quite sure the man's right arm is disabled, and therefore the danger is
+past, for the present at least."
+
+She put her arm about his neck and relieved her full heart with a burst of
+tears. "Pray, praise," she whispered; "oh, thank the Lord for your narrow
+escape; the ball must have passed very near your head; I heard it whiz
+over mine and strike the opposite wall."
+
+"Yes, it just grazed my hair and carried away a lock, I think. Yes, let us
+thank the Lord." And he poured out a short but fervent thanksgiving, to
+every word of which her heart said "Amen!"
+
+"Yes, there is a lock gone, sure enough," she said, stroking his hair
+caressingly as he bent over her. "Ah, if we had not lingered so long here,
+this would not have happened."
+
+"Not here, but elsewhere perhaps."
+
+"That is true, and no doubt all has been ordered for the best."
+
+Aunt Chloe presently returned, with the announcement that the bed was
+ready; and they retired for the second time, leaving the house in the care
+of Uncle Joe and the women servants.
+
+It was some time before Elsie could compose herself to sleep, but near
+daybreak she fell into a deep slumber that lasted until long past the
+usual breakfast hour. Mr. Travilla slept late also, while the vigilant
+Aunts Chloe and Phillis and Uncle Joe took care that no noise should be
+made, no intruder allowed access to their vicinity to disturb them.
+
+The first news that greeted them on leaving their room, was of the failure
+of the pursuit after the burglar. He had managed to elude the search, and
+to their chagrin Spriggs and his party had been obliged to return
+empty-handed. The servants were the first to tell the tale, then Spriggs
+came in with a fuller report.
+
+"The scoundrel!" he growled; "how he contrived to do it I can't tell. If
+we'd had hounds, he couldn't. We've none on the place, but if you say so,
+I'll borrow----"
+
+"No, no! Mr. Travilla, you will not allow it" cried Elsie, turning an
+entreating look upon him.
+
+"No, Spriggs, the man must be greatly weakened by the loss of blood, and,
+unable to defend himself, might be torn to pieces by them before you could
+prevent it."
+
+"Small loss to the rest of the world if he was," grumbled the overseer.
+
+"Yes, but I wouldn't have him die such a death as that; or hurried into
+eternity without a moment for repentance."
+
+"But might it not be well to have another search?" suggested Elsie. "He
+had better be given up to justice, even for his own good, than die in the
+woods of weakness and starvation."
+
+"Hands are all so busy with the sugar-cane just now, ma'am, that I don't
+see how they could be spared," answered Spriggs. "And tell you what,
+ma'am"--as if struck with a sudden thought--"the rascal must have a
+confederate that's helped him off."
+
+"Most likely," said Mr. Travilla. "Indeed, I think it must be so. And you
+need give yourself no further anxiety about him, my dear."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.
+
+    "Revenge at first though sweet,
+     Bitter erelong, back on itself recoils."
+                   --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+At the instant of discharging his revolver, Jackson felt a sharp stinging
+pain in his right arm, and it dropped useless at his side. He hoped he had
+killed both Mr. Travilla and Elsie; but, an arrant coward and thus
+disabled, did not dare to remain a moment to learn with certainty the
+effect of his shot, but rushing along the veranda, threw himself over the
+railing, and sliding down a pillar, by the aid of the one hand, and with
+no little pain and difficulty, made off with all speed across the lawn.
+
+But he was bleeding at so fearful a rate that he found himself compelled
+to pause long enough to improvise a tourniquet by knotting his
+handkerchief above the wound, tying it as tightly as he could with the
+left hand aided by his teeth. He stooped and felt on the ground in the
+darkness and rain, for a stick, by means of which to tighten it still
+more; for the bleeding, though considerably checked, was by no means
+stanched. But sticks, stones, and every kind of litter, had long been
+banished thence; his fingers came in contact with nothing but the smooth,
+velvety turf, and with a muttered curse, he rose and fled again; for the
+flashing of lights, the loud ringing of a bell, peal after peal, and
+sounds of running feet and many voices in high excited tones, told him
+there was danger of a quick and hot pursuit.
+
+Clearing the lawn, he presently struck into a bridle-path that led to the
+woods. Here he again paused to search for the much-needed stick, found one
+suited to his purpose, and by its aid succeeded in decreasing still more
+the drain upon his life current; yet could not stop the flow entirely.
+
+But sounds of pursuit began to be heard in the distance, and he hastened
+on again, panting with weakness, pain and affright. Leaving the path, he
+plunged deeper into the woods, ran for some distance along the edge of a
+swamp, and leaping in up to his knees in mud and water, doubled on his
+track, then turned again, and penetrating farther and farther into the
+depths of the morass, finally climbed a tree, groaning with the pain the
+effort cost him, and concealed himself among the branches.
+
+His pursuers came up to the spot where he had made his plunge into the
+water; here they paused, evidently at fault. He could hear the sound of
+their footsteps and voices, and judge of their movements by the gleam of
+the torches many of them carried.
+
+Some now took one direction, some another, and he perceived with joy that
+his stratagem had been at least partially successful. One party, however,
+soon followed him into the swamp. He could hear Spriggs urging them on and
+anathematizing him as "a scoundrel, robber, burglar, murderer, who ought
+to be swung up to the nearest tree."
+
+Every thicket was undergoing a thorough search, heads were thrown back and
+torches held high that eager blacks eyes might scan the tree-tops, and
+Jackson began to grow sick with the almost certainty of being taken, as
+several stout negroes drew nearer and nearer his chosen hiding-place.
+
+He uttered a low, breathed imprecation upon his useless right arm, and the
+man whose sure aim had made it so. "But for you," he muttered, grinding
+his teeth, "I'd sell my life dear."
+
+But the rain, which had slackened for a time, again poured down in
+torrents, the torches sputtered and went out, and the pursuers turned back
+in haste to gain the firmer soil, where less danger was to be apprehended
+from alligators, panthers, and poisonous reptiles.
+
+The search was kept up for some time longer, with no light but an
+occasional flash from the skies; but finally abandoned, as we have seen.
+
+Jackson passed several hours most uncomfortably and painfully on his
+elevated perch, quaking with fear of both man and reptile, not daring to
+come down or to sleep in his precarious position, or able to do so for the
+pain of his wound, and growing hour by hour weaker from the bleeding which
+it was impossible to check entirely.
+
+Then his mind was in a state of great disturbance, His wound must be
+dressed, and that speedily; yet how could it be accomplished without
+imperiling life and liberty? Perhaps he had now two new murders on his
+hands; he did not know, but he had at least attempted to take life, and
+the story would fly on the wings of the wind; such stories always did.
+
+He had been lurking about the neighborhood for days, and had learned that
+Dr. Balis, an excellent physician and surgeon, lived on a plantation, some
+two or three miles eastward from Viamede. He must contrive a plausible
+story, and go to him; at break of day, before the news of the attack on
+Viamede would be likely to reach him. It would be a risk, but what better
+could be done? He might succeed in quieting the doctor's suspicions, and
+yet make good his escape from the vicinity.
+
+The storm had spent itself before the break of day, and descending from
+his perch with the first faint rays of light that penetrated the gloomy
+recesses of the swamp, he made his way out of it, slowly and toilsomely,
+with weary, aching limbs, suffering intensely from the gnawings of hunger
+and thirst, the pain of his injury, and the fear of being overtaken by the
+avengers of his innocent victims. Truly, as the Bible tells us, "the way
+of transgressors is hard."
+
+The sun was more than an hour high when Dr. Balis, ready to start upon his
+morning round, and pacing thoughtfully to and fro upon the veranda of his
+dwelling while waiting for his horse, saw a miserable looking object
+coming up the avenue: a man almost covered from head to foot with blood
+and mud; a white handkerchief, also both bloody and muddy, knotted around
+the right arm, which hung apparently useless at his side. The man reeled
+as he walked, either from intoxication or weakness and fatigue.
+
+The doctor judged the latter, and called to a servant, "Nap, go and help
+that man into the office." Then hurrying thither himself, got out lint,
+bandages, instruments, whatever might be needed for the dressing of a
+wound. With the assistance of Nap's strong arm, the man tottered in, then
+sank, half fainting, into a chair.
+
+"A glass of wine, Nap, quick!" cried the doctor, sprinkling some water in
+his patient's face, and applying ammonia to his nostrils.
+
+He revived sufficiently to swallow with eager avidity the wine Nap held to
+his lips.
+
+"Food, for the love of God," he gasped. "I'm starving!"
+
+"Bread, meat, coffee, anything that is on the table, Nap," said his
+master; "and don't let the grass grow under your feet."
+
+Then to the stranger, and taking gentle hold of the wounded limb: "But you
+need this flow of blood stanched more than anything else. You came to me
+for surgical aid, of course. Pistol-shot wound, eh? and a bad one at
+that."
+
+"Yes, I----"
+
+"Never mind; I'll hear your story after your arm's dressed and you've had
+your breakfast. You haven't strength for talk just now."
+
+Dr. Balis had his own suspicions as he ripped up the coat sleeve, bared
+the swollen limb, and carefully dressed the wound; but kept them to
+himself. The stranger's clothes, though much soiled and torn in several
+places by contact with thorns and briers, were of good material,
+fashionable cut, and not old or worn; his manners were gentlemanly, and
+his speech was that of an educated man. But all this was no proof that he
+was not a villain.
+
+"Is that mortification?" asked the sufferer, looking ruefully at the
+black, swollen hand and fore-arm, and wincing under the doctor's touch as
+he took up the artery and tied it.
+
+"No, no; only the stagnation of the blood."
+
+"Will the limb ever be good for anything again?"
+
+"Oh yes; neither the bone nor nerve has suffered injury; the ball has
+glanced from the bone, passed under the nerve, and cut the humeral artery.
+Your tourniquet has saved you from bleeding to death. 'Tis well you knew
+enough to apply it. The flesh is much torn where the ball passed out; but
+that will heal in time."
+
+The doctor's task was done. Nap had set a plate of food within reach of
+the stranger's left hand, and he was devouring it like a hungry wolf.
+
+"Now, sir," said the good doctor, when the meal was finished, "I should
+like to hear how you came by that ugly wound. I can't deny that things
+look suspicious. I know everybody, high and low, rich and poor, for miles
+in every direction, and so need no proof that you do not belong to the
+neighborhood."
+
+"No; a party of us, from New Orleans last, came out to visit this
+beautiful region. We were roaming through a forest yesterday, looking for
+game, when I somehow got separated from the rest, lost my way, darkness
+came on, and wondering hither and thither in the vain effort to find my
+comrades, tumbling over logs and fallen trees, scratched and torn by
+brambles, almost eaten up by mosquitos, I thought I was having a dreadful
+time of it. But worse was to come; for I presently found myself in a swamp
+up to my knees in mud and water, and in the pitchy darkness tumbling over
+another fallen tree, struck my revolver, which I had foolishly been
+carrying in my coat pocket: it went off and shot me in the arm, as you
+see. That must have been early in the night; and what with loss of blood,
+pain, fatigue, and long fasting, I had but little strength when daylight
+came and I could see to get out of swamp and woods, and come on here."
+
+The doctor listened in silence, his face telling nothing of his thoughts.
+
+"A bad business," he said, rising and beginning to draw on his gloves.
+"You are not fit to travel, but are welcome to stay here for the present;
+had better lie down on the sofa there and take a nap while I am away
+visiting my patients. Nap, clean the mud and blood from the gentleman's
+clothes; take his boots out and clean them too; and see that he doesn't
+want for attention while I am gone. Good-morning, sir; make yourself at
+home." And the doctor walked out, giving Nap a slight sign to follow him.
+
+"Nap," he said, when they were out of ear-shot of the stranger, "watch
+that man and keep him here if possible, till I come back."
+
+"Yes, sah."
+
+Nap went back into the office while the doctor mounted and rode away.
+
+"Humph," he said, half aloud, as he cantered briskly along, "took me for a
+fool, did he? thought I couldn't tell where the shot went in and where it
+came out, or where it would go in or out if caused in that way. No, sir,
+you never gave yourself that wound; but the question is who did? and what
+for? have you been house-breaking or some other mischief?" Dr. Balis was
+traveling in the direction of Viamede, intending to call there too, but
+having several patients to visit on the way, did not arrive until the late
+breakfast of its master and mistress was over.
+
+They were seated together on the veranda, her hand in his, the other arm
+thrown lightly about her waist, talking earnestly, and so engrossed with
+each other and the subject of their conversation, that they did not at
+first observe the doctor's approach.
+
+Uncle Joe was at work on the lawn, clearing away the leaves and twigs
+blown down by the storm.
+
+"Mornin', Massa Doctah; did you heyah de news, sah?" he said, pulling off
+his hat and making a profound obeisance, as he stepped forward to take the
+visitor's horse.
+
+"No, uncle, what is it?"
+
+"Burglah, sir, burglah broke in de house las' night, an' fire he revolvah
+at massa an' Miss Elsie. Miss dem, dough, an' got shot hisself."
+
+"Possible!" cried the doctor in great excitement, springing from the
+saddle and hurrying up the steps of the veranda.
+
+"Ah, doctor, good-morning. Glad to see you, sir," said Mr. Travilla,
+rising to give the physician a hearty shake of the hand.
+
+"Thank you, sir. How are you after your fright? Mrs. Travilla, you are
+looking a little pale; and no wonder. Uncle Joe tells me you had a visit
+from a burglar last night?"
+
+"A murderer, sir; one whose object was to take my husband's life," Elsie
+answered with a shudder, and in low, tremulous tones, leaning on Edward's
+arm and gazing into his face with eyes swimming with tears of love and
+gratitude.
+
+"My wife's also, I fear," Mr. Travilla said with emotion, fondly stroking
+her sunny hair.
+
+"Indeed! why this is worse and worse! But he did not succeed in wounding
+either of you?"
+
+"No; his ball passed over our heads, grazing mine so closely as to cut off
+a lock of my hair. But I wounded him, must have cut an artery, I think,
+from the bloody trail he left behind him."
+
+"An artery?" cried the doctor, growing more and more excited; "where? do
+you know where your ball struck?"
+
+"A flash of lightning showed us to each other and we fired simultaneously,
+I aiming for his right arm. I do not often miss my aim: we heard his
+revolver fall to the floor and he fled instantly, leaving it and a trail
+of blood before him."
+
+"You had him pursued promptly, of course?"
+
+"Yes; but they did not find him. I expected to see them return with his
+corpse, thinking he must bleed to death in a very short time. But I
+presume he had an accomplice who was able to stanch the flow of blood and
+carry him away."
+
+"No, I don't think he had; and if I'm not greatly mistaken I dressed his
+wound in my office this morning, and left him there in charge of my boy
+Nap, bidding him keep the fellow there, if possible, till I came back. I'd
+better return at once, lest he should make his escape. Do you know the
+man? and can you describe him?"
+
+"I do; I can," replied Mr. Travilla. "But, my little wife, how you are
+trembling! Sit down here, dearest, and lean on me," leading her to a sofa.
+"And doctor, take that chair.
+
+"The man's name is Tom Jackson; he is a noted gambler and forger, has been
+convicted of manslaughter and other crimes, sent to the penitentiary and
+pardoned out. He hates me because I have exposed his evil deeds, and
+prevented the carrying out of some of his wicked designs. He has before
+this threatened both our lives. He is about your height and build, doctor;
+can assume the manners and speech of a gentleman; has dark hair, eyes, and
+whiskers, regular features, and but for a sinister look would be very
+handsome."
+
+"It's he and no mistake!" cried Dr. Balis, rising in haste. "I must hurry
+home and prevent his escape. Why, it's really dangerous to have him at
+large. If he wasn't so disabled I'd tremble for the lives of my wife and
+children.
+
+"He trumped up a story to tell me--had his revolver in his coat pocket,
+set it off in tumbling over a log in the dark, and so shot himself. Of
+course I knew 'twas a lie, because in that case the ball would have
+entered from below, at the back of the arm, and come out above, while the
+reverse was the case."
+
+"But how could you tell where it entered or where it passed out, doctor?"
+inquired Elsie.
+
+"How, Mrs. Travilla? Why, where it goes in it makes merely a small hole;
+you see nothing but a blue mark; but a much larger opening in passing out,
+often tearing the flesh a good deal; as in this case.
+
+"Ah, either he was a fool or thought I was. But good-bye. I shall gallop
+home as fast as possible and send back word whether I find him there or
+not."
+
+"Don't take the trouble, doctor," said Mr. Travilla; "we will mount and
+follow you at once, to identify him if he is to be found. Shall we not,
+wife?"
+
+"If you say so, Edward, and are quite sure he cannot harm you now?"
+
+"No danger, Mrs. Travilla," cried the doctor, looking back as he rode
+off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.
+
+    "Oft those whose cruelty makes many mourn
+     Do by the fires which they first kindle burn."
+                            --EARL OF STIRLING.
+
+    "As crimes do grow, justice should rouse itself."
+                                --JOHNSON'S CATILINE.
+
+
+Jackson thought he read suspicion in the doctor's eye as the latter left
+the office; also he felt sure the physician would not ride far before
+hearing of the attack on Viamede, and would speedily come at the truth by
+putting that and that together; perhaps return with a party of avengers,
+and hang him to a tree in the adjacent forest.
+
+"I must get out o' this before I'm an hour older," said the scoundrel to
+himself. "Oh, for the strength I had yesterday!"
+
+"Why don't you lie down, sah, as Massa Doctah tole ye?" asked Nap,
+returning. "Massa always 'spects folks to do prezactly as he tells dem."
+
+"Why, Sambo, I'm too dirty to lie on that nice sofa," replied Jackson,
+glancing down at his soiled garments.
+
+"Sambo's not my name, sah," said the negro, drawing himself up with
+dignity; "I'se Napoleon Boningparty George Washington Marquis de
+Lafayette, an' dey calls me Nap for short. If ye'll take off dat coat,
+sah, an' dem boots, I'll take 'em out to de kitchen yard an' clean 'em."
+
+"Thank you; if you will I'll give you a dollar. And if you'll brush the
+mud from my pants first, I'll try the sofa; for I'm nearly dead for sleep
+and rest."
+
+"All right, sah," and Nap went to a closet, brought out a whisk, and using
+it vigorously upon the pantaloons, soon brushed away the mud, which the
+sun had made very dry. A few blood stains were left, but there was no help
+for that at present. The coat was taken off with some difficulty on
+account of the wounded arm, then the boots, and Jackson laid himself down
+on the sofa and closed his eyes.
+
+Nap threw the coat over his arm, and taking the boots in the other hand
+went softly out, closing the door behind him. "Safe 'nuff now, I reckon,"
+he chuckled to himself; "guess he not trabble far widout dese."
+
+He was hardly gone, however, when Jackson roused himself and forced his
+weary eyes to unclose. "As dangerous as to go to sleep when freezing," he
+muttered. He rose, stepped to the closet door, and opened it.
+
+A pair of boots stood on the floor, a coat hung on a peg. He helped
+himself to both, sat down and drew on the boots, which were a little too
+large but went on all the more readily for that. Now for the coat. It was
+not new, but by no means shabby. He took out his knife, hastily ripped up
+the right sleeve and put it on. It fitted even better than the boots.
+
+Nap had brought a bottle of wine and left it on the office table,
+forgetting to carry it back to the dining-room. Jackson took it up, and
+placing it to his mouth drained the last drop. Then putting on his hat, he
+stole softly from the house and down the avenue.
+
+To his great joy a boat was just passing in the direction to take him
+farther from Viamede. He signaled it, and was taken aboard.
+
+"Been getting Dr. Balis to patch up a wound, eh, stranger?" said the
+skipper, glancing at the disabled arm.
+
+"Yes;" and Jackson repeated the story already told to the surgeon.
+
+The skipper sympathized and advised a rest in the cabin.
+
+"Thank you," said Jackson; "but I'm only going a few miles, when I'll
+reach a point where, by taking to the woods again, I'll be likely to find
+my friends; who are doubtless anxious to know what has become of me."
+
+"Very well, sir, when we come to the right place, just let us know and
+we'll put you off."
+
+Evidently the skipper had heard nothing to arouse his suspicions. Jackson
+was landed at the spot he pointed out--a lonely one on the edge of a
+forest, without question or demur, and the boat went on its way.
+
+He watched it till it disappeared from view, then plunging into the woods,
+presently found a narrow foot-path, pursuing which for an hour or so he
+came out into a small clearing. At the farther side, built just on the
+edge of the forest, was a rude log cabin. A slatternly woman stood in the
+open doorway.
+
+"So ye did get back at last?" she remarked, as he drew near. "I'd most
+give ye up. What ails your arm now?"
+
+He briefly repeated his story to the doctor and skipper; then asked
+hurriedly, "Is my horse all right?"
+
+The woman nodded. "I've tuck good care on her. Now where's the gold ye
+promised me?"
+
+"Here," he said, taking out, and holding up before her delighted eyes,
+several shining half-eagles; "have my horse saddled and bridled and
+brought round to the door here as quickly as possible, and these are
+yours."
+
+"I'll do it. Bill," to a half-grown youth who sat on a rude bench within
+lazily smoking a pipe--"run and fetch the gentleman's hoss. But what's yer
+hurry, mister?"
+
+"This," he answered, pointing to the disabled limb; "it's growing worse,
+and I'm in haste to get home, where I can be nursed by mother and sisters,
+before I quite give out."
+
+"She's a awful sperited cratur, and you'll have a hard job o' it to manage
+her, with one hand."
+
+"I must try it, nevertheless; I believe I can do it too; for she knows her
+master."
+
+"She'll go like lightnin'," said the boy, as he brought the animal to the
+door; "she's been so long in the stable, she's as wild and scary as a
+bird."
+
+Jackson threw the gold into the woman's lap, turned about and taking the
+bridle from the boy, stroked, patted, and talked soothingly to the excited
+steed, who was snorting and pawing the ground in a way that boded danger
+to any one attempting to mount.
+
+His caresses and kindly tones seemed, however, to have a calming effect;
+she grew comparatively quiet, he sprang into the saddle and was off like
+an arrow from the bow.
+
+It was about that time the doctor returned to his office to find it
+deserted. Nap was summoned.
+
+"What's become of the man I left here in your charge, sirrah?" asked the
+doctor sternly.
+
+"Dunno, sah, Massa Doctah," answered Nap, glancing in astonishment from
+side to side. "To't he heyah, sah; 'deed I did. Took he coat an' boots to
+clean 'em; to't he safe till I fotch 'em back; wouldn't go off without
+dem."
+
+The doctor stepped to the closet. "Yes, my coat and boots gone, bottle of
+wine emptied, no fee for professional aid--a fine day's work for me."
+
+"Massa Doctah! you don't say de rascal done stole yer coat an' boots? Oh,
+ef I cotch him, I----" and Napoleon Bonaparte George Washington Marquis de
+Lafayette looked unutterable things.
+
+"Better take care I don't get hold of you!" cried the irate master. "Go
+and tell Cato to saddle and bridle Selim and bring him to the door as
+quickly as possible; and do you find out if anybody saw which way the
+rascal went. He must be caught, for he's a burglar and murderer!"
+
+Nap lifted his hands and opened mouth and eyes wide in surprise and
+horror.
+
+"Begone!" cried the doctor, stamping his foot, "and don't stand gaping
+there while the scoundrel escapes."
+
+Nap shuffled out, leaving his master pacing the office to and fro with
+angry, impatient strides.
+
+"What is it, my dear? what has gone wrong?" asked his wife, looking in
+upon him.
+
+"Come, sit down on the sofa here and I'll tell you," he said, his excited
+manner quieting somewhat at sight of her pleasant face.
+
+She accepted the invitation, and seating himself beside her he briefly
+related all that he knew of Jackson and his attack on Mr. Travilla.
+
+He had hardly finished when Nap returned with the news that several of the
+negro children had seen a man go down the avenue and get aboard a passing
+boat.
+
+"Ah ha!" cried the doctor, jumping up; "and which way was the boat going?"
+
+"Dat way, sah," replied Nap, indicating the direction by a flourish of his
+right hand.
+
+At that moment Mr. and Mrs. Travilla rode up, and Dr. and Mrs. Balis
+hastened out to greet them.
+
+"He's gone; took the morning boat," cried the doctor.
+
+"Good!" said Mr. Travilla, "we have only to head him with a telegram, and
+he'll be arrested on stepping ashore; or on board the boat."
+
+"Unless he should land in the next town, Madison, which the boat, having a
+good hour's start of us, would reach before the swiftest messenger we
+could send; probably has already reached."
+
+"Then the best plan will be for me to ride on to Madison, give notice to
+the authorities, have it ascertained whether our man has landed there, and
+if not telegraph to the next town and have them ready to board the boat,
+with a warrant for his arrest, as soon as it arrives."
+
+"Yes; and I'll mount Selim and go with you," answered the doctor. "I
+probably know the road better than you do. And our wives may keep each
+other company till we return."
+
+"What do you say, Elsie?" asked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"That I will go or stay as you think best."
+
+"We must ride very fast; I think it would fatigue you too much; so advise
+you to stay with Mrs. Balis, and I will call for you on my return."
+
+"Do, Mrs. Travilla! I should be delighted to have you," urged Mrs. Balis;
+"and you can tell me all about last night. What a trial to your nerves! I
+don't wonder you are looking a little pale this morning."
+
+"Thank you, I will stay," said Elsie; and instantly her husband, giving
+his horse into Nap's charge for a moment, sprang to the ground and lifted
+her from the saddle. "Don't be anxious, little wife," he whispered, as the
+soft eyes met his with a fond wistful look, "I am not likely to be in
+danger, and you know the sweet words, 'Not a hair of your head shall fall
+to the ground without your Father.'"
+
+"Yes, yes, I know, and will trust you in His hands, my dear husband," was
+the low-breathed response.
+
+Another moment and the two gentlemen were galloping rapidly down the
+avenue side by side. The ladies stood on the veranda, watching till they
+were out of sight, then went into the house.
+
+"Now, my dear Mrs. Travilla, shall I just treat you as one of ourselves,
+and take you into my own breezy room?" asked Mrs. Balis, regarding Elsie
+with an affectionate, admiring look.
+
+"It is just what I should like, Mrs. Balis," Elsie answered, with a smile
+so sweet that her hostess put her arm about her and kissed her.
+
+"I can't help it," she said; "you take my heart by storm with your beauty,
+grace, and sweetness."
+
+"Thank you, and you need not apologize," Elsie said, returning the
+embrace; "love is too precious a gift to be rejected."
+
+"I think Mr. Travilla a very fortunate man, and so does my husband."
+
+"And am not I a fortunate woman, too?"
+
+"Ah, yes, Mr. Travilla is most agreeable and entertaining, handsome too;
+and indeed I should think everything one could wish in a husband; as mine
+is," she added laughingly. "I presume neither of us would consent to an
+exchange of partners. Are you fond of children, Mrs. Travilla?"
+
+"Very."
+
+"Shall I show you mine?"
+
+"I should like to see them, if you please."
+
+Mrs. Balis at once led the way to the nursery, where she exhibited, with
+much motherly pride and delight, her three darlings, the eldest five, the
+second three years of age, the third a babe in the arms. They were
+bright-eyed, rosy-cheeked children, full of life and health, but to
+Elsie's taste not half so sweet and pretty as Rosebud.
+
+Mrs. Balis next conducted her guest to her boudoir; a servant brought in
+refreshments, consisting of a variety of fruits, cakes, and confections,
+with wine sangaree and lemonade. After partaking of these, the ladies had
+a long talk while awaiting the return of their husbands. The gentlemen
+were gone much longer than had been anticipated, and I am not sure the
+wives did not grow a little uneasy. At all events they left the boudoir
+for the front veranda, which gave them a view of the avenue and some
+hundred yards of the road beyond in the direction from which the travelers
+must come. And when at length the two were descried approaching, in a more
+leisurely manner than they went, there was a simultaneous and relieved
+exclamation, "Oh, there they are at last."
+
+The ladies stood up and waved their handkerchiefs. There was no response;
+the gentlemen's faces were towards each other and they seemed to be
+engaged in earnest converse.
+
+"Unsuccessful," said Mrs. Balis.
+
+"How do you know?" asked Elsie.
+
+"There's an air of dejection about them."
+
+"I don't see it," returned Elsie, smiling. "They seem to me only too busy
+talking to notice our little attention."
+
+But Mrs. Balis was correct in her conjecture. The boat had passed Madison
+some time before the gentlemen arrived there, had paused but a few minutes
+and landed no such passenger. Learning this they then telegraphed the
+authorities of the next town; waited some hours, and received a return
+telegram to the effect that the boat had been boarded, no person answering
+the description found; but the captain gave the information that such a
+man had been taken on board at Dr. Balis' plantation, and set ashore at
+the edge of a forest half-way between that place and Madison.
+
+On receiving this intelligence Mr. Travilla and the doctor started for
+home, bringing with them a posse of mounted men headed by some of the
+police of Madison.
+
+Dr. Balis had taken with him to Madison the blood-stained coat of Jackson.
+From this the hounds took the scent, and on arriving at the wood mentioned
+by the skipper, soon found the trail and set off in hot pursuit, the
+horsemen following close at their heels.
+
+Our gentlemen did not join in the chase, but having seen it well begun,
+continued on their homeward way.
+
+"And you did consent to the use of hounds?" Elsie said inquiringly, and
+with a slightly reproachful look at her husband.
+
+"My dear," he answered gently, "having been put into the hands of the
+police it has now become a commonwealth case, and I have no authority to
+dictate their mode of procedure."
+
+"Forgive me, dearest, if I seemed to reproach you," she whispered, the
+sweet eyes seeking his with a loving, repentant look, as for a moment they
+were left alone together.
+
+He drew her to him with a fond caress. "My darling, I have nothing to
+forgive."
+
+In the cabin at whose door Jackson had made his call and remounted his
+steed, a woman--the same with whom his business had been transacted--was
+stooping over an open fire, frying fat pork and baking hoe-cake. Bill sat
+on his bench smoking as before, while several tow-headed children romped
+and quarreled, chasing each other round and round the room with shouts of
+"You quit that ere!" "Mammy, I say, make her stop."
+
+"Hush!" cried the woman, suddenly straightening herself, and standing in a
+listening attitude, as a deep sound came to the ear, borne on the evening
+breeze.
+
+"Hounds! bloodhounds!" cried Bill, springing to his feet with unwonted
+energy. "And they're a-comin' this way; makin' straight for the house," he
+added, glancing from the door, then shutting it with a bang. "They're
+after that man; you may depend. He's a 'balitionist, or a horse thief, or
+somethin'."
+
+The children crouched, silent, pale, and terror-stricken, in a corner,
+while outside, the deep baying of the hounds drew nearer and nearer, and
+mingling with it came other sounds of horses' hoofs and the gruff voices
+of men. Then a loud "Halloo the house!"
+
+"What's wanted?" asked Bill, opening the one window and putting out his
+head.
+
+"The burglar you're hiding from justice and the hounds have tracked to
+your door. A fellow with his right arm disabled by a pistol-shot."
+
+"He isn't here, didn't step inside at all; don't ye see the hounds are
+turning away from the door? But you kin come in an' look for yourself."
+
+One of the men dismounted and went in.
+
+"Look round sharp now," said the woman. "I only wish he was here fur ye to
+ketch um: if I'd know'd he was a burglar, he would never hev got off so
+easy. He jest come for his beast that he left with us four days ago, and
+mounted there at the door and was off like a shot."
+
+"Which way?" asked the man.
+
+She pointed in a southerly direction. "It's the way to Texas, ain't it?
+an' he's got four or five hours the start o' ye, an' on a swift horse;
+he'll be over the border line afore ye kin ketch up to him."
+
+"I'm afraid so, indeed; but justice can follow him even there," replied
+the officer, hastening out, already satisfied that the one bare room did
+not contain his quarry.
+
+He sprang into the saddle, and the whole party galloped away in the wake
+of the dogs, who had found the trail again and started off in full cry.
+
+The party had a hard ride of some hours, the hounds never faltering or
+losing the scent; but at length they were at fault. They had reached a
+brook and here the trail was lost; it was sought for on both sides of the
+stream for a considerable distance both up and down, then abandoned in
+despair.
+
+The wily burglar had made his steed travel the bed of the stream, which
+was nowhere very deep, for several miles; then taking to the open country
+again and traveling under cover of the darkness of a cloudy night, at
+length, in a condition of utter exhaustion, reached a place of safety
+among some of his confederates; for he had joined himself to a gang of
+villains who infested that part of the country.
+
+But "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished." Few if
+any of them would escape a violent and terrible death at the last;
+and--"after that the judgment"; from which none may be excused.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.
+
+    "His house she enters, there to be a light
+     Shining within, when all without is night;
+     A guardian angel o'er his life presiding,
+     Doubling his pleasure, and his cares dividing."
+                            --ROGERS' HUMAN LIFE.
+
+
+At the set time our friends turned their faces homeward, leaving their
+loving dependents of Viamede all drowned in tears. In the six weeks of
+their stay, "Massa" an' "Missus" had become very dear to those warm,
+childlike hearts.
+
+Elsie could not refrain from letting fall some bright sympathetic drops,
+though the next moment her heart bounded with joy at the thought of home
+and father. The yearning to hear again the tones of his loved voice, to
+feel the clasp of his arm and the touch of his lip upon brow and cheek and
+lip, increased with every hour of the rapid journey.
+
+Its last stage was taken in the Ion family carriage, which was found
+waiting for them at the depot.
+
+Elsie was hiding in her own breast a longing desire to go first to the
+Oaks, chiding herself for the wish, since her husband was doubtless fully
+as anxious to see his mother, and wondering why she had not thought of
+asking for a gathering of both families at the one place or the other.
+
+They had left the noisy city far behind, and were bowling smoothly along
+a very pleasant part of the road, bordered with greensward and shaded on
+either side by noble forest trees; she with her mind filled with these
+musings, sitting silent and pensive, gazing dreamily from the window.
+
+Suddenly her eyes encountered a well-known noble form, seated on a
+beautiful spirited horse, which he was holding in with a strong and
+resolute hand.
+
+"Papa!" she exclaimed, with a joyous, ringing cry; and instantly he had
+dismounted, his servant taking Selim's bridle-reins, the carriage had
+stopped, and springing out she was in his arms.
+
+"My dear father, I was so hungry to see you," she said, almost crying for
+joy. "How good of you to come to meet us, and so much nicer here than in
+the crowded depot."
+
+"Good of me," he answered, with a happy laugh. "Of course, as I was in no
+haste to have my darling in my arms. Ah, Travilla, my old friend, I am
+very glad to see your pleasant face again." And he shook hands warmly.
+"Many thanks to you (and to a higher power)," he added reverently, "for
+bringing her safely back to me. She seems to have been well taken care of;
+plump and bright and rosy."
+
+"I have been, papa; even you could not be more tender and careful of me
+than--my husband is."
+
+Her father smiled at the shy, half-hesitating way in which the last word
+slipped from the rich red lips, and the tender, loving light in the soft
+eyes as they met the fond, admiring gaze of Travilla's.
+
+"No repentance on either side yet, I see," he said laughingly. "Travilla,
+your mother is in excellent health and spirits; but impatient to embrace
+both son and daughter, she bade me say. We all take tea by invitation at
+Ion to-day; that is, we of the Oaks, including Aunt Wealthy and Miss
+King."
+
+"Oh, how nice! how kind!" cried Elsie.
+
+"And to-morrow you are all to be at the Oaks!" added her father. "Now
+shall I ride beside your carriage? or take a seat in it with you?"
+
+"The latter, by all means," answered Travilla, Elsie's sparkling eyes
+saying the same, even more emphatically.
+
+"Take Selim home, and see that both he and the family carriage are at Ion
+by nine this evening," was Mr. Dinsmore's order to his servant.
+
+"Ah, papa! so early!" Elsie interposed, in a tone that was half reproach,
+half entreaty.
+
+"We must not keep you up late after your journey, my child," he answered,
+following her into the carriage, Mr. Travilla stepping in after.
+
+"The seats are meant for three; let me sit between you, please," requested
+Elsie.
+
+"But are you not afraid of crushing your dress?" asked her father
+jocosely, making room for her by his side.
+
+"Not I," she answered gayly, slipping into her chosen place with a light,
+joyous laugh, and giving a hand to each. "Now I'm the happiest woman in
+the world."
+
+"As you deserve to be," whispered her husband, clasping tight the hand he
+held.
+
+"Oh, you flatterer!" she returned. "Papa, did you miss me?"
+
+"Every day, every hour. Did I not tell you so in my letters? And you? did
+you think often of me?"
+
+"Oftener than I can tell."
+
+"I have been wondering," he said, looking gravely into her eyes, "why you
+both so carefully avoided the slightest allusion to that most exciting
+episode of your stay at Viamede."
+
+Elsie blushed. "We did not wish to make you uneasy, papa."
+
+"Of course, you must have seen a newspaper account?" observed Mr.
+Travilla.
+
+"Yes; and now suppose you let me hear your report. Did the villain's shot
+graze Elsie's forehead and carry a tress of her beautiful hair?"
+
+"No, no, it was only a lock of her unworthy husband's hair--a much
+slighter loss," Travilla said, laughing. "But perhaps the reporter would
+justify his misrepresentation on the plea that man and wife are one."
+
+"Possibly. And did your shot shatter the bone in the rascal's arm?"
+
+"No; Dr. Balis told me the ball glanced from the bone, passed under the
+nerve and severed the humeral artery."
+
+"It's a wonder he didn't bleed to death."
+
+"Yes; but it seems he had sufficient knowledge and presence of mind to
+improvise a tourniquet with his handkerchief and a stick."
+
+"What rooms were you occupying?" asked Mr. Dinsmore. "Come, just tell me
+the whole story as if I had heard nothing of it before."
+
+Travilla complied, occasionally appealing to Elsie to assist his memory;
+and they had hardly done with the subject when the carriage turned into
+the avenue at Ion.
+
+"My darling, welcome to your home," said Travilla low and tenderly,
+lifting the little gloved hand to his lips.
+
+An involuntary sigh escaped from Mr. Dinsmore's breast.
+
+"Thank you, my friend," Elsie replied to her husband, the tone and the
+look saying far more than the words. Then turning to her father, "And
+to-morrow, papa, you will welcome me to the other of my two dear homes."
+
+"I hope so, daughter; sunlight is not more welcome than you will always
+be."
+
+What joyous greetings now awaited our travelers. Elsie had hardly stepped
+from the carriage ere she found herself in Mrs. Travilla's arms, the old
+lady rejoicing over her as the most precious treasure Providence could
+have sent her.
+
+Then came Rose, with her tender, motherly embrace, and joyous "Elsie,
+dearest, how glad I am to have you with us again."
+
+"Oh, but you've missed us sadly!" said Aunt Wealthy, taking her turn; "the
+house seemed half gone at the Oaks. Didn't it, Horace?"
+
+"Yes; the absence of our eldest daughter made a very wide gap in the
+family circle," answered Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+And "Yes, indeed!" cried Horace junior, thinking himself addressed. "I
+don't believe I could have done without her at all if she hadn't written
+me those nice little letters."
+
+"Don't you thank me for bringing her back then, my little brother?" asked
+Mr. Travilla, holding out his hand to the child.
+
+"Yes, indeed, Brother Edward. Papa says I may call you that, as you asked
+me to; and I'll give you another hug as I did that night, if you'll let
+me."
+
+"That I will, my boy!" And opening wide his arms he took the lad into a
+warm embrace, which was returned as heartily as given.
+
+"Now, Elsie, it's my turn to have a hug and kiss from you," Horace said,
+as Mr. Travilla released him; "everybody's had a turn but me. Miss King
+and Rosebud and all."
+
+Elsie had the little one in her arms, caressing it fondly.
+
+"Yes, my dear little brother," she said, giving Rosebud to her mammy, "you
+shall have as hard a hug as I can give, and as many kisses as you want. I
+love you dearly, dearly, and am as glad to see you as you could wish me to
+be."
+
+"Are you much fatigued, Elsie dear?" asked Rose, when the greetings were
+over, even to the kindly shake of the hand and pleasant word to each of
+the assembled servants.
+
+"Oh, no, mamma, we have traveled but little at night, and last night I had
+nine hours of sound, refreshing sleep."
+
+"That was right," her father said, with an approving glance at Travilla.
+
+Mrs. Travilla led the way to a suite of beautiful apartments prepared for
+the bride.
+
+Elsie's taste had been consulted in all the refitting and refurnishing,
+and the whole effect was charming. This was, however, her first sight of
+the rooms since the changes had been begun.
+
+The communicating doors were thrown wide, giving a view of the whole suite
+at once, from the spot where Elsie stood between Mr. Travilla and his
+mother. She gazed for a moment, then turned to her husband a face
+sparkling with delight.
+
+"Does it satisfy you, my little wife?" he asked, in tones that spoke
+intense enjoyment of her pleasure.
+
+"Fully, in every way; but especially as an evidence of my husband's love,"
+she answered, suffering him to throw an arm about her and fold her to his
+heart.
+
+There had been words of welcome and a recognition of the younger lady as
+now mistress of the mansion, trembling on the mother's tongue, but she now
+stole quietly away and left them to each other.
+
+In half an hour the two rejoined their guests, "somewhat improved in
+appearance," as Mr. Travilla laughingly said he hoped they would be found.
+
+"You are indeed," said Aunt Wealthy, "a lily or a rose couldn't look
+lovelier than Elsie does in that pure white, and with the beautiful
+flowers in her hair. I like her habit of wearing natural flowers in her
+hair."
+
+"And I," said her husband, "they seem to me to have been made for her
+adornment."
+
+"And your money-hoon's over, Elsie; how odd it seems to think you've been
+so long married. And did you get through the money-hoon without a
+quarrel? But of course you did."
+
+Elsie, who had for a moment looked slightly puzzled by the new word, now
+answered with a smile of comprehension, "Oh, yes, auntie; surely we should
+be a sad couple if even the honeymoon were disturbed by a disagreement.
+But Edward and I never mean to quarrel."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore turned in his chair, and gave his daughter a glance of
+mingled surprise and disapprobation.
+
+"There, papa, I knew you would think me disrespectful," she exclaimed with
+a deep blush; "but he insisted, indeed ordered me, and you know I have
+promised to obey."
+
+"It is quite true," assented Mr. Travilla, coloring in his turn; "but I
+told her it was the only order I ever meant to give her."
+
+"Better not make rash promises," said Mr. Dinsmore, laughing; "these wives
+are sometimes inclined to take advantage of them."
+
+"Treason! treason!" cried Rose, lifting her hands; "to think you'd say
+that before me!
+
+    "'Husband, husband, cease your strife
+        No longer idly rove, sir;
+      Tho' I am your wedded wife,
+        Yet I am not your slave, sir.'"
+
+There was a general laugh, in the midst of which the tea-bell rang.
+
+"Come," said the elder Mrs. Travilla good-humoredly, "don't be setting a
+bad example to my children, Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, but let us all adjourn
+amicably to the tea-room, and try the beneficial effect of meat and drink
+upon our tempers."
+
+"That's a very severe reproof, coming from so mild a person as yourself,
+Mrs. Travilla," said Rose. "My dear, give your arm to Aunt Wealthy, or our
+hostess. The ladies being so largely in the majority, the younger ones
+should be left to take care of themselves; of course excepting our bride.
+Miss King, will you take my arm?"
+
+"Sit here, my daughter," said Mrs. Travilla, indicating the seat before
+the tea-urn.
+
+"Mother, I did not come here to turn you out of your rightful place,"
+objected Elsie, blushing painfully.
+
+"My dear child, it is your own place; as the wife of the master of the
+house, you are its mistress. And if you knew how I long to see you
+actually filling that position; how glad I am to resign the reigns to such
+hands as yours, you need not hesitate or hold back."
+
+"Yes; take it, wife," said Mr. Travilla, in tender, reassuring tones, as
+he led her to the seat of honor; "I know my mother is sincere (she is
+never anything else), and she told me long ago, even before she knew who
+was to be her daughter, how glad she would be to resign the cares of
+mistress of the household." Elsie yielded, making no further objection,
+and presided with the same modest ease, dignity, and grace with which she
+had filled the like position at Viamede. The experience there had
+accustomed her to the duties of the place, and after the first moment she
+felt quite at home in it.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's carriage was announced at the early hour he had named. The
+conversation in the drawing-room had been general for a time, but now the
+company had divided themselves into groups; the two older married ladies
+and Aunt Wealthy forming one, Mr. Travilla and Miss King another, while
+Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter had sought out the privacy of a sofa, at a
+distance from the others, and were in the midst of one of the long,
+confidential chats they always enjoyed so much.
+
+"Ah, papa, don't go yet," Elsie pleaded, "we're not half done our talk,
+and it's early."
+
+"But the little folks should have been in their nests long before this,"
+he said, taking out his watch.
+
+"Then send them and their mammies home, and let the carriage return for
+you and the ladies; unless they wish to go now."
+
+He looked at her smilingly. "You are not feeling the need of rest and
+sleep?"
+
+"Not at all, papa; only the need of a longer chat with you."
+
+"Then, since you had so good a rest last night, it shall be as you wish."
+
+"Are you ready, my dear?" asked Rose, from the other side of the room.
+
+"Not yet, wife; I shall stay half an hour longer, and if you ladies like
+to do the same we will send the carriage home with the children and their
+mammies, and let it return for you."
+
+"What do you say, Aunt Wealthy and Miss Lottie?" inquired Mrs. Dinsmore.
+
+"I prefer to stay and talk out my finish with Mrs. Travilla," said Miss
+Stanhope.
+
+"I cast my vote on the same side," said Miss King. "But, my dear Mrs.
+Dinsmore, don't let us keep you."
+
+"Thanks, no; but I, too, prefer another half hour in this pleasant
+company."
+
+The half hour flew away on swift wings, to Elsie especially.
+
+"But why leave us at all to-night, auntie and Lottie?" she asked, as the
+ladies began their preparations for departure. "You are to be my guests
+for the rest of the winter, are you not?" Then turning, with a quick vivid
+blush, to Mrs. Travilla, "Mother, am I transcending my rights?"
+
+"My dearest daughter, no; did I not say you were henceforth mistress of
+this house?"
+
+"Yes, from its master down to the very horses in the stable and dogs in
+the kennel," laughed Mr. Travilla, coming softly up and stealing an arm
+about his wife's waist.
+
+Everybody laughed.
+
+"No, sir; I don't like to contradict you," retorted Elsie, coloring but
+looking lovingly into the eyes bent so fondly upon her, "but I am--nothing
+to you but your little wife;" and her voice sank almost to a whisper with
+the last word.
+
+"Ah? Well, dear child, that's enough for me," he said, in the same low
+tone.
+
+"But, Lottie," she remarked aloud, "you are tying on your hat. Won't you
+stay?"
+
+"Not to-night, thank you, Mrs. Travilla," answered the gay girl in her
+merry, lively tones.
+
+"You are to be at the Oaks to-morrow, and perhaps I--well, we can settle
+the time there."
+
+"And you, auntie?"
+
+"Why, dearie, I think you'd better get your housekeeping a little used to
+your ways first. And it's better for starting out that young folks should
+be alone."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore had stepped into the hall for his hat, and while the other
+ladies were making their adieus to her new mother, Elsie stole softly
+after him.
+
+"My good-night kiss, papa," she whispered, putting her arms about his
+neck.
+
+"My dear darling! my precious, precious child! how glad I am to be able to
+give it to you once more, and to take my own from your own sweet lips," he
+said, clasping her closer. "God bless you and keep you, and ever cause His
+face to shine upon you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.
+
+                     "O what passions then
+    What melting sentiments of kindly care,
+    On the new parents seize."
+                          --THOMPSON'S AGAMEMNON.
+
+                                  "There is none
+    In all this cold and hollow world, no fount
+    Of deep, strong, deathless love, save that within
+    A mother's heart!"
+                                   --MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+Finding it so evidently the wish of both her husband and his mother, Elsie
+quietly and at once assumed the reins of government.
+
+But with that mother to go to for advice in every doubt and perplexity,
+and with a dozen or more of well-trained servants at her command, her
+post, though no sinecure, did not burden her with its duties; she still
+could find time for the cultivation of mind and heart, for daily walks and
+rides, and the enjoyment of society both at home and abroad.
+
+Shortly after the return of the newly married pair, there was a grand
+party given in their honor at Roselands; another at Ashlands, one at
+Pinegrove, at the Oaks, and several other places; then a return was made
+by a brilliant affair of the kind at Ion.
+
+But when at last this rather wearying round was over, they settled down to
+the quiet home life much more congenial to both; always ready to entertain
+with unbounded hospitality, and ignoring none of the legitimate claims of
+the outside world, they were yet far more interested in the affairs of
+their own little one, made up of those nearest and dearest.
+
+They were an eminently Christian household, carefully instructing their
+dependents in the things pertaining to godliness, urging them to faith in
+Jesus evidenced by good works; trying to make the way of salvation very
+clear to their often dull apprehension, and to recommend it by their own
+pure, consistent lives.
+
+Night and morning all were called together--family and house servants--and
+Mr. Travilla read aloud a portion of Scripture, and led them in prayer and
+praise. Nor was a meal ever eaten without God's blessing having first been
+asked upon it.
+
+There was but one drawback to Elsie's felicity--that she no longer dwelt
+under the same roof with her father; yet that was not so great, as a day
+seldom passed in which they did not meet once or oftener. It must be very
+urgent business, or a severe storm, that kept him from riding or driving
+over to Ion, unless his darling first appeared at the Oaks.
+
+Aunt Wealthy and Lottie came to Ion within a fortnight after the return
+from Viamede; and while the former divided the rest of her stay at the
+South between Ion and the Oaks, Lottie spent nearly the whole of hers with
+Elsie.
+
+In May, Harry Duncan came for his aunt, and Miss King returned with them
+to her paternal home. Our friends at Ion and the Oaks decided to spend
+their summer at home this year.
+
+"We have traveled so much of late years," said Rose, "that I am really
+tired of it."
+
+"And home is so dear and sweet," added Elsie. "I mean both Ion and the
+Oaks, Edward and papa; for somehow they seem to me to be both included in
+that one dear word."
+
+"That is right," responded her father.
+
+"Yes; we seem to be all one family," said Mr. Travilla, contentedly,
+fondling Rosebud, whom he had coaxed to a seat upon his knee; "and like a
+good spouse, I vote on the same side with my wife."
+
+"I too," said his mother, looking affectionately upon them both. "I have
+no inclination to travel, and shall be much happier for having you all
+about me."
+
+The summer glided rapidly by, and vanished, leaving at Ion a priceless
+treasure.
+
+It was a soft, hazy, delicious September morning; Elsie sat in her pretty
+boudoir, half-reclining in the depths of a large velvet-cushioned easy
+chair. Her husband had left her a minute before, and she was--no, not
+quite alone, for her eyes were turning with a sweet, new light in them,
+upon a beautiful rosewood crib where, underneath the silken covers and
+resting on pillows of eider-down, lay a tiny form, only a glimpse of the
+pink face and one wee doubled-up fist to be caught through the lace
+curtains so carefully drawn about the little sleeper.
+
+A familiar step was heard in the outer room. The door opened quietly, and
+Elsie looking up cried, "Papa," in a delighted yet subdued tone.
+
+"My darling," he said, coming to her and taking her in his arms. "How nice
+to see you up again; but you must be careful, very, very careful, not to
+overexert yourself."
+
+"I am, my dear father, for Edward insists on it, and watches over me, and
+baby too, as if really afraid we might somehow slip away from him."
+
+"He is quite right. There, you must not stand, recline in your chair
+again, while I help myself to a seat by your side. How are you to-day?"
+
+"I think I never felt better in my life, papa; so strong and well that it
+seems absurd to be taking such care of myself."
+
+"Not at all; you must do it. You seem to be alone with your babe. I hope
+you never lift her?"
+
+"No, sir, not yet. That I shall not has been my husband's second order.
+Mammy is within easy call, just in the next room, and will come the
+instant she is wanted."
+
+"Let me look at her; unless you think it will disturb her rest."
+
+"Oh, no, sir." And the young mother gently drew aside the curtain of the
+crib.
+
+The two bent over the sleeping babe, listening to its gentle breathing.
+
+"Ah, papa, I feel so rich! you don't know how I love her!" whispered
+Elsie.
+
+"Don't I, my daughter? don't I know how I love you?" And his eyes turned
+with yearning affection upon her face, then back to that of the little
+one. "Six weeks old to-day, and a very cherub for beauty. Aunt Chloe tells
+me she is precisely my daughter over again, and I feel as if I had now an
+opportunity to recover what I lost in not having my first-born with me
+from her birth. Little Elsie, grandpa feels that you are his; his precious
+treasure."
+
+The young mother's eyes grew misty with a strange mixture of emotion, in
+which love and joy were the deepest and strongest. Her arm stole round her
+father's neck.
+
+"Dear papa, how nice of you to love her so; my precious darling. She is
+yours, too, almost as much as Edward's and mine. And I am sure if we
+should be taken away and you and she be left, you would be the the same
+good father to her you have been to me."
+
+"Much better, I hope. My dear daughter, I was far too hard with you at
+times. But I know you have forgiven it all long ago."
+
+"Papa, dear papa, please don't ever again talk of--of forgiveness from me;
+I was your own, and I believe you always did what you thought was for my
+good; and oh, what you have been, and are to me, no tongue can tell."
+
+"Or you to me, my own beloved child," he answered with emotion.
+
+The babe stirred, and opened its eyes with a little, "Coo, coo."
+
+"Let me take her," said Mr. Dinsmore, turning back the cover and gently
+lifting her from her cozy nest.
+
+Elsie lay back among her cushions again, watching with delighted eyes as
+her father held and handled the wee body as deftly as the most competent
+child's nurse.
+
+It was a very beautiful babe; the complexion soft, smooth, and very fair,
+with a faint pink tinge; the little, finely formed head covered with rings
+of golden hair that would some day change to the darker shade of her
+mother's, whose regular features and large, soft brown eyes she inherited
+also.
+
+"Sweet little flower blossomed into this world of sin and sorrow! Elsie,
+dearest, remember that she is not absolutely yours, her father's, or mine;
+but only lent you a little while to be trained up for the Lord."
+
+"Yes, papa, I know," she answered with emotion, "and I gave her to Him
+even before her birth."
+
+"I hope she will prove as like you in temper and disposition as she bids
+fair to be in looks."
+
+"Papa, I should like her to be much better than I was."
+
+He shook his head with a half-incredulous smile. "That could hardly be, if
+she has any human nature at all."
+
+"Ah, papa, you forget how often I used to be naughty and disobedient; how
+often you had to punish me; particularly in that first year after you
+returned from Europe."
+
+A look of pain crossed his features. "Daughter, dear, I am full of remorse
+when I think of that time. I fully deserved the epithet Travilla once
+bestowed upon me in his righteous indignation at my cruelty to my gentle,
+sensitive little girl."
+
+"What was that, papa?" she asked, with a look of wonder and surprise.
+
+"Dinsmore, you're a brute!"
+
+"Papa, how could he say that!" and the fair face flushed with momentary
+excitement and anger towards the father of her child, whom she so
+thoroughly respected ind so dearly loved.
+
+"Ah, don't be angry with him," said Mr. Dinsmore; "I was the culprit. You
+cannot have forgotten your fall from the piano-stool which came so near
+making me childless? It was he who ran in first, lifted you, and laid you
+on the sofa with the blood streaming from the wounded temple over your
+curls and your white dress. Ah, I can never forget the sad sight, or the
+pang that shot through my heart with the thought that you were dead. It
+was as he laid you down that Travilla turned to me with those indignant
+words, and I felt that I fully deserved them. And yet I was even more
+cruel afterwards, when next you refused to obey when I bade you offend
+against your conscience."
+
+"Don't let us think or talk of it any more, dear father; I love far better
+to dwell upon the long years that followed, full of the tenderest care and
+kindness. You certainly can find nothing to blame yourself with in them."
+
+"Yes; I governed you too much. It would probably have ruined a less
+amiable temper, a less loving heart, than yours. It is well for parents to
+be sometimes a little blind to trivial faults. And I was so strict, so
+stern, so arbitrary, so severe. My dear, be more lenient to your child.
+But of course she will never find sternness in either you or her father."
+
+"I think not, papa; unless she proves very head-strong; but you surely
+cannot mean to advise us not to require the prompt, cheerful, implicit
+obedience you have always exacted from all your children?"
+
+"No, daughter; though you might sometimes excuse or pardon a little
+forgetfulness when the order has not been of vital importance," he
+answered, with a smile.
+
+There was a moment's silence: then looking affectionately into her
+father's face, Elsie said, "I am so glad, papa, that we have had this
+talk. Edward and I have had several on the same subject (for we are very,
+very anxious to train our little one aright); and I find that we all
+agree. But you must be tired acting the part of nurse. Please lay her in
+my arms."
+
+"I am not tired, but I see you want her," he answered with a smile, doing
+as she requested.
+
+"Ah, you precious wee pet! you lovely, lovely little darling!" the young
+mother said, clasping her child to her bosom, and softly kissing the
+velvet cheek. "Papa, is she really beautiful? or is it only the mother
+love that makes her so in my eyes?"
+
+"No; she is really a remarkably beautiful babe. Strangers pronounce her so
+as well as ourselves. Do you feel quite strong enough to hold her?"
+
+"Oh, yes, sir; yes, indeed! The doctor says he thinks there would now be
+no danger in my lifting her, but----" laughingly, and with a fond look up
+into her husband's eyes, as at that moment he entered the room, "that old
+tyrant is so fearful of an injury to this piece of his personal property,
+that he won't let me."
+
+"That old tyrant, eh?" he repeated, stooping to take a kiss from the sweet
+lips, and to bestow one on the wee face resting on her bosom.
+
+"Yes, you know you are," she answered, her eyes contradicting her words;
+"the idea of you forbidding me to lift my own baby!"
+
+"My baby, my little friend," he said gayly.
+
+Elsie laughed a low, silvery, happy laugh, musical as a chime of bells.
+"Our baby," she corrected. "But you have not spoken to papa."
+
+"Ah, we said good-morning out in the avenue. Dinsmore, since we are all
+three here together now, suppose we get Elsie's decision in regard to that
+matter we were consulting about."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"What matter?" she asked, looking a little curious.
+
+"A business affair," replied her husband, taking a seat by her side.
+
+"I have a very good offer for your New Orleans property, daughter," said
+Mr. Dinsmore; "shall I accept it?"
+
+"Do you think it advisable, papa? and you, Edward? I have great confidence
+in your judgments."
+
+"We do; we think the money could be better and more safely invested in
+foreign stock; but it is for you to decide, as the property is yours."
+
+"More safely invested? I thought I had heard you both say real estate was
+the safest of all investments."
+
+"Usually," replied her father, "but we fear property there is likely to
+depreciate in value."
+
+"Well, papa, please do just as you and my husband think best. You both
+know far more about these things than I do, and so I should rather trust
+your judgment than my own."
+
+"Then I shall make the sale; and I think the time will come when you will
+be very glad that I did."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore presently said good-bye and went away, leaving them alone.
+
+"Are not your arms tired, little wife?" asked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"No, dear; ah, it is so sweet to have her little head lying here; to feel
+her little form, and know that she is my own, own precious treasure."
+
+He rose, gently lifted her in his arms, put himself in the easy chair and
+placed her on his knee.
+
+"Now I have you both. Darling, do you know that I love you better to-day
+than I ever did before?"
+
+"Ah, but you have said that many times," she answered, with an arch, yet
+tender smile.
+
+"And it is always true. Each day I think my love as great as it can be,
+but the next I find it still greater."
+
+"And I have felt angry with you to-day, for the first time since you told
+me of your love." Her tone was remorseful and pleading, as though she
+would crave forgiveness.
+
+"Angry with me, my dearest? In what can I have offended?" he asked in
+sorrowful surprise.
+
+"Papa was saying that he had sometimes been too hard with me, and had
+fully deserved the epithet you once bestowed upon him in your righteous
+indignation. It was when I fell from the piano-stool; do you remember?"
+
+"Ah, yes, I can never forget it. And I called him a brute. But you will
+forgive what occurred so long ago? and in a moment of anger aroused by my
+great love for you?"
+
+"Forgive you, my husband? ah, it is I who should crave forgiveness, and I
+do, though it was a momentary feeling; and now I love you all the better
+for the great loving heart that prompted the exclamation."
+
+"We will exchange forgiveness," he whispered, folding her closer to his
+heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINETEENTH.
+
+    "Sweet is the image of the brooding dove!
+     Holy as heaven a mother's tender love!
+     The love of many prayers, and many tears
+     Which changes not with dim, declining years--
+     The only love which, on this teeming earth,
+     Asks no return for passion's wayward birth."
+                            --MRS. NORTON'S DREAM.
+
+    "Death is another life."
+                         --BAILEY.
+
+
+No mortal tongue or pen can describe the new, deep fountain of love the
+birth of her child had opened in our Elsie's heart.
+
+Already a devoted wife and daughter, she was the tenderest, most careful,
+most judicious of mothers; watching vigilantly over the welfare, physical,
+moral, and spiritual, of her precious charge.
+
+Often she took it with her to her closet, or kneeling beside its cradle,
+sent up fervent petitions to Him who, while on earth, said, "Suffer the
+little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me," that He would
+receive her little one, and early make her a lamb of His fold.
+
+And even before the child could comprehend, she began to tell it of that
+dear Saviour and His wondrous love; then, as soon as it could speak, she
+taught it to lisp a simple prayer to Him.
+
+Little Elsie was almost the idol of her father and grandparents, who all
+looked upon her as a sort of second edition of her mother; more and more
+so as she grew in size, in beauty, and intelligence. Our Elsie seemed to
+find no cloud in her sky during that first year of her motherhood. "I
+thought I was as perfectly happy as possible in this world, before our
+darling came," she said to her husband one day, "but I am far happier now;
+for oh! such a well-spring of joy as she is!"
+
+"I am sure I can echo and reecho your words," he answered, folding the
+child to his heart. "How rich I have grown in the last two years! My two
+Elsies, more precious than the wealth of the world! Sometime I'm half
+afraid I love you both with an idolatrous affection, and that God will
+take you from me." His voice trembled with the last words.
+
+"I have had that fear also," she said, coming to his side and laying her
+hand on his arm; "but, Edward, if we put God first, we cannot love each
+other, nor this wee precious pet, too dearly."
+
+"No, you are right, little wife. But we must not expect to continue
+always, or very long, so free from trial; for 'we must through much
+tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.' And 'many are the afflictions
+of the righteous.'"
+
+"But the Lord delivereth him out of them all," she responded, finishing
+the quotation.
+
+"Yes, dearest, I know that trials and troubles will come, but not of
+themselves, and what our Father sends, He will give us strength to bear.
+'The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory.'"
+
+This conversation was held when the little girl was about a year old.
+
+Early in the following winter Elsie said to the dear old Mrs. Travilla,
+"Mother, I'm afraid you are not well. You are losing flesh and color, and
+do not seem so strong as usual. Mamma remarked it to me to-day, and asked
+what ailed you."
+
+"I am doing very well, dear," the old lady answered with a placid smile,
+and in her own gentle, quiet tones.
+
+"Mother, dear mother, something is wrong; you don't deny that you are
+ill!" and Elsie's tone was full of alarm and distress, as she hastily
+seated herself upon an ottoman beside Mrs. Travilla's easy chair, and
+earnestly scanned the aged face she loved so well. "We must have Dr.
+Barton here to see you. May I not send at once?"
+
+"No, dearest, I have already consulted him, and he is doing all he can for
+my relief."
+
+"But cannot cure you?"
+
+The answer came after a moment's pause.
+
+"No, dear; but I had hoped it would be much longer ere my cross cast its
+shadow over either your or Edward's path."
+
+Elsie could not speak; she only took the pale hands in hers, and pressed
+them again and again to her quivering lips, while her eyes filled to
+overflowing.
+
+"Dear daughter," said the calm, sweet voice, "do not grieve that I have
+got my summons home; for dearly, dearly as I love you all, I am often
+longing to see the face of my Beloved; of Him who hath redeemed me and
+washed me from my sins in His own precious blood."
+
+Mr. Travilla from the next room had heard it all. Hurrying in, he knelt by
+her side and folded his arms about her. "Mother," he said, hoarsely, "oh,
+is it, can it be so? Are we to lose you?"
+
+"No, my son; blessed be God, I shall not be lost, but only gone before; so
+don't be troubled and sorrowful when you see me suffer; remember that He
+loves me far better than you can, and will never give me one unneeded
+pang.
+
+"Well may I bear joyfully all He sends; for your light affliction, which
+is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal
+weight of glory; and He has said, 'When thou passest through the waters, I
+will be with thee: and through the floods, they shall not overflow thee:
+when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned, neither shall
+the flames kindle upon thee.'"
+
+"And He is faithful to His promises. But we will not let you die yet, my
+mother, if anything in the wide world can save you. There are more skilful
+physicians than Dr. Barton; we will consult them----"
+
+"My son, the disease is one the whole profession agree in pronouncing
+incurable, and to travel would be torture. No, be content to let me die at
+home, with you and this beloved daughter to smooth my dying pillow, our
+wee precious pet to wile away the pain with her pretty baby ways, and my
+own pastor to comfort me with God's truth and sweet thoughts of heaven."
+
+Elsie looked the question her trembling lips refused to utter.
+
+"I shall not probably leave you soon," said the old lady. "It is a slow
+thing, the doctor tells me, it will take some time to run its course."
+
+Elsie could scarce endure the anguish in her husband's face. Silently she
+placed herself by his side, her arm about his neck, and laid her cheek to
+his.
+
+He drew her yet closer, the other arm still embracing his mother. "Are you
+suffering much, dearest mother?"
+
+"Not more than He giveth me strength to bear; and His consolations are not
+small.
+
+"My dear children, I have tried to hide this from you lest it should mar
+your happiness. Do not let it do so; it is no cause of regret to me. I
+have lived my three-score years and ten, and if by reason of strength they
+should be four-score, yet would their strength be labor and sorrow. I am
+deeply thankful that our Father has decreed to spare me the infirmities of
+extreme old age, by calling me home to that New Jerusalem where sin and
+sorrow, pain and feebleness, are unknown."
+
+"But to see you suffer, mother!" groaned her son.
+
+"Think on the dear Hand that sends the pain--so infinitely less than what
+He bore for me; that it is but for a moment; and of the weight of glory it
+is to work for me. Try, my dear children, to be entirely submissive to His
+will."
+
+"We will, mother," they answered; "and to be cheerful for your sake."
+
+A shadow had fallen upon the brightness of the hitherto happy home--a
+shadow of a great, coming sorrow--and the present grief of knowing that
+the dear mother, though ever patient, cheerful, resigned, was enduring
+almost constant and often very severe pain.
+
+They watched over her with tenderest love and care, doing everything in
+their power to relieve, strengthen, comfort her; never giving way in her
+presence to the grief that often wrung their hearts.
+
+Dearly as Mr. Travilla and Elsie had loved each other before, this
+community of sorrow drew them still closer together; as did their love
+for, and joy and pride in, their beautiful child.
+
+The consolations of God were not small with any of our friends at Ion and
+the Oaks; yet was it a winter of trial to all.
+
+For some weeks after the above conversation, Mr. Dinsmore and Rose called
+every day, and showed themselves sincere sympathizers; but young Horace
+and little Rosebud were taken with scarlet fever in its worst form, and
+the parents being much with them, did not venture to Ion for fear of
+carrying the infection to wee Elsie.
+
+By God's blessing upon skilful medical advice and attention, and the best
+of nursing, the children were brought safely through the trying ordeal,
+the disease leaving no evil effects, as it so often does. But scarcely had
+they convalesced when Mr. Dinsmore fell ill of typhoid fever, though of a
+rather mild type.
+
+Then as he began to go about again, Rose took to her bed with what proved
+to be a far more severe and lasting attack of the same disease; for weeks
+her life was in great jeopardy, and even after the danger was past, the
+improvement was so very slow that her husband was filled with anxiety for
+her.
+
+Meanwhile the beloved invalid at Ion was slowly sinking to the grave. Nay,
+rather, as she would have it, journeying rapidly towards her heavenly
+home, "the land of the leal," the city which hath foundations, whose
+builder and Maker is God.
+
+She suffered, but with a patience that never failed, a cheerfulness and
+joyful looking to the end, that made her sick-room a sort of little heaven
+below.
+
+Her children were with her almost constantly through the day; but Mr.
+Travilla, watchful as ever over his idolized young wife, would not allow
+her to lose a night's rest, insisting on her retiring at the usual hour.
+Nor would he allow her ever to assist in lifting his mother, or any of the
+heavy nursing; she might smooth her pillows, give her medicines, order
+dainties prepared to tempt the failing appetite, and oversee the negro
+women, who were capable nurses, and one of whom was always at hand night
+and day, ready to do whatever was required.
+
+Elsie dearly loved her mother-in-law, and felt it both a duty and delight
+to do all in her power for her comfort and consolation; but when she heard
+that her own beloved father was ill, she could not stay away from him, but
+made a daily visit to the Oaks and to his bedside. She was uniformly
+cheerful in his presence, but wept in secret because she was denied the
+privilege of nursing him in his illness.
+
+Then her sorrow and anxiety for Rose were great, and all the more because,
+Mrs. Travilla being then at the worst, she could very seldom leave her for
+even the shortest call at the Oaks.
+
+In the afternoon of a sweet bright Sabbath in March, a little group
+gathered in Mrs. Travilla's room. Her pastor was there: a man of large
+heart full of tender sympathy for the sick, the suffering, the bereaved,
+the poor, the distressed in mind, body, or estate; a man mighty in the
+Scriptures; with its warnings, its counsels, its assurances, its sweet and
+precious promises ever ready on his tongue; one who by much study of the
+Bible, accompanied by fervent prayer for the wisdom promised to him that
+asks it, had learned to wield wisely and with success "the sword of the
+Spirit which is the word of God." Like Noah he was a preacher of
+righteousness, and like Paul could say, "I ceased not to warn every one
+night and day with tears."
+
+He had brought with him one of his elders, a man of like spirit, gentle,
+kind, tender, ever ready to obey the command to "weep with those that weep
+and rejoice with those that do rejoice," a man silver-haired and growing
+feeble with age, yet so meek and lowly in heart, so earnest and childlike
+in his approaches to our Father, that he seemed on the very verge of
+heaven.
+
+"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." Often had these two
+been in that sick-room, comforting the aged saint as she neared "the
+valley of the shadow of death."
+
+To-day they had come again on the same Christlike errand, and for the last
+time; for all could see that she stood on Jordan's very brink, its cold
+waters already creeping up about her feet.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore, Mr. Travilla, and Elsie were present; also, a little
+withdrawn from the others, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, and a few of the old
+house servants who were Christians. "The rich and the poor meet together;
+the Lord is the Maker of them all."
+
+It was a sweetly solemn service, refreshing to the soul of each one there;
+most of all, perhaps, to that of her who would so soon be casting her
+crown at the Master's feet. "I am almost home," she said with brightening
+countenance, her low, sweet voice breaking the solemn stillness of the
+room; "I am entering the valley, but without fear, for Jesus is with me. I
+hear Him saying to me, 'Fear not; I have redeemed thee; thou art mine.'"
+
+"He is all your hope and trust, dear friend, is He not?" asked her pastor.
+
+"All, all; His blood and righteousness are all my hope. All my
+righteousnesses are as filthy rags; all my best services have need to be
+forgiven. I am vile; but His blood cleanseth from all sin; and He has
+washed me in it and made me mete for the inheritance of the saints in
+light."
+
+"Dear sister," said the old elder, taking her hand in a last farewell,
+"good-bye for a short season; 'twill not be long till we meet before the
+throne. Do not fear to cross the river, for He will be with you, and will
+not let you sink."
+
+"No; the everlasting arms are underneath and around me, and He will never
+leave nor forsake."
+
+"'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,'" said the
+pastor, taking the feeble hand in his turn. "Fear not; you shall be more
+than conqueror through Him that loved us."
+
+"Yes, the battle is fought, the victory is won; and I hear Him saying to
+me, 'Come up hither.' Oh! I shall be there very soon--a sinner saved by
+grace."
+
+The pastor and elder withdrew, Mr. Travilla going with them to the door.
+Elsie brought a cordial and held it to her mother's lips, Mr. Dinsmore
+gently raising her head. "Thank you both," she said, with the courtesy for
+which she had ever been distinguished. Then, as Mr. Dinsmore settled her
+more comfortably on her pillows, and Elsie set aside the empty cup,
+"Horace, my friend, farewell till we meet in a better land. Elsie,
+darling," laying her pale thin hand on the bowed head, "you have been a
+dear, dear daughter to me, such a comfort, such a blessing! May the Lord
+reward you."
+
+Elsie had much ado to control her feelings. Her father passed his arm
+about her waist and made her rest her head upon his shoulder.
+
+"Mother, how are you now?" asked Mr. Travilla, coming in and taking his
+place on his wife's other side, close by the bed of the dying one.
+
+"All is peace, peace, the sweetest peace, I have nothing to do but to die,
+I am in the river, but the Lord upholdeth me with His hand, and I have
+almost reached the farther shore."
+
+She then asked for the babe, kissed and blessed it, and bade her son
+good-bye.
+
+"Sing to me, children, the twenty-third psalm."
+
+Controlling their emotion by a strong effort, that they might minister to
+her comfort, they sang; the three voices blending in sweet harmony.
+
+"Thank you," she said again, as the last strain died away. "Hark! I hear
+sweeter, richer melody, the angels have come for me, Jesus is here. Lord
+Jesus receive my spirit."
+
+There was an enraptured upward glance, an ecstatic smile, then the eyes
+closed and all was still; without a struggle or a groan the spirit had
+dropped its tenement of clay and sped away on its upward flight.
+
+It was like a translation; a deep hush filled the room, while for a moment
+they seemed almost to see the "glory that dwelleth in Immanuel's land."
+They scarcely wept, their joy for her, the ransomed of the Lord, almost
+swallowing up their grief for themselves.
+
+But soon Elsie began to tremble violently, shudder after shudder shaking
+her whole frame, and in sudden alarm her husband and father led her from
+the room.
+
+"Oh. Elsie, my darling, my precious wife!" cried Travilla, in a tone of
+agony, as they laid her upon a sofa in her boudoir, "are you ill? are you
+in pain?"
+
+"Give way, daughter, and let the tears come," said Mr. Dinsmore, tenderly
+bending over her and gently smoothing her hair; "it will do you good,
+bring relief to the overstrained nerves and full heart."
+
+Even as he spoke the barriers which for so many hours had been steadily,
+firmly resisting the grief and anguish swelling in her breast, suddenly
+gave way, and tears poured out like a flood.
+
+Her husband knelt by her side and drew her head to a resting-place on his
+breast, while her father, with one of her hands in his, softly repeated
+text after text speaking of the bliss of the blessed dead.
+
+She grew calmer. "Don't be alarmed about me, dear Edward, dear papa," she
+said in her low sweet tones. "I don't think I am ill; and heavy as our
+loss is, dearest husband, how we must rejoice for her. Let me go and
+perform the last office of love for her--our precious mother; I am better;
+I am able."
+
+"No, no, you are not; you must not," both answered in a breath. "Aunt
+Dinah and Aunt Chloe will do it all tenderly and lovingly as if she had
+been of their own flesh and blood," added Mr. Travilla, in trembling
+tones.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTIETH.
+
+    "There are smiles and tears in the mother's eyes
+     For her new-born babe beside her lies;
+     Oh, heaven of bliss! when the heart o'erflows
+     With the rapture a _mother_ only knows!"
+                              --HENRY WARE, JR.
+
+
+Mrs. Travilla was laid to rest in their own family burial-ground, her dust
+sleeping beside that of her husband, and children who had died in infancy;
+and daily her surviving son carried his little daughter thither to scatter
+flowers upon "dear grandma's grave."
+
+It was not easy to learn to live without the dear mother; they missed her
+constantly. Yet was their sorrow nearly swallowed up in joy for her--the
+blessed dead who had departed to be with Christ in glory and to go no more
+out forever from that blissful presence.
+
+Their house was not made dark and gloomy, the sunlight and sweet spring
+air entered freely as of yore. Nor did they suffer gloom to gather in
+their hearts or cloud their faces. Each was filled with thankfulness for
+the spared life of the other, and of their darling little daughter.
+
+And scarce a week had passed away since heaven's portals opened wide to
+the ransomed soul, when a new voice--that of a son and heir--was heard in
+the old home, and many hearts rejoiced in the birth of the beautiful boy.
+
+"God has sent him to comfort you in your sorrow, dearest," Elsie
+whispered, as her husband brought the babe--fresh from its first robing by
+Aunt Chloe's careful hands--and with a very proud and happy face laid it
+in her arms.
+
+"Yes," he said, in moved tones. "Oh, that men would praise the Lord for
+His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
+
+"If mother could only have seen him!" And tears gathered in the soft,
+sweet eyes of the young mother gazing so tenderly upon the tiny face on
+her arm.
+
+"She will, one day, I trust; I have been asking for this new darling that
+he may be an heir of glory: that he may early be gathered into the fold of
+the good Shepherd."
+
+"And I, too," she said, "have besought my precious Saviour to be the God
+of my children also from their birth."
+
+"What do you intend to call your son?"
+
+"What do you?" she asked, smiling up at him.
+
+"Horace, for your father, if you like."
+
+"And I had thought of Edward, for his father and yours. Horace Edward.
+Will that do?"
+
+"I am satisfied, if you are. But Edward would do for the next."
+
+"But he may never come to claim it," she said, laughing. "Is papa in the
+house?"
+
+"Yes, and delighted to learn that he has a grandson."
+
+"Oh, bring him here and let me see the first meeting between them."
+
+"Can you bear the excitement?"
+
+"I promise not to be excited; and it _always_ does me good to see my dear
+father."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore came softly in, kissed very tenderly the pale face on the
+pillow, then took a long look at the tiny pink one nestling to her side.
+
+"Ah, isn't he a beauty? I have made you two grand-fathers now, you dear
+papa!" she said, indulging in a little jest to keep down the emotions
+tugging at her heart-strings. "Do you begin to feel old and decrepit, _mon
+père_?"
+
+"Not very," he said smiling, and softly smoothing her hair; "not more so
+to-day than I did yesterday. But now I must leave you to rest and sleep.
+Try, my darling, for all our sakes, to be very prudent, very calm and
+quiet."
+
+"I will, papa; and don't trouble about me. You know I am in good hands.
+Ah, stay a moment! here is Edward bringing wee bit Elsie to take her first
+peep at her little brother."
+
+"Mamma," cried the child; stretching out her little arms towards the bed,
+"mamma, take Elsie."
+
+"Mamma can't, darling; poor mamma is so sick," said Mr. Travilla; "stay
+with papa."
+
+"But she shall kiss her mamma, dear, precious little pet," Elsie said.
+"Please hold her close for a minute, papa, and let her kiss her mother."
+
+He complied under protest, in which Mr. Dinsmore joined, that he feared it
+would be too much for her; and the soft baby hands patted the wan cheeks,
+the tiny rosebud mouth was pressed again and again to the pale lips with
+rapturous cooings, "Mamma, mamma!"
+
+"There, pet, that will do," said her father. "Now, see what mamma has for
+you."
+
+"Look, mother's darling," Elsie said with a glad smile, exposing to view
+the tiny face by her side.
+
+"Baby!" cried the little girl, with a joyous shout, clapping her chubby
+hands, "pretty baby Elsie take"; and the small arms were held out
+entreatingly.
+
+"No, Elsie is too little to hold it," said her papa; "but she may kiss it
+very softly."
+
+The child availed herself of the permission, then gently patting the
+newcomer, repeated her glad cry, "Baby, pretty baby."
+
+"Elsie's little brother," said her mamma, tenderly. "Now, dearest, let
+mammy take her away," she added, sinking back on her pillows with a weary
+sigh.
+
+He complied, then bent over her with a look of concern. "I should not have
+brought her in," he said anxiously; "it has been too much for you."
+
+"But I wanted so to see her delight. One more kiss, papa, before you go,
+and then I'll try to sleep."
+
+Elsie did not recover so speedily and entirely as before, after the birth
+of her first babe; and those to whom she was so dear grew anxious and
+troubled about her.
+
+"You want change, daughter," Mr. Dinsmore said, coming in one morning and
+finding her lying pale and languid on a sofa; "and we are all longing to
+have you at home. Do you feel equal to a drive over to the Oaks?"
+
+"I think I do, papa," she answered, brightening. "Edward took me for a
+short drive yesterday, and I felt better for it."
+
+"Then, dearest, come home to your father's house and stay there as long as
+you can; bring babies and nurses and come. Your own suite of rooms is
+quite ready for you," he said, caressing her tenderly.
+
+"Ah, papa, how nice to go back and feel at home in my own father's house
+again," she said, softly stroking his head with her thin white hand as he
+bent over her, the sweet soft eyes, gazing full into his, brimming over
+with love and joy. "I shall go, if Edward doesn't object. I'd like to
+start this minute. But you haven't told me how poor mamma is to-day?"
+
+"Not well, not very much stronger than you are, I fear," he answered, with
+a slight sigh. "But your coming will do her a world of good. Where is
+Travilla?"
+
+"Here, and quite at your service," replied Mr. Travilla's cheery voice, as
+he came in from the garden with his little daughter in his arms.
+
+He set her down, and while he exchanged greetings with Mr. Dinsmore, she
+ran to her mother with a bouquet of lovely sweet-scented spring blossoms
+they had been gathering "for mamma."
+
+"Thank you, mother's darling," Elsie said, accepting the gift and tenderly
+caressing the giver; "you and papa, too. But see who is here?"
+
+The child turned to look, and with a joyous cry "G'anpa!" ran into his
+outstretched arms.
+
+"Grandpa's own wee pet," he said, hugging the little form close and
+covering the baby face with kisses. "Will you come and live with grandpa
+in his home for awhile?"
+
+"Mamma? papa too?" she asked, turning a wistful look on them.
+
+"Oh, yes; yes indeed, mamma and papa too."
+
+"Baby?"
+
+"Yes, baby and mammies and all. Will you come?"
+
+"May Elsie, mamma?"
+
+"Yes, pet; we will all go, if your papa is willing." And her soft eyes
+sought her husband's face with a look of love and confidence that said she
+well knew he would never deny her any good in his power to bestow.
+
+"I have been proposing to my daughter to take possession again, for as
+long a time as she finds it convenient and agreeable, of her old suite of
+rooms at the Oaks. I think the change would do her good, and perhaps you
+and the little ones also," Mr. Dinsmore explained.
+
+"Thank you; I think it would. When will you go, little wife?"
+
+"Papa proposes taking me at once."
+
+"My carriage is at the door, and this is the pleasantest part of the day,"
+remarked Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Ah, yes; then take Elsie with you, and I will follow shortly with
+children and servants. There is no reason in the world why she should not
+go, if she wishes, and stay as long as she likes."
+
+The change proved beneficial to Elsie; it was so pleasant to find herself
+again a member of her father's family; and that even without a short
+separation from her husband and little ones.
+
+Here, too, absent from the scenes so closely associated with the memory of
+her beloved mother-in-law, she dwelt less upon her loss, while at the same
+time she was entertained and cheered by constant intercourse with father,
+Rose, and young brother and sister. It was indeed a cheering thing to all
+parties to be thus brought together for a time as one family in delightful
+social intercourse.
+
+Yet, though the invalids improved in spirits, and to some extent in other
+respects, they did not regain their usual strength, and the physicians
+recommending travel, particularly a sea voyage, it was finally decided to
+again visit Europe for an indefinite period, the length of their stay to
+depend upon circumstances.
+
+It was in June, 1860, they left their homes; and traveling northward, paid
+a short visit to relatives and friends in Philadelphia; then took the
+steamer for Europe.
+
+A few weeks later found them cozily established in a handsome villa
+overlooking the beautiful bay of Naples.
+
+They formed but one family here as at the Oaks; each couple having their
+own private suite of apartments, while all other rooms were used in common
+and their meals taken together; an arrangement preferred by all; Mr.
+Dinsmore and his daughter especially rejoicing in it, as giving them
+almost as much of each other's society as before her marriage.
+
+In this lovely spot they planned to remain for some months, perchance a
+year; little dreaming that five years would roll their weary round ere
+they should see home and dear native land again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST.
+
+    "He who loves not his country can love nothing."
+                                          --BYRON.
+
+    "There were sad hearts in a darken'd home,
+       When the brave had left their bower;
+     But the strength of prayer and sacrifice
+       Was with them in that hour."
+                              --MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+The sea voyage had done much for the health of both ladies, and the soft
+Italian air carried on the cure. Mr. Dinsmore, too, had recovered his
+usual strength, for the first time since his attack of fever.
+
+There was no lack of good society at their command; good both socially and
+intellectually. American, English, Italian, French, etc.; many former
+friends and acquaintances and others desiring to be introduced by these;
+but none of our party felt disposed at that time to mix much with the
+outside world.
+
+Elsie's deep mourning was for her sufficient excuse for declining all
+invitations; while Rose could plead her still precarious state of health.
+
+She wore no outward badge of mourning for Mrs. Travilla, but felt deep and
+sincere grief at her loss; for the two had been intimate and dear friends
+for many years, the wide disparity in age making their intercourse and
+affection much like that of mother and daughter.
+
+The condition of political affairs in their own country was another thing
+that caused our friends to feel more exclusive and somewhat reluctant to
+mingle with those of other nationalities. Every mail brought them letters
+and papers from both North and South, and from their distant standpoint
+they watched with deep interest and anxiety the course of events fraught
+with such momentous consequences to their native land.
+
+Neither Mr. Dinsmore nor Mr. Travilla had ever been a politician; but both
+they and their wives were dear lovers of their country, by which they
+meant the whole Union. The three who were natives of the South
+acknowledged that that section was dearer to them than any other, but that
+the whole was nearer and dearer than any part; while Rose said "she knew
+no difference; it was all her own beloved native land, to her mind one and
+indivisible."
+
+They led a cheerful, quiet life in their Italian home, devoting themselves
+to each other and their children; Mr. Dinsmore acting the part of tutor to
+young Horace, as he had done to Elsie.
+
+Her little ones were the pets and playthings of the entire household,
+while she and their father found the sweetest joy in caring for them and
+watching over and assisting the development of their natures, mental,
+moral, and physical. Their children would never be left to the care and
+training of servants, however faithful and devoted.
+
+Nor would those of Mr. Dinsmore and Rose. In the esteem of these wise,
+Christian parents the God-given charge of their own offspring took
+undoubted precedence of the claims of society.
+
+Thus placidly passed the summer and autumn, the monotony of their
+secluded life relieved by the enjoyment of literary pursuits, and varied
+by walks, rides, drives, and an occasional sail, in bright, still weather,
+over the waters of the lovely bay.
+
+Elsie entered the drawing-room one morning, with the little daughter in
+her arms. The child was beautiful as a cherub, the mother sweet and fair
+as ever, nor a day older in appearance than while yet a girl in her
+father's house.
+
+She found him sole occupant of the room, pacing to and fro with downcast
+eyes and troubled countenance. But looking up quickly at the sound of her
+footsteps he came hastily towards her.
+
+"Come to grandpa," he said, holding out his hands to the little one; then
+as he took her in his arms, "My dear daughter, if I had any authority over
+you now----"
+
+"Papa," she interrupted, blushing deeply, while the quick tears sprang to
+her eyes, "you hurt me! Please don't speak so. I am as ready now as ever
+to obey your slightest behest."
+
+"Then, my darling, don't carry this child. You are not strong, and I fear
+will do yourself an injury. She can walk very well now, and if necessary
+to have her carried, call upon me, her father, or one of the servants;
+Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, Dinah, one or another is almost sure to be at
+hand."
+
+"I will try to follow out your wishes, papa. Edward has said the same
+thing to me, and no doubt you are right; but it is so sweet to have her in
+my arms, and so hard to refuse when she asks to be taken up."
+
+"You mustn't ask mamma to carry you," Mr. Dinsmore said to the child,
+caressing her tenderly as he spoke; "poor mamma is not strong, and you
+will make her sick."
+
+They had seated themselves side by side upon a sofa. The little one turned
+a piteous look upon her mother, and with a quivering lip and fast-filling
+eyes, said, "Mamma sick? Elsie tiss her, make her well?"
+
+"No, my precious pet, mother isn't sick; so don't cry," Elsie answered,
+receiving the offered kiss, as the babe left her grandfather's knee and
+crept to her; then the soft little hands patted her on the cheeks and the
+chubby arms clung about her neck.
+
+But catching sight, through the open window, of her father coming up the
+garden walk, wee Elsie hastily let go her hold, slid to the floor and ran
+to meet him.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore seemed again lost in gloomy thought.
+
+"Papa, dear, what is it? What troubles you so?" asked Elsie, moving closer
+to him, and leaning affectionately on his shoulder, while the soft eyes
+sought his with a wistful, anxious expression.
+
+He put his arm about her, and just touching her cheek with his lips,
+heaved a deep sigh. "The papers bring us bad news. Lincoln is elected."
+
+"Ah well, let us not borrow trouble, papa; perhaps he may prove a pretty
+good president after all."
+
+"Just what I think," remarked Mr. Travilla, who had come in with his
+little girl in his arms at the moment of Mr. Dinsmore's announcement, and
+seated himself on his wife's other side; "let us wait and see. All may go
+right with our country yet."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head sadly. "I wish I could think so, but in the
+past history of all republics whenever section has arrayed itself against
+section the result has been either a peaceful separation, or civil war;
+nor can we hope to be an exception to the rule."
+
+"I should mourn over either," said Elsie, "I cannot bear to contemplate
+the dismemberment of our great, glorious old Union. Foreign nations would
+never respect either portion as they do the undivided whole."
+
+"No; and I can't believe either section can be so mad as to go that
+length," remarked her husband, fondling his baby daughter as he spoke.
+"The North, of course, does not desire a separation; but if the South
+goes, will be pretty sure to let her go peaceably."
+
+"I doubt it, Travilla; and even if a peaceable separation should be
+allowed at first, so many causes of contention would result (such as the
+control of the navigation of the Mississippi, the refusal of the North to
+restore runaway negroes, etc., etc.), that it would soon come to blows."
+
+"Horace, you frighten me," said Rose, who had come in while they were
+talking.
+
+The color faded from Elsie's cheek, and a shudder ran over her, as she
+turned eagerly to hear her husband reply.
+
+"Why cross the bridge before we come to it, Dinsmore?" he answered
+cheerily, meeting his wife's anxious look with one so fond and free from
+care, that her heart grew light; "surely there'll be no fighting where
+there is no yoke of oppression to cast off. There can be no effect
+without a cause."
+
+"The accursed lust of power on the part of a few selfish, unprincipled
+men, may invent a cause, and for the carrying out of their own ambitious
+schemes, they may lead the people to believe and act upon it. No one
+proposes to interfere with our institution where it already exists--even
+the Republican party has emphatically denied any such intention--yet the
+hue and cry has been raised that slavery will be abolished by the incoming
+administration, arms put into the hands of the blacks, and a servile
+insurrection will bring untold horrors to the hearths and homes of the
+South."
+
+"Oh, dreadful, dreadful!" cried Rose.
+
+"But, my dear, there is really no such danger: the men (unscrupulous
+politicians) do not believe it themselves; but they want power, and as
+they could never succeed in getting the masses to rebel to compass their
+selfish ends, they have invented this falsehood and are deceiving the
+people with it."
+
+"Don't put all the blame on the one side, Dinsmore," said Mr. Travilla.
+
+"No; that would be very unfair. The framers of our constitution looked to
+gradual emancipation to rid us of this blot on our escutcheon, this
+palpable inconsistency between our conduct and our political creed.
+
+"It did so in a number of States, and probably would ere this in all, but
+for the fierce attacks of a few ultra-abolitionists, who were more zealous
+to pull the mote out of their brother's eye than the beam out of their
+own, and so exasperated the Southern people by their wholesale abuse and
+denunciations, that all thought of emancipation was given up.
+
+"It is human nature to cling the tighter to anything another attempts to
+force from you; even though you may have felt ready enough to give it up
+of your own free will."
+
+"Very true," said Travilla, "and Garrison and his crew would have been at
+better work repenting of their own sins, than denouncing those of their
+neighbors."
+
+"But, papa, you don't think it can come to war, a civil war, in our dear
+country? the best land the sun shines on; and where there is none of the
+oppression that makes a wise man mad!"
+
+"I fear it, daughter, I greatly fear it; but we will cast this care, as
+well as all others, upon Him who 'doeth according to His will, in the army
+of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth.'"
+
+What a winter of uncertainty and gloom to Americans, both at home and
+abroad, was that of 1860-'61. Each mail brought to our anxious friends in
+Naples news calculated to depress them more and more in view of the
+calamities that seemed to await their loved land.
+
+State after State was seceding and seizing upon United States property
+within its limits--forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, mints,
+ships, armories, and military stores--while the government at Washington
+remained inactive, doubtless fearing to precipitate the civil strife.
+
+Still Mr. Travilla, Rose, and Elsie, like many lovers of the Union, both
+North and South, clung to the hope that war might yet be averted.
+
+At length came the news of the formation of the Confederacy: Davis's
+election as its president; then of the firing upon the Star of the West,
+an unarmed vessel bearing troops and supplies to Fort Sumter.
+
+"Well, the first gun has been fired," said Mr. Dinsmore, with a sigh, as
+he laid down the paper from which he had been reading the account.
+
+"But perhaps it may be the only one, papa," remarked Elsie hopefully.
+
+"I wish it may," replied her father, rising and beginning to pace to and
+fro, as was his wont when excited or disturbed.
+
+The next news from America was looked for with intense anxiety. It was
+delayed longer than usual; and at length a heavy mail came, consisting of
+letters and Capers of various dates from the twelfth to the twentieth of
+April, and bringing news of the most exciting character in the fall of
+Fort Sumter: the call of the president for seventy-five thousand troops to
+defend the capital, the seizure of the United States armory at Harper's
+Ferry by the Confederates; the attack on the Massachusetts troops while
+passing through Baltimore, and lastly the seizure of Norfolk Navy-yard.
+
+Dinner was just over at the villa, the family still chatting over the
+dessert, children and all in an unusually merry mood, when this mail was
+brought in by a servant, and handed to Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+He promptly distributed it, took up the paper of the earliest date, and
+glancing over the headings, exclaimed, with a groan, "It has come!"
+
+"What?" queried the others, in excited chorus.
+
+"War! My country! oh, my country! Fort Sumter has fallen after a terrific
+bombardment of thirty-six hours." And he proceeded to read aloud the
+account of the engagement, the others listening in almost breathless
+silence.
+
+"And they have dared to fire upon the flag! the emblem of our nationality,
+the symbol of Revolutionary glory; to tear it down and trample it in the
+dust!" cried Mr. Travilla, pushing back his chair in unwonted excitement;
+"shameful, shameful!"
+
+Tears were rolling down Elsie's cheeks, and Rose's eyes were full.
+
+"Let us adjourn to the library and learn together all these papers and
+letters can tell us," said Mr. Dinsmore, rising. "'Twill be better so; we
+shall need the support of each other's sympathy."
+
+He led the way and the rest followed.
+
+The papers were examined first, by the gentlemen, now the one and now the
+other reading an article aloud, the excitement and distress of all
+increasing with each item of intelligence in regard to public affairs.
+Rose and Elsie opened their letters, and now and then, in the short pauses
+of the reading, cast a hasty glance at their contents.
+
+Elsie's were from her Aunt Adelaide, Walter, and Enna. Rose's from her
+mother, Richard, May, and Sophie.
+
+The last seemed written in a state of distraction.
+
+"Rose, Rose, I think I shall go crazy! my husband and his brothers have
+enlisted in the Confederate army. They, Harry especially, are furious at
+the North and full of fight; and I know my brothers at home will enlist on
+the other side; and what if they should meet and kill each other! Oh,
+dear! oh, dear! my heart is like to break!
+
+"And what is it all about? I can't see that anybody's oppressed; but when
+I tell Harry so, he just laughs and says, 'No, we're not going to wait
+till they have time to rivet our chains,' 'But,' I say, 'I've had neither
+sight nor sound of chains; wait at least till you hear their clank.' Then
+he laughs again, but says soothingly, 'Never mind, little wife; don't
+distress yourself; the North won't fight; or if they do try it, will soon
+give it up,' But I know they won't give up: they wouldn't be Americans if
+they did.
+
+"Arthur and Walter Dinsmore were here yesterday, and Arthur is worse than
+Harry a great deal; actually told me he wouldn't hesitate to shoot down
+any or all of my brothers, if he met them in Federal uniform. Walter is
+almost silent on the subject, and has not yet enlisted. Arthur taunted him
+with being for the Union, and said if he was quite sure of it he'd shoot
+him, or help hang him to the nearest tree.
+
+"Oh, Rose! pray, pray that this dreadful war may be averted!"
+
+Rose felt almost stunned with horror as she read; but her tears fell fast
+as she hurriedly perused the contents of the other three, learning from
+them that Richard, Harold, and Fred had already enlisted, and Edward
+would do the same should the war continue long.
+
+"My heart is torn in two!" she cried, looking piteously up in her
+husband's face, with the tears streaming down her own.
+
+"What is it, my darling?" he asked, coming to her and taking her cold
+hands in his.
+
+"Oh my country! my country! My brothers, too--and yours! they are pitted
+against each other--have enlisted in the opposing armies. Oh, Horace,
+Horace! what ever shall we do?"
+
+"God reigns, dearest; let that comfort you and all of us," he said, in
+moved tones. "It is dreadful, dreadful! Brothers, friends, neighbors, with
+hearts full of hatred and ready to imbrue their hands in each other's
+blood and for what? That a few ambitious, selfish, unscrupulous men may
+retain and increase their power; for this they are ready to shed the blood
+of tens of thousands of their own countrymen, and bring utter ruin upon
+our beautiful, sunny South."
+
+"Oh, papa, surely not!" cried Elsie; "these papers say the war cannot last
+more than three months."
+
+"They forget that it will be American against American. If it is over in
+three years, 'twill be shorter than I expect."
+
+Elsie was weeping, scarcely less distressed than Rose.
+
+"We will, at least, hope for better things, little wife," her husband
+said, drawing her to him with caressing motion. "What do your letters
+say?"
+
+"They are full of the war; it is the all-absorbing theme with them, as
+with us. Aunt Adelaide's is very sad. Her heart clings to the South, as
+ours do; yet, like us, she has a strong love for the old Union.
+
+"And she's very found of her husband, who, she says, is very strong for
+the Government; and then, besides her distress at the thought that he will
+enlist, her heart is torn with anguish because her brothers and his are in
+the opposing armies.
+
+"Oh, Edward! isn't it terrible? Civil war in our dear land! So many whom
+we love on both sides!"
+
+There was a moment of sorrowful silence. Then her father asked, "What does
+Enna say?"
+
+"She is very bitter, papa: speaks with great contempt of the North; exults
+over the fall of Fort Sumter and the seizure of United States property;
+glories in the war-spirit of Dick and Arthur, and sneers at poor Walter
+because he is silent and sad, and declines, for the present at least, to
+take any part in the strife. Grandpa, she says, and his mother, too, are
+almost ready to turn him out of the house; for they are as hot
+secessionists as can be found anywhere.
+
+"I have a letter from Walter too, papa. He writes in a very melancholy
+strain; hints mildly at the treatment he receives at home; says he can't
+bear the idea of fighting against the old flag, and still less the old
+friends he has at the North, and wishes he was with us or anywhere out of
+the country, that he might escape being forced to take part in the
+quarrel."
+
+"Poor fellow!" sighed Mr. Dinsmore. "Ah, I have a letter here from my
+father that I have not yet opened."
+
+He took it from the table as he spoke. His face darkened as he read, the
+frown and stern expression reminding Elsie of some of the scenes in her
+early days; but he handed the missive to Rose, remarking, in a calm, quiet
+tone, "My father expects me to be as strong a secessionist as himself."
+
+"But you're for the Union, papa, are you not?" asked Horace. "You'd never
+fire upon the Stars and Stripes--the dear old flag that protects us here?"
+
+"No, my son. I love the dear South, which has always been my home, better
+far than any other of the sections; yet I love the whole better than a
+part."
+
+"So do I!" exclaimed Rose warmly; "and if Pennsylvania, my own native
+State, should rebel against the general government, I'd say, 'Put her down
+with a strong hand'; and just so with any State or section, Eastern,
+Northern, Middle or Western. I've always been taught that my country is
+the Union; and I think that teaching has been general through the North."
+
+"It is what my mother taught me, and what I have taught my children," said
+Mr. Dinsmore; "not to love the South or my native State less, but the
+Union more. I was very young when I lost my mother; but that, and some
+other of her teachings, I have never forgotten."
+
+"There is, I believe, a strong love for the old Union throughout the whole
+South," remarked Mr. Travilla; "there would be no rebellion among the
+masses there, but for the deceptions practised upon them by their leaders
+and politicians; and it is they who have been whirling the States out of
+the Union, scarce allowing the people a voice in the matter."
+
+"I don't wonder at the indignation of the North over the insult to the
+flag," said Elsie; "nor the furor for it that is sweeping over the land."
+
+"I'd like to be there to help fling it to the breeze," cried Horace
+excitedly; "and to see how gay the streets must be with it flying
+everywhere. Yes, and I'd like to help fight. Papa, am I not old enough?
+mayn't I go?"
+
+"No, foolish boy, you are much too young, not yet fourteen. And suppose
+you were old enough, would you wish to fight your uncles? kill one of
+them, perhaps? Uncle Walter, for instance?"
+
+"Oh papa, no, no, no! I wouldn't for the world hurt one hair of dear Uncle
+Wal's head; no, not if he were the hottest kind of secessionist."
+
+"Kill Uncle Wal! why Horace, how could you ever think of such a thing?"
+exclaimed Rosebud. "And mamma and sister Elsie, why are you both crying
+so?"
+
+All the afternoon the elders of the family remained together, talking over
+the news--they could scarce think or speak of anything else: very grave
+and sad all of them, the ladies now and then dropping a tear or two while
+each paper was carefully scanned again and again, lest some item on the
+all-absorbing subject might have been overlooked, and every letter that
+had any bearing upon it read and re-read till its contents had been fully
+digested.
+
+May's gave a graphic account of the excitement in Philadelphia; the
+recruiting and drilling of troops, the making of flags, the constant,
+universal singing of patriotic songs, etc., then closed with the story of
+the sorrowful parting with the dear brothers who might never return from
+the battle-field.
+
+It had been a bright, warm day, but at evening the sea breeze came in cool
+and fresh; thin clouds were scudding across the sky, hiding the stars and
+giving but a faint and fitful view of the young moon that hung, a bright
+crescent, amid their murky folds.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was pacing slowly to and fro upon an open colonnade
+overlooking the bay. He walked with bent head and folded arms, as one in
+painful thought.
+
+A slight girlish figure came gliding towards him from the open doorway.
+"Papa, dear, dear papa," murmured a voice tremulous with emotion, "you are
+very sad to-night; would that your daughter could comfort you!"
+
+He paused in his walk, took her in his arms and folded her close to his
+heart.
+
+"Thank you, darling. Yes, I am sad, as we all are. Would that I could
+comfort you, and keep all sorrow from your life. Nay, that is not a right
+wish, for 'whom the Lord _loveth_ He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
+whom He receiveth.' 'As many as I love I rebuke and chasten.'"
+
+"Yes, papa, those words make me more than willing to bear trials. But oh,
+how dreadful, how dreadful, to know that our countrymen are already
+engaged in spilling each other's blood!"
+
+"Yes, that is harrowing enough; but that it should be also our near and
+dear relations! Elsie, I am thinking of my young brothers: they are not
+Christians; nor is my poor old father. How can they bear the trials just
+at hand? How unfit they are to meet death, especially in the sudden, awful
+form in which it is like to meet those who seek the battle-field.
+Daughter, you must help me pray for them, pleading the promise, 'If two of
+you shall agree.'"
+
+"I will, papa; and oh, I do feel deeply for them. Poor Walter and poor,
+poor grandpa. I think he loves you best of all his sons, papa; but it
+would be very terrible to him to have the others killed or maimed."
+
+"Yes, it would indeed. Arthur is his mother's idol, and I dare say she now
+almost regrets that he has now so entirely recovered from his lameness as
+to be fit for the army."
+
+He drew her to a seat. "The babies are in bed, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, papa; I left my darlings sleeping sweetly. I am trying to train them
+to regular habits and early hours, as you did me."
+
+"That is right."
+
+"Papa, it is so sweet to be a mother! to have my little Elsie in my lap,
+as I had but a few moments since, and feel the clasp of her arms about my
+neck, or the tiny hands patting and stroking my face, the sweet baby lips
+showering kisses all over it, while she coos and rejoices over me; Mamma!
+mamma, my mamma! Elsie's dear mamma! Elsie's own sweet pretty mamma.' Ah,
+though our hearts ache for the dear land of our birth, we still have many
+many blessings left."
+
+"We have indeed."
+
+Mr. Travilla, Rose, and Horace now joined them, and the last-named
+besieged his father with questions about the war and its causes; all of
+which were patiently answered to the best of Mr. Dinsmore's ability, Mr.
+Travilla now and then being appealed to for further information, or his
+opinion, while the ladies listened and occasionally put in a remark or a
+query.
+
+From that day the mails from America were looked for with redoubled
+anxiety and eagerness: though the war news was always painful, whichever
+side had gained a victory or suffered defeat.
+
+At first, papers and letters had been received from both North and South,
+giving them the advantage of hearing the report from each side; but soon
+the blockade shut off nearly all intercourse with the South, a mail from
+thence reaching them only occasionally, by means of some Confederate or
+foreign craft eluding the vigilance of the besieging squadron.
+
+Early in June there came a letter from Miss Stanhope, addressed to Elsie.
+Like all received from America now, it dwelt almost exclusively upon
+matters connected with the fearful struggle just fairly begun between the
+sections. The old lady's heart seemed full of love for the South, yet she
+was strongly for the Union, and said she should be so if any other section
+or State rebelled.
+
+Lansdale was full of excitement, flags flying everywhere; they had one
+streaming across from the top of the house, and another from a tree in the
+garden.
+
+Harry had enlisted in response to the first call of troops, and was now
+away, fighting in Virginia; while she, praying night and day for his
+safety, was, with most of the ladies of the town, busy as a bee knitting
+stockings and making shirts for the men in the field, and preparing lint,
+bandages, and little dainties for the sick and wounded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND.
+
+    "Calm me, my God, and keep me calm
+      While these hot breezes blow;
+     Be like the night-dew's cooling balm
+      Upon earth's fevered brow."
+                          --H. BONAR.
+
+    "Fear not; I will help thee."
+                   --ISAIAH xiii. 13.
+
+
+"Dear old auntie! to think how hard at work for her country she is, while
+I sit idle here," sighed Elsie, closing the letter after reading it aloud
+to the assembled family. "Mamma, papa, Edward, is there nothing we can
+do?"
+
+"We can do just what they are doing," replied Rose with energy, "I wonder
+I had not thought of it before; shirts, stockings, lint, bandages, we can
+prepare them all; and send with them such fruits and delicacies as will
+carry from this far-off place. What say you, gentlemen?"
+
+"I think you can," was the simultaneous reply; Mr. Travilla adding, "and
+we can help with the lint, and by running the sewing-machines. I'd be glad
+to add to the comfort of the poor fellows on both sides."
+
+"And money is needed by their aid societies," added Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"And I can send that!" Elsie exclaimed joyously
+
+"Yes, we all can," said her father.
+
+Several busy weeks followed, and a large box was packed and sent off.
+
+"If that arrives safely we will send another," they said; for news had
+reached them that such supplies were sorely needed.
+
+"What! at it again, little wife?" queried Mr. Travilla, entering Elsie's
+boudoir the next morning, to find her delicate fingers busy with
+knitting-needles and coarse blue yarn.
+
+"Yes, sir," she said, smiling up at him, "it seems a slight relief to my
+anxiety about my country, to be doing something, if it is only _this_."
+
+"Ah! then I'll take lessons, if you, or Aunt Chloe there will teach me,"
+he returned, laughingly drawing up a chair and taking a seat by her side.
+"Mammy, can you supply another set of needles, and more yarn?"
+
+"Yes, massa;" and laying down the stocking she was at work upon, away she
+went in search of them.
+
+"Papa, see! so pitty!" cried a little voice; and "wee Elsie" was at his
+knee, with a diamond necklace in her hand.
+
+"Yes," he said, gently taking it from her, "but rather too valuable a
+plaything for my little pet. How did she get hold of it, dearest?" he
+asked, turning to his wife.
+
+"Mamma say Elsie may. Please, papa, let Elsie have it," pleaded the little
+one with quivering lip and fast-filling eyes.
+
+"I gave her leave to look over the contents of my jewel box; she is a very
+careful little body, and mammy and I are both on the watch:" answered
+mamma. "It is a great treat to her; and she takes up only one article at
+a time, examines it till satisfied, then lays it back exactly as she found
+it. So please, papa, may she go on?"
+
+"Yes, if mamma gave permission it is all right, darling," he said,
+caressing the child and returning the necklace.
+
+"Tank oo, papa, mamma; Elsie be very tareful mamma's pitty sings," she
+cried with a gleeful laugh, holding up her rosebud mouth for a kiss, first
+to one, then the other.
+
+"Let papa see where you put it, precious," he said, following her as she
+tripped across the room and seated herself on a cushion in front of the
+box.
+
+"Dere, papa, dus where Elsie dot it," she said, laying it carefully back
+in its proper place. "See, so many, many pitty sings in mamma's box."
+
+"Yes," he said, passing his eye thoughtfully from one to another of the
+brilliant collection of rings, brooches, chains, bracelets, and necklaces
+sparkling with gems--diamonds, rubies, amethysts, pearls, emeralds, and
+other precious stones. "Little wife, your jewels alone are worth what to
+very many would be a handsome fortune."
+
+"Yes, Edward, and is it not really a pity to have so much locked up in
+them?"
+
+"No, it is a good investment; especially as things are at present."
+
+"I could do very well without them; should never have bought them for
+myself: they are almost all your gifts and papa's, or his purchases."
+
+Aunt Chloe had returned with the needles and yarn, and now Elsie began
+giving the lesson in knitting, both she and her pupil making very merry
+over it. Rose and Mr. Dinsmore presently joined them, and the latter, not
+to be outdone by his son-in-law, invited his wife to teach him.
+
+Horace was at his lessons, but Rosebud, or Rosie as she had gradually come
+to be called, soon followed her parents. She was a bright, merry little
+girl of six, very different from what her sister had been at that age;
+full of fun and frolicsome as a kitten, very fond of her father, liking to
+climb upon his knee to be petted and caressed, but clinging still more to
+her sweet, gentle mamma.
+
+Mr. Travilla and she were the best of friends; she was devotedly attached
+to her sister, and considered it "very nice and funny," that she was aunt
+to wee Elsie and baby Eddie.
+
+"Oh," she cried, the moment she came into the room, "what is wee Elsie
+doing? Mamma, may I, too?"
+
+"May you what?" asked Rose.
+
+"Why, what is the child doing? playing with your jewels, Elsie?" asked Mr.
+Dinsmore in a tone of surprise, noticing for the first time what was the
+employment of his little granddaughter.
+
+"Yes, papa; but she is very careful, and I am watching her."
+
+"I should not allow it, if she were my child. No, Rosie, you may not; you
+are not a careful little girl."
+
+Rosie was beginning to pout, but catching the stern look in her father's
+eye, quickly gave it up, her face clearing as if by magic.
+
+"Papa," Elsie asked in a low tone, "do you wish me to take away those
+costly playthings from my little girl?"
+
+"My dear daughter," he said, smiling tenderly upon her, "I have neither
+the right nor the wish to interfere with you and your children; especially
+when your husband approves of your management. I only fear you may suffer
+loss. How easy a valuable ring may slip through the little fingers and
+roll away into some crevice where it would never be found."
+
+"I'm afraid it is rather hazardous," she acknowledged. "Mammy, sit close
+to Elsie and keep a careful watch, lest she should drop something."
+
+"I begin to think there's truth in the old saw, 'It's hard to teach old
+dogs new tricks,'" remarked Mr. Travilla, with a comically rueful face.
+"I've a mind to give it up. What do you say, Dinsmore?"
+
+"That you wouldn't make a good soldier, if you are so easily conquered,
+Travilla."
+
+"Oh, fighting's another thing, but I'll persevere as long as you do;
+unless I find I'm wearying my teacher."
+
+"Perhaps you would learn faster with a better teacher," said Elsie, "I'm
+sure the fault is not in the scholar; because I know he's bright and
+talented."
+
+"Ah! then I shall try harder than ever, to save your reputation; but take
+a recess now, for here comes my boy, reaching out his arms to papa. Bring
+him here Dinah. Papa's own boy, he looks beautiful and as bright as the
+day."
+
+"Mamma thinks he's a very handsome mixture of papa and grandpa," Elsie
+said, leaning over to caress the babe, now crowing in his father's arms.
+
+"I'm afraid he inherits too much of his grandpa's temper," remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, but with a glance of loving pride bestowed upon the beautiful
+babe.
+
+"I, for one, have no objection, provided he learns to control it as well,"
+said Mr. Travilla; "he will make the finer character."
+
+Little Elsie had grown weary of her play.
+
+"Put box way now, mammy," she said, getting up from her cushion; "wee
+Elsie don't want any more. Mamma take; Elsie so tired."
+
+The baby voice sounded weak and languid, and tottering to her mother's
+side, she almost fell into her lap.
+
+"Oh, my baby! my precious darling, what is it?" cried Elsie, catching her
+up in her arms. "Papa! Edward! she is dying!"
+
+For the face had suddenly lost all its color; the eyes were rolled upward,
+the tiny fists tightly clenched, and the little limbs had grown stiff and
+rigid on the mother's lap.
+
+Mr. Travilla hastily set down the babe, laid turned to look at his little
+girl, his face full of alarm and distress.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore sprang to his daughter's side, and meeting her look of agony,
+said soothingly, "No, dearest, it is a spasm, she will soon be over it."
+
+"Yes; don't be so terrified, dear child," said Rose, dropping her work and
+hurrying to Elsie's assistance; "they are not unusual with children; I
+have seen both May and Daisy have them. Quick, Aunt Chloe! a cloth dipped
+in spirits of turpentine, to lay over the stomach and bowels, and another
+to put between her shoulders. It is the best thing we can do till we get a
+doctor here. But, ah, see! it is already passing away."
+
+That was true; the muscles were beginning to relax, and in another moment
+the eyes resumed their natural appearance, the hands were no longer
+clenched, and a low plaintive, "Mamma," came from the little lips.
+
+"Mamma is here, darling," Elsie said, amid her fast-dropping tears,
+covering the little wan face with kisses, as she held it to her bosom.
+
+"Thank God! she is still ours!" exclaimed the father, almost under his
+breath; then, a little louder, "Elsie, dear wife, I shall go at once for
+Dr. Channing, an English physician who has been highly recommended to me."
+
+"Do, dear husband, and urge him to come at once," she answered, in a tone
+full of anxiety.
+
+He left the room, returning with the physician within half an hour, to
+find the little girl asleep on her mother's breast.
+
+"Ah, I hope she is not going to be very ill," said the doctor, taking
+gentle hold of her tiny wrist. "She seems easy now, and her papa tells me
+the spasm was of very short duration."
+
+She woke, apparently free from suffering, allowed her papa to take her,
+that mamma's weary arms might rest, and in the course of the afternoon
+even got down from his knee, and played about the room for a little while,
+but languidly, and was soon quite willing to be nursed again, "papa,
+grandpa, and Mamma Rose," as she lovingly called her young and fair
+step-grandmother, taking turns in trying to relieve and amuse her.
+
+She was a most affectionate, unselfish little creature, and though longing
+to lay again her weary little head on mamma's breast, and feel the
+enfolding of mamma's dear arms, gave up without a murmur, when told that
+"poor mamma was tired with holding so big a girl for so long," and
+quietly contented herself with the attention of the others.
+
+As the early evening hour which was the children's bed-time drew near,
+Elsie took her little girl again on her lap.
+
+"Mamma, pease talk to Elsie," pleaded the sweet baby voice, while the
+curly head fell languidly upon her shoulder, and a tiny hand, hot and dry
+with fever, softly patted her cheek.
+
+"What about, darling?"
+
+"'Bout Jesus, mamma. Do He love little chillens? do he love wee Elsie?"
+
+The gentle voice that answered was full of tears. "Yes, darling, mamma and
+papa, and dear grandpa too, love you more than tongue can tell, but Jesus
+loves you better still."
+
+"Mamma, may Elsie go dere?"
+
+"Where, my precious one?"
+
+"To Jesus, mamma; Elsie want to go see Jesus."
+
+A sharp pang shot through the young mothers heart, and her arms tightened
+their clasp about the little form, while the hot tears chased each other
+adown her cheeks. One fell on the child's face.
+
+"What! mamma ky? Mamma don't want Elsie to go see Jesus? Den Elsie will
+stay wis mamma and papa. Don't ky, Elsie's mamma;" and feebly the little
+hand tried to wipe away her mother's tears.
+
+With a silent prayer for help to control her emotion, Elsie cleared her
+voice, and began in low, sweet tones the old, old story of Jesus and His
+love, His birth, His life, His death.
+
+"Mamma, Elsie do love Jesus!" were the earnest words that followed the
+close of the narrative. "Say prayer now, and go bed. Elsie feel sick.
+Mamma, stay wis Elsie?"
+
+"Yes, my precious one, mamma will stay close beside her darling as long as
+she wants her. You may say your little prayer kneeling in mamma's lap; and
+then she will sing you to sleep."
+
+"Jesus like Elsie do dat way?"
+
+"Yes, darling, when she's sick."
+
+Mamma's arms encircled and upheld the little form, the chubby hands were
+meekly folded, and the soft cheek rested against hers, while the few words
+of prayer faltered on the baby tongue.
+
+Then, the posture changed to a more restful one, the sweet voice still
+full of tears, and often trembling with emotion, sang the little one to
+sleep.
+
+Laying her gently in her crib, Elsie knelt beside it, sending up a
+petition with strong crying and tears; not that the young life might be
+spared, unless the will of God were so, but that she might be enabled to
+say, with all her heart, "Thy will be done."
+
+Ere she had finished, her husband knelt beside her asking the same for her
+and himself.
+
+They rose up together, and folded to his heart, she wept out her sorrow
+upon his breast.
+
+"You are very weary, little wife," he said tenderly, passing his hand
+caressingly over her hair and pressing his lips again and again to the
+heated brow.
+
+"It is rest to lay my head here," she whispered.
+
+"But you must not stand;" and sitting down he drew her to the sofa, still
+keeping his arm about her waist. "Bear up, dear wife," he said, "we will
+hope our precious darling is not very ill."
+
+She told him of the child's words, and the sad foreboding that had entered
+her own heart.
+
+"While there is life there is hope, dearest," he said, with assumed
+cheerfulness. "Let us not borrow trouble. Does He not say to us, as to the
+disciples of old, 'It is I, be not afraid'?"
+
+"Yes; and she is His; only lent to us for a season; and we dare not rebel
+should He see fit to recall His own," she answered, amid her tears. "Oh,
+Edward, I am so glad we indulged her this morning in her wish to play with
+my jewels!"
+
+"Yes; she is the most precious of them all," he said with emotion.
+
+Aunt Chloe, drawing near, respectfully suggested that it might be well to
+separate the children, in case the little girl's illness should prove to
+be contagious.
+
+"That is a wise thought, mammy," said Elsie. "Is it not, Edward?"
+
+"Yes, wife; shall we take our little daughter to our own bedroom, and
+leave Eddie in possession of the nursery?"
+
+"Yes, I will never leave her while she is ill."
+
+Weeks of anxious solicitude, of tenderest, most careful nursing, followed;
+for the little one was very ill, and for some time grew worse hour by
+hour. For days there was little hope that her life would be spared, and a
+solemn silence reigned through the house; even the romping, fun-loving
+Horace and Rosie, awe-struck into stillness, and often shedding
+tears--Horace in private, fearing to be considered unmanly, but Rosie
+openly and without any desire of concealment--at the thought that the
+darling of the house was about to pass away from earth.
+
+Rose was filled with grief, the father, and grandfather were almost
+heart-broken. But the mother! That first night she had scarcely closed an
+eye, but continually her heart was going up in earnest supplications for
+grace and strength to meet this sore trial with patience, calmness, and
+submission.
+
+And surely the prayer was heard and answered; day and night she was with
+her suffering little one, watching beside its crib, or holding it in her
+arms, soothing it with tender words of mother love, or singing, in low
+sweet tones, of Jesus and the happy land.
+
+Plenty of excellent nurses were at hand, more than willing to relieve her
+of her charge; but she would relinquish it to no one; except when
+compelled to take a little rest that her strength might not utterly fail
+her. Even then she refused to leave the room, but lay where the first
+plaintive cry, "Mamma," would rouse her and bring her instantly to her
+darling's side.
+
+At times the big tears might be seen coursing down her cheek, as she gazed
+mournfully upon the baby face so changed from what it was; but voice and
+manner were quiet and composed.
+
+Her husband was almost constantly at her side, sharing the care, the grief
+and anxiety, and the nursing, so far as she would let him. Rose, too, and
+Mr. Dinsmore, were there every hour of the day, and often in the night,
+scarcely less anxious and grief-stricken than the parents, and Mr.
+Dinsmore especially, trembling for the life and health of the mother as
+well as the child.
+
+At length came a day when all knew and felt that wee Elsie was at the very
+brink of the grave, and the little thread of life might snap asunder at
+any moment.
+
+She lay on her pillow on her mother's lap, the limbs shrunken to half
+their former size, the face, but lately so beautiful with the bloom of
+health, grown wan and thin, with parched lips and half-closed, dreamy
+eyes.
+
+Mr. Travilla sat close beside them, with cup and spoon in hand, now and
+then moistening the dry lips. Chloe, who had stationed herself a little
+behind her mistress to be within call, was dropping great tears on the
+soldier's stocking in her hand.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore came softly in and stood by the little group, his features
+working with emotion. "My darling," he murmured, "my precious daughter,
+may God comfort and sustain you."
+
+"He does, papa," she answered in low, calm tones, as she raised her head
+and lifted her mournful eyes to his face; "His consolations are not small
+in the trying hour."
+
+"You can give her up?" he asked, in a choking voice, looking with anguish
+upon the wasted features of his almost idolized grandchild.
+
+"Yes, papa--if He sees fit to take her; 'twere but selfishness to want to
+keep her here. So safe, so happy will she be in Jesus' arms."
+
+Mr. Travilla's frame shook with emotion, and Mr. Dinsmore was not less
+agitated; but the mother was still calm and resigned.
+
+No sound had come from those little lips for hours; but now there was a
+faintly murmured "Mamma!"
+
+"Yes, darling, mamma is here," Elsie answered, softly pressing a kiss on
+the white brow; "what shall mamma do for her baby?"
+
+"Jesus loves wee Elsie?" and the dreamy eyes unclosed and looked up into
+the sweet pale face bent so lovingly over her. "Elsie so glad. Mamma sing
+'Happy land.'"
+
+The young mother's heart was like to burst, but with a silent prayer for
+strength, she controlled herself and sang low and sweetly, and even as she
+sang a change came over the child, and it fell into a deep, calm, natural
+sleep that lasted for hours. All the time on the mother's lap, her eyes
+scarce moving from the dear little face; her breath almost suspended, lest
+that life-giving slumber should be broken.
+
+In vain husband and father in turn entreated to be allowed to relieve her.
+
+"No, oh no!" she whispered. "I cannot have her disturbed; it might cost
+her life."
+
+This was the turning point in the disease, and from that time the little
+one began to amend. But very weak and frail, she was still in need of
+weeks of continued tender, careful nursing.
+
+"Mamma's lap" was the place preferred above all others; but patient and
+unselfish, she yielded without a murmur when invited to the arms of papa,
+grandpa, Rose, or nurse, and told that "dear mamma was tired and needed
+rest."
+
+Elsie was indeed much reduced in health and strength; but love, joy, and
+thankfulness helped her to recuperate rapidly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.
+
+    "What fates impose, that men must needs abide.
+     It boots not to resist both wind and tide."
+                           --SHAKESPEARE'S HENRY VI.
+
+
+From the time of Mr. Lincoln's election Walter Dinsmore's home had been
+made very uncomfortable to him; after the fall of Sumter it was well-nigh
+unendurable.
+
+Never were two brothers more entirely unlike than he and Arthur; the
+latter, selfish, proud, haughty, self-willed, passionate, and reckless of
+consequences to himself or others; the former sweet-tempered, amiable, and
+affectionate, but lacking in firmness and self-reliance.
+
+Poor fellow! his heart was divided; on the one side were home, parents,
+friends, and neighbors, native State and section; on the other, pride in
+the great, powerful Union he had hitherto called his country, love for the
+old flag as the emblem of its greatness and symbol of Revolutionary glory;
+and--perhaps more potent than all--the wishes and entreaties of a Northern
+girl who had won his heart and promised him her hand.
+
+One April morning Walter, who had overslept himself, having been up late
+the night before, was roused from his slumbers by a loud hurrah coming
+from the veranda below. He recognized his father's voice, Arthur's, and
+that of one of the latter's particular friends, a hot secessionist
+residing in the adjacent city.
+
+There seemed a great tumult in the house, running to and fro, loud
+laughter, repeated hurrahs and voices--among which his mother's and Enna's
+were easily distinguished--talking in high, excited chorus.
+
+"So Fort Sumter has fallen, and war is fairly inaugurated," he sighed to
+himself, as he rose and began to dress. "It can mean nothing else."
+
+"Glorious news, Wal!" cried Arthur, catching sight of him as he descended
+the stairs; "Fort Sumter has fallen and Charleston is jubilant. Here,
+listen while I read the despatch."
+
+Walter heard it in grave silence, and at the close merely inquired how the
+news had come so early.
+
+"Johnson brought it; has gone on now to Ashlands with it; says the city's
+in a perfect furor of delight But you, it seems, care nothing about it,"
+Arthur concluded with a malignant sneer.
+
+"Not a word of rejoicing over this glorious victory"--cried Enna angrily.
+
+"Of seven _thousand_ over seventy-five?"
+
+"If I were papa, I'd turn you out of the house;" she exclaimed still more
+hotly.
+
+"Walter, I have no patience with you," said his father. "To think that son
+of mine should turn against his own country!" he added, with a groan.
+
+"No, father, I could never do that," Walter answered with emotion.
+
+"It looks very much like it--the utter indifference with which you receive
+this glorious news!" cried Mrs. Dinsmore with flashing eyes. "I'm
+positively ashamed of you."
+
+"No, mother, not with indifference, far from it; for it inaugurates a war
+that will drench the land with blood."
+
+"Nonsense! the North will never fight. A race of shop-keepers fighting for
+a sentiment, poh! But come to breakfast, there's the bell."
+
+"Better," says Solomon, "is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a
+stalled ox and hatred therewith." The luxurious breakfast at Roselands was
+partaken of with very little enjoyment that morning; by Walter especially,
+who had to bear contempt and ridicule; threats also: he was called a
+Yankee, coward, poltroon, traitor; and threatened with disinheritance and
+denouncement unless he would declare himself for the Confederacy and
+enlist in its army.
+
+The meal was but half over when he rose with flashing eyes, pale face, and
+quivering lips. "I am neither a traitor nor a coward," he said between his
+clenched teeth, "as perhaps time may prove to the sorrow of a father and
+mother, sister and brother, who can so use one who ill deserves such
+treatment at their hands." And turning, he stalked proudly from the room.
+
+Enna was beginning a sneering remark, but her father stopped her.
+
+"Hush! we have been too hard on the lad; he was always slower than Art
+about making up his mind, and I've no doubt will turn out all right in the
+end."
+
+Soon after breakfast the father and mother had a private talk on the
+subject, and agreed to try coaxing and entreaties.
+
+"Wal always had a warm heart," remarked Mr. Dinsmore finally, "and I dare
+say can be reached more readily through that."
+
+"Yes, he was your favorite always, while you have been very hard upon poor
+Arthur's youthful follies; but you see now which is the more worthy of the
+two."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head. "Not yet, wife; 'tisn't always the braggart
+that turns out bravest in time of trial."
+
+"Yes, we shall see," she answered, with a slight toss of her haughty head.
+"I trust no son of _mine_ will prove himself so cowardly as to run away
+from his country in her time of need, on whatever pretext."
+
+And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband
+winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the
+stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
+It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without
+knocking.
+
+He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection
+of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine,
+open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
+
+There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he
+looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step. Starting forward, he
+gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what
+she had to say.
+
+"Walter, my dear boy," she began; "your father and I think we were all a
+trifle hard on you this morning."
+
+He colored slightly but made no remark, and she went on. "Of course we
+can't believe it possible that a son of ours will ever show himself a
+coward; but it is very trying to us, very mortifying, to have you holding
+back in this way till all our neighbors and friends begin to hint that you
+are disloyal to your native State, and look scornful and contemptuous at
+the very mention of your name."
+
+Walter took a turn or two across the room, and coming back to her side,
+"Mother," said he, "you know it is my nature to be slow in deciding any
+matter of importance, and this is the weightiest one that ever I had to
+consider. Men much older and wiser than I are finding it a knotty question
+to which their loyalty is due, State or General Government; where
+allegiance to the one ends, and fealty to the other begins."
+
+"There is no question in my mind," she interrupted, angrily. "Of course
+your allegiance is due to your State; so don't let me hear any more about
+that. Your father and brother never hesitated for a moment; and it would
+become you to be more ready to be guided by them."
+
+"Mother," he said, with a pained look, "you forget that I am no longer a
+boy; and you would be the first to despise a man who could not form an
+opinion of his own. All I ask is time to decide this question
+and--another."
+
+"Pray what may that be? whether you will break with Miss Aller, I
+presume," she retorted, sneeringly.
+
+"No, mother," he answered with dignity; "there is no question in my mind
+in regard to that. Mary and I are pledged to each other, and nothing but
+death can part us."
+
+"And" (fiercely) "you would marry her, though she is ready to cheer on the
+men who are coming to invade our homes and involve us in the horrors of a
+servile insurrection!"
+
+"I think it is hardly an hour since I heard you say the North would not
+fight; and since we have shown our determination in capturing Sumter, the
+next news would be that we were to be allowed to go in peace. You may be
+right; I hope you are; but the fellows I know in the North are as full of
+pluck as ourselves, and I fear there is a long, fierce, bloody struggle
+before us." He stood before her with folded arms and grave, earnest face,
+his eyes meeting hers unflinchingly. "And ere I rush into it I want to
+know that I am ready for death and for judgment."
+
+"No need to hesitate on that account," she said, with a contemptuous
+smile; "you've always been a remarkably upright young man, and I'm sure
+are safe enough. Besides, I haven't a doubt that those who die in defense
+of their country go straight to heaven."
+
+He shook his head. "I have been studying the Bible a good deal of late,
+and I know that that would never save my soul."
+
+"This is some of Horace's and Elsie's work; I wish they would attend to
+their own affairs and let you and others alone." And she rose and swept
+angrily from the room.
+
+Walter did not appear at dinner, nor was he seen again for several days;
+but as such absences were not infrequent--he having undertaken a sort of
+general oversight of both the Oaks and Ion--this excited no alarm.
+
+The first day in fact was spent at Ion; the next he rode over to the Oaks.
+Mrs. Murray always made him very comfortable, and was delighted to have
+the opportunity; for the place was lonely for her in the absence of the
+family. She was on the veranda as he rode up that morning attended by his
+servant.
+
+"Ah, Mr. Walter," she cried, "but I'm glad to see you! You're a sight for
+sair een, sir. I hope ye've come to stay a bit."
+
+He had given the reins to his servant and dismounted. "Yes," he said,
+shaking hands with her, "for two or three days, Mrs. Murray."
+
+"That's gude news, sir. Will ye come in and take a bite or sup o'
+something?"
+
+"Thank you, not now. I'll just sit here for a moment. The air is
+delightful this morning."
+
+"So it is, sir. And do ye bring ony news frae our friends in Naples?"
+
+"No; I have heard nothing since I saw you last."
+
+"But what's this, Mr. Walter, that I hear the servants saying aboot a
+fight wi' the United States troops?"
+
+"Fort Sumter has fallen, Mrs. Murray. There's an account of the whole
+affair," he added, taking a newspaper from his pocket and handing it to
+her.
+
+She received it eagerly, and with a hearty thanks.
+
+"I am going out into the grounds," he said, and walked away, leaving her
+to its perusal.
+
+He strolled down a green alley, inspected it, the lawns, the avenue, the
+flower and vegetable gardens, to see that all were in order; held a few
+minutes' conversation with the head gardener, making some suggestions and
+bestowing deserved praise of his faithful performance of his duties; then
+wandering on, at length seated himself in Elsie's bower, and took from his
+breast-pocket--where he had constantly carried it of late--a small
+morocco-bound, gilt-edged volume.
+
+He sat there a long time, reading and pondering with grave, anxious face,
+it may be asking for heavenly guidance too, for his eyes were now and then
+uplifted and his lips moved.
+
+The next day and the next he spent at the Oaks, passing most of his time
+in solitude, either in the least frequented parts of the grounds, or the
+lonely and deserted rooms of the mansion.
+
+Walter had always been a favorite with Mrs. Murray. She had a sort of
+motherly affection for him, and watching him furtively, felt sure that he
+had some heavy mental trouble. She waited and watched silently, hoping
+that he would confide in her and let her sympathize, if she could do
+nothing more.
+
+On the evening of the third day he came in from the grounds with a
+brightened countenance, his little book in his hand. She was on the
+veranda looking out for him to ask if he was ready for his tea. He met her
+with a smile.
+
+"Is it gude news, Mr. Walter?" she asked, thinking of the distracted state
+of the country.
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Murray, I think you will call it so. I have been searching
+here," and he held up the little volume, "for the pearl of great price;
+and I have found it."
+
+"Dear bairn, I thank God for ye!" she exclaimed with emotion. "It's gude
+news indeed!"
+
+"I cannot think how I've been so blind," he went on in earnest tones; "it
+seems now so simple and easy--just to believe in Jesus Christ, receive His
+offered pardon, His righteousness put upon me, the cleansing of His blood
+shed for the remission of sins, and trust my all to Him for time and
+eternity. Now I am ready to meet death on the battle-field, if so it must
+be."
+
+"But, O Mr. Walter, I hope you'll be spared that, and live to be a good
+soldier of Christ these many years."
+
+They were startled by the furious galloping of a horse coming up the
+drive; and the next moment Arthur drew rein before the door.
+
+"Walter; so you're here, as I thought! I've come for you. Lincoln has
+called for seventy-five thousand troops to defend the capital; but we all
+know what that means--an invasion of the South. The North's a unit now,
+and so is the South. Davis has called for volunteers, and the war-cry is
+resounding all over the land. We're raising a company: I'm appointed
+captain, and you lieutenant. Come; if you hesitate now--you'll repent it:
+father says he'll disown you forever."
+
+Arthur's utterance was fierce and rapid, but now he was compelled to pause
+for a breath, and Walter answered with excitement in his tones also.
+
+"Of course if it has come to that, I will not hesitate to defend my native
+soil, my home, my parents."
+
+"All right; come on then; we leave to-night."
+
+Walter's horse was ordered at once, and in a few moments the brothers were
+galloping away side by side. Mrs. Murray looked after them with a sigh.
+
+"Ah me! the poor laddies! will they die on the battle field? Ah, wae's me,
+but war's an awfu' thing!"
+
+At Roselands all was bustle and excitement, every one eager, as it seemed,
+to hasten the departure of the young men.
+
+But when everything was ready and the final adieus must be spoken, the
+mother embraced them with tears and sobs, and even Enna's voice faltered
+and her eyes grew moist.
+
+Mounting, they rode rapidly down the avenue, each followed by his own
+servant--and out at the great gate. Walter wheeled his horse. "One last
+look at the old home, Art," he said; "we may never see it again."
+
+"Always sentimental, Wal," laughed Arthur, somewhat scornfully; "but have
+your way." And he, too, wheeled about for a last farewell look.
+
+The moon had just risen, and by her silvery light the lordly mansion--with
+its clustering vines, the gardens, the lawn, the shrubbery, and the grand
+old trees--was distinctly visible. Never had the place looked more lovely.
+The evening breeze brought to their nostrils the delicious scent of roses
+in full bloom, and a nightingale poured forth a song of ravishing
+sweetness from a thicket hard by.
+
+Somehow her song seemed to go to Walter's very heart and a sad foreboding
+oppressed him as they gazed and listened for several moments, then turned
+their horses' heads and galloped down the road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.
+
+    "Is't death to fall for Freedom's right?
+     He's dead alone who lacks her light."
+                              --CAMPBELL.
+
+
+Wee Elsie was convalescing rapidly, and the hearts so wrung with anguish
+at sight of her sufferings and the fear of losing her, relieved from that,
+were again filled with the intense anxiety for their country, which for a
+short space had been half forgotten in the severity of the trial
+apparently so close at hand.
+
+Mails from America came irregularly; now and then letters and papers from
+Philadelphia, New York, and other parts of the North; very seldom anything
+from the South.
+
+What was going on in their homes? what were dear relatives and friends
+doing and enduring? were questions they were often asking of themselves or
+each other--questions answered by a sigh only, or a shake of the head. The
+suspense was hard to bear; but who of all Americans, at home or abroad,
+who loved their native land, were not suffering at this time from anxiety
+and suspense?
+
+"A vessel came in last night, which I hope has a mail for us," remarked
+Mr. Dinsmore as they sat down to the breakfast table one morning early in
+November. "I have sent Uncle Joe to find out; and bring it, if there."
+
+"Ah, if it should bring the glorious news that this dreadful war is over,
+and all our dear ones safe!" sighed Rose.
+
+"Ah, no hope of that," returned her husband. "I think all are well-nigh
+convinced now that it will last for years: the enlistments now, you
+remember, are for three years or the war."
+
+Uncle Joe's errand was not done very speedily, and on his return he found
+the family collected in the drawing-room.
+
+"Good luck dis time, massa," he said, addressing Mr. Dinsmore, as he
+handed him the mail bag, "lots ob papahs an' lettahs."
+
+Eagerly the others gathered about the head of the household. Rose and
+Elsie, pale and trembling with excitement and apprehension, Mr. Travilla,
+grave and quiet, yet inwardly impatient of a moment's delay.
+
+It was just the same with Mr. Dinsmore; in a trice he had unlocked the bag
+and emptied its contents--magazines, papers, letters--upon a table.
+
+Rose's eye fell upon a letter, deeply edged with black, which bore her
+name and address in May's handwriting. She snatched it up with a sharp
+cry, and sank, half-fainting, into a chair.
+
+Her husband and Elsie were instantly at her side. "Dear wife, my love, my
+darling! this is terrible; but the Lord will sustain you."
+
+"Mamma, dearest mamma; oh that I could comfort you!"
+
+Mr. Travilla brought a glass of water.
+
+"Thank you; I am better now; I can bear it," she murmured faintly, laying
+her head on her husband's shoulder. "Open--read--tell me."
+
+Elsie, in compliance with the sign from her father, opened the envelope
+and handed him the letter.
+
+Glancing over it, he read in low, moved tones.
+
+    "Rose, Rose, how shall I tell it? Freddie is dead, and Ritchie
+    sorely wounded--both in that dreadful, dreadful battle of Ball's
+    Bluff; both shot while trying to swim the river. Freddie killed
+    instantly by a bullet in his brain, but Ritchie swam to shore,
+    dragging Fred's body with him; then fainted from fatigue, pain,
+    and loss of blood.
+
+    "Mamma is heart-broken--indeed we all are--and papa seems to
+    have suddenly grown many years older. Oh, we don't know how to
+    bear it! and yet we are proud of our brave boys. Edward went on
+    at once, when the sad news reached us; brought Ritchie home to
+    be nursed, and--and Freddie's body to be buried. Oh! what a
+    heart-breaking scene it was when they arrived!
+
+    "Harold, poor Harold, couldn't come home; they wouldn't give him
+    a furlough even for a day. Edward went, the day after the
+    funeral, and enlisted, and Ritchie will go back as soon as his
+    wound heals. He says that while our men stood crowded together
+    on the river-bank, below the bluff, where they could neither
+    fight nor retreat, and the enemy were pouring their shot into
+    them from the heights, Fred came to him, and grasping his hand
+    said, 'Dear Dick, it's not likely either of us will come out of
+    this alive; but if you do and I don't, tell mother and the rest
+    not to grieve; for I know in whom I have believed.' Remember,
+    dear Rose, this sweet message is for you as well as for us.
+
+
+                                Your loving sister,
+                                          May Allison."
+
+
+Rose, who had been clinging about her husband's neck and hiding her face
+on his shoulder, vainly striving to suppress her sobs during the reading,
+now burst into a fit of hysterical weeping.
+
+"Oh Freddie, Freddie, my little brother! my darling brother, how can I
+bear to think I shall never, never see you again in this world! Oh Horace,
+he was always so bright and sweet, the very sunshine of the house."
+
+"Yes, dearest, but remember his dying message; think of his perfect
+happiness now. He is free from all sin and sorrow, done with the weary
+marchings and fightings, the hunger and thirst, cold and heat and fatigue
+of war; no longer in danger from shot or bursting shell, or of lying
+wounded and suffering on the battle-field, or languishing in hospital or
+prison."
+
+"Yes," she sighed, "I should rather mourn for poor wounded Ritchie, for
+Harold and Edward, still exposed to the horrors of war. Oh, when will it
+end?--this dreadful, dreadful war!"
+
+All were weeping; for all had known and loved the bright, frank,
+noble-hearted, genial young man.
+
+But Rose presently became more composed, and Mr. Travilla proceeded with
+the distribution of the remaining letters.
+
+"From Adelaide, doubtless, and I presume containing the same sad news,"
+Mr. Dinsmore said, breaking the seal of another black edged epistle,
+directed to him. "Yes, and more," he added, with a groan, as he ran his
+eye down the page. "Dick Percival was killed in a skirmish last May; and
+Enna is a widow. Poor fellow, I fear he was ill prepared to go."
+
+Mr. Travilla had taken up a newspaper. "Here is an account of that Ball's
+Bluff affair, which seems to have been very badly managed on the part of
+the Federals. Shall I read it aloud?"
+
+"Oh, yes, yes, if you please," sobbed Rose; "let us know all."
+
+"Badly managed, indeed," was Mr. Dinsmore's comment at the conclusion, "it
+looks very like the work of treason."
+
+"And my two dear brothers were part of the dreadful sacrifice," moaned
+Rose.
+
+"But oh! how brave, noble, and unselfish they, and many others, showed
+themselves in that awful hour," said Elsie amid her sobs and tears. "Dear
+mamma, doesn't that comfort you a little?"
+
+"Yes, dear child. Freddie's sweet message still more, Oh, I need not mourn
+for him!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH.
+
+    "Liberty! Freedom! tyranny is dead!
+     --Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets."
+                         --SHAKESPEARE'S JULIUS CÆSAR.
+
+
+The winter of 1861-'62 wore wearily away, the Great Republic still
+convulsed with all the horrors of the civil war; and the opening spring
+witnessed no abatement of the fearful strife.
+
+Daring all these months nothing unusual had occurred in the family of our
+friends at Naples; but one lovely morning in April a sweet floweret
+blossomed among them; bringing joy and gladness to all hearts.
+
+"Our little violet," Elsie said, smiling up at the happy face of her
+husband, as he bent over her and the babe. "She has come to us just as her
+namesakes in America are lifting their pretty heads among the grass."
+
+"Thank you, darling," he answered, softly touching his lips to her cheek;
+"yes, we will give her my mother's name, and may she inherit her lovely
+disposition also."
+
+"I should be so glad, dear mother's was as lovely a character as I ever
+knew."
+
+"Our responsibilities are growing, love: three precious little ones now to
+train up for usefulness here and glory hereafter."
+
+"Yes," she said, with grave yet happy face; "and who is sufficient for
+these things?"
+
+"Our sufficiency is of God!"
+
+"And He has promised wisdom to those who ask it. What a comfort. I should
+like to show this pretty one to Walter. Where is he now, I wonder, poor
+fellow?"
+
+Ah, though she knew it not, he was then lying cold in death upon the
+bloody field of Shiloh.
+
+There had been news now and then from their Northern friends and
+relatives. Richard Allison had recovered from his wound, and was again in
+the field. Edward was with the army also; Harold, too, and Philip Ross.
+
+Lucy was, like many others who had strong ties in both sections and their
+armies, well-nigh distracted with grief and fear.
+
+From their relatives in the South the last news received had been that of
+the death of Dick Percival, nor did any further news reach there until the
+next November. Then they heard that Enna had been married again to another
+Confederate officer, about a year after her first husband's death; that
+Walter had fallen at Shiloh, that Arthur was killed in the battle of Luka,
+and that his mother, hearing of it just as she was convalescing from an
+attack of fever, had a relapse and died a few days after.
+
+Great was the grief of all for Walter; Mr. Dinsmore mourned very much for
+his father also, left thus almost alone in his declining years. No
+particulars were given in regard to the deaths of the two young men.
+
+"Oh," cried Elsie, as she wept over Walter's loss, "what would I not give
+to know that he was ready for death! But surely we may rejoice in the hope
+that he was; since we have offered so much united prayer for him."
+
+"Yes," returned her father, "for 'If two of you shall agree on earth, as
+touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
+Father which is in heaven'; and God's promises are all 'yea and amen in
+Christ Jesus.'"
+
+"Papa," said Horace, "how can it be that good Christian men are fighting
+and killing each other?"
+
+"It is a very strange thing, my son; yet undoubtedly true that there are
+many true Christians on both sides. They do not see alike, and each is
+defending what he believes a righteous cause."
+
+"Listen all," said Mrs. Dinsmore, who was reading a letter from Daisy, her
+youngest sister.
+
+"Richard is ill in the hospital at Washington, and May has gone on to
+nurse him. Dr. King, of Lansdale, Ohio, is there acting as volunteer
+surgeon, and has Lottie with him. She will be company for our May. Don't
+worry about Ritchie; May writes that he is getting better fast."
+
+Rose smiled as she read the last sentence.
+
+"What is it, mamma?" asked Elsie.
+
+"Nothing much; only I was thinking how greatly Ritchie seemed to admire
+Miss King at the time of the wedding."
+
+"Well, if he loses his heart I hope he will get another in exchange."
+
+"Why, Sister Elsie, how could Uncle Ritchie lose his heart? did they shoot
+a hole so it might drop out?" queried Rosebud in wide-eyed wonder. "I hope
+the doctors will sew up the place quick 'fore it does fall out," she
+added, with a look of deep concern. "Poor, dear Uncle Wal is killed," she
+sobbed; "and Uncle Art too, and I don't want all my uncles to die or to be
+killed."
+
+"We will ask God to take care of them, dear daughter," said Rose,
+caressing the little weeper, "and we know that He is able to do it."
+
+       *       *       *       *      *
+
+One day in the following January--1863--the gentlemen went into the city
+for a few hours, leaving their wives and children at home. They returned
+with faces full of excitement.
+
+"What news?" queried both ladies in a breath.
+
+"Lincoln has issued an Emancipation Proclamation freeing all the blacks."
+
+There was a momentary pause: then Rose said, "If it puts an end to this
+dreadful war, I shall not be sorry."
+
+"Nor I," said Elsie.
+
+"Perhaps you don't reflect that it takes a good deal out of our pockets,"
+remarked her father. "Several hundred thousand from yours."
+
+"Yes, papa, I know; but we will not be very poor. I alone have enough left
+to keep us all comfortably. If I were only sure it would add to the
+happiness of my poor people, I should rejoice over it. But I am sorely
+troubled to know what has, or will become of them. It is more than two
+years now, since we have heard a word from Viamede."
+
+"It is very likely we shall find nothing but ruins on all our
+plantations--Viamede, the Oaks, Ion, and Roselands," remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, pacing to and fro with an anxious and disturbed countenance.
+
+"Let us hope for the best," Mr. Travilla responded cheerfully; "the land
+will still be there, perhaps the houses too; the negroes will work for
+wages, and gradually we may be able to restore our homes to what they
+were."
+
+"And if the war stops now, we shall probably find them still in pretty
+good condition," said Elsie.
+
+"No," her father said, "the war is not at an end, or likely to be for a
+long time to come; but we will wait in patience and hope, daughter, and
+not grieve over losses that perhaps may bring great happiness to others."
+
+"Are we poor now, papa?" asked Horace anxiously.
+
+"No, son; your sister is still very wealthy, and we all have comfortable
+incomes."
+
+"It did me good to see Uncle Joe's delight over the news," Mr. Travilla
+smilingly remarked to his wife.
+
+"Ah, you told him then?" she returned, with a keen interest and pleasure.
+
+"Yes, and it threw him into a transport of joy. 'Ki! massa,' he said,
+'neber tink to heyah sich news as dat! neber spects dis chile lib to bee
+freedom come;' then sobering down, 'but, massa, we's been a prayin' for
+it; we's been crying to the good Lord like the chillen ob Israel when
+dey's in de house ob bondage; tousands an' tousands ob us cry day an'
+night, an' de Lord heyah, an' now de answer hab come. Bress de Lord! Bress
+His holy name foreber an' eber.'
+
+"'And what will you do with your liberty, Uncle Joe?' I asked; then he
+looked half frightened. 'Massa, you ain't gwine to send us off? we lub you
+an' Miss Elsie an' de chillen, an' we's gettin' mos' too ole to start out
+new for ourselves.'"
+
+"Well, dear, I hope you assured him that he had nothing to fear on that
+score."
+
+"Certainly; I told him they were free to go or stay as they liked, and as
+long as they were with, or near us, we would see that they were made
+comfortable. Then he repeated, with great earnestness, that he loved us
+all, and could never forget what you had done in restoring him to his
+wife, and making them both so comfortable and happy."
+
+"Yes, I think they have been happy with us; and probably it was the bitter
+remembrance of the sufferings of his earlier life that made freedom seem
+so precious a boon to him."
+
+Going into the nursery half an hour later, Elsie was grieved and surprised
+to find Chloe sitting by the crib of the sleeping babe, crying and sobbing
+as if her very heart would break, her head bowed upon her knees, and the
+sobs half-smothered, lest they should disturb the child.
+
+"Why, mammy dear, what is the matter?" she asked, going to her and laying
+a hand tenderly on her shoulder.
+
+Chloe slid to her knees, and taking the soft white hand in both of hers,
+covered it with kisses and tears, while her whole frame shook with her
+bitter weeping.
+
+"Mammy, dear mammy, what is it?" Elsie asked in real alarm, quite
+forgetting for the moment the news of the morning, which indeed she could
+never have expected to cause such distress.
+
+"Dis chile don't want no freedom," sobbed the poor old creature at length,
+"she lubs to b'long to her darlin' young missis: Uncle Joe he sing an'
+jump an' praise de Lord, 'cause freedom come, but your ole mammy don't
+want no freedom; she can't go for to leave you, Miss Elsie, her bressed
+darlin' chile dat she been done take care ob ever since she born."
+
+"Mammy dear, you shall never leave me except of your own free will," Elsie
+answered, in tender soothing tones. "Come, get up, and don't cry any more.
+Why, it would come as near breaking my heart as yours, if we had to part.
+What could I or my babies ever do without our old mammy to look after our
+comfort!"
+
+"Bress your heart, honey, you'se allus good an' kind to your ole mammy,"
+Chloe said, checking her sobs and wiping away her tears, as she slowly
+rose to her feet; "de Lord bress you an' keep you. Now let your mammy gib
+you one good hug, like when you little chile."
+
+"And many times since," said Elsie, smiling sweetly into the tear-swollen
+eyes of her faithful old nurse, and not only submitting to, but returning
+the embrace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH.
+
+    "And faint not, heart of man! though years wane slow!
+     There have been those that from the deepest caves,
+     And cells of night and fastnesses below
+     The stormy dashing of the ocean waves,
+     Down, farther down than gold lies hid, have nurs'd
+     A quenchless hope, and watch'd their time and burst
+     On the bright day like wakeners from the grave."
+                                      --MRS. HEMANS
+
+
+Noon of a sultry July day, 1864; the scorching sun looks down upon a pine
+forest; in its midst a cleared space some thirty acres in extent,
+surrounded by a log stockade ten feet high, the timbers set three feet
+deep into the ground; a star fort, with one gun at each corner of the
+square enclosure; on top of the stockade sentinel boxes placed twenty feet
+apart, reached by steps from the outside; in each of these a vigilant
+guard with loaded musket, constantly on the watch for the slightest
+pretext for shooting down some one or more of the prisoners, of whom there
+are from twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand.
+
+All along the inner side of the wall, six feet from it, stretches a dead
+line; and any poor fellow thoughtlessly or accidentally laying a hand upon
+it, or allowing any part of his body to reach under or over it, will be
+instantly shot.
+
+A green, slimy, sluggish stream, bringing with it all the filth of the
+sewers of Andersonville, a village three miles distant, flows directly
+across the enclosure from east to west. Formerly, the only water fit to
+drink came from a spring beyond the eastern wall, which flowing under it,
+into the enclosure, emptied itself into the other stream, a few feet
+within the dead line.
+
+It did not suffice to satisfy the thirst of the thousands who must drink
+or die, and the little corner where its waters could be reached was always
+crowded, men pressing upon each other till often one or another would be
+pushed against the dead line, shot by the guard, and the body left lying
+till the next morning; even if it had fallen into the water beyond the
+line, polluting the scant supply left for the living. But the cry of these
+perishing ones had gone up into the ears of the merciful Father of us all,
+and of late a spring of clear water bubbles up in their midst.
+
+But powder and shot, famine, exposure (for the prisoners have no shelter,
+except as they burrow in the earth), and malaria from that sluggish,
+filthy stream, and the marshy ground on either side of it, are doing a
+fearful work: every morning a wagon drawn by four mules is driven in, and
+the corpses--scattered here and there to the number of from eighty-five to
+a hundred--gathered up, tossed into it like sticks of wood, taken away and
+thrown promiscuously into a hole dug for the purpose, and earth shoveled
+over them.
+
+There are corpses lying about now; there are men, slowly breathing out
+their last of life, with no dying bed, no pillow save the hard ground, no
+mother, wife, sister, daughter near, to weep over, or to comfort them as
+they enter the dark valley.
+
+Others there are, wasted and worn till scarce more than living skeletons,
+creeping about on hands and feet, lying or sitting in every attitude of
+despair and suffering; a dull, hopeless misery in their sunken eyes, a
+pathetic patience fit to touch a heart of stone; while others still have
+grown frantic with that terrible pain, the hunger gnawing at their very
+vitals, and go staggering about, wildly raving in their helpless agony.
+
+And on them all the scorching sun beats pitilessly down. Hard, cruel fate!
+scorched with heat, with the cool shelter of the pine forests on every
+side; perishing with hunger in a land of plenty.
+
+In one corner, but a yard or so within the dead line, a group of officers
+in the Federal uniform--evidently men of culture and refinement, spite of
+their hatless and shoeless condition, ragged, soiled raiment, unkempt
+hair, and unshaven faces--sit on the ground, like their comrades in
+misfortune, sweltering in the sun.
+
+"When will this end?" sighs one. "I'd sooner die a hundred deaths on the
+battle-field."
+
+"Ah, who wouldn't?" exclaims another; "to starve, roast, and freeze by
+turns for one's country, requires more patriotism by far than to march up
+to the cannon's mouth, or charge up hill under a galling fire of
+musketry."
+
+"True indeed, Jones," returns a fair-haired, blue-eyed young man, with
+face so gaunt and haggard with famine that his own mother would scarcely
+have recognized him, and distinguished from the rest by a ball and chain
+attached to wrist and ankle; "and yet we bear it for her sake and for
+Freedom's. Who of us regrets that we did not stay at home in inglorious
+ease, and leave our grand old ship of state to founder and go to pieces
+amid the rocks of secession?"
+
+"None of us, Allison! No, no! the Union forever!" returned several voices
+in chorus.
+
+"Hark!"--as the sharp crack of a rifle was heard, and a prisoner who, half
+crazed with suffering, had, in staggering about, approached too near the
+fatal line and laid a hand upon it, fell dead--"another patriot soul has
+gone to its account, and another rebel earned a thirty days' furlough."
+
+The dark eyes of the speaker flashed with indignation.
+
+"Poor fellows, they don't know that it is to preserve _their_ liberties we
+fight, starve, and die; to save them from the despotism their ambitious
+and unscrupulous leaders desire to establish over them," remarked Harold
+Allison; "how grossly the masses of the Southern people have been deceived
+by a few hot-headed politicians, bent upon obtaining power for themselves
+at whatever cost."
+
+"True," returned the other, drily; "but it's just a little difficult to
+keep these things in mind under present circumstances. By the way,
+Allison, have you a sister who married a Mr. Horace Dinsmore?"
+
+"Yes, do you know Rose?" asked Harold, in some surprise.
+
+"I was once a guest at the Oaks for a fortnight or so, at the time of the
+marriage of Miss Elsie, Mr. Dinsmore's daughter, to a Mr. Travilla."
+
+Harold's face grew a shade paler, but his tones were calm and quiet.
+"Indeed! and may I ask your name?"
+
+"Harry Duncan, at your service," returned the other, with a bow and smile.
+"I met your three brothers there, also your sisters, Mrs. Carrington and
+Miss May Allison."
+
+The color deepened slightly on Harry's cheek as he pronounced the last
+name. The pretty face, graceful form, charming manners, and sprightly
+conversation of the young lady were still fresh in his memory. Having
+enjoyed the hospitalities of Andersonville for but a few days, he was in
+better condition, as to health and clothing, than the rest of the group,
+who had been there for months.
+
+"Harry Duncan!" exclaimed Harold, offering his hand, which the other took
+in a cordial grasp and shook heartily, "yes, I know; I have heard of you
+and your aunt, Miss Stanhope. I feel as if I'd found a brother."
+
+"Thank you; suppose we consider ourselves such; a brother is what I've
+been hankering after ever since I can remember."
+
+"Agreed," said Harold. "Perhaps," he added, with a melancholy smile, "we
+may find the fiction turned to fact some day, if you and one of my single
+sisters should happen to take a fancy to each other; that is, if we live
+to get out of this and to see home again." His tone at the last was very
+desponding.
+
+"Cheer up," said Duncan, in a low, sympathizing tone, "I think we can find
+a way to escape; men have done so even from the Bastile--a far more
+difficult task, I should say."
+
+"What's your idea?"
+
+"To dig our way out, working at night, and covering up the traces of our
+work by day."
+
+"Yes, it's the only way possible, so far as I can see," said Harold. "I
+have already escaped twice in that way, but only to be retaken, and this
+is what I gained," shaking his chain, and pointing to the heavy ball
+attached. "Yet, if I were rid of this, and possessed of a little more
+strength, I'd make a third attempt."
+
+"I think I could rid you of that little attachment," returned Duncan; "and
+the tunnel once ready, help you in the race for liberty."
+
+The others of the group were exchanging significant nods and glances.
+
+"I think we may let Duncan into our secret," said Jones. "We're digging a
+well; have gone down six feet; three feet below the surface is soapstone,
+so soft we can cut it with our jack-knives. We mean to work our way out
+to-night. Will you join us?"
+
+"With all my heart."
+
+"Suppose we are caught in the attempt," said one.
+
+"We can't be in much worse condition than now," observed another;
+"starving in this pestiferous atmosphere filled with the malaria from that
+swamp, and the effluvia from half-decayed corpses; men dying every day,
+almost every hour, from famine, disease, or violence."
+
+"No," said Harry, "we may bring upon ourselves what Allison is enduring,
+or instant death; but I for one would prefer the latter to the slow
+torture of starvation."
+
+"If we are ready," said Harold, in low, solemn tones. "It is appointed to
+men once to die, and after that the judgment."
+
+"And what should you say was the needful preparation?" queried another,
+half-mockingly. "'Repent ye and believe the gospel.' 'Let the wicked
+forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return
+unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will
+abundantly pardon.' 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be
+saved.'"
+
+Silence fell on the little group. Duncan's eyes wandered over the field,
+over the thousands of brave men herded together there like cattle, with
+none of the comforts, few of the necessaries of life--over the living, the
+dying, the dead; taking in the whole aggregate of suffering with one
+sweeping glance. His eyes filled; his whole soul was moved with
+compassion, while he half forgot that he himself was one of them.
+
+How much were the consolations of God needed here! how few, comparatively,
+possessed them. But some there were who did, and were trying to impart
+them to others. Should he stay and share in this good work? Perhaps he
+ought; he almost thought so for a moment; but he remembered his country's
+need; he had enlisted for the war; he must return to active service, if he
+could.
+
+Then his eye fell upon Harold. Here was a noble life to be saved; a life
+that would inevitably be lost to friends, relatives, country, by but a few
+weeks' longer sojourn in this horrible place. Duncan's determination was
+taken: with the help of God the morning light should find them both free
+and far on their way towards the Union lines.
+
+"We'll try it, comrades, to-night," he said aloud.
+
+"So we will," they answered with determination.
+
+A man came staggering towards them, gesticulating wildly and swearing
+horrible oaths.
+
+"He is crazed with hunger, poor fellow," remarked Harold.
+
+Duncan was gazing steadily at the man who had now sunk panting upon the
+ground, exhausted by his own violence. Evidently he had once possessed
+more than an ordinary share of physical beauty, but vice and evil passions
+had set their stamp upon his features, and famine had done its ghastly
+work; he was but a wreck of his former self.
+
+"Where have I seen that face?" murmured Harry, unconsciously thinking
+aloud.
+
+"In the rogues' gallery, perhaps. Tom Jackson is his name, or one of his
+names; for he has several aliases, I'm told," remarked some one standing
+near.
+
+"Yes, he's the very man!" exclaimed Harry. "I have studied his photograph
+and recognize him fully, in spite of famine's ravages. The wretch! he
+deserves all he suffers: and yet I pity him."
+
+"What! the would-be assassin of Viamede?" and Harold started to his feet,
+the hot blood dyeing his thin cheeks.
+
+"The same. You feel like lynching him on the spot; and no wonder. But
+refrain; _they_ would bid you, and he is already suffering a worse fate
+than any you could mete out to him."
+
+"God forgive me!" groaned Harold, dropping down again and hiding his face
+in his hands, "I believe there was murder in my heart."
+
+"The story? what was it?" asked Jones. "Tell it, Duncan; anything to help
+us to a moment's forgetfulness."
+
+The others joined in the request, and Duncan gave the full particulars of
+the several attempts Jackson had made upon the lives of Mr. Travilla and
+Elsie.
+
+Allison never once lifted his face during the recital, but the rest
+listened with keen interest.
+
+"The fellow richly deserves lynching," was the unanimous verdict, "but, as
+you say, is already suffering a far worse fate."
+
+"And yet no worse than that of thousands of innocent men," remarked Jones
+bitterly. "Where's the justice of it?"
+
+"Do you expect even-handed justice here?" inquired another.
+
+"Perhaps he may be no worse in the sight of God, than some of the rest of
+us," said Harold, in low, grave tones; "we do not know what evil
+influences may have surrounded him from his very birth, or whether,
+exposed to the same, we would have turned out any better."
+
+"I'm perishing with thirst," said Jones, "and must try pushing through
+that crowd about the spring."
+
+He wandered off and the group scattered, leaving Harold and Duncan alone
+together.
+
+The two had a long talk: of home, common friends and acquaintance; of the
+war, what this or that Federal force was probably now attempting; what
+future movements were likely to be made, and how the contest would end;
+neither doubting the final triumph of the government.
+
+"And that triumph can't be very far off either," concluded Harry. "I think
+the struggle will be over before this time next year, and I hope you and I
+may have a hand in the winding up."
+
+"Perhaps you may," Allison rejoined a little sadly; "but I, I fear, have
+struck my last blow for my native land."
+
+"You are not strong now, but good nursing may do wonders for you,"
+answered Harry cheerily. "Once within the Union lines, and you will feel
+like another man."
+
+"Ah, but how to get me there? that's the tug of war," said Harold, but
+with a smile and in tones more hopeful than his words. "Duncan, you are a
+Christian?"
+
+"Yes, Allison; Jesus Christ is the Captain of my salvation; in whom I
+trust, and in whose service I desire to live and die."
+
+"Then are we brothers indeed!" and with the words their right hands joined
+in a more cordial grasp than before.
+
+The sun was nearing the western horizon when at length Harold was left
+alone. He bowed his head upon his knees in thought and prayer, remaining
+thus for many minutes, striving for a spirit of forgiveness and compassion
+towards the coward wretch who would have slain one dearer to him than
+life.
+
+At last, as the shadows of evening were gathering over the place, he
+lifted a pale, patient face; and rising, made his way slowly and with
+difficulty towards the spot where Jackson lay prostrate on the ground,
+groaning and crying like a child.
+
+Sitting down beside the miserable creature, he spoke to him in gentle,
+soothing tones. "You have been here a long time?"
+
+"The longest year that ever I lived! but it won't last much longer," and
+he uttered a fearful oath.
+
+"Are you expecting to be exchanged?"
+
+"Exchanged! no. What do those fellows at Washington care about our lives?
+They'll delay and delay till we're all starved to death, like hundreds and
+thousands, before us;" and again he concluded with a volley of oaths and
+curses, bestowed indiscriminately upon the President and Congress, Jeff
+Davis, Wirtz, and the guard.
+
+Harold was shocked at his profanity. "Man," said he solemnly, "do you know
+that you are on the brink of the grave? and must soon appear at the bar of
+Him whose holy name you are taking in vain?"
+
+"Curse you!" he cried, lifting his head for a moment, then dropping it
+again on the ground; "take your cant to some other market, I don't believe
+in a God, or heaven or hell: and the sooner I die the better; for I'll be
+out of my misery."
+
+"No; that is a fatal delusion, and unless you turn and repent, and believe
+on the Lord Jesus Christ, death can only plunge you into deeper misery.
+You have only a little while! Oh, I beseech you, don't cast away your last
+chance to secure pardon, peace and eternal life!"
+
+"You're 'casting your pearls before swine,'" returned the man, sneeringly.
+"Not to say that I'm a hog exactly, but I've not a bit more of a soul than
+if I was. Your name's Allison, isn't it?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"D'ye know anybody named Dinsmore? or Travilla?"
+
+"Yes; and I know who you are, Jackson, and of your crimes against them. In
+the sight of God you are a murderer."
+
+"You tell me to repent. I've repented many a time that I didn't take
+better aim and blow his brains out; yes, and hers too. I hoped I had, till
+I saw the account in the papers."
+
+Harold's teeth and hands were tightly clenched, in an almost superhuman
+effort to keep himself quiet; and the man went on without interruption.
+
+"He'd nearly made a finish of me, but I was smart enough to escape them,
+bloodhounds and all. I got over the border into Texas; had a pretty good
+time there for awhile--after I recovered from that awful blood-letting;
+but when secession began, I slipped off and came North. You think I'm all
+bad; but I had a kind of love for the old flag, and went right into the
+army. Besides, I thought it might give me a chance to put a bullet through
+some o' those that had thwarted my plans, and would have had me lynched,
+if they could."
+
+Harold rose and went away, thinking that verily he had been casting his
+pearls before swine.
+
+Jackson had, indeed, thrown away his last chance; rejected the last offer
+of salvation; for, ere morning, life had fled. Starved to death and gone
+into eternity without God and without hope! his bitterest foe could not
+have desired for him a more terrible fate.
+
+There was no moon that night, and the evening was cloudy, making a
+favorable condition of affairs for the prisoners contemplating an escape.
+As soon as the darkness was dense enough to conceal their movements from
+the guard, the work of tunneling began.
+
+It was a tedious business, as they had none of the proper tools, and only
+one or two could work at a time at the digging and cutting away of the
+stone; but they relieved each other frequently at that, while those on the
+outside carried away in their coats or whatever came to hand, the earth
+and fragments of stone dislodged, and spread them over the marshy ground
+near the creek.
+
+Duncan, returning from one of these trips, spoke in an undertone to Harold
+Allison, who with a rude file made of a broken knife-blade, was patiently
+endeavoring to free himself from his shackles.
+
+"Jackson is dead. I half stumbled over a corpse in the dark, when a man
+close by (the same one that told us this afternoon who the fellow was--I
+recognized the voice) said, 'He's just breathed his last, poor wretch!
+died with a curse on his lips.' 'Who is he?' I asked; and he answered,
+'Tom Jackson was one of his names.'"
+
+"Gone!" said Harold, "and with all his sins upon his head."
+
+"Yes; it's awful! Here, let me work that for awhile. You're very tired."
+
+The proffered assistance was thankfully accepted, and another half-hour of
+vigorous effort set Harold's limbs free. He stretched them out, with a low
+exclamation of gratitude and relief.
+
+At the same instant a whisper came to their ears. "The work's done at
+last. Jones is out. Parsons close at his heels. Cox behind him. Will you
+go next?"
+
+"Thanks, no; I will be the last," said Duncan; "and take charge of Allison
+here, who is too weak to travel far alone."
+
+"Then I'm off," returned the voice. "Don't lose a minute in following me."
+
+"Now, Allison," whispered Harry, "summon all your strength and courage,
+old fellow."
+
+"Duncan, you are a true and noble friend! God reward you. Let me be last."
+
+"No, in with you, man! not an instant to spare;" and with kindly force he
+half lifted his friend into the well, and guided him to the mouth of the
+tunnel.
+
+Allison crept through it as fast as his feeble strength would permit,
+Duncan close behind him.
+
+They emerged in safety, as the others had done before them; at once
+scattering in different directions.
+
+These two moved on together, for several minutes, plunging deeper and
+deeper into the woods, but presently paused to take breath and consider
+their bearings.
+
+"Oh, the air of liberty is sweet!" exclaimed Duncan, in low, exultant
+tones; "but we mustn't delay here."
+
+"No; we are far from safe yet," panted Allison, "but--'prayer and
+provender hinder no man's journey'; Duncan, let us spend one moment in
+silent prayer for success in reaching the Union lines."
+
+They did so, kneeling on the ground; then rose and pressed forward with
+confidence. God, whose servants they were and whose help they had asked,
+would guide them in the right direction.
+
+"What a providence!" exclaimed Duncan, grasping Harold's arm, as they came
+out upon an opening in the wood. "See!" and he pointed upward, "the
+clouds have broken away a little, and there shines the North Star: we can
+steer by that."
+
+"Thank God! and, so far, we have been traveling in the right direction."
+
+"Amen! and we must press on with all speed; for daylight will soon be upon
+us, and with it, in all probability, our escape will be discovered and
+pursuit begun."
+
+No more breath could be spared for talk, and they pushed on in silence,
+now scrambling through a thicket of underbrush, tearing their clothes and
+not seldom lacerating their flesh also; now leaping over a fallen tree,
+anon climbing a hill, and again fording or swimming a stream.
+
+At length Harold, sinking down upon a log, said, "I am utterly exhausted!
+Can go no farther. Go on, and leave me to follow as I can after a little
+rest."
+
+"Not a step without you, Allison," returned Duncan, determinedly. "Rest a
+bit, and then try it again with the help of my arm. Courage, old fellow,
+we must have put at least six or eight miles between us and our late
+quarters. Ah, ha! yonder are some blackberry bushes, well laden with ripe
+fruit. Sit or lie still while I gather our breakfast."
+
+Hastily snatching a handful of oak leaves, and forming a rude basket by
+pinning them together with thorns, he quickly made his way to the bushes,
+a few yards distant, while Harold stretched himself upon the log and
+closed his weary eyes.
+
+He thought he had hardly done so when Duncan touched his arm.
+
+"Sorry to wake you, Allison, but time is precious; and, like the beggars,
+we must eat and run."
+
+The basket was heaped high with large, delicious berries, which greatly
+refreshed our travelers.
+
+"Now, then, are you equal to another effort?" asked Duncan, as the last
+one disappeared, and he thrust the leaves into his pocket, adding, "We
+mustn't leave these to tell tales to our pursuers."
+
+"Yes, I dare not linger here," returned Allison, rising but totteringly.
+
+Duncan threw an arm about him, and again they pressed forward, toiling on
+for another half-hour; when Allison again gave out, and sinking upon the
+ground, begged his friend to leave him and secure his own safety.
+
+"Never!" cried Duncan, "never! There would be more, many more, to mourn
+your loss than mine. Who would shed a tear for me but Aunt Wealthy? Dear
+old soul, it would be hard for her, I know; but she'd soon follow me."
+
+"Yes, you are her all; but there's a large family of us, and I could
+easily be spared."
+
+Duncan shook his head. "Was your brother who fell at Ball's Bluff easily
+spared? But hark! what was that?" He bent his ear to the ground. "The
+distant bay of hounds! We must push on!" he cried, starting up in haste.
+
+"Bloodhounds on our track? Horrible!" exclaimed Harold, also starting to
+his feet, weakness and fatigue forgotten for the moment, in the terror
+inspired by that thought.
+
+Duncan again gave him the support of his arm, and for the next half-hour
+they pressed on quite rapidly; yet their pursuers were gaining on them,
+for the bay of the hounds, though still distant, could now be distinctly
+heard, and Allison's strength again gave away.
+
+"I--can--go no farther, Duncan," he said, pantingly; "let me climb up yon
+tall oak and conceal myself among the branches, while you hurry on."
+
+"No, no, they would discover you directly, and it would be surrender or
+die. Ah, see! there's a little log cabin behind those bushes, and who
+knows but we may find help there. Courage, and hope, my boy;" and almost
+carrying Harold, Duncan hurried to the door of the hut.
+
+Pushing it open, and seeing an old negro inside, "Cato, Cæsar----"
+
+"Uncle Scip, sah," grinned the negro.
+
+"Well, no matter for the name; will you help us? We're Federal soldiers
+just escaped from Andersonville, and they're after us with bloodhounds.
+Can you tell us of anything that will put the savage brutes off the
+scent?"
+
+"Sah?"
+
+"Something that will stop the hounds from following us--quick, quick! if
+you know anything."
+
+The negro sprang up, reached a bottle from a shelf, and handing it to
+Harry, said, "Turpentine, sah; rub um on your feet, gen'lemen, an' de
+hounds won't follah you no moah. But please, sahs, go little ways off into
+the woods fo' you use um, so de rebs not tink dis chile gib um to ye."
+
+Harry clutched the bottle, throwing down a ten-dollar bill (all the money
+he had about him) at Uncle Scip's feet, and dragging Harold some hundred
+yards farther into the depths of the wood, seated him on a log, applied
+the turpentine plentifully to his feet, and then to his own.
+
+All this time the baying of the hounds came nearer and nearer, till it
+seemed that the next moment would bring them into sight.
+
+"Up!" cried Harry, flinging away the empty bottle, "one more tug for life
+and liberty, or we are lost!"
+
+Harold did not speak, but hope and fear once more inspiring him with
+temporary strength, he rose and hurried on by the side of his friend.
+Coming presently to a cleared space, they almost flew across it, and
+gained the shelter of the woods beyond. The cry of the hounds was no
+longer heard.
+
+"They've lost the scent, sure enough," said Duncan, exultingly; "a little
+farther and I think we may venture to rest awhile, concealing ourselves in
+some thicket. Indeed 'twill now be safer to hide by day, and continue our
+journey by night."
+
+They did so, spending that and the next day in hiding, living upon roots
+and berries, and the next two nights in traveling in the supposed
+direction of the nearest Union camp, coming upon the pickets about sunrise
+of the third day. They were of Captain Duncan's own regiment, and he was
+immediately recognized with a delighted, "Hurrah!"
+
+"Hurrah for the Union and the old flag!" returned Harry, waving a green
+branch above his head, in lieu of the military cap he had been robbed of
+by his captors.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH.
+
+    "In peace, love tunes the shepherd's reed;
+     In war, he mounts the warrior's steed;
+     In halls, in gay attire is seen;
+     In hamlets, dances on the green;
+     Love rules the court, the camp, the grove,
+     And men below and saints above;
+     For love is heaven, and heaven is love."
+                                   --SCOTT.
+
+
+"Escaped prisoners from Andersonville, eh?" queried the guard gathering
+about them.
+
+"Yes; and more than half-starved; especially my friend here, Captain
+Allison of the----"
+
+But the sentence was left unfinished; for at that instant Harold reeled,
+and would have fallen but for the strong arm of another officer quickly
+outstretched to save him.
+
+They made a litter and carried him into camp, where restoratives were
+immediately applied.
+
+He soon recovered from his faintness, but was found to be totally unfit
+for duty, and sent to the hospital at Washington, where he was placed in a
+bed adjoining that of his brother Richard, and allowed to share with him
+in the attentions of Dr. King, Miss Lottie, and his own sister May.
+
+How they all wept over him--reduced almost to a skeleton, so wan, so weak,
+so aged, in those few short months.
+
+He recognized his brother and sister with a faint smile, a murmured word
+or two, then sank into a state of semi-stupor, from which he roused only
+when spoken to, relapsing into it again immediately.
+
+Slowly, very slowly, medical skill and tender, careful nursing told upon
+his exhausted frame till at length he seemed to awake to new life, began
+to notice what was going on about him, was able to take part in a cheerful
+chat now and then, and became eager for news from home and of the progress
+of the war.
+
+Months had passed away. In the meantime Richard had returned to camp, and
+Harry Duncan, wounded in a late battle, now occupied his deserted bed in
+the hospital.
+
+Harry was suffering, but in excellent spirits.
+
+"Cheer up, Allison," he said; "you and I will never go back to
+Andersonville; the war can't last much longer, and we may consider the
+Union saved. Ah! this is a vast improvement upon Andersonville fare," he
+added gayly, as Lottie and May appeared before them, each bearing a tray
+with a delicious little lunch upon it. "Miss Lottie, I'm almost tempted to
+say it pays to be ill or wounded, that one may be tended by fair ladies'
+hands."
+
+"Ah, that speech should have come from Mr. Allison, for May is fair and
+her hands are white, while mine are brown," she answered demurely, as she
+set her tray within his reach, May doing the same for Harold.
+
+"None the less beautiful, Miss King," returned Duncan gallantly. "Many a
+whiter hand is not half so shapely or so useful. Now reward me for that
+pretty compliment by coaxing your father to get me well as fast as
+possible, that I may have a share in the taking of Richmond."
+
+"That would be a waste of breath, as he's doing all he can already; but
+I'll do my part with coddling, write all your letters for you--business,
+friendship, love--and do anything else desired; if in my power."
+
+"You're very good," he said, with a furtive glance at May, who seemed to
+see or hear nothing but her brother, who was asking about the last news
+from home; "very good indeed, Miss King; especially as regards the
+love-letters. I presume it would not be necessary for me even to be at the
+trouble of dictating them?"
+
+"Oh, no, certainly not!"
+
+"Joking aside, I shall be greatly obliged if you will write to Aunt
+Wealthy to-day for me."
+
+"With pleasure; especially as I can tell her your wound is not a dangerous
+one, and you will not lose a limb. But do tell me. What did you poor
+fellows get to eat at Andersonville?"
+
+"Well, one week's daily ration consisted of one pint of corn-meal ground
+up cob and all together, four ounces of mule meat, generally spoiled and
+emitting anything but an appetizing odor; but then we were not troubled
+with want of--the best of sauce for our meals."
+
+"Hunger?"
+
+"Yes; we'd plenty of that always. In addition to the corn-meal and meat,
+we had a half pint of peas full of bugs."
+
+"Oh! you poor creatures! I hope it was a little better the alternate
+week."
+
+"Just the same, except, in lieu of the corn-meal, we had three square
+inches of corn bread."
+
+"Is it jest; or earnest?" asked Lottie, appealing to Harold.
+
+"Dead earnest, Miss King; and for medicine we had sumac and white-oak
+bark."
+
+"No matter what ailed you?"
+
+"Oh, yes; that made no difference."
+
+To Harry's impatience the winter wore slowly away while he was confined
+within the hospital walls; yet the daily, almost hourly sight of May
+Allison's sweet face, and the sound of her musical voice, went far to
+reconcile him to this life of inactivity and "inglorious ease," as he
+termed it in his moments of restless longing to be again in the field.
+
+By the last of March this ardent desire was granted, and he hurried away
+in fine spirits, leaving May pale and tearful, but with a ring on her
+finger that had not been there before.
+
+"Ah," said Lottie, pointing to it with a merry twinkle in her eye, and
+passing her arm about May's waist as she spoke, "I shall be very generous,
+and not tease as you did when somebody else treated me exactly so."
+
+"It is good of you," whispered May, laying her wet cheek on her friend's
+shoulder; "and I'm ever so glad you're to be my sister."
+
+"And won't Aunt Wealthy rejoice over you as over a mine of gold!"
+
+Poor Harold, sitting pale and weak upon the side of his cot, longing to be
+with his friend, sharing his labors and perils, yet feeling that the
+springs of life were broken within him, was lifting up a silent prayer
+for strength to endure to the end.
+
+A familiar step drew near, and Dr. King laid his hand on the young man's
+shoulder.
+
+"Cheer up, my dear boy," he said, "we are trying to get you leave to go
+home for thirty days, and the war will be over before the time expires; so
+that you will not have to come back."
+
+"Home!" and Harold's eye brightened for a moment; "yes, I should like to
+die at home, with mother and father, brothers and sisters about me."
+
+"But you are not going to die just yet," returned the doctor, with assumed
+gayety; "and home and mother will do wonders for you."
+
+"Dr. King," and the blue eyes looked up calmly and steadily into the
+physician's face, "please tell me exactly what you think of my case. Is
+there any hope of recovery?"
+
+"You may improve very much: I think you will when you get home; and,
+though there is little hope of the entire recovery of your former health
+and strength, you may live for years."
+
+"But it is likely I shall not live another year? do not be afraid to say
+so: I should rather welcome the news. Am I not right?"
+
+"Yes; I--I think you are nearing home, my dear boy; the land where 'the
+inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.'"
+
+There was genuine feeling in the doctor's tone.
+
+A moment's silence, and Harold said, "Thank you. It is what I have
+suspected for some time; and it causes me no regret, save for the sake of
+those who love me and will grieve over my early death."
+
+"But don't forget that there is still a possibility of recuperation; while
+there's life there's hope."
+
+"True! and I will let them hope on as long as they can."
+
+The doctor passed on to another patient, and Harold was again left to the
+companionship of his own thoughts. But not for long; they were presently
+broken in upon by the appearance of May with a very bright face.
+
+"See!" she cried joyously, holding up a package; "letters from home, and
+Naples too. Rose writes to mamma, and she has enclosed the letter for our
+benefit."
+
+"Then let us enjoy it together. Sit here and read it to me; will you? My
+eyes are rather weak, you know, and I see the ink is pale."
+
+"But mamma's note to you?"
+
+"Can wait its turn. I always like to keep the best till the last."
+
+Harold hardly acknowledged to himself that he was very eager to hear news
+from Elsie; even more than to read the loving words from his mother's pen.
+
+"Very well, then; there seems to be no secret," said May, glancing over
+the contents; and seating herself by his side she began.
+
+After speaking of some other matters, Rose went on: "But I have kept my
+greatest piece till now. Our family is growing; we have another grandson
+who arrived about two weeks ago; Harold Allison Travilla by name.
+
+"Elsie is doing finely; the sleepy little newcomer is greatly admired and
+loved by old and young; we make as great a to-do over him as though he
+were the first instead of the fourth grandchild. My husband and I are
+growing quite patriarchal.
+
+"Elsie is the loveliest and the best of mothers, perfectly devoted to her
+children; so patient and so tender, so loving and gentle, and yet so firm.
+Mr. Travilla and she are of one mind in regard to their training,
+requiring as prompt and cheerful obedience as Horace always has; yet
+exceedingly indulgent wherever indulgence can do no harm. One does not
+often see so well-trained and yet so merry and happy a family of little
+folks.
+
+"Tell our Harold--my poor dear brother--that we hope his name-child will
+be an honor to him."
+
+"Are you not pleased?" asked May, pausing to look up at him.
+
+"Yes," he answered, with a quiet, rather melancholy smile; "they are very
+kind to remember me so. I hope they will soon bring the little fellow to
+see me. Ah, I knew Elsie would make just such a lovely mother."
+
+"Nothing about the time of their return," observed May, as she finished
+reading; "but they will hardly linger long after the close of the war."
+
+May had left the room, and Harold lay languid and weak upon his cot. A
+Confederate officer, occupying the next, addressed him, rousing him out of
+the reverie into which he had fallen.
+
+"Excuse me, sir, but I could not help hearing some parts of the letter
+read aloud by the lady--your sister, I believe----"
+
+"Yes. Of course you could not help hearing, and there is no harm done,"
+Harold answered with a friendly tone and smile. "So no need for
+apologies."
+
+"But there is something else. Did you know anything of a Lieutenant Walter
+Dinsmore, belonging to our side, who fell in the battle of Shiloh?"
+
+"Yes; knew and loved him!" exclaimed Harold, raising himself on his elbow,
+and turning a keenly interested, questioning gaze upon the stranger.
+
+"Then it is, it must be the same family," said the latter, half to
+himself, half to Harold.
+
+"Same as what, sir?"
+
+"That letter I could not help hearing was dated Naples, signed Rose
+Dinsmore, and talked of Elsie, Mr. Travilla, and their children. Now
+Lieutenant Dinsmore told me he had a brother residing temporarily in
+Naples, and also a niece, a Mrs. Elsie Travilla; and before going into the
+fight he intrusted to me a small package directed to her, with the request
+that, if he fell, I would have it forwarded to her when an opportunity
+offered. Will you, sir, take charge of it, and see that it reaches the
+lady's hands?"
+
+"With pleasure. How glad she will be to get it, for she loved Walter
+dearly."
+
+"They were near of an age?"
+
+"Yes; the uncle a trifle younger than the niece."
+
+"Dinsmore and I were together almost constantly during the last six months
+of his life, and became very intimate. My haversack, Smith, if you
+please," addressing a nurse.
+
+It was brought, opened, and a small package taken from it and given to
+Harold.
+
+He gazed upon it with sad thoughtfulness for a moment; then, bestowing it
+safely in his breast-pocket, "Thank you very much," he said, "I will
+deliver it with my own hand, if she returns from Europe as soon as we
+expect."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH.
+
+    "She led me first to God;
+     Her words and prayers were my young spirit's dew."
+                                      --JOHN PIERPONT.
+
+
+Elmgrove, the country-seat of the elder Mr. Allison, had never looked
+lovelier than on a beautiful June morning in the year 1865.
+
+The place had been greatly improved since Elsie's first sight of it, while
+it was still Rose's girlhood's home where Mr. Dinsmore and his little
+daughter were so hospitably entertained for many weeks.
+
+There was now a second dwelling-house on the estate, but a few hundred
+yards distant from the first, owned by Edward Allison, and occupied by
+himself, wife, and children, of whom there were several.
+
+Our friends from Naples had arrived the night before. The Dinsmores were
+domiciled at the paternal mansion, the Travillas with Edward and Adelaide.
+
+The sun was not yet an hour high as Elsie stood at the open window of her
+dressing-room, looking out over the beautiful grounds to the brook beyond,
+on whose grassy banks, years ago, she and Harold and Sophie had spent so
+many happy hours. How vividly those scenes of her childhood rose up before
+her!
+
+"Dear Harold!" she murmured, with a slight sigh, "how kind he always was
+to me."
+
+She could not think of him without pain, remembering their last interview
+and his present suffering. She had not seen him yet, but had learned from
+others that those months at Andersonville had injured his health so
+seriously that it was not likely ever to be restored.
+
+"What happy children we were in those days," her thoughts ran on; "and I
+am even happier now, my treasures have so increased with the rolling
+years; but they! what bitter trials they are enduring; though not less
+deserving of prosperity than I, who am but a miserable sinner. But it is
+whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth."
+
+At that moment the sound of little hurrying feet, entering the room, and
+glad young voices crying, "Good-morning, dear mamma!" broke in upon the
+current of her thoughts.
+
+"Good-morning, my darlings," she said, turning from the window to embrace
+them. "All well and bright! Ah, how good our heavenly Father is to us!"
+
+"Yes, mamma, it is like my text," said wee Elsie, "We have each a short
+one this morning. Mine is, 'God is love.'"
+
+Mamma had sat down and taken Violet on her lap, while Elsie and Eddie
+stood one on each side.
+
+Three lovelier children fond mother never looked upon. Elsie, now seven
+years old, was her mother's miniature. Eddie, a bright manly boy of five,
+had Mr. Dinsmore's dark eyes and hair, firm mouth and chin; but the rest
+of his features, and the expression of countenance, were those of his own
+father. Violet resembled both her mother and the grandmother whose name
+she bore; she was a blonde, with exquisitely fair complexion, large deep
+blue eyes, heavily fringed with curling lashes several shades darker than
+the ringlets of pale gold that adorned the pretty head.
+
+"True, beautiful words," the mother said, in reply to her little daughter;
+"'God is love!' Never forget it, my darlings; never forget to thank Him
+for His love and goodness to you; never fear to trust His love and care.
+Can you tell me, dear, of some of His good gifts to you?"
+
+"Our dear, kind mamma and papa," answered Eddie quickly, leaning
+affectionately against her, his dark eyes lifted to her face, full of
+almost passionate affection.
+
+"Mammy too," added Violet.
+
+"And dear, dear grandpa and grandma; and oh, so many more," said Elsie.
+
+Rose was called grandma now, by her own request.
+
+"Yes, dear grandpa and grandma, and so many more," echoed the other two.
+
+"But Jesus the best gift of all, mamma," continued little Elsie.
+
+"Yes, my precious ones," returned the mother, in moved tones, "Jesus the
+best of all; for He loves you better than even papa and mamma do, and
+though they should be far away, He is ever near, ready and able to help
+you. Now, Eddie, what is your verse?"
+
+"A little prayer, mamma, 'Lord help me.'"
+
+"A prayer that I hope will always be in my children's hearts when trouble
+comes, or they are tempted to any sin. The dear Saviour loves to have you
+cry to Him for help, and He will give it."
+
+"Now Vi's tex', mamma," lisped the little one on her knee. "'Jesus wept.'"
+
+"Why did Jesus weep, little daughter?"
+
+"'Cause He so tired? so sick? naughty mans so cross to Him?"
+
+"No, dear; it was not for any sorrow or trouble of His own that Jesus shed
+those tears. Can you tell us why it was, Elsie?"
+
+"Yes, mamma; He was so sorry for poor Martha and Mary, 'cause their
+brother Lazarus was dead."
+
+"Yes, and for all the dreadful sufferings and sorrows that sin has brought
+into the world. We are not told that Jesus wept for His own trials and
+pains; but He wept for others. We must try to be like Him; to bear our own
+troubles patiently, and to feel for the grief and pain of other people.
+
+"We must try to keep these thoughts in our hearts all the day long: that
+God is love; that Jesus is our help in every trouble and temptation, that
+He feels for us, and we must feel for others, and do what we can to make
+them happy. Now we will kneel down and ask the dear Saviour to help us to
+do this."
+
+The prayer was very short and simple; so that even Baby Vi could
+understand every word.
+
+There was a moment's quiet after they had risen from their knees; then the
+children went to the window to look out upon the grounds, which they had
+hardly seen last night.
+
+"Mamma!" said Elsie. "I see a brook away over yonder; and there are big
+trees there, and nice green grass. Mamma, is that where you and Aunt
+Sophie and Uncle Harold used to play when you were a little girl?"
+
+"Yes, daughter."
+
+"Oh, mamma, please tell us again about the time when you waded in the
+brook, and thought you'd lost your rings; and dear grandpa was so kind and
+didn't scold or punish you at all."
+
+"Yes, mamma, do tell it."
+
+"Please mamma, do," joined in the other little voices; and mamma kindly
+complied.
+
+That story finished, it was, "Now, mamma, please tell another; please tell
+about the time when you wanted to go with the school children to pick
+strawberries, and grandpa said 'No.'"
+
+"Ah, I was rather a naughty little girl that time, and cried because I
+couldn't have my own way," answered the mother musingly, with a dreamy
+look in her eyes and a tender smile playing about her lips as she almost
+seemed to hear again the loved tones of her father's voice, and to feel
+the clasp of his arm as he drew her to his knee and laid her head against
+his breast, asking, "Which was my little daughter doubting, this
+afternoon--papa's wisdom, or his love?"
+
+But her own little Elsie's arm had stolen about her neck, the cherry lips
+were pressed again and again to her cheek, and the sweet child voice
+repelled the charge with indignation.
+
+"Mamma, you couldn't help the tears coming when you were so disappointed;
+and that was all. You didn't say one naughty word. And grandpa says you
+were the best little girl he ever saw."
+
+"And papa says just the same," added a pleasant, manly voice from the
+door, as Mr. Travilla came in, closing it after him.
+
+Then the three young voices joined in a glad chorus, "Papa! papa!
+good-morning, dear papa."
+
+"Good-morning, papa's dear pets," he said, putting his arms round all
+three at once, as they clustered about him, and returning with interest
+their affectionate caresses.
+
+"And so you have already been teasing poor mamma for stories?"
+
+"Did we tease and trouble you, mamma?" asked Elsie, a little remorsefully,
+going back to her mother's side.
+
+"No, darling; it always gives me pleasure to gratify my dear children.
+And, papa, they have been very good."
+
+"I am glad to hear it."
+
+"Mamma and papa, may we go down and play by that brook after breakfast?"
+asked Elsie.
+
+"And wade in the water like mamma did when she was a little girl?" added
+Eddie.
+
+"Yes, with Uncle Joe and Aunt Chloe to take care of you; if mamma is
+willing," answered their father.
+
+Mamma said yes, too, and made the little hearts quite happy.
+
+They returned to the window, and presently sent up a joyous shout.
+"Grandpa, our dear grandpa, is coming!"
+
+"Shall I go down and bring him up here, mamma?" asked Elsie.
+
+"No, dear, we will go down to grandpa, and not trouble him to come up.
+Besides, Aunt Adelaide wants to see him as well as we."
+
+"Yes, mamma's plan is the best," said Mr. Travilla, giving Elsie one hand
+and Eddie the other, while his wife led the way with little Violet.
+
+They found Mr. Dinsmore in the lower hall, with Adelaide weeping almost
+hysterically in his arms.
+
+"You are the only brother I have left," she sobbed. "Poor, poor dear
+Walter and Arthur! Oh, that dreadful, dreadful war!"
+
+He caressed and soothed her with tender words. "Dear sister, I will do all
+I can to make up their loss to you. And our father is left us; your
+husband spared, too. And let us not forget that almighty Friend, that
+Elder Brother on the throne, who will never leave or forsake the feeblest
+one who trusts in Him."
+
+"Oh, yes, I know, I know! He has been very good to me; but I must weep for
+the dear ones gone----"
+
+"And He will not chide you--He who wept with Martha and Mary over their
+dead brother."
+
+The children were awed into silence and stillness by the scene; but as
+Adelaide withdrew herself from her brother's arms, while he and her
+husband grasped each other by the hand in a cordial greeting, little Elsie
+drew near her, and taking gently hold of her hand, dropped upon it a kiss
+and a sympathizing tear.
+
+"Darling!" said Adelaide, stooping to fold the child in her arms; then
+looking up at her niece, "What a wonderful likeness, Elsie! I can hardly
+believe it is not yourself, restored to us as you were at her age."
+
+The morning greetings were soon exchanged, and Adelaide led the way to her
+pleasant sitting-room.
+
+"What is the latest news from home, Adelaide?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, with
+evident anxiety. "I have not heard a word for months past."
+
+"I had a long letter from Lora yesterday;" she answered; "the first since
+the close of the war. Her eldest son, Ned, and Enna's second husband, were
+killed in the battle of Bentonville, last March. Lora's husband has lost
+an arm, one of his brothers a leg; the others are all killed, and the
+family utterly ruined.
+
+"The Carringtons--father and sons--have all fallen, Sophie is here, with
+her orphan children; her mother-in-law, with her own daughter, Lucy Ross.
+Philip has escaped unhurt. They will all be here next week to attend May's
+wedding.
+
+"Papa, Louise--you know that she too has lost her husband--and Enna are
+all at the Oaks; for Roselands is a ruin, Ion not very much better, Lora
+says."
+
+"And the Oaks has escaped?"
+
+"Yes, almost entirely; not being visible from the road. Papa sends a
+message to you. He is too heart-broken to write. He knows he is welcome in
+your house; he is longing to see you, now his only son----" Adelaide's
+voice faltered, and it was a moment ere she could go on--"but he would
+have you stay away till September, not risking a return during the hottest
+season; and, if you wish, he will attend to the plantation, hiring blacks
+to work it."
+
+"My poor, poor old father!" Mr. Dinsmore exclaimed, with emotion. "Welcome
+in my house? If I had but a dollar, I would share it with him."
+
+"He shall never want a home, while any of us live!" sprang simultaneously
+from the lips of Mr. Allison and Mr. Travilla.
+
+Adelaide and Elsie were too much moved to speak, but each gave her husband
+a look of grateful affection.
+
+"Thank you both," Mr. Dinsmore said. "Adelaide, I shall write my father
+to-day. Does Lora say that he is well?"
+
+Mrs. Allison could hardly speak for tears, as she answered, "He is not
+ill, but sadly aged by grief and care. But you shall read the letter for
+yourself. Stay to breakfast with us (there's the bell), and I'll give it
+to you afterwards."
+
+"Thanks; but I fear they may wait breakfast for me at the other house."
+
+"No; I will send them word at once that we have kept you."
+
+There was an effort after cheerfulness as they gathered about the
+plentiful board; but too many sad thoughts and memories had been called up
+in the hearts of the elders of the party: and only the children were
+really gay.
+
+Edward Allison was pale and thin, his health having suffered from the
+hardships incident to his army life.
+
+Elsie remarked it, in a tone of grief and concern; but he answered with a
+smile, "I have escaped so much better than many others, that I have more
+reason for thankfulness than complaint. I am hearty and robust compared
+to poor Harold."
+
+A look of deep sadness stole over his face as he thus named his younger
+brother.
+
+Elsie understood it when, an hour later, the elder Mr. Allison entered the
+parlor, where she and Adelaide were chatting together, with Harold leaning
+on his arm.
+
+They both shook hands with her, the old gentleman saying, "My dear, I am
+rejoiced to have you among us again;" Harold silently, but with a sad,
+wistful, yearning look out of his large bright eyes, that filled hers with
+tears.
+
+His father and Adelaide helped him to an easy chair, and as he sank back
+pantingly upon its cushions, Elsie--completely overcome at sight of the
+feeble, wasted frame, and wan, sunken features--stole quickly from the
+room.
+
+Adelaide followed, to find her in the sitting-room on the opposite side of
+the hall, weeping bitterly.
+
+"Oh, Aunt Adie," she sobbed; "he's dying!"
+
+"Yes," Adelaide answered, with the tears coursing down her own cheeks, "we
+all know it now; all but father and mother, who will not give up hope.
+Poor May! hers will be but a sad wedding. She would have put it off, but
+he begged her not, saying he wanted to be present and to greet Duncan as
+his brother--Duncan, to whom he owed so much. But for him, you know,
+Harold would have perished at Andersonville; where, indeed, he got his
+death."
+
+"No, I have heard very little about it."
+
+"Then Harold will tell you the story of their escape. Oh! Rose dear,"
+turning quickly, as Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Carrington entered, "how kind!
+I was coming to see you directly, but it was so good of you not to wait."
+
+Elsie was saying, "Good-morning, mamma," when her eye fell upon the other
+figures. Could it be Sophie with that thin, pale face and large, sad eyes?
+Sophie arrayed in widow's weeds. All the pretty golden curls hidden
+beneath the widow's cap? It was indeed, and the next instant the two were
+weeping in each other's arms.
+
+"You poor, poor dear girl! God comfort you!" Elsie whispered.
+
+"He does, He has helped me to live for my children, my poor fatherless
+little ones," Sophie said, amid her choking sobs.
+
+"We must go back to father and Harold," Adelaide said presently. "They are
+in the parlor, where we left them very unceremoniously."
+
+"And Harold, I know, is longing for a chat with Elsie," Sophie said.
+
+They found the gentlemen patiently awaiting their return. Elsie seated
+herself near Harold, who, somewhat recovered from his fatigue, was now
+able to take part in the conversation.
+
+"You were shocked by my changed appearance?" he said, in an undertone, as
+their eyes met and hers filled again. "Don't mind it, I was never before
+so happy as now; my peace is like a river--calm, deep, and ever increasing
+as it nears the ocean of eternity. I'm going home!" And his smile was both
+bright and sweet.
+
+"Oh, would you not live--for your mother's sake? and to work for your
+Master?"
+
+"Gladly, if it were His will; but I hear Him saying to me, 'Come up
+hither'; and it is a joyful summons."
+
+"Harold, when----" her voice faltered, but with an effort she completed
+her sentence--"when did this begin?"
+
+"At Andersonville; I was in perfect health when I entered the army," he
+answered quickly, divining the fear that prompted the question; "but bad
+air, foul water, wretched and insufficient food, rapidly and completely
+undermined my constitution. Yet it is sweet to die for one's country! I do
+not grudge the price I pay to secure her liberties."
+
+Elsie's eyes sparkled through her tears. "True patriotism still lives!"
+she said. "Harold, I am proud of you and your brothers. Of dear Walter,
+too; for his heart was right, however mistaken his head may have been."
+
+"Walter? oh, yes, and I----"
+
+But the sentence was interrupted by the entrance of his mother and
+sisters, May and Daisy, Mr. Dinsmore, and his son and daughter. Fresh
+greetings, of course, had to be exchanged all round, and were scarcely
+finished when Mr. Travilla came in with his three children.
+
+Elsie called them to her, and presented them to Harold with all a mother's
+fond pride in her darlings.
+
+"I have taught them to call you Uncle Harold. Do you object?"
+
+"Object? far from it; I am proud to claim them as my nephew and nieces."
+
+He gazed with tender admiration upon each dear little face; then, drawing
+the eldest to him and putting an arm about her, said, "She is just what
+you must have been at her age, Elsie; a little younger than when you first
+came to Elmgrove. And she bears your name?"
+
+"Yes; her papa and mine would hear of no other for her."
+
+"I like to have mamma's name," said the child, in a pretty, modest way,
+looking up into his face. "Grandpa and papa call mamma Elsie, and me wee
+Elsie and little Elsie, and sometimes daughter. Grandpa calls mamma
+daughter too, but papa calls her wife. Mamma, has Uncle Harold seen baby?"
+
+"My namesake! ah, I should like to see him."
+
+"There is mammy on the porch now, with him in her arms," cried the child.
+
+"Go, and tell her to bring him here, daughter," Elsie said; and the little
+girl hastened to obey.
+
+It was a very fine babe, and Harold looked at it with interest.
+
+"I am proud of my name-child," he said, turning to the mother with a
+gratified smile. "You and Mr. Travilla were very kind to remember me."
+
+The latter, who had been engaged in the exchange of salutations with the
+others, hearing his name, now came up and took the hand of the invalid in
+his. He was much moved by the sad alteration in the young man, who, when
+last seen by him, was in high health and spirits--the full flush of early
+manhood's prime.
+
+Taking a seat by his side, he inquired with kindly interest how he was,
+who was his physician, and if there had been any improvement in the case
+of late.
+
+"Thank you, no; rather the reverse," Harold said, in answer to the last
+inquiry. "I am weaker than when I left the hospital."
+
+"Ah, that is discouraging; still, we will hope the disease may yet take a
+favorable turn."
+
+"That is what my parents say," he answered, with a grave, sweet smile;
+"and though I have little hope, I know that nothing is too hard for the
+Lord, and am more than willing to leave it in His hands."
+
+"Uncle Harold," said Elsie, coming to the side of his chair and looking up
+into his face with eyes full of tender sympathy, "I'm so, so sorry for
+you. I'll ask Jesus to please make you well, or else take you soon to the
+happy land where you'll never have any more pain."
+
+"Thank you, darling," he said, bending down to kiss the sweet lips. "I
+know the dear Saviour will listen to your prayer."
+
+"You used to play with my mamma when you were a little boy like me; didn't
+you, uncle Harold?" queried Eddie, coming up close on the other side.
+
+"Not quite so small, my man," Harold answered, laying his hand gently on
+the child's head. "Your mamma was about the size of your Aunt Rosie,
+yonder, and I some three or four years older."
+
+"We've been down to the brook where you played together--you and mamma and
+Aunt Sophie," said Elsie. "Papa took us, and I think it's a lovely place
+to play."
+
+"Sophie and I have talked over those dear old times more than once, of
+late," Harold remarked, turning to Mrs. Travilla. "It does not seem so
+very long ago, and yet--how many changes! how we are changed! Well, Rosie,
+what is it?" for she was standing by his chair, waiting with eager face
+till he should be ready to attend to her.
+
+"Uncle Harold, do you feel able to tell us the story about your being a
+prisoner, and how you got free, and back to the Union army?" she asked,
+with persuasive look and tone. "Papa and mamma, and all of us that haven't
+heard it, would like so much to hear it, if it won't tire you to talk so
+long."
+
+"It is not a long story; and as my lungs are sound, I do not think it will
+fatigue me, if you will all come near enough to hear me in my ordinary
+tone of voice."
+
+They drew around him, protesting against his making the effort, unless
+fully equal to it; as another time would do quite as well.
+
+"Thank you all," he said; "but I feel able for the task, and shall enjoy
+gratifying my nieces and nephews, as well as the older people."
+
+He then proceeded with his narrative; all listening with deep interest.
+
+Among other incidents connected with his prison life, he told of his
+interview with Jackson, and the poor wretch's death that same night.
+
+Elsie shuddered and turned pale, yet breathed a sigh of relief as she laid
+her hand in that of her husband, and turned a loving, grateful look upon
+her father, to meet his eyes fixed upon her with an expression of deep
+thankfulness, mingled with the sadness and awe inspired by the news of the
+miscreant's terrible end.
+
+Harold spent the day at his brother's, and availed himself of an
+opportunity, which offered that afternoon, to have a little private talk
+with Elsie, in which he delivered Walter's packet, telling her how it came
+into his hands.
+
+"Dear, dear Walter," she said, weeping, "I have so wanted to know the
+particulars of his death, and am so thankful to hear that he was a
+Christian."
+
+"His friend told me he was instantly killed, so was spared much
+suffering."
+
+"I am thankful for that. I will open this now; you will like to see the
+contents."
+
+They were a letter from Walter to her, and two photographs--both excellent
+and striking likenesses; one of her in her bridal robes, the other of
+himself in his military dress.
+
+The first Elsie threw carelessly aside, as of little worth; the other she
+held long in her hands; gazing intently upon it, again and again wiping
+away the fast-falling tears.
+
+"It is his own noble, handsome face," she murmured. "Oh, to think I shall
+not see it again in this world! How good of him to hive it taken for me!"
+and again she gazed and wept.
+
+Turning to her companion she was startled by the expression of mingled
+love and anguish in his eyes, which were intently fixed upon the other
+photograph; he having taken it up as she threw it aside.
+
+"Oh Harold!" she moaned, in low, agitated tones.
+
+He sighed deeply, but his brow cleared, and a look of peace and
+resignation stole over his face as he turned his eyes on her.
+
+"I think there is no sin in the love I bear you now, Elsie," he said; "I
+rejoice in your happiness and am willing to see you in the possession of
+another; more than willing, since I must so soon pass away. But it was
+not always so; my love and grief were hard to conquer, and this--bringing
+you before me just as you were that night that gave you to another and
+made my love a sin--brought back for a moment the anguish that wrung my
+heart at the sight."
+
+"You _were_ there, then?"
+
+"Yes; just for a few moments. I found I must look upon the scene, though
+it broke my heart. I arrived at the last minute, stood in the shadow of
+the doorway during the ceremony, saw you look up towards me at its
+conclusion, then turned and fled from the house; fearful of being
+recognized and forced to betray my secret which I felt I could not hide.
+
+"But don't weep for me, dear friend, my sorrow and disappointment proved
+blessings in disguise, for through them I was brought to a saving
+knowledge of Him
+
+        "'whom my soul desires above
+    All earthly joy or earthly love.'"
+
+"And oh, Harold, how infinitely more is His love worth than mine!"
+
+But her eye fell upon Walter's letter lying forgotten in her lap. She took
+it up, glanced over it, then read it more carefully, pausing often to wipe
+away the blinding tears. As she finished, Mr. Travilla came in.
+
+"Here is a letter from Walter, Edward," she said, in tremulous tones, as
+she handed it to him.
+
+"Then the report of his death was untrue?" he exclaimed inquiringly, a
+glad look coming into his face.
+
+"Only too true," she answered, with a fresh burst of tears; and Harold
+briefly explained.
+
+"Shall I read it aloud, wife?" Mr. Travilla asked.
+
+"If Harold cares to hear. There is no secret."
+
+"I should like it greatly," Harold said; and Mr. Travilla read it to him,
+while Elsie moved away to the farther side of the room, her heart filled
+with a strange mixture of emotions, in which grief was uppermost.
+
+The letter was filled chiefly with an account of the writer's religious
+experience. Since his last visit to the Oaks he had been constantly
+rejoicing in the love of Christ, and now, expecting, as he did, to fall in
+the coming battle, death had no terrors for him. And he owed this, he
+said, in great measure to the influence of his brother Horace and Elsie,
+especially to the beautiful consistency of her Christian life through all
+the years he had known her.
+
+Through all her grief and sadness, what joy and thankfulness stirred in
+her breast at that thought. Very humble and unworthy she felt; but oh,
+what gladness to learn that her Master had thus honored her as an
+instrument in His hands.
+
+The door opened softly, and her three little ones came quietly in and
+gathered about her. They had been taught thoughtfulness for others: Uncle
+Harold was ill, and they would not disturb him.
+
+Leaning confidingly on her lap, lifting loving, trustful eyes to her face,
+"Mamma," they said, low and softly, "we have had our supper; will you come
+with us now?"
+
+"Yes, dear, presently."
+
+"Mamma," whispered little Elsie, with a wistful, tender gaze into the soft
+sweet eyes still swimming in tears, "dear mamma, something has made you
+sorry. What can I do to comfort you?"
+
+"Love me, darling, and be good; you are mamma's precious little comforter.
+See dears," and she held the photograph so that all could have a view, "it
+is dear Uncle Walter in his soldier dress." A big tear rolled down her
+cheek.
+
+"Mamma," Elsie said quickly, "how good he looks! and he is so happy where
+Jesus is."
+
+"Yes, daughter, we need shed no tears for him."
+
+"Dear Uncle Walter," "Poor Uncle Walter!" the other two were saying.
+
+"There, papa has finished reading; go now and bid good-night to him and
+Uncle Harold," their mother said; and they hastened to obey.
+
+They climbed their father's knees and hung about his neck with the most
+confiding affection, while he caressed them over and over again, Harold
+looking on with glistening eyes.
+
+"Now some dood fun, papa: toss Vi up in oo arms," said the little one,
+expecting the usual game of romps.
+
+"Not to-night, pet; some other time. Another sweet kiss for papa, and now
+one for Uncle Harold."
+
+"After four years of camp, prison, and hospital life, it is a very
+pleasant change to be among the children," Harold said, as the door closed
+upon Elsie and her little flock.
+
+"I feared their noise and perpetual motion might disturb you," Mr.
+Travilla answered.
+
+"Not at all; yours are not boisterous, and their pretty ways are very
+winning."
+
+Aunt Chloe and Dinah were in waiting, and soon had the three small figures
+robed each in its white night-dress.
+
+Then mamma--seated upon a sofa with little Violet on her lap, the other
+two, one on each side--was quite at their disposal for the next half hour
+or so; ready to listen or to talk; her sweet sympathy and tender love
+encouraging them to open all their young hearts to her, telling her of any
+little joy or sorrow, trouble, vexation, or perplexity.
+
+"Well, darlings, have you remembered your verses and our little talk about
+them this morning?" the mother asked. "Elsie may speak first, because she
+is the eldest."
+
+"Mamma, I have thought of them many times," answered the sweet child
+voice; "we had a nice, nice walk with papa this morning, and the little
+birds, the brook, and the trees, and the pretty flowers and the beautiful
+blue sky all seemed to say to me, 'God is love.' Then mamma, once I was
+tempted to be naughty, and I said in my heart, 'Lord, help me,' and Jesus
+heard me."
+
+"What was it, dear?"
+
+"We had a little tea party, mamma, with our cousins, out under the trees,
+and there was pie and very rich cake----"
+
+"And 'serves," put in Eddie.
+
+"Yes, mamma, and preserves too, and they looked so good, and I wanted
+some, but I remembered that you and papa don't let us eat those things
+because they would make us sick. So I said, 'Lord, help me'; and then I
+felt so glad and happy, thinking how Jesus loves me."
+
+"My darling! He does, indeed," the mother said, with a gentle kiss.
+
+"And Eddie was good, and said, 'No, thank you; mamma and papa don't let us
+eat 'serves and pie.'"
+
+"Mamma's dear boy," and her hand passed softly over the curly head resting
+on her shoulder.
+
+"Mamma, I love you; I love you _so much_," he said, hugging her tight;
+"and dear papa, too; and Jesus. Mamma, I wanted to be naughty once to-day
+when one o' zese cousins took away my own new whip that papa buyed for me;
+but I remembered I mustn't be selfish and cross, and I said my little
+prayers jus' in my heart, mamma--and Jesus did help me to be good."
+
+"Yes, my dear son, and He will always help you when you ask Him. And now,
+what has Vi to tell mamma?"
+
+"Vi naughty girl one time, mamma: ky 'cause she didn't want mammy wash
+face and brush curls. Vi solly now;" and the golden head dropped upon
+mamma's breast.
+
+"Mamma's dear baby must try and be patient; mamma is sure she will, and
+Jesus will help her if she asks Him, and forgive her, if she is sorry for
+being naughty," the mother said, with a tender caress. "Now let us sing,
+'Jesus loves me.'"
+
+The child voices blended very sweetly with the mother's as they sang in
+concert; then she told them a Bible story, heard each little prayer, saw
+them laid in their beds, gave each a tender good-night kiss, and left them
+to their rest.
+
+Passing into her dressing-room, she found her husband there, pacing
+thoughtfully to and fro. At sight of her a smile irradiated his whole
+countenance, while his arms opened wide to receive her.
+
+"My dear, dear husband!" she said, laying her head on his shoulder, while
+he folded her to his heart, "how bravely you bear trials; how patient and
+cheerful you always are under all circumstances."
+
+"Not more so than my little wife; we have heard much saddening news
+to-day, love; but most of it such as to make us weep for our friends and
+neighbors rather than for ourselves."
+
+"That is true; our losses are slight, very slight, compared with those of
+multitudes of others; and yet it must sadden your heart to know that your
+dear old home is in ruins."
+
+"Yes, wife, it does; but I were an ungrateful wretch to murmur and repine,
+had I lost everything but you and our four treasures in yonder room: but
+you are all spared to me, and I am by no means penniless yet."
+
+"Very far from it, my own noble husband," she answered, with a look of
+proud, loving admiration; "for all I have is yours as much as mine."
+
+"Thanks, dearest; I am not too proud to accept your assistance, and we
+will build up the old home and make it lovelier than ever, for ourselves
+and for our children; what a pleasant work it will be to make it as nearly
+as possible an earthly paradise for them."
+
+"Yes," she said, smiling brightly; "the cloud has a silver lining."
+
+"As all our clouds have, dearest."
+
+"Yes; for 'we know that all things work together for good to them that
+love God!' But oh, Edward, what an awful end was Jackson's. I shudder to
+think of it? and yet--oh, I fear it is not right--but I cannot help
+feeling it a relief to know that he is dead. Even in Europe, I could not
+divest myself of the fear that he might turn up unexpectedly, and attempt
+the lives of my dear ones."
+
+"It is a relief to me also, and not wrong, I think, to feel it so; for we
+do not rejoice in his destruction, but would have saved him, if we could.
+Has not the news of Walter comforted you in some measure?"
+
+"Yes, oh yes; the dear, dear fellow! You have not seen this," she added,
+taking the photograph from her pocket.
+
+"No; it is a striking likeness, and you will value it highly."
+
+"Indeed I shall. Ah, how strange it will be to go home and not find him
+there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-NINTH.
+
+        "O war!--what, what art thou?
+    At once the proof and scourge of man's fallen state."
+                                      --HANNAH MORE.
+
+
+Richard Allison had gone to Lansdale for his bride a fortnight ago; they
+were now taking their bridal trip and expected to reach Elmgrove a day or
+two before the wedding of May and Harry Duncan. The latter would bring
+Aunt Wealthy with him, and leave her for a short visit among her friends.
+
+Sophie's mother and sister-in-law, Mrs. Carrington, and Lucy Ross, came
+earlier, arriving only two days after our party from Europe.
+
+There was great pleasure, yet mingled with profound sadness, in the
+meeting of these old and dear friends. Lucy and her mother were in deep
+mourning, and in Mrs. Carrington's countenance Christian resignation
+blended with heart-breaking sorrow; grief and anxiety had done the work of
+a score of years, silvering her hair and ploughing deep furrows in the
+face that five years ago was still fresh and fair.
+
+Mr. Travilla had taken wife and children for a morning drive, and on their
+return, Adelaide, meeting them at the door, said to her niece, "They have
+come, they are in Mrs. Carrington's dressing-room; and she begs that you
+will go and meet her there. She has always loved you so dearly, and I
+know is longing for your sympathy."
+
+Elsie, waiting only to lay aside hat and gloves, hastened to grant the
+request of the gentle lady for whom she cherished almost a daughter's
+affection.
+
+She found her alone. They met silently, clasping each other in a long,
+tearful embrace, Mrs. Carrington's sobs for many minutes the only sound
+that broke the stillness of the room.
+
+"I have lost all," she said at length, as they released each other and sat
+down side by side upon a sofa; "all: husband, sons, home----"
+
+Sobs choked her utterance, and Lucy coming hastily in at the open door of
+the adjoining room, dropped on her knees by her mother's side, and taking
+one thin, pale hand in hers, said tearfully, "Not all, dear mamma; you
+have me, and Phil, and the children."
+
+"Me too, mother dear, and your Harry's children," added Sophie, who had
+followed her sister, and now knelt with her.
+
+"Yes, yes, dear daughters, I was wrong: I have lost much, but have many
+blessings still left, your love not the least; and my grandchildren are
+scarcely less dear than my own. Lucy, dear, here is Elsie."
+
+"Yes, our own dear, darling Elsie, scarcely changed at all!" Lucy cried,
+springing up to greet her friend with a warm embrace.
+
+A long talk followed, Mrs. Carrington and Sophie giving their experiences
+of the war and its results, to which the others listened with deep
+interest.
+
+"Thank God it is over at last!" concluded the elder lady; "and oh, may
+He, in His great goodness and mercy, spare us a repetition of it. Oh, the
+untold horrors of civil war--strife among brethren who should know nothing
+but love for each other--none can imagine but those who have passed
+through them! There was fault on both sides, as there always is when
+people quarrel. And what has been gained? Immense loss of property, and of
+far more precious lives, an exchange of ease and luxury for a hard
+struggle with poverty."
+
+"But it is over, dear mother, and the North will help the South to
+recuperate," said Lucy. "Phil says so, and I've heard it from others too;
+just as soon as the struggle ended, people were saying, 'Now they have
+given up, the Union is safe, and we're sorry for them and will do all we
+can to help them; for they are our own people.'"
+
+"Yes, I have been most agreeably surprised at the kind feeling here," her
+mother answered; "nobody has had a hard word to say of us, so far as I
+have been able to learn; and I have seen nothing like exultation over a
+fallen foe; but on the contrary there seems a desire to lend us a helping
+hand and set us on our feet again."
+
+"Indeed, mother, I assure you that is so," said Sophie.
+
+"And all through the war," added Lucy, "there was but little hard feeling
+towards the people of the South; 'deceived and betrayed by their leaders,
+they are more to be pitied than blamed,' was the opinion commonly
+expressed by those who stood by the government."
+
+"And papa says there will be no confiscation of property," Sophie said,
+"unless it may be merely that of the leaders; and that he will help us to
+restore Ashlands to what it was: so you will have your own home again,
+mother."
+
+"How generous! I can never repay the obligation," Mrs. Carrington said, in
+a choking voice.
+
+"But you need not feel overburdened by it, dear mother. It is for Herbert,
+you know, his own grand son."
+
+"And mine! Ah, this news fills me with joy and gratitude."
+
+"Yes, I feel papa's kindness very much," Sophie said, "and hope my son
+will never give him cause to regret it."
+
+Elsie rose. "I hear my baby crying, and know that he wants his mother.
+Dear Mrs. Carrington, you are looking very weary; and it is more than an
+hour yet to dinner-time; will you not lie down and rest?"
+
+"Yes, and afterwards you must show me your children. I want to see them."
+
+"Thank you; I shall do so with much pleasure," the young mother answered
+smilingly, as she hastened from the room; for Baby Harold's cries were
+growing importunate.
+
+This was the regular hour for Eddie and Vi to take a nap, and Elsie found
+them lying quietly in their little bed, while the screaming babe stoutly
+resisted the united efforts of his elder sister and Aunt Chloe to pacify
+and amuse him.
+
+"Give him to me, mammy," she said, seating herself by the open window; "it
+is his mother he wants."
+
+Little Elsie, ever concerned for her mother's happiness, studied the dear
+face intently for a moment, and seeing the traces of tears, drew near
+and, putting an arm about her neck, "Mamma," she said tenderly, "dear
+mamma, what troubles you? May I know about it?"
+
+Mrs. Travilla explained briefly, telling of Mrs. Carrington's trials, and
+of those of other old friends and neighbors in the South.
+
+"Mamma," said the child, with eyes filled to overflowing, "I am very sorry
+for them all, and for you. Mamma, it is like Jesus to shed tears for other
+people's troubles: but, mamma, I think it is too much; there are so many,
+it makes you sorry all the time, and I can't bear it."
+
+The mother's only answer was a silent caress, and the child went on: "I
+hope nobody else will come with such sad stories to make you cry. Is there
+anybody else to do it, mamma?"
+
+"I think not, dear; there are only Aunt Wealthy, who has not lost any near
+friend lately, and--Why there she is now! the dear old soul!" she broke
+off joyously, for at that instant a carriage, which she had been watching
+coming up the drive, drew up before the door, and a young gentleman and a
+little old lady alighted.
+
+Aunt Chloe took the babe, and Elsie hastened down to meet her aunt, her
+little daughter following.
+
+To the child's great relief it was an altogether joyous greeting this
+time; both Miss Stanhope, and her escort, Harry Duncan, were looking very
+happy, which caused her to regard them with much satisfaction, and the
+kisses asked of her were given very readily.
+
+"Were you expecting us to-day, Mrs. Allison?" Harry asked, turning to
+Adelaide.
+
+"Yes; I received your telegram."
+
+"Business hurried us off two days sooner than we expected," said Miss
+Stanhope. "I would have written, but was so very busy with papers and
+painterers doing the house all up new; and putting down new curtains, and
+tacking up new carpets, till, Elsie, the old place would hardly know you."
+
+The old lady's heart was evidently full to overflowing, with happiness at
+the prospect of seeing May installed as future mistress in the pretty
+cottage at Lansdale.
+
+Yet there was no lack of sympathy in the sorrows or joys of others; she
+wept with them all over their losses past and prospective; for she, too,
+saw that Harold must soon pass away from earth, and while rejoicing with
+him, when she learned how gladly he would obey the summons, her heart yet
+bled for those to whom he was so dear.
+
+Richard and his bride arrived in due season. The latter had lost no near
+relative by the war, and--to wee Elsie's delight--the meeting between
+"Aunt Lottie and mamma," seemed one of unalloyed pleasure.
+
+Unlike those of her older sisters, May's was a private wedding--none but
+the family and a few near relatives and connections being present. Though
+deeply attached to Harry, and trusting him fully, much of sadness was
+unavoidably mingled with her happiness as she prepared for her bridal. It
+could not be otherwise, as she thought of Fred in his soldier grave,
+Harold soon to follow, and Sophie--whose had been the last wedding in the
+paternal home, and so gay and joyous a one--now in her widow's weeds and
+well-nigh broken-hearted.
+
+"Mine will not be a gay bridal," May had said, in arranging her plans;
+"and I will just wear my traveling suit."
+
+But Harold objected. "No, no, May; I want to see you dressed as Rose and
+Sophie were--in white, with veil and orange blossoms. Why shouldn't your
+beauty be set off to the best advantage as well as theirs, even though
+only the eyes of those who love you will look upon it?"
+
+And so it was; for Harold's wishes were sacred now.
+
+They were married in the morning; and after a sumptuous breakfast the
+bridal attire was exchanged for the traveling suit, and the new-made
+husband and wife set out upon their wedding trip. It was very sad for poor
+May to leave, not only childhood's home, parents, and brothers and sisters
+whose lease of life seemed as likely to be long as her own, but to part
+from the dying one to whom she was most tenderly attached.
+
+But Harry promised to bring her back; and she was to be immediately
+summoned, in case of any marked unfavorable change in the invalid.
+
+Then, too, Harold was so serenely happy in the prospect before him, and
+talked so constantly of it as only going home a little while before the
+rest, and of how at length all would be reunited in that better land, to
+spend together an eternity of bliss, that it had robbed death of half its
+gloom and terror.
+
+It was Harold's earnest desire that all his dear ones should be as gay and
+happy as though he were in health; he would not willingly cast a shadow
+over the pathway of any of them, for a day; especially the newly married,
+whose honeymoon, he said, ought to be a very bright spot for them to look
+back upon in all after years.
+
+So Lottie felt it right to let her heart swell with gladness in the new
+love that crowned her life; and the time passed cheerfully and pleasantly
+to the guests at Elmgrove.
+
+Mrs. Ross and her mother, and Miss Stanhope, remained for a fortnight
+after the wedding. All were made to feel themselves quite at home in both
+houses; the two families were much like one, and usually spent their
+evenings together, in delightful social intercourse; Harold in their midst
+on his couch, or reclining in an easy chair, an interested listener to the
+talk and occasionally joining in it.
+
+One evening when they were thus gathered about him, Mrs. Carrington,
+looking compassionately upon the pale, patient face, remarked, "You suffer
+a great deal, Captain Allison?"
+
+"Yes, a good deal," he answered cheerfully, "but not more than I can
+easily endure, remembering that it is 'whom the Lord loveth He
+chasteneth.'"
+
+"You take a very Christian view of it; but do your sufferings arouse no
+bitterness of feeling towards the South?"
+
+"Oh, no!" he answered, earnestly, "why should they? The people of the
+South were not responsible for what was done at Andersonville; perhaps the
+Confederate government was so only in a measure; and Wirtz was a
+foreigner. Besides, there was a great deal endured by rebel prisoners in
+some of our Northern prisons. Father," turning to the elder Mr. Allison,
+"please tell Mrs. Carrington about your visit to Elmira."
+
+The others had been chatting among themselves, but all paused to listen as
+Mr. Allison began his narrative.
+
+"We learned that a young relative of my wife was confined there, and ill.
+I went at once to see what could be done for him, and finding the prison
+in charge of a gentleman who was under much obligation to me, gained
+admittance without much difficulty. It was a wretched place, and the
+prisoners were but poorly fed; which was far more inexcusable here than at
+the South, where food was scarce in their own army and among the people."
+
+"I know that to have been the case," said Mrs. Carrington. "The farmers
+were not allowed to make use of their grain for their own families, till a
+certain proportion had been taken for the army; and there were families
+among us who did not taste meat for a year."
+
+"Yes; the war has been hard for us, but far harder upon them. I found our
+young friend in a very weak state. I succeeded in getting permission to
+remove him to more comfortable quarters, and did so; but he lived scarcely
+two days after."
+
+"How very sad," remarked Elsie, with emotion. "Oh, what a terrible thing
+is war!"
+
+"Especially civil war," said the elder Mrs. Allison; "strife among
+brethren; its fruits are bitter, heart-rending."
+
+"And being all one people there was equal bravery, talent, and
+determination on both sides; which made the struggle a very desperate
+one," said Harold.
+
+"And the military tic-tacs were the same," added Aunt Wealthy; "and then
+speaking the same language, and looking so much alike, foes were
+sometimes mistaken for friends, and versa-vice."
+
+"A brother-in-law of Louise's was confined in Fort Delaware for some
+months," said Adelaide, addressing her brother, "and wrote to me for some
+articles of clothing he needed badly, adding, 'If you could send me
+something to eat, it would be most thankfully received.' I sent twice, but
+neither package ever reached him."
+
+"Too bad! too bad!" said Mr. Dinsmore; "yet very likely it was through no
+fault of the government."
+
+"No; I am satisfied that individuals--selfish, unscrupulous men of whom
+there were far too many on both sides, were the real culprits, and that
+the government intended every prisoner should be made as comfortable as
+circumstances would permit," said Mr. Allison. "But there are men who made
+large fortunes by swindling the government and robbing our brave soldiers;
+men unworthy of the name! who would sell their own souls for gold!"
+
+"You are right, sir!" said Mr. Travilla; "one who could take advantage of
+the necessities of his own country, to enrich himself by robbing her, is
+not worthy to be called a man."
+
+"And I esteem an officer who could rob the soldiers very little better,"
+said Daisy. "Again and again canned fruits and other niceties, sent by
+ladies for the comfort of the sick and wounded men, were appropriated by
+officers who did not need them, and knew they were not given to them."
+
+"And the conclusion of the whole matter," said Harold, with his placid,
+patient smile, "is that there were on both sides men who, loving and
+seeking their own interest above country, personal honor, or anything
+else, would bring disgrace upon any cause. No, Mrs. Carrington, I have no
+bitter feeling towards the South. My heart aches for her people in their
+bereavements, their losses, and all the difficulties of reconstruction and
+adapting themselves to the new order of things which is the result of the
+war."
+
+Elsie had several times expressed to her husband and father a deep anxiety
+to hear from Viamede, and had written to both Mr. Mason and Spriggs,
+inquiring about the people and the condition of the estate, yet with but
+slight hope of reply, as all communication with the place had been cut off
+for years, and it was more than likely that one or both had been driven,
+or drifted away from his post during the progress of the war.
+
+She was therefore greatly pleased when, on entering the parlor one morning
+on her return from a drive, she found Mr. Mason there waiting for an
+interview.
+
+"You are not direct from Viamede!" she asked, when they had exchanged a
+cordial greeting.
+
+"No, Mrs. Travilla," he answered; "I stayed as long as I could, but not
+being willing to go into the army, was finally compelled to leave. That
+was more than two years ago. But I received a letter from Spriggs only
+yesterday, written from the estate. He was in the Confederate service; and
+when the struggle was over, went back to Viamede.
+
+"He says it was not visited by either army, and has suffered only from
+neglect. The old house-servants are still there--Aunt Phillis, Aunt Sally,
+and the rest; many of the field hands, too, occupying their old quarters,
+but looking ragged and forlorn enough.
+
+"They are willing to work for wages, and Spriggs begs of me to find out
+where you are, and tell you that, if you wish it and will furnish the
+means, he will hire them, and do the best he can to restore the place and
+make it profitable to you.
+
+"I saw your name in the list of arrivals by a late steamer, and with some
+little painstaking, at length learned where you were."
+
+"I am very glad you have come, Mr. Mason; and I am inclined to think well
+of Mr. Spriggs' proposition," Elsie answered; "but I must consult my--Ah,
+here they are!" as the husband and father entered the room together.
+
+The matter was under discussion for the next half-hour, when it was
+decided to accept Mr. Spriggs' proposal, for the present at least.
+
+Elsie then said to Mr. Mason that she hoped he was not engaged, as she
+would be glad to have him return to Viamede and resume his former duties
+there.
+
+He colored and laughed, as he answered, "I am engaged, Mrs. Travilla,
+though not in the sense you mean, and shall be glad to comply with your
+wish, if you do not object to my taking a wife with me."
+
+"Not at all," she answered, smiling; "the Bible says, 'it is not good for
+man to be alone,' and I hope you will be all the happier and more useful
+in the Master's service for having a better-half with you. A suite of
+rooms shall be placed at your service and your wants attended to as
+formerly."
+
+Mr. Mason returned warm thanks for her kindness, and took his departure,
+evidently well-pleased with the result of his call.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTIETH.
+
+         "War, war, war!
+    Misery, murder, and crime;
+    Crime, murder, and woe."
+
+
+The Travillas accompanied Miss Stanhope on her return to Lansdale, and
+were there to assist at the reception of Harry and his bride. After that,
+a few weeks were spent by them with Mr. and Mrs. Ross.
+
+They then returned to Elmgrove, where, detained, partly by business
+matters, partly by Harold's condition and his earnest wish to have them
+all near him to the last, they lingered until September.
+
+Harold "went home," early in that month, dying as calmly and quietly as
+"fades a summer cloud away," or "sinks the gale when storms are o'er."
+
+He was buried with military honors, and the friends returned to the house,
+sorely to miss, indeed, the wasted form, and wan, yet patient, cheerful
+face, and the loved voice, ever ready with words of consolation and hope;
+but while weeping over their own present bereavement, rejoicing in his joy
+and the assurance of a blessed reunion in a better land, when they, too,
+should be able to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
+course: I have kept the faith."
+
+It was a melancholy satisfaction to Rose that she had been with him almost
+constantly during the last three months of his life; her husband had not
+hurried her; but now both they, and Mr. Travilla and Elsie, felt that the
+time had come when they should hasten their return to their own homes.
+
+They set out the next week; not a gay party, but filled with a subdued,
+quiet cheerfulness. Some of their dear ones, but lately journeying with
+them towards the Celestial City, had reached the gates and entered in; but
+they were following after, and would overtake them at length; and, though
+the way might be at times rough and stony to their weary feet, the path
+compassed by foes both wily and strong, yet there was with them One
+mightier than all the hosts of hell, and who had promised never to leave
+nor forsake. "In all these things they should be more than conquerors,
+through Him that loved them."
+
+After entering Virginia, they saw all along the route the sad ravages of
+the war, and their hearts sent up earnest petitions that those waste
+places might speedily be restored, and their dear native land never again
+be visited with that fearful scourge.
+
+The scenes grew more saddening as they neared their journey's end, and
+could recognize, in the ruined houses and plantations, the wrecks of the
+former happy homes of friends and neighbors.
+
+They all went directly to the Oaks, where the Travillas were to find a
+home until Ion could be made again comfortably habitable. It was late in
+the afternoon of a cloudy, showery day that they found themselves actually
+rolling quietly along the broad winding drive that led through the grounds
+to the noble mansion they had left more than five years before.
+
+Even here there were sad signs of neglect: the grounds had forgotten their
+former neat and trim appearance, and the house needed paint and some
+slight repairs. But this was all; and they felt it a cause for
+thankfulness that things were no worse.
+
+A group of relatives and retainers were gathered in the veranda to greet
+them; an aged, white-haired man the central figure, around him three
+ladies in deep mourning, a one-armed gentleman, and a crowd of children of
+both sexes and all ages, from the babe in arms to the youth of sixteen;
+while in the rear could be seen Mrs. Murray's portly figure, and strong,
+sensible Scotch face, beaming with pleasure, relieved by a background of
+dusky faces, lighted up with joy and expectation.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore alighted first, gave his hand to his wife, and leaving young
+Horace to attend to Rosebud, hastened to meet his father.
+
+The old man tottered forward and fell upon his neck, weeping bitterly. "My
+son, my boa, my only one now; I have lost all--everything--wife, sons,
+home; all swept away, nothing left to my old age but you."
+
+"Yes, that's it always," sneered a sharp voice near at hand; "daughters
+count for nothing; grandchildren are equally valuable. Sons, houses, and
+lands are the only possessions worth having."
+
+"Enna, how can you!" exclaimed Mrs. Howard.
+
+But neither father nor brother seemed to hear, or heed the unkind,
+unfilial remark. The old man was sobbing on his son's shoulder; he
+soothing him as tenderly as ever he had soothed wife or daughter.
+
+"My home is yours as long as you choose to make it so, my dear father; and
+Roselands shall be restored, and your old age crowned with the love and
+reverence of children and children's children."
+
+Hastily recovering himself, the old gentleman released his son, gave an
+affectionate greeting to Rose, and catching sight of young Horace, now a
+handsome youth of nineteen, embraced him, exclaiming, "Ah, yes, here is
+another son for me! one of whom I may well be proud. Rosie, too, grown to
+a great girl! Glad to see you, dear." But the first carriage had moved on;
+the second had come up and discharged its living freight, and Mr.
+Travilla, with Vi in his arms, Elsie leading her eldest daughter and son,
+had stepped upon the veranda, followed by Dinah with the babe.
+
+"Dear grandpa," Mrs. Travilla said, in tender, tremulous tones, dropping
+her children's hands to put her arms about his neck, as he turned from
+Rosebud to her, "my poor, dear grandpa, we will all try to comfort you,
+and make your old age bright and happy. See, here are your
+great-grandchildren ready to rise up and call you blessed."
+
+"God bless you, child!" he said, in quivering tones, embracing her with
+more affection than ever before. "And this," laying his hand on wee
+Elsie's head, "is yourself as you were at the same age."
+
+"I'm very sorry for you, dear old grandpa; mamma has told me all about
+it," the little girl softly whispered, putting her small arms about his
+neck as he stooped to give her a kiss.
+
+"Me too," Eddie put in, offering his hand and lips.
+
+"That's right; good boy; good children. How are you, Travilla? You've come
+back to find ruin and desolation where you left beauty and prosperity;"
+and the aged voice shook with emotion.
+
+Mr. Travilla had a kindly, hearty hand-shake, and gentle sympathizing
+words for him, then presented Vi and Baby Harold.
+
+Meanwhile the greetings were being exchanged by the others. Lora met her
+brother, and both Rose and Elsie, with the warm affection of earlier days,
+mingled with grief for the losses and sorrows that had befallen since they
+parted.
+
+Mr. Howard, too, was cordial in his greeting, but Louise and Enna met them
+with coldness and disdain, albeit they were mere pensioners upon Horace's
+bounty, self-invited guests in his house.
+
+Louise gave the tips of her fingers to each, in sullen silence, while Enna
+drew back from the offered hands, muttering, "A set of Yankees come to spy
+out the nakedness of the land; don't give a hand to them, children."
+
+"As you like," Mr. Dinsmore answered indifferently, stepping past her to
+speak to Mrs. Murray and the servants; "you know I will do a brother's
+part by my widowed sisters all the same."
+
+"For shame, Enna!" said Lora; "you are here in Horace's house, and neither
+he nor the others ever took part against us."
+
+"I don't care, it was nearly as bad to stay away and give no help,"
+muttered the offender, giving Elsie a look of scorn and aversion.
+
+"Be quiet, will you, Madam Johnson," said her old father; "it would be no
+more than right if Horace should turn you out of the house. Elsie," seeing
+tears coursing the cheeks of the latter, "don't distress yourself, child;
+she's not worth minding."
+
+"That is quite true, little wife," said Mr. Travilla; "and though you have
+felt for her sorrows, do not let her unkindness wound you."
+
+Elsie wiped away her tears, but only waiting to speak to Mrs. Murray and
+the servants, retired immediately to the privacy of her own apartments,
+Mr. Travilla accompanying her with their children and attendants.
+
+Wearied with her journey, and already saddened by the desolations of the
+country over which they had passed, this cold, and even insulting
+reception from the aunts--over whose bereavements she had wept in tender
+sympathy--cut her to the quick.
+
+"Oh, Edward, how can they behave so to papa and mamma in their own house!"
+she said, sitting down upon a sofa in her boudoir and laying aside her
+hat, while her eyes again overflowed; "dear papa and mamma, who are always
+so kind!"
+
+"And you, too, dearest," he said, placing himself by her side and putting
+an arm about her. "It is shameful conduct, but do not allow it to trouble
+you."
+
+"I will try not to mind it, but let me cry; I shall get over it the
+sooner. I never thought to feel so uncomfortable in my father's house. Ah,
+if Ion were only ready for us!" she sighed.
+
+"I am glad that your home must be with me for the present, daughter, if
+you can only enjoy it," said her father, who, still ever watchful over
+her happiness, had followed to soothe and comfort her. "It grieves me that
+your feelings should have been so wounded," he added, seating himself on
+the other side, and taking her hand in his.
+
+"Thank you, dear papa; it is for you and mamma, even more than myself,
+that I feel hurt."
+
+"Then never mind it, dearest. Enna has already coolly told me that she and
+Louise have settled themselves in the west wing, with their children and
+servants; where they purpose to maintain a separate establishment, having
+no desire to associate with any of us; though I, of course, am to supply
+their table at my own expense, as well as whatever else is needed," he
+added, with a slight laugh of mingled amusement and vexation.
+
+"Considering it a great privilege to be permitted to do so, I presume,"
+Mr. Travilla remarked, a little sarcastically.
+
+"Of course; for cool impudence Enna certainly exceeds every other person
+of my acquaintance."
+
+"You must let us share the privilege."
+
+"Thanks; but we will talk of that at another time. I know you and Elsie
+have dreaded the bad influence of Enna's spoiled children upon yours; and
+I, too, have feared it for them, and for Rosebud; but there is to be no
+communication between theirs and ours; Louise's one set, and Enna's two,
+keeping to their own side of the building and grounds, and ours not
+intruding upon them. Enna had it all arranged, and simply made the
+announcement to me, probably with little idea of the relief she was
+affording."
+
+"It is a great relief," said Elsie. "Aunt Lora's are better trained, and
+will not----"
+
+"They do not remain with us; Pinegrove is still habitable, and they are
+here only for to-day to welcome us home."
+
+Elsie's face lighted up with pleasure. "And we shall have our own dear
+home to ourselves, after all! Ah, how foolish I have been to so borrow
+trouble."
+
+"I have shared the folly," her father said, smiling; "but let us be wiser
+for the future. They have already retired to their own quarters, and you
+will see no more of them for the present. My father remains with us."
+
+Mrs. Howard was deeply mortified by the conduct of her sisters, but tried
+to excuse them to those whom they were treating with such rudeness and
+ingratitude.
+
+"Louise and Enna are very bitter," she said, talking with Rose and Elsie
+in the drawing-room after tea; "but they have suffered much in the loss of
+their husbands and our brothers; to say nothing of property. Sherman's
+soldiers were very lawless--some of them, I mean; and they were not all
+Americans--and inflicted much injury. Enna was very rude and exasperating
+to the party who visited Roselands, and was roughly handled in
+consequence; robbed of her watch and all her jewelry and money.
+
+"They treated our poor old father with great indignity also; dragged him
+down the steps of the veranda, took his watch, rifled his pockets,
+plundered the house, then set it on fire and burned it to the ground."
+
+Her listeners wept as she went on to describe more minutely the scenes of
+violence at Roselands, Ashlands, Pinegrove, and other plantations and
+towns in the vicinity; among them the residences of the pastor and his
+venerable elder, whose visits were so comforting to Mrs. Travilla in her
+last sickness.
+
+"They were Union men," Lora said, in conclusion, "spending their time and
+strength in self-denying efforts for the spiritual good of both whites and
+blacks, and had suffered much at the hands of the Confederates; yet were
+stripped of everything by Sherman's troops, threatened with instant death,
+and finally left to starve, actually being without food for several days."
+
+"Dreadful!" exclaimed Rose. "I could not have believed any of our officers
+would allow such things. But war is very cruel, and gives opportunity to
+wicked, cruel men, on both sides to indulge their evil propensities and
+passions. Thank God, it is over at last; and oh, may He, in His great
+goodness and mercy, spare us a renewal, of it."
+
+"I say amen to that!" responded Mrs. Howard earnestly. "My poor Ned! my
+brothers! my crippled husband! Oh, I sometimes think my heart will break!"
+
+It was some minutes ere she could speak again, for weeping, and the others
+wept with her.
+
+But resuming. "We were visited by both armies," she said, "and one did
+about as much mischief as the other; and between them there is but little
+left: they did not burn us out at Pinegrove, but stripped us very bare."
+
+"Aunt Lora, dear Aunt Lora!" Elsie sobbed, embracing her with much
+tenderness; "we cannot restore the loved ones, but your damages shall be
+repaired."
+
+"Ah, it will take a lifetime; we have no means left."
+
+"You shall borrow of me without interest. With the exception of the
+failure of income from Viamede, I have lost nothing by the war but the
+negroes. My husband's losses are somewhat heavier. But our united income
+is still very large; so that I believe I can help you all, and I shall
+delight to do it, even should it involve the sale of most of my jewels."
+
+"Dear child, you are very very kind," Lora said, deeply moved; "and it may
+be that Edward, proud as he is, will accept some assistance from you."
+
+The next morning Mr. Dinsmore and Rose, Mr. Travilla and Elsie, mounted
+their horses directly after breakfast, and set out to view for themselves
+the desolations of Roselands and Ion, preparatory to considering what
+could be done to restore them to their former beauty.
+
+Roselands lying nearest, received their attention first, but so greatly
+were the well-remembered landmarks changed, that on arriving, they could
+scarce believe themselves there.
+
+Not one of the noble old trees, that had bordered the avenue and shaded
+the lawn, was left standing; many lay prostrate upon the ground, while
+others had been used for fuel. Of the house naught remained but a few feet
+of stone wall, some charred, blackened beams, and a heap of ashes. The
+gardens were a desert, the lawn was changed to a muddy field by the
+tramping of many feet, and furrowed with deep ruts where the artillery had
+passed and repassed; fences, hedge-rows, shrubbery--all had disappeared;
+and the fields, once cultivated with great care, were overgrown with weeds
+and nettles.
+
+"We have lost our way! this cannot be the place!" cried Rose, as they
+reined in their horses on the precise spot where Arthur and Walter had
+taken their farewell look at home.
+
+"Alas, alas, it is no other!" Mr. Travilla replied, in moved tones.
+
+The hearts of Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were too full for speech, and hot
+tears were coursing down the cheeks of the latter.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore pressed forward, and the others followed, slowly picking
+their way through the ruins, grief swelling in their hearts at every step.
+Determined to know the worst, they made the circuit of the house and of
+the whole estate.
+
+"Can it ever be restored?" Elsie asked at length, amid her tears.
+
+"The house may be rebuilt in a few months, and fields and gardens cleared
+of weeds, and made to resume something of the old look," Mr. Dinsmore
+answered; "but the trees were the growth of years, and this generation
+will not see their places filled with their like."
+
+They pursued their way to Ion in almost unbroken silence. Here the fields
+presented the same appearance of neglect; lawn and gardens were a wild,
+but scarcely a tree had fallen, and though the house had been pillaged,
+furniture destroyed, windows broken, and floors torn up, a few rooms were
+still habitable; and here they found several of the house-servants, who
+hailed their coming with demonstrations of delight.
+
+They had lived on the products of the orchard and grapery, and by
+cultivating a small patch of ground and keeping a few fowls.
+
+Elsie assumed an air of cheerfulness, for her husband's sake; rejoiced
+that the trees had been spared, that the family burial-place had escaped
+desecration, and talked gayly of the pleasure of repairing damages, and
+making improvements till Ion should not have a rival for beauty the
+country round.
+
+Her efforts were appreciated, and met fully half-way, by her loving
+spouse.
+
+The four, taking possession of the rustic seat on the top of a little
+knoll, where the huge branches of a giant oak protected them from the sun,
+took a lengthened survey of the house and grounds, and held a consultation
+in regard to ways and means.
+
+Returning to the Oaks, the gentlemen went to the library, where old Mr.
+Dinsmore was sitting alone, and reported to him the result of the morning
+conference. Roselands was to be rebuilt as fast as men and materials could
+be procured, Elsie furnishing the means--a very large sum of money, of
+which he was to have the use, free of interest, for a long term of years,
+or during his natural life.
+
+Mr. Horace Dinsmore knew his father would never take it as a gift, and
+indeed, it cost him a hard struggle to bring his pride down to the
+acceptance of it as offered. But he consented at last, and as the other
+two retired, begged that Elsie would come to him for a moment.
+
+She came in so quietly that he was not aware of her presence. He sat in
+the corner of a sofa, his white head bowed upon his knees, and his aged
+frame shaking with sobs.
+
+Kneeling at his side, she put her arms about him, whispering, "Grandpa,
+my poor, dear grandpa, be comforted; for we all love and honor you."
+
+"Child! child! I have not deserved this at your hands," he sobbed. "I
+turned from you when you came to my house, a little, desolate motherless
+one, claiming my affection."
+
+"But that was many years ago, dear grandpa, and we will 'let the dead past
+bury its dead,' You will not deny me the great pleasure of helping to
+repair the desolations of war in the dear home of my childhood? You will
+take it as help sent by Him whose steward I am?"
+
+He clasped her close, and his kisses and tears were warm upon her cheek,
+as he murmured, in low, broken tones, "God bless you, child! I can refuse
+you nothing. You shall do as you will."
+
+At last, Elsie had won her way to her stern grandfather's heart; and
+henceforth she was dear to him as ever one of his children had been.
+
+       *       *       *      *       *
+
+It is a sweet October morning in the year 1867. Ion, restored to more than
+its pristine loveliness, lies basking in the beams of the newly risen sun;
+a tender mist, gray in the distance, rose-colored and golden where the
+rays of light strike it more directly, enveloping the landscape; the trees
+decked in holiday attire--green, russet, orange, and scarlet.
+
+The children are romping with each other and their nurses, in the avenue;
+with the exception of wee Elsie, now a fair, gentle girl of nine, who
+occupies a rustic seat a little apart from the rest. She has a Bible in
+her hand, and the sweet young face is bent earnestly, lovingly, over the
+holy book.
+
+On the veranda stands the mother, watching her darlings with eyes that
+grow misty with glad tears, while her heart sends up its joyous
+thanksgiving to Him who had been the Guide of her youth and the stay and
+staff of maturer years.
+
+A step approaches, and her husband's arm encircles her waist, while, as
+she turns her head, his kindly gray eyes gaze into the depths of her soft
+hazel ones, with a love stronger than life--or than death.
+
+"Do you know, little wife, what day this is?"
+
+She answered with a bright, glad smile; then her head dropped upon his
+shoulder.
+
+"Yes, my husband; ten years ago to-day I committed my happiness to your
+keeping, and never for one moment have I regretted the step."
+
+"Bless you, darling, for the word! How great are the mercies of God to me!
+Yonder is our first-born. I see you as you were when first I met and
+coveted you; and here you stand by my side, the true wife who has been for
+ten years the joy and light of my heart and home. Wife, I love you better
+to-day than ever before, and if it be the will of God, may we yet have
+five times ten years to live together in love and harmony."
+
+"We shall!" she answered earnestly; "eternity is ours, and death itself
+can part us but for a little while."
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie's Womanhood, by Martha Finley
+
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie's Womanhood, by Martha Finley
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Elsie's Womanhood
+
+Author: Martha Finley
+
+Release Date: February 2, 2005 [EBook #14874]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S WOMANHOOD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy and the PG Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<h1>ELSIE'S</h1>
+<h1>WOMANHOOD</h1>
+
+<p class="center">A sequel to
+&quot;ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD&quot;</p>
+
+<h3>By</h3>
+<h2>MARTHA FINLEY</h2>
+
+<p class="center">Complete Authorized Edition</p>
+
+<p class="center">Published by arrangement with<br />
+Dodd, Mead and Company</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>A Burt Book</i><br />
+BLUE RIBBON BOOKS, Inc.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>New York</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center">Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by</p>
+
+<p class="center">DODD &amp; MEAD</p>
+
+<p class="center">In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p>
+
+<p class="center">COPYRIGHT, 1903,</p>
+
+<p class="center">BY MARTHA FINLEY</p>
+
+<p class="center">COPYRIGHT, 1917,</p>
+
+<p class="center">BY CHARLES B. FINLEY
+</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>Preface.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The call for a sequel to &quot;Elsie's Girlhood&quot; having become too loud and
+importunate to be resisted, the pleasant task of writing it was
+undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>Dates compelled the bringing in of the late war: and it has been the
+earnest desire and effort of the author to so treat the subject as to
+wound the feelings of none; to be as impartial as if writing history; and,
+by drawing a true, though alas, but faint picture, of the great losses and
+sufferings on both sides, to make the very thought of a renewal of the
+awful strife <i>utterly abhorrent</i> to every lover of humanity, and
+especially of this, our own dear native land.</p>
+
+<p>Are we not one people: speaking the same language; worshipping the one
+true and living God; having a common history, a common ancestry; and
+united by the tenderest ties of blood? And is not this great grand,
+glorious old Union&mdash;known and respected all over the world&mdash;our common
+country, our joy and pride? O! let us forget all bitterness, and live
+henceforth in love, harmony, and mutual helpfulness.</p>
+
+<p>For all I know of the Teche country I am indebted to Mr. Edward King's
+&quot;Old and New Louisiana&quot;; for facts and dates in regard to the war, and in
+large measure for Mr. Dinsmore's views as to its causes, etc.,
+principally to Headley's &quot;History of the Great Rebellion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The description of Andersonville, and the life led by the prisoners there,
+was supplied by one who shared it for six months. An effort was made to
+obtain a sketch of a Northern prison also, but without success.</p>
+
+<p>Yet what need to balance accounts in respect to these matters? The
+unnatural strife is over, and we are again one united people.</p>
+
+<p>M.F.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_FIRST"><b>CHAPTER FIRST.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_SECOND"><b>CHAPTER SECOND.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_THIRD"><b>CHAPTER THIRD.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_FOURTH"><b>CHAPTER FOURTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_FIFTH"><b>CHAPTER FIFTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_SIXTH"><b>CHAPTER SIXTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_SEVENTH"><b>CHAPTER SEVENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_EIGHTH"><b>CHAPTER EIGHTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_NINTH"><b>CHAPTER NINTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TENTH"><b>CHAPTER TENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_ELEVENTH"><b>CHAPTER ELEVENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWELFTH"><b>CHAPTER TWELFTH</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_THIRTEENTH"><b>CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_FOURTEENTH"><b>CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_FIFTEENTH"><b>CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_SIXTEENTH"><b>CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_SEVENTEENTH"><b>CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_EIGHTEENTH"><b>CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_NINETEENTH"><b>CHAPTER NINETEENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTIETH"><b>CHAPTER TWENTIETH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_FIRST"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_SECOND"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_THIRD"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_FOURTH"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_FIFTH"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_SIXTH"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_SEVENTH"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_EIGHTH"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_TWENTY_NINTH"><b>CHAPTER TWENTY-NINTH.</b></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_THIRTIETH"><b>CHAPTER THIRTIETH.</b></a></td></tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FIRST" id="CHAPTER_FIRST" />CHAPTER FIRST.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Oh! there is one affection which no stain</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">Of earth can ever darken;&mdash;when two find,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The softer and the manlier, that a chain</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">Of kindred taste has fastened mind to mind.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 16.5em;">&mdash;PERCIVAL'S POEMS.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>In one of the cool green alleys at the Oaks, Rose and Adelaide Dinsmore
+were pacing slowly to and fro, each with an arm about the other's waist,
+in girlish fashion, while they conversed together in low, confidential
+tones.</p>
+
+<p>At a little distance to one side, the young son and heir had thrown
+himself prone upon the grass in the shade of a magnificent oak, story-book
+in hand. Much interested he seemed in his book, yet occasionally his eye
+would wander from its fascinating pages to watch, with pride and delight,
+the tiny Rosebud steady herself against a tree, then run with eager,
+tottering steps and a crow of delight into her nurse's outstretched arms,
+to be hugged, kissed, praised, and coaxed to try it over again.</p>
+
+<p>As Rose and Adelaide turned at one end of the alley, Mr. Horace Dinsmore
+entered it at the other. Hurriedly approaching the little toddler, he
+stooped and held out his hands, saying, in tender, half-tremulous tones,
+&quot;Come, darling, come to papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She ran into his arms, crying, &quot;Papa,&quot; in her sweet baby voice, and
+catching her up, he covered her face with kisses; then, holding her
+clasped fondly to his breast, walked on towards his wife and sister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it, Horace?&quot; asked Rose anxiously, as they neared each other; for
+she saw that his face was pale and troubled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I bring you strange tidings, my Rose,&quot; he answered low and sadly, as she
+laid her hand upon his arm with an affectionate look up into his face.</p>
+
+<p>Hers grew pale. &quot;Bad news from home?&quot; she almost gasped.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no; I've had no word from our absent relatives or friends, and I'm
+not sure I ought to call it bad news either; though I cannot yet think of
+it with equanimity, it has come upon me so suddenly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What?&quot; asked both ladies in a breath; &quot;don't keep us in suspense.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It has been going on for years&mdash;on his part&mdash;I can see it now&mdash;but, blind
+fool that I was, I never suspected it till to-day, when it came upon me
+like a thunderbolt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What? who?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Travilla; after years of patient waiting he has won her at last&mdash;our
+darling&mdash;and&mdash;and I've given her to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Both ladies stood dumb with astonishment, while young Horace, who had come
+running up in time to catch the last words, cried out with vehemence,
+&quot;Papa! what! give our Elsie away? how could you? how can we ever do
+without her? But she shan't go, for she belongs to me too, and I'll
+<i>never</i> give consent!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies smiled faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They seemed to think mine quite sufficient, Horace,&quot; replied his father,
+&quot;and I'm afraid will hardly consider it necessary to ask yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, papa, we can't spare her&mdash;you know we can't&mdash;and why should you go
+and give her away to Mr. Travilla or anybody?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My son, had I refused, it would have caused her great unhappiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then she ought to be ashamed to go and love Mr. Travilla better than you
+and all of us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was never more astonished in my life!&quot; cried Adelaide.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor I,&quot; said Rose. &quot;And he's a great deal too old for her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is an objection,&quot; replied her husband, &quot;but if not insuperable to
+her, need not be to us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Think of your intimate friend addressing you as father!&quot; laughed
+Adelaide; &quot;it's really too ridiculous.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That need not be&mdash;is not an inevitable consequence of the match,&quot; smiled
+Mr. Dinsmore, softly caressing the little one clinging about his neck.</p>
+
+<p>Still conversing on the same subject, the minds of all being full of it to
+the exclusion of every other, they moved on as if by common consent
+towards the house.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you think it can be possible that she is really and truly in love with
+him?&quot; queried Rose; &quot;a man so much older than herself, and so intimate in
+the family since her early childhood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Judge for yourself, my dear,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, as a turn in the path
+brought them within a few yards of the lovers, who were moving slowly in
+their direction so that the two parties must meet in another moment.</p>
+
+<p>One glance at the beaming faces, the rich color coming and going in
+Elsie's cheek, the soft, glad light in her sweet brown eyes, was a
+sufficient reply to Rose's question. She looked at her husband with a
+satisfied smile, which he returned.</p>
+
+<p>But little Horace, leaving his father's side, rushed up to Elsie, and
+catching her hand in his, cried, &quot;I'll never give my consent! and you
+belong to me. Mr. Travilla, you can't have her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To the child's surprise Elsie only blushed and smiled, while Mr. Travilla,
+without the slightest appearance of alarm or vexation, said, &quot;Ah, my dear
+boy, you may just as well; for she is willing to be mine and your papa has
+given her to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But the others had come up, and inquiring looks, smiles and kindly
+greetings were exchanged.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Travilla,&quot; said Rose, half playfully but with a tear trembling in her
+eye, &quot;you have stolen a march upon us, and I can hardly forgive you just
+yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I regret that exceedingly, my dear madam,&quot; he answered, with a smile that
+belied his words. &quot;But Miss Adelaide, you will still stand my friend?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know,&quot; she answered demurely; &quot;there's only one serious objection
+in my mind (if Elsie is satisfied); that I don't quite fancy having a
+nephew some years older than myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! well, I shall be quite willing to be considered a brother-in-law.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Company to dinner!&quot; shouted Horace. &quot;I see a carriage; don't you, papa?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is your Uncle Edward's,&quot; said Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Adelaide, &quot;Lora and her tribe are in it, no doubt; and
+probably Mrs. Bowles too (Carrie Howard you know, Elsie). They have been
+late in calling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some good reason for it, and they are none the less welcome,&quot; remarked
+Rose, quickening her pace.</p>
+
+<p>The one party reached the house just as the other two had fairly alighted,
+and a scene of joyous greeting ensued.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You dear child! how good of you to come back to us again, and single
+too,&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Bowles, clasping Elsie in a warm embrace; &quot;I'd almost
+given it up, and expected by every mail to hear you had become Lady or
+Countess this, or Duchess that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie smiled and blushed, and meeting the eye of her betrothed fixed for
+an instant upon her with an expression of unutterable content,
+thankfulness, love and pride, smiled and blushed again.</p>
+
+<p>Carrie caught the look and its effect upon her friend, and almost
+breathless with astonishment, took the first opportunity, after all were
+seated in the drawing-room, to prefer a whispered request to be taken to
+Elsie's own private apartment for a moment, to see that her hair and dress
+were in proper order.</p>
+
+<p>They had come to spend the day, and bonnets and shawls had already been
+carried away by the servants in attendance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now girls, don't run off for an interminable chat by yourselves,&quot; said
+Mrs. Howard, as the two rose and crossed the room together.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Aunt Lora, we'll not stay long,&quot; said Elsie; &quot;for I want to improve
+every moment of your visit, in renewing my acquaintance with you and my
+young cousins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your family has grown, Lora,&quot; remarked her brother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, rather faster than yours,&quot; she said, looking round with pride upon
+her little group of four boys, and a girl yet in her nurse's arms. &quot;Go and
+speak to your uncle, Ned, Walter, Horace, and Arthur. You see I have given
+you a namesake; and this little pet we call Rose Louise, for her two
+aunties. Yours is Rose, too! and what a darling! and how little Horace has
+grown!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Elsie, it can't be possible!&quot; cried Carrie, the instant they found
+themselves alone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What can't?&quot; and Elsie's blush and smile were charming.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That you and Mr. Travilla are lovers! I saw it in your faces; but, 'tis
+too absurd! Why, he's your father's friend, and nearly as old.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All the wiser and better for that, Carrie, dear. But he is young in
+heart, and far from looking old, I think. I have grown so sick of your
+silly, brainless fops, who expect women neither to talk sense nor
+understand it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, I dare say! and Mr. Travilla is the most sensible and polished of
+men&mdash;always excepting my own spouse, of course. And you won't be taken
+away from us; so I give my consent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's only answer was a mirthful, amused look.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but I am glad to see you back!&quot; Carrie ran on. &quot;It seems an age since
+you went away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you. And your husband? what is he like?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was never good at description, but he is a fine specimen of a Kentucky
+planter, and very fond of his wife. By the way, you must blame me that
+Edward and Lora were so late in welcoming you home. I arrived only
+yesterday morning, quite fatigued with my journey, and begged them to wait
+till to-day, and bring me with them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was right. We have not seen Enna yet, or Arthur. Grandpa and Mrs.
+Dinsmore and Walter called yesterday. But there is the dinner-bell. Let me
+conduct you to the dining-room.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were just in time to sit down with the others.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie quickly perceived by her Aunt Lora's look and manner, that she, too,
+had heard the news, but no remark was make on the subject till the ladies
+had retired to the drawing-room, leaving the gentlemen to the enjoyment of
+their after-dinner cigars.</p>
+
+<p>Then Mrs. Howard, facing round upon her niece as they entered the room,
+exclaimed, &quot;Elsie, you naughty child! are you not ashamed of yourself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On account of what, auntie?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Such unconscious innocence!&quot; cried Lora, throwing up the white and
+jeweled hands she had rested lightly for an instant upon the young girl's
+shoulder, while gazing steadily into the smiling, blushing, sparkling
+face. &quot;You haven't been planning and promising to give Adelaide and me a
+nephew older than ourselves? I tell you, miss, I refuse my consent. Why,
+it's absurd! the very idea! I used to think him almost an elderly
+gentleman when you were a chit of eight or nine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I remember having had some such idea myself; but he must have been
+growing young since then,&quot; returned Elsie, demurely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He seems to have been standing still (waiting for you, I suppose); but I
+never was more astonished in my life!&quot; said Lora, dropping into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It has been a genuine surprise to us all,&quot; remarked Rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To me as much as anyone, mamma,&quot; said Elsie. &quot;I&mdash;had thought he was
+engaged to you, Aunt Adie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To <i>me</i>, child!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, my dear, I surely told you about her engagement to my brother
+Edward?&quot; exclaimed Adelaide and Rose simultaneously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You tried, mamma, and it was all my own fault that I did not hear the
+whole truth. And, Aunt Adie, I cannot understand how he could ever fancy
+me, while he might have hoped there was a possibility of winning you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Twould have been a much more suitable match,&quot; said Lora. &quot;Though I'd
+have preferred the one in contemplation, except that in the other case,
+she would not be carried quite away from us. But suppose we proceed to
+business. We should have a double wedding, I think.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, don't talk of it yet,&quot; said Rose, with a slight tremble in her voice,
+and looking at Elsie's flushed, conscious face with eyes full of unshed
+tears. &quot;Adelaide's is to be within the next two months, and&mdash;we cannot
+give up Elsie so suddenly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course not,&quot; said Adelaide; &quot;and I should have serious objections to
+being used as a foil to Elsie's youth and beauty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The Howards and Mr. Travilla stayed to tea, and shortly before that meal
+the party was increased by the arrival of Walter Dinsmore and Mrs. Dick
+Percival.</p>
+
+<p>Enna had lost flesh and color; and long indulgence of a fretful, peevish
+temper had drawn down the corners of her mouth, lined her forehead, and
+left its ugly pencilings here and there over the once pretty face, so that
+it already began to look old and care-worn. She was very gayly dressed, in
+the height of the fashion, and rather overloaded with jewelry; but powder
+and rouge could not altogether conceal the ravages of discontent and
+passion. She was conscious of the fact, and inwardly dwelt with
+mortification and chagrin upon the contrast presented by her own faded
+face to that of Elsie, so fair and blooming, so almost childish in its
+sweet purity and innocence of expression.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So you are single yet,&quot; Enna said, with a covert sneer; &quot;and not likely
+to marry either, so far as I've been able to learn. They'll soon begin to
+call you an old maid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will they?&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, with a laugh in which all present joined,
+Enna herself excepted; &quot;well, if she is a fair specimen of that
+much-abused class, they are far more attractive than is generally
+supposed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You needn't laugh,&quot; said Enna; &quot;I was four years younger than she is now,
+when I married. I wasn't going to wait till they began to call me an old
+maid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To bear that reproach is not the worst calamity that can befall a woman,&quot;
+replied Mr. Dinsmore gravely; then changed the subject by a kind inquiry
+in regard to Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Slowly and steadily improving,&quot; answered Walter. &quot;The doctors are now
+satisfied that he is not permanently crippled, though he still uses a
+crutch.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_SECOND" id="CHAPTER_SECOND" />CHAPTER SECOND.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Mutual love, the crown of all our bliss.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10.5em;">&mdash;MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>After a half hour of waiting for her son's return, Mrs. Travilla sat down
+to her lonely cup of tea. There was no lack of delicacies on the table,
+and in all Edward's taste had been consulted. To make him comfortable and
+happy was, next to serving her God, the great aim and object of his
+mother's life; and, in a less degree, of that of every servant in the
+house. They had all been born and brought up at Ion, and had all these
+years known him as the kindest, most reasonable and considerate of
+masters.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wish Massa Edard come. Dese waffles jes' prime to-night, an' he so fond
+ob dem,&quot; remarked a pretty mulatto girl, handing a plate of them to her
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Prilla, he expected to be at home, but is probably taking tea at the
+Oaks or Roselands.&quot; And the old lady supped her tea and ate her waffles
+with a serene, happy face, now and then lighted up by a pleased smile
+which her attendant handmaiden was at a loss to interpret.</p>
+
+<p>Having finished her meal, Mrs. Travilla threw a shawl about her shoulders
+and stepped out upon the veranda; then, tempted by the beauty of the
+night, walked down the avenue to meet her son or see if there were any
+signs of his approach.</p>
+
+<p>She had not gone half the distance ere the sound of horses' hoofs reached
+her ear&mdash;distant at first but coming rapidly nearer, till a lady and
+gentleman drew rein at the gate, while the servant who had been riding in
+the rear dismounted and threw it open.</p>
+
+<p>They came dashing up, but paused and drew rein again at sight of the old
+lady standing there under the trees.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother,&quot; cried her son, springing from the saddle, &quot;you were not alarmed?
+anxious? surely.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, Edward, but glad to see you and Elsie! my dear child, this is
+very kind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at all, dear Mrs. Travilla; it is so lovely an evening for a ride; or
+walk either,&quot; she added, giving her hand to her escort and springing
+lightly to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla put the hand into that of his mother. &quot;Take her to your
+heart, mother; she is mine&mdash;ours!&quot; he said, in low tones tremulous with
+joy.</p>
+
+<p>The old lady folded the slight girlish form to her breast for a moment,
+with a silence more eloquent than words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank God! thank God!&quot; she murmured at length. &quot;He has given me my
+heart's desire;&quot; and mingled caresses and tears fell upon Elsie's face.
+&quot;For many years I have loved you as my own child, and now I am to have
+you. How bright our home will be, Edward. But we are darkening another.
+Her father; can he&mdash;has he&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has given her to me,&quot; answered the son quickly, &quot;and she has&mdash;we have
+given ourselves to each other. Let me give an arm to each of you and we
+will go into the house.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The veranda at the Oaks was deserted, and the house very quiet, though
+lights still shone here and there, as Mr. Travilla and Elsie rode up and
+dismounted on their return from Ion.</p>
+
+<p>A servant rose from the grass, where he had been lying at his ease; came
+forward and led away his young mistress's pony, while the lover bade her a
+tender good-night, sprang into the saddle again, and presently
+disappeared, lost to view amid the trees and the windings of the road,
+though the sound of horse's hoofs still came faintly to Elsie's ear as she
+stood intently listening, a sweet smile irradiating every feature.</p>
+
+<p>Absorbed in her own thoughts, and in the effort to catch those
+fast-retreating sounds, she did not hear a step approaching from behind;
+but an arm encircled her waist, and a low-breathed &quot;My darling&quot; woke her
+from her reverie.</p>
+
+<p>She looked up, her eyes beaming with affection; &quot;Papa; I am rather late,
+am I not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not very. Hark! the clock is but just striking ten. Come, let us sit down
+here for a little. We have hardly had a chat together to-day.&quot; He sighed
+slightly as he drew her closer to him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, papa dear, there has been so much company,&quot; she answered, laying her
+head on his shoulder. &quot;And&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what?&quot; as she paused. &quot;Your father used to know all that concerned
+you one way or the other. Is he to be shut out from your confidence now?
+Ah, I think he must have been for some time past.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I could not tell you <i>that</i>, papa,&quot; she murmured, blushing visibly in the
+moonlight. &quot;Indeed, I hardly knew it myself till&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Till when?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The night of Sophie's wedding.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; he said, musingly; &quot;but I cannot get over my surprise; he is your
+senior by so many years, and you have known him from childhood and looked
+upon him as a sort of uncle. I wonder at your choice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you don't object, papa?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, if I must give you away&mdash;and I've always known that would come some
+time&mdash;I would rather it should be to him than any one else, for I can
+never doubt that he will be tender and true to my precious one, when she
+leaves her father's home for his.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, papa, don't speak of it,&quot; she cried, winding her arms about his
+neck, &quot;I can't bear to think of it; that our home will no longer be the
+same, that I can't come to you every night and be folded to your heart as
+I have been ever since I was a little girl.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, dearest,&quot; he said, after a moment, in which he held her very close
+and caressed her with exceeding tenderness, &quot;we shall not be far apart or
+miss passing some time together many days of the year. And you are not in
+haste to leave me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no, no! why should I be? Please keep me a little while yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I intend to: it will take at least a year to get used to the thought of
+doing without you, and so long Travilla must be content to wait. Nor can
+we give you up wholly even then; your suite of rooms shall still be yours,
+and you must come now and then and occupy them for days or weeks at a
+time.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, daughter, good-night. Come to me to-morrow morning in my study, soon
+after breakfast, I have something more of importance to say to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall obey, and without fear,&quot; she answered gayly, &quot;though I remember
+once being quite frightened at a similar order; but that was when I was a
+silly little girl and didn't know how dearly my own papa loved me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And when he was strangely stern to his own little child,&quot; he answered,
+with another tender caress.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_THIRD" id="CHAPTER_THIRD" />CHAPTER THIRD.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;So fair that had you beauty's picture took,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">It must like her, or not like beauty look.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 13em;">&mdash;ALLEYN'S HENRY VII.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Elsie paused at the half-open door of her father's private room.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore, like most men, was fond of light and air; through the wide
+open windows the morning breeze stole softly in, laden with sweets from
+garden and lawn, and the rich carpet of oak and green was flecked with
+gold where the sunbeams came shimmering down between the fluttering leaves
+of a beautiful vine that had festooned itself about the one looking to the
+east.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore was seated at his desk with a pile of papers before
+him&mdash;legal documents in appearance; he would open one, glance over its
+contents, lay it aside, and take up another only to treat it in like
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie stood but a moment watching him with loving, admiring eyes, then
+gliding noiselessly across the floor, dropped gracefully at his feet and
+laying her folded hands upon his knee looked up into his face with an
+arch, sweet smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mon p&egrave;re, I have come for my lecture, or whatever you have laid up in
+store for me,&quot; she announced with mock gravity and a slight tremble of
+pretended fear in her voice.</p>
+
+<p>Dropping the paper he held, and passing one hand caressingly over her
+shining hair, &quot;My darling, how very, very lovely you are!&quot; he said, the
+words bursting spontaneously from his lips; &quot;there is no flaw in your
+beauty, and your face beams with happiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa turned flatterer!&quot; she cried, springing up and allowing him to draw
+her to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm waiting for the lecture,&quot; she said presently, &quot;you know I always like
+to have disagreeable things over as soon as possible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who told you there was to be a lecture?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nobody, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What have you been doing that you feel entitles you to one?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't remember.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor I either. So let us to business. Here, take this chair beside me. Do
+you know how much you are worth?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not precisely, sir,&quot; she answered demurely, taking the chair and folding
+her hands pensively in her lap; &quot;but very little, I presume, since you
+have given me away for nothing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By no means,&quot; he said, with a slight smile of amusement at her unwonted
+mood. &quot;It was for your own happiness, which is no trifle in my esteem. But
+you belong to me still.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She looked at him with glistening eyes. &quot;Thank you, dearest papa; yes, I
+do belong to you and always shall. Please excuse my wilful
+misunderstanding of your query. I do not know how much money and other
+property I own, but have an idea it is a million more or less.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear child!&mdash;it is fully three times that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa! is it indeed?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it was about a million at the time of your Grandfather Grayson's
+death, and has increased very much during your mamma's minority and yours;
+which you know has been a very long one. You own several stores and a
+dwelling house in New Orleans, a fine plantation with between two and
+three hundred negroes, and I have invested largely for you in stocks of
+various kinds both in your own country and in England. I wish you to
+examine all the papers, certificates of stock, bonds, deeds, mortgages,
+and so forth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, papa!&quot; she cried, lifting her hands in dismay, &quot;what a task. Please
+excuse me. You know all about it, and is not that sufficient?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, the property is yours; I have been only your steward, and must now
+render up an account to you for the way in which I have handled your
+property.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You render an account to <i>me</i>, my own dear father,&quot; she said low and
+tremulously, while her face flushed crimson; &quot;I cannot bear to hear you
+speak so. I am fully satisfied, and very, <i>very</i> thankful for all your
+kind care of it and of me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He regarded her with a smile of mingled tenderness and amusement, while
+softly patting and stroking the small white hand laid lovingly upon his.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Could I&mdash;could any father&mdash;do less for his own beloved child?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not you, I know, papa. But may I ask you a question?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As many as you like.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How much are you worth? Ah! you needn't look so quizzical. I mean how
+much do you own in money, land, etc.?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Something less than a million; I cannot tell you the exact number of
+dollars and cents.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hardly a third as much as I! It doesn't seem right. Papa, take half of
+mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That wouldn't balance the scales either,&quot; he said laughingly; &quot;and
+besides, Mr. Travilla has now some right to be consulted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, I could never love him again, if he should object to my giving you
+all but a few hundred thousands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He would not. He says he will never touch a cent of your property; it
+must be settled entirely upon yourself, and subject to your control. And
+that is quite right; for he, too, is wealthy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, I don't think I deserve so much; I don't want the care of so much.
+I do wish you would be so good as to take half for your own, and continue
+to manage the other half for me as you think best.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What you deserve is not the question just now. This is one of the talents
+which God has given you, and I think you ought, at least for the present,
+to keep the principal and decide for yourself what shall be done with the
+interest. You are old enough now to do so, and I hope do not wish to shirk
+the responsibility, since God, in His good providence, has laid it upon
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He spoke very gravely and Elsie's face reflected the expression of his.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I do not wish it now, papa,&quot; she said, in a low, sweet voice. &quot;I
+will undertake it, asking Him for wisdom and grace to do it aright.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were busy for the next hour or two over the papers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There!&quot; cried Elsie, at length, &quot;we have examined the last one, and I
+think I understand it all pretty thoroughly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think you do. And now another thing; ought you not to go and see for
+yourself your property in Louisiana?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie assented, on condition that he would take her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly, my dear child, can you suppose I would ever think of
+permitting you to go alone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, papa. And if poor mammy objects this time, she may take her
+choice of going or staying; but go I must, and see how my poor people are
+faring at Viamede. I have dim, dreamy recollections of it as a kind of
+earthly paradise. Papa, do you know why mammy has always been so
+distressed whenever I talked of going there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Painful associations, no doubt. Poor creature! it was there her
+husband&mdash;an unruly negro belonging to a neighboring planter&mdash;was sold away
+from her, and there she lost her children, one by accidental drowning, the
+others by some epidemic disease. Your own mother, too, died there, and
+Chloe I think never loved one of her own children better.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I'm sure not. But she never told me of her husband and children, and
+I thought she had never had any. And now, papa, that we are done with
+business for the present, I have a request to make.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, daughter, what is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That you will permit me to renew my old intimacy with Lucy Carrington; or
+at least to call on her. You remember she was not well enough to be at the
+wedding; she is here at Ashlands with her baby. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington
+called here yesterday while you were out, and both urged me not to be
+ceremonious with Lucy, as she is hardly well enough to make calls and is
+longing to see me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what answer did you give them?&quot; he asked with some curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I should do so if possible; that meant if I could obtain your
+permission, papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have it. Lucy is in some sort taken into the family now, and you are
+safely engaged; to say nothing of your mature years,&quot; he added laughingly,
+as she seated herself on his knee again and thanked him with a hug and
+kiss.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You dear good papa!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some girls of your age, heiresses in their own right, would merely have
+said, 'I'm going,' never asking permission.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, but I like to be ruled by you. So please don't give it up. Now about
+Enna?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I had any authority in the matter, I should say, you shall not give
+her a cent. She doesn't deserve it from you or any one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I shall wait till you change your mind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore shook his head. &quot;Ah! my little girl, you don't realize how
+much some one else's opinions will soon weigh with you,&quot; he answered,
+putting an arm about her and looking with fatherly delight into the sweet
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, papa!&quot; she cried, laying her cheek to his, &quot;please don't talk so; it
+hurts me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, dearest, I shall not say it again, though indeed I was not
+reproaching you; it is right, very right, that husband and wife should be
+more than all the world beside to each other.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's cheek crimsoned. &quot;It has not come to that yet, father dear,&quot; she
+murmured, half averting her blushing face; &quot;and&mdash;I don't know which of you
+I love best&mdash;or how I could ever do without either: the love differs in
+kind rather than in degree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He drew her closer. &quot;Thank you, my darling; what more could I ask or
+desire?&quot; A slight tap on the door and Mrs. Dinsmore looked in. &quot;Any
+admittance?&quot; she asked playfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Always to my wife,&quot; answered her husband, releasing Elsie and rising to
+hand Rose a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thanks, my dear, but I haven't time to sit down,&quot; she said. &quot;Here is a
+note of invitation for us all to spend the day at Roselands. Shall we go?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly, if it suits you, Rose,&quot; replied Mr. Dinsmore; &quot;and Elsie;&quot; he
+added, &quot;will you go, daughter?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you wish it, papa,&quot; she answered cheerfully; yet there was a slight
+reluctance in her tone.</p>
+
+<p>He gave her a kind, fond look. &quot;You are your own mistress, and can accept
+or decline as your judgment and wishes dictate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you would rather have me go, papa?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I would, because it would seem more kind and courteous. But what is the
+objection in your mind? Perhaps it could be removed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wanted so much to see Lucy this morning,&quot; Elsie answered with a blush;
+&quot;but to-morrow will do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But both might be accomplished if mamma and Adelaide like to have C&aelig;sar
+drive them and the little ones over to Roselands. Then you and I will
+mount our horses and away to Ashlands for a call, leaving there in good
+time to join the dinner party at Roselands. How will that do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, bravely, you dear darling papa! always contriving for my enjoyment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore followed his wife from the room. &quot;'Twill be an early return
+of Carrington's call,&quot; he said, &quot;but I have a little business with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I'm very glad: it is a good plan; but don't hurry Elsie away. She
+and Lucy will want a long talk.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I promise to be careful to obey orders,&quot; he answered, sportively. &quot;Is
+that all?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; only see that you don't stay too long, and keep the dinner waiting
+at Roselands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma,&quot; asked Elsie, bringing up the rear as they entered the
+sitting-room, &quot;can't you go, too&mdash;you and Aunt Adelaide? Four make as nice
+a party as two, and the babies can be driven over quite safely, with their
+mammies, to take care of them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; said Rose, &quot;I never accept such late invitations; I shall&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear,&quot; said her husband, &quot;we would be very glad.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no; the first arrangement is decidedly the best;&quot; putting on an air
+of pretended pique.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Babies! do you call me a baby?&quot; cried young Horace, who had sprung to his
+feet with a flash of indignation in his great black eyes, &quot;I'm nine years
+old, Elsie. Rosie there's the only baby belonging to this house. Do you
+think papa would let a baby have a pony like Gip? and a pistol of his own,
+too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie put her arms round his neck, and gave him a kiss, &quot;I beg ten
+thousand pardons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Elsie, my daughter, don't allow yourself to speak so extravagantly,&quot;
+interrupted her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will try not, papa,&quot; she answered. &quot;I beg your pardon, Horace dear, and
+assure you I think you are quite a manly young man. Now I must prepare for
+my ride, papa. I shall be ready by the time the horses can be brought to
+the door.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; said Horace, as the door closed upon his sister, &quot;may I ride Gip
+to-day?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you promise me to keep close beside the carriage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, papa, can't I ride on ahead a little, now and then, or fall a few
+paces behind if I wish?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; you may do just what I have given permission for, and nothing else.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FOURTH" id="CHAPTER_FOURTH" />CHAPTER FOURTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">In ev'ry gesture, dignity and love.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 13em;">&mdash;MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;But, Elsie, what of Mr. Travilla?&quot; asked her father, as he handed her
+into the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He will not be here till evening, sir,&quot; she answered, the rose on her
+cheek deepening slightly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I can have undisturbed possession for to-day at least,&quot; replied Mr.
+Dinsmore, mounting. &quot;We couldn't have a lovelier day for a ride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor better company,&quot; added Elsie, archly, keeping her horse's head on a
+line with that of her father's larger Steed, as they followed the winding
+carriage road at a brisk canter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, you conceited little puss?&quot; returned Mr. Dinsmore laughing.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie blushed more deeply this time. &quot;Why, papa, you are the company
+to-day, are you not? I wished to go, and you kindly arranged to accompany
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! and that is how you look at it? Well, I recall my rebuke, and thank
+you for your&mdash;what shall I say&mdash;pretty compliment, or appreciation of my
+society?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Both, if you like. Oh, how nice it is to be at home again in our own dear
+native land.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what do you call your own dear native land?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What a strange question, papa! The great, grand old Union to be
+sure&mdash;North and South, East and West&mdash;is it not all mine? Have you not
+taught me so yourself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he said musingly.</p>
+
+<p>They rode on in silence for some minutes, and when he spoke again, it was
+upon a subject entirely foreign to the last.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The place looks natural,&quot; he remarked, as they turned into the avenue
+leading to the fine old dwelling of the Carringtons.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How kind, how very kind, to come so soon!&quot; was Mrs. Carrington's cordial,
+joyful salutation. &quot;Mr. Dinsmore, I owe you a thousand thanks for not only
+permitting your daughter to come, but bringing her yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are very welcome, my dear madam,&quot; he answered courteously; &quot;and,
+indeed, I should like to see Mrs. Rose myself, when she is well enough and
+feels that it will be agreeable to her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A few moments' chat in the drawing-room, and Mr. Dinsmore drew out his
+watch. &quot;How long a talk do you want with your friend to-day, Elsie?&quot; he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, just as long as I can be allowed, papa!&quot; she cried, with much of the
+old childish eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then the sooner you begin, the better, I think, for we ought to be on our
+way to Roselands in an hour, or an hour and a quarter at the farthest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon that the gentlemen retired to the library to talk over business
+matters, and Mrs. Carrington led the way for Elsie to Lucy's room. But
+pausing in the upper hall, she took the young girl in her arms, folding
+her in a close, loving embrace, and heaping upon her tearful, tender,
+silent caresses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My poor boy! my poor dear Herbert,&quot; she murmured at length, as she
+released her hold. &quot;Darling, I can never forget that you might have been
+my daughter. But there&mdash;I will leave you. Lucy occupies her old rooms, and
+yonder is her door; you know the way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But come in with me, dear Mrs. Carrington,&quot; urged Elsie, the tears
+shining in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dear, not just yet. Lucy would prefer to see you quite alone at
+first, I know.&quot; And she glided away in the opposite direction.</p>
+
+<p>A soft, cooing sound came to Elsie's ear, mingled with fondling words, in
+a negro voice, as she stood an instant waiting admittance. Lucy, a good
+deal paler and thinner than the Lucy of old, lay back in an easy chair,
+languidly turning the leaves of a new magazine.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Open the door, mammy,&quot; she said, &quot;I thought I heard a rap.&quot; Then at sight
+of Elsie, the magazine was hastily tossed aside, and with a cry of joy,
+&quot;Oh, you darling! I thought I'd never see you again,&quot; she sprang forward,
+caught her friend in a close embrace, and wept upon her neck.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie soothed her with caresses and words of endearment, and presently she
+calmed down, made her friend take a seat, and sinking back into her own,
+wiped away the tears still welling up in her eyes, and with a little
+hysterical laugh said, &quot;Please don't look so concerned, or think I'm
+unhappy with my dear old Phil, or going to die, or any such nonsense: it's
+just my nerves; hateful, torturing things! I wish I'd never found out I
+had any.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You poor dear, I'm so sorry for your lost health,&quot; said Elsie, exchanging
+her chair for a low ottoman at Lucy's feet, and taking the small thin
+hands in hers, stroking and patting them caressingly; &quot;I know nerves won't
+be reasoned with, and that tears are often a great relief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I've everything to make me happy,&quot; sobbed Lucy&mdash;&quot;the best husband in
+the world, and the darlingest of babies, to say nothing of mamma and papa,
+and the rest, and really almost everything one could desire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, the baby, yes!&quot; cried Elsie, turning towards it with eager interest;
+&quot;the sweet, pretty darling. May I take him a moment, Lucy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly, if he's not too heavy&mdash;bring him here, mammy. I remember your
+father would not allow you to lift or carry little Horace.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, but that was years ago! Ah, how lovely he is!&quot; as the babe accepted
+her mute invitation to come to her. &quot;You are rich indeed, with this
+treasure added to all your others. And you and your Phil don't quarrel
+yet?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No indeed! not the first cross word yet. Mamma calls us her turtle-doves:
+says we're always billing and cooing. Ah, Elsie, how beautiful you are!
+I've always thought you just as lovely as possible, yet there's an added
+something&mdash;I can't divine what&mdash;that increases even your peerless
+attractions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O Lucy, Lucy, still a flatterer!&quot; laughed her friend.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yet you've come back to us single,&quot; Lucy went on, ignoring the
+interruption, &quot;though we all know you had ever so many good offers. Pray,
+do you intend to remain single all your days?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At that, Elsie's face dimpled all over with blushes and smiles.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy signed to the nurse to take the babe, and as the woman walked away
+with it in her arms, turned eagerly to her friend.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now do tell me; for I'm sure you are not going to live single. Shall we
+have the pleasure of hailing you as duchess yet?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Lucy; I intend to marry; am actually engaged, but not to a
+foreigner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear me! I don't believe I could have resisted the title. That is,&quot; she
+added, hastily, &quot;if I'd been heart-whole like you: but after seeing my
+Phil, of course I wouldn't give him up for all the nobles in Europe, Asia,
+and Africa. But do tell me who is the fortunate man?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose you try your skill at guessing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perfectly useless, never had any. It must be somebody I don't know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My good little woman, you know him well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Either of Harry's brothers-in-law? Richard? Harold?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, no; you are wide of the mark! Could you suppose papa would ever
+consent to such a mixture of relationships? Why, it would make papa my
+brother and mamma's brother her son-in-law.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So it would. Well, I give it up and beg of you to put a speedy end to my
+suspense.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lucy bent her head to listen, and Elsie murmured the name low and softly,
+the rose deepening on her cheek as she spoke. For a moment Lucy seemed
+struck dumb with astonishment. Then, &quot;Elsie!&quot; she exclaimed, &quot;I can't
+believe it; you are only jesting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie shook her head with a low, musical, happy laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's splendid, I don't deny that; but then&mdash;only think&mdash;your father's
+most intimate friend from boyhood up; and almost as old.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some people seem like wine&mdash;to improve with age. But Mr. Travilla is not
+old to me now. He has been standing still, I believe, while I have grown
+up to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you really are in love with him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has all my heart, all the love I could give to any one, and I respect,
+honor, and trust him as I do no one else but my father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that reminds me; I was so afraid your father would not let you come
+to see me. But&mdash;you are your own mistress now, of course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa tells me so sometimes,&quot; laughed Elsie, &quot;and yet I know he would be
+greatly surprised should I take the liberty of doing anything he would not
+approve. I asked his permission to come, and he not only gave consent but
+brought me himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was good in him; but I hope he won't hurry you away. I want to hear
+about your European conquests, and have ever so much to say besides.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, he has kindly promised me time for a long talk. Besides, I can ride
+over any day and supplement it with another.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore was as good as his word; their chat had lasted more than an
+hour when his summons came, yet Lucy declared it had not been half long
+enough, and would not be satisfied to let Elsie go without a promise to
+come again very soon.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>&quot;Roselands, too, looks very natural, and very homelike,&quot; remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, as they rode up its avenue.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa; and yet, do you know, it seems to me it has grown smaller and
+less grand since I lived here as a child.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! did you think it very grand then, daughter?&quot; he asked, turning to her
+with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I believe so, papa; but it is beautiful yet, even after all the fine
+places we have seen in our own country and Europe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Adelaide met them at the door. &quot;Just in time,&quot; she said, &quot;for there is the
+dressing-bell. Your own old room, Elsie dear: you know the way and will
+find Aunt Chloe in waiting. Horace, you will make yourself at home of
+course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was strictly a family party, sociable and informal. Elsie had not met
+Arthur since their return, and at the first moment scarcely recognized him
+in the moustached and bewhiskered young man who rose and came forward,
+with a slight limp, to meet her as she entered the drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How do you do?&quot; he said, holding out his right hand, while steadying
+himself with a cane held in the left. &quot;I hope you're glad to get back to
+America?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Arthur, is it? Yes; thank you: and I'm very glad your injuries have
+proved less serious than was at first feared,&quot; she said, kindly meeting
+his advances half-way.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh yes,&quot; he replied, with attempted nonchalance, &quot;I shall be all right by
+and by.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then retreating to the seat from which he had just risen, the corner of a
+sofa by the side of his sister Adelaide, his eye following Elsie as she
+crossed the room to pay her respects to her grandfather and others. &quot;What
+on earth you call that girl little for, I can't imagine,&quot; he remarked in
+an undertone; &quot;why she's quite above the average height; graceful as a
+young fawn, too; splendid figure, and actually the most beautiful face I
+ever saw. I don't wonder she turned the heads of lords and dukes on the
+other side of the water. But what <i>do</i> you call her little for?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hardly know, Art; with me it's a term of endearment more than anything
+else, I believe,&quot; replied his sister; &quot;but there is something in the
+expression of her face&mdash;something that has always been there, a sweet
+simplicity and innocence&mdash;that moves one to a sort of protecting love as
+to a little one who has not yet attained sufficient worldly wisdom to take
+care of herself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Old Mr. Dinsmore greeted his lovely granddaughter almost affectionately,
+holding her hand in his for a moment, and looking from her to her father.
+&quot;Really, she's a girl to be proud of, Horace,&quot; he said with a paternal
+smile. &quot;But I've no need to tell you that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, she is not bad looking,&quot; observed his wife with a slight sneer; &quot;few
+girls would be in such elegant attire; but it surprises me to see that,
+with all her advantages and opportunities for improvement, she has not yet
+lost that baby expression she always had. She'll never be half the woman
+Enna is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The days were past in which the lady mother had gloried in the fact that
+anywhere Enna would have been taken for the elder of the two; and now the
+contrast between her faded, fretful face and Elsie's fresh bloom was a
+sore trial to madam's love, and pride in her household pet.</p>
+
+<p>But no one deemed it necessary to reply to the unpleasant remark. Elsie
+only smiled up into her father's face as he came forward and stood at her
+side, and meeting his look of loving content and pride in her, just as she
+was, and calling to mind how fully satisfied with her was another, whose
+loving approbation was no less precious, turned away with a half-breathed
+sigh of heartfelt happiness, finished her greetings, and, the dinner-bell
+ringing at that moment, accepted Walter's offered arm to the dining-room.</p>
+
+<p>Arthur was more and more charmed with his niece as he noted the modest
+ease and grace of her manners, both at the table, and afterwards in the
+drawing-room; listened to her music&mdash;greatly improved under the
+instructions of some of the first masters of Europe&mdash;and her conversation
+with his father and others, in which she almost unconsciously revealed
+rich stores of varied information gathered from books, the discourse of
+the wise and learned met in her travels, and her own keen yet kindly
+observations of men and things. These, with the elegance of her diction,
+and the ready play of wit and fancy, made her a fascinating talker.</p>
+
+<p>Contrary to Elsie's expectations, it was decided by the elders of the
+party that all should remain to tea.</p>
+
+<p>As the others returned to the drawing-room on leaving the table, she stole
+out upon the moonlighted veranda. Gazing wistfully down the avenue, was
+she thinking of one probably even then on his way to the Oaks&mdash;thinking of
+him and his disappointment at not finding her here?</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a nice night, this,&quot; remarked Arthur's voice at her side, &quot;I say,
+Elsie, suppose we bury the hatchet, you and I.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I never had any enmity towards you, Arthur,&quot; she answered, still gazing
+straight before her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, it's odd if you hadn't; I gave you cause enough, as you did me by
+your niggardly refusal to lend me a small sum, on occasions when I was
+hard up. But I'm willing to let by-gones be by-gones, if you are.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly; I should be glad to forget all that has been unpleasant in the
+past.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have improved wonderfully since I saw you last: you were a pretty
+girl then, but now you are without exception the most superbly beautiful,
+graceful, accomplished, and intelligent woman I ever saw.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do not like flattery, Arthur,&quot; she answered, turning coldly away.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pooh! the truth's never flattery; I declare if we were not so nearly
+related, I'd marry you myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You forget,&quot; she said, half scornfully, &quot;that it takes two to make a
+bargain; three in this case; and two of us would never consent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense! I'd soon manage it by clever courting. A man can always get the
+woman he wants if he's only sufficiently determined.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In that you are mistaken. But why broach so disagreeable a subject, since
+we are so nearly related that the very thought seems almost a sin and a
+crime?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so you're going to throw yourself away on old Travilla?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie faced him with flashing eyes. &quot;No; it will be no throwing away of
+myself, nor will I allow him to be spoken of in such disrespectful terms,
+in my presence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph!&quot; laughed Arthur. &quot;Well, I've found out how to make you angry, at
+all events. And I'm free to confess I don't like Travilla, or forgive him
+all old scores.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie scarcely seemed to hear. A horse was coming at a quiet canter up the
+avenue. Both the steed and his rider wore a familiar aspect, and the young
+girl's heart gave a joyous bound as the latter dismounted, throwing the
+reins to a servant, and came up the steps into the veranda.</p>
+
+<p>She glided towards him; there was an earnest, tender clasping of hands, a
+word or two of cordial greeting, and they passed into the house and
+entered the drawing room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph! not much sentiment there; act towards each other pretty much as
+they always have,&quot; said Arthur to himself, taking a cigar from his pocket
+and lighting it with a match. &quot;I wonder now what's the attraction to her
+for an old codger like that,&quot; he added watching the smoke as it curled
+lazily up from the end of his Havana.</p>
+
+<p>There was indeed nothing sentimental in the conduct of Mr. Travilla or
+Elsie: deep, true, heartfelt happiness there was on both sides, but calm
+and quiet, indulging in little demonstration, except when they were quite
+alone with each other. There was no secret made of the engagement, and it
+was soon known to all their friends and acquaintance. Mr. Travilla had
+always been in the habit of visiting the Oaks daily, and finding himself
+very much at home there; and he continued to come and go as formerly, all
+welcoming him with great cordiality, making him, if possible, more one of
+themselves than ever, while there was little change in Elsie's manner,
+except that all her late reserve had fled, and given place to the old ease
+and freedom, the sweet, affectionate confidences of earlier days.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore's determination to delay the marriage for a year was
+decidedly a keen disappointment to the middle-aged lover, who had already
+endured so long and patient a waiting for his prize; yet so thankful and
+joyous was he that he had at last won her for his own, that, finding
+remonstrance and entreaties alike unavailing, he presently accepted the
+conditions with a very good grace, comforting himself with the certainty
+of the permanence of her love. Elsie had no coquettish arts, was
+simple-hearted, straightforward, and true, as in her childhood, and their
+confidence in each other was unbounded.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FIFTH" id="CHAPTER_FIFTH" />CHAPTER FIFTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">&quot;Joy never feasts so high</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As when the first course is of misery.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">&mdash;SUCKLING.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Adelaide's marriage was fixed for Christmas eve, and Mr. Dinsmore and
+Elsie decided to take their trip to Louisiana at once, that they might be
+able to return in season for the wedding, at which Elsie was to be first
+bridesmaid.</p>
+
+<p>It was Elsie herself who broke the news of her intended journey to her
+faithful old nurse, explaining why she felt it her duty to go, and kindly
+leaving to Chloe's own decision whether she would accompany her or not.</p>
+
+<p>The dusky face grew very sad for a moment, tears springing to the dark
+eyes; but the voice was almost cheerful as she answered, &quot;Yes, you's
+right, honey darlin' you's all right to go and see 'bout dem poor souls
+and let 'em see dere beau'ful young missus; and your ole mammy 'll go
+'long too, for she neber could stay and let her chile run all dem risks on
+de boats an' cars an' she no dar to take care ob her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right, my own dear old mammy. I shall be glad to have you along,
+and hope you will find it pleasanter than you expect; but we must trust
+the Lord to take care of us all; for He only can prevent the accidents you
+fear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, honey, dat's de truff; an' we'll trust Him an' not be 'fraid,
+'cause don't He say, 'Not a hair ob your head shall perish.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee,'&quot; murmured Elsie, softly.
+&quot;Ah, the joy, the peace, of knowing that His presence and His love will
+ever go with us everywhere; and that He has all power in heaven and in
+earth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A week later, Mr. Dinsmore was showing his daughter the beauties of New
+Orleans, where they had arrived without accident or loss. They remained in
+the city long enough to attend thoroughly to the business which had called
+them there, and to see everything worth looking at.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's plantation was in the Teche country, the very loveliest part of
+grand old Louisiana. In order that suitable preparations might be made for
+their reception, word had been sent that they might be expected on a
+certain day.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have allowed more time than necessary for this place,&quot; said Mr.
+Dinsmore to his daughter one evening on returning to their hotel, after
+seeing the last of the lions of the Crescent City; &quot;we have two days to
+spare; what shall be done in them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let us go on to Viamede at once then, papa,&quot; replied Elsie, promptly. &quot;I
+have been regretting that we sent notice of our coming. I doubt if it
+would not have been wiser to take them by surprise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There would not be the same preparations for your comfort,&quot; replied her
+father, taking a seat by her on the sofa, for they were in their own
+private parlor; &quot;you may find unaired bed-linen and an empty larder,
+which, beside inconveniencing yourself, would sorely mortify and trouble
+Aunt Phillis and her right-hand woman, Sarah, the cook.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should be sorry you should have an inhospitable reception, papa, but
+fires are soon kindled and linen aired, and is not the pantry kept
+supplied with canned and preserved fruits? and are there not fresh fruits,
+vegetables, chickens, and eggs at hand for immediate use?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, certainly; and we are not likely to suffer. We Will, then, leave
+here to-morrow, if you wish, taking the steamer for Berwick Bay. But why
+prefer to come upon them unexpectedly?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie smiled, and blushed slightly. &quot;You know I never have any
+concealments from you, papa, and I will be frank about this,&quot; she said. &quot;I
+don't think I apt to be suspicious, and yet the thought has come to me
+several times within the last few days, that the overseer has had every
+opportunity to abuse my poor people if he happens to be of a cruel
+disposition. And if he is ill-treating them I should like to catch him at
+it,&quot; she added, her eyes kindling, and the color deepening on her cheek.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what would you do in that case?&quot; her lather asked, with a slight
+smile, drawing her close to him and touching his lips to the blooming
+cheek.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dismiss him, I suppose, papa; I don't know what else I could do to punish
+him or prevent further cruelties. I should not like to shoot him down,&quot;
+she added, laughingly; &quot;and I doubt if I should have strength to flog
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Doubt?&quot; laughed her father, &quot;certainly you could not, single-handed;
+unless his politeness should lead him to refrain from any effort to defend
+himself; and I, it would seem, am not expected to have anything to do with
+the matter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A deeper blush than before now suffused Elsie's fair cheek. &quot;Forgive me,
+dear papa,&quot; she said, laying her head on his shoulder, and fondly stroking
+his face with her pretty white hand. &quot;Please consider yourself master
+there as truly as at the Oaks, and as you have been for years; and
+understand that your daughter means to take no important step without your
+entire approval.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I do not go there as master, but as your guest,&quot; he answered, half
+playfully, half tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My guest? That seems pleasant indeed, papa; and yet I want you to be
+master too. But you will at least advise me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To the best of my ability, my little girl.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, my dear kind father. I have another reason for wishing to
+start to-morrow. I'm growing anxious and impatient to see my birthplace
+again: and,&quot; she added low and tenderly, &quot;mamma's grave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, we will visit it together for the first time; though I have stood
+there alone again and again, and her baby daughter used to be taken there
+frequently to scatter flowers over it and play beside it. Do you remember
+that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir, as an almost forgotten dream, as I do the house and grounds and
+some of the old servants who petted and humored me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>While father and daughter conversed thus together in the parlor, a dusky
+figure sat at a window in the adjoining bedroom, gazing out upon the
+moonlighted streets and watching the passers-by. But her thoughts, too,
+were straying to Viamede; fast-coming memories of earlier days, some all
+bright and joyous, others filled with the gloom and thick darkness of a
+terrible anguish, made her by turns long for and dread the arrival at her
+journey's end.</p>
+
+<p>A light touch on her shoulder, and she turned to find her young mistress
+at her side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My poor old mammy, I bring you news you will be sorry to hear,&quot; said
+Elsie, seating herself upon the ample lap, and laying her arm across the
+broad shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What dat, honey?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We start to-morrow for Viamede; papa has sent John to engage our passage
+on the steamer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dat all, darlin'?&quot; queried Chloe, with a sigh of relief, &quot;if we's got to
+go, might's well go quick an' hab it ober.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm glad you take so sensible a view of it,&quot; remarked Elsie,
+relieved in her turn; &quot;and I hope you will find much less pain and more
+pleasure than you expect in going back to the old home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, as Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter sat upon the deck of
+the steamer, enjoying the sunlight, the breeze, and the dancing of the
+water, having cleared their port and gotten fairly out into the gulf, a
+startling incident occurred.</p>
+
+<p>Chloe stood at a respectful distance, leaning over the side of the vessel,
+watching the play of the wheel and the rainbow in the spray that fell in
+showers at its every revolution. An old negro busied about the deck; drew
+near and addressed her:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, auntie, you watchin' dat ole wheel dar? Fust time you trable on dis
+boat, eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chloe started at the sound of the voice, turned suddenly round and faced
+the speaker, her features working with emotion: one moment of earnest
+scrutiny on the part of both, and with a wild cry, &quot;Aunt Chloe! my ole
+woman,&quot; &quot;Uncle Joe! it can't be you,&quot; they rushed into each other's arms,
+and hung about each other's neck, weeping and sobbing like two children.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa! what is it?&quot; exclaimed Elsie, greatly surprised at the little
+scene.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her husband, no doubt: he's too old to be a son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, how glad, how glad I am!&quot; and Elsie started to her feet, her eyes
+full of tears, and her sweet face sparkling all over with sympathetic joy.
+&quot;Papa, I shall buy him! they must never be parted again till death comes
+between.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A little crowd had already gathered about the excited couple, every one on
+deck hurrying to the spot, eager to learn the cause of the tumult of joy
+and grief into which the two seemed to have been so suddenly thrown.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore rose, and giving his arm to Elsie, led her towards the
+throng, saying in answer to her last remark, &quot;Better act through me, then,
+daughter, or you will probably be asked two or three prices.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O papa, yes; please attend to it for me&mdash;only&mdash;only I must have him, for
+dear old mammy's sake, at whatever cost.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The crowd opened to the lady and gentleman as they drew near.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My poor old mammy, what is it? whom have you found?&quot; asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>But Chloe was speechless with a joy so deep that it wore the aspect of an
+almost heart-breaking sorrow. She could only cling with choking sobs to
+her husband's arm. &quot;What's all this fuss, Uncle Joe?&quot; queried the captain.
+&quot;Let go the old darkie; what's she to you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My wife, sah, dat I ain't seed for twenty years, sah,&quot; replied the old
+man, trying to steady his trembling tones, obeying the order, but making
+no effort to shake off Chloe's clinging hold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave him for a little now, mammy dear; you shall never be parted again,&quot;
+whispered Elsie in her nurse's ear. &quot;Come with me, and let papa talk to
+the captain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chloe obeyed, silently following her young mistress to the other side of
+the deck, but ever and anon turning her head to look back with wet eyes at
+the old wrinkled black face and white beard that to her were so dear, so
+charming. His eyes were following her with a look of longing, yearning
+affection, and involuntarily he stretched out his arms towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Off to your work, sir,&quot; ordered the captain, &quot;and let's have no more of
+this nonsense.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Old Joe moved away with a patient sigh.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The woman is your property, I presume, sir?&quot; the captain remarked in a
+respectful tone, addressing Mr. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my daughter's, which amounts to the same thing,&quot; that gentleman
+replied in a tone of indifference; then changing the subject, made some
+inquiries about the speed and safety of the boat, the length of her trips,
+etc.</p>
+
+<p>The captain answered pleasantly, showing pride in his vessel. Then they
+spoke of other things: the country, the crops, the weather.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sit down, mammy,&quot; said Elsie pityingly, as they reached the settee where
+she and her father had been sitting; &quot;you are trembling so you can
+scarcely stand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O darlin', dat's true 'nuff, I'se mos' ready to drop,&quot; she said
+tremulously, coming down heavily upon a trunk that stood close at hand.
+&quot;Oh, de good Lord hab bring me face to face wid my ole Uncle Joe; oh, I
+neber 'spected to see him no more in dis wicked world. But dey'll take 'im
+off again an' dis ole heart'll break,&quot; she added, with a bursting sob.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, mammy, you shall have him, if money can accomplish it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You buy 'im, darlin'? Oh, your ole mammy can neber t'ank you 'nuff!&quot; and
+a low, happy laugh mingled with the choking sobs. &quot;But dey'll ask heaps ob
+money.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall have him, let the price be what it will,&quot; was Elsie's
+assurance. &quot;See papa is bargaining with the captain now, for they look at
+Uncle Joe as they talk.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chloe regarded them with eager interest; yes, they were looking at Uncle
+Joe, and evidently speaking of him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By the way,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore remarked carelessly, &quot;does Uncle Joe belong to
+you? or is he merely a hired hand?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's my property, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Would you like to sell?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not anxious; he's a good hand, faithful and honest: quite a
+religious character in fact,&quot; he concluded with a sneer; &quot;overshoots the
+mark in prayin and psalm-singing. But do you want to buy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well yes; my daughter is fond of her old mammy, and for her sake would be
+willing to give a reasonable sum. What do you ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Make me an offer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Five hundred dollars.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Five hundred? ridiculous! he's worth twice that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think not, he is old&mdash;not far from seventy and will soon be past work
+and only a burden and expense. My offer is a good one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Make it seven hundred and I'll take it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore considered a moment. &quot;That is too high,&quot; he said at length,
+&quot;but for the sake of making two poor creatures happy, I will give it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cash down?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, a check on a New Orleans bank.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Please walk down into the cabin then, sir, and we'll conclude the
+business at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments Mr. Dinsmore returned to his daughter's side, and placing
+the receipted bill of sale in her hands, asked, &quot;Have I given too much?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no, papa, no indeed! I should have given a thousand without a
+moment's hesitation, if asked it&mdash;five, ten thousand, if need be, rather
+than have them parted again,&quot; she exclaimed, the bright tears shining in
+her eyes. &quot;Mammy, my poor old mammy, Uncle Joe belongs to me now, and you
+can have him always with you as long as the Lord spares your lives.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now bress de Lord!&quot; cried the old woman devoutly, raising her streaming
+eyes and clasped hands to heaven; &quot;de good Lord dat hears de prayers ob
+His chilen's cryin' to Him when dere hearts is oberwhelmed!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go break the news to Uncle Joe, mammy,&quot; said Elsie; &quot;see, yonder he
+stands looking so eager and wistful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chloe hurried to his side, spoke a few rapid words; there was another
+long, clinging, tearful embrace, and they hastened to their master and
+mistress to pour out their thanks and blessings upon them, mingled with
+praises and fervent thanksgivings to the Giver of all good.</p>
+
+<p>The joy and gratitude of the poor old couple were very sweet, very
+delightful to Elsie, and scarcely less so to her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mammy dear, I never saw you wear so happy a face,&quot; Elsie said, as Chloe
+returned to her after an hour or two spent in close conversation with her
+newly recovered spouse.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, honey, your ole mammy tinks she neber so glad in all her life!&quot; cried
+the poor old creature, clasping her hands together in an ecstasy of joy
+and gratitude while the big tears shone in her eyes. &quot;I'se got ole Uncle
+Joe back agin, an' he not de same, he bettah man, Christian man. He say,
+'Aunt Chloe we uns trabble de same road now, honey: young Joe proud,
+angry, swearing drinkin' boy, your Ole Joe he lub de Lord an' try to sarve
+Him wid all he might. And de Lord good Massa. De debbil berry bad one.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear mammy, I am very glad for you; I think nothing else could have made
+you so happy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chloe, weeping again for joy, went on to tell her young mistress that
+Uncle Joe had discovered a grandchild in New Orleans, Dinah by name,
+waiting-maid in a wealthy family.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But how is that, mammy? Papa and I thought all your children died young.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, darlin', when Massa Grayson buy me in New Orleans, an' de odder
+gentleman buy Uncle Joe, we hab little girl four years ole, an' de ole
+missus keep her,&quot; sobbed Chloe, living over again the agony of the
+parting, &quot;an' Dinah her chile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mammy, if money will buy her, you shall have her, too,&quot; said Elsie
+earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>The remainder of the short voyage was a happy time to the whole of our
+little party, Chloe, with her restored husband by her side, now looking
+forward to the visit to Viamede with almost unmingled pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>As they passed up the bay, entered Teche Bayou and pressed on, threading
+their way through lake and lakelet, past plain and forest, plantation and
+swamp, Elsie exclaimed again and again at the beauty of the scenery. Cool
+shady dells carpeted with the rich growth of flowers, miles upon miles of
+lawns as smoothly shaven, as velvety green and as nobly shaded by
+magnificent oaks and magnolias, as any king's demesne; lordly villas
+peering through groves of orange trees, tall white, sugar-houses and the
+long rows of cabins of the laborers; united to form a panorama of
+surpassing loveliness.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is Viamede as lovely as that, papa?&quot; Elsie would ask, as they steamed
+past one fine residence after another.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite,&quot; he would reply with a smile, at length adding, &quot;There is not a
+more beautiful or valuable estate in the country; as you may judge for
+yourself, for this is it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This, papa? Oh it is lovely, lovely! and everything in such perfect
+order,&quot; she cried delightedly as they swept on past a large sugar-house
+and an immense orange orchard, whose golden fruit and glossy leaves shone
+brightly in the slanting rays of the nearly setting sun, to a lawn as
+large, as thickly carpeted with smoothly shaven grass and many-hued
+flowers, and as finely shaded with giant oaks, graceful magnolias, and
+groves of orange trees, as any they had passed. The house&mdash;a grand old
+mansion with spacious rooms, wide cool halls and corridors&mdash;was now in
+full view, now half concealed by the trees and shrubbery.</p>
+
+<p>The boat rounded to at a little pier opposite the dwelling, and in another
+moment our friends had landed, and leaving the servants to attend to the
+baggage were walking on towards the house.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_SIXTH" id="CHAPTER_SIXTH" />CHAPTER SIXTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Draw near them then in being merciful,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 16.5em;">&mdash;SHAKESPEARE.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, it seems an earthly paradise,&quot; said Elsie, &quot;and like a dream that I
+have seen all before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A dream that was a reality. And it is all your own, my darling,&quot; he
+answered with a proud, fond look into the bright animated face, keenly
+enjoying her pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what, what is going on there?&quot; she asked, gazing intently in the
+direction of the negro quarter, where a large crowd of them, probably all
+belonging to the plantation, were assembled.</p>
+
+<p>At that instant something rose in the air and descended again, and a wild
+shriek, a woman's wail of agony, rent the air.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie flew over the ground as though she had been a winged creature, her
+father having to exert himself to keep pace with her. But the whip had
+descended again and again, another and another of those wild shrieks
+testifying to the sharpness of its sting, ere they were near enough to
+interfere.</p>
+
+<p>So taken up with the excitement of the revolting scene were all present,
+that the landing and the approach of our friends had not been observed
+until Elsie, nearing the edge of the crowd, called out in a voice of
+authority, and indignation, &quot;Stop! not another blow!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The crowd parted, showing a middle-aged negress stripped to the waist and
+tied to a whipping post, writhing and sobbing with pain and terror, while
+a white man stood over her with a horse-whip in his uplifted hand, stayed
+in mid-air by the sudden appearance of those in authority over him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How dare you! how <i>dare</i> you!&quot; cried Elsie, stamping her foot, and
+drawing a long, sobbing breath. &quot;Take her down this instant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Spriggs, what is the meaning of this?&quot; asked Mr. Dinsmore, in tones
+of calm displeasure; &quot;did I not forbid all cruel punishment on this
+estate?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've got to make 'em work; I'm bound they shall, and nothing but the
+whip'll do it with this lazy wretch,&quot; muttered Spriggs, dropping his whip
+and stepping back a little, while two stalwart fellows obeyed Elsie's
+order to take the woman down, a murmur at the same time running from lip
+to lip, &quot;It's Marse Dinsmore, and our young missus.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie shuddered and wept at sight of the bleeding back and shoulders.
+&quot;Cover her up quickly, and take her away where she can lie down and rest,&quot;
+she said to the women who were crowding round to greet and welcome
+herself. &quot;I will speak to you all afterwards, I'm glad to be here among
+you.&quot; Then leaning over the sufferer for an instant, with fast-dropping
+tears, &quot;Be comforted,&quot; she said, in tones of gentle compassion, &quot;you shall
+never have this to endure again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, daughter, speak to these eager people, and let us go into the
+house,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa, in one moment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Drawing herself up to her full height, and flashing one look of scorn and
+indignation out of her dark eyes upon the crest-fallen Spriggs, she
+addressed him with the air of a queen. &quot;You, sir, will meet me in the
+library at eight o'clock this evening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the men, &quot;Dig up that post, and split it into kindling-wood for
+the kitchen fire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Her father, while shaking hands with the blacks, speaking a kindly word to
+each, regarded her with mingled curiosity and admiration; thoroughly
+acquainted with his child as he had believed himself to be, he now saw her
+in a new character.</p>
+
+<p>She took his arm, and he felt that she was trembling very much. He
+supported her tenderly, while the women flocked about them, eagerly
+welcoming her to Viamede; kissing her hand, and declaring with tears in
+their eyes, that it was just their &quot;dear dead young missus come back to
+them, like a beautiful white angel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The first who claimed her attention, introduced herself as &quot;Aunt Phillis
+de housekeepah. An' I'se got eberyting ready for you, honey; de beds is
+aired, de fires laid in de drawin'-room, an' library, an' sleepin' rooms,
+an' de pantry full ob the nicest tings dis chile an' ole Aunt Sally know
+how to cook; an' I sent Jack right to de house to start de fires de fust
+minute dese ole eyes catch sight ob massa an' young missus, an' knows dey
+heyah.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear child, all this is quite too much for you,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore,
+attempting to draw his daughter away.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just a moment, papa, please,&quot; she answered in a slightly unsteady voice;
+&quot;let me speak to them all.&quot; He yielded, but cut short the garrulity of
+some who would have liked to mingle reminiscences of her baby-hood with
+their rejoicing over her return, telling them they must reserve such
+communication for a more suitable time, as their young mistress was faint
+and weary, and must have rest.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of Chloe and her recovered husband upon the scene, now
+created a diversion in their favor, and he presently succeeded in leading
+Elsie to the house.</p>
+
+<p>A young mulatto girl followed them into the drawing-room, where a bright
+wood-fire was blazing on the hearth, asking if she should take Miss
+Elsie's things.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore said, removing his daughter's hat and shawl, and
+handing them to her.</p>
+
+<p>She left the room; and taking Elsie in his arms, and gently laying her
+head upon his breast, &quot;Let the tears have their way, darling,&quot; he said,
+&quot;it will do you good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>For several minutes the tears came in floods. &quot;Oh, papa,&quot; she sobbed, &quot;to
+think that my people, my poor people, should be so served. It must never,
+never be again!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; he said, &quot;we will find means to prevent it. There, you feel better
+now, do you not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir. Papa dear, welcome, welcome to my house; the dearest guest
+that could come to it.&quot; And wiping away her tears, she lifted her loving
+eyes to his, a tender smile playing about the sweet lips.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Save one,&quot; he answered half-playfully, passing his hand caressingly over
+her hair, and bending down to press his lips on brow, and cheeks, and
+mouth. &quot;Is not that so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, my own dear father, save none,&quot; with a charming blush, but eyes
+looking steadily into his; &quot;when he comes, it shall be as master, not
+guest. But now tell me, please, what can I do with this Spriggs? I should
+like to pay him a month's wages in advance, and start him off early
+to-morrow morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore shook his head gravely. &quot;It would not do, my child. The
+sugar-making season will shortly begin; he understands the business
+thoroughly; we could not supply his place at a moment's notice, or
+probably in a number of months, and the whole crop would be lost. We must
+not be hasty or rash, but remember the Bible command, 'Let your moderation
+be known unto all men.' Nor should we allow ourselves to judge the man too
+hardly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too hardly, papa! too hardly, when he has shown himself so cruel! But I
+beg pardon for interrupting you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, too hardly, daughter. He is a New Englander, used to see every one
+about him working with steady, persevering industry, and the indolent,
+dawdling ways of the blacks, which we take as a matter of course, are
+exceedingly trying to him. I think he has been very faithful to your
+interests, and that probably his desire and determination to see them
+advanced to the utmost, led, more than anything else, to the act which
+seems to us so cruel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And could he suppose that I would have blood wrung from my poor people
+that a few more dollars might find their way into my purse?&quot; she cried in
+indignant sorrow and anger. &quot;Oh, papa, I am not so cruel, you know I am
+not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my darling, I know you have a very tender, loving heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what shall I do with Spriggs?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For to-night, express your sentiments and feelings on the subject as
+calmly and moderately as you can, and enjoin it upon him to act in
+accordance with them. Then we may consider at our leisure what further
+measures can be taken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, you are so much wiser and better than I,&quot; she said, with loving
+admiration, &quot;I'm afraid if you had not been here to advise me, I should
+have sent him away at once, with never a thought of crops or anything
+except securing my people from his cruelties.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You should never allow yourself to act from mere impulse, except it be
+unquestionably a right one, and the case admitting of no time for
+deliberation. As to my superior wisdom,&quot; he added with a smile, &quot;I have
+lived some years longer than you, and had more experience in the
+management of business matters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am very sorry, my darling, that the pleasure of your return to the home
+of your infancy should be so marred. But you have scarcely taken a look
+yet at even this room. What do you think of it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She glanced about her with freshly aroused curiosity and interest. &quot;Papa,
+it is just to my taste!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The firelight gleamed upon rare old cabinets, gems of art in painting and
+statuary, and rich, massive, well-preserved, though old-fashioned sofas,
+chairs, tables, etc. But it was already growing dark, deep shadows were
+gathering in the more distant parts of the spacious apartment, and only
+near the fire could objects be distinctly seen. Elsie was about to ring
+for lights, when Sarah, the mulatto girl, appeared, bringing them, Chloe
+following close in the rear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you fires and lights in the library, the dining-room, and your
+master's rooms and mine?&quot; inquired Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;De fires is lit, Miss Elsie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then add the lights at once, and put them in all the principal rooms of
+the house. We will have an illumination in honor of our arrival, papa,&quot;
+she said, in a sprightly tone, turning to him with one of her sweetest
+smiles, &quot;and besides, I want to see the whole house now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you not too much fatigued, daughter? and would it not be better to
+defer it till to-morrow?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't think I'm too tired, papa; but if you forbid me&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I don't forbid or even advise, if you are sure you feel equal to the
+exertion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, sir, I think I'll be better able to sleep if I've seen at
+least the most of it; old memories are troubling me, and I want to see how
+far they are correct You will go with me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly,&quot; he said, giving her his arm. &quot;But while the servants are
+obeying your order in regard to the lights, let us examine these paintings
+more attentively. They will repay close scrutiny, for some of them are by
+the first masters. Your Grandfather Grayson seems to have been a man of
+cultivated taste, as well as great business talent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa. What is it, mammy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does you want me, darlin'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, not now. Go and enjoy yourself with your husband and old friends.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chloe expressed her grateful thanks, and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie found the paintings and statuary a study, and had scarcely finished
+her survey of the drawing-room and its treasures of art, when Aunt Phillis
+came to ask if they would have tea served up immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie looked at her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he said; &quot;you will feel stronger after eating, and it is about our
+usual time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then let us have it, Aunt Phillis. How is that poor creature now?&quot; asked
+her young mistress.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suse, honey? oh, she'll do well 'nuff; don't do her no harm to take some
+ob de lazy blood out. Massa Spriggs not so terrible cross, Miss Elsie; but
+he bound de work git done, an' Suse she mighty powerful lazy, jes' set in
+de sun an' do nuffin' from mornin' to night, ef nobody roun' to make her
+work.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, that is very bad; we must try to reform her in some way. But perhaps
+she's not well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dunno, missus; she's always 'plaining ob de misery in her back, an'
+misery in her head; but don't ebery one hab a misery, some kind, most
+days? an' go on workin' all de same. No, missus, Suse she powerful lazy
+ole nigga.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With that Phillis retired, and shortly after, tea was announced as ready.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie played the part of hostess to perfection, presiding over the tea-urn
+with ease and grace, and pressing upon her father the numerous dainties
+with which the table was loaded. She seemed to have recovered her spirits,
+and as she sat there gayly chatting&mdash;of the room, which pleased her as
+entirely as the other, and of her plans for usefulness and pleasure during
+her stay, he thought he had never seen her look happier or more beautiful.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What rooms have you prepared for your mistress, Aunt Phillis?&quot; asked Mr.
+Dinsmore, as they rose from the table.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;De same whar she was born, massa, an' whar her dear bressed ma stay when
+she livin' heyah.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A slight shadow stole over Elsie's bright face. &quot;That was right,&quot; she
+said, low and softly. &quot;I should prefer them to any others. But where are
+papa's rooms?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jes' across de hall, Miss Elsie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is a good arrangement,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore. &quot;Now, daughter, I think
+we should repair to the library. It is near the hour you appointed for Mr.
+Spriggs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just as handsome, as tastefully, appropriately, and luxuriously furnished
+as the others,&quot; was Elsie's comment on the library. &quot;I seem to see the
+same hand everywhere.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and it is the same all over the house,&quot; replied her father. &quot;The
+books here will delight you; for a private library it is a very fine one,
+containing many hundred volumes, as you may see at a glance; standard
+works on history, and the arts and sciences, biographies, travels, works
+of reference, the works of the best poets, novelists, etc.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, how we will enjoy them while here! But it seems a sad pity they
+should have lain on those shelves unused for so many years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not entirely, my child; I have enjoyed them in my brief visits to the
+plantation, and have always allowed the overseer free access to them, on
+the single condition that they should be handled with care, and each
+returned promptly to its proper place when done with. But come, take this
+easy chair by this table; here are some fine engravings I want you to look
+at.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie obeyed, but had scarcely seated herself when the door was thrown
+open and a servant's voice announced, &quot;Massa Spriggs, Massa Dinsmore and
+Miss Elsie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Spriggs, a tall, broad-shouldered, powerfully-built man, with dark hair
+and beard and a small, keen black eye, came forward with a bold free air
+and a &quot;Good-even', miss, good-even', sir;&quot; adding, as he helped himself to
+a seat without waiting for an invitation, &quot;Well, here I am, and I s'pose
+you've somethin' to say or you wouldn't have appointed the meetin'.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Mr. Spriggs,&quot; said Elsie, folding her pretty hands in her lap and
+looking steadily and coldly into his brazen face, &quot;I have this to say;
+that I entirely disapprove of flogging, and will have none of it on the
+estate. I hope you understand me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's plain English and easy understood, Miss Dinsmore, and Dinsmore,
+and of course you have a right to dictate in the matter; but I tell you
+what, these darkies o' yours are a dreadful lazy set, specially that Suse;
+and it's mighty hard for folks that's been used to seein' things done up
+spick and span and smart to put up with it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But some amount of patience with the natural slowness of the negro is a
+necessary trait in the character of an overseer who wishes to remain in my
+employ.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, miss, I always calculate to do the very best I can by my employers,
+and when you come to look round the estate, I guess you'll find things in
+prime order; but I couldn't ha' done it without lettin' the darkies know
+they'd got to toe the mark right straight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They must attend to the work, of course, and if they won't do so
+willingly, must under compulsion; but there are milder measures than this
+brutal flogging.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you prescribe, Miss Dinsmore?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Deprive them of some privilege, or lock them up on bread and water for a
+few days,&quot; Elsie answered; then turned an appealing look upon her father,
+who had as yet played the part of a mere listener.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have never allowed any flogging on my estate,&quot; he observed, addressing
+Spriggs, &quot;and I cannot think it at all necessary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment of silence, Spriggs sitting looking into the fire, a
+half-smile playing about his lips; then turning to Elsie, &quot;I thought,
+miss, you'd a mind this evening to dismiss me on the spot,&quot; he remarked
+inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>She flushed slightly, but replied with dignity, &quot;If you will comply with
+my directions, sir, pledging yourself never again to be so cruel, I have
+no desire to dismiss you from my service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right then, miss. I promise, and shall still do the best I can for
+your interests; but if they suffer because I'm forbidden to use the lash,
+please remember it's not my fault.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am willing to take the risk,&quot; she answered, intimating with a motion of
+her hand that she considered the interview at an end; whereupon he rose
+and bowed himself out.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, papa, for our tour of inspection,&quot; she cried gayly, rising as she
+spoke, and ringing for a servant to carry the light. &quot;But first please
+tell me if I was sufficiently moderate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You did very well,&quot; he answered, smiling. &quot;You take to the role of
+mistress much more naturally than I expected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yet it does seem very odd to me to be giving orders while you sit by a
+mere looker-on. But, dear papa, please remember I am still your own child,
+and ready to submit to your authority, whenever you see fit to exert it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know it, my darling,&quot; he said, passing an arm about her waist, as they
+stood together in front of the fire, and gazing fondly down into the sweet
+fair face.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Chloe answered the bell, bringing a lamp in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is right, mammy,&quot; Elsie said. &quot;Now lead the way over the house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As they passed from room to room, and from one spacious hall or corridor
+to another, Elsie expressed her entire satisfaction with them and their
+appointments, and accorded to Aunt Phillis the meed of praise due her
+careful housekeeping.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And here, my darling,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore said at length, leading the way
+through a beautiful boudoir and dressing-room into an equally elegant and
+attractive bedroom beyond, &quot;they tell me you were born, and your beloved
+mother passed from earth to heaven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An' eberyting in de room stands jees' as dey did den, honey,&quot; said Aunt
+Chloe. And approaching the bed, her eyes swimming in tears, and laying her
+hand upon the pillow, &quot;jes' here my precious young missus lie, wid cheeks
+'mos' as white as de linen, an' eyes so big an' bright, an' de lubly curls
+streamin' all roun', an' she say, weak an' low, 'Mammy, bring me my baby.'
+Den I put you in her arms, darlin', an' she kiss you all ober your tiny
+face, an' de tears an' sobs come fast while she say, 'Poor little baby; no
+fader no mudder to lub her! nobody but you, mammy; take her an' bring her
+up to lub de dear Lord Jesus.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Silent tears rolled down Elsie's cheeks as she looked and listened; but
+her father drew her to his breast and kissed them away, his own eyes
+brimming, his heart too full for speech.</p>
+
+<p>Presently he led her back to the boudoir, and showed her the portraits of
+her maternal grandparents, and one of her mother, taken at ten or twelve
+years of age.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What a lovely little girl she was,&quot; murmured Elsie, gazing lovingly upon
+it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very much like what her daughter was at the same age,&quot; he answered. &quot;But
+come, this, too, will interest you.&quot; And lifting the lid of a dainty
+work-basket, he pointed to a bit of embroidery, in which the needle was
+still sticking, as though it had been laid down by the deft fingers but a
+few moments ago.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie caught it up and kissed it, thinking of the touch of those dear dead
+fingers, that seemed to linger over it yet.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_SEVENTH" id="CHAPTER_SEVENTH" />CHAPTER SEVENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;">&quot;She was the pride</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of her familiar sphere, the daily joy</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of all who on her gracefulness might gaze,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in the light and music of her way</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Have a companion's portrait,&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">&mdash;WILLIS' POEMS.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Elsie had fallen asleep thinking of the dear mother whose wealth she
+inherited, and whose place she was now filling; thinking of her as
+supremely blest, in that glorious, happy land, where sin and sorrow are
+unknown. Thinking, too, of Him, through whose shed blood she had found
+admittance there.</p>
+
+<p>The same sweet thoughts were still in the loving daughter's mind, as she
+woke to find the morning sun shining brightly, a fire blazing cheerily on
+the hearth, and Aunt Chloe coming in with a silver waiter filled with
+oranges prepared for eating in the manner usual in the tropics.</p>
+
+<p>She had gathered them the night before, taken off the peel, leaving the
+thick white skin underneath except on the top of each, where she cut it
+away from a spot about the size of a silver quarter of a dollar. She then
+placed them on a waiter, with the cut part uppermost, and set them where
+the dew would fall on them all night. Morning found them with the skin
+hard and leathery, but filled with delicious juice, which could be readily
+withdrawn from it.</p>
+
+<p>At that sight, a sudden memory seemed to flash upon Elsie, and starting up
+in the bed, &quot;Mammy!&quot; she cried, &quot;didn't you do that very thing when I was
+a child?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What, honey? bring de oranges in de mornin'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I seem to remember your coming in at that door, with just such a
+waiterful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, darlin', de folks allus eats dem 'foah breakfast. Deys jes' lubly,
+Miss Elsie; massa say so, lubly and delicious.&quot; And she brought the waiter
+to her bedside, holding it out for her young mistress to help herself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, mammy dear, they look very tempting, but I won't eat with unwashed
+hands and face,&quot; said Elsie gayly. &quot;And so papa has stolen a march upon me
+and risen first?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, darlin', massa out on the veranda, but he say 'Let your missus sleep
+long as she will.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My always kind and indulgent father! Mammy, I'll take a bath; and then
+while you arrange my hair, I'll try the oranges. Go now and ask papa when
+he will have his breakfast, and tell Aunt Phillis to see that it is ready
+at the hour he names.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Chloe obeyed, and an hour later Elsie met her father in the breakfast-room
+so glad, so gay, so bright, that his heart swelled with joy and pleasure
+in his child, and all fears that she had overfatigued herself vanished
+from his mind.</p>
+
+<p>She was full of plans for the comfort and profit of her people, but all to
+be subject to his approval &quot;Papa dear,&quot; she said as soon as their morning
+greetings had been exchanged, &quot;I think of sending for a physician to
+examine Suse and tell us whether there is reason for her complaints. She
+must not be forced to work if she is really ill.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think it would be well,&quot; he replied. &quot;There is an excellent physician
+living about three miles from here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was prompt in action by both nature and training, and instantly
+summoning a servant, despatched him at once on the proposed errand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now what next?&quot; smilingly inquired her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, papa, after breakfast and prayers&mdash;how some of the old servants
+seemed to enjoy them last night&mdash;I think of going down to the quarter to
+see what may be needed there. Unless you have some other plan for me,&quot; she
+added quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose we first mount our horses and ride over the estate, to learn for
+ourselves whether Mr. Spriggs has been as faithful as he would have us
+believe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah yes, papa; yours is always the better plan.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Their ride in the clear, sweet morning air was most delightful, and both
+felt gratified with the fine appearance of the crops and the discovery
+that Spriggs' boast was no idle one; everything being in the nicest order.</p>
+
+<p>They took the quarter on the way to the house, and dismounting, entered
+one neatly whitewashed cabin after another, kindly inquiring into the
+condition and wants of the inmates, Elsie making notes on her tablets that
+nothing might be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Everywhere the visit was received with joy and gratitude, and an almost
+worshipful homage paid to the sweet young mistress whom they seemed to
+regard as akin to the angels: probably in a great measure because of her
+extraordinary likeness to her mother, of whom, for so many years they had
+been accustomed to think and speak as one of the heavenly host.</p>
+
+<p>Spriggs' victim of the previous day was in bed, complaining much of a
+misery in back and head and limbs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;De doctah hab been heyah,&quot; she said, &quot;an' leff me dese powdahs to take,&quot;
+drawing a tiny package from under her pillow.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie spoke soothingly to her; said she should have some broth from the
+house, and should be excused from work till the doctor pronounced her
+quite fit for it again; and left her apparently quite happy.</p>
+
+<p>It was the intention of our friends to spend some weeks at Viamede.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I want you to have every possible enjoyment while here, my darling,&quot; Mr.
+Dinsmore said, as they sat together resting after their ride, in the wide
+veranda at the front of the house, looking out over the beautiful lawn,
+the bayou, and the lovely scenery beyond. &quot;There are pleasant neighbors
+who will doubtless call when they hear of our arrival.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I almost wish they may not hear of it then,&quot; Elsie said half laughing; &quot;I
+just want to be left free from the claims of society for this short time,
+that I may fully enjoy being alone with my father and attending to the
+comfort of my people. But excuse me, dear papa, I fear I interrupted you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I excuse you on condition that you are not again guilty of such a breach
+of good manners. I was going on to say there are delightful drives and
+walks in the vicinity, of which I hope we will be able to make good use;
+also, we will have a row now and then on the bayou, and many an hour of
+quiet enjoyment of the contents of the library.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa, I hope so; I do so enjoy a nice book, especially when read
+with you. But I think that, for the present at least, I must spend a part
+of each day in attending to the preparation of winter clothing for
+house-servants and field hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I won't have you doing the actual work, the cutting out and sewing, I
+mean,&quot; he answered decidedly; &quot;the head work, calculating how much
+material is needed, what it will cost, etc., may be yours; but you have
+servants enough to do all the rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, papa, consider; over three hundred to clothe, and I want it all done
+while I am here to oversee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have not some of the house-servants been trained as seamstresses?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir, two of them, mammy tells me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well; she knows how to run a sewing-machine. Send for one when you
+order your material; both can be had in the nearest town. Aunt Chloe can
+soon teach the girls how to manage it; Uncle Joe, too; he has had no
+regular work assigned him yet, and the four can certainly do all without
+anything more than a little oversight from you; yes, without even that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What a capital planner you are, papa,&quot; she said brightly; &quot;I never
+thought of getting a machine or setting Uncle Joe to running it; but I am
+sure it's just the thing to do. Mammy can cut and the girls baste, and
+among them the machine can easily be kept going from morning to night.
+I'll make out my orders and send for the things at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is right, daughter; it pleases me well to note how you put in
+practice the lesson of promptness I have always tried to teach you. I will
+help you in making your estimate of quantities needed, prices to be paid,
+etc., and I think we can accomplish the whole before dinner. Come to the
+library and let us to work.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You dear, kind father, always trying to help me and smooth the least
+roughness out of my path, and make life as enjoyable to me as possible,&quot;
+she said, laying her hand on his arm and looking up into his face with
+eyes beaming with filial love, as they rose and stood together for a
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good daughter deserves a good father,&quot; he answered, smoothing with soft
+caressing motion the shining hair. &quot;But have you the necessary data for
+our estimates?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The number to be clothed, papa? I know how many house-servants, how many
+babies and older children at the quarter, but not the number of field
+hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That will be easily ascertained. I will send a note to Spriggs, who can
+tell us all about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore's plans were carried out to the letter, and with entire
+success. This was Saturday; the orders were sent that afternoon, and on
+Monday morning the work began. Aunt Chloe proved fully equal to the
+cutting of the garments, and Uncle Joe an apt scholar under her patient,
+loving teaching, and a willing worker at his new employment. There was
+scarcely need of even oversight on the part of the young mistress. She
+would drop in occasionally, commend their industry, and inquire if
+anything were wanting; then felt free for books, rides or walks, music or
+conversation with her father.</p>
+
+<p>But she was often down at the quarter visiting the sick, the aged and
+infirm, seeing that their wants were supplied, reading the Bible to them,
+praying with them, telling of the better land where no trouble or sorrow
+can come, and trying to make the way to it, through the shed blood of
+Christ, very plain and clear. Then she would gather the children about her
+and tell them of the blessed Jesus and His love for little ones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does He lub niggahs, missus?&quot; queried one grinning little wooly head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, if they love Him: and they won't be negroes in heaven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;White folks, missus? Oh, dat nice! Guess I go dar; ef dey let me in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But we are anticipating somewhat, though Elsie found time for a short
+visit to the sick and aged on the afternoon of even that first day at
+Viamede. The next was the Sabbath, and as lovely a day as could be
+desired. The horses were ordered for an early hour, and father and
+daughter rode some miles together to morning service, then home again.</p>
+
+<p>As the shadows began to lengthen in the afternoon, Elsie was sitting alone
+on the veranda, her father having left her side but a moment before, when
+an old negro, familiarly known as Uncle Ben, came round the corner of the
+house, and slowly approached her.</p>
+
+<p>Very sweet and fair, very beautiful she looked to his admiring eyes. She
+held a Bible in her hand, and was so intent upon its perusal that she was
+not aware of his coming until he had drawn quite near. Ascending the
+steps, and standing at a respectful distance, hat in hand, he waited till
+she should notice and address him.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing up from her book, &quot;Ah, Uncle Ben, good evening,&quot; she said. &quot;What
+can I do for you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Missus,&quot; he answered, making a low salam, &quot;all de darkies is gadered
+togedder under a tree 'round de house yondah, and dey 'pint me committee
+to come an' ax de young missus would she be so kind for to come an' read
+the Bible to dem, an' talk, an' pray, an' sing like she do for de sick
+ones down to de quarter? Dey be berry glad, missus, an' more dan obliged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed I will, uncle,&quot; Elsie said, rising at once and going with him,
+Bible in hand; &quot;I had been thinking of doing this very thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She found a rustic seat placed for her under a giant oak, and garlanded
+with fragrant flowers. Aunt Phillis, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, and the rest
+of the house-servants, gathered in a semicircle around it, while beyond,
+the men, women, and children from the quarter sat or lay upon the grass,
+enjoying the rest from the toils of the week, the quiet, the balmy air
+laden with the fragrance of the magnolia and orange, and all the sweet
+sights and sounds of rural life in that favored region.</p>
+
+<p>Every one rose at the appearance of their young mistress, and there were
+murmurs of delight and gratitude coming from all sides. &quot;Now bress de
+Lord, she read the good book for us.&quot; &quot;She good an' lubly as de angels.&quot;
+&quot;Missus berry kind, de darkies neber forget.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie acknowledged it all with a smile and a few kindly words, then
+commanding silence by a slight motion of the hand, addressed them in a
+clear, melodious voice, which, though not loud, could be distinctly heard
+by every one of the now almost breathless listeners.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall read to you of Jesus and some of His own words,&quot; she said, &quot;but
+first we will ask Him to help us to understand, to love, and to obey His
+teachings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then folding her hands and lifting her eyes to the clear blue sky above,
+she led them in a prayer so simple and childlike, so filial and loving in
+spirit and expression, that the dullest understood it, and felt that she
+spoke to One who was very near and dear to her.</p>
+
+<p>After that she read with the same distinct utterance the third chapter of
+John's Gospel, and commented briefly upon it. &quot;You all want to go to
+heaven?&quot; she said, closing the book.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Miss Elsie.&quot; &quot;Yes missus, we all does.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But to be able to go there you must know the way, and now I want to make
+sure you do know it. Can you tell me what you must do to be saved?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There were various answers. &quot;Be good,&quot; &quot;Mine de rules an' do 'bout right.&quot;
+&quot;Pray to de Lord,&quot; etc., etc.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie shook her head gravely. &quot;All that you must do, and more besides.
+What does Jesus say? 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only
+begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
+everlasting life.' We must believe <i>in</i> Jesus&mdash;believe all that the Bible
+tells us about Him, that He was very God and very man, that He came down
+from heaven, was born a little babe and laid in a manger, that He grew up
+to be a man, went about doing good, and at last suffered and died the
+cruel death of the cross; and all to save poor lost sinners.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But even that is not enough: the devils believe so much; they know it is
+all true. But beside this, we must believe <i>on</i> Christ Jesus. He offers to
+be our Saviour. 'Come unto Me ... and I will give you rest.' 'Him that
+cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out,' And you must come, you must
+take the eternal life He offers you; you must rest on Him and Him only.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose you were out on the bayou yonder, and the boat should upset and
+float beyond your reach, or be swept away from you by the wind and waves,
+and you couldn't swim; but just as you are sinking, you find a plank
+floating near; you catch hold of it, you find it strong and large enough
+to bear your weight, and you throw yourself upon it and cling to it for
+life. Just so you must cast yourself on Jesus, and cling to Him with all
+your strength: and He will save you; for He is able and willing 'to save
+to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He will wash away your sins in His own precious blood, and dress you in
+the beautiful robe of His perfect righteousness; that is, set His goodness
+to your account, so that you will be saved just as if you had been as good
+and holy as He was. Then you will love Him and try to do right to please
+Him; not to buy heaven; you cannot do that, for 'all our righteousnesses
+are as filthy rags,' and we cannot be saved unless we trust only in Jesus
+and His righteousness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Something in the faces before her caused Elsie to turn her head. Her
+father stood with grave, quiet air, but a few feet from her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; she said, in an undertone, and blushing slightly, &quot;I did not know
+you were here. Will you not speak to them? you can do it so much better
+than I.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She sat down, and stepping to her side he made a brief and simply worded
+address on the necessity of repentance and faith in Jesus, &quot;the only
+Saviour of sinners,&quot; His willingness to save <i>all</i> who come to Him, and
+the great danger of delay in coming. Then with a short prayer and the
+singing of a hymn, they were dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>With murmured thanks and many a backward look of admiring love at their
+already almost idolized young mistress, and her father, who had won their
+thorough respect and affection years ago, they scattered to their homes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must have a shawl and hat, for the air begins to grow cool,&quot; said Mr.
+Dinsmore to his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, massa, I'se brought dem,&quot; said Chloe, hurrying up almost out of
+breath, with the required articles in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, mammy, you are always careful of your nursling;&quot; Elsie said,
+smilingly, as the shawl was wrapped carefully about her shoulders and the
+hat placed upon her head.</p>
+
+<p>Her father drew her hand within his arm and led her across the lawn.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is one spot, very dear to us both, which we have not yet visited,&quot;
+he said, low and feelingly, &quot;and I have rather wondered at your delay in
+asking me to take you there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She understood him. &quot;Yes, sir,&quot; she said, &quot;I should have done so last
+evening, but that you looked weary. It has hardly been out of my mind
+since we came, and I have only waited for a suitable time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;None could be better than the present,&quot; he answered.</p>
+
+<p>On a gently sloping hillside, and beneath the shade of a beautiful
+magnolia, they found what they sought: a grave, with a headstone on which
+was carved the inscription:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">&quot;Fell asleep in Jesus,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">March 15, 18&mdash;,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">ELSIE, WIFE OF HORACE DINSMORE,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">and only remaining child of</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">WILLIAM AND ELSPETH GRAYSON,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Aged 16 years, and 2 weeks.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'&quot;</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>They read it standing side by side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How young,&quot; murmured the daughter, tears filling her eyes, &quot;how young to
+be a wife, a mother, and to die and leave husband and child! Oh, papa, how
+I used to long for her, and dream of her&mdash;my own precious mamma!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When, my darling?&quot; he asked in moved tones, drawing her tenderly to him
+and passing an arm about her waist.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Before I knew you, papa, and before you began to love me so dearly and be
+father and mother both, to me, as you have been for so many years,&quot; The
+low, sweet voice was tremulous with emotion, and the soft eyes lifted to
+his were brimming over with tears of mingled grief and joy, gratitude and
+love.</p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;I have tried to be,&quot; he said; &quot;but no one could supply her place. What a
+loving, tender mother she would have been! But let us forget our loss in
+the bliss of knowing that it is so well with her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was a family burying-ground; there were other graves; those of our
+Elsie's grandparents, and several of their sons and daughters who had died
+in infancy or early youth; and in the midst uprose a costly monument,
+placed there by Mr. Grayson after the death of his wife. The spot showed
+the same care as the rest of the estate, and was lovely with roses and
+other sweet flowers and shrubs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My mother's grave!&quot; said Elsie, bending over it again. &quot;Papa, let us
+kneel down beside it and pray that we may meet her in heaven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He at once complied with the request, giving thanks for the quiet rest of
+her who slept in Jesus, and asking that, when each of them had done and
+suffered all God's holy will here on earth, they might be reunited to her
+above, and join in her glad song of praise to redeeming love.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie joined fervently in the &quot;Amen,&quot; and rising, they lingered a moment
+longer, then wended their way in sweet and solemn silence to the house.</p>
+
+<p>They sat together in the library after tea, each occupied with a book. But
+Elsie seemed little interested in hers, looking off the page now and then,
+as if in deep and troubled thought. At length closing it, she stole round
+to the side of her father's easy chair, and taking possession of a
+footstool, laid her head on his knee.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have my little girl again to-night,&quot; he said, passing his hand
+caressingly over her hair and cheek.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I almost wish it was, papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why? is anything troubling you, dearest?&quot; And he pushed his book aside,
+ready to give his whole attention to her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am anxious about my poor people, papa; they are so ignorant of the
+truths necessary to salvation; and what can I teach them in three or four
+weeks? I have almost decided that I ought&mdash;that I must stay as many
+months.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that without even consulting your father? much less considering his
+permission necessary to your action?&quot; Though the words seemed to convey
+reproach, if not reproof, his tone was gentle and tender.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, papa! I must cease to think it my duty if you forbid it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As I do most positively, <i>I</i> cannot stay, and I should never think for a
+moment of leaving you here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, papa, how then am I to do my duty by these poor ignorant creatures?
+how can I let them perish for lack of knowledge whom Christ has put into
+my care?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Procure a chaplain, who shall hold regular services for them every
+Sabbath, and do pastoral work among them through the week. You will not
+grudge him his salary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, what an excellent idea! Grudge him his salary? No, indeed; if I can
+get the right man to fill the place, he shall have a liberal one. And then
+he will be a check upon Mr. Spriggs, and inform me if the people are
+abused. But how shall I find him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you do when in want of something you do not know exactly how to
+procure?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray for direction and help,&quot; she answered, low and reverently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We will both do that, asking that the right man may be sent us; and I
+will write to-morrow to some of the presidents of the theological
+seminaries, asking them to recommend some one suited for the place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; she cried, lifting a very bright face to his, &quot;what a load you
+have taken from my mind.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_EIGHTH" id="CHAPTER_EIGHTH" />CHAPTER EIGHTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;A mighty pain to love it is</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">And 'tis a pain that pain to miss;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">But of all pains, the greatest pain</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">It is to love, but love in vain.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 14.5em;">&mdash;COWLEY.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>One lovely afternoon in the second week of their stay at Viamede, Mr.
+Dinsmore and his daughter were seated in the shade of the trees on the
+lawn, she busied with some fancy-work while her father read aloud to her.</p>
+
+<p>As he paused to turn a leaf, &quot;Papa,&quot; she said, glancing off down the
+bayou, &quot;there is a steamer coming, the same that brought us, I think; and
+see, it is rounding to at our landing. Can it be bringing us a guest?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, a gentleman is stepping ashore. Why, daughter, it is Harold
+Allison.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harold! oh, how delightful!&quot; And rising they hastened to meet and welcome
+him with truly Southern warmth of hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harold! how good of you!&quot; cried Elsie. &quot;Mamma wrote us that you were
+somewhere in this region, and if I'd had your address, I should have sent
+you an invitation to come and stay as long as possible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you have done well and kindly by us to come without waiting for
+that,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore said, shaking the hand of his young brother-in-law
+with a warmth of cordiality that said more than his words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Many thanks to you both,&quot; he answered gayly. &quot;I was conceited enough to
+feel sure of a welcome, and did not wait, as a more modest fellow might,
+to be invited. But what a lovely place! a paradise upon earth! And, Elsie,
+you, in those dainty white robes, look the fit presiding genius.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie laughed and shook her head. &quot;Don't turn flatterer, Harold; though I
+do not object to praise of Viamede.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have not heard from Rose in a long time,&quot; he said, addressing Mr.
+Dinsmore. &quot;She and the little folks are well, I hope?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had a letter this morning, and they were all in good health when it was
+written.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The servants had come trooping down from the house, and seizing Harold's
+baggage had it all ready in the guest-chamber to which Aunt Phillis
+ordered it. Aunt Chloe now drew near to pay her respects to &quot;Massa
+Harold,&quot; and tell him that his room was ready.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you go to it at once? or sit down here and have a little chat with
+papa and me first?&quot; asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you; I think I shall defer the pleasure of the chat till I have
+first made myself presentable for the evening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then let me conduct you to your room,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, leading the way
+to the house.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie had come in the course of years to look upon the older brothers of
+her stepmother as in some sort her uncles, but for Harold, who was so much
+nearer her own age, she entertained a sincere sisterly regard. And he was
+worthy of it and of the warm place his many noble qualities had won for
+him in Mr. Dinsmore's heart.</p>
+
+<p>They did all they could to make his visit to Viamede a pleasant one; there
+were daily rides and walks, moonlight and early morning excursions on the
+bayou, rowing parties; oftenest of the three alone, but sometimes in
+company with gallant chivalrous men and refined, cultivated women and
+charming young girls from the neighboring plantations.</p>
+
+<p>One of these last, a beautiful brunette, Elsie had selected in her own
+mind for Harold, and she contrived to throw them together frequently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't you admire Miss Durand?&quot; she asked, after they had met several
+times. &quot;I think she is lovely; as good, too, as she is beautiful; and
+would make you a charming wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He flushed hotly. &quot;She is very handsome, very fascinating and talented,&quot;
+he said; &quot;but would never suit me. Nor do I suppose I could win her if I
+wished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed! if you are so hard to please, I fear there will be nothing for
+you but old bachelorhood,&quot; laughed Elsie. &quot;I have picked her out for you,
+and I believe you could win her if you tried, Harold; but I shall not try
+to become a match-maker.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I must select for myself; I couldn't let even you choose for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Choose what?&quot; asked Mr. Dinsmore, stepping out upon the veranda, where
+Harold stood leaning against a vine-wreathed pillar, his blue eyes fixed
+with a sort of wistful, longing look upon Elsie's graceful figure and fair
+face, as she sat in a half-reclining posture on a low couch but a few
+feet from him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A wife,&quot; he answered, compelling himself to speak lightly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't let her do it,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, taking a seat by his daughter's
+side; &quot;I've warned her more than once not to meddle with match-making.&quot;
+And he shook his head at her with mock gravity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I won't any more, papa; I'll leave him to his own devices, since he shows
+himself so ungrateful for my interest in his welfare,&quot; Elsie said, looking
+first at her father and then at Harold with a merry twinkle in her eye.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't think I've asked how you like your new home and prospects,
+Harold,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, changing the subject.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very much, thank you; except that they take me so far from the rest of
+the family.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A few months before this Harold had met with a piece of rare good fortune,
+looked at from a worldly point of view, in being adopted as his sole heir
+by a rich and childless Louisiana planter, a distant relative of Mrs.
+Allison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, that is an objection,&quot; returned Mr. Dinsmore; &quot;but you will be
+forming new and closer ties, that will doubtless go far to compensate for
+the partial loss of the old. I hope you are enjoying yourself here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am indeed, thank you.&quot; This answer was true, yet Harold felt himself
+flush as he spoke, for there was one serious drawback upon his felicity;
+he could seldom get a word alone with Elsie; she and her father were so
+inseparable that he scarcely saw the one without the other. And Harold
+strongly coveted an occasional monopoly of the sweet girl's society. He
+had come to Viamede with a purpose entirely unsuspected by her or her
+apparently vigilant guardian.</p>
+
+<p>He should perhaps, have confided his secret to Mr. Dinsmore first, but his
+heart failed him; and &quot;what would be the use?&quot; he asked himself, &quot;if Elsie
+is not willing? Ah, if I could but be alone with her for an hour!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The coveted opportunity offered itself at last, quite unexpectedly. Coming
+out upon the veranda one afternoon, he saw Elsie sitting alone under a
+tree far down on the lawn. He hastened towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am glad to see you,&quot; she said, looking up with a smile and making room
+for him on the seat by her side. &quot;You see I am 'lone and lorn,' Mr. Durand
+having carried off papa to look at some new improvement in his sugar-house
+machinery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! and when will your father return?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In about an hour, I presume. Shall you attend Aunt Adie's wedding?&quot; she
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I think so. Don't you sometimes feel as if you'd like to stay here
+altogether?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and no; it's very lovely, and the more charming I believe, because
+it is my own; but&mdash;there is so much more to bind me to the Oaks, and I
+could never live far away from papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Couldn't you? I hoped&mdash;&mdash; Oh, Elsie, couldn't you possibly love some one
+else better even than you love him? You're more to me than father, mother,
+and all the world beside. I have wanted to tell you so for years, but
+while I was comparatively poor your fortune sealed my lips. Now I am rich,
+and I lay all I have at your feet; myself included; and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Harold, hush!&quot; she cried in trembling tones, flushing and paling by
+turns, and putting up her hand as if to stop the torrent of words he was
+pouring forth so unexpectedly that astonishment had struck her dumb for an
+instant; &quot;oh! don't say any more, I&mdash;I thought you surely knew that&mdash;that
+I am already engaged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No. To whom?&quot; he asked hoarsely, his face pale as death, and lips
+quivering so that he could scarcely speak.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To Mr. Travilla. It has been only for a few weeks, though we have loved
+each other for years. Oh, Harold, Harold, do not look so wretched! you
+break my heart, for I love you as a very dear brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He turned away with a groan, and without another word hastened back to the
+house, while Elsie, covering her face with her hands, shed some very
+bitter tears.</p>
+
+<p>Heart-broken, stunned, feeling as if every good thing in life had suddenly
+slipped from his grasp, Harold sought his room, mechanically gathered up
+his few effects, packed them into his valise, then sat down by the open
+window and leant his head upon his hand.</p>
+
+<p>He couldn't think, he could only feel that all was lost, and that he must
+go away at once, if he would not have everybody know it, and make the idol
+of his heart miserable with the sight of his wretchedness.</p>
+
+<p>Why had he not known of her engagement? Why had no one told him? Why had
+he been such a fool as to suppose he could win so great a prize? He was
+not worthy of her. How plainly he saw it now, how sorely repented of the
+conceit that had led him on to the avowal of his passion.</p>
+
+<p>He had a vague recollection that a boat was to pass that afternoon. He
+would take passage in that, and he hoped Mr. Dinsmore's return might be
+delayed till he was gone. He would away without another word to Elsie; she
+should not be disturbed by any further unmanly manifestation of his bitter
+grief and despair.</p>
+
+<p>The hour of the passing of the boat drew near, and valise in hand, he left
+his room and passed down the stairs. But Elsie was coming in from the
+lawn, and they met in the lower hall.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harold,&quot; she cried, &quot;you are not going? You must not leave us so
+suddenly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must,&quot; he said in icy tones, the stony eyes gazing into vacancy; &quot;all
+places are alike to me now, and I cannot stay here to trouble you and
+Horace with the sight of a wretchedness I cannot hide.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Trembling so that she could scarcely stand, Elsie leaned against the wall
+for support, the hot tears coursing down her cheeks. &quot;Oh, Harold!&quot; she
+sobbed, &quot;what an unhappy creature I am to have been the cause of such
+sorrow to you! Oh why should you ever have thought of me so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Dropping his valise, his whole manner changing, he turned to her with
+passionate vehemence. &quot;Because I couldn't help it! Even as a boy I gave up
+my whole heart to you, and I cannot call it back. Oh, Elsie, why did I
+ever see you?&quot; and he seized both her hands in a grasp that almost forced
+a cry of pain from her white, quivering lips. &quot;Life is worthless without
+you. I'd rather die knowing that you loved me than live to see you in the
+possession of another.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harold, Harold, a sister's love I can, I do give you; and can you not be
+content with that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A sister's love!&quot; he repeated scornfully. &quot;Offer a cup with a drop of
+water in it, to a man perishing, dying with thirst. Yes, I'm going away, I
+care not whither; all places are alike to him who has lost all interest in
+life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He threw her hands from him almost with violence, half turned away, then
+suddenly catching her in his arms, held her close to his heart, kissing
+passionately, forehead, cheek, and lips. &quot;Oh, Elsie, Elsie, light of my
+eyes, core of my heart, why did we ever meet to part like this? I don't
+blame you. I have been a fool. Good-bye, darling.&quot; And releasing her, he
+was gone ere she could recover breath to speak. It had all been so sudden
+she had had no power, perhaps no will, to resist, so sore was the tender,
+loving heart for him.</p>
+
+<p>He was barely in time to hail the boat as it passed, and at the instant he
+was about to step aboard, Mr. Dinsmore rode up, and springing from the
+saddle, throwing the reins to his servant, cried out in astonishment,
+&quot;Harold! you are not leaving us? Come, come, what has happened to hurry
+you away? Must you go?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I must,&quot; he answered with half-averted face. &quot;Don't call me a
+scoundrel for making such a return for your hospitality. I couldn't help
+it. Good-bye. Try to forget that I've been here at all; for Rose's sake,
+you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He sprang into the boat; it pushed off, and was presently lost to sight
+among the trees shading the bayou on either hand.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore stood for a moment as if spellbound; then turned and walked
+thoughtfully towards the house. &quot;What did it all mean?&quot; he asked himself;
+&quot;of what unkind return of his or Elsie's hospitality could the lad have
+been guilty? Elsie! ha! can it be possible?&quot; and quickened his pace,
+glancing from side to side in search of her as he hurried on.</p>
+
+<p>Entering the hall, the sound of a half-smothered sob guided him to a
+little parlor or reception-room seldom used. Softly he opened the door.
+She was there half-reclining upon a sofa, her face buried in the cushions.
+In a moment he had her in his arms, the weary, aching head on his breast,
+while he tenderly wiped away the fast-falling tears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My poor darling, my poor little pet, don't take it so to heart. It is
+nothing; he will probably get over it before he is a month older.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, is it my fault? did I give him undue encouragement? am I a
+coquette?&quot; she sobbed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Far from it! did he dare to call you that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, oh, no; he said he did not blame me; it was all his own folly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! I think the better of him for that; though 'twas no more than just.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought he knew of my engagement.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So did I. And the absurdity of the thing! Such a mixture of relationships
+as it would have been! I should never have entertained the thought for a
+moment. And he ought to have spoken to me first, and spared you all this.
+No, you needn't fret; he deserves all he suffers, for what he has
+inflicted upon you, my precious one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hardly think that, papa; he was very generous to take all the blame to
+himself; but oh, you have eased my heart of half its load. What should I
+ever do without you, my own dear, dear father!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The pleasure of our friends, during the rest of their stay at Viamede, was
+somewhat dampened by this unfortunate episode, though Elsie, for her
+father's sake, did her best to rally from its effect on her spirits, and
+to be cheerful and gay as before.</p>
+
+<p>Long, bright, loving letters from home, and Ion coming the next day, were
+a great help. Then the next day brought a chaplain, who seemed in all
+respects so well suited to his place as to entirely relieve her mind in
+regard to the future welfare of her people. He entered into all her plans
+for them, and promised to carry them out to the best of his ability.</p>
+
+<p>So it was with a light heart, though not without some lingering regrets
+for the sad ones and the loveliness left behind, that she and her father
+set out on their homeward way.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore's man John, Aunt Chloe, and Uncle Joe, went with them; and it
+was a continual feast for master and mistress to see the happiness of the
+poor old couple, especially when their grandchild Dinah, their only living
+descendant so far as they could learn, was added to the party; Elsie
+purchasing her, according to promise, as they passed through New Orleans
+on their return trip.</p>
+
+<p>Dinah was very grateful to find herself installed as assistant to her
+grandmother, who, Elsie said, must begin to take life more easily now in
+her old age. Yet that Aunt Chloe found it hard to do, for she was very
+jealous of having any hands but her own busied about the person of her
+idolized young mistress.</p>
+
+<p>A glad welcome awaited them at home, where they arrived in due season for
+Adelaide's wedding.</p>
+
+<p>Sophie and Harry Carrington had returned from their wedding trip, and were
+making their home with his parents, at Ashlands; Richard, Fred, and May
+Allison, came with their brother Edward; but Harold, who was to meet them
+at Roselands, was not there. He had engaged to act as second groomsman,
+Richard being first, and there was much wondering over his absence; many
+regrets were expressed, and some anxiety was felt.</p>
+
+<p>But Elsie and her father kept their own counsel, and breathed no word of
+the episode at Viamede, which would have explained all.</p>
+
+<p>Harold's coming was still hoped for by the others until the last moment,
+when Fred took his place, and the ceremony passed off as satisfactorily as
+if there had been no failure on the part of any expected, to participate
+in it.</p>
+
+<p>It took place in the drawing-room at Roselands, in presence of a crowd of
+aristocratic guests, and was considered a very grand affair. A round of
+parties followed for the next two weeks, and then the happy pair set sail
+for Europe.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_NINTH" id="CHAPTER_NINTH" />CHAPTER NINTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;My plots fall short, like darts which rash hands throw</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">With an ill aim, and have too far to go.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19.5em;">&mdash;SIR ROBERT HOWARD.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;I'm so glad it's all over at last!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What, my little friend?&quot; and Mr. Travilla looked fondly into the sweet
+face so bright and happy, where the beauties of rare intellect and moral
+worth were as conspicuous as the lesser ones of exquisite contour and
+coloring.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wedding and all the accompanying round of dissipation. Now I hope we
+can settle down to quiet home pleasures for the rest of the winter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So do I, and that I shall see twice as much of you as I have of late. You
+can have no idea how I missed you while you were absent. And I am more
+than half envious of our bride and groom. Shall our trip be to Europe,
+Elsie?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are we to take a trip?&quot; she asked with an arch smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That will be as you wish, dearest, of course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't wish it now, nor do you, I know; but we shall have time enough to
+settle all such questions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Plenty; I only wish we had not so much. Yet I don't mean to grumble; the
+months will soon slip away and bring the time when I may claim my prize.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were riding towards the Oaks; the sun had just set, and the moon was
+still below the horizon.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie suddenly reined in her horse, Mr. Travilla instantly doing likewise,
+and turned a pale, agitated face upon him. &quot;Did you hear that?&quot; she asked
+low and tremulously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What, dear child? I heard nothing but the sound of our horses' hoofs, the
+sighing of the wind in the tree-tops, and our own voices.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I heard another; a muttered oath and the words, 'You shall never win her.
+I'll see to that.' The tones were not loud but deep, and the wind seemed
+to carry the sounds directly to my ear,&quot; she whispered, laying a trembling
+little hand on his arm, and glancing nervously from side to side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A trick of the imagination, I think, dearest; but from whence did the
+sounds seem to come?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From yonder thicket of evergreens and&mdash;I knew the voice for that of your
+deadly foe, the man from whom you and papa rescued me in Landsdale.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My child, he is expiating his crime in a Pennsylvania penitentiary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But may he not have escaped, or have been pardoned out? Don't, oh don't,
+I entreat you!&quot; she cried, as he turned his horse's head in the direction
+of the thicket. &quot;You will be killed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am armed, and a dead shot,&quot; he answered, taking a revolver from his
+breast pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But he is in ambush, and can shoot you down before you can see to aim at
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are right, if there is really an enemy concealed there,&quot; he
+answered, returning the revolver to its former resting-place; &quot;but I feel
+confident that it was either a trick of the imagination with you, or that
+some one is playing a practical joke upon us. So set your tears at rest,
+dear child, and let us hasten on our way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie yielded to his better judgment, trying to believe it nothing worse
+than a practical joke; but had much ado to quiet her agitated nerves and
+recover her composure before a brisk canter brought them to the Oaks, and
+she must meet her father's keen eye.</p>
+
+<p>They found Arthur in the drawing-room, chatting with Rose. He rose with a
+bland, &quot;Good-evening,&quot; and gallantly handed Elsie to a seat. Arthur was a
+good deal changed since his recall from college; and in nothing more than
+in his manner to Elsie; he was now always polite; often cordial even when
+alone with her. He was not thoroughly reformed, but had ceased to gamble
+and seldom drank to intoxication.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you; but indeed I must go at once and dress for tea,&quot; Elsie said,
+consulting her watch. &quot;You are not going yet?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, he will stay to tea,&quot; said Rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But must go soon after, as I have an engagement,&quot; added Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie met her father in the hall. &quot;Ah, you are at home again,&quot; he remarked
+with a pleased look; &quot;that is well; I was beginning to think you were
+making it very late.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you are not uneasy when I am in such good hands, papa?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, not exactly; but like better to take care of you myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The clock was just striking eight as Arthur mounted and rode away from his
+brother's door. It was not a dark night, or yet very light; for though the
+moon had risen, dark clouds were scudding across the sky, allowing but an
+occasional glimpse of her face, and casting deep shadows over the
+landscape.</p>
+
+<p>In the partial obscurity of one of these, and only a few rods ahead of
+him, when about half-way between the Oaks and Roselands, Arthur thought he
+discovered the figure of a man standing by the roadside, apparently
+waiting to halt him as he passed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! you'll not take me by surprise, my fine fellow, whoever you may be,&quot;
+muttered Arthur between his set teeth, drawing out a revolver and cocking
+it, &quot;Halloo there! Who are you; and what d'ye want?&quot; he called, as his
+horse brought him nearly opposite the suspicious looking object.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your money or your life, Dinsmore,&quot; returned the other with a coarse
+laugh. &quot;Don't pretend not to know me, old chap.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You!&quot; exclaimed Arthur, with an oath, but half under his breath. &quot;I
+thought you were safe in&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;State prison, eh? Well, so I was, but they've pardoned me out. I was a
+reformed character, you see; and then my vote was wanted at the last
+election, ha! ha! And so I've come down to see how my old friends are
+getting along.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Friends! don't count me among them!&quot; returned Arthur, hastily;
+&quot;jail-birds are no mates for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I understand that, the disgrace is in being caught. But you'd as well
+keep a civil tongue in your head; for if you're covering me with a
+revolver, I'm doing the same by you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm not afraid of you, Tom,&quot; answered Arthur, with a scornful laugh, &quot;but
+I'm in a hurry; so be good enough to move out of the way and let me pass.&quot;
+For the other had now planted himself in the middle of the road, and laid
+a heavy hand upon the horse's bridle-rein.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When I've said my say; no sooner. So that pretty niece of yours, my
+former fianc&eacute;e, is engaged to Travilla? the man whom, of all others, I
+hate with a hatred bitterer than death. I would set my heel upon his head
+and grind it into the earth as I would the head of a venomous reptile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who told you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I overheard some o' their sweet talk as they rode by here not two hours
+ago. He robbed me of her that he might snatch the prize himself; I saw his
+game at the time. But he shall never get her,&quot; he concluded, grinding his
+teeth with rage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray, how do you propose to prevent it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll call him out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Arthur's laugh rang out mockingly upon the still night air. &quot;Southern
+gentlemen accept a challenge only from gentlemen; and as for Travilla,
+besides being a dead shot, he's too pious to fight a duel, even with his
+own class.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He'll meet me in fair fight, or I'll shoot him down, like a dog, in his
+tracks.&quot; The words, spoken in low tone, of concentrated fury, were
+accompanied with a volley of horrible oaths.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'd better not try it!&quot; said Arthur; &quot;you'd be lynched and hung on the
+nearest tree within an hour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They'd have to catch me first.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And they would, they'd set their bloodhounds on your track, and there'd
+be no escape. As to the lady having been your fianc&eacute;e&mdash;she never was; she
+would not engage herself without my brother's consent, which you were not
+able to obtain. And now you'd better take yourself off out of this
+neighborhood, after such threats as you've made!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That means you intend to turn informer, eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It means nothing of the kind, unless I'm called up as a witness in court;
+but you can't prowl about here long without being seen and arrested as a
+suspicious character, an abolitionist, or some other sort of
+scoundrel&mdash;which last you know you are,&quot; Arthur could not help adding in a
+parenthesis. &quot;So take my advice, and retreat while you can. Now out o' the
+way, if you please, and let me pass.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jackson sullenly stood aside, letting go the rein, and Arthur galloped
+off.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, the older members of the family at the Oaks were quietly
+enjoying themselves in the library, where bright lights, and a cheerful
+wood-fire snapping and crackling on the hearth, added to the sense of
+comfort imparted by handsome furniture, books, painting, statuary, rich
+carpet, soft couches, and easy chairs.</p>
+
+<p>The children had been sent to bed. Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore sat by the centre
+table, the one busy with the evening paper, the other sewing, but now and
+then casting a furtive glance at a distant sofa, where Mr. Travilla and
+Elsie were seated side by side, conversing in an undertone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is comfort, having you to myself again,&quot; he was saying, as he
+watched admiringly the delicate fingers busied with a crochet needle,
+forming bright meshes of scarlet zephyr. &quot;How I missed you when you were
+gone! and yet, do you know, I cannot altogether regret the short
+separation, since otherwise I should have missed my precious budget of
+letters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah,&quot; she said, lifting her merry brown eyes to his face for an instant,
+then dropping them again, with a charming smile and blush, &quot;do you think
+that an original idea, or rather that it is original only with yourself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you are glad to have mine? though not nearly so sweet and fresh as
+yours.&quot; How glad he looked as he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; she answered archly, &quot;I'll not tell you what I have done with them,
+lest you grow conceited. But I have a confession to make,&quot; and she laughed
+lightly. &quot;Will you absolve me beforehand?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, if you are penitent, and promise to offend no more. What is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see I have aroused your curiosity, I shall not keep you in suspense. I
+am corresponding with a young gentleman. Here is a letter from him,
+received to-day;&quot; drawing it from her pocket as she spoke, she put it into
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have no wish to examine it,&quot; he said gravely, laying it on her lap. &quot;I
+can trust you fully, Elsie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I should like you to read it; 'tis from Mr. Mason, my chaplain at
+Viamede, and gives a lengthy, and very interesting account of the
+Christmas doings there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Which I should much prefer to hear from your lips, my little friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, read it, please; read it aloud to me; I shall then enjoy it as much
+as I did the first time; and you will learn how truly good and pious Mr.
+Mason is, far better than from my telling. Not that he talks of himself,
+but you perceive it from what he says of others.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He complied with her request, reading in the undertone in which they had
+been talking.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A very well written and interesting letter,&quot; he remarked, as he refolded
+and returned it. &quot;Yes, I should judge from it that he is the right man in
+the right place. I presume the selection of gifts so satisfactory to all
+parties must have been yours?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir; being with them, I was able to ascertain their wants and
+wishes, by questioning one in regard to another. Then I made out the list,
+and left Mr. Mason to do the purchasing for me. I think I can trust him
+again, and it is a great relief to my mind to have some one there to
+attend to the welfare of their souls and bodies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you gotten over your fright of this evening?&quot; he inquired tenderly,
+bending towards her, and speaking lower than before.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Almost if&mdash;if you have not to return to Ion to-night. Must you, really?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; mother would be alarmed by my absence; and she seldom retires till I
+am there to bid her good-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then promise me to avoid that thicket,&quot; she pleaded anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cannot think there is any real danger,&quot; he said, with a reassuring
+smile, &quot;but I shall take the other road; 'tis but a mile further round,
+and it would pay me to travel fifty to spare you a moment's anxiety,
+dearest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She looked her thanks.</p>
+
+<p>He left at ten, his usual hour, bidding her have no fear for him, since no
+real evil can befall those who put their trust in Him whose watchful,
+protecting care is ever about His chosen ones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; she whispered, as for a moment his arm encircled her waist, &quot;'What
+time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.' It is comparatively easy to trust
+for myself, and God will help me to do it for you also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She stood at the window watching his departure, her heart going up in
+silent prayer for his safety. Then, saying to herself, &quot;Papa must not be
+disturbed with my idle fancies,&quot; she turned to receive his good-night with
+a face so serene and unclouded, a manner so calm and peaceful, that he had
+no suspicion of anything amiss.</p>
+
+<p>Nor was it an assumed peace and calmness; for she had not now to learn to
+cast her care on the Lord, whom she had loved and served from her very
+infancy; and her head had not rested many moments upon her pillow ere she
+fell into a deep, sweet sleep, that lasted until morning.</p>
+
+<p>While Elsie slept, and Mr. Travilla galloped homeward by the longer route,
+the moon, peering through the cloud curtains, looked down upon a dark
+figure, standing behind a tree not many yards distant from the thicket
+Elsie had besought her friend to shun. The man held a revolver in his
+hand, ready cocked for instant use. His attitude was that of one
+listening intently for some expected sound.</p>
+
+<p>He had stood thus for hours, and was growing very weary. &quot;Curse the
+wretch!&quot; he muttered, &quot;does he court all night? How many hours have I been
+here waiting for my chance for a shot at him? It's getting to be no joke,
+hungry, cold, tired enough to lie down here on the ground. But I'll stick
+it out, and shoot him down like a dog. He thinks to enjoy the prize he
+snatched from me, but he'll find himself mistaken, or my name's n&mdash;&mdash;&quot; The
+sentence ended with a fierce grinding of the teeth. Hark! was that the
+distant tread of a horse? He bent his ear to the earth, and almost held
+his breath to listen. Yes, faint but unmistakable; the sounds filled him
+with a fiendish joy. For years he had nursed his hatred of Travilla, whom
+he blamed almost exclusively for his failure to get possession of Elsie's
+fortune.</p>
+
+<p>He sprang up and again placed himself in position to fire. But what had
+become of the welcome sounds? Alas for his hoped-for revenge; they had
+died away entirely. The horse and his rider must have taken some other
+road. More low-breathed, bitter curses: yet perchance it was not the man
+for whose life he thirsted. He would wait and hope on.</p>
+
+<p>But the night waned: one after another the moon and stars set and day
+began to break in the east; the birds waking in their nests overhead grew
+clamorous with joy, yet their notes seemed to contain a warning tone for
+him, bidding him begone ere the coming of the light hated by those whose
+deeds are evil. Chilled by the frosty air, and stiff and sore from long
+standing in a constrained position, he limped away, and disappeared in the
+deeper shadows of the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Arthur's words of warning had taken their desired effect; and cowardly, as
+base, wicked, and cruel, the man made haste to flee from the scene of his
+intended crime, imagining at times that he even heard the bloodhounds
+already on his track.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TENTH" id="CHAPTER_TENTH" />CHAPTER TENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;At last I know thee&mdash;and my soul,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From all thy arts set free,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Abjures the cold consummate art</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Shrin'd as a soul in thee.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">&mdash;SARA J. CLARK.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>The rest of the winter passed quietly and happily with our friends at Ion
+and the Oaks, Mr. Travilla spending nearly half his time at the latter
+place, and in rides and walks with Elsie, whom he now and then coaxed to
+Ion for a call upon his mother.</p>
+
+<p>Their courtship was serene and peaceful: disturbed by no feverish heat of
+passion, no doubts and fears, no lovers' quarrels, but full of a deep,
+intense happiness, the fruit of their long and intimate friendship, their
+full acquaintance with, and perfect confidence in each other, and their
+strong love. Enna sneeringly observed that &quot;they were more like some staid
+old married couple than a pair of lovers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Arthur made no confidant in regard to his late interview with Jackson;
+nothing more was heard or seen of the scoundrel, and gradually Elsie came
+to the conclusion that Mr. Travilla, who occasionally rallied her
+good-naturedly on the subject of her fright, had been correct in his
+judgment that it was either the work of imagination or of some practical
+joker.</p>
+
+<p>Arthur, on his part, thought that fear of the terrors he had held up
+before him would cause Jackson&mdash;whom he knew to be an arrant coward&mdash;to
+refrain from adventuring himself again in the neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>But he miscalculated the depth of the man's animosity towards Mr.
+Travilla, which so exceeded his cowardice as at length to induce him to
+return and make another effort to destroy either the life of that
+gentleman or his hopes of happiness; perhaps both.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was very fond of the society of her dear ones, yet occasionally
+found much enjoyment in being alone, for a short season, with Nature or a
+book. A very happy little woman, as she had every reason to be, and full
+of gratitude and love to the Giver of all good for His unnumbered
+blessings, she loved now and then to have a quiet hour in which to count
+them over, as a miser does his gold, to return her heartfelt thanks, tell
+her best, her dearest Friend of all, how happy she was, and seek help from
+Him to make a right use of each talent committed to her care.</p>
+
+<p>Seated in her favorite arbor one lovely spring day, with thoughts thus
+employed, and eyes gazing dreamily upon the beautiful landscape spread out
+at her feet, she was startled from her reverie by some one suddenly
+stepping in and boldly taking a seat by her side.</p>
+
+<p>She turned her head. Could it be possible? Yes, it was indeed Tom Jackson,
+handsomely dressed and looking, to a casual observer, the gentleman she
+had once believed him to be. She recognized him instantly.</p>
+
+<p>A burning blush suffused her face, dyeing even the fair neck and arms. She
+spoke not a word, but rose up hastily with the intent to fly from his
+hateful presence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now don't, my darling, don't run away from me,&quot; he said, intercepting
+her. &quot;I'm sure you couldn't have the heart, if you knew how I have lived
+for years upon the hope of such a meeting: for my love for you, dearest
+Elsie, has never lessened, the ardor of my passion has never cooled&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough, sir,&quot; she said, drawing herself up, her eyes kindling and
+flashing as he had never thought they could; &quot;how dare you insult me by
+such words, and by your presence here? Let me pass.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Insult you, Miss Dinsmore?&quot; he cried, in affected surprise. &quot;You were not
+wont, in past days, to consider my presence an insult, and I could never
+have believed fickleness a part of your nature. You are now of age, and
+have a right to listen to my defense, and my suit for your heart and
+hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you mad? Can you still suppose me ignorant of your true character and
+your history for years past? Know then that I am fully acquainted with
+them; that I know you to be a lover of vice and the society of the
+vicious&mdash;a drunkard, profane, a gambler, and one who has stained his hands
+with the blood of a fellow-creature,&quot; she added with a shudder. &quot;I pray
+God you may repent and be forgiven; but you are not and can never be
+anything to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So with all your piety you forsake your friends when they get into
+trouble,&quot; he remarked with a bitter sneer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Friend of mine you never were,&quot; she answered quietly; &quot;I know it was my
+fortune and not myself you really wanted. But though it were true that
+you loved me as madly and disinterestedly as you professed, had I known
+your character, never, <i>never</i> should I have held speech with you, much
+less admitted you to terms of familiarity&mdash;a fact which I look back upon
+with the deepest mortification. Let me pass, sir, and never venture to
+approach me again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No you don't, my haughty miss! I'm not done with you yet,&quot; he exclaimed
+between his clenched teeth, and seizing her rudely by the arm as she tried
+to step past him. &quot;So you're engaged to that fatherly friend of yours,
+that pious sneak, that deadly foe to me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Unhand me, sir!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not yet,&quot; he answered, tightening his grasp, and at the same time taking
+a pistol from his pocket. &quot;I swear you shall never marry that man: promise
+me on your oath that you'll not, or&mdash;I'll shoot you through the heart; the
+heart that's turned false to me. D'ye hear,&quot; and he held the muzzle of his
+piece within a foot of her breast.</p>
+
+<p>Every trace of color fled from her face, but she stood like a marble
+statue, without speech or motion of a muscle, her eyes looking straight
+into his with firm defiance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you hear?&quot; he repeated, in a tone of exasperation, &quot;speak! promise
+that you'll never marry Travilla, or I'll shoot you in three
+minutes&mdash;shoot you down dead on the spot, if I swing for it before night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That will be as God pleases,&quot; she answered low and reverently; &quot;you can
+have no power at all against me except it be given you from above.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't, hey? looks like it; I've only to touch the trigger here, and
+your soul's out o' your body. Better promise than die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Still she stood looking him unflinchingly in the eye; not a muscle moving,
+no sign of fear except that deadly pallor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; lowering his piece, &quot;you're a brave girl, and I haven't the heart
+to do it,&quot; he exclaimed in admiration. &quot;I'll give up that promise; on
+condition that you make another&mdash;that you'll keep all this a secret for
+twenty-four hours, so I can make my escape from the neighborhood before
+they get after me with their bloodhounds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I promise, if you will be gone at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll not say a word to any one of having seen me, or suspecting I'm
+about here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a word until the twenty-four hours are over.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then good-bye. Your pluck has saved your life; but remember, I've not
+said I won't shoot him or your father, if chance throws them in my way,&quot;
+he added, looking back over his shoulder with a malicious leer, as he left
+the arbor, then disappearing from sight among the trees and shrubbery
+beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's knees shook and trembled under her; she sank back into her seat,
+covering her face and bowing her head upon her lap, while she sent up
+silent, almost agonizing petitions for the safety of those two so
+inexpressibly dear to her. Some moments passed thus, then she rose and
+hastened, with a quick nervous step, to the house. She entered her
+boudoir, and lay down upon a couch trembling in every fibre, every nerve
+quivering with excitement. The shock had been terrible.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What de matter wid my chile? what ails you, honey?&quot; asked Aunt Chloe,
+coming to her side full of concern.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think one of my bad headaches is coming on, mammy. But oh, tell me, is
+Mr. Travilla here?&mdash;and papa! where is he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here daughter,&quot; his voice answered, close at hand, &quot;and with a note for
+you from Mr. Travilla, who has not shown himself to-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She took it eagerly, but with a hand that trembled as if with sudden
+palsy, while the eyes, usually so keen-sighted, saw only a blurred and
+confused jumble of letters in place of the clear, legible characters
+really there.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cannot see,&quot; she said, in a half-frightened tone, and pressing the
+other hand to her brow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you are trembling like an aspen leaf,&quot; he said, bending over her in
+serious alarm. &quot;My child, when did this come on? and what has caused it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, I cannot tell you now, or till to-morrow, at this hour; I will
+then. But oh, papa dear, dear papa!&quot; she cried, putting her arm about his
+neck and bursting into hysterical weeping, &quot;promise me, if you love me
+promise me, that you will not leave the house till I have told you. I am
+sick, I am suffering; you will stay by me? you will not leave me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling, I will do anything I can to relieve you, mentally or
+physically,&quot; he answered in tones of tenderest love and concern. &quot;I shall
+not stir from the house, while to do so would increase your suffering. I
+perceive there has been some villainy practised upon you, and a promise
+extorted, which I shall not ask you to break; but rest assured, I shall
+keep guard over my precious one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Mr. Travilla!&quot; she gasped. &quot;Oh, papa, if I only knew he was safe!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps the note may set your mind at rest on that point. Shall I read it
+for you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir,&quot; she said, putting it into his hand with a slight blush, &quot;he
+never writes what I should be ashamed or afraid to have my father see.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was but short, written merely to explain his absence, and dated from a
+neighboring plantation, where he had gone to assist in nursing a sick
+friend whom he should not be able to leave for some days. There were words
+of deep, strong affection, but as she had foreseen, nothing that she need
+care to have her father know or see.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does not this news allay your fears for him?&quot; Mr. Dinsmore asked
+tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa,&quot; she answered, the tears streaming from her eyes. &quot;Oh, how
+good God is to me! I will trust Him, trust Him for you both, as well as
+myself.&quot; She covered her face with her hands while shudder after shudder
+shook her whole frame.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore was much perplexed, and deeply concerned. &quot;Shall I send for
+Dr. Barton?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, papa! I am not ill; only my nerves have had a great, a terrible
+shock; they seem all unstrung, and my temples are throbbing with pain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My poor, poor darling! strange that with all my care and watchfulness you
+should have been subjected to such a trial. Some ruffian has been trying
+to extort money from you, I presume, by threatened violence to yourself,
+Travilla, and me. Where were you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In my arbor, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And alone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa; I thought myself safe there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I forbid you to go there or to any distance from the house, alone, again.
+You must always have some one within call, if not close at your side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And my father knows I will obey him,&quot; she said, tremulously lifting his
+hand to her lips.</p>
+
+<p>He administered an anodyne to relieve the tortured nerves, then sitting
+down beside her, passed his hand soothingly over hair and cheek, while
+with the other he held one of hers in loving, tender clasp. Neither spoke,
+and at length she fell asleep; yet not a sound, refreshing slumber, but
+disturbed by starts and moans, and frequent wakings to see and feel that
+he was still there. &quot;Papa, don't go away; don't leave me!&quot; was her
+constant cry.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling, my precious one, I will not,&quot; was his repeated assurance; &quot;I
+will stay with you while this trouble lasts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And all that day and night he never left her side, while Rose came and
+went, full of anxiety and doing everything that could be done for the
+sufferer's relief.</p>
+
+<p>It was a night of unrest to them all; but morning found her free from
+pain, though weak and languid, and still filled with distress if her
+father was absent for more than a few moments from her side. She inquired
+of him at what hour she had come in the day before: then watched the time
+and, as soon as released from her promise, told them all.</p>
+
+<p>Great was his indignation; and, determined that, if possible, the villain
+should be apprehended and brought to justice, he sent word at once to the
+magistrates: a warrant was issued, and several parties were presently out
+in different directions in hot pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>But with the twenty-four hours' start Jackson had made good his escape,
+and the only advantage gained was the relief of knowing that he no longer
+infested the neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But when may he not return?&quot; Elsie said with a shudder. &quot;Papa, I tremble
+for you, and for&mdash;Mr. Travilla.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am far more concerned for you,&quot; he answered, gazing upon her pale face
+with pitying, fatherly tenderness. &quot;But let us cast this care, with all
+others, upon our God. 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is
+stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.'&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_ELEVENTH" id="CHAPTER_ELEVENTH" />CHAPTER ELEVENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Of truth, he truly will all styles deserve</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Of wise, good, just; a man both soul and nerve.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">&mdash;SHIRLEY.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>The story reached Mr. Travilla's ears that evening, and finding he could
+be spared from the sick-room, he hastened to the Oaks. His emotions were
+too big for utterance as he took his &quot;little friend&quot; in his arms and
+clasped her to his beating heart.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God be thanked that you are safe!&quot; he said at last. &quot;Oh, my darling, my
+darling, what peril you have been in and how bravely you met it! You are
+the heroine of the hour,&quot; he added with a faint laugh, &quot;all, old and
+young, male and female, black and white, are loud in praise of your
+wonderful firmness and courage. And, my darling, I fully agree with them,
+and exult in the thought that this brave lady is mine own.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He drew her closer as he spoke, and just touched his lips to the shining
+hair and the pure white forehead resting on his breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; she murmured low and softly, a dewy light shining in her eyes, &quot;why
+should they think it anything wonderful or strange that I felt little
+dread or fear at the prospect of a sudden transit from earth to heaven&mdash;a
+quick summons home to my Father's house on high, to be at once freed from
+sin and forever with the Lord? I have a great deal to live for, life
+looks very bright and sweet to me; yet but for you and papa, I think it
+would have mattered little to me had he carried out his threat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My little friend, it would have broken my heart: to lose you were worse
+than a thousand deaths.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were alone in Elsie's boudoir, but when an hour had slipped rapidly
+away there came a message from Mr. Dinsmore to the effect that their
+company would be very acceptable in the library.</p>
+
+<p>They repaired thither at once, and found him and Rose laying out plans for
+a summer trip. The matter was under discussion all the rest of the evening
+and for some days after, resulting finally in the getting up a large party
+of tourists, consisting of the entire families of the Oaks and Ion, with
+the addition of Harry and Sophie Carrington, and Lora with her husband and
+children; servants of course included.</p>
+
+<p>They kept together for some time, visiting different points of interest in
+Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York; spending several weeks at Cape May;
+where they were joined by the Allisons of Philadelphia; Mr. Edward and
+Adelaide among the rest, they having returned from Europe shortly before.</p>
+
+<p>At length they separated, some going in one direction, some in another.
+Lora went to Louise, Rose to her father's, Mrs. and Mr. Travilla to
+friends in Cincinnati and its suburbs, and Elsie to pay a long-promised
+visit to Lucy in her married home, a beautiful country-seat on the banks
+of the Hudson. Her father saw her safely there, then left her for a
+fortnight; their fears in regard to Jackson having been allayed by the
+news that he had been again arrested for burglary, and Lucy and her
+husband promising to guard their precious charge with jealous care.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the fortnight Mr. Dinsmore returned for his daughter, and
+they went on together to Lansdale to visit Miss Stanhope.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie had set her heart on having her dear old aunt spend the fall and
+winter with them in the &quot;sunny South,&quot; and especially on her being present
+at the wedding; and Miss Stanhope, after much urging and many
+protestations that she was too old for such a journey, had at last
+yielded, and given her promise, on condition that her nephew and niece
+should come for her, and first spend a week or two in Lansdale. She
+entreated that Mr. Travilla and his mother might be of the party. &quot;He was
+a great favorite of hers, and she was sure his mother must be a woman in a
+thousand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They accepted the kindness as cordially as it was proffered; met the
+others at the nearest point of connection, and all arrived together.</p>
+
+<p>It was not Lottie King who met them at the depot this time, but a
+fine-looking young man with black moustache and roguish dark eye, who
+introduced himself as Harry Duncan, Miss Stanhope's nephew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Almost a cousin! Shall we consider you quite one?&quot; asked Mr. Dinsmore,
+warmly shaking the hand held out to him in cordial greeting.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, I shall feel highly honored,&quot; the young man answered in a
+gratified tone, and with a glance of undisguised admiration and a
+respectful bow directed towards Elsie. Then turning with an almost
+reverential air and deeper bow to Mrs. Travilla, &quot;And, madam, may I have
+the privilege of placing you alongside of my dear old aunt, and addressing
+you by the same title?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may, indeed,&quot; was the smiling rejoinder. &quot;And my son here, I suppose,
+will take his place with the others as cousin. No doubt we are all
+related, if we could only go back far enough in tracing out our
+genealogies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To Father Adam, for instance,&quot; remarked Mr. Travilla, laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Or good old Noah, or even his son Japheth,&quot; rejoined Harry, leading the
+way to a family carriage sufficiently roomy to hold them all comfortably.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your checks, if you please, aunt and cousins; and Simon here will attend
+to your luggage. Servants' also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie turned her head to see a young colored man, bowing, scraping, and
+grinning from ear to ear, in whom she perceived a faint resemblance to the
+lad Simon of four years ago.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You hain't forgot me, miss?&quot; he said. &quot;I'm still at de ole place wid Miss
+Wealthy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She gave him a smile and a nod, dropping a gold dollar into his hand along
+with her checks; the gentlemen said, &quot;How d'ye do,&quot; and were equally
+generous, and he went off chuckling.</p>
+
+<p>As they drew near their destination, a quaint little figure could be seen
+standing at the gate in the shade of a maple tree, whose leaves of mingled
+green and scarlet, just touched by the September frosts, made a brilliant
+contrast to the sober hue of her dress.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There she is! our dear old auntie!&quot; cried Elsie with eager delight, that
+brought a flush of pleasure to Harry's face.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Stanhope's greetings were characteristic. &quot;Elsie! my darling! I have
+you again after all these years! Mrs. Vanilla too! how kind! but you tell
+me your face is always that. Horace, nephew, this <i>is</i> good of you! And
+Mr. Torville, I'm as glad as the rest to see you. Come in, come in, all of
+you, and make yourselves at home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does Mrs. Schilling still live opposite to you, Aunt Wealthy?&quot; asked
+Elsie as they sat about the tea-table an hour later.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, dearie; though she's lost all commercial value,&quot; laughed the old
+lady; &quot;she's taken a second wife at last; not Mr. Was though, but a
+newcomer, Mr. Smearer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dauber, auntie,&quot; corrected Harry, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, well, child, the meaning's about the same,&quot; returned Miss Stanhope,
+laughing afresh at her own mistake, &quot;and I'd as soon be the other as one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mrs. Dauber wouldn't though,&quot; said Harry. &quot;I noticed her face grow as red
+as a beet the other day when you called her Mrs. Smearer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She didn't mind being Mrs. Sixpence, I think,&quot; said Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh yes, she did; it nettled her a good deal at first, but she finally got
+used to it; after finding out how innocent auntie was, and how apt to
+miscall other names.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I thought she would never be content with anybody but Mr. Wert.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, she lost all hope there, and dropped him at once as soon as Dauber
+made his appearance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore inquired about the Kings. Elsie had done so in a private chat
+with her aunt, held in her room directly after their arrival.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The doctor's as busy as ever, killing people all round the country; he's
+very successful at it,&quot; replied Miss Stanhope; &quot;I've the utmost confidence
+in his skill.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are a warm friend of his, I know, aunt,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, smiling,
+&quot;but I would advise you not to try to assist his reputation among
+strangers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why not, nephew?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lest they should take your words literally, auntie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, yes, I must be careful how I use my stumbling tongue,&quot; she answered
+with a good-humored smile. &quot;I ought to have always by, somebody to correct
+my blunders. I've asked Harry to do me that kindness, and he often does.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is quite unnecessary with us; for we all know what you intend to say,&quot;
+remarked Mrs. Travilla, courteously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, dear madam,&quot; said Miss Stanhope; &quot;I am not at all sensitive
+about it, fortunately, as my nephew knows, and my blunders afford as much
+amusement to any one else as to me; when I'm made aware of them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nettie King is married, papa,&quot; said Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! Lottie also?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, she's at home and will be in, with her father and mother, this
+evening,&quot; said Aunt Wealthy. &quot;I've been matching to make a hope between
+her and Harry, but find it's quite useless.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, we're the best of friends, but don't care to be anything more,&quot;
+remarked the young gentleman, coloring and laughing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; said Mr. Travilla, &quot;it is said by some one that two people with hair
+and eyes of the same color should beware of choosing each other as
+partners for life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I believe it,&quot; returned Harry. &quot;Lottie and I are too much alike in
+disposition. I must look for a blue-eyed, fair-haired maiden, whose mental
+and moral characteristics will supply the deficiencies in mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gray eyes and brown; that will do very well, won't it?&quot; said the old lady
+absently, glancing from Elsie to Mr. Travilla and back again.</p>
+
+<p>Both smiled, and Elsie cast down her eyes with a lovely blush, while Mr.
+Travilla answered cheerily, &quot;We think so, Miss Stanhope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Call me Aunt Wealthy; almost everybody does, and you might as well begin
+now as any time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, I shall avail myself of the privilege in future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The weather was warm for the time of year, and on leaving the table the
+whole party repaired to the front porch, where Harry quickly provided
+every one with a seat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is a beautiful maple yonder,&quot; remarked Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir,&quot; returned Harry; &quot;we have a row of them all along the front of
+the lot; and as Mrs. Dauber says, they are 'perfectly gordeous' in the
+fall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The maple is my favorite among the shade leaves,&quot; remarked Miss Stanhope,
+joining in the talk, &quot;from the time it trees out in the spring till the
+bare become branches in the fall. Through this month and next they're a
+perpetual feast to the eye.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aunt, how did you decide in regard to that investment you wrote to
+consult me about?&quot; asked Mr. Dinsmore, turning to her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, I concluded to put in a few hundreds, as you thought it safe, on the
+principle of not having all my baskets in one egg.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Small baskets they would have to be, auntie,&quot; Harry remarked quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my eggs are not so many, but quite enough for an old lady like me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As the evening shadows crept over the landscape the air began to be
+chilly, and our friends adjourned to the parlor.</p>
+
+<p>Here all was just as when Elsie last saw it; neat as wax, everything in
+place, and each feather-stuffed cushion beaten up and carefully smoothed
+to the state of perfect roundness in which Miss Stanhope's soul delighted.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Travilla, who had heard descriptions of the room and its appointments
+from both her son and Elsie, looked about her with interest: upon the old
+portraits, the cabinet of curiosities, and the wonderful sampler worked by
+Miss Wealthy's grandmother. She examined with curiosity the rich
+embroidery of the chair cushions, but preferred a seat upon the sofa.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dr. and Mrs. King and Miss Lottie!&quot; announced Simon's voice from the
+doorway, and the three entered.</p>
+
+<p>Lively, cordial greetings followed, especially on the part of the two
+young girls. Mrs. Travilla was introduced, and all settled themselves for
+a chat; Lottie and Elsie, of course, managing to find seats side by side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You dearest girl, you have only changed by growing more beautiful than
+ever,&quot; cried Lottie, squeezing Elsie's hand which she still held, and
+gazing admiringly into her face.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie laughed low and musically.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Precisely what I was thinking of you, Lottie. It must be your own fault
+that you are still single. But we won't waste time in flattering each
+other, when we have so much to say that is better worth while.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, surely; Aunt Wealthy has told me of your engagement.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was right; it is no secret, and should not be from you if it were
+from others. Lottie, I want you to be one of my bridesmaids. We're going
+to carry Aunt Wealthy off to spend the winter with us, and I shall not be
+content unless I can do the same by you.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A winter in the 'sunny South!' and with you; how delightful! you dear,
+kind creature, to think of it, and to ask me. Ah, if I only could!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think you can; though of course I know your father and mother must be
+consulted; and if you come, you will grant my request?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes indeed! gladly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Chloe, always making herself useful wherever she went, was passing
+around the room with a pile of plates, Phillis following with cakes and
+confections, while Simon brought in a waiter with saucers and spoons, and
+two large moulds of ice cream.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you help the cream, Harry?&quot; said Miss Stanhope. &quot;There are two
+kinds, you see, travilla and melon. Ask Mrs. Vanilla which she'll have; or
+if she'll take both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mrs. Travilla, may I have the pleasure of helping you to ice cream?&quot; he
+asked. &quot;There are two kinds, vanilla and lemon. Let me give you both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you please,&quot; she answered, with a slightly amused look; for though
+Aunt Wealthy had spoken in an undertone, the words had reached her ear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Which will you have, dearies?&quot; said the old lady, drawing near the young
+girls' corner, &quot;travilla cream or melon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lemon for me, if you please, Aunt Wealthy,&quot; replied Lottie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I will take Travilla,&quot; Elsie said, low and mischievously, and with a
+merry twinkle in her eye.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you have no cake! your plate is quite empty and useless,&quot; exclaimed
+the aunt. &quot;Horace,&quot; turning towards her nephew, who was chatting with the
+doctor at the other side of the room, &quot;some of this cake is very plain;
+you don't object to Elsie eating a little of it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She is quite grown up now, aunt, and can judge for herself in such
+matters,&quot; he answered smiling, then turned to finish what he had been
+saying to the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will have some then, dear, won't you?&quot; Miss Stanhope inquired in her
+most coaxing tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A very small slice of this sponge cake, if you please, auntie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How young Mr. Travilla looks,&quot; remarked Lottie, &quot;younger I think, than he
+did four years ago. Happiness, I presume; it's said to have that effect. I
+believe I was vexed when I first heard you were engaged to him, because I
+thought he was too old; but really he doesn't look so; a man should be
+considerably older than his wife, that she may find it easier to look up
+to him; and he know the better how to take care of her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I would not have him a day younger, except that he would like to be
+nearer my age, or different in any way from what he is,&quot; Elsie said, her
+eyes involuntarily turning in Mr. Travilla's direction.</p>
+
+<p>They met the ardent gaze of his. Both smiled, and rising he crossed the
+room and joined them. They had a half hour of lively chat together, then
+Mrs. King rose to take leave.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla moved away to speak to the doctor, and Lottie seized the
+opportunity to whisper to her friend, &quot;He's just splendid, Elsie! I don't
+wonder you look so happy, or that he secured your hand and heart after
+they had been refused to dukes and lords. You see Aunt Wealthy has been
+telling me all about your conquests in Europe,&quot; she added, in answer to
+Elsie's look of surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am, indeed, very happy, Lottie,&quot; Elsie replied in the same low tone; &quot;I
+know Mr. Travilla so thoroughly, and have not more perfect confidence in
+papa's goodness and love to me, than in his. It is a very restful thing to
+have such a friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Dr. King's circumstances had greatly improved in the last four years, so
+that he was quite able to give Lottie the pleasure of accepting Elsie's
+invitation, and at once gave his cordial consent. Mrs. King at first
+objected that the two weeks of our friends' intended stay in Lansdale
+would not give sufficient time for the necessary additions to Lottie's
+wardrobe; but this difficulty was overcome by a suggestion from Elsie. She
+would spend two or three weeks in Philadelphia, attending to the
+purchasing and making up of her trousseau, she said, and Lottie's dresses
+could be bought and made at the same time and place.</p>
+
+<p>The two weeks allotted to Lansdale of course passed very rapidly;
+especially to Harry, to whom the society of these new-found relatives was
+a great pleasure, and who on their departure would be left behind, with
+only Phillis for his housekeeper.</p>
+
+<p>The latter received so many charges from Aunt Wealthy in regard to careful
+attention to &quot;Mr. Harry's&quot; health and comfort, that at length she grew
+indignant, and protested that she loved &quot;Mr. Harry as if he was her own
+child&mdash;didn't she nuss him when he was a little feller? and there was no
+'casion for missus to worry an' fret as if she was leavin' him to a
+stranger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was not for want of a cordial invitation to both the Oaks and Ion that
+Harry was left behind; but business required his presence at home, and he
+could only promise himself a week's holiday at the time of the wedding.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWELFTH" id="CHAPTER_TWELFTH" />CHAPTER TWELFTH</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Bring flowers, fresh flowers for the bride to wear;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">They were born to blush in her shining hair;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">She's leaving the home of her childhood's mirth;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">She hath bid farewell to her father's hearth;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Her place is now by another's side;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Bring flowers for the locks of the fair young bride.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">&mdash;MRS. HEMANS.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>A fair October day is waning, and as the shadows deepen and the stars
+shine out here and there in the darkening sky, the grounds at the Oaks
+glitter with colored lamps, swinging from the branches of the trees that
+shade the long green alleys, and dependent from arches wreathed with
+flowers. In doors and out everything wears a festive look; almost the
+whole house is thrown open to the guests who will presently come thronging
+to it from nearly every plantation for miles around.</p>
+
+<p>The grand wedding has been talked of, prepared for, and looked forward to
+for months past, and few, if any, favored with an invitation, will
+willingly stay away.</p>
+
+<p>The spacious entrance hall is brilliantly lighted, and on either hand
+wide-open doors give admission to long suites of richly, tastefully
+furnished rooms, beautiful with rare statuary, paintings, articles of
+vertu, and flowers scattered everywhere, in bouquets, wreaths, festoons,
+filling the air with their delicious fragrance.</p>
+
+<p>These apartments, waiting for the guests, are almost entirely deserted;
+but in Elsie's dressing-room a bevy of gay young girls, in white tarletan
+and with flowers in their elaborately dressed hair, are laughing and
+chatting merrily, and now and then offering a suggestion to Aunt Chloe and
+Dinah, whose busy hands are arranging their young mistress for her bridal.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lovely!&quot; &quot;Charming!&quot; &quot;Perfect!&quot; the girls exclaim in delighted, admiring
+chorus, as the tirewomen having completed their labors, Elsie stands
+before them in a dress of the richest white satin, with an overskirt of
+point lace, a veil of the same, enveloping her slender figure like an airy
+cloud, or morning mist, reaching from the freshly gathered orange blossoms
+wreathed in the shining hair to the tiny white satin slipper just peeping
+from beneath the rich folds of the dress. Flowers are her only ornament
+to-night, and truly she needs no other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perfect! nothing superfluous, nothing wanting,&quot; says Lottie King.</p>
+
+<p>Rose, looking almost like a young girl herself, so sweet and fair in her
+beautiful evening dress, came in at that instant to see if all was right
+in the bride's attire. Her eyes grew misty while she gazed, her heart
+swelling with a strange mixture of emotions: love, joy, pride, and a touch
+of sadness at the thought of the partial loss that night was to bring to
+her beloved husband and herself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Am I all right, mamma?&quot; asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can see nothing amiss,&quot; Rose answered, with a slight tremble in her
+voice. &quot;My darling, I never saw you so wondrously sweet and fair,&quot; she
+whispered, adjusting a fold of the drapery. &quot;You are very happy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very, mamma dear; yet a trifle sad too. But that is a secret between you
+and me. How beautiful you are to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, dear child, quite ready, and the loveliest bride that ever I saw,
+from the sole of your head to the crown of your foot,&quot; said a silvery
+voice, as a quaint little figure came softly in and stood at Mrs.
+Dinsmore's side&mdash;&quot;no, I mean from the crown of your foot to the sole of
+your head. Ah, funerals are almost as sad as weddings. I don't know how
+people can ever feel like dancing at them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, auntie dear, there'll be no dancing at mine,&quot; said Elsie, smiling
+slightly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must go and be ready to receive our guests,&quot; said Rose, hearing the
+rumble of carriage wheels. &quot;Elsie, dear child,&quot; she whispered, &quot;keep calm.
+You can have no doubts or fears in putting your future in&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, mamma, not the slightest,&quot; and the fair face grew radiant.</p>
+
+<p>As Rose passed out at one door, Miss Stanhope following, with a parting
+injunction to the bride not to grow frightened or nervous, Mr. Dinsmore
+entered by another.</p>
+
+<p>He stood a moment silently gazing upon his lovely daughter; then a slight
+motion of his hand sent all others from the room, the bridesmaids passing
+into the boudoir, where the groom and his attendants were already
+assembled, the tirewomen vanishing by a door on the opposite side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling!&quot; murmured the father, in low, half tremulous accents, putting
+his arm about the slender waist, &quot;my beautiful darling! how can I give you
+to another?&quot; and again and again his lips were pressed to hers in long,
+passionate kisses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, please don't make me cry,&quot; she pleaded, the soft eyes lifted to
+his, filled almost to overflowing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, I must not,&quot; he said, hastily taking out his handkerchief and
+wiping away the tears before they fell. &quot;It is shamefully selfish in me to
+come and disturb your mind thus just now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, papa, no, no; I will not have you say that. Thank you for coming. It
+would have hurt me had you stayed away. But you would not have things
+different now if you could? have no desire to.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, daughter, no; yet, unreasonable as it is, the thought will come,
+bringing sadness with it, that to-night you resign my name, and my house
+ceases to be your only home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, I shall never resign the name dear to me because inherited from
+you: I shall only add to it; your house shall always be one of my dear
+homes, and I shall be your own, own daughter, your own child, as truly as
+I ever have been. Is it not so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, my precious little comforter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you are not going to give me away&mdash;ah, papa, I could never bear that
+any more than you; you are taking a partner in the concern,&quot; she added
+with playful tenderness, smiling archly through gathering tears.</p>
+
+<p>Again he wiped them hastily away. &quot;Did ever father have such a dear
+daughter?&quot; he said, gazing fondly down into the sweet face. &quot;I ought to be
+the happiest of men. I believe I am&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Except one,&quot; exclaimed a joyous voice, at sound of which Elsie's eyes
+brightened and the color deepened on her cheek. &quot;May I come in?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Travilla,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore; &quot;you have now an equal right with me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Travilla thought his was superior, or would be after the ceremony, but
+generously refrained from saying so. And had Mr. Dinsmore been questioned
+on the subject, he could not have asserted that it had ever occurred to
+him that Mr. Allison had an equal right with himself in Rose. But few
+people are entirely consistent.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla drew near the two, still standing together, and regarded his
+bride with a countenance beaming with love and delight. The sweet eyes
+sought his questioningly, and meeting his ardent gaze the beautiful face
+sparkled all over with smiles and blushes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does my toilet please you, my friend?&quot; she asked. &quot;And you, papa?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The general effect is charming,&quot; said Mr. Travilla; &quot;but,&quot; he added, in
+low, tender tones saying far more than the words, &quot;I've been able to see
+nothing else for the dear face that is always that to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can see no flaw in face or attire,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore said, taking a more
+critical survey; &quot;you are altogether pleasing in your doting father's
+eyes, my darling. But you must not stand any longer. You will need all
+your strength for your journey.&quot; And he would have led her to a sofa.</p>
+
+<p>But she gently declined. &quot;Ah, I am much too fine to sit down just now, my
+dear, kind father, I should crush my lace badly. So please let me stand. I
+am not conscious of weariness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He yielded, saying with a smile, &quot;That would be a pity; for it is very
+beautiful. And surely you ought to be allowed your own way to-night if
+ever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To-night and ever after,&quot; whispered the happy groom in the ear of his
+bride.</p>
+
+<p>A loving, trustful look was her only answer.</p>
+
+<p>A continued rolling of wheels without, and buzz of voices coming from
+veranda, hall, and reception rooms, could now be heard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The house must be filling fast,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, &quot;and as host I should
+be present to receive and welcome my guests, Travilla,&quot; and his voice
+trembled slightly, as he took Elsie's right hand and held it for a moment
+closely clasped in his; &quot;I do not fear to trust you with what to me is a
+greater treasure than all the gold of California. Cherish my darling as
+the apple of your eye; I know you will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He bent down for another silent caress, laid the hand in that of his
+friend, and left the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you do not fear to trust me, my little friend?&quot; Travilla's tones,
+too, were tremulous with deep feeling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have not the shadow of a fear,&quot; she answered, her eyes meeting his with
+an earnest, childlike confidence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bless you for those words, dearest,&quot; he said; &quot;God helping me you never
+shall have cause to regret them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A door opened, and a handsome, dark eyed boy, a miniature likeness of his
+father, came hurrying in. &quot;Elsie! Papa said I might come and see how
+beautiful you are!&quot; he cried, as if resolutely mastering some strong
+emotion, &quot;but I'm not to say anything to make you cry. I'm not to hug you
+hard and spoil your dress. Oh, but you do look like an angel, only
+without the wings. Mr. Travilla, you'll be good, <i>good</i> to her, won't
+you?&quot; and the voice almost broke down.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will, indeed, Horace; you may be sure of that. And you needn't feel as
+if you are losing her, she'll be back again in a few weeks, please God.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But not to live at home any more!&quot; he cried impetuously. &quot;No, no, I
+wasn't to say that, I&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come here and kiss me, my dear little brother,&quot; Elsie said tenderly; &quot;and
+you shall hug me, too, as hard as you like, before I go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was not slow to accept the invitation, and evidently had a hard
+struggle with himself, to refrain from giving the forbidden hug.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may hug me instead, Horace, if you like,&quot; said Mr. Travilla; &quot;you
+know we're very fond of each other, and are going to be brothers now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, that I will, for I do like you ever so much,&quot; cried the boy,
+springing into the arms held out to him, and receiving and returning a
+warm embrace, while the sister looked on with eyes glistening with
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, in a few minutes I'll become your brother Edward; and that's what I
+want you to call me in future. Will you do it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir; if papa doesn't forbid me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A light tap at the door leading into the boudoir, and Walter put in his
+head. &quot;The company, the clergy-man, and the hour have come. Are the bride
+and groom ready?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Releasing the child, Mr. Travilla drew Elsie's hand within his arm. For
+an instant he bent his eyes with earnest, questioning gaze upon her face.
+It wore an expression that touched him to the heart, so perfectly
+trustful, so calmly, peacefully happy, yet with a deep tender solemnity
+mingling with and subduing her joy. The soft eyes were misty with unshed
+tears as she lifted them to his.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is for life,&quot; she whispered; &quot;and I am but young and foolish; shall
+you never regret?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never, <i>never</i>; unless you grow weary of your choice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The answering smile was very sweet and confiding. &quot;I have not chosen
+lightly, and do not fear because it is for life,&quot; was its unspoken
+language.</p>
+
+<p>And truly it was no hasty, ill-considered step she was taking, but one
+that had been calmly, thoughtfully pondered in many an hour of solitude
+and communion with that unseen Friend whom from earliest youth she had
+acknowledged in all her ways, and who had, according to His promise,
+directed her paths. There was no excitement, no nervous tremor, about her
+then or during the short ceremony that made them no more twain but one
+flesh. So absorbed was she in the importance and solemnity of the act she
+was performing, that little room was left for thought of anything
+else&mdash;her personal appearance, or the hundreds of pairs of eyes fixed upon
+her; even her father's presence, and the emotions swelling in his breast
+were for the time forgotten. Many marked the rapt expression of her face,
+and the clear and distinct though low tones of the sweet voice as she
+pledged herself to &quot;love, honor, and obey.&quot; Mr. Travilla's promise &quot;to
+love, honor, and cherish to life's end,&quot; was given no less earnestly and
+emphatically.</p>
+
+<p>The deed was done; and relatives and friends gathered about them with
+kindly salutations and good wishes.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore was the first to salute the bride. &quot;God bless and keep you,
+my daughter,&quot; were his tenderly whispered words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear, dear papa,&quot; was all she said in response, but her eyes spoke
+volumes. &quot;I am yours still, your very own, and glad it is so,&quot; they said.</p>
+
+<p>Then came Rose with her tender, silent caress, half-sorrowful,
+half-joyful, and Mrs. Travilla with her altogether joyous salutation, &quot;My
+dear daughter, may your cup of happiness be ever filled to overflowing;&quot;
+while Mr. Dinsmore to hide his emotion turned jocosely to Travilla with a
+hearty shake of the hand, and &quot;I wish you joy, my son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, father,&quot; returned the groom gravely, but with a twinkle of
+merriment in his eye.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Wealthy, standing close by awaiting her turn to greet the bride,
+shook her head at her nephew. &quot;Ah, you are quite too old for that, Horace.
+Mr. Vanilla, I wish you joy; but what am I to call you now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Edward, if you please, Aunt Wealthy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, yes, that will do nicely; it's a good name&mdash;so easily forgotten.
+Elsie, dearie, you went through it brave as a lion. May you never wish
+you'd lived your lane like your auld auntie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As if single blessedness could ever be real blessedness!&quot; sneered Enna,
+coming up just in time to catch the last words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Our feelings change as we grow older,&quot; returned Miss Stanhope, in her
+gentle, refined tones, &quot;and we come to look upon quiet and freedom from
+care as very desirable things.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I venture to say that old age is not likely to find Mrs. Percival so
+happy and contented as is my dear old maiden aunt,&quot; remarked Mr. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yet we will hope it may, papa,&quot; said Elsie, receiving Enna's salutation
+with kindly warmth.</p>
+
+<p>But the list of relatives, near connections, and intimate friends, is too
+long for particular mention of each. All the Dinsmores were there, both
+married and single; also most of the Allisons. Harold had not come with
+the others, nor had he either accepted or rejected the invitation.</p>
+
+<p>On first raising her eyes upon the conclusion of the ceremony, had Elsie
+really seen, far back in the shadow of the doorway, a face white, rigid,
+hopeless with misery as his when last they met and parted? She could not
+tell; for if really there, it vanished instantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did Harold come?&quot; she asked of Richard when he came to salute the bride
+and groom.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think not; I haven't seen him, I can't think what's come over the lad
+to be so neglectful of his privileges.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Harry Duncan was there, too, hanging upon the smiles of merry, saucy,
+blue-eyed May Allison; while her brother Richard seemed equally enamored
+with the brunette beauty and sprightliness of Lottie King.</p>
+
+<p>Stiffness and constraint found no place among the guests, after the event
+of the evening was over.</p>
+
+<p>In the great dining-room a sumptuous banquet was laid; and thither, after
+a time, guests and entertainers repaired.</p>
+
+<p>The table sparkled with cut-glass, rare and costly china, and solid silver
+and gold plate. Every delicacy from far and near was to be found upon it;
+nothing wanting that the most fastidious could desire, or the most lavish
+expenditure furnish. Lovely, fragrant flowers were there also in the
+utmost profusion, decorating the board, festooning the windows and
+doorways, in bouquets upon the mantels and antique stands, scattered here
+and there through the apartment, filling the air with their perfume; while
+a distant and unseen band discoursed sweetest music in soft, delicious
+strains.</p>
+
+<p>The weather was warmer far than at that season in our northern clime, the
+outside air balmy and delightful, and through the wide-open doors and
+windows glimpses might be caught of the beautiful grounds, lighted here
+and there by a star-like lamp shining out among the foliage. Silent and
+deserted they had been all the earlier part of the evening, but now group
+after group, as they left the bountiful board, wandered into their green
+alleys and gay parterres; low, musical tones, light laughter, and merry
+jests floating out upon the quiet night air and waking the echoes of the
+hills.</p>
+
+<p>But the bride retired to her own apartments, where white satin, veil, and
+orange blossoms, were quickly exchanged for an elegant traveling dress,
+scarcely less becoming to her rare beauty.</p>
+
+<p>She reappeared in the library, which had not been thrown open to the
+guests, but where the relations and bridesmaids were gathered for the
+final good-bye.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore's family carriage, roomy, easy-rolling, and softly cushioned,
+stood at the door upon the drive, its spirited gray horses pawing the
+ground with impatience to be gone. It would carry the bride and groom&mdash;and
+a less pretentious vehicle their servants&mdash;in two hours to the seaport
+where they were to take the steamer for New Orleans; for their honeymoon
+was to be spent at Viamede, Elsie still adhering to the plan of a year
+ago.</p>
+
+<p>Her adieus were gayly given to one and another, beginning with those least
+dear; very very affectionately to Mrs. Travilla, Aunt Wealthy, Rose, and
+the little Horace (the sleeping Rosebud had already been softly kissed in
+her crib).</p>
+
+<p>Her idolized father only remained; and now all her gayety forsook her, all
+her calmness gave way, and clinging about his neck, &quot;Papa, papa, oh papa!&quot;
+she cried, with a burst of tears and sobs.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Holy and pure are the drops that fall,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">When the young bride goes from her father's hall;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">She goes unto love yet untried and new&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">She parts from love which hath still been true.&quot;</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>It was his turn now to comfort her. &quot;Darling daughter,&quot; he said, caressing
+her with exceeding tenderness, &quot;we do not part for long. Should it please
+God to spare our lives, I shall have my precious one in my arms in a few
+short weeks. Meantime we can have a little talk on paper every day. Shall
+we not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, dear, dear, precious father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla stood by with a face full of compassionate tenderness.
+Putting one hand into her father's, Elsie turned, gave him the other, and
+together they led her to the carriage and placed her in it. There was a
+hearty, lingering hand-shaking between the two gentlemen. Mr. Travilla
+took his seat by Elsie's side, and amid a chorus of good-byes they were
+whirled rapidly away.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cheer up, my dear,&quot; said Rose, leaning affectionately on her husband's
+arm; &quot;it is altogether addition and not subtraction; you have not lost a
+daughter but gained a son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;These rooms tell a different tale,&quot; he answered with a sigh. &quot;How
+desolate they seem. But this is no time for the indulgence of sadness. We
+must return to our guests, and see that all goes merry as a marriage bell
+with them till the last has taken his departure.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_THIRTEENTH" id="CHAPTER_THIRTEENTH" />CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 17em;">&quot;My bride,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My wife, my life. O we will walk this world</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yok'd in all exercise of noble aim</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And so through those dark gates across the wild</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That no man knows.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">&mdash;TENNYSON'S PRINCESS.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Elsie's tears were falling fast, but an arm as strong and kind as her
+father's stole quietly about her, a hand as gentle and tender as a woman's
+drew the weary head to a resting-place on her husband's shoulder, smoothed
+back the hair from the heated brow, and wiped away the falling drops.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My wife! my own precious little wife!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>How the word, the tone, thrilled her! her very heart leaped for joy
+through all the pain of parting from one scarcely less dear. &quot;My husband,&quot;
+she murmured, low and shyly&mdash;it seemed so strange to call him that, so
+almost bold and forward&mdash;&quot;my dear, kind friend, to be neither hurt nor
+angry at my foolish weeping.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not foolish, dear one, but perfectly natural and right. I understand it;
+I who know so well what your father has been to you these many years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Father and mother both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; tutor, friend, companion, confidant, everything. I know, dear little
+wife, that you are sacrificing much for me, even though the separation
+will be but partial. And how I love you for it, and for all you are to
+me, God only knows.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The tears had ceased to flow; love, joy, and thankfulness were regaining
+their ascendancy in the heart of the youthful bride; she became again
+calmly, serenely happy.</p>
+
+<p>The journey was accomplished without accident. They were favored with
+warm, bright days, clear, starlit nights; and on as lovely an afternoon as
+was ever known in that delicious clime, reached Viamede.</p>
+
+<p>Great preparations had been made for their reception; banners were
+streaming, and flags flying from balconies and tree-tops. Mr. Mason met
+them at the pier with a face beaming with delight; Spriggs with a stiff
+bow. A gun was fired and a drum began to beat as they stepped ashore; two
+pretty mulatto girls scattered flowers in their path, and passing under a
+grand triumphal arch they presently found themselves between two long rows
+of smiling, bowing negroes, whose fervent ejaculations: &quot;God bless our
+dear young missus an' her husband!&quot; &quot;God bless you, massa an' missus!&quot;
+&quot;Welcome home!&quot; &quot;Welcome to Viamede!&quot; &quot;We've not forgot you, Miss Elsie;
+you's as welcome as de daylight!&quot; affected our tender-hearted heroine
+almost to tears.</p>
+
+<p>She had a kind word for each, remembering all their names, and inquiring
+after their &quot;miseries&quot;; every one was permitted to take her small white
+hand, many of them kissing it with fervent affection. They were introduced
+to their &quot;new master,&quot; too (that was what she called him), and shaken
+hands with by him in a cordial interested way that won their hearts at
+once.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Phillis was in her glory, serving up a feast the preparation of which
+had exhausted the united skill of both Aunt Sally and herself. Their
+efforts were duly appreciated and praised, the viands evidently greatly
+enjoyed, all to their intense delight.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mason was invited to partake with the bride and groom, and assigned
+the seat of honor at Mr. Travilla's right hand. Elsie presided over the
+tea-urn with the same gentle dignity and grace as when her father occupied
+the chair at the opposite end of the table, now filled by her husband. Her
+traveling dress had been exchanged for one of simple white, and there were
+white flowers in her hair and at her throat. Very sweet and charming she
+looked, not only in the eyes of her husband, who seemed to find her fair
+face a perpetual feast, but in those of all others who saw her.</p>
+
+<p>On leaving the table they repaired to the library, where Mr. Mason gave a
+report of the condition of the people and his work among them, also
+assuring Mrs. Travilla that Spriggs had carefully carried out her wishes,
+that the prospect for the crops was fine, and everything on the estate in
+excellent order.</p>
+
+<p>She expressed her gratification, appealing to Mr. Travilla for his
+approval, which was cordially given; said she had brought a little gift
+for each of the people, and desired they should be sent up to the house
+about sunset the next evening to receive it.</p>
+
+<p>The chaplain promised that her order should be attended to, then retired,
+leaving husband and wife alone together.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All very satisfactory, my little friend, was it not?&quot; said Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir, very. I'm so glad to have secured such a man as Mr. Mason to
+look after the welfare of these poor helpless creatures. And you like the
+house, Mr. Travilla, do you not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very much, so far as I have seen it. This is a beautiful room, and the
+dining-room pleased me equally well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, I am eager to show you all!&quot; she cried, rising quickly and laying her
+hand on the bell-rope.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay, little wife, not to-night,&quot; he said, &quot;you are too much fatigued.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She glided to the back of the easy chair in which he sat, and leaning over
+him, said laughingly, &quot;I'm not conscious of being fatigued, but I have
+promised to obey and&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush, hush!&quot; he said flushing, &quot;I meant to have that left out; and did I
+not tell you you were to have your own way that night and ever after?
+You've already done enough of obeying to last you a lifetime. But please
+come round where I can see you better.&quot; Then, as she stepped to his side,
+he threw an arm about her and drew her to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it wasn't left out,&quot; she said, shyly returning his fond caress; &quot;I
+promised and must keep my word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, but if you can't, you can't; how will you obey when you get no
+orders?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So you don't mean to give me any?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, indeed; I'm your husband, your friend, your protector, your lover,
+but not your master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, Mr. Travilla&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I asked you to call me Edward.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it seems so disrespectful.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;More so than to remind me of the disparity of our years? or than to
+disregard my earnest wish? Then I think I'll have to require the keeping
+of the promise in this one thing. Say Edward, little wife, and never again
+call me Mr. Travilla when we are alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Edward, I will try to obey; and if I use the wrong word through
+forgetfulness you must please excuse it. But ah, I remember papa would say
+that was no excuse.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I shall not be so strict&mdash;unless you forget too often. I have
+sometimes thought my friend too hard with his tender-hearted, sensitive
+little daughter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't blame him&mdash;my dear, dear father!&quot; she said, low and tremulously,
+her face growing grave and almost sad for the moment. &quot;He was very strict,
+it is true, but none too strict in the matter of requiring prompt and
+implicit obedience, and oh, so kind, so loving, so tender, so
+sympathizing. I could, and did go to him with every little childish joy
+and sorrow, every trouble, vexation, and perplexity; always sure of
+sympathy, and help, too, if needed. Never once did he repulse me, or show
+himself an uninterested listener.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He would take me on his knee, hear all I had to say, clasp me close to
+his heart, caress me, call me pet names, joy, sorrow with, or counsel me
+as the case required, and bid me always come freely to him so, assuring me
+that nothing which concerned me, one way or another, was too trivial to
+interest him, and he would be glad to know I had not a thought or feeling
+concealed from him. I doubt if even you, my friend, have ever known all
+that papa has been and is to me: father, mother, everything&mdash;but
+husband,&quot; she added with a blush and smile, as her eyes met the kindly,
+tender look in his.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, that is my blessed privilege,&quot; he whispered, drawing her closer to
+him. &quot;My wife, my own precious little wife! God keep me from ever being
+less tender, loving, sympathizing to you than your father has been.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do not fear it, my husband. Oh, was ever woman so blessed with love as
+I! Daughter, and wife! they are the sweetest of all names when addressed
+to me by papa's lips and yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I ought not to find fault with his training, seeing what credit you do
+it. However, you seemed to me as near perfection as possible before he
+began. Ah, my little friend, for how many years I loved you with scarcely
+a hope it would ever be returned in the way I wished. Indeed I can hardly
+yet believe fully in my own happiness,&quot; he concluded with a joyous laugh.
+The next day Elsie had the pleasure of showing her husband over the house
+first, and then the estate. Their life at Viamede, for the few weeks of
+their stay, seemed much like a repetition of her visit there the year
+before with her father. They took the same rides, walks and drives; glided
+over the clear waters of the bayou in the same boat; sought out each spot
+of beauty or interest he had shown her; were, if possible, even more
+constantly together, reading, writing, or engaged with music in library or
+drawing-room, seated side by side on veranda or lawn enjoying
+conversation, book or periodical; or, it might be, silently musing, hand
+in hand, by the soft moonlight that lent such a witchery to the lovely
+landscape. A pleasanter honeymoon could hardly have been devised.</p>
+
+<p>In one thing, however, they were disappointed: they had hoped to be left
+entirely to each other; but it was impossible to conceal their presence at
+Viamede from the hospitable neighbors, and calls and invitations had to be
+received and returned. But, both being eminently fitted to shine in
+society, and each proud to display the other, this state of things did
+not, after all, so greatly interfere with their enjoyment.</p>
+
+<p>In fact, so delightful did they find their life in that lovely country
+that they lingered week after week till nearly six had slipped away, and
+letters from home began to be urgent for their return. Mr. Dinsmore was
+wearying for his daughter, Mrs. Travilla for her son, and scarcely less
+for the daughter so long vainly hoped for.</p>
+
+<p>Every day a servant was despatched to the nearest post-office with their
+mail, generally returning as full handed as he went. Mr. Dinsmore's
+letters were, as he had promised, daily, and never left unanswered. The
+old love was not, could not be forgotten in the new. Elsie was no less a
+daughter because she had become a wife; but Edward was always a sharer in
+her enjoyment, and she in his.</p>
+
+<p>They were sitting on the veranda one morning when Uncle Ben rode up and
+handed the mail-box to his master. Mr. Travilla hastened to open it, gave
+Elsie her letters and began the perusal of his own.</p>
+
+<p>A softly breathed sigh called his attention to her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it, little wife?&quot; he asked; &quot;your face is grave almost to
+sadness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was thinking,&quot; she answered, with her eye still upon her father's
+letter open in her hand. &quot;Papa says,&quot; and she read aloud from the sheet,
+&quot;How long you are lingering in Viamede. When will you return? Tell
+Travilla I am longing for a sight of the dear face his eyes are feasting
+upon, and he must remember his promise not to part us.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am writing in your boudoir. I have been thinking of the time (it seems
+but yesterday) when I had you here a little girl, sitting on my knee
+reciting your lessons or listening with almost rapt attention to my
+remarks and explanations. Never before had tutor so dear, sweet, and
+interesting a scholar!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A fond father's partiality,&quot; she remarked, looking up with a smile and
+blush. &quot;But never, I am sure, was such another tutor; his lucid
+explanations, intense interest in the subject and his pupil, apt
+illustrations, and fund of information constantly opened up to me, made my
+lessons a delight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has made you wonderfully well informed and thorough,&quot; said her
+husband.</p>
+
+<p>She colored with pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Such words are very sweet, coming from your lips. You appreciate papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, indeed, and his daughter too, I hope,&quot; he answered, smiling fondly
+upon her. &quot;Yes, your father and I have been like brothers since we were
+little fellows. It seems absurd to think of him in any other relation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what about going home? isn't it time, as papa thinks?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That you shall decide, <i>ma chere</i>; our life here has been very delightful
+to me, and to you also, I hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very, if we had your mother and papa and mamma and the children here, I
+should like to stay all winter. But as it is I think we ought to return
+soon.&quot; He assented, and after a little more consultation they decided to
+go soon&mdash;not later than the middle of the next week, but the day was not
+set.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FOURTEENTH" id="CHAPTER_FOURTEENTH" />CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;The low reeds bent by the streamlet's side,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">And hills to the thunder peal replied;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The lightning burst on its fearful way</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">While the heavens were lit in its red array.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">&mdash;WILLIS GAYLORD CLARK.</span><br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Accurs'd, and in a cursed hour he hies.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;">&mdash;MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>They were alone that evening, and retired earlier than usual. They had
+been quietly sleeping for some time when Elsie was wakened by a sudden
+gust of wind that swept round the house, rattling doors and windows; then
+followed the roll and crash of thunder, peal on peal, accompanied with
+vivid flashes of lightning.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was not timid in regard to thunder and lightning; she knew so well
+that they were entirely under the control of her Father, without whom not
+a hair of her head could perish; she lay listening to the war of the
+elements, thinking of the words of the Psalmist, &quot;The clouds poured out
+water: the skies sent out a sound; Thine arrows also went abroad. The
+voice of Thy thunder was in the heaven; the lightnings lightened the
+world, the earth trembled and shook.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But another sound startled her. Surely she heard some stealthy step on the
+veranda upon which the windows of the room opened (long windows reaching
+from the floor almost to the ceiling), and then a hand at work with the
+fastenings of the shutters of the one farthest from the bed.</p>
+
+<p>Her husband lay sleeping by her side. She half raised herself in the bed,
+put her lips to his ear, and shaking him slightly, whispered, &quot;Edward,
+some one is trying to get in at the window!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was wide-awake in an instant, raised himself and while listening
+intently took a loaded revolver from under his pillow and cocked it ready
+for use.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lie down, darling,&quot; he whispered; &quot;it will be safer, and should the
+villain get in, this will soon settle him, I think.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't kill him, if you can save yourself without,&quot; she answered, in the
+same low tone and with a shudder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; if I could see, I should aim for his right arm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A moment of silent waiting, the slight sound of the burglar's tool faintly
+heard amid the noise of the storm, then the shutter flew open, a man
+stepped in; at that instant a vivid flash of lightning showed the three to
+each other, and the men fired simultaneously.</p>
+
+<p>A heavy, rolling crash of thunder followed close upon the sharp crack of
+the revolvers; the robber's pistol fell with a loud thump upon the floor
+and he turned and fled along the veranda, this time moving with more haste
+than caution. They distinctly heard the flying footsteps.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must have hit him,&quot; said Mr. Travilla, &quot;Dearest, you are not hurt?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no; but you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have escaped also, thank God,&quot; he added, with earnest solemnity.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie, springing to the bell-rope, sent peal after peal resounding through
+the house. &quot;He must be pursued, if possible!&quot; she cried; &quot;for oh, Edward,
+your life is in danger as long as he is at large. You recognized him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Tom Jackson; I thought him safe in prison at the North; but probably
+he has been bailed out; perhaps by one of his own gang; for so are the
+ends of justice often defeated.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was hurrying on his clothes as he spoke. Elsie had hastily donned
+dressing-gown and slippers, and now struck a light.</p>
+
+<p>Steps and voices were heard in the hall without, while Aunt Chloe coming
+in from the other side, asked in tones tremulous with affright, &quot;What's de
+matter? what's de matter, darlin'? is you hurted?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, mammy; but there was a burglar here a moment since,&quot; said Elsie. &quot;He
+and Mr. Travilla fired at each other, and he must be pursued instantly.
+Send Uncle Joe to rouse Mr. Spriggs and the boys, and go after him with
+all speed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Meantime Mr. Mason was knocking at the door opening into the hall, asking
+what was wrong and offering his services; a number of negro men's voices
+adding, &quot;Massa and missus, we's all heyah and ready to fight for ye.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla opened the door, briefly explained what had happened, and
+repeated Elsie's order for an immediate and hot pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I myself will head it,&quot; he was adding, when she interposed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, no, my husband, surely you will not think of it; he may kill you
+yet. Or he might return from another direction, and what could I do with
+only the women to help me? Oh, Edward, don't go! don't leave me!&quot; And she
+clung to him trembling and with tears in the soft, entreating eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dearest, you are right. I will stay here to protect you, and Spriggs
+may lead the boys,&quot; he answered, throwing an arm about her. &quot;I think I
+wounded the fellow,&quot; he added to Mr. Mason. &quot;Here, Aunt Chloe, bring the
+light nearer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Yes, there lay a heavy revolver, and beside it a pool of blood on the
+carpet where the villain had stood; and there was a bloody trail all along
+the veranda where he had run, and on the railing and pillar by which he
+had swung himself to the ground; indeed, they could track him by it for
+some distance over the lawn, where the trees kept the ground partially
+dry; but beyond that the rain coming down in sheets, had helped the
+fugitive by washing away the telltale stains.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie shuddering and turning pale and faint at the horrible sight, ordered
+an immediate and thorough cleansing of both carpet and veranda.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dere's hot water in de kitchen,&quot; said Aunt Phillis. &quot;You, Sal an' Bet,
+hurry up yah wid a big basin full, an' soap an' sand an' house-cloths.
+Glad 'nuff dat massa shot dat ole debbil, but Miss Elsie's house not to be
+defiled wid his dirty blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cold watah fust, Aunt Phillis,&quot; interposed Chloe, &quot;cold watah fust to
+take out blood-stain, den de hot after dat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mammy knows; do as she directs,&quot; said Elsie, hastily retreating into her
+dressing-room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling, this has been too much for you,&quot; her husband said tenderly,
+helping her to lie down on a sofa.</p>
+
+<p>Chloe came hurrying in with a tumbler of cold water in one hand, a bottle
+of smelling salts in the other, her dusky face full of concern.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla took the articles from her. &quot;That is right, but I will attend
+to your mistress,&quot; he said in a kindly tone; &quot;and do you go and prepare a
+bed for her in one of the rooms on the other side of the hall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is hardly worth while, dear,&quot; said Elsie; &quot;I don't think I can sleep
+again to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yet perhaps you may; it is only two o'clock,&quot; he said, as the timepiece
+on the mantle struck the hour, &quot;and at least you may rest a little better
+than you could here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And perhaps you may sleep. Yes, mammy, get the bed ready as soon as you
+can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling, how pale you are!&quot; Mr. Travilla said with concern, as he
+knelt by her side, applying the restoratives. &quot;Do not be alarmed; I am
+quite sure the man's right arm is disabled, and therefore the danger is
+past, for the present at least.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She put her arm about his neck and relieved her full heart with a burst of
+tears. &quot;Pray, praise,&quot; she whispered; &quot;oh, thank the Lord for your narrow
+escape; the ball must have passed very near your head; I heard it whiz
+over mine and strike the opposite wall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it just grazed my hair and carried away a lock, I think. Yes, let us
+thank the Lord.&quot; And he poured out a short but fervent thanksgiving, to
+every word of which her heart said &quot;Amen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, there is a lock gone, sure enough,&quot; she said, stroking his hair
+caressingly as he bent over her. &quot;Ah, if we had not lingered so long here,
+this would not have happened.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not here, but elsewhere perhaps.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is true, and no doubt all has been ordered for the best.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Chloe presently returned, with the announcement that the bed was
+ready; and they retired for the second time, leaving the house in the care
+of Uncle Joe and the women servants.</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before Elsie could compose herself to sleep, but near
+daybreak she fell into a deep slumber that lasted until long past the
+usual breakfast hour. Mr. Travilla slept late also, while the vigilant
+Aunts Chloe and Phillis and Uncle Joe took care that no noise should be
+made, no intruder allowed access to their vicinity to disturb them.</p>
+
+<p>The first news that greeted them on leaving their room, was of the failure
+of the pursuit after the burglar. He had managed to elude the search, and
+to their chagrin Spriggs and his party had been obliged to return
+empty-handed. The servants were the first to tell the tale, then Spriggs
+came in with a fuller report.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The scoundrel!&quot; he growled; &quot;how he contrived to do it I can't tell. If
+we'd had hounds, he couldn't. We've none on the place, but if you say so,
+I'll borrow&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no! Mr. Travilla, you will not allow it&quot; cried Elsie, turning an
+entreating look upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Spriggs, the man must be greatly weakened by the loss of blood, and,
+unable to defend himself, might be torn to pieces by them before you could
+prevent it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Small loss to the rest of the world if he was,&quot; grumbled the overseer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, but I wouldn't have him die such a death as that; or hurried into
+eternity without a moment for repentance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But might it not be well to have another search?&quot; suggested Elsie. &quot;He
+had better be given up to justice, even for his own good, than die in the
+woods of weakness and starvation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hands are all so busy with the sugar-cane just now, ma'am, that I don't
+see how they could be spared,&quot; answered Spriggs. &quot;And tell you what,
+ma'am&quot;&mdash;as if struck with a sudden thought&mdash;&quot;the rascal must have a
+confederate that's helped him off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Most likely,&quot; said Mr. Travilla. &quot;Indeed, I think it must be so. And you
+need give yourself no further anxiety about him, my dear.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FIFTEENTH" id="CHAPTER_FIFTEENTH" />CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Revenge at first though sweet,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Bitter erelong, back on itself recoils.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">&mdash;MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>At the instant of discharging his revolver, Jackson felt a sharp stinging
+pain in his right arm, and it dropped useless at his side. He hoped he had
+killed both Mr. Travilla and Elsie; but, an arrant coward and thus
+disabled, did not dare to remain a moment to learn with certainty the
+effect of his shot, but rushing along the veranda, threw himself over the
+railing, and sliding down a pillar, by the aid of the one hand, and with
+no little pain and difficulty, made off with all speed across the lawn.</p>
+
+<p>But he was bleeding at so fearful a rate that he found himself compelled
+to pause long enough to improvise a tourniquet by knotting his
+handkerchief above the wound, tying it as tightly as he could with the
+left hand aided by his teeth. He stooped and felt on the ground in the
+darkness and rain, for a stick, by means of which to tighten it still
+more; for the bleeding, though considerably checked, was by no means
+stanched. But sticks, stones, and every kind of litter, had long been
+banished thence; his fingers came in contact with nothing but the smooth,
+velvety turf, and with a muttered curse, he rose and fled again; for the
+flashing of lights, the loud ringing of a bell, peal after peal, and
+sounds of running feet and many voices in high excited tones, told him
+there was danger of a quick and hot pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>Clearing the lawn, he presently struck into a bridle-path that led to the
+woods. Here he again paused to search for the much-needed stick, found one
+suited to his purpose, and by its aid succeeded in decreasing still more
+the drain upon his life current; yet could not stop the flow entirely.</p>
+
+<p>But sounds of pursuit began to be heard in the distance, and he hastened
+on again, panting with weakness, pain and affright. Leaving the path, he
+plunged deeper into the woods, ran for some distance along the edge of a
+swamp, and leaping in up to his knees in mud and water, doubled on his
+track, then turned again, and penetrating farther and farther into the
+depths of the morass, finally climbed a tree, groaning with the pain the
+effort cost him, and concealed himself among the branches.</p>
+
+<p>His pursuers came up to the spot where he had made his plunge into the
+water; here they paused, evidently at fault. He could hear the sound of
+their footsteps and voices, and judge of their movements by the gleam of
+the torches many of them carried.</p>
+
+<p>Some now took one direction, some another, and he perceived with joy that
+his stratagem had been at least partially successful. One party, however,
+soon followed him into the swamp. He could hear Spriggs urging them on and
+anathematizing him as &quot;a scoundrel, robber, burglar, murderer, who ought
+to be swung up to the nearest tree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Every thicket was undergoing a thorough search, heads were thrown back and
+torches held high that eager blacks eyes might scan the tree-tops, and
+Jackson began to grow sick with the almost certainty of being taken, as
+several stout negroes drew nearer and nearer his chosen hiding-place.</p>
+
+<p>He uttered a low, breathed imprecation upon his useless right arm, and the
+man whose sure aim had made it so. &quot;But for you,&quot; he muttered, grinding
+his teeth, &quot;I'd sell my life dear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But the rain, which had slackened for a time, again poured down in
+torrents, the torches sputtered and went out, and the pursuers turned back
+in haste to gain the firmer soil, where less danger was to be apprehended
+from alligators, panthers, and poisonous reptiles.</p>
+
+<p>The search was kept up for some time longer, with no light but an
+occasional flash from the skies; but finally abandoned, as we have seen.</p>
+
+<p>Jackson passed several hours most uncomfortably and painfully on his
+elevated perch, quaking with fear of both man and reptile, not daring to
+come down or to sleep in his precarious position, or able to do so for the
+pain of his wound, and growing hour by hour weaker from the bleeding which
+it was impossible to check entirely.</p>
+
+<p>Then his mind was in a state of great disturbance, His wound must be
+dressed, and that speedily; yet how could it be accomplished without
+imperiling life and liberty? Perhaps he had now two new murders on his
+hands; he did not know, but he had at least attempted to take life, and
+the story would fly on the wings of the wind; such stories always did.</p>
+
+<p>He had been lurking about the neighborhood for days, and had learned that
+Dr. Balis, an excellent physician and surgeon, lived on a plantation, some
+two or three miles eastward from Viamede. He must contrive a plausible
+story, and go to him; at break of day, before the news of the attack on
+Viamede would be likely to reach him. It would be a risk, but what better
+could be done? He might succeed in quieting the doctor's suspicions, and
+yet make good his escape from the vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>The storm had spent itself before the break of day, and descending from
+his perch with the first faint rays of light that penetrated the gloomy
+recesses of the swamp, he made his way out of it, slowly and toilsomely,
+with weary, aching limbs, suffering intensely from the gnawings of hunger
+and thirst, the pain of his injury, and the fear of being overtaken by the
+avengers of his innocent victims. Truly, as the Bible tells us, &quot;the way
+of transgressors is hard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The sun was more than an hour high when Dr. Balis, ready to start upon his
+morning round, and pacing thoughtfully to and fro upon the veranda of his
+dwelling while waiting for his horse, saw a miserable looking object
+coming up the avenue: a man almost covered from head to foot with blood
+and mud; a white handkerchief, also both bloody and muddy, knotted around
+the right arm, which hung apparently useless at his side. The man reeled
+as he walked, either from intoxication or weakness and fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor judged the latter, and called to a servant, &quot;Nap, go and help
+that man into the office.&quot; Then hurrying thither himself, got out lint,
+bandages, instruments, whatever might be needed for the dressing of a
+wound. With the assistance of Nap's strong arm, the man tottered in, then
+sank, half fainting, into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A glass of wine, Nap, quick!&quot; cried the doctor, sprinkling some water in
+his patient's face, and applying ammonia to his nostrils.</p>
+
+<p>He revived sufficiently to swallow with eager avidity the wine Nap held to
+his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Food, for the love of God,&quot; he gasped. &quot;I'm starving!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bread, meat, coffee, anything that is on the table, Nap,&quot; said his
+master; &quot;and don't let the grass grow under your feet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Then to the stranger, and taking gentle hold of the wounded limb: &quot;But you
+need this flow of blood stanched more than anything else. You came to me
+for surgical aid, of course. Pistol-shot wound, eh? and a bad one at
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind; I'll hear your story after your arm's dressed and you've had
+your breakfast. You haven't strength for talk just now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Balis had his own suspicions as he ripped up the coat sleeve, bared
+the swollen limb, and carefully dressed the wound; but kept them to
+himself. The stranger's clothes, though much soiled and torn in several
+places by contact with thorns and briers, were of good material,
+fashionable cut, and not old or worn; his manners were gentlemanly, and
+his speech was that of an educated man. But all this was no proof that he
+was not a villain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is that mortification?&quot; asked the sufferer, looking ruefully at the
+black, swollen hand and fore-arm, and wincing under the doctor's touch as
+he took up the artery and tied it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no; only the stagnation of the blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will the limb ever be good for anything again?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh yes; neither the bone nor nerve has suffered injury; the ball has
+glanced from the bone, passed under the nerve, and cut the humeral artery.
+Your tourniquet has saved you from bleeding to death. 'Tis well you knew
+enough to apply it. The flesh is much torn where the ball passed out; but
+that will heal in time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The doctor's task was done. Nap had set a plate of food within reach of
+the stranger's left hand, and he was devouring it like a hungry wolf.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, sir,&quot; said the good doctor, when the meal was finished, &quot;I should
+like to hear how you came by that ugly wound. I can't deny that things
+look suspicious. I know everybody, high and low, rich and poor, for miles
+in every direction, and so need no proof that you do not belong to the
+neighborhood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; a party of us, from New Orleans last, came out to visit this
+beautiful region. We were roaming through a forest yesterday, looking for
+game, when I somehow got separated from the rest, lost my way, darkness
+came on, and wondering hither and thither in the vain effort to find my
+comrades, tumbling over logs and fallen trees, scratched and torn by
+brambles, almost eaten up by mosquitos, I thought I was having a dreadful
+time of it. But worse was to come; for I presently found myself in a swamp
+up to my knees in mud and water, and in the pitchy darkness tumbling over
+another fallen tree, struck my revolver, which I had foolishly been
+carrying in my coat pocket: it went off and shot me in the arm, as you
+see. That must have been early in the night; and what with loss of blood,
+pain, fatigue, and long fasting, I had but little strength when daylight
+came and I could see to get out of swamp and woods, and come on here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The doctor listened in silence, his face telling nothing of his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A bad business,&quot; he said, rising and beginning to draw on his gloves.
+&quot;You are not fit to travel, but are welcome to stay here for the present;
+had better lie down on the sofa there and take a nap while I am away
+visiting my patients. Nap, clean the mud and blood from the gentleman's
+clothes; take his boots out and clean them too; and see that he doesn't
+want for attention while I am gone. Good-morning, sir; make yourself at
+home.&quot; And the doctor walked out, giving Nap a slight sign to follow him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nap,&quot; he said, when they were out of ear-shot of the stranger, &quot;watch
+that man and keep him here if possible, till I come back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sah.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Nap went back into the office while the doctor mounted and rode away.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph,&quot; he said, half aloud, as he cantered briskly along, &quot;took me for a
+fool, did he? thought I couldn't tell where the shot went in and where it
+came out, or where it would go in or out if caused in that way. No, sir,
+you never gave yourself that wound; but the question is who did? and what
+for? have you been house-breaking or some other mischief?&quot; Dr. Balis was
+traveling in the direction of Viamede, intending to call there too, but
+having several patients to visit on the way, did not arrive until the late
+breakfast of its master and mistress was over.</p>
+
+<p>They were seated together on the veranda, her hand in his, the other arm
+thrown lightly about her waist, talking earnestly, and so engrossed with
+each other and the subject of their conversation, that they did not at
+first observe the doctor's approach.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Joe was at work on the lawn, clearing away the leaves and twigs
+blown down by the storm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mornin', Massa Doctah; did you heyah de news, sah?&quot; he said, pulling off
+his hat and making a profound obeisance, as he stepped forward to take the
+visitor's horse.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, uncle, what is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Burglah, sir, burglah broke in de house las' night, an' fire he revolvah
+at massa an' Miss Elsie. Miss dem, dough, an' got shot hisself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Possible!&quot; cried the doctor in great excitement, springing from the
+saddle and hurrying up the steps of the veranda.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, doctor, good-morning. Glad to see you, sir,&quot; said Mr. Travilla,
+rising to give the physician a hearty shake of the hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, sir. How are you after your fright? Mrs. Travilla, you are
+looking a little pale; and no wonder. Uncle Joe tells me you had a visit
+from a burglar last night?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A murderer, sir; one whose object was to take my husband's life,&quot; Elsie
+answered with a shudder, and in low, tremulous tones, leaning on Edward's
+arm and gazing into his face with eyes swimming with tears of love and
+gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My wife's also, I fear,&quot; Mr. Travilla said with emotion, fondly stroking
+her sunny hair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed! why this is worse and worse! But he did not succeed in wounding
+either of you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; his ball passed over our heads, grazing mine so closely as to cut off
+a lock of my hair. But I wounded him, must have cut an artery, I think,
+from the bloody trail he left behind him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An artery?&quot; cried the doctor, growing more and more excited; &quot;where? do
+you know where your ball struck?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A flash of lightning showed us to each other and we fired simultaneously,
+I aiming for his right arm. I do not often miss my aim: we heard his
+revolver fall to the floor and he fled instantly, leaving it and a trail
+of blood before him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You had him pursued promptly, of course?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; but they did not find him. I expected to see them return with his
+corpse, thinking he must bleed to death in a very short time. But I
+presume he had an accomplice who was able to stanch the flow of blood and
+carry him away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I don't think he had; and if I'm not greatly mistaken I dressed his
+wound in my office this morning, and left him there in charge of my boy
+Nap, bidding him keep the fellow there, if possible, till I came back. I'd
+better return at once, lest he should make his escape. Do you know the
+man? and can you describe him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do; I can,&quot; replied Mr. Travilla. &quot;But, my little wife, how you are
+trembling! Sit down here, dearest, and lean on me,&quot; leading her to a sofa.
+&quot;And doctor, take that chair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The man's name is Tom Jackson; he is a noted gambler and forger, has been
+convicted of manslaughter and other crimes, sent to the penitentiary and
+pardoned out. He hates me because I have exposed his evil deeds, and
+prevented the carrying out of some of his wicked designs. He has before
+this threatened both our lives. He is about your height and build, doctor;
+can assume the manners and speech of a gentleman; has dark hair, eyes, and
+whiskers, regular features, and but for a sinister look would be very
+handsome.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's he and no mistake!&quot; cried Dr. Balis, rising in haste. &quot;I must hurry
+home and prevent his escape. Why, it's really dangerous to have him at
+large. If he wasn't so disabled I'd tremble for the lives of my wife and
+children.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He trumped up a story to tell me&mdash;had his revolver in his coat pocket,
+set it off in tumbling over a log in the dark, and so shot himself. Of
+course I knew 'twas a lie, because in that case the ball would have
+entered from below, at the back of the arm, and come out above, while the
+reverse was the case.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But how could you tell where it entered or where it passed out, doctor?&quot;
+inquired Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How, Mrs. Travilla? Why, where it goes in it makes merely a small hole;
+you see nothing but a blue mark; but a much larger opening in passing out,
+often tearing the flesh a good deal; as in this case.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, either he was a fool or thought I was. But good-bye. I shall gallop
+home as fast as possible and send back word whether I find him there or
+not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't take the trouble, doctor,&quot; said Mr. Travilla; &quot;we will mount and
+follow you at once, to identify him if he is to be found. Shall we not,
+wife?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you say so, Edward, and are quite sure he cannot harm you now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No danger, Mrs. Travilla,&quot; cried the doctor, looking back as he rode
+off.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_SIXTEENTH" id="CHAPTER_SIXTEENTH" />CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Oft those whose cruelty makes many mourn</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Do by the fires which they first kindle burn.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 14em;">&mdash;EARL OF STIRLING.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;As crimes do grow, justice should rouse itself.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 16em;">&mdash;JOHNSON'S CATILINE.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Jackson thought he read suspicion in the doctor's eye as the latter left
+the office; also he felt sure the physician would not ride far before
+hearing of the attack on Viamede, and would speedily come at the truth by
+putting that and that together; perhaps return with a party of avengers,
+and hang him to a tree in the adjacent forest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must get out o' this before I'm an hour older,&quot; said the scoundrel to
+himself. &quot;Oh, for the strength I had yesterday!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why don't you lie down, sah, as Massa Doctah tole ye?&quot; asked Nap,
+returning. &quot;Massa always 'spects folks to do prezactly as he tells dem.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, Sambo, I'm too dirty to lie on that nice sofa,&quot; replied Jackson,
+glancing down at his soiled garments.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sambo's not my name, sah,&quot; said the negro, drawing himself up with
+dignity; &quot;I'se Napoleon Boningparty George Washington Marquis de
+Lafayette, an' dey calls me Nap for short. If ye'll take off dat coat,
+sah, an' dem boots, I'll take 'em out to de kitchen yard an' clean 'em.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you; if you will I'll give you a dollar. And if you'll brush the
+mud from my pants first, I'll try the sofa; for I'm nearly dead for sleep
+and rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right, sah,&quot; and Nap went to a closet, brought out a whisk, and using
+it vigorously upon the pantaloons, soon brushed away the mud, which the
+sun had made very dry. A few blood stains were left, but there was no help
+for that at present. The coat was taken off with some difficulty on
+account of the wounded arm, then the boots, and Jackson laid himself down
+on the sofa and closed his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Nap threw the coat over his arm, and taking the boots in the other hand
+went softly out, closing the door behind him. &quot;Safe 'nuff now, I reckon,&quot;
+he chuckled to himself; &quot;guess he not trabble far widout dese.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was hardly gone, however, when Jackson roused himself and forced his
+weary eyes to unclose. &quot;As dangerous as to go to sleep when freezing,&quot; he
+muttered. He rose, stepped to the closet door, and opened it.</p>
+
+<p>A pair of boots stood on the floor, a coat hung on a peg. He helped
+himself to both, sat down and drew on the boots, which were a little too
+large but went on all the more readily for that. Now for the coat. It was
+not new, but by no means shabby. He took out his knife, hastily ripped up
+the right sleeve and put it on. It fitted even better than the boots.</p>
+
+<p>Nap had brought a bottle of wine and left it on the office table,
+forgetting to carry it back to the dining-room. Jackson took it up, and
+placing it to his mouth drained the last drop. Then putting on his hat, he
+stole softly from the house and down the avenue.</p>
+
+<p>To his great joy a boat was just passing in the direction to take him
+farther from Viamede. He signaled it, and was taken aboard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Been getting Dr. Balis to patch up a wound, eh, stranger?&quot; said the
+skipper, glancing at the disabled arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes;&quot; and Jackson repeated the story already told to the surgeon.</p>
+
+<p>The skipper sympathized and advised a rest in the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you,&quot; said Jackson; &quot;but I'm only going a few miles, when I'll
+reach a point where, by taking to the woods again, I'll be likely to find
+my friends; who are doubtless anxious to know what has become of me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well, sir, when we come to the right place, just let us know and
+we'll put you off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Evidently the skipper had heard nothing to arouse his suspicions. Jackson
+was landed at the spot he pointed out&mdash;a lonely one on the edge of a
+forest, without question or demur, and the boat went on its way.</p>
+
+<p>He watched it till it disappeared from view, then plunging into the woods,
+presently found a narrow foot-path, pursuing which for an hour or so he
+came out into a small clearing. At the farther side, built just on the
+edge of the forest, was a rude log cabin. A slatternly woman stood in the
+open doorway.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So ye did get back at last?&quot; she remarked, as he drew near. &quot;I'd most
+give ye up. What ails your arm now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He briefly repeated his story to the doctor and skipper; then asked
+hurriedly, &quot;Is my horse all right?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The woman nodded. &quot;I've tuck good care on her. Now where's the gold ye
+promised me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here,&quot; he said, taking out, and holding up before her delighted eyes,
+several shining half-eagles; &quot;have my horse saddled and bridled and
+brought round to the door here as quickly as possible, and these are
+yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll do it. Bill,&quot; to a half-grown youth who sat on a rude bench within
+lazily smoking a pipe&mdash;&quot;run and fetch the gentleman's hoss. But what's yer
+hurry, mister?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This,&quot; he answered, pointing to the disabled limb; &quot;it's growing worse,
+and I'm in haste to get home, where I can be nursed by mother and sisters,
+before I quite give out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She's a awful sperited cratur, and you'll have a hard job o' it to manage
+her, with one hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must try it, nevertheless; I believe I can do it too; for she knows her
+master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She'll go like lightnin',&quot; said the boy, as he brought the animal to the
+door; &quot;she's been so long in the stable, she's as wild and scary as a
+bird.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jackson threw the gold into the woman's lap, turned about and taking the
+bridle from the boy, stroked, patted, and talked soothingly to the excited
+steed, who was snorting and pawing the ground in a way that boded danger
+to any one attempting to mount.</p>
+
+<p>His caresses and kindly tones seemed, however, to have a calming effect;
+she grew comparatively quiet, he sprang into the saddle and was off like
+an arrow from the bow.</p>
+
+<p>It was about that time the doctor returned to his office to find it
+deserted. Nap was summoned.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's become of the man I left here in your charge, sirrah?&quot; asked the
+doctor sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dunno, sah, Massa Doctah,&quot; answered Nap, glancing in astonishment from
+side to side. &quot;To't he heyah, sah; 'deed I did. Took he coat an' boots to
+clean 'em; to't he safe till I fotch 'em back; wouldn't go off without
+dem.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The doctor stepped to the closet. &quot;Yes, my coat and boots gone, bottle of
+wine emptied, no fee for professional aid&mdash;a fine day's work for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Massa Doctah! you don't say de rascal done stole yer coat an' boots? Oh,
+ef I cotch him, I&mdash;&mdash;&quot; and Napoleon Bonaparte George Washington Marquis de
+Lafayette looked unutterable things.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Better take care I don't get hold of you!&quot; cried the irate master. &quot;Go
+and tell Cato to saddle and bridle Selim and bring him to the door as
+quickly as possible; and do you find out if anybody saw which way the
+rascal went. He must be caught, for he's a burglar and murderer!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Nap lifted his hands and opened mouth and eyes wide in surprise and
+horror.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Begone!&quot; cried the doctor, stamping his foot, &quot;and don't stand gaping
+there while the scoundrel escapes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Nap shuffled out, leaving his master pacing the office to and fro with
+angry, impatient strides.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it, my dear? what has gone wrong?&quot; asked his wife, looking in
+upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, sit down on the sofa here and I'll tell you,&quot; he said, his excited
+manner quieting somewhat at sight of her pleasant face.</p>
+
+<p>She accepted the invitation, and seating himself beside her he briefly
+related all that he knew of Jackson and his attack on Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>He had hardly finished when Nap returned with the news that several of the
+negro children had seen a man go down the avenue and get aboard a passing
+boat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah ha!&quot; cried the doctor, jumping up; &quot;and which way was the boat going?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dat way, sah,&quot; replied Nap, indicating the direction by a flourish of his
+right hand.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Mr. and Mrs. Travilla rode up, and Dr. and Mrs. Balis
+hastened out to greet them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's gone; took the morning boat,&quot; cried the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good!&quot; said Mr. Travilla, &quot;we have only to head him with a telegram, and
+he'll be arrested on stepping ashore; or on board the boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Unless he should land in the next town, Madison, which the boat, having a
+good hour's start of us, would reach before the swiftest messenger we
+could send; probably has already reached.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then the best plan will be for me to ride on to Madison, give notice to
+the authorities, have it ascertained whether our man has landed there, and
+if not telegraph to the next town and have them ready to board the boat,
+with a warrant for his arrest, as soon as it arrives.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; and I'll mount Selim and go with you,&quot; answered the doctor. &quot;I
+probably know the road better than you do. And our wives may keep each
+other company till we return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you say, Elsie?&quot; asked Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I will go or stay as you think best.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We must ride very fast; I think it would fatigue you too much; so advise
+you to stay with Mrs. Balis, and I will call for you on my return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do, Mrs. Travilla! I should be delighted to have you,&quot; urged Mrs. Balis;
+&quot;and you can tell me all about last night. What a trial to your nerves! I
+don't wonder you are looking a little pale this morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, I will stay,&quot; said Elsie; and instantly her husband, giving
+his horse into Nap's charge for a moment, sprang to the ground and lifted
+her from the saddle. &quot;Don't be anxious, little wife,&quot; he whispered, as the
+soft eyes met his with a fond wistful look, &quot;I am not likely to be in
+danger, and you know the sweet words, 'Not a hair of your head shall fall
+to the ground without your Father.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, I know, and will trust you in His hands, my dear husband,&quot; was
+the low-breathed response.</p>
+
+<p>Another moment and the two gentlemen were galloping rapidly down the
+avenue side by side. The ladies stood on the veranda, watching till they
+were out of sight, then went into the house.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, my dear Mrs. Travilla, shall I just treat you as one of ourselves,
+and take you into my own breezy room?&quot; asked Mrs. Balis, regarding Elsie
+with an affectionate, admiring look.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is just what I should like, Mrs. Balis,&quot; Elsie answered, with a smile
+so sweet that her hostess put her arm about her and kissed her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't help it,&quot; she said; &quot;you take my heart by storm with your beauty,
+grace, and sweetness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, and you need not apologize,&quot; Elsie said, returning the
+embrace; &quot;love is too precious a gift to be rejected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think Mr. Travilla a very fortunate man, and so does my husband.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And am not I a fortunate woman, too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, yes, Mr. Travilla is most agreeable and entertaining, handsome too;
+and indeed I should think everything one could wish in a husband; as mine
+is,&quot; she added laughingly. &quot;I presume neither of us would consent to an
+exchange of partners. Are you fond of children, Mrs. Travilla?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall I show you mine?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like to see them, if you please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Balis at once led the way to the nursery, where she exhibited, with
+much motherly pride and delight, her three darlings, the eldest five, the
+second three years of age, the third a babe in the arms. They were
+bright-eyed, rosy-cheeked children, full of life and health, but to
+Elsie's taste not half so sweet and pretty as Rosebud.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Balis next conducted her guest to her boudoir; a servant brought in
+refreshments, consisting of a variety of fruits, cakes, and confections,
+with wine sangaree and lemonade. After partaking of these, the ladies had
+a long talk while awaiting the return of their husbands. The gentlemen
+were gone much longer than had been anticipated, and I am not sure the
+wives did not grow a little uneasy. At all events they left the boudoir
+for the front veranda, which gave them a view of the avenue and some
+hundred yards of the road beyond in the direction from which the travelers
+must come. And when at length the two were descried approaching, in a more
+leisurely manner than they went, there was a simultaneous and relieved
+exclamation, &quot;Oh, there they are at last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The ladies stood up and waved their handkerchiefs. There was no response;
+the gentlemen's faces were towards each other and they seemed to be
+engaged in earnest converse.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Unsuccessful,&quot; said Mrs. Balis.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How do you know?&quot; asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's an air of dejection about them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't see it,&quot; returned Elsie, smiling. &quot;They seem to me only too busy
+talking to notice our little attention.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Balis was correct in her conjecture. The boat had passed Madison
+some time before the gentlemen arrived there, had paused but a few minutes
+and landed no such passenger. Learning this they then telegraphed the
+authorities of the next town; waited some hours, and received a return
+telegram to the effect that the boat had been boarded, no person answering
+the description found; but the captain gave the information that such a
+man had been taken on board at Dr. Balis' plantation, and set ashore at
+the edge of a forest half-way between that place and Madison.</p>
+
+<p>On receiving this intelligence Mr. Travilla and the doctor started for
+home, bringing with them a posse of mounted men headed by some of the
+police of Madison.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Balis had taken with him to Madison the blood-stained coat of Jackson.
+From this the hounds took the scent, and on arriving at the wood mentioned
+by the skipper, soon found the trail and set off in hot pursuit, the
+horsemen following close at their heels.</p>
+
+<p>Our gentlemen did not join in the chase, but having seen it well begun,
+continued on their homeward way.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you did consent to the use of hounds?&quot; Elsie said inquiringly, and
+with a slightly reproachful look at her husband.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear,&quot; he answered gently, &quot;having been put into the hands of the
+police it has now become a commonwealth case, and I have no authority to
+dictate their mode of procedure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgive me, dearest, if I seemed to reproach you,&quot; she whispered, the
+sweet eyes seeking his with a loving, repentant look, as for a moment they
+were left alone together.</p>
+
+<p>He drew her to him with a fond caress. &quot;My darling, I have nothing to
+forgive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In the cabin at whose door Jackson had made his call and remounted his
+steed, a woman&mdash;the same with whom his business had been transacted&mdash;was
+stooping over an open fire, frying fat pork and baking hoe-cake. Bill sat
+on his bench smoking as before, while several tow-headed children romped
+and quarreled, chasing each other round and round the room with shouts of
+&quot;You quit that ere!&quot; &quot;Mammy, I say, make her stop.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush!&quot; cried the woman, suddenly straightening herself, and standing in a
+listening attitude, as a deep sound came to the ear, borne on the evening
+breeze.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hounds! bloodhounds!&quot; cried Bill, springing to his feet with unwonted
+energy. &quot;And they're a-comin' this way; makin' straight for the house,&quot; he
+added, glancing from the door, then shutting it with a bang. &quot;They're
+after that man; you may depend. He's a 'balitionist, or a horse thief, or
+somethin'.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The children crouched, silent, pale, and terror-stricken, in a corner,
+while outside, the deep baying of the hounds drew nearer and nearer, and
+mingling with it came other sounds of horses' hoofs and the gruff voices
+of men. Then a loud &quot;Halloo the house!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's wanted?&quot; asked Bill, opening the one window and putting out his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The burglar you're hiding from justice and the hounds have tracked to
+your door. A fellow with his right arm disabled by a pistol-shot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He isn't here, didn't step inside at all; don't ye see the hounds are
+turning away from the door? But you kin come in an' look for yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>One of the men dismounted and went in.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look round sharp now,&quot; said the woman. &quot;I only wish he was here fur ye to
+ketch um: if I'd know'd he was a burglar, he would never hev got off so
+easy. He jest come for his beast that he left with us four days ago, and
+mounted there at the door and was off like a shot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Which way?&quot; asked the man.</p>
+
+<p>She pointed in a southerly direction. &quot;It's the way to Texas, ain't it?
+an' he's got four or five hours the start o' ye, an' on a swift horse;
+he'll be over the border line afore ye kin ketch up to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm afraid so, indeed; but justice can follow him even there,&quot; replied
+the officer, hastening out, already satisfied that the one bare room did
+not contain his quarry.</p>
+
+<p>He sprang into the saddle, and the whole party galloped away in the wake
+of the dogs, who had found the trail again and started off in full cry.</p>
+
+<p>The party had a hard ride of some hours, the hounds never faltering or
+losing the scent; but at length they were at fault. They had reached a
+brook and here the trail was lost; it was sought for on both sides of the
+stream for a considerable distance both up and down, then abandoned in
+despair.</p>
+
+<p>The wily burglar had made his steed travel the bed of the stream, which
+was nowhere very deep, for several miles; then taking to the open country
+again and traveling under cover of the darkness of a cloudy night, at
+length, in a condition of utter exhaustion, reached a place of safety
+among some of his confederates; for he had joined himself to a gang of
+villains who infested that part of the country.</p>
+
+<p>But &quot;Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished.&quot; Few if
+any of them would escape a violent and terrible death at the last;
+and&mdash;&quot;after that the judgment&quot;; from which none may be excused.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_SEVENTEENTH" id="CHAPTER_SEVENTEENTH" />CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;His house she enters, there to be a light</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Shining within, when all without is night;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">A guardian angel o'er his life presiding,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Doubling his pleasure, and his cares dividing.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 14em;">&mdash;ROGERS' HUMAN LIFE.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>At the set time our friends turned their faces homeward, leaving their
+loving dependents of Viamede all drowned in tears. In the six weeks of
+their stay, &quot;Massa&quot; an' &quot;Missus&quot; had become very dear to those warm,
+childlike hearts.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie could not refrain from letting fall some bright sympathetic drops,
+though the next moment her heart bounded with joy at the thought of home
+and father. The yearning to hear again the tones of his loved voice, to
+feel the clasp of his arm and the touch of his lip upon brow and cheek and
+lip, increased with every hour of the rapid journey.</p>
+
+<p>Its last stage was taken in the Ion family carriage, which was found
+waiting for them at the depot.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was hiding in her own breast a longing desire to go first to the
+Oaks, chiding herself for the wish, since her husband was doubtless fully
+as anxious to see his mother, and wondering why she had not thought of
+asking for a gathering of both families at the one place or the other.</p>
+
+<p>They had left the noisy city far behind, and were bowling smoothly along
+a very pleasant part of the road, bordered with greensward and shaded on
+either side by noble forest trees; she with her mind filled with these
+musings, sitting silent and pensive, gazing dreamily from the window.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly her eyes encountered a well-known noble form, seated on a
+beautiful spirited horse, which he was holding in with a strong and
+resolute hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa!&quot; she exclaimed, with a joyous, ringing cry; and instantly he had
+dismounted, his servant taking Selim's bridle-reins, the carriage had
+stopped, and springing out she was in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear father, I was so hungry to see you,&quot; she said, almost crying for
+joy. &quot;How good of you to come to meet us, and so much nicer here than in
+the crowded depot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good of me,&quot; he answered, with a happy laugh. &quot;Of course, as I was in no
+haste to have my darling in my arms. Ah, Travilla, my old friend, I am
+very glad to see your pleasant face again.&quot; And he shook hands warmly.
+&quot;Many thanks to you (and to a higher power),&quot; he added reverently, &quot;for
+bringing her safely back to me. She seems to have been well taken care of;
+plump and bright and rosy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have been, papa; even you could not be more tender and careful of me
+than&mdash;my husband is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Her father smiled at the shy, half-hesitating way in which the last word
+slipped from the rich red lips, and the tender, loving light in the soft
+eyes as they met the fond, admiring gaze of Travilla's.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No repentance on either side yet, I see,&quot; he said laughingly. &quot;Travilla,
+your mother is in excellent health and spirits; but impatient to embrace
+both son and daughter, she bade me say. We all take tea by invitation at
+Ion to-day; that is, we of the Oaks, including Aunt Wealthy and Miss
+King.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, how nice! how kind!&quot; cried Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And to-morrow you are all to be at the Oaks!&quot; added her father. &quot;Now
+shall I ride beside your carriage? or take a seat in it with you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The latter, by all means,&quot; answered Travilla, Elsie's sparkling eyes
+saying the same, even more emphatically.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take Selim home, and see that both he and the family carriage are at Ion
+by nine this evening,&quot; was Mr. Dinsmore's order to his servant.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, papa! so early!&quot; Elsie interposed, in a tone that was half reproach,
+half entreaty.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We must not keep you up late after your journey, my child,&quot; he answered,
+following her into the carriage, Mr. Travilla stepping in after.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The seats are meant for three; let me sit between you, please,&quot; requested
+Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But are you not afraid of crushing your dress?&quot; asked her father
+jocosely, making room for her by his side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not I,&quot; she answered gayly, slipping into her chosen place with a light,
+joyous laugh, and giving a hand to each. &quot;Now I'm the happiest woman in
+the world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you deserve to be,&quot; whispered her husband, clasping tight the hand he
+held.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, you flatterer!&quot; she returned. &quot;Papa, did you miss me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every day, every hour. Did I not tell you so in my letters? And you? did
+you think often of me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oftener than I can tell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have been wondering,&quot; he said, looking gravely into her eyes, &quot;why you
+both so carefully avoided the slightest allusion to that most exciting
+episode of your stay at Viamede.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie blushed. &quot;We did not wish to make you uneasy, papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course, you must have seen a newspaper account?&quot; observed Mr.
+Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; and now suppose you let me hear your report. Did the villain's shot
+graze Elsie's forehead and carry a tress of her beautiful hair?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, it was only a lock of her unworthy husband's hair&mdash;a much
+slighter loss,&quot; Travilla said, laughing. &quot;But perhaps the reporter would
+justify his misrepresentation on the plea that man and wife are one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Possibly. And did your shot shatter the bone in the rascal's arm?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; Dr. Balis told me the ball glanced from the bone, passed under the
+nerve and severed the humeral artery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a wonder he didn't bleed to death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; but it seems he had sufficient knowledge and presence of mind to
+improvise a tourniquet with his handkerchief and a stick.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What rooms were you occupying?&quot; asked Mr. Dinsmore. &quot;Come, just tell me
+the whole story as if I had heard nothing of it before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Travilla complied, occasionally appealing to Elsie to assist his memory;
+and they had hardly done with the subject when the carriage turned into
+the avenue at Ion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling, welcome to your home,&quot; said Travilla low and tenderly,
+lifting the little gloved hand to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>An involuntary sigh escaped from Mr. Dinsmore's breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, my friend,&quot; Elsie replied to her husband, the tone and the
+look saying far more than the words. Then turning to her father, &quot;And
+to-morrow, papa, you will welcome me to the other of my two dear homes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope so, daughter; sunlight is not more welcome than you will always
+be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>What joyous greetings now awaited our travelers. Elsie had hardly stepped
+from the carriage ere she found herself in Mrs. Travilla's arms, the old
+lady rejoicing over her as the most precious treasure Providence could
+have sent her.</p>
+
+<p>Then came Rose, with her tender, motherly embrace, and joyous &quot;Elsie,
+dearest, how glad I am to have you with us again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, but you've missed us sadly!&quot; said Aunt Wealthy, taking her turn; &quot;the
+house seemed half gone at the Oaks. Didn't it, Horace?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; the absence of our eldest daughter made a very wide gap in the
+family circle,&quot; answered Mr. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>And &quot;Yes, indeed!&quot; cried Horace junior, thinking himself addressed. &quot;I
+don't believe I could have done without her at all if she hadn't written
+me those nice little letters.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't you thank me for bringing her back then, my little brother?&quot; asked
+Mr. Travilla, holding out his hand to the child.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, indeed, Brother Edward. Papa says I may call you that, as you asked
+me to; and I'll give you another hug as I did that night, if you'll let
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I will, my boy!&quot; And opening wide his arms he took the lad into a
+warm embrace, which was returned as heartily as given.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, Elsie, it's my turn to have a hug and kiss from you,&quot; Horace said,
+as Mr. Travilla released him; &quot;everybody's had a turn but me. Miss King
+and Rosebud and all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie had the little one in her arms, caressing it fondly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my dear little brother,&quot; she said, giving Rosebud to her mammy, &quot;you
+shall have as hard a hug as I can give, and as many kisses as you want. I
+love you dearly, dearly, and am as glad to see you as you could wish me to
+be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you much fatigued, Elsie dear?&quot; asked Rose, when the greetings were
+over, even to the kindly shake of the hand and pleasant word to each of
+the assembled servants.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no, mamma, we have traveled but little at night, and last night I had
+nine hours of sound, refreshing sleep.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was right,&quot; her father said, with an approving glance at Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Travilla led the way to a suite of beautiful apartments prepared for
+the bride.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's taste had been consulted in all the refitting and refurnishing,
+and the whole effect was charming. This was, however, her first sight of
+the rooms since the changes had been begun.</p>
+
+<p>The communicating doors were thrown wide, giving a view of the whole suite
+at once, from the spot where Elsie stood between Mr. Travilla and his
+mother. She gazed for a moment, then turned to her husband a face
+sparkling with delight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does it satisfy you, my little wife?&quot; he asked, in tones that spoke
+intense enjoyment of her pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fully, in every way; but especially as an evidence of my husband's love,&quot;
+she answered, suffering him to throw an arm about her and fold her to his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>There had been words of welcome and a recognition of the younger lady as
+now mistress of the mansion, trembling on the mother's tongue, but she now
+stole quietly away and left them to each other.</p>
+
+<p>In half an hour the two rejoined their guests, &quot;somewhat improved in
+appearance,&quot; as Mr. Travilla laughingly said he hoped they would be found.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are indeed,&quot; said Aunt Wealthy, &quot;a lily or a rose couldn't look
+lovelier than Elsie does in that pure white, and with the beautiful
+flowers in her hair. I like her habit of wearing natural flowers in her
+hair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I,&quot; said her husband, &quot;they seem to me to have been made for her
+adornment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And your money-hoon's over, Elsie; how odd it seems to think you've been
+so long married. And did you get through the money-hoon without a
+quarrel? But of course you did.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie, who had for a moment looked slightly puzzled by the new word, now
+answered with a smile of comprehension, &quot;Oh, yes, auntie; surely we should
+be a sad couple if even the honeymoon were disturbed by a disagreement.
+But Edward and I never mean to quarrel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore turned in his chair, and gave his daughter a glance of
+mingled surprise and disapprobation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There, papa, I knew you would think me disrespectful,&quot; she exclaimed with
+a deep blush; &quot;but he insisted, indeed ordered me, and you know I have
+promised to obey.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is quite true,&quot; assented Mr. Travilla, coloring in his turn; &quot;but I
+told her it was the only order I ever meant to give her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Better not make rash promises,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, laughing; &quot;these wives
+are sometimes inclined to take advantage of them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Treason! treason!&quot; cried Rose, lifting her hands; &quot;to think you'd say
+that before me!</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;'Husband, husband, cease your strife</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">No longer idly rove, sir;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Tho' I am your wedded wife,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Yet I am not your slave, sir.'&quot;</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>There was a general laugh, in the midst of which the tea-bell rang.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come,&quot; said the elder Mrs. Travilla good-humoredly, &quot;don't be setting a
+bad example to my children, Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, but let us all adjourn
+amicably to the tea-room, and try the beneficial effect of meat and drink
+upon our tempers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's a very severe reproof, coming from so mild a person as yourself,
+Mrs. Travilla,&quot; said Rose. &quot;My dear, give your arm to Aunt Wealthy, or our
+hostess. The ladies being so largely in the majority, the younger ones
+should be left to take care of themselves; of course excepting our bride.
+Miss King, will you take my arm?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sit here, my daughter,&quot; said Mrs. Travilla, indicating the seat before
+the tea-urn.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother, I did not come here to turn you out of your rightful place,&quot;
+objected Elsie, blushing painfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear child, it is your own place; as the wife of the master of the
+house, you are its mistress. And if you knew how I long to see you
+actually filling that position; how glad I am to resign the reigns to such
+hands as yours, you need not hesitate or hold back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; take it, wife,&quot; said Mr. Travilla, in tender, reassuring tones, as
+he led her to the seat of honor; &quot;I know my mother is sincere (she is
+never anything else), and she told me long ago, even before she knew who
+was to be her daughter, how glad she would be to resign the cares of
+mistress of the household.&quot; Elsie yielded, making no further objection,
+and presided with the same modest ease, dignity, and grace with which she
+had filled the like position at Viamede. The experience there had
+accustomed her to the duties of the place, and after the first moment she
+felt quite at home in it.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore's carriage was announced at the early hour he had named. The
+conversation in the drawing-room had been general for a time, but now the
+company had divided themselves into groups; the two older married ladies
+and Aunt Wealthy forming one, Mr. Travilla and Miss King another, while
+Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter had sought out the privacy of a sofa, at a
+distance from the others, and were in the midst of one of the long,
+confidential chats they always enjoyed so much.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, papa, don't go yet,&quot; Elsie pleaded, &quot;we're not half done our talk,
+and it's early.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But the little folks should have been in their nests long before this,&quot;
+he said, taking out his watch.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then send them and their mammies home, and let the carriage return for
+you and the ladies; unless they wish to go now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He looked at her smilingly. &quot;You are not feeling the need of rest and
+sleep?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at all, papa; only the need of a longer chat with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, since you had so good a rest last night, it shall be as you wish.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you ready, my dear?&quot; asked Rose, from the other side of the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not yet, wife; I shall stay half an hour longer, and if you ladies like
+to do the same we will send the carriage home with the children and their
+mammies, and let it return for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you say, Aunt Wealthy and Miss Lottie?&quot; inquired Mrs. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I prefer to stay and talk out my finish with Mrs. Travilla,&quot; said Miss
+Stanhope.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cast my vote on the same side,&quot; said Miss King. &quot;But, my dear Mrs.
+Dinsmore, don't let us keep you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thanks, no; but I, too, prefer another half hour in this pleasant
+company.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The half hour flew away on swift wings, to Elsie especially.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But why leave us at all to-night, auntie and Lottie?&quot; she asked, as the
+ladies began their preparations for departure. &quot;You are to be my guests
+for the rest of the winter, are you not?&quot; Then turning, with a quick vivid
+blush, to Mrs. Travilla, &quot;Mother, am I transcending my rights?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dearest daughter, no; did I not say you were henceforth mistress of
+this house?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, from its master down to the very horses in the stable and dogs in
+the kennel,&quot; laughed Mr. Travilla, coming softly up and stealing an arm
+about his wife's waist.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, sir; I don't like to contradict you,&quot; retorted Elsie, coloring but
+looking lovingly into the eyes bent so fondly upon her, &quot;but I am&mdash;nothing
+to you but your little wife;&quot; and her voice sank almost to a whisper with
+the last word.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah? Well, dear child, that's enough for me,&quot; he said, in the same low
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, Lottie,&quot; she remarked aloud, &quot;you are tying on your hat. Won't you
+stay?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not to-night, thank you, Mrs. Travilla,&quot; answered the gay girl in her
+merry, lively tones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are to be at the Oaks to-morrow, and perhaps I&mdash;well, we can settle
+the time there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you, auntie?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, dearie, I think you'd better get your housekeeping a little used to
+your ways first. And it's better for starting out that young folks should
+be alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore had stepped into the hall for his hat, and while the other
+ladies were making their adieus to her new mother, Elsie stole softly
+after him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My good-night kiss, papa,&quot; she whispered, putting her arms about his
+neck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear darling! my precious, precious child! how glad I am to be able to
+give it to you once more, and to take my own from your own sweet lips,&quot; he
+said, clasping her closer. &quot;God bless you and keep you, and ever cause His
+face to shine upon you.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_EIGHTEENTH" id="CHAPTER_EIGHTEENTH" />CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 10.5em;">&quot;O what passions then</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What melting sentiments of kindly care,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On the new parents seize.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 13em;">&mdash;THOMPSON'S AGAMEMNON.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 17em;">&quot;There is none</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In all this cold and hollow world, no fount</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of deep, strong, deathless love, save that within</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A mother's heart!&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 17.5em;">&mdash;MRS. HEMANS.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Finding it so evidently the wish of both her husband and his mother, Elsie
+quietly and at once assumed the reins of government.</p>
+
+<p>But with that mother to go to for advice in every doubt and perplexity,
+and with a dozen or more of well-trained servants at her command, her
+post, though no sinecure, did not burden her with its duties; she still
+could find time for the cultivation of mind and heart, for daily walks and
+rides, and the enjoyment of society both at home and abroad.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after the return of the newly married pair, there was a grand
+party given in their honor at Roselands; another at Ashlands, one at
+Pinegrove, at the Oaks, and several other places; then a return was made
+by a brilliant affair of the kind at Ion.</p>
+
+<p>But when at last this rather wearying round was over, they settled down to
+the quiet home life much more congenial to both; always ready to entertain
+with unbounded hospitality, and ignoring none of the legitimate claims of
+the outside world, they were yet far more interested in the affairs of
+their own little one, made up of those nearest and dearest.</p>
+
+<p>They were an eminently Christian household, carefully instructing their
+dependents in the things pertaining to godliness, urging them to faith in
+Jesus evidenced by good works; trying to make the way of salvation very
+clear to their often dull apprehension, and to recommend it by their own
+pure, consistent lives.</p>
+
+<p>Night and morning all were called together&mdash;family and house servants&mdash;and
+Mr. Travilla read aloud a portion of Scripture, and led them in prayer and
+praise. Nor was a meal ever eaten without God's blessing having first been
+asked upon it.</p>
+
+<p>There was but one drawback to Elsie's felicity&mdash;that she no longer dwelt
+under the same roof with her father; yet that was not so great, as a day
+seldom passed in which they did not meet once or oftener. It must be very
+urgent business, or a severe storm, that kept him from riding or driving
+over to Ion, unless his darling first appeared at the Oaks.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Wealthy and Lottie came to Ion within a fortnight after the return
+from Viamede; and while the former divided the rest of her stay at the
+South between Ion and the Oaks, Lottie spent nearly the whole of hers with
+Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>In May, Harry Duncan came for his aunt, and Miss King returned with them
+to her paternal home. Our friends at Ion and the Oaks decided to spend
+their summer at home this year.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have traveled so much of late years,&quot; said Rose, &quot;that I am really
+tired of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And home is so dear and sweet,&quot; added Elsie. &quot;I mean both Ion and the
+Oaks, Edward and papa; for somehow they seem to me to be both included in
+that one dear word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is right,&quot; responded her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; we seem to be all one family,&quot; said Mr. Travilla, contentedly,
+fondling Rosebud, whom he had coaxed to a seat upon his knee; &quot;and like a
+good spouse, I vote on the same side with my wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I too,&quot; said his mother, looking affectionately upon them both. &quot;I have
+no inclination to travel, and shall be much happier for having you all
+about me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The summer glided rapidly by, and vanished, leaving at Ion a priceless
+treasure.</p>
+
+<p>It was a soft, hazy, delicious September morning; Elsie sat in her pretty
+boudoir, half-reclining in the depths of a large velvet-cushioned easy
+chair. Her husband had left her a minute before, and she was&mdash;no, not
+quite alone, for her eyes were turning with a sweet, new light in them,
+upon a beautiful rosewood crib where, underneath the silken covers and
+resting on pillows of eider-down, lay a tiny form, only a glimpse of the
+pink face and one wee doubled-up fist to be caught through the lace
+curtains so carefully drawn about the little sleeper.</p>
+
+<p>A familiar step was heard in the outer room. The door opened quietly, and
+Elsie looking up cried, &quot;Papa,&quot; in a delighted yet subdued tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling,&quot; he said, coming to her and taking her in his arms. &quot;How nice
+to see you up again; but you must be careful, very, very careful, not to
+overexert yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am, my dear father, for Edward insists on it, and watches over me, and
+baby too, as if really afraid we might somehow slip away from him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is quite right. There, you must not stand, recline in your chair
+again, while I help myself to a seat by your side. How are you to-day?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I never felt better in my life, papa; so strong and well that it
+seems absurd to be taking such care of myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at all; you must do it. You seem to be alone with your babe. I hope
+you never lift her?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, sir, not yet. That I shall not has been my husband's second order.
+Mammy is within easy call, just in the next room, and will come the
+instant she is wanted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me look at her; unless you think it will disturb her rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no, sir.&quot; And the young mother gently drew aside the curtain of the
+crib.</p>
+
+<p>The two bent over the sleeping babe, listening to its gentle breathing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, papa, I feel so rich! you don't know how I love her!&quot; whispered
+Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't I, my daughter? don't I know how I love you?&quot; And his eyes turned
+with yearning affection upon her face, then back to that of the little
+one. &quot;Six weeks old to-day, and a very cherub for beauty. Aunt Chloe tells
+me she is precisely my daughter over again, and I feel as if I had now an
+opportunity to recover what I lost in not having my first-born with me
+from her birth. Little Elsie, grandpa feels that you are his; his precious
+treasure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The young mother's eyes grew misty with a strange mixture of emotion, in
+which love and joy were the deepest and strongest. Her arm stole round her
+father's neck.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear papa, how nice of you to love her so; my precious darling. She is
+yours, too, almost as much as Edward's and mine. And I am sure if we
+should be taken away and you and she be left, you would be the the same
+good father to her you have been to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Much better, I hope. My dear daughter, I was far too hard with you at
+times. But I know you have forgiven it all long ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, dear papa, please don't ever again talk of&mdash;of forgiveness from me;
+I was your own, and I believe you always did what you thought was for my
+good; and oh, what you have been, and are to me, no tongue can tell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Or you to me, my own beloved child,&quot; he answered with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>The babe stirred, and opened its eyes with a little, &quot;Coo, coo.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me take her,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, turning back the cover and gently
+lifting her from her cozy nest.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie lay back among her cushions again, watching with delighted eyes as
+her father held and handled the wee body as deftly as the most competent
+child's nurse.</p>
+
+<p>It was a very beautiful babe; the complexion soft, smooth, and very fair,
+with a faint pink tinge; the little, finely formed head covered with rings
+of golden hair that would some day change to the darker shade of her
+mother's, whose regular features and large, soft brown eyes she inherited
+also.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sweet little flower blossomed into this world of sin and sorrow! Elsie,
+dearest, remember that she is not absolutely yours, her father's, or mine;
+but only lent you a little while to be trained up for the Lord.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa, I know,&quot; she answered with emotion, &quot;and I gave her to Him
+even before her birth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope she will prove as like you in temper and disposition as she bids
+fair to be in looks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, I should like her to be much better than I was.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head with a half-incredulous smile. &quot;That could hardly be, if
+she has any human nature at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, papa, you forget how often I used to be naughty and disobedient; how
+often you had to punish me; particularly in that first year after you
+returned from Europe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A look of pain crossed his features. &quot;Daughter, dear, I am full of remorse
+when I think of that time. I fully deserved the epithet Travilla once
+bestowed upon me in his righteous indignation at my cruelty to my gentle,
+sensitive little girl.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What was that, papa?&quot; she asked, with a look of wonder and surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dinsmore, you're a brute!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, how could he say that!&quot; and the fair face flushed with momentary
+excitement and anger towards the father of her child, whom she so
+thoroughly respected ind so dearly loved.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, don't be angry with him,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore; &quot;I was the culprit. You
+cannot have forgotten your fall from the piano-stool which came so near
+making me childless? It was he who ran in first, lifted you, and laid you
+on the sofa with the blood streaming from the wounded temple over your
+curls and your white dress. Ah, I can never forget the sad sight, or the
+pang that shot through my heart with the thought that you were dead. It
+was as he laid you down that Travilla turned to me with those indignant
+words, and I felt that I fully deserved them. And yet I was even more
+cruel afterwards, when next you refused to obey when I bade you offend
+against your conscience.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't let us think or talk of it any more, dear father; I love far better
+to dwell upon the long years that followed, full of the tenderest care and
+kindness. You certainly can find nothing to blame yourself with in them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I governed you too much. It would probably have ruined a less
+amiable temper, a less loving heart, than yours. It is well for parents to
+be sometimes a little blind to trivial faults. And I was so strict, so
+stern, so arbitrary, so severe. My dear, be more lenient to your child.
+But of course she will never find sternness in either you or her father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think not, papa; unless she proves very head-strong; but you surely
+cannot mean to advise us not to require the prompt, cheerful, implicit
+obedience you have always exacted from all your children?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, daughter; though you might sometimes excuse or pardon a little
+forgetfulness when the order has not been of vital importance,&quot; he
+answered, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment's silence: then looking affectionately into her
+father's face, Elsie said, &quot;I am so glad, papa, that we have had this
+talk. Edward and I have had several on the same subject (for we are very,
+very anxious to train our little one aright); and I find that we all
+agree. But you must be tired acting the part of nurse. Please lay her in
+my arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not tired, but I see you want her,&quot; he answered with a smile, doing
+as she requested.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, you precious wee pet! you lovely, lovely little darling!&quot; the young
+mother said, clasping her child to her bosom, and softly kissing the
+velvet cheek. &quot;Papa, is she really beautiful? or is it only the mother
+love that makes her so in my eyes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; she is really a remarkably beautiful babe. Strangers pronounce her so
+as well as ourselves. Do you feel quite strong enough to hold her?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, sir; yes, indeed! The doctor says he thinks there would now be
+no danger in my lifting her, but&mdash;&mdash;&quot; laughingly, and with a fond look up
+into her husband's eyes, as at that moment he entered the room, &quot;that old
+tyrant is so fearful of an injury to this piece of his personal property,
+that he won't let me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That old tyrant, eh?&quot; he repeated, stooping to take a kiss from the sweet
+lips, and to bestow one on the wee face resting on her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, you know you are,&quot; she answered, her eyes contradicting her words;
+&quot;the idea of you forbidding me to lift my own baby!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My baby, my little friend,&quot; he said gayly.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie laughed a low, silvery, happy laugh, musical as a chime of bells.
+&quot;Our baby,&quot; she corrected. &quot;But you have not spoken to papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, we said good-morning out in the avenue. Dinsmore, since we are all
+three here together now, suppose we get Elsie's decision in regard to that
+matter we were consulting about.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What matter?&quot; she asked, looking a little curious.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A business affair,&quot; replied her husband, taking a seat by her side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a very good offer for your New Orleans property, daughter,&quot; said
+Mr. Dinsmore; &quot;shall I accept it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you think it advisable, papa? and you, Edward? I have great confidence
+in your judgments.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We do; we think the money could be better and more safely invested in
+foreign stock; but it is for you to decide, as the property is yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;More safely invested? I thought I had heard you both say real estate was
+the safest of all investments.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Usually,&quot; replied her father, &quot;but we fear property there is likely to
+depreciate in value.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, papa, please do just as you and my husband think best. You both
+know far more about these things than I do, and so I should rather trust
+your judgment than my own.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I shall make the sale; and I think the time will come when you will
+be very glad that I did.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore presently said good-bye and went away, leaving them alone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are not your arms tired, little wife?&quot; asked Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dear; ah, it is so sweet to have her little head lying here; to feel
+her little form, and know that she is my own, own precious treasure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He rose, gently lifted her in his arms, put himself in the easy chair and
+placed her on his knee.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now I have you both. Darling, do you know that I love you better to-day
+than I ever did before?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, but you have said that many times,&quot; she answered, with an arch, yet
+tender smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And it is always true. Each day I think my love as great as it can be,
+but the next I find it still greater.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I have felt angry with you to-day, for the first time since you told
+me of your love.&quot; Her tone was remorseful and pleading, as though she
+would crave forgiveness.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Angry with me, my dearest? In what can I have offended?&quot; he asked in
+sorrowful surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa was saying that he had sometimes been too hard with me, and had
+fully deserved the epithet you once bestowed upon him in your righteous
+indignation. It was when I fell from the piano-stool; do you remember?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, yes, I can never forget it. And I called him a brute. But you will
+forgive what occurred so long ago? and in a moment of anger aroused by my
+great love for you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgive you, my husband? ah, it is I who should crave forgiveness, and I
+do, though it was a momentary feeling; and now I love you all the better
+for the great loving heart that prompted the exclamation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We will exchange forgiveness,&quot; he whispered, folding her closer to his
+heart.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_NINETEENTH" id="CHAPTER_NINETEENTH" />CHAPTER NINETEENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Sweet is the image of the brooding dove!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Holy as heaven a mother's tender love!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The love of many prayers, and many tears</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Which changes not with dim, declining years&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The only love which, on this teeming earth,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Asks no return for passion's wayward birth.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 14em;">&mdash;MRS. NORTON'S DREAM.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Death is another life.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">&mdash;BAILEY.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>No mortal tongue or pen can describe the new, deep fountain of love the
+birth of her child had opened in our Elsie's heart.</p>
+
+<p>Already a devoted wife and daughter, she was the tenderest, most careful,
+most judicious of mothers; watching vigilantly over the welfare, physical,
+moral, and spiritual, of her precious charge.</p>
+
+<p>Often she took it with her to her closet, or kneeling beside its cradle,
+sent up fervent petitions to Him who, while on earth, said, &quot;Suffer the
+little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me,&quot; that He would
+receive her little one, and early make her a lamb of His fold.</p>
+
+<p>And even before the child could comprehend, she began to tell it of that
+dear Saviour and His wondrous love; then, as soon as it could speak, she
+taught it to lisp a simple prayer to Him.</p>
+
+<p>Little Elsie was almost the idol of her father and grandparents, who all
+looked upon her as a sort of second edition of her mother; more and more
+so as she grew in size, in beauty, and intelligence. Our Elsie seemed to
+find no cloud in her sky during that first year of her motherhood. &quot;I
+thought I was as perfectly happy as possible in this world, before our
+darling came,&quot; she said to her husband one day, &quot;but I am far happier now;
+for oh! such a well-spring of joy as she is!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am sure I can echo and reecho your words,&quot; he answered, folding the
+child to his heart. &quot;How rich I have grown in the last two years! My two
+Elsies, more precious than the wealth of the world! Sometime I'm half
+afraid I love you both with an idolatrous affection, and that God will
+take you from me.&quot; His voice trembled with the last words.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have had that fear also,&quot; she said, coming to his side and laying her
+hand on his arm; &quot;but, Edward, if we put God first, we cannot love each
+other, nor this wee precious pet, too dearly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, you are right, little wife. But we must not expect to continue
+always, or very long, so free from trial; for 'we must through much
+tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.' And 'many are the afflictions
+of the righteous.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But the Lord delivereth him out of them all,&quot; she responded, finishing
+the quotation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, dearest, I know that trials and troubles will come, but not of
+themselves, and what our Father sends, He will give us strength to bear.
+'The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This conversation was held when the little girl was about a year old.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the following winter Elsie said to the dear old Mrs. Travilla,
+&quot;Mother, I'm afraid you are not well. You are losing flesh and color, and
+do not seem so strong as usual. Mamma remarked it to me to-day, and asked
+what ailed you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am doing very well, dear,&quot; the old lady answered with a placid smile,
+and in her own gentle, quiet tones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother, dear mother, something is wrong; you don't deny that you are
+ill!&quot; and Elsie's tone was full of alarm and distress, as she hastily
+seated herself upon an ottoman beside Mrs. Travilla's easy chair, and
+earnestly scanned the aged face she loved so well. &quot;We must have Dr.
+Barton here to see you. May I not send at once?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dearest, I have already consulted him, and he is doing all he can for
+my relief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But cannot cure you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The answer came after a moment's pause.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dear; but I had hoped it would be much longer ere my cross cast its
+shadow over either your or Edward's path.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie could not speak; she only took the pale hands in hers, and pressed
+them again and again to her quivering lips, while her eyes filled to
+overflowing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear daughter,&quot; said the calm, sweet voice, &quot;do not grieve that I have
+got my summons home; for dearly, dearly as I love you all, I am often
+longing to see the face of my Beloved; of Him who hath redeemed me and
+washed me from my sins in His own precious blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla from the next room had heard it all. Hurrying in, he knelt by
+her side and folded his arms about her. &quot;Mother,&quot; he said, hoarsely, &quot;oh,
+is it, can it be so? Are we to lose you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, my son; blessed be God, I shall not be lost, but only gone before; so
+don't be troubled and sorrowful when you see me suffer; remember that He
+loves me far better than you can, and will never give me one unneeded
+pang.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well may I bear joyfully all He sends; for your light affliction, which
+is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal
+weight of glory; and He has said, 'When thou passest through the waters, I
+will be with thee: and through the floods, they shall not overflow thee:
+when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned, neither shall
+the flames kindle upon thee.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And He is faithful to His promises. But we will not let you die yet, my
+mother, if anything in the wide world can save you. There are more skilful
+physicians than Dr. Barton; we will consult them&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My son, the disease is one the whole profession agree in pronouncing
+incurable, and to travel would be torture. No, be content to let me die at
+home, with you and this beloved daughter to smooth my dying pillow, our
+wee precious pet to wile away the pain with her pretty baby ways, and my
+own pastor to comfort me with God's truth and sweet thoughts of heaven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie looked the question her trembling lips refused to utter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall not probably leave you soon,&quot; said the old lady. &quot;It is a slow
+thing, the doctor tells me, it will take some time to run its course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie could scarce endure the anguish in her husband's face. Silently she
+placed herself by his side, her arm about his neck, and laid her cheek to
+his.</p>
+
+<p>He drew her yet closer, the other arm still embracing his mother. &quot;Are you
+suffering much, dearest mother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not more than He giveth me strength to bear; and His consolations are not
+small.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear children, I have tried to hide this from you lest it should mar
+your happiness. Do not let it do so; it is no cause of regret to me. I
+have lived my three-score years and ten, and if by reason of strength they
+should be four-score, yet would their strength be labor and sorrow. I am
+deeply thankful that our Father has decreed to spare me the infirmities of
+extreme old age, by calling me home to that New Jerusalem where sin and
+sorrow, pain and feebleness, are unknown.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But to see you suffer, mother!&quot; groaned her son.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Think on the dear Hand that sends the pain&mdash;so infinitely less than what
+He bore for me; that it is but for a moment; and of the weight of glory it
+is to work for me. Try, my dear children, to be entirely submissive to His
+will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We will, mother,&quot; they answered; &quot;and to be cheerful for your sake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A shadow had fallen upon the brightness of the hitherto happy home&mdash;a
+shadow of a great, coming sorrow&mdash;and the present grief of knowing that
+the dear mother, though ever patient, cheerful, resigned, was enduring
+almost constant and often very severe pain.</p>
+
+<p>They watched over her with tenderest love and care, doing everything in
+their power to relieve, strengthen, comfort her; never giving way in her
+presence to the grief that often wrung their hearts.</p>
+
+<p>Dearly as Mr. Travilla and Elsie had loved each other before, this
+community of sorrow drew them still closer together; as did their love
+for, and joy and pride in, their beautiful child.</p>
+
+<p>The consolations of God were not small with any of our friends at Ion and
+the Oaks; yet was it a winter of trial to all.</p>
+
+<p>For some weeks after the above conversation, Mr. Dinsmore and Rose called
+every day, and showed themselves sincere sympathizers; but young Horace
+and little Rosebud were taken with scarlet fever in its worst form, and
+the parents being much with them, did not venture to Ion for fear of
+carrying the infection to wee Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>By God's blessing upon skilful medical advice and attention, and the best
+of nursing, the children were brought safely through the trying ordeal,
+the disease leaving no evil effects, as it so often does. But scarcely had
+they convalesced when Mr. Dinsmore fell ill of typhoid fever, though of a
+rather mild type.</p>
+
+<p>Then as he began to go about again, Rose took to her bed with what proved
+to be a far more severe and lasting attack of the same disease; for weeks
+her life was in great jeopardy, and even after the danger was past, the
+improvement was so very slow that her husband was filled with anxiety for
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the beloved invalid at Ion was slowly sinking to the grave. Nay,
+rather, as she would have it, journeying rapidly towards her heavenly
+home, &quot;the land of the leal,&quot; the city which hath foundations, whose
+builder and Maker is God.</p>
+
+<p>She suffered, but with a patience that never failed, a cheerfulness and
+joyful looking to the end, that made her sick-room a sort of little heaven
+below.</p>
+
+<p>Her children were with her almost constantly through the day; but Mr.
+Travilla, watchful as ever over his idolized young wife, would not allow
+her to lose a night's rest, insisting on her retiring at the usual hour.
+Nor would he allow her ever to assist in lifting his mother, or any of the
+heavy nursing; she might smooth her pillows, give her medicines, order
+dainties prepared to tempt the failing appetite, and oversee the negro
+women, who were capable nurses, and one of whom was always at hand night
+and day, ready to do whatever was required.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie dearly loved her mother-in-law, and felt it both a duty and delight
+to do all in her power for her comfort and consolation; but when she heard
+that her own beloved father was ill, she could not stay away from him, but
+made a daily visit to the Oaks and to his bedside. She was uniformly
+cheerful in his presence, but wept in secret because she was denied the
+privilege of nursing him in his illness.</p>
+
+<p>Then her sorrow and anxiety for Rose were great, and all the more because,
+Mrs. Travilla being then at the worst, she could very seldom leave her for
+even the shortest call at the Oaks.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon of a sweet bright Sabbath in March, a little group
+gathered in Mrs. Travilla's room. Her pastor was there: a man of large
+heart full of tender sympathy for the sick, the suffering, the bereaved,
+the poor, the distressed in mind, body, or estate; a man mighty in the
+Scriptures; with its warnings, its counsels, its assurances, its sweet and
+precious promises ever ready on his tongue; one who by much study of the
+Bible, accompanied by fervent prayer for the wisdom promised to him that
+asks it, had learned to wield wisely and with success &quot;the sword of the
+Spirit which is the word of God.&quot; Like Noah he was a preacher of
+righteousness, and like Paul could say, &quot;I ceased not to warn every one
+night and day with tears.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He had brought with him one of his elders, a man of like spirit, gentle,
+kind, tender, ever ready to obey the command to &quot;weep with those that weep
+and rejoice with those that do rejoice,&quot; a man silver-haired and growing
+feeble with age, yet so meek and lowly in heart, so earnest and childlike
+in his approaches to our Father, that he seemed on the very verge of
+heaven.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.&quot; Often had these two
+been in that sick-room, comforting the aged saint as she neared &quot;the
+valley of the shadow of death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To-day they had come again on the same Christlike errand, and for the last
+time; for all could see that she stood on Jordan's very brink, its cold
+waters already creeping up about her feet.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore, Mr. Travilla, and Elsie were present; also, a little
+withdrawn from the others, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, and a few of the old
+house servants who were Christians. &quot;The rich and the poor meet together;
+the Lord is the Maker of them all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was a sweetly solemn service, refreshing to the soul of each one there;
+most of all, perhaps, to that of her who would so soon be casting her
+crown at the Master's feet. &quot;I am almost home,&quot; she said with brightening
+countenance, her low, sweet voice breaking the solemn stillness of the
+room; &quot;I am entering the valley, but without fear, for Jesus is with me. I
+hear Him saying to me, 'Fear not; I have redeemed thee; thou art mine.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is all your hope and trust, dear friend, is He not?&quot; asked her pastor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All, all; His blood and righteousness are all my hope. All my
+righteousnesses are as filthy rags; all my best services have need to be
+forgiven. I am vile; but His blood cleanseth from all sin; and He has
+washed me in it and made me mete for the inheritance of the saints in
+light.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear sister,&quot; said the old elder, taking her hand in a last farewell,
+&quot;good-bye for a short season; 'twill not be long till we meet before the
+throne. Do not fear to cross the river, for He will be with you, and will
+not let you sink.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; the everlasting arms are underneath and around me, and He will never
+leave nor forsake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,'&quot; said the
+pastor, taking the feeble hand in his turn. &quot;Fear not; you shall be more
+than conqueror through Him that loved us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, the battle is fought, the victory is won; and I hear Him saying to
+me, 'Come up hither.' Oh! I shall be there very soon&mdash;a sinner saved by
+grace.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The pastor and elder withdrew, Mr. Travilla going with them to the door.
+Elsie brought a cordial and held it to her mother's lips, Mr. Dinsmore
+gently raising her head. &quot;Thank you both,&quot; she said, with the courtesy for
+which she had ever been distinguished. Then, as Mr. Dinsmore settled her
+more comfortably on her pillows, and Elsie set aside the empty cup,
+&quot;Horace, my friend, farewell till we meet in a better land. Elsie,
+darling,&quot; laying her pale thin hand on the bowed head, &quot;you have been a
+dear, dear daughter to me, such a comfort, such a blessing! May the Lord
+reward you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie had much ado to control her feelings. Her father passed his arm
+about her waist and made her rest her head upon his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother, how are you now?&quot; asked Mr. Travilla, coming in and taking his
+place on his wife's other side, close by the bed of the dying one.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All is peace, peace, the sweetest peace, I have nothing to do but to die,
+I am in the river, but the Lord upholdeth me with His hand, and I have
+almost reached the farther shore.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She then asked for the babe, kissed and blessed it, and bade her son
+good-bye.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sing to me, children, the twenty-third psalm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Controlling their emotion by a strong effort, that they might minister to
+her comfort, they sang; the three voices blending in sweet harmony.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you,&quot; she said again, as the last strain died away. &quot;Hark! I hear
+sweeter, richer melody, the angels have come for me, Jesus is here. Lord
+Jesus receive my spirit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was an enraptured upward glance, an ecstatic smile, then the eyes
+closed and all was still; without a struggle or a groan the spirit had
+dropped its tenement of clay and sped away on its upward flight.</p>
+
+<p>It was like a translation; a deep hush filled the room, while for a moment
+they seemed almost to see the &quot;glory that dwelleth in Immanuel's land.&quot;
+They scarcely wept, their joy for her, the ransomed of the Lord, almost
+swallowing up their grief for themselves.</p>
+
+<p>But soon Elsie began to tremble violently, shudder after shudder shaking
+her whole frame, and in sudden alarm her husband and father led her from
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh. Elsie, my darling, my precious wife!&quot; cried Travilla, in a tone of
+agony, as they laid her upon a sofa in her boudoir, &quot;are you ill? are you
+in pain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give way, daughter, and let the tears come,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, tenderly
+bending over her and gently smoothing her hair; &quot;it will do you good,
+bring relief to the overstrained nerves and full heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Even as he spoke the barriers which for so many hours had been steadily,
+firmly resisting the grief and anguish swelling in her breast, suddenly
+gave way, and tears poured out like a flood.</p>
+
+<p>Her husband knelt by her side and drew her head to a resting-place on his
+breast, while her father, with one of her hands in his, softly repeated
+text after text speaking of the bliss of the blessed dead.</p>
+
+<p>She grew calmer. &quot;Don't be alarmed about me, dear Edward, dear papa,&quot; she
+said in her low sweet tones. &quot;I don't think I am ill; and heavy as our
+loss is, dearest husband, how we must rejoice for her. Let me go and
+perform the last office of love for her&mdash;our precious mother; I am better;
+I am able.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, you are not; you must not,&quot; both answered in a breath. &quot;Aunt
+Dinah and Aunt Chloe will do it all tenderly and lovingly as if she had
+been of their own flesh and blood,&quot; added Mr. Travilla, in trembling
+tones.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTIETH" id="CHAPTER_TWENTIETH" />CHAPTER TWENTIETH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;There are smiles and tears in the mother's eyes</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">For her new-born babe beside her lies;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Oh, heaven of bliss! when the heart o'erflows</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">With the rapture a <i>mother</i> only knows!&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">&mdash;HENRY WARE, JR.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Travilla was laid to rest in their own family burial-ground, her dust
+sleeping beside that of her husband, and children who had died in infancy;
+and daily her surviving son carried his little daughter thither to scatter
+flowers upon &quot;dear grandma's grave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was not easy to learn to live without the dear mother; they missed her
+constantly. Yet was their sorrow nearly swallowed up in joy for her&mdash;the
+blessed dead who had departed to be with Christ in glory and to go no more
+out forever from that blissful presence.</p>
+
+<p>Their house was not made dark and gloomy, the sunlight and sweet spring
+air entered freely as of yore. Nor did they suffer gloom to gather in
+their hearts or cloud their faces. Each was filled with thankfulness for
+the spared life of the other, and of their darling little daughter.</p>
+
+<p>And scarce a week had passed away since heaven's portals opened wide to
+the ransomed soul, when a new voice&mdash;that of a son and heir&mdash;was heard in
+the old home, and many hearts rejoiced in the birth of the beautiful boy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God has sent him to comfort you in your sorrow, dearest,&quot; Elsie
+whispered, as her husband brought the babe&mdash;fresh from its first robing by
+Aunt Chloe's careful hands&mdash;and with a very proud and happy face laid it
+in her arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he said, in moved tones. &quot;Oh, that men would praise the Lord for
+His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If mother could only have seen him!&quot; And tears gathered in the soft,
+sweet eyes of the young mother gazing so tenderly upon the tiny face on
+her arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She will, one day, I trust; I have been asking for this new darling that
+he may be an heir of glory: that he may early be gathered into the fold of
+the good Shepherd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I, too,&quot; she said, &quot;have besought my precious Saviour to be the God
+of my children also from their birth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you intend to call your son?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you?&quot; she asked, smiling up at him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Horace, for your father, if you like.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I had thought of Edward, for his father and yours. Horace Edward.
+Will that do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am satisfied, if you are. But Edward would do for the next.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But he may never come to claim it,&quot; she said, laughing. &quot;Is papa in the
+house?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and delighted to learn that he has a grandson.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, bring him here and let me see the first meeting between them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can you bear the excitement?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I promise not to be excited; and it <i>always</i> does me good to see my dear
+father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore came softly in, kissed very tenderly the pale face on the
+pillow, then took a long look at the tiny pink one nestling to her side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, isn't he a beauty? I have made you two grand-fathers now, you dear
+papa!&quot; she said, indulging in a little jest to keep down the emotions
+tugging at her heart-strings. &quot;Do you begin to feel old and decrepit, <i>mon
+p&egrave;re</i>?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not very,&quot; he said smiling, and softly smoothing her hair; &quot;not more so
+to-day than I did yesterday. But now I must leave you to rest and sleep.
+Try, my darling, for all our sakes, to be very prudent, very calm and
+quiet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will, papa; and don't trouble about me. You know I am in good hands.
+Ah, stay a moment! here is Edward bringing wee bit Elsie to take her first
+peep at her little brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma,&quot; cried the child; stretching out her little arms towards the bed,
+&quot;mamma, take Elsie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma can't, darling; poor mamma is so sick,&quot; said Mr. Travilla; &quot;stay
+with papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But she shall kiss her mamma, dear, precious little pet,&quot; Elsie said.
+&quot;Please hold her close for a minute, papa, and let her kiss her mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He complied under protest, in which Mr. Dinsmore joined, that he feared it
+would be too much for her; and the soft baby hands patted the wan cheeks,
+the tiny rosebud mouth was pressed again and again to the pale lips with
+rapturous cooings, &quot;Mamma, mamma!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There, pet, that will do,&quot; said her father. &quot;Now, see what mamma has for
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look, mother's darling,&quot; Elsie said with a glad smile, exposing to view
+the tiny face by her side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Baby!&quot; cried the little girl, with a joyous shout, clapping her chubby
+hands, &quot;pretty baby Elsie take&quot;; and the small arms were held out
+entreatingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Elsie is too little to hold it,&quot; said her papa; &quot;but she may kiss it
+very softly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The child availed herself of the permission, then gently patting the
+newcomer, repeated her glad cry, &quot;Baby, pretty baby.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Elsie's little brother,&quot; said her mamma, tenderly. &quot;Now, dearest, let
+mammy take her away,&quot; she added, sinking back on her pillows with a weary
+sigh.</p>
+
+<p>He complied, then bent over her with a look of concern. &quot;I should not have
+brought her in,&quot; he said anxiously; &quot;it has been too much for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I wanted so to see her delight. One more kiss, papa, before you go,
+and then I'll try to sleep.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie did not recover so speedily and entirely as before, after the birth
+of her first babe; and those to whom she was so dear grew anxious and
+troubled about her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You want change, daughter,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore said, coming in one morning and
+finding her lying pale and languid on a sofa; &quot;and we are all longing to
+have you at home. Do you feel equal to a drive over to the Oaks?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I do, papa,&quot; she answered, brightening. &quot;Edward took me for a
+short drive yesterday, and I felt better for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, dearest, come home to your father's house and stay there as long as
+you can; bring babies and nurses and come. Your own suite of rooms is
+quite ready for you,&quot; he said, caressing her tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, papa, how nice to go back and feel at home in my own father's house
+again,&quot; she said, softly stroking his head with her thin white hand as he
+bent over her, the sweet soft eyes, gazing full into his, brimming over
+with love and joy. &quot;I shall go, if Edward doesn't object. I'd like to
+start this minute. But you haven't told me how poor mamma is to-day?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not well, not very much stronger than you are, I fear,&quot; he answered, with
+a slight sigh. &quot;But your coming will do her a world of good. Where is
+Travilla?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here, and quite at your service,&quot; replied Mr. Travilla's cheery voice, as
+he came in from the garden with his little daughter in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>He set her down, and while he exchanged greetings with Mr. Dinsmore, she
+ran to her mother with a bouquet of lovely sweet-scented spring blossoms
+they had been gathering &quot;for mamma.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, mother's darling,&quot; Elsie said, accepting the gift and tenderly
+caressing the giver; &quot;you and papa, too. But see who is here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The child turned to look, and with a joyous cry &quot;G'anpa!&quot; ran into his
+outstretched arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Grandpa's own wee pet,&quot; he said, hugging the little form close and
+covering the baby face with kisses. &quot;Will you come and live with grandpa
+in his home for awhile?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma? papa too?&quot; she asked, turning a wistful look on them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes; yes indeed, mamma and papa too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Baby?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, baby and mammies and all. Will you come?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May Elsie, mamma?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, pet; we will all go, if your papa is willing.&quot; And her soft eyes
+sought her husband's face with a look of love and confidence that said she
+well knew he would never deny her any good in his power to bestow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have been proposing to my daughter to take possession again, for as
+long a time as she finds it convenient and agreeable, of her old suite of
+rooms at the Oaks. I think the change would do her good, and perhaps you
+and the little ones also,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore explained.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you; I think it would. When will you go, little wife?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa proposes taking me at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My carriage is at the door, and this is the pleasantest part of the day,&quot;
+remarked Mr. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, yes; then take Elsie with you, and I will follow shortly with
+children and servants. There is no reason in the world why she should not
+go, if she wishes, and stay as long as she likes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The change proved beneficial to Elsie; it was so pleasant to find herself
+again a member of her father's family; and that even without a short
+separation from her husband and little ones.</p>
+
+<p>Here, too, absent from the scenes so closely associated with the memory of
+her beloved mother-in-law, she dwelt less upon her loss, while at the same
+time she was entertained and cheered by constant intercourse with father,
+Rose, and young brother and sister. It was indeed a cheering thing to all
+parties to be thus brought together for a time as one family in delightful
+social intercourse.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, though the invalids improved in spirits, and to some extent in other
+respects, they did not regain their usual strength, and the physicians
+recommending travel, particularly a sea voyage, it was finally decided to
+again visit Europe for an indefinite period, the length of their stay to
+depend upon circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>It was in June, 1860, they left their homes; and traveling northward, paid
+a short visit to relatives and friends in Philadelphia; then took the
+steamer for Europe.</p>
+
+<p>A few weeks later found them cozily established in a handsome villa
+overlooking the beautiful bay of Naples.</p>
+
+<p>They formed but one family here as at the Oaks; each couple having their
+own private suite of apartments, while all other rooms were used in common
+and their meals taken together; an arrangement preferred by all; Mr.
+Dinsmore and his daughter especially rejoicing in it, as giving them
+almost as much of each other's society as before her marriage.</p>
+
+<p>In this lovely spot they planned to remain for some months, perchance a
+year; little dreaming that five years would roll their weary round ere
+they should see home and dear native land again.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_FIRST" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_FIRST" />CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;He who loves not his country can love nothing.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 21em;">&mdash;BYRON.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;There were sad hearts in a darken'd home,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">When the brave had left their bower;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">But the strength of prayer and sacrifice</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">Was with them in that hour.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">&mdash;MRS. HEMANS.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>The sea voyage had done much for the health of both ladies, and the soft
+Italian air carried on the cure. Mr. Dinsmore, too, had recovered his
+usual strength, for the first time since his attack of fever.</p>
+
+<p>There was no lack of good society at their command; good both socially and
+intellectually. American, English, Italian, French, etc.; many former
+friends and acquaintances and others desiring to be introduced by these;
+but none of our party felt disposed at that time to mix much with the
+outside world.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's deep mourning was for her sufficient excuse for declining all
+invitations; while Rose could plead her still precarious state of health.</p>
+
+<p>She wore no outward badge of mourning for Mrs. Travilla, but felt deep and
+sincere grief at her loss; for the two had been intimate and dear friends
+for many years, the wide disparity in age making their intercourse and
+affection much like that of mother and daughter.</p>
+
+<p>The condition of political affairs in their own country was another thing
+that caused our friends to feel more exclusive and somewhat reluctant to
+mingle with those of other nationalities. Every mail brought them letters
+and papers from both North and South, and from their distant standpoint
+they watched with deep interest and anxiety the course of events fraught
+with such momentous consequences to their native land.</p>
+
+<p>Neither Mr. Dinsmore nor Mr. Travilla had ever been a politician; but both
+they and their wives were dear lovers of their country, by which they
+meant the whole Union. The three who were natives of the South
+acknowledged that that section was dearer to them than any other, but that
+the whole was nearer and dearer than any part; while Rose said &quot;she knew
+no difference; it was all her own beloved native land, to her mind one and
+indivisible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They led a cheerful, quiet life in their Italian home, devoting themselves
+to each other and their children; Mr. Dinsmore acting the part of tutor to
+young Horace, as he had done to Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>Her little ones were the pets and playthings of the entire household,
+while she and their father found the sweetest joy in caring for them and
+watching over and assisting the development of their natures, mental,
+moral, and physical. Their children would never be left to the care and
+training of servants, however faithful and devoted.</p>
+
+<p>Nor would those of Mr. Dinsmore and Rose. In the esteem of these wise,
+Christian parents the God-given charge of their own offspring took
+undoubted precedence of the claims of society.</p>
+
+<p>Thus placidly passed the summer and autumn, the monotony of their
+secluded life relieved by the enjoyment of literary pursuits, and varied
+by walks, rides, drives, and an occasional sail, in bright, still weather,
+over the waters of the lovely bay.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie entered the drawing-room one morning, with the little daughter in
+her arms. The child was beautiful as a cherub, the mother sweet and fair
+as ever, nor a day older in appearance than while yet a girl in her
+father's house.</p>
+
+<p>She found him sole occupant of the room, pacing to and fro with downcast
+eyes and troubled countenance. But looking up quickly at the sound of her
+footsteps he came hastily towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come to grandpa,&quot; he said, holding out his hands to the little one; then
+as he took her in his arms, &quot;My dear daughter, if I had any authority over
+you now&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; she interrupted, blushing deeply, while the quick tears sprang to
+her eyes, &quot;you hurt me! Please don't speak so. I am as ready now as ever
+to obey your slightest behest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, my darling, don't carry this child. You are not strong, and I fear
+will do yourself an injury. She can walk very well now, and if necessary
+to have her carried, call upon me, her father, or one of the servants;
+Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, Dinah, one or another is almost sure to be at
+hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will try to follow out your wishes, papa. Edward has said the same
+thing to me, and no doubt you are right; but it is so sweet to have her in
+my arms, and so hard to refuse when she asks to be taken up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You mustn't ask mamma to carry you,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore said to the child,
+caressing her tenderly as he spoke; &quot;poor mamma is not strong, and you
+will make her sick.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They had seated themselves side by side upon a sofa. The little one turned
+a piteous look upon her mother, and with a quivering lip and fast-filling
+eyes, said, &quot;Mamma sick? Elsie tiss her, make her well?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, my precious pet, mother isn't sick; so don't cry,&quot; Elsie answered,
+receiving the offered kiss, as the babe left her grandfather's knee and
+crept to her; then the soft little hands patted her on the cheeks and the
+chubby arms clung about her neck.</p>
+
+<p>But catching sight, through the open window, of her father coming up the
+garden walk, wee Elsie hastily let go her hold, slid to the floor and ran
+to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore seemed again lost in gloomy thought.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, dear, what is it? What troubles you so?&quot; asked Elsie, moving closer
+to him, and leaning affectionately on his shoulder, while the soft eyes
+sought his with a wistful, anxious expression.</p>
+
+<p>He put his arm about her, and just touching her cheek with his lips,
+heaved a deep sigh. &quot;The papers bring us bad news. Lincoln is elected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah well, let us not borrow trouble, papa; perhaps he may prove a pretty
+good president after all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just what I think,&quot; remarked Mr. Travilla, who had come in with his
+little girl in his arms at the moment of Mr. Dinsmore's announcement, and
+seated himself on his wife's other side; &quot;let us wait and see. All may go
+right with our country yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore shook his head sadly. &quot;I wish I could think so, but in the
+past history of all republics whenever section has arrayed itself against
+section the result has been either a peaceful separation, or civil war;
+nor can we hope to be an exception to the rule.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should mourn over either,&quot; said Elsie, &quot;I cannot bear to contemplate
+the dismemberment of our great, glorious old Union. Foreign nations would
+never respect either portion as they do the undivided whole.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; and I can't believe either section can be so mad as to go that
+length,&quot; remarked her husband, fondling his baby daughter as he spoke.
+&quot;The North, of course, does not desire a separation; but if the South
+goes, will be pretty sure to let her go peaceably.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I doubt it, Travilla; and even if a peaceable separation should be
+allowed at first, so many causes of contention would result (such as the
+control of the navigation of the Mississippi, the refusal of the North to
+restore runaway negroes, etc., etc.), that it would soon come to blows.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Horace, you frighten me,&quot; said Rose, who had come in while they were
+talking.</p>
+
+<p>The color faded from Elsie's cheek, and a shudder ran over her, as she
+turned eagerly to hear her husband reply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why cross the bridge before we come to it, Dinsmore?&quot; he answered
+cheerily, meeting his wife's anxious look with one so fond and free from
+care, that her heart grew light; &quot;surely there'll be no fighting where
+there is no yoke of oppression to cast off. There can be no effect
+without a cause.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The accursed lust of power on the part of a few selfish, unprincipled
+men, may invent a cause, and for the carrying out of their own ambitious
+schemes, they may lead the people to believe and act upon it. No one
+proposes to interfere with our institution where it already exists&mdash;even
+the Republican party has emphatically denied any such intention&mdash;yet the
+hue and cry has been raised that slavery will be abolished by the incoming
+administration, arms put into the hands of the blacks, and a servile
+insurrection will bring untold horrors to the hearths and homes of the
+South.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, dreadful, dreadful!&quot; cried Rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, my dear, there is really no such danger: the men (unscrupulous
+politicians) do not believe it themselves; but they want power, and as
+they could never succeed in getting the masses to rebel to compass their
+selfish ends, they have invented this falsehood and are deceiving the
+people with it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't put all the blame on the one side, Dinsmore,&quot; said Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; that would be very unfair. The framers of our constitution looked to
+gradual emancipation to rid us of this blot on our escutcheon, this
+palpable inconsistency between our conduct and our political creed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It did so in a number of States, and probably would ere this in all, but
+for the fierce attacks of a few ultra-abolitionists, who were more zealous
+to pull the mote out of their brother's eye than the beam out of their
+own, and so exasperated the Southern people by their wholesale abuse and
+denunciations, that all thought of emancipation was given up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is human nature to cling the tighter to anything another attempts to
+force from you; even though you may have felt ready enough to give it up
+of your own free will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very true,&quot; said Travilla, &quot;and Garrison and his crew would have been at
+better work repenting of their own sins, than denouncing those of their
+neighbors.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, papa, you don't think it can come to war, a civil war, in our dear
+country? the best land the sun shines on; and where there is none of the
+oppression that makes a wise man mad!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I fear it, daughter, I greatly fear it; but we will cast this care, as
+well as all others, upon Him who 'doeth according to His will, in the army
+of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>What a winter of uncertainty and gloom to Americans, both at home and
+abroad, was that of 1860-'61. Each mail brought to our anxious friends in
+Naples news calculated to depress them more and more in view of the
+calamities that seemed to await their loved land.</p>
+
+<p>State after State was seceding and seizing upon United States property
+within its limits&mdash;forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, mints,
+ships, armories, and military stores&mdash;while the government at Washington
+remained inactive, doubtless fearing to precipitate the civil strife.</p>
+
+<p>Still Mr. Travilla, Rose, and Elsie, like many lovers of the Union, both
+North and South, clung to the hope that war might yet be averted.</p>
+
+<p>At length came the news of the formation of the Confederacy: Davis's
+election as its president; then of the firing upon the Star of the West,
+an unarmed vessel bearing troops and supplies to Fort Sumter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, the first gun has been fired,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, with a sigh, as
+he laid down the paper from which he had been reading the account.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But perhaps it may be the only one, papa,&quot; remarked Elsie hopefully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish it may,&quot; replied her father, rising and beginning to pace to and
+fro, as was his wont when excited or disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>The next news from America was looked for with intense anxiety. It was
+delayed longer than usual; and at length a heavy mail came, consisting of
+letters and Capers of various dates from the twelfth to the twentieth of
+April, and bringing news of the most exciting character in the fall of
+Fort Sumter: the call of the president for seventy-five thousand troops to
+defend the capital, the seizure of the United States armory at Harper's
+Ferry by the Confederates; the attack on the Massachusetts troops while
+passing through Baltimore, and lastly the seizure of Norfolk Navy-yard.</p>
+
+<p>Dinner was just over at the villa, the family still chatting over the
+dessert, children and all in an unusually merry mood, when this mail was
+brought in by a servant, and handed to Mr. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>He promptly distributed it, took up the paper of the earliest date, and
+glancing over the headings, exclaimed, with a groan, &quot;It has come!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What?&quot; queried the others, in excited chorus.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;War! My country! oh, my country! Fort Sumter has fallen after a terrific
+bombardment of thirty-six hours.&quot; And he proceeded to read aloud the
+account of the engagement, the others listening in almost breathless
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And they have dared to fire upon the flag! the emblem of our nationality,
+the symbol of Revolutionary glory; to tear it down and trample it in the
+dust!&quot; cried Mr. Travilla, pushing back his chair in unwonted excitement;
+&quot;shameful, shameful!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Tears were rolling down Elsie's cheeks, and Rose's eyes were full.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let us adjourn to the library and learn together all these papers and
+letters can tell us,&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore, rising. &quot;'Twill be better so; we
+shall need the support of each other's sympathy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He led the way and the rest followed.</p>
+
+<p>The papers were examined first, by the gentlemen, now the one and now the
+other reading an article aloud, the excitement and distress of all
+increasing with each item of intelligence in regard to public affairs.
+Rose and Elsie opened their letters, and now and then, in the short pauses
+of the reading, cast a hasty glance at their contents.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's were from her Aunt Adelaide, Walter, and Enna. Rose's from her
+mother, Richard, May, and Sophie.</p>
+
+<p>The last seemed written in a state of distraction.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rose, Rose, I think I shall go crazy! my husband and his brothers have
+enlisted in the Confederate army. They, Harry especially, are furious at
+the North and full of fight; and I know my brothers at home will enlist on
+the other side; and what if they should meet and kill each other! Oh,
+dear! oh, dear! my heart is like to break!</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what is it all about? I can't see that anybody's oppressed; but when
+I tell Harry so, he just laughs and says, 'No, we're not going to wait
+till they have time to rivet our chains,' 'But,' I say, 'I've had neither
+sight nor sound of chains; wait at least till you hear their clank.' Then
+he laughs again, but says soothingly, 'Never mind, little wife; don't
+distress yourself; the North won't fight; or if they do try it, will soon
+give it up,' But I know they won't give up: they wouldn't be Americans if
+they did.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Arthur and Walter Dinsmore were here yesterday, and Arthur is worse than
+Harry a great deal; actually told me he wouldn't hesitate to shoot down
+any or all of my brothers, if he met them in Federal uniform. Walter is
+almost silent on the subject, and has not yet enlisted. Arthur taunted him
+with being for the Union, and said if he was quite sure of it he'd shoot
+him, or help hang him to the nearest tree.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Rose! pray, pray that this dreadful war may be averted!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Rose felt almost stunned with horror as she read; but her tears fell fast
+as she hurriedly perused the contents of the other three, learning from
+them that Richard, Harold, and Fred had already enlisted, and Edward
+would do the same should the war continue long.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My heart is torn in two!&quot; she cried, looking piteously up in her
+husband's face, with the tears streaming down her own.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it, my darling?&quot; he asked, coming to her and taking her cold
+hands in his.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh my country! my country! My brothers, too&mdash;and yours! they are pitted
+against each other&mdash;have enlisted in the opposing armies. Oh, Horace,
+Horace! what ever shall we do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God reigns, dearest; let that comfort you and all of us,&quot; he said, in
+moved tones. &quot;It is dreadful, dreadful! Brothers, friends, neighbors, with
+hearts full of hatred and ready to imbrue their hands in each other's
+blood and for what? That a few ambitious, selfish, unscrupulous men may
+retain and increase their power; for this they are ready to shed the blood
+of tens of thousands of their own countrymen, and bring utter ruin upon
+our beautiful, sunny South.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, papa, surely not!&quot; cried Elsie; &quot;these papers say the war cannot last
+more than three months.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They forget that it will be American against American. If it is over in
+three years, 'twill be shorter than I expect.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was weeping, scarcely less distressed than Rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We will, at least, hope for better things, little wife,&quot; her husband
+said, drawing her to him with caressing motion. &quot;What do your letters
+say?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They are full of the war; it is the all-absorbing theme with them, as
+with us. Aunt Adelaide's is very sad. Her heart clings to the South, as
+ours do; yet, like us, she has a strong love for the old Union.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And she's very found of her husband, who, she says, is very strong for
+the Government; and then, besides her distress at the thought that he will
+enlist, her heart is torn with anguish because her brothers and his are in
+the opposing armies.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Edward! isn't it terrible? Civil war in our dear land! So many whom
+we love on both sides!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment of sorrowful silence. Then her father asked, &quot;What does
+Enna say?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She is very bitter, papa: speaks with great contempt of the North; exults
+over the fall of Fort Sumter and the seizure of United States property;
+glories in the war-spirit of Dick and Arthur, and sneers at poor Walter
+because he is silent and sad, and declines, for the present at least, to
+take any part in the strife. Grandpa, she says, and his mother, too, are
+almost ready to turn him out of the house; for they are as hot
+secessionists as can be found anywhere.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a letter from Walter too, papa. He writes in a very melancholy
+strain; hints mildly at the treatment he receives at home; says he can't
+bear the idea of fighting against the old flag, and still less the old
+friends he has at the North, and wishes he was with us or anywhere out of
+the country, that he might escape being forced to take part in the
+quarrel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor fellow!&quot; sighed Mr. Dinsmore. &quot;Ah, I have a letter here from my
+father that I have not yet opened.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He took it from the table as he spoke. His face darkened as he read, the
+frown and stern expression reminding Elsie of some of the scenes in her
+early days; but he handed the missive to Rose, remarking, in a calm, quiet
+tone, &quot;My father expects me to be as strong a secessionist as himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you're for the Union, papa, are you not?&quot; asked Horace. &quot;You'd never
+fire upon the Stars and Stripes&mdash;the dear old flag that protects us here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, my son. I love the dear South, which has always been my home, better
+far than any other of the sections; yet I love the whole better than a
+part.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So do I!&quot; exclaimed Rose warmly; &quot;and if Pennsylvania, my own native
+State, should rebel against the general government, I'd say, 'Put her down
+with a strong hand'; and just so with any State or section, Eastern,
+Northern, Middle or Western. I've always been taught that my country is
+the Union; and I think that teaching has been general through the North.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is what my mother taught me, and what I have taught my children,&quot; said
+Mr. Dinsmore; &quot;not to love the South or my native State less, but the
+Union more. I was very young when I lost my mother; but that, and some
+other of her teachings, I have never forgotten.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is, I believe, a strong love for the old Union throughout the whole
+South,&quot; remarked Mr. Travilla; &quot;there would be no rebellion among the
+masses there, but for the deceptions practised upon them by their leaders
+and politicians; and it is they who have been whirling the States out of
+the Union, scarce allowing the people a voice in the matter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't wonder at the indignation of the North over the insult to the
+flag,&quot; said Elsie; &quot;nor the furor for it that is sweeping over the land.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd like to be there to help fling it to the breeze,&quot; cried Horace
+excitedly; &quot;and to see how gay the streets must be with it flying
+everywhere. Yes, and I'd like to help fight. Papa, am I not old enough?
+mayn't I go?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, foolish boy, you are much too young, not yet fourteen. And suppose
+you were old enough, would you wish to fight your uncles? kill one of
+them, perhaps? Uncle Walter, for instance?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh papa, no, no, no! I wouldn't for the world hurt one hair of dear Uncle
+Wal's head; no, not if he were the hottest kind of secessionist.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Kill Uncle Wal! why Horace, how could you ever think of such a thing?&quot;
+exclaimed Rosebud. &quot;And mamma and sister Elsie, why are you both crying
+so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>All the afternoon the elders of the family remained together, talking over
+the news&mdash;they could scarce think or speak of anything else: very grave
+and sad all of them, the ladies now and then dropping a tear or two while
+each paper was carefully scanned again and again, lest some item on the
+all-absorbing subject might have been overlooked, and every letter that
+had any bearing upon it read and re-read till its contents had been fully
+digested.</p>
+
+<p>May's gave a graphic account of the excitement in Philadelphia; the
+recruiting and drilling of troops, the making of flags, the constant,
+universal singing of patriotic songs, etc., then closed with the story of
+the sorrowful parting with the dear brothers who might never return from
+the battle-field.</p>
+
+<p>It had been a bright, warm day, but at evening the sea breeze came in cool
+and fresh; thin clouds were scudding across the sky, hiding the stars and
+giving but a faint and fitful view of the young moon that hung, a bright
+crescent, amid their murky folds.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore was pacing slowly to and fro upon an open colonnade
+overlooking the bay. He walked with bent head and folded arms, as one in
+painful thought.</p>
+
+<p>A slight girlish figure came gliding towards him from the open doorway.
+&quot;Papa, dear, dear papa,&quot; murmured a voice tremulous with emotion, &quot;you are
+very sad to-night; would that your daughter could comfort you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He paused in his walk, took her in his arms and folded her close to his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, darling. Yes, I am sad, as we all are. Would that I could
+comfort you, and keep all sorrow from your life. Nay, that is not a right
+wish, for 'whom the Lord <i>loveth</i> He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
+whom He receiveth.' 'As many as I love I rebuke and chasten.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa, those words make me more than willing to bear trials. But oh,
+how dreadful, how dreadful, to know that our countrymen are already
+engaged in spilling each other's blood!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, that is harrowing enough; but that it should be also our near and
+dear relations! Elsie, I am thinking of my young brothers: they are not
+Christians; nor is my poor old father. How can they bear the trials just
+at hand? How unfit they are to meet death, especially in the sudden, awful
+form in which it is like to meet those who seek the battle-field.
+Daughter, you must help me pray for them, pleading the promise, 'If two of
+you shall agree.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will, papa; and oh, I do feel deeply for them. Poor Walter and poor,
+poor grandpa. I think he loves you best of all his sons, papa; but it
+would be very terrible to him to have the others killed or maimed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it would indeed. Arthur is his mother's idol, and I dare say she now
+almost regrets that he has now so entirely recovered from his lameness as
+to be fit for the army.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He drew her to a seat. &quot;The babies are in bed, I suppose?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa; I left my darlings sleeping sweetly. I am trying to train them
+to regular habits and early hours, as you did me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, it is so sweet to be a mother! to have my little Elsie in my lap,
+as I had but a few moments since, and feel the clasp of her arms about my
+neck, or the tiny hands patting and stroking my face, the sweet baby lips
+showering kisses all over it, while she coos and rejoices over me; Mamma!
+mamma, my mamma! Elsie's dear mamma! Elsie's own sweet pretty mamma.' Ah,
+though our hearts ache for the dear land of our birth, we still have many
+many blessings left.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have indeed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla, Rose, and Horace now joined them, and the last-named
+besieged his father with questions about the war and its causes; all of
+which were patiently answered to the best of Mr. Dinsmore's ability, Mr.
+Travilla now and then being appealed to for further information, or his
+opinion, while the ladies listened and occasionally put in a remark or a
+query.</p>
+
+<p>From that day the mails from America were looked for with redoubled
+anxiety and eagerness: though the war news was always painful, whichever
+side had gained a victory or suffered defeat.</p>
+
+<p>At first, papers and letters had been received from both North and South,
+giving them the advantage of hearing the report from each side; but soon
+the blockade shut off nearly all intercourse with the South, a mail from
+thence reaching them only occasionally, by means of some Confederate or
+foreign craft eluding the vigilance of the besieging squadron.</p>
+
+<p>Early in June there came a letter from Miss Stanhope, addressed to Elsie.
+Like all received from America now, it dwelt almost exclusively upon
+matters connected with the fearful struggle just fairly begun between the
+sections. The old lady's heart seemed full of love for the South, yet she
+was strongly for the Union, and said she should be so if any other section
+or State rebelled.</p>
+
+<p>Lansdale was full of excitement, flags flying everywhere; they had one
+streaming across from the top of the house, and another from a tree in the
+garden.</p>
+
+<p>Harry had enlisted in response to the first call of troops, and was now
+away, fighting in Virginia; while she, praying night and day for his
+safety, was, with most of the ladies of the town, busy as a bee knitting
+stockings and making shirts for the men in the field, and preparing lint,
+bandages, and little dainties for the sick and wounded.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_SECOND" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_SECOND" />CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Calm me, my God, and keep me calm</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">While these hot breezes blow;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Be like the night-dew's cooling balm</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon earth's fevered brow.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 13em;">&mdash;H. BONAR.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Fear not; I will help thee.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 9.5em;">&mdash;ISAIAH xiii. 13.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Dear old auntie! to think how hard at work for her country she is, while
+I sit idle here,&quot; sighed Elsie, closing the letter after reading it aloud
+to the assembled family. &quot;Mamma, papa, Edward, is there nothing we can
+do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We can do just what they are doing,&quot; replied Rose with energy, &quot;I wonder
+I had not thought of it before; shirts, stockings, lint, bandages, we can
+prepare them all; and send with them such fruits and delicacies as will
+carry from this far-off place. What say you, gentlemen?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think you can,&quot; was the simultaneous reply; Mr. Travilla adding, &quot;and
+we can help with the lint, and by running the sewing-machines. I'd be glad
+to add to the comfort of the poor fellows on both sides.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And money is needed by their aid societies,&quot; added Mr. Dinsmore.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I can send that!&quot; Elsie exclaimed joyously</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, we all can,&quot; said her father.</p>
+
+<p>Several busy weeks followed, and a large box was packed and sent off.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If that arrives safely we will send another,&quot; they said; for news had
+reached them that such supplies were sorely needed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! at it again, little wife?&quot; queried Mr. Travilla, entering Elsie's
+boudoir the next morning, to find her delicate fingers busy with
+knitting-needles and coarse blue yarn.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, sir,&quot; she said, smiling up at him, &quot;it seems a slight relief to my
+anxiety about my country, to be doing something, if it is only <i>this</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! then I'll take lessons, if you, or Aunt Chloe there will teach me,&quot;
+he returned, laughingly drawing up a chair and taking a seat by her side.
+&quot;Mammy, can you supply another set of needles, and more yarn?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, massa;&quot; and laying down the stocking she was at work upon, away she
+went in search of them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, see! so pitty!&quot; cried a little voice; and &quot;wee Elsie&quot; was at his
+knee, with a diamond necklace in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he said, gently taking it from her, &quot;but rather too valuable a
+plaything for my little pet. How did she get hold of it, dearest?&quot; he
+asked, turning to his wife.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma say Elsie may. Please, papa, let Elsie have it,&quot; pleaded the little
+one with quivering lip and fast-filling eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I gave her leave to look over the contents of my jewel box; she is a very
+careful little body, and mammy and I are both on the watch:&quot; answered
+mamma. &quot;It is a great treat to her; and she takes up only one article at
+a time, examines it till satisfied, then lays it back exactly as she found
+it. So please, papa, may she go on?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, if mamma gave permission it is all right, darling,&quot; he said,
+caressing the child and returning the necklace.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tank oo, papa, mamma; Elsie be very tareful mamma's pitty sings,&quot; she
+cried with a gleeful laugh, holding up her rosebud mouth for a kiss, first
+to one, then the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let papa see where you put it, precious,&quot; he said, following her as she
+tripped across the room and seated herself on a cushion in front of the
+box.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dere, papa, dus where Elsie dot it,&quot; she said, laying it carefully back
+in its proper place. &quot;See, so many, many pitty sings in mamma's box.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he said, passing his eye thoughtfully from one to another of the
+brilliant collection of rings, brooches, chains, bracelets, and necklaces
+sparkling with gems&mdash;diamonds, rubies, amethysts, pearls, emeralds, and
+other precious stones. &quot;Little wife, your jewels alone are worth what to
+very many would be a handsome fortune.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Edward, and is it not really a pity to have so much locked up in
+them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, it is a good investment; especially as things are at present.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I could do very well without them; should never have bought them for
+myself: they are almost all your gifts and papa's, or his purchases.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Chloe had returned with the needles and yarn, and now Elsie began
+giving the lesson in knitting, both she and her pupil making very merry
+over it. Rose and Mr. Dinsmore presently joined them, and the latter, not
+to be outdone by his son-in-law, invited his wife to teach him.</p>
+
+<p>Horace was at his lessons, but Rosebud, or Rosie as she had gradually come
+to be called, soon followed her parents. She was a bright, merry little
+girl of six, very different from what her sister had been at that age;
+full of fun and frolicsome as a kitten, very fond of her father, liking to
+climb upon his knee to be petted and caressed, but clinging still more to
+her sweet, gentle mamma.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla and she were the best of friends; she was devotedly attached
+to her sister, and considered it &quot;very nice and funny,&quot; that she was aunt
+to wee Elsie and baby Eddie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh,&quot; she cried, the moment she came into the room, &quot;what is wee Elsie
+doing? Mamma, may I, too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May you what?&quot; asked Rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, what is the child doing? playing with your jewels, Elsie?&quot; asked Mr.
+Dinsmore in a tone of surprise, noticing for the first time what was the
+employment of his little granddaughter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa; but she is very careful, and I am watching her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should not allow it, if she were my child. No, Rosie, you may not; you
+are not a careful little girl.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Rosie was beginning to pout, but catching the stern look in her father's
+eye, quickly gave it up, her face clearing as if by magic.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; Elsie asked in a low tone, &quot;do you wish me to take away those
+costly playthings from my little girl?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear daughter,&quot; he said, smiling tenderly upon her, &quot;I have neither
+the right nor the wish to interfere with you and your children; especially
+when your husband approves of your management. I only fear you may suffer
+loss. How easy a valuable ring may slip through the little fingers and
+roll away into some crevice where it would never be found.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm afraid it is rather hazardous,&quot; she acknowledged. &quot;Mammy, sit close
+to Elsie and keep a careful watch, lest she should drop something.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I begin to think there's truth in the old saw, 'It's hard to teach old
+dogs new tricks,'&quot; remarked Mr. Travilla, with a comically rueful face.
+&quot;I've a mind to give it up. What do you say, Dinsmore?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That you wouldn't make a good soldier, if you are so easily conquered,
+Travilla.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, fighting's another thing, but I'll persevere as long as you do;
+unless I find I'm wearying my teacher.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps you would learn faster with a better teacher,&quot; said Elsie, &quot;I'm
+sure the fault is not in the scholar; because I know he's bright and
+talented.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! then I shall try harder than ever, to save your reputation; but take
+a recess now, for here comes my boy, reaching out his arms to papa. Bring
+him here Dinah. Papa's own boy, he looks beautiful and as bright as the
+day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma thinks he's a very handsome mixture of papa and grandpa,&quot; Elsie
+said, leaning over to caress the babe, now crowing in his father's arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm afraid he inherits too much of his grandpa's temper,&quot; remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, but with a glance of loving pride bestowed upon the beautiful
+babe.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I, for one, have no objection, provided he learns to control it as well,&quot;
+said Mr. Travilla; &quot;he will make the finer character.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Little Elsie had grown weary of her play.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Put box way now, mammy,&quot; she said, getting up from her cushion; &quot;wee
+Elsie don't want any more. Mamma take; Elsie so tired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The baby voice sounded weak and languid, and tottering to her mother's
+side, she almost fell into her lap.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, my baby! my precious darling, what is it?&quot; cried Elsie, catching her
+up in her arms. &quot;Papa! Edward! she is dying!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>For the face had suddenly lost all its color; the eyes were rolled upward,
+the tiny fists tightly clenched, and the little limbs had grown stiff and
+rigid on the mother's lap.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla hastily set down the babe, laid turned to look at his little
+girl, his face full of alarm and distress.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore sprang to his daughter's side, and meeting her look of agony,
+said soothingly, &quot;No, dearest, it is a spasm, she will soon be over it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; don't be so terrified, dear child,&quot; said Rose, dropping her work and
+hurrying to Elsie's assistance; &quot;they are not unusual with children; I
+have seen both May and Daisy have them. Quick, Aunt Chloe! a cloth dipped
+in spirits of turpentine, to lay over the stomach and bowels, and another
+to put between her shoulders. It is the best thing we can do till we get a
+doctor here. But, ah, see! it is already passing away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>That was true; the muscles were beginning to relax, and in another moment
+the eyes resumed their natural appearance, the hands were no longer
+clenched, and a low plaintive, &quot;Mamma,&quot; came from the little lips.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma is here, darling,&quot; Elsie said, amid her fast-dropping tears,
+covering the little wan face with kisses, as she held it to her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank God! she is still ours!&quot; exclaimed the father, almost under his
+breath; then, a little louder, &quot;Elsie, dear wife, I shall go at once for
+Dr. Channing, an English physician who has been highly recommended to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do, dear husband, and urge him to come at once,&quot; she answered, in a tone
+full of anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>He left the room, returning with the physician within half an hour, to
+find the little girl asleep on her mother's breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, I hope she is not going to be very ill,&quot; said the doctor, taking
+gentle hold of her tiny wrist. &quot;She seems easy now, and her papa tells me
+the spasm was of very short duration.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She woke, apparently free from suffering, allowed her papa to take her,
+that mamma's weary arms might rest, and in the course of the afternoon
+even got down from his knee, and played about the room for a little while,
+but languidly, and was soon quite willing to be nursed again, &quot;papa,
+grandpa, and Mamma Rose,&quot; as she lovingly called her young and fair
+step-grandmother, taking turns in trying to relieve and amuse her.</p>
+
+<p>She was a most affectionate, unselfish little creature, and though longing
+to lay again her weary little head on mamma's breast, and feel the
+enfolding of mamma's dear arms, gave up without a murmur, when told that
+&quot;poor mamma was tired with holding so big a girl for so long,&quot; and
+quietly contented herself with the attention of the others.</p>
+
+<p>As the early evening hour which was the children's bed-time drew near,
+Elsie took her little girl again on her lap.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma, pease talk to Elsie,&quot; pleaded the sweet baby voice, while the
+curly head fell languidly upon her shoulder, and a tiny hand, hot and dry
+with fever, softly patted her cheek.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What about, darling?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Bout Jesus, mamma. Do He love little chillens? do he love wee Elsie?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The gentle voice that answered was full of tears. &quot;Yes, darling, mamma and
+papa, and dear grandpa too, love you more than tongue can tell, but Jesus
+loves you better still.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma, may Elsie go dere?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where, my precious one?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To Jesus, mamma; Elsie want to go see Jesus.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A sharp pang shot through the young mothers heart, and her arms tightened
+their clasp about the little form, while the hot tears chased each other
+adown her cheeks. One fell on the child's face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! mamma ky? Mamma don't want Elsie to go see Jesus? Den Elsie will
+stay wis mamma and papa. Don't ky, Elsie's mamma;&quot; and feebly the little
+hand tried to wipe away her mother's tears.</p>
+
+<p>With a silent prayer for help to control her emotion, Elsie cleared her
+voice, and began in low, sweet tones the old, old story of Jesus and His
+love, His birth, His life, His death.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma, Elsie do love Jesus!&quot; were the earnest words that followed the
+close of the narrative. &quot;Say prayer now, and go bed. Elsie feel sick.
+Mamma, stay wis Elsie?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my precious one, mamma will stay close beside her darling as long as
+she wants her. You may say your little prayer kneeling in mamma's lap; and
+then she will sing you to sleep.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jesus like Elsie do dat way?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, darling, when she's sick.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mamma's arms encircled and upheld the little form, the chubby hands were
+meekly folded, and the soft cheek rested against hers, while the few words
+of prayer faltered on the baby tongue.</p>
+
+<p>Then, the posture changed to a more restful one, the sweet voice still
+full of tears, and often trembling with emotion, sang the little one to
+sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Laying her gently in her crib, Elsie knelt beside it, sending up a
+petition with strong crying and tears; not that the young life might be
+spared, unless the will of God were so, but that she might be enabled to
+say, with all her heart, &quot;Thy will be done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Ere she had finished, her husband knelt beside her asking the same for her
+and himself.</p>
+
+<p>They rose up together, and folded to his heart, she wept out her sorrow
+upon his breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are very weary, little wife,&quot; he said tenderly, passing his hand
+caressingly over her hair and pressing his lips again and again to the
+heated brow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is rest to lay my head here,&quot; she whispered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you must not stand;&quot; and sitting down he drew her to the sofa, still
+keeping his arm about her waist. &quot;Bear up, dear wife,&quot; he said, &quot;we will
+hope our precious darling is not very ill.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She told him of the child's words, and the sad foreboding that had entered
+her own heart.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;While there is life there is hope, dearest,&quot; he said, with assumed
+cheerfulness. &quot;Let us not borrow trouble. Does He not say to us, as to the
+disciples of old, 'It is I, be not afraid'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; and she is His; only lent to us for a season; and we dare not rebel
+should He see fit to recall His own,&quot; she answered, amid her tears. &quot;Oh,
+Edward, I am so glad we indulged her this morning in her wish to play with
+my jewels!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; she is the most precious of them all,&quot; he said with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Chloe, drawing near, respectfully suggested that it might be well to
+separate the children, in case the little girl's illness should prove to
+be contagious.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is a wise thought, mammy,&quot; said Elsie. &quot;Is it not, Edward?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, wife; shall we take our little daughter to our own bedroom, and
+leave Eddie in possession of the nursery?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I will never leave her while she is ill.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Weeks of anxious solicitude, of tenderest, most careful nursing, followed;
+for the little one was very ill, and for some time grew worse hour by
+hour. For days there was little hope that her life would be spared, and a
+solemn silence reigned through the house; even the romping, fun-loving
+Horace and Rosie, awe-struck into stillness, and often shedding
+tears&mdash;Horace in private, fearing to be considered unmanly, but Rosie
+openly and without any desire of concealment&mdash;at the thought that the
+darling of the house was about to pass away from earth.</p>
+
+<p>Rose was filled with grief, the father, and grandfather were almost
+heart-broken. But the mother! That first night she had scarcely closed an
+eye, but continually her heart was going up in earnest supplications for
+grace and strength to meet this sore trial with patience, calmness, and
+submission.</p>
+
+<p>And surely the prayer was heard and answered; day and night she was with
+her suffering little one, watching beside its crib, or holding it in her
+arms, soothing it with tender words of mother love, or singing, in low
+sweet tones, of Jesus and the happy land.</p>
+
+<p>Plenty of excellent nurses were at hand, more than willing to relieve her
+of her charge; but she would relinquish it to no one; except when
+compelled to take a little rest that her strength might not utterly fail
+her. Even then she refused to leave the room, but lay where the first
+plaintive cry, &quot;Mamma,&quot; would rouse her and bring her instantly to her
+darling's side.</p>
+
+<p>At times the big tears might be seen coursing down her cheek, as she gazed
+mournfully upon the baby face so changed from what it was; but voice and
+manner were quiet and composed.</p>
+
+<p>Her husband was almost constantly at her side, sharing the care, the grief
+and anxiety, and the nursing, so far as she would let him. Rose, too, and
+Mr. Dinsmore, were there every hour of the day, and often in the night,
+scarcely less anxious and grief-stricken than the parents, and Mr.
+Dinsmore especially, trembling for the life and health of the mother as
+well as the child.</p>
+
+<p>At length came a day when all knew and felt that wee Elsie was at the very
+brink of the grave, and the little thread of life might snap asunder at
+any moment.</p>
+
+<p>She lay on her pillow on her mother's lap, the limbs shrunken to half
+their former size, the face, but lately so beautiful with the bloom of
+health, grown wan and thin, with parched lips and half-closed, dreamy
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla sat close beside them, with cup and spoon in hand, now and
+then moistening the dry lips. Chloe, who had stationed herself a little
+behind her mistress to be within call, was dropping great tears on the
+soldier's stocking in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore came softly in and stood by the little group, his features
+working with emotion. &quot;My darling,&quot; he murmured, &quot;my precious daughter,
+may God comfort and sustain you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He does, papa,&quot; she answered in low, calm tones, as she raised her head
+and lifted her mournful eyes to his face; &quot;His consolations are not small
+in the trying hour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You can give her up?&quot; he asked, in a choking voice, looking with anguish
+upon the wasted features of his almost idolized grandchild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa&mdash;if He sees fit to take her; 'twere but selfishness to want to
+keep her here. So safe, so happy will she be in Jesus' arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla's frame shook with emotion, and Mr. Dinsmore was not less
+agitated; but the mother was still calm and resigned.</p>
+
+<p>No sound had come from those little lips for hours; but now there was a
+faintly murmured &quot;Mamma!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, darling, mamma is here,&quot; Elsie answered, softly pressing a kiss on
+the white brow; &quot;what shall mamma do for her baby?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jesus loves wee Elsie?&quot; and the dreamy eyes unclosed and looked up into
+the sweet pale face bent so lovingly over her. &quot;Elsie so glad. Mamma sing
+'Happy land.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The young mother's heart was like to burst, but with a silent prayer for
+strength, she controlled herself and sang low and sweetly, and even as she
+sang a change came over the child, and it fell into a deep, calm, natural
+sleep that lasted for hours. All the time on the mother's lap, her eyes
+scarce moving from the dear little face; her breath almost suspended, lest
+that life-giving slumber should be broken.</p>
+
+<p>In vain husband and father in turn entreated to be allowed to relieve her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, oh no!&quot; she whispered. &quot;I cannot have her disturbed; it might cost
+her life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This was the turning point in the disease, and from that time the little
+one began to amend. But very weak and frail, she was still in need of
+weeks of continued tender, careful nursing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma's lap&quot; was the place preferred above all others; but patient and
+unselfish, she yielded without a murmur when invited to the arms of papa,
+grandpa, Rose, or nurse, and told that &quot;dear mamma was tired and needed
+rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was indeed much reduced in health and strength; but love, joy, and
+thankfulness helped her to recuperate rapidly.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_THIRD" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_THIRD" />CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;What fates impose, that men must needs abide.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">It boots not to resist both wind and tide.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">&mdash;SHAKESPEARE'S HENRY VI.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>From the time of Mr. Lincoln's election Walter Dinsmore's home had been
+made very uncomfortable to him; after the fall of Sumter it was well-nigh
+unendurable.</p>
+
+<p>Never were two brothers more entirely unlike than he and Arthur; the
+latter, selfish, proud, haughty, self-willed, passionate, and reckless of
+consequences to himself or others; the former sweet-tempered, amiable, and
+affectionate, but lacking in firmness and self-reliance.</p>
+
+<p>Poor fellow! his heart was divided; on the one side were home, parents,
+friends, and neighbors, native State and section; on the other, pride in
+the great, powerful Union he had hitherto called his country, love for the
+old flag as the emblem of its greatness and symbol of Revolutionary glory;
+and&mdash;perhaps more potent than all&mdash;the wishes and entreaties of a Northern
+girl who had won his heart and promised him her hand.</p>
+
+<p>One April morning Walter, who had overslept himself, having been up late
+the night before, was roused from his slumbers by a loud hurrah coming
+from the veranda below. He recognized his father's voice, Arthur's, and
+that of one of the latter's particular friends, a hot secessionist
+residing in the adjacent city.</p>
+
+<p>There seemed a great tumult in the house, running to and fro, loud
+laughter, repeated hurrahs and voices&mdash;among which his mother's and Enna's
+were easily distinguished&mdash;talking in high, excited chorus.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So Fort Sumter has fallen, and war is fairly inaugurated,&quot; he sighed to
+himself, as he rose and began to dress. &quot;It can mean nothing else.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Glorious news, Wal!&quot; cried Arthur, catching sight of him as he descended
+the stairs; &quot;Fort Sumter has fallen and Charleston is jubilant. Here,
+listen while I read the despatch.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Walter heard it in grave silence, and at the close merely inquired how the
+news had come so early.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Johnson brought it; has gone on now to Ashlands with it; says the city's
+in a perfect furor of delight But you, it seems, care nothing about it,&quot;
+Arthur concluded with a malignant sneer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a word of rejoicing over this glorious victory&quot;&mdash;cried Enna angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of seven <i>thousand</i> over seventy-five?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I were papa, I'd turn you out of the house;&quot; she exclaimed still more
+hotly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Walter, I have no patience with you,&quot; said his father. &quot;To think that son
+of mine should turn against his own country!&quot; he added, with a groan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, father, I could never do that,&quot; Walter answered with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It looks very much like it&mdash;the utter indifference with which you receive
+this glorious news!&quot; cried Mrs. Dinsmore with flashing eyes. &quot;I'm
+positively ashamed of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, mother, not with indifference, far from it; for it inaugurates a war
+that will drench the land with blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense! the North will never fight. A race of shop-keepers fighting for
+a sentiment, poh! But come to breakfast, there's the bell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Better,&quot; says Solomon, &quot;is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a
+stalled ox and hatred therewith.&quot; The luxurious breakfast at Roselands was
+partaken of with very little enjoyment that morning; by Walter especially,
+who had to bear contempt and ridicule; threats also: he was called a
+Yankee, coward, poltroon, traitor; and threatened with disinheritance and
+denouncement unless he would declare himself for the Confederacy and
+enlist in its army.</p>
+
+<p>The meal was but half over when he rose with flashing eyes, pale face, and
+quivering lips. &quot;I am neither a traitor nor a coward,&quot; he said between his
+clenched teeth, &quot;as perhaps time may prove to the sorrow of a father and
+mother, sister and brother, who can so use one who ill deserves such
+treatment at their hands.&quot; And turning, he stalked proudly from the room.</p>
+
+<p>Enna was beginning a sneering remark, but her father stopped her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush! we have been too hard on the lad; he was always slower than Art
+about making up his mind, and I've no doubt will turn out all right in the
+end.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Soon after breakfast the father and mother had a private talk on the
+subject, and agreed to try coaxing and entreaties.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wal always had a warm heart,&quot; remarked Mr. Dinsmore finally, &quot;and I dare
+say can be reached more readily through that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, he was your favorite always, while you have been very hard upon poor
+Arthur's youthful follies; but you see now which is the more worthy of the
+two.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore shook his head. &quot;Not yet, wife; 'tisn't always the braggart
+that turns out bravest in time of trial.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, we shall see,&quot; she answered, with a slight toss of her haughty head.
+&quot;I trust no son of <i>mine</i> will prove himself so cowardly as to run away
+from his country in her time of need, on whatever pretext.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband
+winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the
+stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
+It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without
+knocking.</p>
+
+<p>He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection
+of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine,
+open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.</p>
+
+<p>There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he
+looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step. Starting forward, he
+gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what
+she had to say.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Walter, my dear boy,&quot; she began; &quot;your father and I think we were all a
+trifle hard on you this morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He colored slightly but made no remark, and she went on. &quot;Of course we
+can't believe it possible that a son of ours will ever show himself a
+coward; but it is very trying to us, very mortifying, to have you holding
+back in this way till all our neighbors and friends begin to hint that you
+are disloyal to your native State, and look scornful and contemptuous at
+the very mention of your name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Walter took a turn or two across the room, and coming back to her side,
+&quot;Mother,&quot; said he, &quot;you know it is my nature to be slow in deciding any
+matter of importance, and this is the weightiest one that ever I had to
+consider. Men much older and wiser than I are finding it a knotty question
+to which their loyalty is due, State or General Government; where
+allegiance to the one ends, and fealty to the other begins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is no question in my mind,&quot; she interrupted, angrily. &quot;Of course
+your allegiance is due to your State; so don't let me hear any more about
+that. Your father and brother never hesitated for a moment; and it would
+become you to be more ready to be guided by them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother,&quot; he said, with a pained look, &quot;you forget that I am no longer a
+boy; and you would be the first to despise a man who could not form an
+opinion of his own. All I ask is time to decide this question
+and&mdash;another.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray what may that be? whether you will break with Miss Aller, I
+presume,&quot; she retorted, sneeringly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, mother,&quot; he answered with dignity; &quot;there is no question in my mind
+in regard to that. Mary and I are pledged to each other, and nothing but
+death can part us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And&quot; (fiercely) &quot;you would marry her, though she is ready to cheer on the
+men who are coming to invade our homes and involve us in the horrors of a
+servile insurrection!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think it is hardly an hour since I heard you say the North would not
+fight; and since we have shown our determination in capturing Sumter, the
+next news would be that we were to be allowed to go in peace. You may be
+right; I hope you are; but the fellows I know in the North are as full of
+pluck as ourselves, and I fear there is a long, fierce, bloody struggle
+before us.&quot; He stood before her with folded arms and grave, earnest face,
+his eyes meeting hers unflinchingly. &quot;And ere I rush into it I want to
+know that I am ready for death and for judgment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No need to hesitate on that account,&quot; she said, with a contemptuous
+smile; &quot;you've always been a remarkably upright young man, and I'm sure
+are safe enough. Besides, I haven't a doubt that those who die in defense
+of their country go straight to heaven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He shook his head. &quot;I have been studying the Bible a good deal of late,
+and I know that that would never save my soul.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is some of Horace's and Elsie's work; I wish they would attend to
+their own affairs and let you and others alone.&quot; And she rose and swept
+angrily from the room.</p>
+
+<p>Walter did not appear at dinner, nor was he seen again for several days;
+but as such absences were not infrequent&mdash;he having undertaken a sort of
+general oversight of both the Oaks and Ion&mdash;this excited no alarm.</p>
+
+<p>The first day in fact was spent at Ion; the next he rode over to the Oaks.
+Mrs. Murray always made him very comfortable, and was delighted to have
+the opportunity; for the place was lonely for her in the absence of the
+family. She was on the veranda as he rode up that morning attended by his
+servant.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, Mr. Walter,&quot; she cried, &quot;but I'm glad to see you! You're a sight for
+sair een, sir. I hope ye've come to stay a bit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He had given the reins to his servant and dismounted. &quot;Yes,&quot; he said,
+shaking hands with her, &quot;for two or three days, Mrs. Murray.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's gude news, sir. Will ye come in and take a bite or sup o'
+something?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, not now. I'll just sit here for a moment. The air is
+delightful this morning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So it is, sir. And do ye bring ony news frae our friends in Naples?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I have heard nothing since I saw you last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what's this, Mr. Walter, that I hear the servants saying aboot a
+fight wi' the United States troops?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fort Sumter has fallen, Mrs. Murray. There's an account of the whole
+affair,&quot; he added, taking a newspaper from his pocket and handing it to
+her.</p>
+
+<p>She received it eagerly, and with a hearty thanks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am going out into the grounds,&quot; he said, and walked away, leaving her
+to its perusal.</p>
+
+<p>He strolled down a green alley, inspected it, the lawns, the avenue, the
+flower and vegetable gardens, to see that all were in order; held a few
+minutes' conversation with the head gardener, making some suggestions and
+bestowing deserved praise of his faithful performance of his duties; then
+wandering on, at length seated himself in Elsie's bower, and took from his
+breast-pocket&mdash;where he had constantly carried it of late&mdash;a small
+morocco-bound, gilt-edged volume.</p>
+
+<p>He sat there a long time, reading and pondering with grave, anxious face,
+it may be asking for heavenly guidance too, for his eyes were now and then
+uplifted and his lips moved.</p>
+
+<p>The next day and the next he spent at the Oaks, passing most of his time
+in solitude, either in the least frequented parts of the grounds, or the
+lonely and deserted rooms of the mansion.</p>
+
+<p>Walter had always been a favorite with Mrs. Murray. She had a sort of
+motherly affection for him, and watching him furtively, felt sure that he
+had some heavy mental trouble. She waited and watched silently, hoping
+that he would confide in her and let her sympathize, if she could do
+nothing more.</p>
+
+<p>On the evening of the third day he came in from the grounds with a
+brightened countenance, his little book in his hand. She was on the
+veranda looking out for him to ask if he was ready for his tea. He met her
+with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is it gude news, Mr. Walter?&quot; she asked, thinking of the distracted state
+of the country.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Mrs. Murray, I think you will call it so. I have been searching
+here,&quot; and he held up the little volume, &quot;for the pearl of great price;
+and I have found it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear bairn, I thank God for ye!&quot; she exclaimed with emotion. &quot;It's gude
+news indeed!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cannot think how I've been so blind,&quot; he went on in earnest tones; &quot;it
+seems now so simple and easy&mdash;just to believe in Jesus Christ, receive His
+offered pardon, His righteousness put upon me, the cleansing of His blood
+shed for the remission of sins, and trust my all to Him for time and
+eternity. Now I am ready to meet death on the battle-field, if so it must
+be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, O Mr. Walter, I hope you'll be spared that, and live to be a good
+soldier of Christ these many years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were startled by the furious galloping of a horse coming up the
+drive; and the next moment Arthur drew rein before the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Walter; so you're here, as I thought! I've come for you. Lincoln has
+called for seventy-five thousand troops to defend the capital; but we all
+know what that means&mdash;an invasion of the South. The North's a unit now,
+and so is the South. Davis has called for volunteers, and the war-cry is
+resounding all over the land. We're raising a company: I'm appointed
+captain, and you lieutenant. Come; if you hesitate now&mdash;you'll repent it:
+father says he'll disown you forever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Arthur's utterance was fierce and rapid, but now he was compelled to pause
+for a breath, and Walter answered with excitement in his tones also.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course if it has come to that, I will not hesitate to defend my native
+soil, my home, my parents.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All right; come on then; we leave to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Walter's horse was ordered at once, and in a few moments the brothers were
+galloping away side by side. Mrs. Murray looked after them with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah me! the poor laddies! will they die on the battle field? Ah, wae's me,
+but war's an awfu' thing!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At Roselands all was bustle and excitement, every one eager, as it seemed,
+to hasten the departure of the young men.</p>
+
+<p>But when everything was ready and the final adieus must be spoken, the
+mother embraced them with tears and sobs, and even Enna's voice faltered
+and her eyes grew moist.</p>
+
+<p>Mounting, they rode rapidly down the avenue, each followed by his own
+servant&mdash;and out at the great gate. Walter wheeled his horse. &quot;One last
+look at the old home, Art,&quot; he said; &quot;we may never see it again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Always sentimental, Wal,&quot; laughed Arthur, somewhat scornfully; &quot;but have
+your way.&quot; And he, too, wheeled about for a last farewell look.</p>
+
+<p>The moon had just risen, and by her silvery light the lordly mansion&mdash;with
+its clustering vines, the gardens, the lawn, the shrubbery, and the grand
+old trees&mdash;was distinctly visible. Never had the place looked more lovely.
+The evening breeze brought to their nostrils the delicious scent of roses
+in full bloom, and a nightingale poured forth a song of ravishing
+sweetness from a thicket hard by.</p>
+
+<p>Somehow her song seemed to go to Walter's very heart and a sad foreboding
+oppressed him as they gazed and listened for several moments, then turned
+their horses' heads and galloped down the road.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_FOURTH" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_FOURTH" />CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Is't death to fall for Freedom's right?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">He's dead alone who lacks her light.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">&mdash;CAMPBELL.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Wee Elsie was convalescing rapidly, and the hearts so wrung with anguish
+at sight of her sufferings and the fear of losing her, relieved from that,
+were again filled with the intense anxiety for their country, which for a
+short space had been half forgotten in the severity of the trial
+apparently so close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Mails from America came irregularly; now and then letters and papers from
+Philadelphia, New York, and other parts of the North; very seldom anything
+from the South.</p>
+
+<p>What was going on in their homes? what were dear relatives and friends
+doing and enduring? were questions they were often asking of themselves or
+each other&mdash;questions answered by a sigh only, or a shake of the head. The
+suspense was hard to bear; but who of all Americans, at home or abroad,
+who loved their native land, were not suffering at this time from anxiety
+and suspense?</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A vessel came in last night, which I hope has a mail for us,&quot; remarked
+Mr. Dinsmore as they sat down to the breakfast table one morning early in
+November. &quot;I have sent Uncle Joe to find out; and bring it, if there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, if it should bring the glorious news that this dreadful war is over,
+and all our dear ones safe!&quot; sighed Rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, no hope of that,&quot; returned her husband. &quot;I think all are well-nigh
+convinced now that it will last for years: the enlistments now, you
+remember, are for three years or the war.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Joe's errand was not done very speedily, and on his return he found
+the family collected in the drawing-room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good luck dis time, massa,&quot; he said, addressing Mr. Dinsmore, as he
+handed him the mail bag, &quot;lots ob papahs an' lettahs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Eagerly the others gathered about the head of the household. Rose and
+Elsie, pale and trembling with excitement and apprehension, Mr. Travilla,
+grave and quiet, yet inwardly impatient of a moment's delay.</p>
+
+<p>It was just the same with Mr. Dinsmore; in a trice he had unlocked the bag
+and emptied its contents&mdash;magazines, papers, letters&mdash;upon a table.</p>
+
+<p>Rose's eye fell upon a letter, deeply edged with black, which bore her
+name and address in May's handwriting. She snatched it up with a sharp
+cry, and sank, half-fainting, into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>Her husband and Elsie were instantly at her side. &quot;Dear wife, my love, my
+darling! this is terrible; but the Lord will sustain you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma, dearest mamma; oh that I could comfort you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla brought a glass of water.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you; I am better now; I can bear it,&quot; she murmured faintly, laying
+her head on her husband's shoulder. &quot;Open&mdash;read&mdash;tell me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie, in compliance with the sign from her father, opened the envelope
+and handed him the letter.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing over it, he read in low, moved tones.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>&quot;Rose, Rose, how shall I tell it? Freddie is dead, and Ritchie
+    sorely wounded&mdash;both in that dreadful, dreadful battle of Ball's
+    Bluff; both shot while trying to swim the river. Freddie killed
+    instantly by a bullet in his brain, but Ritchie swam to shore,
+    dragging Fred's body with him; then fainted from fatigue, pain,
+    and loss of blood.</p>
+
+<p>    &quot;Mamma is heart-broken&mdash;indeed we all are&mdash;and papa seems to
+    have suddenly grown many years older. Oh, we don't know how to
+    bear it! and yet we are proud of our brave boys. Edward went on
+    at once, when the sad news reached us; brought Ritchie home to
+    be nursed, and&mdash;and Freddie's body to be buried. Oh! what a
+    heart-breaking scene it was when they arrived!</p>
+
+<p>    &quot;Harold, poor Harold, couldn't come home; they wouldn't give him
+    a furlough even for a day. Edward went, the day after the
+    funeral, and enlisted, and Ritchie will go back as soon as his
+    wound heals. He says that while our men stood crowded together
+    on the river-bank, below the bluff, where they could neither
+    fight nor retreat, and the enemy were pouring their shot into
+    them from the heights, Fred came to him, and grasping his hand
+    said, 'Dear Dick, it's not likely either of us will come out of
+    this alive; but if you do and I don't, tell mother and the rest
+    not to grieve; for I know in whom I have believed.' Remember,
+    dear Rose, this sweet message is for you as well as for us.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Your loving sister,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 17.5em;">May Allison.&quot;</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Rose, who had been clinging about her husband's neck and hiding her face
+on his shoulder, vainly striving to suppress her sobs during the reading,
+now burst into a fit of hysterical weeping.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh Freddie, Freddie, my little brother! my darling brother, how can I
+bear to think I shall never, never see you again in this world! Oh Horace,
+he was always so bright and sweet, the very sunshine of the house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, dearest, but remember his dying message; think of his perfect
+happiness now. He is free from all sin and sorrow, done with the weary
+marchings and fightings, the hunger and thirst, cold and heat and fatigue
+of war; no longer in danger from shot or bursting shell, or of lying
+wounded and suffering on the battle-field, or languishing in hospital or
+prison.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; she sighed, &quot;I should rather mourn for poor wounded Ritchie, for
+Harold and Edward, still exposed to the horrors of war. Oh, when will it
+end?&mdash;this dreadful, dreadful war!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>All were weeping; for all had known and loved the bright, frank,
+noble-hearted, genial young man.</p>
+
+<p>But Rose presently became more composed, and Mr. Travilla proceeded with
+the distribution of the remaining letters.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From Adelaide, doubtless, and I presume containing the same sad news,&quot;
+Mr. Dinsmore said, breaking the seal of another black edged epistle,
+directed to him. &quot;Yes, and more,&quot; he added, with a groan, as he ran his
+eye down the page. &quot;Dick Percival was killed in a skirmish last May; and
+Enna is a widow. Poor fellow, I fear he was ill prepared to go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla had taken up a newspaper. &quot;Here is an account of that Ball's
+Bluff affair, which seems to have been very badly managed on the part of
+the Federals. Shall I read it aloud?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, yes, if you please,&quot; sobbed Rose; &quot;let us know all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Badly managed, indeed,&quot; was Mr. Dinsmore's comment at the conclusion, &quot;it
+looks very like the work of treason.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And my two dear brothers were part of the dreadful sacrifice,&quot; moaned
+Rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But oh! how brave, noble, and unselfish they, and many others, showed
+themselves in that awful hour,&quot; said Elsie amid her sobs and tears. &quot;Dear
+mamma, doesn't that comfort you a little?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, dear child. Freddie's sweet message still more, Oh, I need not mourn
+for him!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_FIFTH" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_FIFTH" />CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Liberty! Freedom! tyranny is dead!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">&mdash;Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">&mdash;SHAKESPEARE'S JULIUS C&AElig;SAR.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>The winter of 1861-'62 wore wearily away, the Great Republic still
+convulsed with all the horrors of the civil war; and the opening spring
+witnessed no abatement of the fearful strife.</p>
+
+<p>Daring all these months nothing unusual had occurred in the family of our
+friends at Naples; but one lovely morning in April a sweet floweret
+blossomed among them; bringing joy and gladness to all hearts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Our little violet,&quot; Elsie said, smiling up at the happy face of her
+husband, as he bent over her and the babe. &quot;She has come to us just as her
+namesakes in America are lifting their pretty heads among the grass.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, darling,&quot; he answered, softly touching his lips to her cheek;
+&quot;yes, we will give her my mother's name, and may she inherit her lovely
+disposition also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should be so glad, dear mother's was as lovely a character as I ever
+knew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Our responsibilities are growing, love: three precious little ones now to
+train up for usefulness here and glory hereafter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; she said, with grave yet happy face; &quot;and who is sufficient for
+these things?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Our sufficiency is of God!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And He has promised wisdom to those who ask it. What a comfort. I should
+like to show this pretty one to Walter. Where is he now, I wonder, poor
+fellow?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Ah, though she knew it not, he was then lying cold in death upon the
+bloody field of Shiloh.</p>
+
+<p>There had been news now and then from their Northern friends and
+relatives. Richard Allison had recovered from his wound, and was again in
+the field. Edward was with the army also; Harold, too, and Philip Ross.</p>
+
+<p>Lucy was, like many others who had strong ties in both sections and their
+armies, well-nigh distracted with grief and fear.</p>
+
+<p>From their relatives in the South the last news received had been that of
+the death of Dick Percival, nor did any further news reach there until the
+next November. Then they heard that Enna had been married again to another
+Confederate officer, about a year after her first husband's death; that
+Walter had fallen at Shiloh, that Arthur was killed in the battle of Luka,
+and that his mother, hearing of it just as she was convalescing from an
+attack of fever, had a relapse and died a few days after.</p>
+
+<p>Great was the grief of all for Walter; Mr. Dinsmore mourned very much for
+his father also, left thus almost alone in his declining years. No
+particulars were given in regard to the deaths of the two young men.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh,&quot; cried Elsie, as she wept over Walter's loss, &quot;what would I not give
+to know that he was ready for death! But surely we may rejoice in the hope
+that he was; since we have offered so much united prayer for him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; returned her father, &quot;for 'If two of you shall agree on earth, as
+touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
+Father which is in heaven'; and God's promises are all 'yea and amen in
+Christ Jesus.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa,&quot; said Horace, &quot;how can it be that good Christian men are fighting
+and killing each other?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is a very strange thing, my son; yet undoubtedly true that there are
+many true Christians on both sides. They do not see alike, and each is
+defending what he believes a righteous cause.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Listen all,&quot; said Mrs. Dinsmore, who was reading a letter from Daisy, her
+youngest sister.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Richard is ill in the hospital at Washington, and May has gone on to
+nurse him. Dr. King, of Lansdale, Ohio, is there acting as volunteer
+surgeon, and has Lottie with him. She will be company for our May. Don't
+worry about Ritchie; May writes that he is getting better fast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Rose smiled as she read the last sentence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it, mamma?&quot; asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing much; only I was thinking how greatly Ritchie seemed to admire
+Miss King at the time of the wedding.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if he loses his heart I hope he will get another in exchange.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, Sister Elsie, how could Uncle Ritchie lose his heart? did they shoot
+a hole so it might drop out?&quot; queried Rosebud in wide-eyed wonder. &quot;I hope
+the doctors will sew up the place quick 'fore it does fall out,&quot; she
+added, with a look of deep concern. &quot;Poor, dear Uncle Wal is killed,&quot; she
+sobbed; &quot;and Uncle Art too, and I don't want all my uncles to die or to be
+killed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We will ask God to take care of them, dear daughter,&quot; said Rose,
+caressing the little weeper, &quot;and we know that He is able to do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>One day in the following January&mdash;1863&mdash;the gentlemen went into the city
+for a few hours, leaving their wives and children at home. They returned
+with faces full of excitement.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What news?&quot; queried both ladies in a breath.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lincoln has issued an Emancipation Proclamation freeing all the blacks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a momentary pause: then Rose said, &quot;If it puts an end to this
+dreadful war, I shall not be sorry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor I,&quot; said Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps you don't reflect that it takes a good deal out of our pockets,&quot;
+remarked her father. &quot;Several hundred thousand from yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, papa, I know; but we will not be very poor. I alone have enough left
+to keep us all comfortably. If I were only sure it would add to the
+happiness of my poor people, I should rejoice over it. But I am sorely
+troubled to know what has, or will become of them. It is more than two
+years now, since we have heard a word from Viamede.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is very likely we shall find nothing but ruins on all our
+plantations&mdash;Viamede, the Oaks, Ion, and Roselands,&quot; remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, pacing to and fro with an anxious and disturbed countenance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let us hope for the best,&quot; Mr. Travilla responded cheerfully; &quot;the land
+will still be there, perhaps the houses too; the negroes will work for
+wages, and gradually we may be able to restore our homes to what they
+were.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And if the war stops now, we shall probably find them still in pretty
+good condition,&quot; said Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; her father said, &quot;the war is not at an end, or likely to be for a
+long time to come; but we will wait in patience and hope, daughter, and
+not grieve over losses that perhaps may bring great happiness to others.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are we poor now, papa?&quot; asked Horace anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, son; your sister is still very wealthy, and we all have comfortable
+incomes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It did me good to see Uncle Joe's delight over the news,&quot; Mr. Travilla
+smilingly remarked to his wife.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, you told him then?&quot; she returned, with a keen interest and pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and it threw him into a transport of joy. 'Ki! massa,' he said,
+'neber tink to heyah sich news as dat! neber spects dis chile lib to bee
+freedom come;' then sobering down, 'but, massa, we's been a prayin' for
+it; we's been crying to the good Lord like the chillen ob Israel when
+dey's in de house ob bondage; tousands an' tousands ob us cry day an'
+night, an' de Lord heyah, an' now de answer hab come. Bress de Lord! Bress
+His holy name foreber an' eber.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'And what will you do with your liberty, Uncle Joe?' I asked; then he
+looked half frightened. 'Massa, you ain't gwine to send us off? we lub you
+an' Miss Elsie an' de chillen, an' we's gettin' mos' too ole to start out
+new for ourselves.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, dear, I hope you assured him that he had nothing to fear on that
+score.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly; I told him they were free to go or stay as they liked, and as
+long as they were with, or near us, we would see that they were made
+comfortable. Then he repeated, with great earnestness, that he loved us
+all, and could never forget what you had done in restoring him to his
+wife, and making them both so comfortable and happy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I think they have been happy with us; and probably it was the bitter
+remembrance of the sufferings of his earlier life that made freedom seem
+so precious a boon to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Going into the nursery half an hour later, Elsie was grieved and surprised
+to find Chloe sitting by the crib of the sleeping babe, crying and sobbing
+as if her very heart would break, her head bowed upon her knees, and the
+sobs half-smothered, lest they should disturb the child.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, mammy dear, what is the matter?&quot; she asked, going to her and laying
+a hand tenderly on her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Chloe slid to her knees, and taking the soft white hand in both of hers,
+covered it with kisses and tears, while her whole frame shook with her
+bitter weeping.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mammy, dear mammy, what is it?&quot; Elsie asked in real alarm, quite
+forgetting for the moment the news of the morning, which indeed she could
+never have expected to cause such distress.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dis chile don't want no freedom,&quot; sobbed the poor old creature at length,
+&quot;she lubs to b'long to her darlin' young missis: Uncle Joe he sing an'
+jump an' praise de Lord, 'cause freedom come, but your ole mammy don't
+want no freedom; she can't go for to leave you, Miss Elsie, her bressed
+darlin' chile dat she been done take care ob ever since she born.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mammy dear, you shall never leave me except of your own free will,&quot; Elsie
+answered, in tender soothing tones. &quot;Come, get up, and don't cry any more.
+Why, it would come as near breaking my heart as yours, if we had to part.
+What could I or my babies ever do without our old mammy to look after our
+comfort!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bress your heart, honey, you'se allus good an' kind to your ole mammy,&quot;
+Chloe said, checking her sobs and wiping away her tears, as she slowly
+rose to her feet; &quot;de Lord bress you an' keep you. Now let your mammy gib
+you one good hug, like when you little chile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And many times since,&quot; said Elsie, smiling sweetly into the tear-swollen
+eyes of her faithful old nurse, and not only submitting to, but returning
+the embrace.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_SIXTH" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_SIXTH" />CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;And faint not, heart of man! though years wane slow!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">There have been those that from the deepest caves,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">And cells of night and fastnesses below</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The stormy dashing of the ocean waves,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Down, farther down than gold lies hid, have nurs'd</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">A quenchless hope, and watch'd their time and burst</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">On the bright day like wakeners from the grave.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">&mdash;MRS. HEMANS</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Noon of a sultry July day, 1864; the scorching sun looks down upon a pine
+forest; in its midst a cleared space some thirty acres in extent,
+surrounded by a log stockade ten feet high, the timbers set three feet
+deep into the ground; a star fort, with one gun at each corner of the
+square enclosure; on top of the stockade sentinel boxes placed twenty feet
+apart, reached by steps from the outside; in each of these a vigilant
+guard with loaded musket, constantly on the watch for the slightest
+pretext for shooting down some one or more of the prisoners, of whom there
+are from twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand.</p>
+
+<p>All along the inner side of the wall, six feet from it, stretches a dead
+line; and any poor fellow thoughtlessly or accidentally laying a hand upon
+it, or allowing any part of his body to reach under or over it, will be
+instantly shot.</p>
+
+<p>A green, slimy, sluggish stream, bringing with it all the filth of the
+sewers of Andersonville, a village three miles distant, flows directly
+across the enclosure from east to west. Formerly, the only water fit to
+drink came from a spring beyond the eastern wall, which flowing under it,
+into the enclosure, emptied itself into the other stream, a few feet
+within the dead line.</p>
+
+<p>It did not suffice to satisfy the thirst of the thousands who must drink
+or die, and the little corner where its waters could be reached was always
+crowded, men pressing upon each other till often one or another would be
+pushed against the dead line, shot by the guard, and the body left lying
+till the next morning; even if it had fallen into the water beyond the
+line, polluting the scant supply left for the living. But the cry of these
+perishing ones had gone up into the ears of the merciful Father of us all,
+and of late a spring of clear water bubbles up in their midst.</p>
+
+<p>But powder and shot, famine, exposure (for the prisoners have no shelter,
+except as they burrow in the earth), and malaria from that sluggish,
+filthy stream, and the marshy ground on either side of it, are doing a
+fearful work: every morning a wagon drawn by four mules is driven in, and
+the corpses&mdash;scattered here and there to the number of from eighty-five to
+a hundred&mdash;gathered up, tossed into it like sticks of wood, taken away and
+thrown promiscuously into a hole dug for the purpose, and earth shoveled
+over them.</p>
+
+<p>There are corpses lying about now; there are men, slowly breathing out
+their last of life, with no dying bed, no pillow save the hard ground, no
+mother, wife, sister, daughter near, to weep over, or to comfort them as
+they enter the dark valley.</p>
+
+<p>Others there are, wasted and worn till scarce more than living skeletons,
+creeping about on hands and feet, lying or sitting in every attitude of
+despair and suffering; a dull, hopeless misery in their sunken eyes, a
+pathetic patience fit to touch a heart of stone; while others still have
+grown frantic with that terrible pain, the hunger gnawing at their very
+vitals, and go staggering about, wildly raving in their helpless agony.</p>
+
+<p>And on them all the scorching sun beats pitilessly down. Hard, cruel fate!
+scorched with heat, with the cool shelter of the pine forests on every
+side; perishing with hunger in a land of plenty.</p>
+
+<p>In one corner, but a yard or so within the dead line, a group of officers
+in the Federal uniform&mdash;evidently men of culture and refinement, spite of
+their hatless and shoeless condition, ragged, soiled raiment, unkempt
+hair, and unshaven faces&mdash;sit on the ground, like their comrades in
+misfortune, sweltering in the sun.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When will this end?&quot; sighs one. &quot;I'd sooner die a hundred deaths on the
+battle-field.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, who wouldn't?&quot; exclaims another; &quot;to starve, roast, and freeze by
+turns for one's country, requires more patriotism by far than to march up
+to the cannon's mouth, or charge up hill under a galling fire of
+musketry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True indeed, Jones,&quot; returns a fair-haired, blue-eyed young man, with
+face so gaunt and haggard with famine that his own mother would scarcely
+have recognized him, and distinguished from the rest by a ball and chain
+attached to wrist and ankle; &quot;and yet we bear it for her sake and for
+Freedom's. Who of us regrets that we did not stay at home in inglorious
+ease, and leave our grand old ship of state to founder and go to pieces
+amid the rocks of secession?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;None of us, Allison! No, no! the Union forever!&quot; returned several voices
+in chorus.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hark!&quot;&mdash;as the sharp crack of a rifle was heard, and a prisoner who, half
+crazed with suffering, had, in staggering about, approached too near the
+fatal line and laid a hand upon it, fell dead&mdash;&quot;another patriot soul has
+gone to its account, and another rebel earned a thirty days' furlough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The dark eyes of the speaker flashed with indignation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor fellows, they don't know that it is to preserve <i>their</i> liberties we
+fight, starve, and die; to save them from the despotism their ambitious
+and unscrupulous leaders desire to establish over them,&quot; remarked Harold
+Allison; &quot;how grossly the masses of the Southern people have been deceived
+by a few hot-headed politicians, bent upon obtaining power for themselves
+at whatever cost.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True,&quot; returned the other, drily; &quot;but it's just a little difficult to
+keep these things in mind under present circumstances. By the way,
+Allison, have you a sister who married a Mr. Horace Dinsmore?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, do you know Rose?&quot; asked Harold, in some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was once a guest at the Oaks for a fortnight or so, at the time of the
+marriage of Miss Elsie, Mr. Dinsmore's daughter, to a Mr. Travilla.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Harold's face grew a shade paler, but his tones were calm and quiet.
+&quot;Indeed! and may I ask your name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harry Duncan, at your service,&quot; returned the other, with a bow and smile.
+&quot;I met your three brothers there, also your sisters, Mrs. Carrington and
+Miss May Allison.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The color deepened slightly on Harry's cheek as he pronounced the last
+name. The pretty face, graceful form, charming manners, and sprightly
+conversation of the young lady were still fresh in his memory. Having
+enjoyed the hospitalities of Andersonville for but a few days, he was in
+better condition, as to health and clothing, than the rest of the group,
+who had been there for months.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harry Duncan!&quot; exclaimed Harold, offering his hand, which the other took
+in a cordial grasp and shook heartily, &quot;yes, I know; I have heard of you
+and your aunt, Miss Stanhope. I feel as if I'd found a brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you; suppose we consider ourselves such; a brother is what I've
+been hankering after ever since I can remember.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Agreed,&quot; said Harold. &quot;Perhaps,&quot; he added, with a melancholy smile, &quot;we
+may find the fiction turned to fact some day, if you and one of my single
+sisters should happen to take a fancy to each other; that is, if we live
+to get out of this and to see home again.&quot; His tone at the last was very
+desponding.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cheer up,&quot; said Duncan, in a low, sympathizing tone, &quot;I think we can find
+a way to escape; men have done so even from the Bastile&mdash;a far more
+difficult task, I should say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's your idea?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To dig our way out, working at night, and covering up the traces of our
+work by day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it's the only way possible, so far as I can see,&quot; said Harold. &quot;I
+have already escaped twice in that way, but only to be retaken, and this
+is what I gained,&quot; shaking his chain, and pointing to the heavy ball
+attached. &quot;Yet, if I were rid of this, and possessed of a little more
+strength, I'd make a third attempt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I could rid you of that little attachment,&quot; returned Duncan; &quot;and
+the tunnel once ready, help you in the race for liberty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The others of the group were exchanging significant nods and glances.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think we may let Duncan into our secret,&quot; said Jones. &quot;We're digging a
+well; have gone down six feet; three feet below the surface is soapstone,
+so soft we can cut it with our jack-knives. We mean to work our way out
+to-night. Will you join us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With all my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose we are caught in the attempt,&quot; said one.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We can't be in much worse condition than now,&quot; observed another;
+&quot;starving in this pestiferous atmosphere filled with the malaria from that
+swamp, and the effluvia from half-decayed corpses; men dying every day,
+almost every hour, from famine, disease, or violence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; said Harry, &quot;we may bring upon ourselves what Allison is enduring,
+or instant death; but I for one would prefer the latter to the slow
+torture of starvation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If we are ready,&quot; said Harold, in low, solemn tones. &quot;It is appointed to
+men once to die, and after that the judgment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what should you say was the needful preparation?&quot; queried another,
+half-mockingly. &quot;'Repent ye and believe the gospel.' 'Let the wicked
+forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return
+unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will
+abundantly pardon.' 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be
+saved.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Silence fell on the little group. Duncan's eyes wandered over the field,
+over the thousands of brave men herded together there like cattle, with
+none of the comforts, few of the necessaries of life&mdash;over the living, the
+dying, the dead; taking in the whole aggregate of suffering with one
+sweeping glance. His eyes filled; his whole soul was moved with
+compassion, while he half forgot that he himself was one of them.</p>
+
+<p>How much were the consolations of God needed here! how few, comparatively,
+possessed them. But some there were who did, and were trying to impart
+them to others. Should he stay and share in this good work? Perhaps he
+ought; he almost thought so for a moment; but he remembered his country's
+need; he had enlisted for the war; he must return to active service, if he
+could.</p>
+
+<p>Then his eye fell upon Harold. Here was a noble life to be saved; a life
+that would inevitably be lost to friends, relatives, country, by but a few
+weeks' longer sojourn in this horrible place. Duncan's determination was
+taken: with the help of God the morning light should find them both free
+and far on their way towards the Union lines.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll try it, comrades, to-night,&quot; he said aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So we will,&quot; they answered with determination.</p>
+
+<p>A man came staggering towards them, gesticulating wildly and swearing
+horrible oaths.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is crazed with hunger, poor fellow,&quot; remarked Harold.</p>
+
+<p>Duncan was gazing steadily at the man who had now sunk panting upon the
+ground, exhausted by his own violence. Evidently he had once possessed
+more than an ordinary share of physical beauty, but vice and evil passions
+had set their stamp upon his features, and famine had done its ghastly
+work; he was but a wreck of his former self.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where have I seen that face?&quot; murmured Harry, unconsciously thinking
+aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the rogues' gallery, perhaps. Tom Jackson is his name, or one of his
+names; for he has several aliases, I'm told,&quot; remarked some one standing
+near.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, he's the very man!&quot; exclaimed Harry. &quot;I have studied his photograph
+and recognize him fully, in spite of famine's ravages. The wretch! he
+deserves all he suffers: and yet I pity him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! the would-be assassin of Viamede?&quot; and Harold started to his feet,
+the hot blood dyeing his thin cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The same. You feel like lynching him on the spot; and no wonder. But
+refrain; <i>they</i> would bid you, and he is already suffering a worse fate
+than any you could mete out to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God forgive me!&quot; groaned Harold, dropping down again and hiding his face
+in his hands, &quot;I believe there was murder in my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The story? what was it?&quot; asked Jones. &quot;Tell it, Duncan; anything to help
+us to a moment's forgetfulness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The others joined in the request, and Duncan gave the full particulars of
+the several attempts Jackson had made upon the lives of Mr. Travilla and
+Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>Allison never once lifted his face during the recital, but the rest
+listened with keen interest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The fellow richly deserves lynching,&quot; was the unanimous verdict, &quot;but, as
+you say, is already suffering a far worse fate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And yet no worse than that of thousands of innocent men,&quot; remarked Jones
+bitterly. &quot;Where's the justice of it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you expect even-handed justice here?&quot; inquired another.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps he may be no worse in the sight of God, than some of the rest of
+us,&quot; said Harold, in low, grave tones; &quot;we do not know what evil
+influences may have surrounded him from his very birth, or whether,
+exposed to the same, we would have turned out any better.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm perishing with thirst,&quot; said Jones, &quot;and must try pushing through
+that crowd about the spring.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He wandered off and the group scattered, leaving Harold and Duncan alone
+together.</p>
+
+<p>The two had a long talk: of home, common friends and acquaintance; of the
+war, what this or that Federal force was probably now attempting; what
+future movements were likely to be made, and how the contest would end;
+neither doubting the final triumph of the government.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that triumph can't be very far off either,&quot; concluded Harry. &quot;I think
+the struggle will be over before this time next year, and I hope you and I
+may have a hand in the winding up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps you may,&quot; Allison rejoined a little sadly; &quot;but I, I fear, have
+struck my last blow for my native land.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are not strong now, but good nursing may do wonders for you,&quot;
+answered Harry cheerily. &quot;Once within the Union lines, and you will feel
+like another man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, but how to get me there? that's the tug of war,&quot; said Harold, but
+with a smile and in tones more hopeful than his words. &quot;Duncan, you are a
+Christian?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Allison; Jesus Christ is the Captain of my salvation; in whom I
+trust, and in whose service I desire to live and die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then are we brothers indeed!&quot; and with the words their right hands joined
+in a more cordial grasp than before.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was nearing the western horizon when at length Harold was left
+alone. He bowed his head upon his knees in thought and prayer, remaining
+thus for many minutes, striving for a spirit of forgiveness and compassion
+towards the coward wretch who would have slain one dearer to him than
+life.</p>
+
+<p>At last, as the shadows of evening were gathering over the place, he
+lifted a pale, patient face; and rising, made his way slowly and with
+difficulty towards the spot where Jackson lay prostrate on the ground,
+groaning and crying like a child.</p>
+
+<p>Sitting down beside the miserable creature, he spoke to him in gentle,
+soothing tones. &quot;You have been here a long time?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The longest year that ever I lived! but it won't last much longer,&quot; and
+he uttered a fearful oath.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you expecting to be exchanged?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Exchanged! no. What do those fellows at Washington care about our lives?
+They'll delay and delay till we're all starved to death, like hundreds and
+thousands, before us;&quot; and again he concluded with a volley of oaths and
+curses, bestowed indiscriminately upon the President and Congress, Jeff
+Davis, Wirtz, and the guard.</p>
+
+<p>Harold was shocked at his profanity. &quot;Man,&quot; said he solemnly, &quot;do you know
+that you are on the brink of the grave? and must soon appear at the bar of
+Him whose holy name you are taking in vain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Curse you!&quot; he cried, lifting his head for a moment, then dropping it
+again on the ground; &quot;take your cant to some other market, I don't believe
+in a God, or heaven or hell: and the sooner I die the better; for I'll be
+out of my misery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; that is a fatal delusion, and unless you turn and repent, and believe
+on the Lord Jesus Christ, death can only plunge you into deeper misery.
+You have only a little while! Oh, I beseech you, don't cast away your last
+chance to secure pardon, peace and eternal life!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're 'casting your pearls before swine,'&quot; returned the man, sneeringly.
+&quot;Not to say that I'm a hog exactly, but I've not a bit more of a soul than
+if I was. Your name's Allison, isn't it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;D'ye know anybody named Dinsmore? or Travilla?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; and I know who you are, Jackson, and of your crimes against them. In
+the sight of God you are a murderer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You tell me to repent. I've repented many a time that I didn't take
+better aim and blow his brains out; yes, and hers too. I hoped I had, till
+I saw the account in the papers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Harold's teeth and hands were tightly clenched, in an almost superhuman
+effort to keep himself quiet; and the man went on without interruption.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He'd nearly made a finish of me, but I was smart enough to escape them,
+bloodhounds and all. I got over the border into Texas; had a pretty good
+time there for awhile&mdash;after I recovered from that awful blood-letting;
+but when secession began, I slipped off and came North. You think I'm all
+bad; but I had a kind of love for the old flag, and went right into the
+army. Besides, I thought it might give me a chance to put a bullet through
+some o' those that had thwarted my plans, and would have had me lynched,
+if they could.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Harold rose and went away, thinking that verily he had been casting his
+pearls before swine.</p>
+
+<p>Jackson had, indeed, thrown away his last chance; rejected the last offer
+of salvation; for, ere morning, life had fled. Starved to death and gone
+into eternity without God and without hope! his bitterest foe could not
+have desired for him a more terrible fate.</p>
+
+<p>There was no moon that night, and the evening was cloudy, making a
+favorable condition of affairs for the prisoners contemplating an escape.
+As soon as the darkness was dense enough to conceal their movements from
+the guard, the work of tunneling began.</p>
+
+<p>It was a tedious business, as they had none of the proper tools, and only
+one or two could work at a time at the digging and cutting away of the
+stone; but they relieved each other frequently at that, while those on the
+outside carried away in their coats or whatever came to hand, the earth
+and fragments of stone dislodged, and spread them over the marshy ground
+near the creek.</p>
+
+<p>Duncan, returning from one of these trips, spoke in an undertone to Harold
+Allison, who with a rude file made of a broken knife-blade, was patiently
+endeavoring to free himself from his shackles.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jackson is dead. I half stumbled over a corpse in the dark, when a man
+close by (the same one that told us this afternoon who the fellow was&mdash;I
+recognized the voice) said, 'He's just breathed his last, poor wretch!
+died with a curse on his lips.' 'Who is he?' I asked; and he answered,
+'Tom Jackson was one of his names.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gone!&quot; said Harold, &quot;and with all his sins upon his head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; it's awful! Here, let me work that for awhile. You're very tired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The proffered assistance was thankfully accepted, and another half-hour of
+vigorous effort set Harold's limbs free. He stretched them out, with a low
+exclamation of gratitude and relief.</p>
+
+<p>At the same instant a whisper came to their ears. &quot;The work's done at
+last. Jones is out. Parsons close at his heels. Cox behind him. Will you
+go next?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thanks, no; I will be the last,&quot; said Duncan; &quot;and take charge of Allison
+here, who is too weak to travel far alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I'm off,&quot; returned the voice. &quot;Don't lose a minute in following me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, Allison,&quot; whispered Harry, &quot;summon all your strength and courage,
+old fellow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Duncan, you are a true and noble friend! God reward you. Let me be last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, in with you, man! not an instant to spare;&quot; and with kindly force he
+half lifted his friend into the well, and guided him to the mouth of the
+tunnel.</p>
+
+<p>Allison crept through it as fast as his feeble strength would permit,
+Duncan close behind him.</p>
+
+<p>They emerged in safety, as the others had done before them; at once
+scattering in different directions.</p>
+
+<p>These two moved on together, for several minutes, plunging deeper and
+deeper into the woods, but presently paused to take breath and consider
+their bearings.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, the air of liberty is sweet!&quot; exclaimed Duncan, in low, exultant
+tones; &quot;but we mustn't delay here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; we are far from safe yet,&quot; panted Allison, &quot;but&mdash;'prayer and
+provender hinder no man's journey'; Duncan, let us spend one moment in
+silent prayer for success in reaching the Union lines.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They did so, kneeling on the ground; then rose and pressed forward with
+confidence. God, whose servants they were and whose help they had asked,
+would guide them in the right direction.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What a providence!&quot; exclaimed Duncan, grasping Harold's arm, as they came
+out upon an opening in the wood. &quot;See!&quot; and he pointed upward, &quot;the
+clouds have broken away a little, and there shines the North Star: we can
+steer by that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank God! and, so far, we have been traveling in the right direction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Amen! and we must press on with all speed; for daylight will soon be upon
+us, and with it, in all probability, our escape will be discovered and
+pursuit begun.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>No more breath could be spared for talk, and they pushed on in silence,
+now scrambling through a thicket of underbrush, tearing their clothes and
+not seldom lacerating their flesh also; now leaping over a fallen tree,
+anon climbing a hill, and again fording or swimming a stream.</p>
+
+<p>At length Harold, sinking down upon a log, said, &quot;I am utterly exhausted!
+Can go no farther. Go on, and leave me to follow as I can after a little
+rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a step without you, Allison,&quot; returned Duncan, determinedly. &quot;Rest a
+bit, and then try it again with the help of my arm. Courage, old fellow,
+we must have put at least six or eight miles between us and our late
+quarters. Ah, ha! yonder are some blackberry bushes, well laden with ripe
+fruit. Sit or lie still while I gather our breakfast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Hastily snatching a handful of oak leaves, and forming a rude basket by
+pinning them together with thorns, he quickly made his way to the bushes,
+a few yards distant, while Harold stretched himself upon the log and
+closed his weary eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He thought he had hardly done so when Duncan touched his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sorry to wake you, Allison, but time is precious; and, like the beggars,
+we must eat and run.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The basket was heaped high with large, delicious berries, which greatly
+refreshed our travelers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, then, are you equal to another effort?&quot; asked Duncan, as the last
+one disappeared, and he thrust the leaves into his pocket, adding, &quot;We
+mustn't leave these to tell tales to our pursuers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I dare not linger here,&quot; returned Allison, rising but totteringly.</p>
+
+<p>Duncan threw an arm about him, and again they pressed forward, toiling on
+for another half-hour; when Allison again gave out, and sinking upon the
+ground, begged his friend to leave him and secure his own safety.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; cried Duncan, &quot;never! There would be more, many more, to mourn
+your loss than mine. Who would shed a tear for me but Aunt Wealthy? Dear
+old soul, it would be hard for her, I know; but she'd soon follow me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, you are her all; but there's a large family of us, and I could
+easily be spared.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Duncan shook his head. &quot;Was your brother who fell at Ball's Bluff easily
+spared? But hark! what was that?&quot; He bent his ear to the ground. &quot;The
+distant bay of hounds! We must push on!&quot; he cried, starting up in haste.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bloodhounds on our track? Horrible!&quot; exclaimed Harold, also starting to
+his feet, weakness and fatigue forgotten for the moment, in the terror
+inspired by that thought.</p>
+
+<p>Duncan again gave him the support of his arm, and for the next half-hour
+they pressed on quite rapidly; yet their pursuers were gaining on them,
+for the bay of the hounds, though still distant, could now be distinctly
+heard, and Allison's strength again gave away.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I&mdash;can&mdash;go no farther, Duncan,&quot; he said, pantingly; &quot;let me climb up yon
+tall oak and conceal myself among the branches, while you hurry on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, they would discover you directly, and it would be surrender or
+die. Ah, see! there's a little log cabin behind those bushes, and who
+knows but we may find help there. Courage, and hope, my boy;&quot; and almost
+carrying Harold, Duncan hurried to the door of the hut.</p>
+
+<p>Pushing it open, and seeing an old negro inside, &quot;Cato, C&aelig;sar&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Uncle Scip, sah,&quot; grinned the negro.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, no matter for the name; will you help us? We're Federal soldiers
+just escaped from Andersonville, and they're after us with bloodhounds.
+Can you tell us of anything that will put the savage brutes off the
+scent?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sah?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Something that will stop the hounds from following us&mdash;quick, quick! if
+you know anything.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The negro sprang up, reached a bottle from a shelf, and handing it to
+Harry, said, &quot;Turpentine, sah; rub um on your feet, gen'lemen, an' de
+hounds won't follah you no moah. But please, sahs, go little ways off into
+the woods fo' you use um, so de rebs not tink dis chile gib um to ye.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Harry clutched the bottle, throwing down a ten-dollar bill (all the money
+he had about him) at Uncle Scip's feet, and dragging Harold some hundred
+yards farther into the depths of the wood, seated him on a log, applied
+the turpentine plentifully to his feet, and then to his own.</p>
+
+<p>All this time the baying of the hounds came nearer and nearer, till it
+seemed that the next moment would bring them into sight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Up!&quot; cried Harry, flinging away the empty bottle, &quot;one more tug for life
+and liberty, or we are lost!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Harold did not speak, but hope and fear once more inspiring him with
+temporary strength, he rose and hurried on by the side of his friend.
+Coming presently to a cleared space, they almost flew across it, and
+gained the shelter of the woods beyond. The cry of the hounds was no
+longer heard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They've lost the scent, sure enough,&quot; said Duncan, exultingly; &quot;a little
+farther and I think we may venture to rest awhile, concealing ourselves in
+some thicket. Indeed 'twill now be safer to hide by day, and continue our
+journey by night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They did so, spending that and the next day in hiding, living upon roots
+and berries, and the next two nights in traveling in the supposed
+direction of the nearest Union camp, coming upon the pickets about sunrise
+of the third day. They were of Captain Duncan's own regiment, and he was
+immediately recognized with a delighted, &quot;Hurrah!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hurrah for the Union and the old flag!&quot; returned Harry, waving a green
+branch above his head, in lieu of the military cap he had been robbed of
+by his captors.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_SEVENTH" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_SEVENTH" />CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;In peace, love tunes the shepherd's reed;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">In war, he mounts the warrior's steed;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">In halls, in gay attire is seen;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">In hamlets, dances on the green;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Love rules the court, the camp, the grove,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">And men below and saints above;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">For love is heaven, and heaven is love.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 17.5em;">&mdash;SCOTT.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Escaped prisoners from Andersonville, eh?&quot; queried the guard gathering
+about them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; and more than half-starved; especially my friend here, Captain
+Allison of the&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But the sentence was left unfinished; for at that instant Harold reeled,
+and would have fallen but for the strong arm of another officer quickly
+outstretched to save him.</p>
+
+<p>They made a litter and carried him into camp, where restoratives were
+immediately applied.</p>
+
+<p>He soon recovered from his faintness, but was found to be totally unfit
+for duty, and sent to the hospital at Washington, where he was placed in a
+bed adjoining that of his brother Richard, and allowed to share with him
+in the attentions of Dr. King, Miss Lottie, and his own sister May.</p>
+
+<p>How they all wept over him&mdash;reduced almost to a skeleton, so wan, so weak,
+so aged, in those few short months.</p>
+
+<p>He recognized his brother and sister with a faint smile, a murmured word
+or two, then sank into a state of semi-stupor, from which he roused only
+when spoken to, relapsing into it again immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly, very slowly, medical skill and tender, careful nursing told upon
+his exhausted frame till at length he seemed to awake to new life, began
+to notice what was going on about him, was able to take part in a cheerful
+chat now and then, and became eager for news from home and of the progress
+of the war.</p>
+
+<p>Months had passed away. In the meantime Richard had returned to camp, and
+Harry Duncan, wounded in a late battle, now occupied his deserted bed in
+the hospital.</p>
+
+<p>Harry was suffering, but in excellent spirits.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cheer up, Allison,&quot; he said; &quot;you and I will never go back to
+Andersonville; the war can't last much longer, and we may consider the
+Union saved. Ah! this is a vast improvement upon Andersonville fare,&quot; he
+added gayly, as Lottie and May appeared before them, each bearing a tray
+with a delicious little lunch upon it. &quot;Miss Lottie, I'm almost tempted to
+say it pays to be ill or wounded, that one may be tended by fair ladies'
+hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, that speech should have come from Mr. Allison, for May is fair and
+her hands are white, while mine are brown,&quot; she answered demurely, as she
+set her tray within his reach, May doing the same for Harold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;None the less beautiful, Miss King,&quot; returned Duncan gallantly. &quot;Many a
+whiter hand is not half so shapely or so useful. Now reward me for that
+pretty compliment by coaxing your father to get me well as fast as
+possible, that I may have a share in the taking of Richmond.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That would be a waste of breath, as he's doing all he can already; but
+I'll do my part with coddling, write all your letters for you&mdash;business,
+friendship, love&mdash;and do anything else desired; if in my power.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're very good,&quot; he said, with a furtive glance at May, who seemed to
+see or hear nothing but her brother, who was asking about the last news
+from home; &quot;very good indeed, Miss King; especially as regards the
+love-letters. I presume it would not be necessary for me even to be at the
+trouble of dictating them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no, certainly not!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Joking aside, I shall be greatly obliged if you will write to Aunt
+Wealthy to-day for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With pleasure; especially as I can tell her your wound is not a dangerous
+one, and you will not lose a limb. But do tell me. What did you poor
+fellows get to eat at Andersonville?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, one week's daily ration consisted of one pint of corn-meal ground
+up cob and all together, four ounces of mule meat, generally spoiled and
+emitting anything but an appetizing odor; but then we were not troubled
+with want of&mdash;the best of sauce for our meals.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hunger?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; we'd plenty of that always. In addition to the corn-meal and meat,
+we had a half pint of peas full of bugs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! you poor creatures! I hope it was a little better the alternate
+week.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just the same, except, in lieu of the corn-meal, we had three square
+inches of corn bread.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is it jest; or earnest?&quot; asked Lottie, appealing to Harold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dead earnest, Miss King; and for medicine we had sumac and white-oak
+bark.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No matter what ailed you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes; that made no difference.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To Harry's impatience the winter wore slowly away while he was confined
+within the hospital walls; yet the daily, almost hourly sight of May
+Allison's sweet face, and the sound of her musical voice, went far to
+reconcile him to this life of inactivity and &quot;inglorious ease,&quot; as he
+termed it in his moments of restless longing to be again in the field.</p>
+
+<p>By the last of March this ardent desire was granted, and he hurried away
+in fine spirits, leaving May pale and tearful, but with a ring on her
+finger that had not been there before.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah,&quot; said Lottie, pointing to it with a merry twinkle in her eye, and
+passing her arm about May's waist as she spoke, &quot;I shall be very generous,
+and not tease as you did when somebody else treated me exactly so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is good of you,&quot; whispered May, laying her wet cheek on her friend's
+shoulder; &quot;and I'm ever so glad you're to be my sister.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And won't Aunt Wealthy rejoice over you as over a mine of gold!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Poor Harold, sitting pale and weak upon the side of his cot, longing to be
+with his friend, sharing his labors and perils, yet feeling that the
+springs of life were broken within him, was lifting up a silent prayer
+for strength to endure to the end.</p>
+
+<p>A familiar step drew near, and Dr. King laid his hand on the young man's
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cheer up, my dear boy,&quot; he said, &quot;we are trying to get you leave to go
+home for thirty days, and the war will be over before the time expires; so
+that you will not have to come back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Home!&quot; and Harold's eye brightened for a moment; &quot;yes, I should like to
+die at home, with mother and father, brothers and sisters about me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you are not going to die just yet,&quot; returned the doctor, with assumed
+gayety; &quot;and home and mother will do wonders for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dr. King,&quot; and the blue eyes looked up calmly and steadily into the
+physician's face, &quot;please tell me exactly what you think of my case. Is
+there any hope of recovery?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may improve very much: I think you will when you get home; and,
+though there is little hope of the entire recovery of your former health
+and strength, you may live for years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it is likely I shall not live another year? do not be afraid to say
+so: I should rather welcome the news. Am I not right?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I&mdash;I think you are nearing home, my dear boy; the land where 'the
+inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was genuine feeling in the doctor's tone.</p>
+
+<p>A moment's silence, and Harold said, &quot;Thank you. It is what I have
+suspected for some time; and it causes me no regret, save for the sake of
+those who love me and will grieve over my early death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But don't forget that there is still a possibility of recuperation; while
+there's life there's hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True! and I will let them hope on as long as they can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The doctor passed on to another patient, and Harold was again left to the
+companionship of his own thoughts. But not for long; they were presently
+broken in upon by the appearance of May with a very bright face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;See!&quot; she cried joyously, holding up a package; &quot;letters from home, and
+Naples too. Rose writes to mamma, and she has enclosed the letter for our
+benefit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then let us enjoy it together. Sit here and read it to me; will you? My
+eyes are rather weak, you know, and I see the ink is pale.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But mamma's note to you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can wait its turn. I always like to keep the best till the last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Harold hardly acknowledged to himself that he was very eager to hear news
+from Elsie; even more than to read the loving words from his mother's pen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well, then; there seems to be no secret,&quot; said May, glancing over
+the contents; and seating herself by his side she began.</p>
+
+<p>After speaking of some other matters, Rose went on: &quot;But I have kept my
+greatest piece till now. Our family is growing; we have another grandson
+who arrived about two weeks ago; Harold Allison Travilla by name.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Elsie is doing finely; the sleepy little newcomer is greatly admired and
+loved by old and young; we make as great a to-do over him as though he
+were the first instead of the fourth grandchild. My husband and I are
+growing quite patriarchal.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Elsie is the loveliest and the best of mothers, perfectly devoted to her
+children; so patient and so tender, so loving and gentle, and yet so firm.
+Mr. Travilla and she are of one mind in regard to their training,
+requiring as prompt and cheerful obedience as Horace always has; yet
+exceedingly indulgent wherever indulgence can do no harm. One does not
+often see so well-trained and yet so merry and happy a family of little
+folks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tell our Harold&mdash;my poor dear brother&mdash;that we hope his name-child will
+be an honor to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you not pleased?&quot; asked May, pausing to look up at him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; he answered, with a quiet, rather melancholy smile; &quot;they are very
+kind to remember me so. I hope they will soon bring the little fellow to
+see me. Ah, I knew Elsie would make just such a lovely mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing about the time of their return,&quot; observed May, as she finished
+reading; &quot;but they will hardly linger long after the close of the war.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>May had left the room, and Harold lay languid and weak upon his cot. A
+Confederate officer, occupying the next, addressed him, rousing him out of
+the reverie into which he had fallen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Excuse me, sir, but I could not help hearing some parts of the letter
+read aloud by the lady&mdash;your sister, I believe&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes. Of course you could not help hearing, and there is no harm done,&quot;
+Harold answered with a friendly tone and smile. &quot;So no need for
+apologies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But there is something else. Did you know anything of a Lieutenant Walter
+Dinsmore, belonging to our side, who fell in the battle of Shiloh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; knew and loved him!&quot; exclaimed Harold, raising himself on his elbow,
+and turning a keenly interested, questioning gaze upon the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then it is, it must be the same family,&quot; said the latter, half to
+himself, half to Harold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Same as what, sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That letter I could not help hearing was dated Naples, signed Rose
+Dinsmore, and talked of Elsie, Mr. Travilla, and their children. Now
+Lieutenant Dinsmore told me he had a brother residing temporarily in
+Naples, and also a niece, a Mrs. Elsie Travilla; and before going into the
+fight he intrusted to me a small package directed to her, with the request
+that, if he fell, I would have it forwarded to her when an opportunity
+offered. Will you, sir, take charge of it, and see that it reaches the
+lady's hands?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With pleasure. How glad she will be to get it, for she loved Walter
+dearly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They were near of an age?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; the uncle a trifle younger than the niece.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dinsmore and I were together almost constantly during the last six months
+of his life, and became very intimate. My haversack, Smith, if you
+please,&quot; addressing a nurse.</p>
+
+<p>It was brought, opened, and a small package taken from it and given to
+Harold.</p>
+
+<p>He gazed upon it with sad thoughtfulness for a moment; then, bestowing it
+safely in his breast-pocket, &quot;Thank you very much,&quot; he said, &quot;I will
+deliver it with my own hand, if she returns from Europe as soon as we
+expect.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_EIGHTH" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_EIGHTH" />CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;She led me first to God;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Her words and prayers were my young spirit's dew.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">&mdash;JOHN PIERPONT.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Elmgrove, the country-seat of the elder Mr. Allison, had never looked
+lovelier than on a beautiful June morning in the year 1865.</p>
+
+<p>The place had been greatly improved since Elsie's first sight of it, while
+it was still Rose's girlhood's home where Mr. Dinsmore and his little
+daughter were so hospitably entertained for many weeks.</p>
+
+<p>There was now a second dwelling-house on the estate, but a few hundred
+yards distant from the first, owned by Edward Allison, and occupied by
+himself, wife, and children, of whom there were several.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends from Naples had arrived the night before. The Dinsmores were
+domiciled at the paternal mansion, the Travillas with Edward and Adelaide.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was not yet an hour high as Elsie stood at the open window of her
+dressing-room, looking out over the beautiful grounds to the brook beyond,
+on whose grassy banks, years ago, she and Harold and Sophie had spent so
+many happy hours. How vividly those scenes of her childhood rose up before
+her!</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear Harold!&quot; she murmured, with a slight sigh, &quot;how kind he always was
+to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She could not think of him without pain, remembering their last interview
+and his present suffering. She had not seen him yet, but had learned from
+others that those months at Andersonville had injured his health so
+seriously that it was not likely ever to be restored.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What happy children we were in those days,&quot; her thoughts ran on; &quot;and I
+am even happier now, my treasures have so increased with the rolling
+years; but they! what bitter trials they are enduring; though not less
+deserving of prosperity than I, who am but a miserable sinner. But it is
+whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the sound of little hurrying feet, entering the room, and
+glad young voices crying, &quot;Good-morning, dear mamma!&quot; broke in upon the
+current of her thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good-morning, my darlings,&quot; she said, turning from the window to embrace
+them. &quot;All well and bright! Ah, how good our heavenly Father is to us!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, mamma, it is like my text,&quot; said wee Elsie, &quot;We have each a short
+one this morning. Mine is, 'God is love.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mamma had sat down and taken Violet on her lap, while Elsie and Eddie
+stood one on each side.</p>
+
+<p>Three lovelier children fond mother never looked upon. Elsie, now seven
+years old, was her mother's miniature. Eddie, a bright manly boy of five,
+had Mr. Dinsmore's dark eyes and hair, firm mouth and chin; but the rest
+of his features, and the expression of countenance, were those of his own
+father. Violet resembled both her mother and the grandmother whose name
+she bore; she was a blonde, with exquisitely fair complexion, large deep
+blue eyes, heavily fringed with curling lashes several shades darker than
+the ringlets of pale gold that adorned the pretty head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True, beautiful words,&quot; the mother said, in reply to her little daughter;
+&quot;'God is love!' Never forget it, my darlings; never forget to thank Him
+for His love and goodness to you; never fear to trust His love and care.
+Can you tell me, dear, of some of His good gifts to you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Our dear, kind mamma and papa,&quot; answered Eddie quickly, leaning
+affectionately against her, his dark eyes lifted to her face, full of
+almost passionate affection.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mammy too,&quot; added Violet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And dear, dear grandpa and grandma; and oh, so many more,&quot; said Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>Rose was called grandma now, by her own request.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, dear grandpa and grandma, and so many more,&quot; echoed the other two.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Jesus the best gift of all, mamma,&quot; continued little Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my precious ones,&quot; returned the mother, in moved tones, &quot;Jesus the
+best of all; for He loves you better than even papa and mamma do, and
+though they should be far away, He is ever near, ready and able to help
+you. Now, Eddie, what is your verse?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A little prayer, mamma, 'Lord help me.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A prayer that I hope will always be in my children's hearts when trouble
+comes, or they are tempted to any sin. The dear Saviour loves to have you
+cry to Him for help, and He will give it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now Vi's tex', mamma,&quot; lisped the little one on her knee. &quot;'Jesus wept.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why did Jesus weep, little daughter?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Cause He so tired? so sick? naughty mans so cross to Him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dear; it was not for any sorrow or trouble of His own that Jesus shed
+those tears. Can you tell us why it was, Elsie?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, mamma; He was so sorry for poor Martha and Mary, 'cause their
+brother Lazarus was dead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and for all the dreadful sufferings and sorrows that sin has brought
+into the world. We are not told that Jesus wept for His own trials and
+pains; but He wept for others. We must try to be like Him; to bear our own
+troubles patiently, and to feel for the grief and pain of other people.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We must try to keep these thoughts in our hearts all the day long: that
+God is love; that Jesus is our help in every trouble and temptation, that
+He feels for us, and we must feel for others, and do what we can to make
+them happy. Now we will kneel down and ask the dear Saviour to help us to
+do this.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The prayer was very short and simple; so that even Baby Vi could
+understand every word.</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment's quiet after they had risen from their knees; then the
+children went to the window to look out upon the grounds, which they had
+hardly seen last night.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma!&quot; said Elsie. &quot;I see a brook away over yonder; and there are big
+trees there, and nice green grass. Mamma, is that where you and Aunt
+Sophie and Uncle Harold used to play when you were a little girl?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, daughter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, mamma, please tell us again about the time when you waded in the
+brook, and thought you'd lost your rings; and dear grandpa was so kind and
+didn't scold or punish you at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, mamma, do tell it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Please mamma, do,&quot; joined in the other little voices; and mamma kindly
+complied.</p>
+
+<p>That story finished, it was, &quot;Now, mamma, please tell another; please tell
+about the time when you wanted to go with the school children to pick
+strawberries, and grandpa said 'No.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, I was rather a naughty little girl that time, and cried because I
+couldn't have my own way,&quot; answered the mother musingly, with a dreamy
+look in her eyes and a tender smile playing about her lips as she almost
+seemed to hear again the loved tones of her father's voice, and to feel
+the clasp of his arm as he drew her to his knee and laid her head against
+his breast, asking, &quot;Which was my little daughter doubting, this
+afternoon&mdash;papa's wisdom, or his love?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But her own little Elsie's arm had stolen about her neck, the cherry lips
+were pressed again and again to her cheek, and the sweet child voice
+repelled the charge with indignation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma, you couldn't help the tears coming when you were so disappointed;
+and that was all. You didn't say one naughty word. And grandpa says you
+were the best little girl he ever saw.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And papa says just the same,&quot; added a pleasant, manly voice from the
+door, as Mr. Travilla came in, closing it after him.</p>
+
+<p>Then the three young voices joined in a glad chorus, &quot;Papa! papa!
+good-morning, dear papa.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good-morning, papa's dear pets,&quot; he said, putting his arms round all
+three at once, as they clustered about him, and returning with interest
+their affectionate caresses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so you have already been teasing poor mamma for stories?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did we tease and trouble you, mamma?&quot; asked Elsie, a little remorsefully,
+going back to her mother's side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, darling; it always gives me pleasure to gratify my dear children.
+And, papa, they have been very good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am glad to hear it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma and papa, may we go down and play by that brook after breakfast?&quot;
+asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And wade in the water like mamma did when she was a little girl?&quot; added
+Eddie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, with Uncle Joe and Aunt Chloe to take care of you; if mamma is
+willing,&quot; answered their father.</p>
+
+<p>Mamma said yes, too, and made the little hearts quite happy.</p>
+
+<p>They returned to the window, and presently sent up a joyous shout.
+&quot;Grandpa, our dear grandpa, is coming!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall I go down and bring him up here, mamma?&quot; asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, dear, we will go down to grandpa, and not trouble him to come up.
+Besides, Aunt Adelaide wants to see him as well as we.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, mamma's plan is the best,&quot; said Mr. Travilla, giving Elsie one hand
+and Eddie the other, while his wife led the way with little Violet.</p>
+
+<p>They found Mr. Dinsmore in the lower hall, with Adelaide weeping almost
+hysterically in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are the only brother I have left,&quot; she sobbed. &quot;Poor, poor dear
+Walter and Arthur! Oh, that dreadful, dreadful war!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He caressed and soothed her with tender words. &quot;Dear sister, I will do all
+I can to make up their loss to you. And our father is left us; your
+husband spared, too. And let us not forget that almighty Friend, that
+Elder Brother on the throne, who will never leave or forsake the feeblest
+one who trusts in Him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, yes, I know, I know! He has been very good to me; but I must weep for
+the dear ones gone&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And He will not chide you&mdash;He who wept with Martha and Mary over their
+dead brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The children were awed into silence and stillness by the scene; but as
+Adelaide withdrew herself from her brother's arms, while he and her
+husband grasped each other by the hand in a cordial greeting, little Elsie
+drew near her, and taking gently hold of her hand, dropped upon it a kiss
+and a sympathizing tear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Darling!&quot; said Adelaide, stooping to fold the child in her arms; then
+looking up at her niece, &quot;What a wonderful likeness, Elsie! I can hardly
+believe it is not yourself, restored to us as you were at her age.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The morning greetings were soon exchanged, and Adelaide led the way to her
+pleasant sitting-room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is the latest news from home, Adelaide?&quot; asked Mr. Dinsmore, with
+evident anxiety. &quot;I have not heard a word for months past.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had a long letter from Lora yesterday;&quot; she answered; &quot;the first since
+the close of the war. Her eldest son, Ned, and Enna's second husband, were
+killed in the battle of Bentonville, last March. Lora's husband has lost
+an arm, one of his brothers a leg; the others are all killed, and the
+family utterly ruined.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Carringtons&mdash;father and sons&mdash;have all fallen, Sophie is here, with
+her orphan children; her mother-in-law, with her own daughter, Lucy Ross.
+Philip has escaped unhurt. They will all be here next week to attend May's
+wedding.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Papa, Louise&mdash;you know that she too has lost her husband&mdash;and Enna are
+all at the Oaks; for Roselands is a ruin, Ion not very much better, Lora
+says.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the Oaks has escaped?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, almost entirely; not being visible from the road. Papa sends a
+message to you. He is too heart-broken to write. He knows he is welcome in
+your house; he is longing to see you, now his only son&mdash;&mdash;&quot; Adelaide's
+voice faltered, and it was a moment ere she could go on&mdash;&quot;but he would
+have you stay away till September, not risking a return during the hottest
+season; and, if you wish, he will attend to the plantation, hiring blacks
+to work it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My poor, poor old father!&quot; Mr. Dinsmore exclaimed, with emotion. &quot;Welcome
+in my house? If I had but a dollar, I would share it with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He shall never want a home, while any of us live!&quot; sprang simultaneously
+from the lips of Mr. Allison and Mr. Travilla.</p>
+
+<p>Adelaide and Elsie were too much moved to speak, but each gave her husband
+a look of grateful affection.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you both,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore said. &quot;Adelaide, I shall write my father
+to-day. Does Lora say that he is well?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Allison could hardly speak for tears, as she answered, &quot;He is not
+ill, but sadly aged by grief and care. But you shall read the letter for
+yourself. Stay to breakfast with us (there's the bell), and I'll give it
+to you afterwards.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thanks; but I fear they may wait breakfast for me at the other house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I will send them word at once that we have kept you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was an effort after cheerfulness as they gathered about the
+plentiful board; but too many sad thoughts and memories had been called up
+in the hearts of the elders of the party: and only the children were
+really gay.</p>
+
+<p>Edward Allison was pale and thin, his health having suffered from the
+hardships incident to his army life.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie remarked it, in a tone of grief and concern; but he answered with a
+smile, &quot;I have escaped so much better than many others, that I have more
+reason for thankfulness than complaint. I am hearty and robust compared
+to poor Harold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A look of deep sadness stole over his face as he thus named his younger
+brother.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie understood it when, an hour later, the elder Mr. Allison entered the
+parlor, where she and Adelaide were chatting together, with Harold leaning
+on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>They both shook hands with her, the old gentleman saying, &quot;My dear, I am
+rejoiced to have you among us again;&quot; Harold silently, but with a sad,
+wistful, yearning look out of his large bright eyes, that filled hers with
+tears.</p>
+
+<p>His father and Adelaide helped him to an easy chair, and as he sank back
+pantingly upon its cushions, Elsie&mdash;completely overcome at sight of the
+feeble, wasted frame, and wan, sunken features&mdash;stole quickly from the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Adelaide followed, to find her in the sitting-room on the opposite side of
+the hall, weeping bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Aunt Adie,&quot; she sobbed; &quot;he's dying!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; Adelaide answered, with the tears coursing down her own cheeks, &quot;we
+all know it now; all but father and mother, who will not give up hope.
+Poor May! hers will be but a sad wedding. She would have put it off, but
+he begged her not, saying he wanted to be present and to greet Duncan as
+his brother&mdash;Duncan, to whom he owed so much. But for him, you know,
+Harold would have perished at Andersonville; where, indeed, he got his
+death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I have heard very little about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then Harold will tell you the story of their escape. Oh! Rose dear,&quot;
+turning quickly, as Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Carrington entered, &quot;how kind!
+I was coming to see you directly, but it was so good of you not to wait.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was saying, &quot;Good-morning, mamma,&quot; when her eye fell upon the other
+figures. Could it be Sophie with that thin, pale face and large, sad eyes?
+Sophie arrayed in widow's weeds. All the pretty golden curls hidden
+beneath the widow's cap? It was indeed, and the next instant the two were
+weeping in each other's arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You poor, poor dear girl! God comfort you!&quot; Elsie whispered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He does, He has helped me to live for my children, my poor fatherless
+little ones,&quot; Sophie said, amid her choking sobs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We must go back to father and Harold,&quot; Adelaide said presently. &quot;They are
+in the parlor, where we left them very unceremoniously.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Harold, I know, is longing for a chat with Elsie,&quot; Sophie said.</p>
+
+<p>They found the gentlemen patiently awaiting their return. Elsie seated
+herself near Harold, who, somewhat recovered from his fatigue, was now
+able to take part in the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You were shocked by my changed appearance?&quot; he said, in an undertone, as
+their eyes met and hers filled again. &quot;Don't mind it, I was never before
+so happy as now; my peace is like a river&mdash;calm, deep, and ever increasing
+as it nears the ocean of eternity. I'm going home!&quot; And his smile was both
+bright and sweet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, would you not live&mdash;for your mother's sake? and to work for your
+Master?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gladly, if it were His will; but I hear Him saying to me, 'Come up
+hither'; and it is a joyful summons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harold, when&mdash;&mdash;&quot; her voice faltered, but with an effort she completed
+her sentence&mdash;&quot;when did this begin?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At Andersonville; I was in perfect health when I entered the army,&quot; he
+answered quickly, divining the fear that prompted the question; &quot;but bad
+air, foul water, wretched and insufficient food, rapidly and completely
+undermined my constitution. Yet it is sweet to die for one's country! I do
+not grudge the price I pay to secure her liberties.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's eyes sparkled through her tears. &quot;True patriotism still lives!&quot;
+she said. &quot;Harold, I am proud of you and your brothers. Of dear Walter,
+too; for his heart was right, however mistaken his head may have been.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Walter? oh, yes, and I&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But the sentence was interrupted by the entrance of his mother and
+sisters, May and Daisy, Mr. Dinsmore, and his son and daughter. Fresh
+greetings, of course, had to be exchanged all round, and were scarcely
+finished when Mr. Travilla came in with his three children.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie called them to her, and presented them to Harold with all a mother's
+fond pride in her darlings.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have taught them to call you Uncle Harold. Do you object?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Object? far from it; I am proud to claim them as my nephew and nieces.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He gazed with tender admiration upon each dear little face; then, drawing
+the eldest to him and putting an arm about her, said, &quot;She is just what
+you must have been at her age, Elsie; a little younger than when you first
+came to Elmgrove. And she bears your name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; her papa and mine would hear of no other for her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I like to have mamma's name,&quot; said the child, in a pretty, modest way,
+looking up into his face. &quot;Grandpa and papa call mamma Elsie, and me wee
+Elsie and little Elsie, and sometimes daughter. Grandpa calls mamma
+daughter too, but papa calls her wife. Mamma, has Uncle Harold seen baby?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My namesake! ah, I should like to see him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is mammy on the porch now, with him in her arms,&quot; cried the child.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go, and tell her to bring him here, daughter,&quot; Elsie said; and the little
+girl hastened to obey.</p>
+
+<p>It was a very fine babe, and Harold looked at it with interest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am proud of my name-child,&quot; he said, turning to the mother with a
+gratified smile. &quot;You and Mr. Travilla were very kind to remember me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The latter, who had been engaged in the exchange of salutations with the
+others, hearing his name, now came up and took the hand of the invalid in
+his. He was much moved by the sad alteration in the young man, who, when
+last seen by him, was in high health and spirits&mdash;the full flush of early
+manhood's prime.</p>
+
+<p>Taking a seat by his side, he inquired with kindly interest how he was,
+who was his physician, and if there had been any improvement in the case
+of late.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, no; rather the reverse,&quot; Harold said, in answer to the last
+inquiry. &quot;I am weaker than when I left the hospital.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, that is discouraging; still, we will hope the disease may yet take a
+favorable turn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is what my parents say,&quot; he answered, with a grave, sweet smile;
+&quot;and though I have little hope, I know that nothing is too hard for the
+Lord, and am more than willing to leave it in His hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Uncle Harold,&quot; said Elsie, coming to the side of his chair and looking up
+into his face with eyes full of tender sympathy, &quot;I'm so, so sorry for
+you. I'll ask Jesus to please make you well, or else take you soon to the
+happy land where you'll never have any more pain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, darling,&quot; he said, bending down to kiss the sweet lips. &quot;I
+know the dear Saviour will listen to your prayer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You used to play with my mamma when you were a little boy like me; didn't
+you, uncle Harold?&quot; queried Eddie, coming up close on the other side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not quite so small, my man,&quot; Harold answered, laying his hand gently on
+the child's head. &quot;Your mamma was about the size of your Aunt Rosie,
+yonder, and I some three or four years older.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We've been down to the brook where you played together&mdash;you and mamma and
+Aunt Sophie,&quot; said Elsie. &quot;Papa took us, and I think it's a lovely place
+to play.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sophie and I have talked over those dear old times more than once, of
+late,&quot; Harold remarked, turning to Mrs. Travilla. &quot;It does not seem so
+very long ago, and yet&mdash;how many changes! how we are changed! Well, Rosie,
+what is it?&quot; for she was standing by his chair, waiting with eager face
+till he should be ready to attend to her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Uncle Harold, do you feel able to tell us the story about your being a
+prisoner, and how you got free, and back to the Union army?&quot; she asked,
+with persuasive look and tone. &quot;Papa and mamma, and all of us that haven't
+heard it, would like so much to hear it, if it won't tire you to talk so
+long.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is not a long story; and as my lungs are sound, I do not think it will
+fatigue me, if you will all come near enough to hear me in my ordinary
+tone of voice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They drew around him, protesting against his making the effort, unless
+fully equal to it; as another time would do quite as well.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you all,&quot; he said; &quot;but I feel able for the task, and shall enjoy
+gratifying my nieces and nephews, as well as the older people.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He then proceeded with his narrative; all listening with deep interest.</p>
+
+<p>Among other incidents connected with his prison life, he told of his
+interview with Jackson, and the poor wretch's death that same night.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie shuddered and turned pale, yet breathed a sigh of relief as she laid
+her hand in that of her husband, and turned a loving, grateful look upon
+her father, to meet his eyes fixed upon her with an expression of deep
+thankfulness, mingled with the sadness and awe inspired by the news of the
+miscreant's terrible end.</p>
+
+<p>Harold spent the day at his brother's, and availed himself of an
+opportunity, which offered that afternoon, to have a little private talk
+with Elsie, in which he delivered Walter's packet, telling her how it came
+into his hands.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear, dear Walter,&quot; she said, weeping, &quot;I have so wanted to know the
+particulars of his death, and am so thankful to hear that he was a
+Christian.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His friend told me he was instantly killed, so was spared much
+suffering.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am thankful for that. I will open this now; you will like to see the
+contents.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They were a letter from Walter to her, and two photographs&mdash;both excellent
+and striking likenesses; one of her in her bridal robes, the other of
+himself in his military dress.</p>
+
+<p>The first Elsie threw carelessly aside, as of little worth; the other she
+held long in her hands; gazing intently upon it, again and again wiping
+away the fast-falling tears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is his own noble, handsome face,&quot; she murmured. &quot;Oh, to think I shall
+not see it again in this world! How good of him to hive it taken for me!&quot;
+and again she gazed and wept.</p>
+
+<p>Turning to her companion she was startled by the expression of mingled
+love and anguish in his eyes, which were intently fixed upon the other
+photograph; he having taken it up as she threw it aside.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh Harold!&quot; she moaned, in low, agitated tones.</p>
+
+<p>He sighed deeply, but his brow cleared, and a look of peace and
+resignation stole over his face as he turned his eyes on her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think there is no sin in the love I bear you now, Elsie,&quot; he said; &quot;I
+rejoice in your happiness and am willing to see you in the possession of
+another; more than willing, since I must so soon pass away. But it was
+not always so; my love and grief were hard to conquer, and this&mdash;bringing
+you before me just as you were that night that gave you to another and
+made my love a sin&mdash;brought back for a moment the anguish that wrung my
+heart at the sight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You <i>were</i> there, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; just for a few moments. I found I must look upon the scene, though
+it broke my heart. I arrived at the last minute, stood in the shadow of
+the doorway during the ceremony, saw you look up towards me at its
+conclusion, then turned and fled from the house; fearful of being
+recognized and forced to betray my secret which I felt I could not hide.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But don't weep for me, dear friend, my sorrow and disappointment proved
+blessings in disguise, for through them I was brought to a saving
+knowledge of Him</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">&quot;'whom my soul desires above</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All earthly joy or earthly love.'&quot;</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And oh, Harold, how infinitely more is His love worth than mine!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But her eye fell upon Walter's letter lying forgotten in her lap. She took
+it up, glanced over it, then read it more carefully, pausing often to wipe
+away the blinding tears. As she finished, Mr. Travilla came in.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here is a letter from Walter, Edward,&quot; she said, in tremulous tones, as
+she handed it to him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then the report of his death was untrue?&quot; he exclaimed inquiringly, a
+glad look coming into his face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only too true,&quot; she answered, with a fresh burst of tears; and Harold
+briefly explained.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall I read it aloud, wife?&quot; Mr. Travilla asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If Harold cares to hear. There is no secret.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like it greatly,&quot; Harold said; and Mr. Travilla read it to him,
+while Elsie moved away to the farther side of the room, her heart filled
+with a strange mixture of emotions, in which grief was uppermost.</p>
+
+<p>The letter was filled chiefly with an account of the writer's religious
+experience. Since his last visit to the Oaks he had been constantly
+rejoicing in the love of Christ, and now, expecting, as he did, to fall in
+the coming battle, death had no terrors for him. And he owed this, he
+said, in great measure to the influence of his brother Horace and Elsie,
+especially to the beautiful consistency of her Christian life through all
+the years he had known her.</p>
+
+<p>Through all her grief and sadness, what joy and thankfulness stirred in
+her breast at that thought. Very humble and unworthy she felt; but oh,
+what gladness to learn that her Master had thus honored her as an
+instrument in His hands.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened softly, and her three little ones came quietly in and
+gathered about her. They had been taught thoughtfulness for others: Uncle
+Harold was ill, and they would not disturb him.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning confidingly on her lap, lifting loving, trustful eyes to her face,
+&quot;Mamma,&quot; they said, low and softly, &quot;we have had our supper; will you come
+with us now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, dear, presently.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma,&quot; whispered little Elsie, with a wistful, tender gaze into the soft
+sweet eyes still swimming in tears, &quot;dear mamma, something has made you
+sorry. What can I do to comfort you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Love me, darling, and be good; you are mamma's precious little comforter.
+See dears,&quot; and she held the photograph so that all could have a view, &quot;it
+is dear Uncle Walter in his soldier dress.&quot; A big tear rolled down her
+cheek.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma,&quot; Elsie said quickly, &quot;how good he looks! and he is so happy where
+Jesus is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, daughter, we need shed no tears for him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear Uncle Walter,&quot; &quot;Poor Uncle Walter!&quot; the other two were saying.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There, papa has finished reading; go now and bid good-night to him and
+Uncle Harold,&quot; their mother said; and they hastened to obey.</p>
+
+<p>They climbed their father's knees and hung about his neck with the most
+confiding affection, while he caressed them over and over again, Harold
+looking on with glistening eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now some dood fun, papa: toss Vi up in oo arms,&quot; said the little one,
+expecting the usual game of romps.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not to-night, pet; some other time. Another sweet kiss for papa, and now
+one for Uncle Harold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;After four years of camp, prison, and hospital life, it is a very
+pleasant change to be among the children,&quot; Harold said, as the door closed
+upon Elsie and her little flock.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I feared their noise and perpetual motion might disturb you,&quot; Mr.
+Travilla answered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at all; yours are not boisterous, and their pretty ways are very
+winning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Chloe and Dinah were in waiting, and soon had the three small figures
+robed each in its white night-dress.</p>
+
+<p>Then mamma&mdash;seated upon a sofa with little Violet on her lap, the other
+two, one on each side&mdash;was quite at their disposal for the next half hour
+or so; ready to listen or to talk; her sweet sympathy and tender love
+encouraging them to open all their young hearts to her, telling her of any
+little joy or sorrow, trouble, vexation, or perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, darlings, have you remembered your verses and our little talk about
+them this morning?&quot; the mother asked. &quot;Elsie may speak first, because she
+is the eldest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma, I have thought of them many times,&quot; answered the sweet child
+voice; &quot;we had a nice, nice walk with papa this morning, and the little
+birds, the brook, and the trees, and the pretty flowers and the beautiful
+blue sky all seemed to say to me, 'God is love.' Then mamma, once I was
+tempted to be naughty, and I said in my heart, 'Lord, help me,' and Jesus
+heard me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What was it, dear?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We had a little tea party, mamma, with our cousins, out under the trees,
+and there was pie and very rich cake&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And 'serves,&quot; put in Eddie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, mamma, and preserves too, and they looked so good, and I wanted
+some, but I remembered that you and papa don't let us eat those things
+because they would make us sick. So I said, 'Lord, help me'; and then I
+felt so glad and happy, thinking how Jesus loves me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My darling! He does, indeed,&quot; the mother said, with a gentle kiss.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Eddie was good, and said, 'No, thank you; mamma and papa don't let us
+eat 'serves and pie.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma's dear boy,&quot; and her hand passed softly over the curly head resting
+on her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma, I love you; I love you <i>so much</i>,&quot; he said, hugging her tight;
+&quot;and dear papa, too; and Jesus. Mamma, I wanted to be naughty once to-day
+when one o' zese cousins took away my own new whip that papa buyed for me;
+but I remembered I mustn't be selfish and cross, and I said my little
+prayers jus' in my heart, mamma&mdash;and Jesus did help me to be good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my dear son, and He will always help you when you ask Him. And now,
+what has Vi to tell mamma?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vi naughty girl one time, mamma: ky 'cause she didn't want mammy wash
+face and brush curls. Vi solly now;&quot; and the golden head dropped upon
+mamma's breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma's dear baby must try and be patient; mamma is sure she will, and
+Jesus will help her if she asks Him, and forgive her, if she is sorry for
+being naughty,&quot; the mother said, with a tender caress. &quot;Now let us sing,
+'Jesus loves me.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The child voices blended very sweetly with the mother's as they sang in
+concert; then she told them a Bible story, heard each little prayer, saw
+them laid in their beds, gave each a tender good-night kiss, and left them
+to their rest.</p>
+
+<p>Passing into her dressing-room, she found her husband there, pacing
+thoughtfully to and fro. At sight of her a smile irradiated his whole
+countenance, while his arms opened wide to receive her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear, dear husband!&quot; she said, laying her head on his shoulder, while
+he folded her to his heart, &quot;how bravely you bear trials; how patient and
+cheerful you always are under all circumstances.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not more so than my little wife; we have heard much saddening news
+to-day, love; but most of it such as to make us weep for our friends and
+neighbors rather than for ourselves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is true; our losses are slight, very slight, compared with those of
+multitudes of others; and yet it must sadden your heart to know that your
+dear old home is in ruins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, wife, it does; but I were an ungrateful wretch to murmur and repine,
+had I lost everything but you and our four treasures in yonder room: but
+you are all spared to me, and I am by no means penniless yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very far from it, my own noble husband,&quot; she answered, with a look of
+proud, loving admiration; &quot;for all I have is yours as much as mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thanks, dearest; I am not too proud to accept your assistance, and we
+will build up the old home and make it lovelier than ever, for ourselves
+and for our children; what a pleasant work it will be to make it as nearly
+as possible an earthly paradise for them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; she said, smiling brightly; &quot;the cloud has a silver lining.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As all our clouds have, dearest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; for 'we know that all things work together for good to them that
+love God!' But oh, Edward, what an awful end was Jackson's. I shudder to
+think of it? and yet&mdash;oh, I fear it is not right&mdash;but I cannot help
+feeling it a relief to know that he is dead. Even in Europe, I could not
+divest myself of the fear that he might turn up unexpectedly, and attempt
+the lives of my dear ones.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is a relief to me also, and not wrong, I think, to feel it so; for we
+do not rejoice in his destruction, but would have saved him, if we could.
+Has not the news of Walter comforted you in some measure?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, oh yes; the dear, dear fellow! You have not seen this,&quot; she added,
+taking the photograph from her pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; it is a striking likeness, and you will value it highly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed I shall. Ah, how strange it will be to go home and not find him
+there.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWENTY_NINTH" id="CHAPTER_TWENTY_NINTH" />CHAPTER TWENTY-NINTH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">&quot;O war!&mdash;what, what art thou?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At once the proof and scourge of man's fallen state.&quot;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">&mdash;HANNAH MORE.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Richard Allison had gone to Lansdale for his bride a fortnight ago; they
+were now taking their bridal trip and expected to reach Elmgrove a day or
+two before the wedding of May and Harry Duncan. The latter would bring
+Aunt Wealthy with him, and leave her for a short visit among her friends.</p>
+
+<p>Sophie's mother and sister-in-law, Mrs. Carrington, and Lucy Ross, came
+earlier, arriving only two days after our party from Europe.</p>
+
+<p>There was great pleasure, yet mingled with profound sadness, in the
+meeting of these old and dear friends. Lucy and her mother were in deep
+mourning, and in Mrs. Carrington's countenance Christian resignation
+blended with heart-breaking sorrow; grief and anxiety had done the work of
+a score of years, silvering her hair and ploughing deep furrows in the
+face that five years ago was still fresh and fair.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla had taken wife and children for a morning drive, and on their
+return, Adelaide, meeting them at the door, said to her niece, &quot;They have
+come, they are in Mrs. Carrington's dressing-room; and she begs that you
+will go and meet her there. She has always loved you so dearly, and I
+know is longing for your sympathy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie, waiting only to lay aside hat and gloves, hastened to grant the
+request of the gentle lady for whom she cherished almost a daughter's
+affection.</p>
+
+<p>She found her alone. They met silently, clasping each other in a long,
+tearful embrace, Mrs. Carrington's sobs for many minutes the only sound
+that broke the stillness of the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have lost all,&quot; she said at length, as they released each other and sat
+down side by side upon a sofa; &quot;all: husband, sons, home&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sobs choked her utterance, and Lucy coming hastily in at the open door of
+the adjoining room, dropped on her knees by her mother's side, and taking
+one thin, pale hand in hers, said tearfully, &quot;Not all, dear mamma; you
+have me, and Phil, and the children.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Me too, mother dear, and your Harry's children,&quot; added Sophie, who had
+followed her sister, and now knelt with her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes, dear daughters, I was wrong: I have lost much, but have many
+blessings still left, your love not the least; and my grandchildren are
+scarcely less dear than my own. Lucy, dear, here is Elsie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, our own dear, darling Elsie, scarcely changed at all!&quot; Lucy cried,
+springing up to greet her friend with a warm embrace.</p>
+
+<p>A long talk followed, Mrs. Carrington and Sophie giving their experiences
+of the war and its results, to which the others listened with deep
+interest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank God it is over at last!&quot; concluded the elder lady; &quot;and oh, may
+He, in His great goodness and mercy, spare us a repetition of it. Oh, the
+untold horrors of civil war&mdash;strife among brethren who should know nothing
+but love for each other&mdash;none can imagine but those who have passed
+through them! There was fault on both sides, as there always is when
+people quarrel. And what has been gained? Immense loss of property, and of
+far more precious lives, an exchange of ease and luxury for a hard
+struggle with poverty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But it is over, dear mother, and the North will help the South to
+recuperate,&quot; said Lucy. &quot;Phil says so, and I've heard it from others too;
+just as soon as the struggle ended, people were saying, 'Now they have
+given up, the Union is safe, and we're sorry for them and will do all we
+can to help them; for they are our own people.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I have been most agreeably surprised at the kind feeling here,&quot; her
+mother answered; &quot;nobody has had a hard word to say of us, so far as I
+have been able to learn; and I have seen nothing like exultation over a
+fallen foe; but on the contrary there seems a desire to lend us a helping
+hand and set us on our feet again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed, mother, I assure you that is so,&quot; said Sophie.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And all through the war,&quot; added Lucy, &quot;there was but little hard feeling
+towards the people of the South; 'deceived and betrayed by their leaders,
+they are more to be pitied than blamed,' was the opinion commonly
+expressed by those who stood by the government.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And papa says there will be no confiscation of property,&quot; Sophie said,
+&quot;unless it may be merely that of the leaders; and that he will help us to
+restore Ashlands to what it was: so you will have your own home again,
+mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How generous! I can never repay the obligation,&quot; Mrs. Carrington said, in
+a choking voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you need not feel overburdened by it, dear mother. It is for Herbert,
+you know, his own grand son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And mine! Ah, this news fills me with joy and gratitude.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I feel papa's kindness very much,&quot; Sophie said, &quot;and hope my son
+will never give him cause to regret it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie rose. &quot;I hear my baby crying, and know that he wants his mother.
+Dear Mrs. Carrington, you are looking very weary; and it is more than an
+hour yet to dinner-time; will you not lie down and rest?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, and afterwards you must show me your children. I want to see them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you; I shall do so with much pleasure,&quot; the young mother answered
+smilingly, as she hastened from the room; for Baby Harold's cries were
+growing importunate.</p>
+
+<p>This was the regular hour for Eddie and Vi to take a nap, and Elsie found
+them lying quietly in their little bed, while the screaming babe stoutly
+resisted the united efforts of his elder sister and Aunt Chloe to pacify
+and amuse him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give him to me, mammy,&quot; she said, seating herself by the open window; &quot;it
+is his mother he wants.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Little Elsie, ever concerned for her mother's happiness, studied the dear
+face intently for a moment, and seeing the traces of tears, drew near
+and, putting an arm about her neck, &quot;Mamma,&quot; she said tenderly, &quot;dear
+mamma, what troubles you? May I know about it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Travilla explained briefly, telling of Mrs. Carrington's trials, and
+of those of other old friends and neighbors in the South.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mamma,&quot; said the child, with eyes filled to overflowing, &quot;I am very sorry
+for them all, and for you. Mamma, it is like Jesus to shed tears for other
+people's troubles: but, mamma, I think it is too much; there are so many,
+it makes you sorry all the time, and I can't bear it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The mother's only answer was a silent caress, and the child went on: &quot;I
+hope nobody else will come with such sad stories to make you cry. Is there
+anybody else to do it, mamma?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think not, dear; there are only Aunt Wealthy, who has not lost any near
+friend lately, and&mdash;Why there she is now! the dear old soul!&quot; she broke
+off joyously, for at that instant a carriage, which she had been watching
+coming up the drive, drew up before the door, and a young gentleman and a
+little old lady alighted.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Chloe took the babe, and Elsie hastened down to meet her aunt, her
+little daughter following.</p>
+
+<p>To the child's great relief it was an altogether joyous greeting this
+time; both Miss Stanhope, and her escort, Harry Duncan, were looking very
+happy, which caused her to regard them with much satisfaction, and the
+kisses asked of her were given very readily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Were you expecting us to-day, Mrs. Allison?&quot; Harry asked, turning to
+Adelaide.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; I received your telegram.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Business hurried us off two days sooner than we expected,&quot; said Miss
+Stanhope. &quot;I would have written, but was so very busy with papers and
+painterers doing the house all up new; and putting down new curtains, and
+tacking up new carpets, till, Elsie, the old place would hardly know you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The old lady's heart was evidently full to overflowing, with happiness at
+the prospect of seeing May installed as future mistress in the pretty
+cottage at Lansdale.</p>
+
+<p>Yet there was no lack of sympathy in the sorrows or joys of others; she
+wept with them all over their losses past and prospective; for she, too,
+saw that Harold must soon pass away from earth, and while rejoicing with
+him, when she learned how gladly he would obey the summons, her heart yet
+bled for those to whom he was so dear.</p>
+
+<p>Richard and his bride arrived in due season. The latter had lost no near
+relative by the war, and&mdash;to wee Elsie's delight&mdash;the meeting between
+&quot;Aunt Lottie and mamma,&quot; seemed one of unalloyed pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>Unlike those of her older sisters, May's was a private wedding&mdash;none but
+the family and a few near relatives and connections being present. Though
+deeply attached to Harry, and trusting him fully, much of sadness was
+unavoidably mingled with her happiness as she prepared for her bridal. It
+could not be otherwise, as she thought of Fred in his soldier grave,
+Harold soon to follow, and Sophie&mdash;whose had been the last wedding in the
+paternal home, and so gay and joyous a one&mdash;now in her widow's weeds and
+well-nigh broken-hearted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mine will not be a gay bridal,&quot; May had said, in arranging her plans;
+&quot;and I will just wear my traveling suit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But Harold objected. &quot;No, no, May; I want to see you dressed as Rose and
+Sophie were&mdash;in white, with veil and orange blossoms. Why shouldn't your
+beauty be set off to the best advantage as well as theirs, even though
+only the eyes of those who love you will look upon it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And so it was; for Harold's wishes were sacred now.</p>
+
+<p>They were married in the morning; and after a sumptuous breakfast the
+bridal attire was exchanged for the traveling suit, and the new-made
+husband and wife set out upon their wedding trip. It was very sad for poor
+May to leave, not only childhood's home, parents, and brothers and sisters
+whose lease of life seemed as likely to be long as her own, but to part
+from the dying one to whom she was most tenderly attached.</p>
+
+<p>But Harry promised to bring her back; and she was to be immediately
+summoned, in case of any marked unfavorable change in the invalid.</p>
+
+<p>Then, too, Harold was so serenely happy in the prospect before him, and
+talked so constantly of it as only going home a little while before the
+rest, and of how at length all would be reunited in that better land, to
+spend together an eternity of bliss, that it had robbed death of half its
+gloom and terror.</p>
+
+<p>It was Harold's earnest desire that all his dear ones should be as gay and
+happy as though he were in health; he would not willingly cast a shadow
+over the pathway of any of them, for a day; especially the newly married,
+whose honeymoon, he said, ought to be a very bright spot for them to look
+back upon in all after years.</p>
+
+<p>So Lottie felt it right to let her heart swell with gladness in the new
+love that crowned her life; and the time passed cheerfully and pleasantly
+to the guests at Elmgrove.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ross and her mother, and Miss Stanhope, remained for a fortnight
+after the wedding. All were made to feel themselves quite at home in both
+houses; the two families were much like one, and usually spent their
+evenings together, in delightful social intercourse; Harold in their midst
+on his couch, or reclining in an easy chair, an interested listener to the
+talk and occasionally joining in it.</p>
+
+<p>One evening when they were thus gathered about him, Mrs. Carrington,
+looking compassionately upon the pale, patient face, remarked, &quot;You suffer
+a great deal, Captain Allison?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, a good deal,&quot; he answered cheerfully, &quot;but not more than I can
+easily endure, remembering that it is 'whom the Lord loveth He
+chasteneth.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You take a very Christian view of it; but do your sufferings arouse no
+bitterness of feeling towards the South?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no!&quot; he answered, earnestly, &quot;why should they? The people of the
+South were not responsible for what was done at Andersonville; perhaps the
+Confederate government was so only in a measure; and Wirtz was a
+foreigner. Besides, there was a great deal endured by rebel prisoners in
+some of our Northern prisons. Father,&quot; turning to the elder Mr. Allison,
+&quot;please tell Mrs. Carrington about your visit to Elmira.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The others had been chatting among themselves, but all paused to listen as
+Mr. Allison began his narrative.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We learned that a young relative of my wife was confined there, and ill.
+I went at once to see what could be done for him, and finding the prison
+in charge of a gentleman who was under much obligation to me, gained
+admittance without much difficulty. It was a wretched place, and the
+prisoners were but poorly fed; which was far more inexcusable here than at
+the South, where food was scarce in their own army and among the people.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know that to have been the case,&quot; said Mrs. Carrington. &quot;The farmers
+were not allowed to make use of their grain for their own families, till a
+certain proportion had been taken for the army; and there were families
+among us who did not taste meat for a year.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; the war has been hard for us, but far harder upon them. I found our
+young friend in a very weak state. I succeeded in getting permission to
+remove him to more comfortable quarters, and did so; but he lived scarcely
+two days after.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How very sad,&quot; remarked Elsie, with emotion. &quot;Oh, what a terrible thing
+is war!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Especially civil war,&quot; said the elder Mrs. Allison; &quot;strife among
+brethren; its fruits are bitter, heart-rending.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And being all one people there was equal bravery, talent, and
+determination on both sides; which made the struggle a very desperate
+one,&quot; said Harold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the military tic-tacs were the same,&quot; added Aunt Wealthy; &quot;and then
+speaking the same language, and looking so much alike, foes were
+sometimes mistaken for friends, and versa-vice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A brother-in-law of Louise's was confined in Fort Delaware for some
+months,&quot; said Adelaide, addressing her brother, &quot;and wrote to me for some
+articles of clothing he needed badly, adding, 'If you could send me
+something to eat, it would be most thankfully received.' I sent twice, but
+neither package ever reached him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too bad! too bad!&quot; said Mr. Dinsmore; &quot;yet very likely it was through no
+fault of the government.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I am satisfied that individuals&mdash;selfish, unscrupulous men of whom
+there were far too many on both sides, were the real culprits, and that
+the government intended every prisoner should be made as comfortable as
+circumstances would permit,&quot; said Mr. Allison. &quot;But there are men who made
+large fortunes by swindling the government and robbing our brave soldiers;
+men unworthy of the name! who would sell their own souls for gold!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are right, sir!&quot; said Mr. Travilla; &quot;one who could take advantage of
+the necessities of his own country, to enrich himself by robbing her, is
+not worthy to be called a man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I esteem an officer who could rob the soldiers very little better,&quot;
+said Daisy. &quot;Again and again canned fruits and other niceties, sent by
+ladies for the comfort of the sick and wounded men, were appropriated by
+officers who did not need them, and knew they were not given to them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the conclusion of the whole matter,&quot; said Harold, with his placid,
+patient smile, &quot;is that there were on both sides men who, loving and
+seeking their own interest above country, personal honor, or anything
+else, would bring disgrace upon any cause. No, Mrs. Carrington, I have no
+bitter feeling towards the South. My heart aches for her people in their
+bereavements, their losses, and all the difficulties of reconstruction and
+adapting themselves to the new order of things which is the result of the
+war.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie had several times expressed to her husband and father a deep anxiety
+to hear from Viamede, and had written to both Mr. Mason and Spriggs,
+inquiring about the people and the condition of the estate, yet with but
+slight hope of reply, as all communication with the place had been cut off
+for years, and it was more than likely that one or both had been driven,
+or drifted away from his post during the progress of the war.</p>
+
+<p>She was therefore greatly pleased when, on entering the parlor one morning
+on her return from a drive, she found Mr. Mason there waiting for an
+interview.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are not direct from Viamede!&quot; she asked, when they had exchanged a
+cordial greeting.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Mrs. Travilla,&quot; he answered; &quot;I stayed as long as I could, but not
+being willing to go into the army, was finally compelled to leave. That
+was more than two years ago. But I received a letter from Spriggs only
+yesterday, written from the estate. He was in the Confederate service; and
+when the struggle was over, went back to Viamede.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He says it was not visited by either army, and has suffered only from
+neglect. The old house-servants are still there&mdash;Aunt Phillis, Aunt Sally,
+and the rest; many of the field hands, too, occupying their old quarters,
+but looking ragged and forlorn enough.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They are willing to work for wages, and Spriggs begs of me to find out
+where you are, and tell you that, if you wish it and will furnish the
+means, he will hire them, and do the best he can to restore the place and
+make it profitable to you.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I saw your name in the list of arrivals by a late steamer, and with some
+little painstaking, at length learned where you were.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am very glad you have come, Mr. Mason; and I am inclined to think well
+of Mr. Spriggs' proposition,&quot; Elsie answered; &quot;but I must consult my&mdash;Ah,
+here they are!&quot; as the husband and father entered the room together.</p>
+
+<p>The matter was under discussion for the next half-hour, when it was
+decided to accept Mr. Spriggs' proposal, for the present at least.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie then said to Mr. Mason that she hoped he was not engaged, as she
+would be glad to have him return to Viamede and resume his former duties
+there.</p>
+
+<p>He colored and laughed, as he answered, &quot;I am engaged, Mrs. Travilla,
+though not in the sense you mean, and shall be glad to comply with your
+wish, if you do not object to my taking a wife with me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at all,&quot; she answered, smiling; &quot;the Bible says, 'it is not good for
+man to be alone,' and I hope you will be all the happier and more useful
+in the Master's service for having a better-half with you. A suite of
+rooms shall be placed at your service and your wants attended to as
+formerly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Mason returned warm thanks for her kindness, and took his departure,
+evidently well-pleased with the result of his call.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_THIRTIETH" id="CHAPTER_THIRTIETH" />CHAPTER THIRTIETH.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">&quot;War, war, war!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Misery, murder, and crime;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Crime, murder, and woe.&quot;</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+<p>The Travillas accompanied Miss Stanhope on her return to Lansdale, and
+were there to assist at the reception of Harry and his bride. After that,
+a few weeks were spent by them with Mr. and Mrs. Ross.</p>
+
+<p>They then returned to Elmgrove, where, detained, partly by business
+matters, partly by Harold's condition and his earnest wish to have them
+all near him to the last, they lingered until September.</p>
+
+<p>Harold &quot;went home,&quot; early in that month, dying as calmly and quietly as
+&quot;fades a summer cloud away,&quot; or &quot;sinks the gale when storms are o'er.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was buried with military honors, and the friends returned to the house,
+sorely to miss, indeed, the wasted form, and wan, yet patient, cheerful
+face, and the loved voice, ever ready with words of consolation and hope;
+but while weeping over their own present bereavement, rejoicing in his joy
+and the assurance of a blessed reunion in a better land, when they, too,
+should be able to say, &quot;I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
+course: I have kept the faith.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was a melancholy satisfaction to Rose that she had been with him almost
+constantly during the last three months of his life; her husband had not
+hurried her; but now both they, and Mr. Travilla and Elsie, felt that the
+time had come when they should hasten their return to their own homes.</p>
+
+<p>They set out the next week; not a gay party, but filled with a subdued,
+quiet cheerfulness. Some of their dear ones, but lately journeying with
+them towards the Celestial City, had reached the gates and entered in; but
+they were following after, and would overtake them at length; and, though
+the way might be at times rough and stony to their weary feet, the path
+compassed by foes both wily and strong, yet there was with them One
+mightier than all the hosts of hell, and who had promised never to leave
+nor forsake. &quot;In all these things they should be more than conquerors,
+through Him that loved them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>After entering Virginia, they saw all along the route the sad ravages of
+the war, and their hearts sent up earnest petitions that those waste
+places might speedily be restored, and their dear native land never again
+be visited with that fearful scourge.</p>
+
+<p>The scenes grew more saddening as they neared their journey's end, and
+could recognize, in the ruined houses and plantations, the wrecks of the
+former happy homes of friends and neighbors.</p>
+
+<p>They all went directly to the Oaks, where the Travillas were to find a
+home until Ion could be made again comfortably habitable. It was late in
+the afternoon of a cloudy, showery day that they found themselves actually
+rolling quietly along the broad winding drive that led through the grounds
+to the noble mansion they had left more than five years before.</p>
+
+<p>Even here there were sad signs of neglect: the grounds had forgotten their
+former neat and trim appearance, and the house needed paint and some
+slight repairs. But this was all; and they felt it a cause for
+thankfulness that things were no worse.</p>
+
+<p>A group of relatives and retainers were gathered in the veranda to greet
+them; an aged, white-haired man the central figure, around him three
+ladies in deep mourning, a one-armed gentleman, and a crowd of children of
+both sexes and all ages, from the babe in arms to the youth of sixteen;
+while in the rear could be seen Mrs. Murray's portly figure, and strong,
+sensible Scotch face, beaming with pleasure, relieved by a background of
+dusky faces, lighted up with joy and expectation.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore alighted first, gave his hand to his wife, and leaving young
+Horace to attend to Rosebud, hastened to meet his father.</p>
+
+<p>The old man tottered forward and fell upon his neck, weeping bitterly. &quot;My
+son, my boa, my only one now; I have lost all&mdash;everything&mdash;wife, sons,
+home; all swept away, nothing left to my old age but you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, that's it always,&quot; sneered a sharp voice near at hand; &quot;daughters
+count for nothing; grandchildren are equally valuable. Sons, houses, and
+lands are the only possessions worth having.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enna, how can you!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Howard.</p>
+
+<p>But neither father nor brother seemed to hear, or heed the unkind,
+unfilial remark. The old man was sobbing on his son's shoulder; he
+soothing him as tenderly as ever he had soothed wife or daughter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My home is yours as long as you choose to make it so, my dear father; and
+Roselands shall be restored, and your old age crowned with the love and
+reverence of children and children's children.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Hastily recovering himself, the old gentleman released his son, gave an
+affectionate greeting to Rose, and catching sight of young Horace, now a
+handsome youth of nineteen, embraced him, exclaiming, &quot;Ah, yes, here is
+another son for me! one of whom I may well be proud. Rosie, too, grown to
+a great girl! Glad to see you, dear.&quot; But the first carriage had moved on;
+the second had come up and discharged its living freight, and Mr.
+Travilla, with Vi in his arms, Elsie leading her eldest daughter and son,
+had stepped upon the veranda, followed by Dinah with the babe.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear grandpa,&quot; Mrs. Travilla said, in tender, tremulous tones, dropping
+her children's hands to put her arms about his neck, as he turned from
+Rosebud to her, &quot;my poor, dear grandpa, we will all try to comfort you,
+and make your old age bright and happy. See, here are your
+great-grandchildren ready to rise up and call you blessed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God bless you, child!&quot; he said, in quivering tones, embracing her with
+more affection than ever before. &quot;And this,&quot; laying his hand on wee
+Elsie's head, &quot;is yourself as you were at the same age.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm very sorry for you, dear old grandpa; mamma has told me all about
+it,&quot; the little girl softly whispered, putting her small arms about his
+neck as he stooped to give her a kiss.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Me too,&quot; Eddie put in, offering his hand and lips.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right; good boy; good children. How are you, Travilla? You've come
+back to find ruin and desolation where you left beauty and prosperity;&quot;
+and the aged voice shook with emotion.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Travilla had a kindly, hearty hand-shake, and gentle sympathizing
+words for him, then presented Vi and Baby Harold.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the greetings were being exchanged by the others. Lora met her
+brother, and both Rose and Elsie, with the warm affection of earlier days,
+mingled with grief for the losses and sorrows that had befallen since they
+parted.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Howard, too, was cordial in his greeting, but Louise and Enna met them
+with coldness and disdain, albeit they were mere pensioners upon Horace's
+bounty, self-invited guests in his house.</p>
+
+<p>Louise gave the tips of her fingers to each, in sullen silence, while Enna
+drew back from the offered hands, muttering, &quot;A set of Yankees come to spy
+out the nakedness of the land; don't give a hand to them, children.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you like,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore answered indifferently, stepping past her to
+speak to Mrs. Murray and the servants; &quot;you know I will do a brother's
+part by my widowed sisters all the same.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For shame, Enna!&quot; said Lora; &quot;you are here in Horace's house, and neither
+he nor the others ever took part against us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't care, it was nearly as bad to stay away and give no help,&quot;
+muttered the offender, giving Elsie a look of scorn and aversion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be quiet, will you, Madam Johnson,&quot; said her old father; &quot;it would be no
+more than right if Horace should turn you out of the house. Elsie,&quot; seeing
+tears coursing the cheeks of the latter, &quot;don't distress yourself, child;
+she's not worth minding.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is quite true, little wife,&quot; said Mr. Travilla; &quot;and though you have
+felt for her sorrows, do not let her unkindness wound you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie wiped away her tears, but only waiting to speak to Mrs. Murray and
+the servants, retired immediately to the privacy of her own apartments,
+Mr. Travilla accompanying her with their children and attendants.</p>
+
+<p>Wearied with her journey, and already saddened by the desolations of the
+country over which they had passed, this cold, and even insulting
+reception from the aunts&mdash;over whose bereavements she had wept in tender
+sympathy&mdash;cut her to the quick.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Edward, how can they behave so to papa and mamma in their own house!&quot;
+she said, sitting down upon a sofa in her boudoir and laying aside her
+hat, while her eyes again overflowed; &quot;dear papa and mamma, who are always
+so kind!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you, too, dearest,&quot; he said, placing himself by her side and putting
+an arm about her. &quot;It is shameful conduct, but do not allow it to trouble
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will try not to mind it, but let me cry; I shall get over it the
+sooner. I never thought to feel so uncomfortable in my father's house. Ah,
+if Ion were only ready for us!&quot; she sighed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am glad that your home must be with me for the present, daughter, if
+you can only enjoy it,&quot; said her father, who, still ever watchful over
+her happiness, had followed to soothe and comfort her. &quot;It grieves me that
+your feelings should have been so wounded,&quot; he added, seating himself on
+the other side, and taking her hand in his.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, dear papa; it is for you and mamma, even more than myself,
+that I feel hurt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then never mind it, dearest. Enna has already coolly told me that she and
+Louise have settled themselves in the west wing, with their children and
+servants; where they purpose to maintain a separate establishment, having
+no desire to associate with any of us; though I, of course, am to supply
+their table at my own expense, as well as whatever else is needed,&quot; he
+added, with a slight laugh of mingled amusement and vexation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Considering it a great privilege to be permitted to do so, I presume,&quot;
+Mr. Travilla remarked, a little sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course; for cool impudence Enna certainly exceeds every other person
+of my acquaintance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must let us share the privilege.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thanks; but we will talk of that at another time. I know you and Elsie
+have dreaded the bad influence of Enna's spoiled children upon yours; and
+I, too, have feared it for them, and for Rosebud; but there is to be no
+communication between theirs and ours; Louise's one set, and Enna's two,
+keeping to their own side of the building and grounds, and ours not
+intruding upon them. Enna had it all arranged, and simply made the
+announcement to me, probably with little idea of the relief she was
+affording.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is a great relief,&quot; said Elsie. &quot;Aunt Lora's are better trained, and
+will not&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They do not remain with us; Pinegrove is still habitable, and they are
+here only for to-day to welcome us home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Elsie's face lighted up with pleasure. &quot;And we shall have our own dear
+home to ourselves, after all! Ah, how foolish I have been to so borrow
+trouble.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have shared the folly,&quot; her father said, smiling; &quot;but let us be wiser
+for the future. They have already retired to their own quarters, and you
+will see no more of them for the present. My father remains with us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard was deeply mortified by the conduct of her sisters, but tried
+to excuse them to those whom they were treating with such rudeness and
+ingratitude.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Louise and Enna are very bitter,&quot; she said, talking with Rose and Elsie
+in the drawing-room after tea; &quot;but they have suffered much in the loss of
+their husbands and our brothers; to say nothing of property. Sherman's
+soldiers were very lawless&mdash;some of them, I mean; and they were not all
+Americans&mdash;and inflicted much injury. Enna was very rude and exasperating
+to the party who visited Roselands, and was roughly handled in
+consequence; robbed of her watch and all her jewelry and money.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They treated our poor old father with great indignity also; dragged him
+down the steps of the veranda, took his watch, rifled his pockets,
+plundered the house, then set it on fire and burned it to the ground.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Her listeners wept as she went on to describe more minutely the scenes of
+violence at Roselands, Ashlands, Pinegrove, and other plantations and
+towns in the vicinity; among them the residences of the pastor and his
+venerable elder, whose visits were so comforting to Mrs. Travilla in her
+last sickness.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They were Union men,&quot; Lora said, in conclusion, &quot;spending their time and
+strength in self-denying efforts for the spiritual good of both whites and
+blacks, and had suffered much at the hands of the Confederates; yet were
+stripped of everything by Sherman's troops, threatened with instant death,
+and finally left to starve, actually being without food for several days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dreadful!&quot; exclaimed Rose. &quot;I could not have believed any of our officers
+would allow such things. But war is very cruel, and gives opportunity to
+wicked, cruel men, on both sides to indulge their evil propensities and
+passions. Thank God, it is over at last; and oh, may He, in His great
+goodness and mercy, spare us a renewal, of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I say amen to that!&quot; responded Mrs. Howard earnestly. &quot;My poor Ned! my
+brothers! my crippled husband! Oh, I sometimes think my heart will break!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>It was some minutes ere she could speak again, for weeping, and the others
+wept with her.</p>
+
+<p>But resuming. &quot;We were visited by both armies,&quot; she said, &quot;and one did
+about as much mischief as the other; and between them there is but little
+left: they did not burn us out at Pinegrove, but stripped us very bare.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aunt Lora, dear Aunt Lora!&quot; Elsie sobbed, embracing her with much
+tenderness; &quot;we cannot restore the loved ones, but your damages shall be
+repaired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, it will take a lifetime; we have no means left.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall borrow of me without interest. With the exception of the
+failure of income from Viamede, I have lost nothing by the war but the
+negroes. My husband's losses are somewhat heavier. But our united income
+is still very large; so that I believe I can help you all, and I shall
+delight to do it, even should it involve the sale of most of my jewels.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear child, you are very very kind,&quot; Lora said, deeply moved; &quot;and it may
+be that Edward, proud as he is, will accept some assistance from you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Mr. Dinsmore and Rose, Mr. Travilla and Elsie, mounted
+their horses directly after breakfast, and set out to view for themselves
+the desolations of Roselands and Ion, preparatory to considering what
+could be done to restore them to their former beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Roselands lying nearest, received their attention first, but so greatly
+were the well-remembered landmarks changed, that on arriving, they could
+scarce believe themselves there.</p>
+
+<p>Not one of the noble old trees, that had bordered the avenue and shaded
+the lawn, was left standing; many lay prostrate upon the ground, while
+others had been used for fuel. Of the house naught remained but a few feet
+of stone wall, some charred, blackened beams, and a heap of ashes. The
+gardens were a desert, the lawn was changed to a muddy field by the
+tramping of many feet, and furrowed with deep ruts where the artillery had
+passed and repassed; fences, hedge-rows, shrubbery&mdash;all had disappeared;
+and the fields, once cultivated with great care, were overgrown with weeds
+and nettles.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have lost our way! this cannot be the place!&quot; cried Rose, as they
+reined in their horses on the precise spot where Arthur and Walter had
+taken their farewell look at home.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Alas, alas, it is no other!&quot; Mr. Travilla replied, in moved tones.</p>
+
+<p>The hearts of Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were too full for speech, and hot
+tears were coursing down the cheeks of the latter.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Dinsmore pressed forward, and the others followed, slowly picking
+their way through the ruins, grief swelling in their hearts at every step.
+Determined to know the worst, they made the circuit of the house and of
+the whole estate.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can it ever be restored?&quot; Elsie asked at length, amid her tears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The house may be rebuilt in a few months, and fields and gardens cleared
+of weeds, and made to resume something of the old look,&quot; Mr. Dinsmore
+answered; &quot;but the trees were the growth of years, and this generation
+will not see their places filled with their like.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>They pursued their way to Ion in almost unbroken silence. Here the fields
+presented the same appearance of neglect; lawn and gardens were a wild,
+but scarcely a tree had fallen, and though the house had been pillaged,
+furniture destroyed, windows broken, and floors torn up, a few rooms were
+still habitable; and here they found several of the house-servants, who
+hailed their coming with demonstrations of delight.</p>
+
+<p>They had lived on the products of the orchard and grapery, and by
+cultivating a small patch of ground and keeping a few fowls.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie assumed an air of cheerfulness, for her husband's sake; rejoiced
+that the trees had been spared, that the family burial-place had escaped
+desecration, and talked gayly of the pleasure of repairing damages, and
+making improvements till Ion should not have a rival for beauty the
+country round.</p>
+
+<p>Her efforts were appreciated, and met fully half-way, by her loving
+spouse.</p>
+
+<p>The four, taking possession of the rustic seat on the top of a little
+knoll, where the huge branches of a giant oak protected them from the sun,
+took a lengthened survey of the house and grounds, and held a consultation
+in regard to ways and means.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to the Oaks, the gentlemen went to the library, where old Mr.
+Dinsmore was sitting alone, and reported to him the result of the morning
+conference. Roselands was to be rebuilt as fast as men and materials could
+be procured, Elsie furnishing the means&mdash;a very large sum of money, of
+which he was to have the use, free of interest, for a long term of years,
+or during his natural life.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Horace Dinsmore knew his father would never take it as a gift, and
+indeed, it cost him a hard struggle to bring his pride down to the
+acceptance of it as offered. But he consented at last, and as the other
+two retired, begged that Elsie would come to him for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>She came in so quietly that he was not aware of her presence. He sat in
+the corner of a sofa, his white head bowed upon his knees, and his aged
+frame shaking with sobs.</p>
+
+<p>Kneeling at his side, she put her arms about him, whispering, &quot;Grandpa,
+my poor, dear grandpa, be comforted; for we all love and honor you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Child! child! I have not deserved this at your hands,&quot; he sobbed. &quot;I
+turned from you when you came to my house, a little, desolate motherless
+one, claiming my affection.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But that was many years ago, dear grandpa, and we will 'let the dead past
+bury its dead,' You will not deny me the great pleasure of helping to
+repair the desolations of war in the dear home of my childhood? You will
+take it as help sent by Him whose steward I am?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He clasped her close, and his kisses and tears were warm upon her cheek,
+as he murmured, in low, broken tones, &quot;God bless you, child! I can refuse
+you nothing. You shall do as you will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At last, Elsie had won her way to her stern grandfather's heart; and
+henceforth she was dear to him as ever one of his children had been.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>It is a sweet October morning in the year 1867. Ion, restored to more than
+its pristine loveliness, lies basking in the beams of the newly risen sun;
+a tender mist, gray in the distance, rose-colored and golden where the
+rays of light strike it more directly, enveloping the landscape; the trees
+decked in holiday attire&mdash;green, russet, orange, and scarlet.</p>
+
+<p>The children are romping with each other and their nurses, in the avenue;
+with the exception of wee Elsie, now a fair, gentle girl of nine, who
+occupies a rustic seat a little apart from the rest. She has a Bible in
+her hand, and the sweet young face is bent earnestly, lovingly, over the
+holy book.</p>
+
+<p>On the veranda stands the mother, watching her darlings with eyes that
+grow misty with glad tears, while her heart sends up its joyous
+thanksgiving to Him who had been the Guide of her youth and the stay and
+staff of maturer years.</p>
+
+<p>A step approaches, and her husband's arm encircles her waist, while, as
+she turns her head, his kindly gray eyes gaze into the depths of her soft
+hazel ones, with a love stronger than life&mdash;or than death.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you know, little wife, what day this is?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She answered with a bright, glad smile; then her head dropped upon his
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my husband; ten years ago to-day I committed my happiness to your
+keeping, and never for one moment have I regretted the step.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bless you, darling, for the word! How great are the mercies of God to me!
+Yonder is our first-born. I see you as you were when first I met and
+coveted you; and here you stand by my side, the true wife who has been for
+ten years the joy and light of my heart and home. Wife, I love you better
+to-day than ever before, and if it be the will of God, may we yet have
+five times ten years to live together in love and harmony.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall!&quot; she answered earnestly; &quot;eternity is ours, and death itself
+can part us but for a little while.&quot;</p>
+
+
+<h2>THE END.</h2>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie's Womanhood, by Martha Finley
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diff --git a/14874.txt b/14874.txt
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+++ b/14874.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie's Womanhood, by Martha Finley
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Elsie's Womanhood
+
+Author: Martha Finley
+
+Release Date: February 2, 2005 [EBook #14874]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S WOMANHOOD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy and the PG Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ELSIE'S
+WOMANHOOD
+
+A sequel to
+"ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD"
+
+By
+MARTHA FINLEY
+
+Complete Authorized Edition
+
+Published by arrangement with
+Dodd, Mead and Company
+
+_A Burt Book_
+BLUE RIBBON BOOKS, Inc.
+
+_New York_
+
+
+
+
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by
+
+DODD & MEAD
+
+In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
+
+1903,
+
+BY MARTHA FINLEY
+
+1917,
+
+BY CHARLES B. FINLEY
+
+
+
+
+Preface.
+
+
+The call for a sequel to "Elsie's Girlhood" having become too loud and
+importunate to be resisted, the pleasant task of writing it was
+undertaken.
+
+Dates compelled the bringing in of the late war: and it has been the
+earnest desire and effort of the author to so treat the subject as to
+wound the feelings of none; to be as impartial as if writing history; and,
+by drawing a true, though alas, but faint picture, of the great losses and
+sufferings on both sides, to make the very thought of a renewal of the
+awful strife _utterly abhorrent_ to every lover of humanity, and
+especially of this, our own dear native land.
+
+Are we not one people: speaking the same language; worshipping the one
+true and living God; having a common history, a common ancestry; and
+united by the tenderest ties of blood? And is not this great grand,
+glorious old Union--known and respected all over the world--our common
+country, our joy and pride? O! let us forget all bitterness, and live
+henceforth in love, harmony, and mutual helpfulness.
+
+For all I know of the Teche country I am indebted to Mr. Edward King's
+"Old and New Louisiana"; for facts and dates in regard to the war, and in
+large measure for Mr. Dinsmore's views as to its causes, etc.,
+principally to Headley's "History of the Great Rebellion."
+
+The description of Andersonville, and the life led by the prisoners there,
+was supplied by one who shared it for six months. An effort was made to
+obtain a sketch of a Northern prison also, but without success.
+
+Yet what need to balance accounts in respect to these matters? The
+unnatural strife is over, and we are again one united people.
+
+M.F.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIRST.
+
+    "Oh! there is one affection which no stain
+       Of earth can ever darken;--when two find,
+     The softer and the manlier, that a chain
+       Of kindred taste has fastened mind to mind."
+                                 --PERCIVAL'S POEMS.
+
+
+In one of the cool green alleys at the Oaks, Rose and Adelaide Dinsmore
+were pacing slowly to and fro, each with an arm about the other's waist,
+in girlish fashion, while they conversed together in low, confidential
+tones.
+
+At a little distance to one side, the young son and heir had thrown
+himself prone upon the grass in the shade of a magnificent oak, story-book
+in hand. Much interested he seemed in his book, yet occasionally his eye
+would wander from its fascinating pages to watch, with pride and delight,
+the tiny Rosebud steady herself against a tree, then run with eager,
+tottering steps and a crow of delight into her nurse's outstretched arms,
+to be hugged, kissed, praised, and coaxed to try it over again.
+
+As Rose and Adelaide turned at one end of the alley, Mr. Horace Dinsmore
+entered it at the other. Hurriedly approaching the little toddler, he
+stooped and held out his hands, saying, in tender, half-tremulous tones,
+"Come, darling, come to papa."
+
+She ran into his arms, crying, "Papa," in her sweet baby voice, and
+catching her up, he covered her face with kisses; then, holding her
+clasped fondly to his breast, walked on towards his wife and sister.
+
+"What is it, Horace?" asked Rose anxiously, as they neared each other; for
+she saw that his face was pale and troubled.
+
+"I bring you strange tidings, my Rose," he answered low and sadly, as she
+laid her hand upon his arm with an affectionate look up into his face.
+
+Hers grew pale. "Bad news from home?" she almost gasped.
+
+"No, no; I've had no word from our absent relatives or friends, and I'm
+not sure I ought to call it bad news either; though I cannot yet think of
+it with equanimity, it has come upon me so suddenly."
+
+"What?" asked both ladies in a breath; "don't keep us in suspense."
+
+"It has been going on for years--on his part--I can see it now--but, blind
+fool that I was, I never suspected it till to-day, when it came upon me
+like a thunderbolt."
+
+"What? who?"
+
+"Travilla; after years of patient waiting he has won her at last--our
+darling--and--and I've given her to him."
+
+Both ladies stood dumb with astonishment, while young Horace, who had come
+running up in time to catch the last words, cried out with vehemence,
+"Papa! what! give our Elsie away? how could you? how can we ever do
+without her? But she shan't go, for she belongs to me too, and I'll
+_never_ give consent!"
+
+Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies smiled faintly.
+
+"They seemed to think mine quite sufficient, Horace," replied his father,
+"and I'm afraid will hardly consider it necessary to ask yours."
+
+"But, papa, we can't spare her--you know we can't--and why should you go
+and give her away to Mr. Travilla or anybody?"
+
+"My son, had I refused, it would have caused her great unhappiness."
+
+"Then she ought to be ashamed to go and love Mr. Travilla better than you
+and all of us."
+
+"I was never more astonished in my life!" cried Adelaide.
+
+"Nor I," said Rose. "And he's a great deal too old for her."
+
+"That is an objection," replied her husband, "but if not insuperable to
+her, need not be to us."
+
+"Think of your intimate friend addressing you as father!" laughed
+Adelaide; "it's really too ridiculous."
+
+"That need not be--is not an inevitable consequence of the match," smiled
+Mr. Dinsmore, softly caressing the little one clinging about his neck.
+
+Still conversing on the same subject, the minds of all being full of it to
+the exclusion of every other, they moved on as if by common consent
+towards the house.
+
+"Do you think it can be possible that she is really and truly in love with
+him?" queried Rose; "a man so much older than herself, and so intimate in
+the family since her early childhood."
+
+"Judge for yourself, my dear," said Mr. Dinsmore, as a turn in the path
+brought them within a few yards of the lovers, who were moving slowly in
+their direction so that the two parties must meet in another moment.
+
+One glance at the beaming faces, the rich color coming and going in
+Elsie's cheek, the soft, glad light in her sweet brown eyes, was a
+sufficient reply to Rose's question. She looked at her husband with a
+satisfied smile, which he returned.
+
+But little Horace, leaving his father's side, rushed up to Elsie, and
+catching her hand in his, cried, "I'll never give my consent! and you
+belong to me. Mr. Travilla, you can't have her."
+
+To the child's surprise Elsie only blushed and smiled, while Mr. Travilla,
+without the slightest appearance of alarm or vexation, said, "Ah, my dear
+boy, you may just as well; for she is willing to be mine and your papa has
+given her to me."
+
+But the others had come up, and inquiring looks, smiles and kindly
+greetings were exchanged.
+
+"Mr. Travilla," said Rose, half playfully but with a tear trembling in her
+eye, "you have stolen a march upon us, and I can hardly forgive you just
+yet."
+
+"I regret that exceedingly, my dear madam," he answered, with a smile that
+belied his words. "But Miss Adelaide, you will still stand my friend?"
+
+"I don't know," she answered demurely; "there's only one serious objection
+in my mind (if Elsie is satisfied); that I don't quite fancy having a
+nephew some years older than myself."
+
+"Ah! well, I shall be quite willing to be considered a brother-in-law."
+
+"Company to dinner!" shouted Horace. "I see a carriage; don't you, papa?"
+
+"It is your Uncle Edward's," said Mr. Travilla.
+
+"Yes," said Adelaide, "Lora and her tribe are in it, no doubt; and
+probably Mrs. Bowles too (Carrie Howard you know, Elsie). They have been
+late in calling."
+
+"Some good reason for it, and they are none the less welcome," remarked
+Rose, quickening her pace.
+
+The one party reached the house just as the other two had fairly alighted,
+and a scene of joyous greeting ensued.
+
+"You dear child! how good of you to come back to us again, and single
+too," exclaimed Mrs. Bowles, clasping Elsie in a warm embrace; "I'd almost
+given it up, and expected by every mail to hear you had become Lady or
+Countess this, or Duchess that."
+
+Elsie smiled and blushed, and meeting the eye of her betrothed fixed for
+an instant upon her with an expression of unutterable content,
+thankfulness, love and pride, smiled and blushed again.
+
+Carrie caught the look and its effect upon her friend, and almost
+breathless with astonishment, took the first opportunity, after all were
+seated in the drawing-room, to prefer a whispered request to be taken to
+Elsie's own private apartment for a moment, to see that her hair and dress
+were in proper order.
+
+They had come to spend the day, and bonnets and shawls had already been
+carried away by the servants in attendance.
+
+"Now girls, don't run off for an interminable chat by yourselves," said
+Mrs. Howard, as the two rose and crossed the room together.
+
+"No, Aunt Lora, we'll not stay long," said Elsie; "for I want to improve
+every moment of your visit, in renewing my acquaintance with you and my
+young cousins."
+
+"Your family has grown, Lora," remarked her brother.
+
+"Yes, rather faster than yours," she said, looking round with pride upon
+her little group of four boys, and a girl yet in her nurse's arms. "Go and
+speak to your uncle, Ned, Walter, Horace, and Arthur. You see I have given
+you a namesake; and this little pet we call Rose Louise, for her two
+aunties. Yours is Rose, too! and what a darling! and how little Horace has
+grown!"
+
+"Elsie, it can't be possible!" cried Carrie, the instant they found
+themselves alone.
+
+"What can't?" and Elsie's blush and smile were charming.
+
+"That you and Mr. Travilla are lovers! I saw it in your faces; but, 'tis
+too absurd! Why, he's your father's friend, and nearly as old."
+
+"All the wiser and better for that, Carrie, dear. But he is young in
+heart, and far from looking old, I think. I have grown so sick of your
+silly, brainless fops, who expect women neither to talk sense nor
+understand it."
+
+"Ah, I dare say! and Mr. Travilla is the most sensible and polished of
+men--always excepting my own spouse, of course. And you won't be taken
+away from us; so I give my consent."
+
+Elsie's only answer was a mirthful, amused look.
+
+"Oh, but I am glad to see you back!" Carrie ran on. "It seems an age since
+you went away."
+
+"Thank you. And your husband? what is he like?"
+
+"I was never good at description, but he is a fine specimen of a Kentucky
+planter, and very fond of his wife. By the way, you must blame me that
+Edward and Lora were so late in welcoming you home. I arrived only
+yesterday morning, quite fatigued with my journey, and begged them to wait
+till to-day, and bring me with them."
+
+"That was right. We have not seen Enna yet, or Arthur. Grandpa and Mrs.
+Dinsmore and Walter called yesterday. But there is the dinner-bell. Let me
+conduct you to the dining-room."
+
+They were just in time to sit down with the others.
+
+Elsie quickly perceived by her Aunt Lora's look and manner, that she, too,
+had heard the news, but no remark was make on the subject till the ladies
+had retired to the drawing-room, leaving the gentlemen to the enjoyment of
+their after-dinner cigars.
+
+Then Mrs. Howard, facing round upon her niece as they entered the room,
+exclaimed, "Elsie, you naughty child! are you not ashamed of yourself?"
+
+"On account of what, auntie?"
+
+"Such unconscious innocence!" cried Lora, throwing up the white and
+jeweled hands she had rested lightly for an instant upon the young girl's
+shoulder, while gazing steadily into the smiling, blushing, sparkling
+face. "You haven't been planning and promising to give Adelaide and me a
+nephew older than ourselves? I tell you, miss, I refuse my consent. Why,
+it's absurd! the very idea! I used to think him almost an elderly
+gentleman when you were a chit of eight or nine."
+
+"I remember having had some such idea myself; but he must have been
+growing young since then," returned Elsie, demurely.
+
+"He seems to have been standing still (waiting for you, I suppose); but I
+never was more astonished in my life!" said Lora, dropping into a chair.
+
+"It has been a genuine surprise to us all," remarked Rose.
+
+"To me as much as anyone, mamma," said Elsie. "I--had thought he was
+engaged to you, Aunt Adie."
+
+"To _me_, child!"
+
+"Why, my dear, I surely told you about her engagement to my brother
+Edward?" exclaimed Adelaide and Rose simultaneously.
+
+"You tried, mamma, and it was all my own fault that I did not hear the
+whole truth. And, Aunt Adie, I cannot understand how he could ever fancy
+me, while he might have hoped there was a possibility of winning you."
+
+"'Twould have been a much more suitable match," said Lora. "Though I'd
+have preferred the one in contemplation, except that in the other case,
+she would not be carried quite away from us. But suppose we proceed to
+business. We should have a double wedding, I think."
+
+"Oh, don't talk of it yet," said Rose, with a slight tremble in her voice,
+and looking at Elsie's flushed, conscious face with eyes full of unshed
+tears. "Adelaide's is to be within the next two months, and--we cannot
+give up Elsie so suddenly."
+
+"Of course not," said Adelaide; "and I should have serious objections to
+being used as a foil to Elsie's youth and beauty."
+
+The Howards and Mr. Travilla stayed to tea, and shortly before that meal
+the party was increased by the arrival of Walter Dinsmore and Mrs. Dick
+Percival.
+
+Enna had lost flesh and color; and long indulgence of a fretful, peevish
+temper had drawn down the corners of her mouth, lined her forehead, and
+left its ugly pencilings here and there over the once pretty face, so that
+it already began to look old and care-worn. She was very gayly dressed, in
+the height of the fashion, and rather overloaded with jewelry; but powder
+and rouge could not altogether conceal the ravages of discontent and
+passion. She was conscious of the fact, and inwardly dwelt with
+mortification and chagrin upon the contrast presented by her own faded
+face to that of Elsie, so fair and blooming, so almost childish in its
+sweet purity and innocence of expression.
+
+"So you are single yet," Enna said, with a covert sneer; "and not likely
+to marry either, so far as I've been able to learn. They'll soon begin to
+call you an old maid."
+
+"Will they?" said Mr. Dinsmore, with a laugh in which all present joined,
+Enna herself excepted; "well, if she is a fair specimen of that
+much-abused class, they are far more attractive than is generally
+supposed."
+
+"You needn't laugh," said Enna; "I was four years younger than she is now,
+when I married. I wasn't going to wait till they began to call me an old
+maid."
+
+"To bear that reproach is not the worst calamity that can befall a woman,"
+replied Mr. Dinsmore gravely; then changed the subject by a kind inquiry
+in regard to Arthur.
+
+"Slowly and steadily improving," answered Walter. "The doctors are now
+satisfied that he is not permanently crippled, though he still uses a
+crutch."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SECOND.
+
+    "Mutual love, the crown of all our bliss."
+                     --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+After a half hour of waiting for her son's return, Mrs. Travilla sat down
+to her lonely cup of tea. There was no lack of delicacies on the table,
+and in all Edward's taste had been consulted. To make him comfortable and
+happy was, next to serving her God, the great aim and object of his
+mother's life; and, in a less degree, of that of every servant in the
+house. They had all been born and brought up at Ion, and had all these
+years known him as the kindest, most reasonable and considerate of
+masters.
+
+"Wish Massa Edard come. Dese waffles jes' prime to-night, an' he so fond
+ob dem," remarked a pretty mulatto girl, handing a plate of them to her
+mistress.
+
+"Yes, Prilla, he expected to be at home, but is probably taking tea at the
+Oaks or Roselands." And the old lady supped her tea and ate her waffles
+with a serene, happy face, now and then lighted up by a pleased smile
+which her attendant handmaiden was at a loss to interpret.
+
+Having finished her meal, Mrs. Travilla threw a shawl about her shoulders
+and stepped out upon the veranda; then, tempted by the beauty of the
+night, walked down the avenue to meet her son or see if there were any
+signs of his approach.
+
+She had not gone half the distance ere the sound of horses' hoofs reached
+her ear--distant at first but coming rapidly nearer, till a lady and
+gentleman drew rein at the gate, while the servant who had been riding in
+the rear dismounted and threw it open.
+
+They came dashing up, but paused and drew rein again at sight of the old
+lady standing there under the trees.
+
+"Mother," cried her son, springing from the saddle, "you were not alarmed?
+anxious? surely."
+
+"No, no, Edward, but glad to see you and Elsie! my dear child, this is
+very kind."
+
+"Not at all, dear Mrs. Travilla; it is so lovely an evening for a ride; or
+walk either," she added, giving her hand to her escort and springing
+lightly to the ground.
+
+Mr. Travilla put the hand into that of his mother. "Take her to your
+heart, mother; she is mine--ours!" he said, in low tones tremulous with
+joy.
+
+The old lady folded the slight girlish form to her breast for a moment,
+with a silence more eloquent than words.
+
+"Thank God! thank God!" she murmured at length. "He has given me my
+heart's desire;" and mingled caresses and tears fell upon Elsie's face.
+"For many years I have loved you as my own child, and now I am to have
+you. How bright our home will be, Edward. But we are darkening another.
+Her father; can he--has he----"
+
+"He has given her to me," answered the son quickly, "and she has--we have
+given ourselves to each other. Let me give an arm to each of you and we
+will go into the house."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The veranda at the Oaks was deserted, and the house very quiet, though
+lights still shone here and there, as Mr. Travilla and Elsie rode up and
+dismounted on their return from Ion.
+
+A servant rose from the grass, where he had been lying at his ease; came
+forward and led away his young mistress's pony, while the lover bade her a
+tender good-night, sprang into the saddle again, and presently
+disappeared, lost to view amid the trees and the windings of the road,
+though the sound of horse's hoofs still came faintly to Elsie's ear as she
+stood intently listening, a sweet smile irradiating every feature.
+
+Absorbed in her own thoughts, and in the effort to catch those
+fast-retreating sounds, she did not hear a step approaching from behind;
+but an arm encircled her waist, and a low-breathed "My darling" woke her
+from her reverie.
+
+She looked up, her eyes beaming with affection; "Papa; I am rather late,
+am I not?"
+
+"Not very. Hark! the clock is but just striking ten. Come, let us sit down
+here for a little. We have hardly had a chat together to-day." He sighed
+slightly as he drew her closer to him.
+
+"No, papa dear, there has been so much company," she answered, laying her
+head on his shoulder. "And----"
+
+"And what?" as she paused. "Your father used to know all that concerned
+you one way or the other. Is he to be shut out from your confidence now?
+Ah, I think he must have been for some time past."
+
+"I could not tell you _that_, papa," she murmured, blushing visibly in the
+moonlight. "Indeed, I hardly knew it myself till----"
+
+"Till when?"
+
+"The night of Sophie's wedding."
+
+"Ah!" he said, musingly; "but I cannot get over my surprise; he is your
+senior by so many years, and you have known him from childhood and looked
+upon him as a sort of uncle. I wonder at your choice."
+
+"But you don't object, papa?"
+
+"No, if I must give you away--and I've always known that would come some
+time--I would rather it should be to him than any one else, for I can
+never doubt that he will be tender and true to my precious one, when she
+leaves her father's home for his."
+
+"Papa, papa, don't speak of it," she cried, winding her arms about his
+neck, "I can't bear to think of it; that our home will no longer be the
+same, that I can't come to you every night and be folded to your heart as
+I have been ever since I was a little girl."
+
+"Well, dearest," he said, after a moment, in which he held her very close
+and caressed her with exceeding tenderness, "we shall not be far apart or
+miss passing some time together many days of the year. And you are not in
+haste to leave me?"
+
+"Oh, no, no! why should I be? Please keep me a little while yet."
+
+"I intend to: it will take at least a year to get used to the thought of
+doing without you, and so long Travilla must be content to wait. Nor can
+we give you up wholly even then; your suite of rooms shall still be yours,
+and you must come now and then and occupy them for days or weeks at a
+time.
+
+"Now, daughter, good-night. Come to me to-morrow morning in my study, soon
+after breakfast, I have something more of importance to say to you."
+
+"I shall obey, and without fear," she answered gayly, "though I remember
+once being quite frightened at a similar order; but that was when I was a
+silly little girl and didn't know how dearly my own papa loved me."
+
+"And when he was strangely stern to his own little child," he answered,
+with another tender caress.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRD.
+
+    "So fair that had you beauty's picture took,
+     It must like her, or not like beauty look."
+                          --ALLEYN'S HENRY VII.
+
+
+Elsie paused at the half-open door of her father's private room.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore, like most men, was fond of light and air; through the wide
+open windows the morning breeze stole softly in, laden with sweets from
+garden and lawn, and the rich carpet of oak and green was flecked with
+gold where the sunbeams came shimmering down between the fluttering leaves
+of a beautiful vine that had festooned itself about the one looking to the
+east.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was seated at his desk with a pile of papers before
+him--legal documents in appearance; he would open one, glance over its
+contents, lay it aside, and take up another only to treat it in like
+manner.
+
+Elsie stood but a moment watching him with loving, admiring eyes, then
+gliding noiselessly across the floor, dropped gracefully at his feet and
+laying her folded hands upon his knee looked up into his face with an
+arch, sweet smile.
+
+"Mon pere, I have come for my lecture, or whatever you have laid up in
+store for me," she announced with mock gravity and a slight tremble of
+pretended fear in her voice.
+
+Dropping the paper he held, and passing one hand caressingly over her
+shining hair, "My darling, how very, very lovely you are!" he said, the
+words bursting spontaneously from his lips; "there is no flaw in your
+beauty, and your face beams with happiness."
+
+"Papa turned flatterer!" she cried, springing up and allowing him to draw
+her to his knee.
+
+"I'm waiting for the lecture," she said presently, "you know I always like
+to have disagreeable things over as soon as possible."
+
+"Who told you there was to be a lecture?"
+
+"Nobody, sir."
+
+"What have you been doing that you feel entitles you to one?"
+
+"I don't remember."
+
+"Nor I either. So let us to business. Here, take this chair beside me. Do
+you know how much you are worth?"
+
+"Not precisely, sir," she answered demurely, taking the chair and folding
+her hands pensively in her lap; "but very little, I presume, since you
+have given me away for nothing."
+
+"By no means," he said, with a slight smile of amusement at her unwonted
+mood. "It was for your own happiness, which is no trifle in my esteem. But
+you belong to me still."
+
+She looked at him with glistening eyes. "Thank you, dearest papa; yes, I
+do belong to you and always shall. Please excuse my wilful
+misunderstanding of your query. I do not know how much money and other
+property I own, but have an idea it is a million more or less."
+
+"My dear child!--it is fully three times that."
+
+"Papa! is it indeed?"
+
+"Yes, it was about a million at the time of your Grandfather Grayson's
+death, and has increased very much during your mamma's minority and yours;
+which you know has been a very long one. You own several stores and a
+dwelling house in New Orleans, a fine plantation with between two and
+three hundred negroes, and I have invested largely for you in stocks of
+various kinds both in your own country and in England. I wish you to
+examine all the papers, certificates of stock, bonds, deeds, mortgages,
+and so forth."
+
+"Oh, papa!" she cried, lifting her hands in dismay, "what a task. Please
+excuse me. You know all about it, and is not that sufficient?"
+
+"No, the property is yours; I have been only your steward, and must now
+render up an account to you for the way in which I have handled your
+property."
+
+"You render an account to _me_, my own dear father," she said low and
+tremulously, while her face flushed crimson; "I cannot bear to hear you
+speak so. I am fully satisfied, and very, _very_ thankful for all your
+kind care of it and of me."
+
+He regarded her with a smile of mingled tenderness and amusement, while
+softly patting and stroking the small white hand laid lovingly upon his.
+
+"Could I--could any father--do less for his own beloved child?" he asked.
+
+"Not you, I know, papa. But may I ask you a question?"
+
+"As many as you like."
+
+"How much are you worth? Ah! you needn't look so quizzical. I mean how
+much do you own in money, land, etc.?"
+
+"Something less than a million; I cannot tell you the exact number of
+dollars and cents."
+
+"Hardly a third as much as I! It doesn't seem right. Papa, take half of
+mine."
+
+"That wouldn't balance the scales either," he said laughingly; "and
+besides, Mr. Travilla has now some right to be consulted."
+
+"Papa, I could never love him again, if he should object to my giving you
+all but a few hundred thousands."
+
+"He would not. He says he will never touch a cent of your property; it
+must be settled entirely upon yourself, and subject to your control. And
+that is quite right; for he, too, is wealthy."
+
+"Papa, I don't think I deserve so much; I don't want the care of so much.
+I do wish you would be so good as to take half for your own, and continue
+to manage the other half for me as you think best."
+
+"What you deserve is not the question just now. This is one of the talents
+which God has given you, and I think you ought, at least for the present,
+to keep the principal and decide for yourself what shall be done with the
+interest. You are old enough now to do so, and I hope do not wish to shirk
+the responsibility, since God, in His good providence, has laid it upon
+you."
+
+He spoke very gravely and Elsie's face reflected the expression of his.
+
+"No, I do not wish it now, papa," she said, in a low, sweet voice. "I
+will undertake it, asking Him for wisdom and grace to do it aright."
+
+They were busy for the next hour or two over the papers.
+
+"There!" cried Elsie, at length, "we have examined the last one, and I
+think I understand it all pretty thoroughly."
+
+"I think you do. And now another thing; ought you not to go and see for
+yourself your property in Louisiana?"
+
+Elsie assented, on condition that he would take her.
+
+"Certainly, my dear child, can you suppose I would ever think of
+permitting you to go alone?"
+
+"Thank you, papa. And if poor mammy objects this time, she may take her
+choice of going or staying; but go I must, and see how my poor people are
+faring at Viamede. I have dim, dreamy recollections of it as a kind of
+earthly paradise. Papa, do you know why mammy has always been so
+distressed whenever I talked of going there?"
+
+"Painful associations, no doubt. Poor creature! it was there her
+husband--an unruly negro belonging to a neighboring planter--was sold away
+from her, and there she lost her children, one by accidental drowning, the
+others by some epidemic disease. Your own mother, too, died there, and
+Chloe I think never loved one of her own children better."
+
+"No, I'm sure not. But she never told me of her husband and children, and
+I thought she had never had any. And now, papa, that we are done with
+business for the present, I have a request to make."
+
+"Well, daughter, what is it?"
+
+"That you will permit me to renew my old intimacy with Lucy Carrington; or
+at least to call on her. You remember she was not well enough to be at the
+wedding; she is here at Ashlands with her baby. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington
+called here yesterday while you were out, and both urged me not to be
+ceremonious with Lucy, as she is hardly well enough to make calls and is
+longing to see me."
+
+"And what answer did you give them?" he asked with some curiosity.
+
+"That I should do so if possible; that meant if I could obtain your
+permission, papa."
+
+"You have it. Lucy is in some sort taken into the family now, and you are
+safely engaged; to say nothing of your mature years," he added laughingly,
+as she seated herself on his knee again and thanked him with a hug and
+kiss.
+
+"You dear good papa!"
+
+"Some girls of your age, heiresses in their own right, would merely have
+said, 'I'm going,' never asking permission."
+
+"Ah, but I like to be ruled by you. So please don't give it up. Now about
+Enna?"
+
+"If I had any authority in the matter, I should say, you shall not give
+her a cent. She doesn't deserve it from you or any one."
+
+"Then I shall wait till you change your mind."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head. "Ah! my little girl, you don't realize how
+much some one else's opinions will soon weigh with you," he answered,
+putting an arm about her and looking with fatherly delight into the sweet
+face.
+
+"Ah, papa!" she cried, laying her cheek to his, "please don't talk so; it
+hurts me."
+
+"Then, dearest, I shall not say it again, though indeed I was not
+reproaching you; it is right, very right, that husband and wife should be
+more than all the world beside to each other."
+
+Elsie's cheek crimsoned. "It has not come to that yet, father dear," she
+murmured, half averting her blushing face; "and--I don't know which of you
+I love best--or how I could ever do without either: the love differs in
+kind rather than in degree."
+
+He drew her closer. "Thank you, my darling; what more could I ask or
+desire?" A slight tap on the door and Mrs. Dinsmore looked in. "Any
+admittance?" she asked playfully.
+
+"Always to my wife," answered her husband, releasing Elsie and rising to
+hand Rose a chair.
+
+"Thanks, my dear, but I haven't time to sit down," she said. "Here is a
+note of invitation for us all to spend the day at Roselands. Shall we go?"
+
+"Certainly, if it suits you, Rose," replied Mr. Dinsmore; "and Elsie;" he
+added, "will you go, daughter?"
+
+"If you wish it, papa," she answered cheerfully; yet there was a slight
+reluctance in her tone.
+
+He gave her a kind, fond look. "You are your own mistress, and can accept
+or decline as your judgment and wishes dictate."
+
+"But you would rather have me go, papa?"
+
+"I would, because it would seem more kind and courteous. But what is the
+objection in your mind? Perhaps it could be removed."
+
+"I wanted so much to see Lucy this morning," Elsie answered with a blush;
+"but to-morrow will do."
+
+"But both might be accomplished if mamma and Adelaide like to have Caesar
+drive them and the little ones over to Roselands. Then you and I will
+mount our horses and away to Ashlands for a call, leaving there in good
+time to join the dinner party at Roselands. How will that do?"
+
+"Oh, bravely, you dear darling papa! always contriving for my enjoyment."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore followed his wife from the room. "'Twill be an early return
+of Carrington's call," he said, "but I have a little business with him."
+
+"Yes, I'm very glad: it is a good plan; but don't hurry Elsie away. She
+and Lucy will want a long talk."
+
+"I promise to be careful to obey orders," he answered, sportively. "Is
+that all?"
+
+"Yes; only see that you don't stay too long, and keep the dinner waiting
+at Roselands."
+
+"Mamma," asked Elsie, bringing up the rear as they entered the
+sitting-room, "can't you go, too--you and Aunt Adelaide? Four make as nice
+a party as two, and the babies can be driven over quite safely, with their
+mammies, to take care of them."
+
+"No," said Rose, "I never accept such late invitations; I shall----"
+
+"My dear," said her husband, "we would be very glad."
+
+"No, no; the first arrangement is decidedly the best;" putting on an air
+of pretended pique.
+
+"Babies! do you call me a baby?" cried young Horace, who had sprung to his
+feet with a flash of indignation in his great black eyes, "I'm nine years
+old, Elsie. Rosie there's the only baby belonging to this house. Do you
+think papa would let a baby have a pony like Gip? and a pistol of his own,
+too?"
+
+Elsie put her arms round his neck, and gave him a kiss, "I beg ten
+thousand pardons."
+
+"Elsie, my daughter, don't allow yourself to speak so extravagantly,"
+interrupted her father.
+
+"I will try not, papa," she answered. "I beg your pardon, Horace dear, and
+assure you I think you are quite a manly young man. Now I must prepare for
+my ride, papa. I shall be ready by the time the horses can be brought to
+the door."
+
+"Papa," said Horace, as the door closed upon his sister, "may I ride Gip
+to-day?"
+
+"If you promise me to keep close beside the carriage."
+
+"Oh, papa, can't I ride on ahead a little, now and then, or fall a few
+paces behind if I wish?"
+
+"No; you may do just what I have given permission for, and nothing else."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTH.
+
+    "Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
+     In ev'ry gesture, dignity and love."
+                          --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+"But, Elsie, what of Mr. Travilla?" asked her father, as he handed her
+into the saddle.
+
+"He will not be here till evening, sir," she answered, the rose on her
+cheek deepening slightly.
+
+"Then I can have undisturbed possession for to-day at least," replied Mr.
+Dinsmore, mounting. "We couldn't have a lovelier day for a ride."
+
+"Nor better company," added Elsie, archly, keeping her horse's head on a
+line with that of her father's larger Steed, as they followed the winding
+carriage road at a brisk canter.
+
+"Why, you conceited little puss?" returned Mr. Dinsmore laughing.
+
+Elsie blushed more deeply this time. "Why, papa, you are the company
+to-day, are you not? I wished to go, and you kindly arranged to accompany
+me."
+
+"Ah! and that is how you look at it? Well, I recall my rebuke, and thank
+you for your--what shall I say--pretty compliment, or appreciation of my
+society?"
+
+"Both, if you like. Oh, how nice it is to be at home again in our own dear
+native land."
+
+"And what do you call your own dear native land?"
+
+"What a strange question, papa! The great, grand old Union to be
+sure--North and South, East and West--is it not all mine? Have you not
+taught me so yourself?"
+
+"Yes," he said musingly.
+
+They rode on in silence for some minutes, and when he spoke again, it was
+upon a subject entirely foreign to the last.
+
+"The place looks natural," he remarked, as they turned into the avenue
+leading to the fine old dwelling of the Carringtons.
+
+"How kind, how very kind, to come so soon!" was Mrs. Carrington's cordial,
+joyful salutation. "Mr. Dinsmore, I owe you a thousand thanks for not only
+permitting your daughter to come, but bringing her yourself."
+
+"You are very welcome, my dear madam," he answered courteously; "and,
+indeed, I should like to see Mrs. Rose myself, when she is well enough and
+feels that it will be agreeable to her."
+
+A few moments' chat in the drawing-room, and Mr. Dinsmore drew out his
+watch. "How long a talk do you want with your friend to-day, Elsie?" he
+asked.
+
+"Oh, just as long as I can be allowed, papa!" she cried, with much of the
+old childish eagerness.
+
+"Then the sooner you begin, the better, I think, for we ought to be on our
+way to Roselands in an hour, or an hour and a quarter at the farthest."
+
+Upon that the gentlemen retired to the library to talk over business
+matters, and Mrs. Carrington led the way for Elsie to Lucy's room. But
+pausing in the upper hall, she took the young girl in her arms, folding
+her in a close, loving embrace, and heaping upon her tearful, tender,
+silent caresses.
+
+"My poor boy! my poor dear Herbert," she murmured at length, as she
+released her hold. "Darling, I can never forget that you might have been
+my daughter. But there--I will leave you. Lucy occupies her old rooms, and
+yonder is her door; you know the way."
+
+"But come in with me, dear Mrs. Carrington," urged Elsie, the tears
+shining in her eyes.
+
+"No, dear, not just yet. Lucy would prefer to see you quite alone at
+first, I know." And she glided away in the opposite direction.
+
+A soft, cooing sound came to Elsie's ear, mingled with fondling words, in
+a negro voice, as she stood an instant waiting admittance. Lucy, a good
+deal paler and thinner than the Lucy of old, lay back in an easy chair,
+languidly turning the leaves of a new magazine.
+
+"Open the door, mammy," she said, "I thought I heard a rap." Then at sight
+of Elsie, the magazine was hastily tossed aside, and with a cry of joy,
+"Oh, you darling! I thought I'd never see you again," she sprang forward,
+caught her friend in a close embrace, and wept upon her neck.
+
+Elsie soothed her with caresses and words of endearment, and presently she
+calmed down, made her friend take a seat, and sinking back into her own,
+wiped away the tears still welling up in her eyes, and with a little
+hysterical laugh said, "Please don't look so concerned, or think I'm
+unhappy with my dear old Phil, or going to die, or any such nonsense: it's
+just my nerves; hateful, torturing things! I wish I'd never found out I
+had any."
+
+"You poor dear, I'm so sorry for your lost health," said Elsie, exchanging
+her chair for a low ottoman at Lucy's feet, and taking the small thin
+hands in hers, stroking and patting them caressingly; "I know nerves won't
+be reasoned with, and that tears are often a great relief."
+
+"And I've everything to make me happy," sobbed Lucy--"the best husband in
+the world, and the darlingest of babies, to say nothing of mamma and papa,
+and the rest, and really almost everything one could desire."
+
+"Oh, the baby, yes!" cried Elsie, turning towards it with eager interest;
+"the sweet, pretty darling. May I take him a moment, Lucy?"
+
+"Certainly, if he's not too heavy--bring him here, mammy. I remember your
+father would not allow you to lift or carry little Horace."
+
+"Ah, but that was years ago! Ah, how lovely he is!" as the babe accepted
+her mute invitation to come to her. "You are rich indeed, with this
+treasure added to all your others. And you and your Phil don't quarrel
+yet?"
+
+"No indeed! not the first cross word yet. Mamma calls us her turtle-doves:
+says we're always billing and cooing. Ah, Elsie, how beautiful you are!
+I've always thought you just as lovely as possible, yet there's an added
+something--I can't divine what--that increases even your peerless
+attractions."
+
+"O Lucy, Lucy, still a flatterer!" laughed her friend.
+
+"Yet you've come back to us single," Lucy went on, ignoring the
+interruption, "though we all know you had ever so many good offers. Pray,
+do you intend to remain single all your days?"
+
+At that, Elsie's face dimpled all over with blushes and smiles.
+
+Lucy signed to the nurse to take the babe, and as the woman walked away
+with it in her arms, turned eagerly to her friend.
+
+"Now do tell me; for I'm sure you are not going to live single. Shall we
+have the pleasure of hailing you as duchess yet?"
+
+"No, Lucy; I intend to marry; am actually engaged, but not to a
+foreigner."
+
+"Dear me! I don't believe I could have resisted the title. That is," she
+added, hastily, "if I'd been heart-whole like you: but after seeing my
+Phil, of course I wouldn't give him up for all the nobles in Europe, Asia,
+and Africa. But do tell me who is the fortunate man?"
+
+"Suppose you try your skill at guessing."
+
+"Perfectly useless, never had any. It must be somebody I don't know."
+
+"My good little woman, you know him well."
+
+"Either of Harry's brothers-in-law? Richard? Harold?"
+
+"No, no, no; you are wide of the mark! Could you suppose papa would ever
+consent to such a mixture of relationships? Why, it would make papa my
+brother and mamma's brother her son-in-law."
+
+"So it would. Well, I give it up and beg of you to put a speedy end to my
+suspense."
+
+Lucy bent her head to listen, and Elsie murmured the name low and softly,
+the rose deepening on her cheek as she spoke. For a moment Lucy seemed
+struck dumb with astonishment. Then, "Elsie!" she exclaimed, "I can't
+believe it; you are only jesting."
+
+Elsie shook her head with a low, musical, happy laugh.
+
+"He's splendid, I don't deny that; but then--only think--your father's
+most intimate friend from boyhood up; and almost as old."
+
+"Some people seem like wine--to improve with age. But Mr. Travilla is not
+old to me now. He has been standing still, I believe, while I have grown
+up to him."
+
+"And you really are in love with him?"
+
+"He has all my heart, all the love I could give to any one, and I respect,
+honor, and trust him as I do no one else but my father."
+
+"And that reminds me; I was so afraid your father would not let you come
+to see me. But--you are your own mistress now, of course."
+
+"Papa tells me so sometimes," laughed Elsie, "and yet I know he would be
+greatly surprised should I take the liberty of doing anything he would not
+approve. I asked his permission to come, and he not only gave consent but
+brought me himself."
+
+"That was good in him; but I hope he won't hurry you away. I want to hear
+about your European conquests, and have ever so much to say besides."
+
+"No, he has kindly promised me time for a long talk. Besides, I can ride
+over any day and supplement it with another."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was as good as his word; their chat had lasted more than an
+hour when his summons came, yet Lucy declared it had not been half long
+enough, and would not be satisfied to let Elsie go without a promise to
+come again very soon.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Roselands, too, looks very natural, and very homelike," remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, as they rode up its avenue.
+
+"Yes, papa; and yet, do you know, it seems to me it has grown smaller and
+less grand since I lived here as a child."
+
+"Ah! did you think it very grand then, daughter?" he asked, turning to her
+with a smile.
+
+"I believe so, papa; but it is beautiful yet, even after all the fine
+places we have seen in our own country and Europe."
+
+Adelaide met them at the door. "Just in time," she said, "for there is the
+dressing-bell. Your own old room, Elsie dear: you know the way and will
+find Aunt Chloe in waiting. Horace, you will make yourself at home of
+course."
+
+It was strictly a family party, sociable and informal. Elsie had not met
+Arthur since their return, and at the first moment scarcely recognized him
+in the moustached and bewhiskered young man who rose and came forward,
+with a slight limp, to meet her as she entered the drawing-room.
+
+"How do you do?" he said, holding out his right hand, while steadying
+himself with a cane held in the left. "I hope you're glad to get back to
+America?"
+
+"Arthur, is it? Yes; thank you: and I'm very glad your injuries have
+proved less serious than was at first feared," she said, kindly meeting
+his advances half-way.
+
+"Oh yes," he replied, with attempted nonchalance, "I shall be all right by
+and by."
+
+Then retreating to the seat from which he had just risen, the corner of a
+sofa by the side of his sister Adelaide, his eye following Elsie as she
+crossed the room to pay her respects to her grandfather and others. "What
+on earth you call that girl little for, I can't imagine," he remarked in
+an undertone; "why she's quite above the average height; graceful as a
+young fawn, too; splendid figure, and actually the most beautiful face I
+ever saw. I don't wonder she turned the heads of lords and dukes on the
+other side of the water. But what _do_ you call her little for?"
+
+"I hardly know, Art; with me it's a term of endearment more than anything
+else, I believe," replied his sister; "but there is something in the
+expression of her face--something that has always been there, a sweet
+simplicity and innocence--that moves one to a sort of protecting love as
+to a little one who has not yet attained sufficient worldly wisdom to take
+care of herself."
+
+Old Mr. Dinsmore greeted his lovely granddaughter almost affectionately,
+holding her hand in his for a moment, and looking from her to her father.
+"Really, she's a girl to be proud of, Horace," he said with a paternal
+smile. "But I've no need to tell you that."
+
+"No, she is not bad looking," observed his wife with a slight sneer; "few
+girls would be in such elegant attire; but it surprises me to see that,
+with all her advantages and opportunities for improvement, she has not yet
+lost that baby expression she always had. She'll never be half the woman
+Enna is."
+
+The days were past in which the lady mother had gloried in the fact that
+anywhere Enna would have been taken for the elder of the two; and now the
+contrast between her faded, fretful face and Elsie's fresh bloom was a
+sore trial to madam's love, and pride in her household pet.
+
+But no one deemed it necessary to reply to the unpleasant remark. Elsie
+only smiled up into her father's face as he came forward and stood at her
+side, and meeting his look of loving content and pride in her, just as she
+was, and calling to mind how fully satisfied with her was another, whose
+loving approbation was no less precious, turned away with a half-breathed
+sigh of heartfelt happiness, finished her greetings, and, the dinner-bell
+ringing at that moment, accepted Walter's offered arm to the dining-room.
+
+Arthur was more and more charmed with his niece as he noted the modest
+ease and grace of her manners, both at the table, and afterwards in the
+drawing-room; listened to her music--greatly improved under the
+instructions of some of the first masters of Europe--and her conversation
+with his father and others, in which she almost unconsciously revealed
+rich stores of varied information gathered from books, the discourse of
+the wise and learned met in her travels, and her own keen yet kindly
+observations of men and things. These, with the elegance of her diction,
+and the ready play of wit and fancy, made her a fascinating talker.
+
+Contrary to Elsie's expectations, it was decided by the elders of the
+party that all should remain to tea.
+
+As the others returned to the drawing-room on leaving the table, she stole
+out upon the moonlighted veranda. Gazing wistfully down the avenue, was
+she thinking of one probably even then on his way to the Oaks--thinking of
+him and his disappointment at not finding her here?
+
+"It's a nice night, this," remarked Arthur's voice at her side, "I say,
+Elsie, suppose we bury the hatchet, you and I."
+
+"I never had any enmity towards you, Arthur," she answered, still gazing
+straight before her.
+
+"Well, it's odd if you hadn't; I gave you cause enough, as you did me by
+your niggardly refusal to lend me a small sum, on occasions when I was
+hard up. But I'm willing to let by-gones be by-gones, if you are."
+
+"Certainly; I should be glad to forget all that has been unpleasant in the
+past."
+
+"You have improved wonderfully since I saw you last: you were a pretty
+girl then, but now you are without exception the most superbly beautiful,
+graceful, accomplished, and intelligent woman I ever saw."
+
+"I do not like flattery, Arthur," she answered, turning coldly away.
+
+"Pooh! the truth's never flattery; I declare if we were not so nearly
+related, I'd marry you myself."
+
+"You forget," she said, half scornfully, "that it takes two to make a
+bargain; three in this case; and two of us would never consent."
+
+"Nonsense! I'd soon manage it by clever courting. A man can always get the
+woman he wants if he's only sufficiently determined."
+
+"In that you are mistaken. But why broach so disagreeable a subject, since
+we are so nearly related that the very thought seems almost a sin and a
+crime?"
+
+"And so you're going to throw yourself away on old Travilla?"
+
+Elsie faced him with flashing eyes. "No; it will be no throwing away of
+myself, nor will I allow him to be spoken of in such disrespectful terms,
+in my presence."
+
+"Humph!" laughed Arthur. "Well, I've found out how to make you angry, at
+all events. And I'm free to confess I don't like Travilla, or forgive him
+all old scores."
+
+Elsie scarcely seemed to hear. A horse was coming at a quiet canter up the
+avenue. Both the steed and his rider wore a familiar aspect, and the young
+girl's heart gave a joyous bound as the latter dismounted, throwing the
+reins to a servant, and came up the steps into the veranda.
+
+She glided towards him; there was an earnest, tender clasping of hands, a
+word or two of cordial greeting, and they passed into the house and
+entered the drawing room.
+
+"Humph! not much sentiment there; act towards each other pretty much as
+they always have," said Arthur to himself, taking a cigar from his pocket
+and lighting it with a match. "I wonder now what's the attraction to her
+for an old codger like that," he added watching the smoke as it curled
+lazily up from the end of his Havana.
+
+There was indeed nothing sentimental in the conduct of Mr. Travilla or
+Elsie: deep, true, heartfelt happiness there was on both sides, but calm
+and quiet, indulging in little demonstration, except when they were quite
+alone with each other. There was no secret made of the engagement, and it
+was soon known to all their friends and acquaintance. Mr. Travilla had
+always been in the habit of visiting the Oaks daily, and finding himself
+very much at home there; and he continued to come and go as formerly, all
+welcoming him with great cordiality, making him, if possible, more one of
+themselves than ever, while there was little change in Elsie's manner,
+except that all her late reserve had fled, and given place to the old ease
+and freedom, the sweet, affectionate confidences of earlier days.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's determination to delay the marriage for a year was
+decidedly a keen disappointment to the middle-aged lover, who had already
+endured so long and patient a waiting for his prize; yet so thankful and
+joyous was he that he had at last won her for his own, that, finding
+remonstrance and entreaties alike unavailing, he presently accepted the
+conditions with a very good grace, comforting himself with the certainty
+of the permanence of her love. Elsie had no coquettish arts, was
+simple-hearted, straightforward, and true, as in her childhood, and their
+confidence in each other was unbounded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTH.
+
+           "Joy never feasts so high
+    As when the first course is of misery."
+                              --SUCKLING.
+
+
+Adelaide's marriage was fixed for Christmas eve, and Mr. Dinsmore and
+Elsie decided to take their trip to Louisiana at once, that they might be
+able to return in season for the wedding, at which Elsie was to be first
+bridesmaid.
+
+It was Elsie herself who broke the news of her intended journey to her
+faithful old nurse, explaining why she felt it her duty to go, and kindly
+leaving to Chloe's own decision whether she would accompany her or not.
+
+The dusky face grew very sad for a moment, tears springing to the dark
+eyes; but the voice was almost cheerful as she answered, "Yes, you's
+right, honey darlin' you's all right to go and see 'bout dem poor souls
+and let 'em see dere beau'ful young missus; and your ole mammy 'll go
+'long too, for she neber could stay and let her chile run all dem risks on
+de boats an' cars an' she no dar to take care ob her."
+
+"That's right, my own dear old mammy. I shall be glad to have you along,
+and hope you will find it pleasanter than you expect; but we must trust
+the Lord to take care of us all; for He only can prevent the accidents you
+fear."
+
+"Yes, yes, honey, dat's de truff; an' we'll trust Him an' not be 'fraid,
+'cause don't He say, 'Not a hair ob your head shall perish.'"
+
+"'What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee,'" murmured Elsie, softly.
+"Ah, the joy, the peace, of knowing that His presence and His love will
+ever go with us everywhere; and that He has all power in heaven and in
+earth."
+
+A week later, Mr. Dinsmore was showing his daughter the beauties of New
+Orleans, where they had arrived without accident or loss. They remained in
+the city long enough to attend thoroughly to the business which had called
+them there, and to see everything worth looking at.
+
+Elsie's plantation was in the Teche country, the very loveliest part of
+grand old Louisiana. In order that suitable preparations might be made for
+their reception, word had been sent that they might be expected on a
+certain day.
+
+"We have allowed more time than necessary for this place," said Mr.
+Dinsmore to his daughter one evening on returning to their hotel, after
+seeing the last of the lions of the Crescent City; "we have two days to
+spare; what shall be done in them?"
+
+"Let us go on to Viamede at once then, papa," replied Elsie, promptly. "I
+have been regretting that we sent notice of our coming. I doubt if it
+would not have been wiser to take them by surprise."
+
+"There would not be the same preparations for your comfort," replied her
+father, taking a seat by her on the sofa, for they were in their own
+private parlor; "you may find unaired bed-linen and an empty larder,
+which, beside inconveniencing yourself, would sorely mortify and trouble
+Aunt Phillis and her right-hand woman, Sarah, the cook."
+
+"I should be sorry you should have an inhospitable reception, papa, but
+fires are soon kindled and linen aired, and is not the pantry kept
+supplied with canned and preserved fruits? and are there not fresh fruits,
+vegetables, chickens, and eggs at hand for immediate use?"
+
+"Yes, certainly; and we are not likely to suffer. We Will, then, leave
+here to-morrow, if you wish, taking the steamer for Berwick Bay. But why
+prefer to come upon them unexpectedly?"
+
+Elsie smiled, and blushed slightly. "You know I never have any
+concealments from you, papa, and I will be frank about this," she said. "I
+don't think I apt to be suspicious, and yet the thought has come to me
+several times within the last few days, that the overseer has had every
+opportunity to abuse my poor people if he happens to be of a cruel
+disposition. And if he is ill-treating them I should like to catch him at
+it," she added, her eyes kindling, and the color deepening on her cheek.
+
+"And what would you do in that case?" her lather asked, with a slight
+smile, drawing her close to him and touching his lips to the blooming
+cheek.
+
+"Dismiss him, I suppose, papa; I don't know what else I could do to punish
+him or prevent further cruelties. I should not like to shoot him down,"
+she added, laughingly; "and I doubt if I should have strength to flog
+him."
+
+"Doubt?" laughed her father, "certainly you could not, single-handed;
+unless his politeness should lead him to refrain from any effort to defend
+himself; and I, it would seem, am not expected to have anything to do with
+the matter."
+
+A deeper blush than before now suffused Elsie's fair cheek. "Forgive me,
+dear papa," she said, laying her head on his shoulder, and fondly stroking
+his face with her pretty white hand. "Please consider yourself master
+there as truly as at the Oaks, and as you have been for years; and
+understand that your daughter means to take no important step without your
+entire approval."
+
+"No, I do not go there as master, but as your guest," he answered, half
+playfully, half tenderly.
+
+"My guest? That seems pleasant indeed, papa; and yet I want you to be
+master too. But you will at least advise me?"
+
+"To the best of my ability, my little girl."
+
+"Thank you, my dear kind father. I have another reason for wishing to
+start to-morrow. I'm growing anxious and impatient to see my birthplace
+again: and," she added low and tenderly, "mamma's grave."
+
+"Yes, we will visit it together for the first time; though I have stood
+there alone again and again, and her baby daughter used to be taken there
+frequently to scatter flowers over it and play beside it. Do you remember
+that?"
+
+"Yes, sir, as an almost forgotten dream, as I do the house and grounds and
+some of the old servants who petted and humored me."
+
+While father and daughter conversed thus together in the parlor, a dusky
+figure sat at a window in the adjoining bedroom, gazing out upon the
+moonlighted streets and watching the passers-by. But her thoughts, too,
+were straying to Viamede; fast-coming memories of earlier days, some all
+bright and joyous, others filled with the gloom and thick darkness of a
+terrible anguish, made her by turns long for and dread the arrival at her
+journey's end.
+
+A light touch on her shoulder, and she turned to find her young mistress
+at her side.
+
+"My poor old mammy, I bring you news you will be sorry to hear," said
+Elsie, seating herself upon the ample lap, and laying her arm across the
+broad shoulders.
+
+"What dat, honey?"
+
+"We start to-morrow for Viamede; papa has sent John to engage our passage
+on the steamer."
+
+"Dat all, darlin'?" queried Chloe, with a sigh of relief, "if we's got to
+go, might's well go quick an' hab it ober."
+
+"Well, I'm glad you take so sensible a view of it," remarked Elsie,
+relieved in her turn; "and I hope you will find much less pain and more
+pleasure than you expect in going back to the old home."
+
+The next morning, as Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter sat upon the deck of
+the steamer, enjoying the sunlight, the breeze, and the dancing of the
+water, having cleared their port and gotten fairly out into the gulf, a
+startling incident occurred.
+
+Chloe stood at a respectful distance, leaning over the side of the vessel,
+watching the play of the wheel and the rainbow in the spray that fell in
+showers at its every revolution. An old negro busied about the deck; drew
+near and addressed her:
+
+"Well, auntie, you watchin' dat ole wheel dar? Fust time you trable on dis
+boat, eh?"
+
+Chloe started at the sound of the voice, turned suddenly round and faced
+the speaker, her features working with emotion: one moment of earnest
+scrutiny on the part of both, and with a wild cry, "Aunt Chloe! my ole
+woman," "Uncle Joe! it can't be you," they rushed into each other's arms,
+and hung about each other's neck, weeping and sobbing like two children.
+
+"Papa! what is it?" exclaimed Elsie, greatly surprised at the little
+scene.
+
+"Her husband, no doubt: he's too old to be a son."
+
+"Oh, how glad, how glad I am!" and Elsie started to her feet, her eyes
+full of tears, and her sweet face sparkling all over with sympathetic joy.
+"Papa, I shall buy him! they must never be parted again till death comes
+between."
+
+A little crowd had already gathered about the excited couple, every one on
+deck hurrying to the spot, eager to learn the cause of the tumult of joy
+and grief into which the two seemed to have been so suddenly thrown.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore rose, and giving his arm to Elsie, led her towards the
+throng, saying in answer to her last remark, "Better act through me, then,
+daughter, or you will probably be asked two or three prices."
+
+"O papa, yes; please attend to it for me--only--only I must have him, for
+dear old mammy's sake, at whatever cost."
+
+The crowd opened to the lady and gentleman as they drew near.
+
+"My poor old mammy, what is it? whom have you found?" asked Elsie.
+
+But Chloe was speechless with a joy so deep that it wore the aspect of an
+almost heart-breaking sorrow. She could only cling with choking sobs to
+her husband's arm. "What's all this fuss, Uncle Joe?" queried the captain.
+"Let go the old darkie; what's she to you?"
+
+"My wife, sah, dat I ain't seed for twenty years, sah," replied the old
+man, trying to steady his trembling tones, obeying the order, but making
+no effort to shake off Chloe's clinging hold.
+
+"Leave him for a little now, mammy dear; you shall never be parted again,"
+whispered Elsie in her nurse's ear. "Come with me, and let papa talk to
+the captain."
+
+Chloe obeyed, silently following her young mistress to the other side of
+the deck, but ever and anon turning her head to look back with wet eyes at
+the old wrinkled black face and white beard that to her were so dear, so
+charming. His eyes were following her with a look of longing, yearning
+affection, and involuntarily he stretched out his arms towards her.
+
+"Off to your work, sir," ordered the captain, "and let's have no more of
+this nonsense."
+
+Old Joe moved away with a patient sigh.
+
+"The woman is your property, I presume, sir?" the captain remarked in a
+respectful tone, addressing Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Yes, my daughter's, which amounts to the same thing," that gentleman
+replied in a tone of indifference; then changing the subject, made some
+inquiries about the speed and safety of the boat, the length of her trips,
+etc.
+
+The captain answered pleasantly, showing pride in his vessel. Then they
+spoke of other things: the country, the crops, the weather.
+
+"Sit down, mammy," said Elsie pityingly, as they reached the settee where
+she and her father had been sitting; "you are trembling so you can
+scarcely stand."
+
+"O darlin', dat's true 'nuff, I'se mos' ready to drop," she said
+tremulously, coming down heavily upon a trunk that stood close at hand.
+"Oh, de good Lord hab bring me face to face wid my ole Uncle Joe; oh, I
+neber 'spected to see him no more in dis wicked world. But dey'll take 'im
+off again an' dis ole heart'll break," she added, with a bursting sob.
+
+"No, no, mammy, you shall have him, if money can accomplish it."
+
+"You buy 'im, darlin'? Oh, your ole mammy can neber t'ank you 'nuff!" and
+a low, happy laugh mingled with the choking sobs. "But dey'll ask heaps ob
+money."
+
+"You shall have him, let the price be what it will," was Elsie's
+assurance. "See papa is bargaining with the captain now, for they look at
+Uncle Joe as they talk."
+
+Chloe regarded them with eager interest; yes, they were looking at Uncle
+Joe, and evidently speaking of him.
+
+"By the way," Mr. Dinsmore remarked carelessly, "does Uncle Joe belong to
+you? or is he merely a hired hand?"
+
+"He's my property, sir."
+
+"Would you like to sell?"
+
+"I am not anxious; he's a good hand, faithful and honest: quite a
+religious character in fact," he concluded with a sneer; "overshoots the
+mark in prayin and psalm-singing. But do you want to buy?"
+
+"Well yes; my daughter is fond of her old mammy, and for her sake would be
+willing to give a reasonable sum. What do you ask?"
+
+"Make me an offer."
+
+"Five hundred dollars."
+
+"Five hundred? ridiculous! he's worth twice that."
+
+"I think not, he is old--not far from seventy and will soon be past work
+and only a burden and expense. My offer is a good one."
+
+"Make it seven hundred and I'll take it."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore considered a moment. "That is too high," he said at length,
+"but for the sake of making two poor creatures happy, I will give it."
+
+"Cash down?"
+
+"Yes, a check on a New Orleans bank."
+
+"Please walk down into the cabin then, sir, and we'll conclude the
+business at once."
+
+In a few moments Mr. Dinsmore returned to his daughter's side, and placing
+the receipted bill of sale in her hands, asked, "Have I given too much?"
+
+"Oh, no, papa, no indeed! I should have given a thousand without a
+moment's hesitation, if asked it--five, ten thousand, if need be, rather
+than have them parted again," she exclaimed, the bright tears shining in
+her eyes. "Mammy, my poor old mammy, Uncle Joe belongs to me now, and you
+can have him always with you as long as the Lord spares your lives."
+
+"Now bress de Lord!" cried the old woman devoutly, raising her streaming
+eyes and clasped hands to heaven; "de good Lord dat hears de prayers ob
+His chilen's cryin' to Him when dere hearts is oberwhelmed!"
+
+"Go break the news to Uncle Joe, mammy," said Elsie; "see, yonder he
+stands looking so eager and wistful."
+
+Chloe hurried to his side, spoke a few rapid words; there was another
+long, clinging, tearful embrace, and they hastened to their master and
+mistress to pour out their thanks and blessings upon them, mingled with
+praises and fervent thanksgivings to the Giver of all good.
+
+The joy and gratitude of the poor old couple were very sweet, very
+delightful to Elsie, and scarcely less so to her father.
+
+"Mammy dear, I never saw you wear so happy a face," Elsie said, as Chloe
+returned to her after an hour or two spent in close conversation with her
+newly recovered spouse.
+
+"Ah, honey, your ole mammy tinks she neber so glad in all her life!" cried
+the poor old creature, clasping her hands together in an ecstasy of joy
+and gratitude while the big tears shone in her eyes. "I'se got ole Uncle
+Joe back agin, an' he not de same, he bettah man, Christian man. He say,
+'Aunt Chloe we uns trabble de same road now, honey: young Joe proud,
+angry, swearing drinkin' boy, your Ole Joe he lub de Lord an' try to sarve
+Him wid all he might. And de Lord good Massa. De debbil berry bad one.'"
+
+"Dear mammy, I am very glad for you; I think nothing else could have made
+you so happy."
+
+Chloe, weeping again for joy, went on to tell her young mistress that
+Uncle Joe had discovered a grandchild in New Orleans, Dinah by name,
+waiting-maid in a wealthy family.
+
+"But how is that, mammy? Papa and I thought all your children died young."
+
+"No, darlin', when Massa Grayson buy me in New Orleans, an' de odder
+gentleman buy Uncle Joe, we hab little girl four years ole, an' de ole
+missus keep her," sobbed Chloe, living over again the agony of the
+parting, "an' Dinah her chile."
+
+"Mammy, if money will buy her, you shall have her, too," said Elsie
+earnestly.
+
+The remainder of the short voyage was a happy time to the whole of our
+little party, Chloe, with her restored husband by her side, now looking
+forward to the visit to Viamede with almost unmingled pleasure.
+
+As they passed up the bay, entered Teche Bayou and pressed on, threading
+their way through lake and lakelet, past plain and forest, plantation and
+swamp, Elsie exclaimed again and again at the beauty of the scenery. Cool
+shady dells carpeted with the rich growth of flowers, miles upon miles of
+lawns as smoothly shaven, as velvety green and as nobly shaded by
+magnificent oaks and magnolias, as any king's demesne; lordly villas
+peering through groves of orange trees, tall white, sugar-houses and the
+long rows of cabins of the laborers; united to form a panorama of
+surpassing loveliness.
+
+"Is Viamede as lovely as that, papa?" Elsie would ask, as they steamed
+past one fine residence after another.
+
+"Quite," he would reply with a smile, at length adding, "There is not a
+more beautiful or valuable estate in the country; as you may judge for
+yourself, for this is it."
+
+"This, papa? Oh it is lovely, lovely! and everything in such perfect
+order," she cried delightedly as they swept on past a large sugar-house
+and an immense orange orchard, whose golden fruit and glossy leaves shone
+brightly in the slanting rays of the nearly setting sun, to a lawn as
+large, as thickly carpeted with smoothly shaven grass and many-hued
+flowers, and as finely shaded with giant oaks, graceful magnolias, and
+groves of orange trees, as any they had passed. The house--a grand old
+mansion with spacious rooms, wide cool halls and corridors--was now in
+full view, now half concealed by the trees and shrubbery.
+
+The boat rounded to at a little pier opposite the dwelling, and in another
+moment our friends had landed, and leaving the servants to attend to the
+baggage were walking on towards the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTH.
+
+    "Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods?
+     Draw near them then in being merciful,
+     Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge."
+                                 --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+"Papa, it seems an earthly paradise," said Elsie, "and like a dream that I
+have seen all before."
+
+"A dream that was a reality. And it is all your own, my darling," he
+answered with a proud, fond look into the bright animated face, keenly
+enjoying her pleasure.
+
+"But what, what is going on there?" she asked, gazing intently in the
+direction of the negro quarter, where a large crowd of them, probably all
+belonging to the plantation, were assembled.
+
+At that instant something rose in the air and descended again, and a wild
+shriek, a woman's wail of agony, rent the air.
+
+Elsie flew over the ground as though she had been a winged creature, her
+father having to exert himself to keep pace with her. But the whip had
+descended again and again, another and another of those wild shrieks
+testifying to the sharpness of its sting, ere they were near enough to
+interfere.
+
+So taken up with the excitement of the revolting scene were all present,
+that the landing and the approach of our friends had not been observed
+until Elsie, nearing the edge of the crowd, called out in a voice of
+authority, and indignation, "Stop! not another blow!"
+
+The crowd parted, showing a middle-aged negress stripped to the waist and
+tied to a whipping post, writhing and sobbing with pain and terror, while
+a white man stood over her with a horse-whip in his uplifted hand, stayed
+in mid-air by the sudden appearance of those in authority over him.
+
+"How dare you! how _dare_ you!" cried Elsie, stamping her foot, and
+drawing a long, sobbing breath. "Take her down this instant."
+
+"Mr. Spriggs, what is the meaning of this?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, in tones
+of calm displeasure; "did I not forbid all cruel punishment on this
+estate?"
+
+"I've got to make 'em work; I'm bound they shall, and nothing but the
+whip'll do it with this lazy wretch," muttered Spriggs, dropping his whip
+and stepping back a little, while two stalwart fellows obeyed Elsie's
+order to take the woman down, a murmur at the same time running from lip
+to lip, "It's Marse Dinsmore, and our young missus."
+
+Elsie shuddered and wept at sight of the bleeding back and shoulders.
+"Cover her up quickly, and take her away where she can lie down and rest,"
+she said to the women who were crowding round to greet and welcome
+herself. "I will speak to you all afterwards, I'm glad to be here among
+you." Then leaning over the sufferer for an instant, with fast-dropping
+tears, "Be comforted," she said, in tones of gentle compassion, "you shall
+never have this to endure again."
+
+"Come, daughter, speak to these eager people, and let us go into the
+house," said Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Yes, papa, in one moment."
+
+Drawing herself up to her full height, and flashing one look of scorn and
+indignation out of her dark eyes upon the crest-fallen Spriggs, she
+addressed him with the air of a queen. "You, sir, will meet me in the
+library at eight o'clock this evening."
+
+Turning to the men, "Dig up that post, and split it into kindling-wood for
+the kitchen fire."
+
+Her father, while shaking hands with the blacks, speaking a kindly word to
+each, regarded her with mingled curiosity and admiration; thoroughly
+acquainted with his child as he had believed himself to be, he now saw her
+in a new character.
+
+She took his arm, and he felt that she was trembling very much. He
+supported her tenderly, while the women flocked about them, eagerly
+welcoming her to Viamede; kissing her hand, and declaring with tears in
+their eyes, that it was just their "dear dead young missus come back to
+them, like a beautiful white angel."
+
+The first who claimed her attention, introduced herself as "Aunt Phillis
+de housekeepah. An' I'se got eberyting ready for you, honey; de beds is
+aired, de fires laid in de drawin'-room, an' library, an' sleepin' rooms,
+an' de pantry full ob the nicest tings dis chile an' ole Aunt Sally know
+how to cook; an' I sent Jack right to de house to start de fires de fust
+minute dese ole eyes catch sight ob massa an' young missus, an' knows dey
+heyah."
+
+"My dear child, all this is quite too much for you," said Mr. Dinsmore,
+attempting to draw his daughter away.
+
+"Just a moment, papa, please," she answered in a slightly unsteady voice;
+"let me speak to them all." He yielded, but cut short the garrulity of
+some who would have liked to mingle reminiscences of her baby-hood with
+their rejoicing over her return, telling them they must reserve such
+communication for a more suitable time, as their young mistress was faint
+and weary, and must have rest.
+
+The appearance of Chloe and her recovered husband upon the scene, now
+created a diversion in their favor, and he presently succeeded in leading
+Elsie to the house.
+
+A young mulatto girl followed them into the drawing-room, where a bright
+wood-fire was blazing on the hearth, asking if she should take Miss
+Elsie's things.
+
+"Yes," Mr. Dinsmore said, removing his daughter's hat and shawl, and
+handing them to her.
+
+She left the room; and taking Elsie in his arms, and gently laying her
+head upon his breast, "Let the tears have their way, darling," he said,
+"it will do you good."
+
+For several minutes the tears came in floods. "Oh, papa," she sobbed, "to
+think that my people, my poor people, should be so served. It must never,
+never be again!"
+
+"No," he said, "we will find means to prevent it. There, you feel better
+now, do you not?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Papa dear, welcome, welcome to my house; the dearest guest
+that could come to it." And wiping away her tears, she lifted her loving
+eyes to his, a tender smile playing about the sweet lips.
+
+"Save one," he answered half-playfully, passing his hand caressingly over
+her hair, and bending down to press his lips on brow, and cheeks, and
+mouth. "Is not that so?"
+
+"No, my own dear father, save none," with a charming blush, but eyes
+looking steadily into his; "when he comes, it shall be as master, not
+guest. But now tell me, please, what can I do with this Spriggs? I should
+like to pay him a month's wages in advance, and start him off early
+to-morrow morning."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head gravely. "It would not do, my child. The
+sugar-making season will shortly begin; he understands the business
+thoroughly; we could not supply his place at a moment's notice, or
+probably in a number of months, and the whole crop would be lost. We must
+not be hasty or rash, but remember the Bible command, 'Let your moderation
+be known unto all men.' Nor should we allow ourselves to judge the man too
+hardly."
+
+"Too hardly, papa! too hardly, when he has shown himself so cruel! But I
+beg pardon for interrupting you."
+
+"Yes, too hardly, daughter. He is a New Englander, used to see every one
+about him working with steady, persevering industry, and the indolent,
+dawdling ways of the blacks, which we take as a matter of course, are
+exceedingly trying to him. I think he has been very faithful to your
+interests, and that probably his desire and determination to see them
+advanced to the utmost, led, more than anything else, to the act which
+seems to us so cruel."
+
+"And could he suppose that I would have blood wrung from my poor people
+that a few more dollars might find their way into my purse?" she cried in
+indignant sorrow and anger. "Oh, papa, I am not so cruel, you know I am
+not."
+
+"Yes, my darling, I know you have a very tender, loving heart."
+
+"But what shall I do with Spriggs?"
+
+"For to-night, express your sentiments and feelings on the subject as
+calmly and moderately as you can, and enjoin it upon him to act in
+accordance with them. Then we may consider at our leisure what further
+measures can be taken."
+
+"Papa, you are so much wiser and better than I," she said, with loving
+admiration, "I'm afraid if you had not been here to advise me, I should
+have sent him away at once, with never a thought of crops or anything
+except securing my people from his cruelties."
+
+"You should never allow yourself to act from mere impulse, except it be
+unquestionably a right one, and the case admitting of no time for
+deliberation. As to my superior wisdom," he added with a smile, "I have
+lived some years longer than you, and had more experience in the
+management of business matters."
+
+"I am very sorry, my darling, that the pleasure of your return to the home
+of your infancy should be so marred. But you have scarcely taken a look
+yet at even this room. What do you think of it?"
+
+She glanced about her with freshly aroused curiosity and interest. "Papa,
+it is just to my taste!"
+
+The firelight gleamed upon rare old cabinets, gems of art in painting and
+statuary, and rich, massive, well-preserved, though old-fashioned sofas,
+chairs, tables, etc. But it was already growing dark, deep shadows were
+gathering in the more distant parts of the spacious apartment, and only
+near the fire could objects be distinctly seen. Elsie was about to ring
+for lights, when Sarah, the mulatto girl, appeared, bringing them, Chloe
+following close in the rear.
+
+"Have you fires and lights in the library, the dining-room, and your
+master's rooms and mine?" inquired Elsie.
+
+"De fires is lit, Miss Elsie."
+
+"Then add the lights at once, and put them in all the principal rooms of
+the house. We will have an illumination in honor of our arrival, papa,"
+she said, in a sprightly tone, turning to him with one of her sweetest
+smiles, "and besides, I want to see the whole house now."
+
+"Are you not too much fatigued, daughter? and would it not be better to
+defer it till to-morrow?"
+
+"I don't think I'm too tired, papa; but if you forbid me----"
+
+"No, I don't forbid or even advise, if you are sure you feel equal to the
+exertion."
+
+"Thank you, sir, I think I'll be better able to sleep if I've seen at
+least the most of it; old memories are troubling me, and I want to see how
+far they are correct You will go with me?"
+
+"Certainly," he said, giving her his arm. "But while the servants are
+obeying your order in regard to the lights, let us examine these paintings
+more attentively. They will repay close scrutiny, for some of them are by
+the first masters. Your Grandfather Grayson seems to have been a man of
+cultivated taste, as well as great business talent."
+
+"Yes, papa. What is it, mammy?"
+
+"Does you want me, darlin'?"
+
+"No, not now. Go and enjoy yourself with your husband and old friends."
+
+Chloe expressed her grateful thanks, and withdrew.
+
+Elsie found the paintings and statuary a study, and had scarcely finished
+her survey of the drawing-room and its treasures of art, when Aunt Phillis
+came to ask if they would have tea served up immediately.
+
+Elsie looked at her father.
+
+"Yes," he said; "you will feel stronger after eating, and it is about our
+usual time."
+
+"Then let us have it, Aunt Phillis. How is that poor creature now?" asked
+her young mistress.
+
+"Suse, honey? oh, she'll do well 'nuff; don't do her no harm to take some
+ob de lazy blood out. Massa Spriggs not so terrible cross, Miss Elsie; but
+he bound de work git done, an' Suse she mighty powerful lazy, jes' set in
+de sun an' do nuffin' from mornin' to night, ef nobody roun' to make her
+work."
+
+"Ah, that is very bad; we must try to reform her in some way. But perhaps
+she's not well."
+
+"Dunno, missus; she's always 'plaining ob de misery in her back, an'
+misery in her head; but don't ebery one hab a misery, some kind, most
+days? an' go on workin' all de same. No, missus, Suse she powerful lazy
+ole nigga."
+
+With that Phillis retired, and shortly after, tea was announced as ready.
+
+Elsie played the part of hostess to perfection, presiding over the tea-urn
+with ease and grace, and pressing upon her father the numerous dainties
+with which the table was loaded. She seemed to have recovered her spirits,
+and as she sat there gayly chatting--of the room, which pleased her as
+entirely as the other, and of her plans for usefulness and pleasure during
+her stay, he thought he had never seen her look happier or more beautiful.
+
+"What rooms have you prepared for your mistress, Aunt Phillis?" asked Mr.
+Dinsmore, as they rose from the table.
+
+"De same whar she was born, massa, an' whar her dear bressed ma stay when
+she livin' heyah."
+
+A slight shadow stole over Elsie's bright face. "That was right," she
+said, low and softly. "I should prefer them to any others. But where are
+papa's rooms?"
+
+"Jes' across de hall, Miss Elsie."
+
+"That is a good arrangement," said Mr. Dinsmore. "Now, daughter, I think
+we should repair to the library. It is near the hour you appointed for Mr.
+Spriggs."
+
+"Just as handsome, as tastefully, appropriately, and luxuriously furnished
+as the others," was Elsie's comment on the library. "I seem to see the
+same hand everywhere."
+
+"Yes, and it is the same all over the house," replied her father. "The
+books here will delight you; for a private library it is a very fine one,
+containing many hundred volumes, as you may see at a glance; standard
+works on history, and the arts and sciences, biographies, travels, works
+of reference, the works of the best poets, novelists, etc."
+
+"Ah, how we will enjoy them while here! But it seems a sad pity they
+should have lain on those shelves unused for so many years."
+
+"Not entirely, my child; I have enjoyed them in my brief visits to the
+plantation, and have always allowed the overseer free access to them, on
+the single condition that they should be handled with care, and each
+returned promptly to its proper place when done with. But come, take this
+easy chair by this table; here are some fine engravings I want you to look
+at."
+
+Elsie obeyed, but had scarcely seated herself when the door was thrown
+open and a servant's voice announced, "Massa Spriggs, Massa Dinsmore and
+Miss Elsie."
+
+Spriggs, a tall, broad-shouldered, powerfully-built man, with dark hair
+and beard and a small, keen black eye, came forward with a bold free air
+and a "Good-even', miss, good-even', sir;" adding, as he helped himself to
+a seat without waiting for an invitation, "Well, here I am, and I s'pose
+you've somethin' to say or you wouldn't have appointed the meetin'."
+
+"Yes, Mr. Spriggs," said Elsie, folding her pretty hands in her lap and
+looking steadily and coldly into his brazen face, "I have this to say;
+that I entirely disapprove of flogging, and will have none of it on the
+estate. I hope you understand me."
+
+"That's plain English and easy understood, Miss Dinsmore, and Dinsmore,
+and of course you have a right to dictate in the matter; but I tell you
+what, these darkies o' yours are a dreadful lazy set, specially that Suse;
+and it's mighty hard for folks that's been used to seein' things done up
+spick and span and smart to put up with it."
+
+"But some amount of patience with the natural slowness of the negro is a
+necessary trait in the character of an overseer who wishes to remain in my
+employ."
+
+"Well, miss, I always calculate to do the very best I can by my employers,
+and when you come to look round the estate, I guess you'll find things in
+prime order; but I couldn't ha' done it without lettin' the darkies know
+they'd got to toe the mark right straight."
+
+"They must attend to the work, of course, and if they won't do so
+willingly, must under compulsion; but there are milder measures than this
+brutal flogging."
+
+"What do you prescribe, Miss Dinsmore?"
+
+"Deprive them of some privilege, or lock them up on bread and water for a
+few days," Elsie answered; then turned an appealing look upon her father,
+who had as yet played the part of a mere listener.
+
+"I have never allowed any flogging on my estate," he observed, addressing
+Spriggs, "and I cannot think it at all necessary."
+
+There was a moment of silence, Spriggs sitting looking into the fire, a
+half-smile playing about his lips; then turning to Elsie, "I thought,
+miss, you'd a mind this evening to dismiss me on the spot," he remarked
+inquiringly.
+
+She flushed slightly, but replied with dignity, "If you will comply with
+my directions, sir, pledging yourself never again to be so cruel, I have
+no desire to dismiss you from my service."
+
+"All right then, miss. I promise, and shall still do the best I can for
+your interests; but if they suffer because I'm forbidden to use the lash,
+please remember it's not my fault."
+
+"I am willing to take the risk," she answered, intimating with a motion of
+her hand that she considered the interview at an end; whereupon he rose
+and bowed himself out.
+
+"Now, papa, for our tour of inspection," she cried gayly, rising as she
+spoke, and ringing for a servant to carry the light. "But first please
+tell me if I was sufficiently moderate."
+
+"You did very well," he answered, smiling. "You take to the role of
+mistress much more naturally than I expected."
+
+"Yet it does seem very odd to me to be giving orders while you sit by a
+mere looker-on. But, dear papa, please remember I am still your own child,
+and ready to submit to your authority, whenever you see fit to exert it."
+
+"I know it, my darling," he said, passing an arm about her waist, as they
+stood together in front of the fire, and gazing fondly down into the sweet
+fair face.
+
+Aunt Chloe answered the bell, bringing a lamp in her hand.
+
+"That is right, mammy," Elsie said. "Now lead the way over the house."
+
+As they passed from room to room, and from one spacious hall or corridor
+to another, Elsie expressed her entire satisfaction with them and their
+appointments, and accorded to Aunt Phillis the meed of praise due her
+careful housekeeping.
+
+"And here, my darling," Mr. Dinsmore said at length, leading the way
+through a beautiful boudoir and dressing-room into an equally elegant and
+attractive bedroom beyond, "they tell me you were born, and your beloved
+mother passed from earth to heaven."
+
+"An' eberyting in de room stands jees' as dey did den, honey," said Aunt
+Chloe. And approaching the bed, her eyes swimming in tears, and laying her
+hand upon the pillow, "jes' here my precious young missus lie, wid cheeks
+'mos' as white as de linen, an' eyes so big an' bright, an' de lubly curls
+streamin' all roun', an' she say, weak an' low, 'Mammy, bring me my baby.'
+Den I put you in her arms, darlin', an' she kiss you all ober your tiny
+face, an' de tears an' sobs come fast while she say, 'Poor little baby; no
+fader no mudder to lub her! nobody but you, mammy; take her an' bring her
+up to lub de dear Lord Jesus.'"
+
+Silent tears rolled down Elsie's cheeks as she looked and listened; but
+her father drew her to his breast and kissed them away, his own eyes
+brimming, his heart too full for speech.
+
+Presently he led her back to the boudoir, and showed her the portraits of
+her maternal grandparents, and one of her mother, taken at ten or twelve
+years of age.
+
+"What a lovely little girl she was," murmured Elsie, gazing lovingly upon
+it.
+
+"Very much like what her daughter was at the same age," he answered. "But
+come, this, too, will interest you." And lifting the lid of a dainty
+work-basket, he pointed to a bit of embroidery, in which the needle was
+still sticking, as though it had been laid down by the deft fingers but a
+few moments ago.
+
+Elsie caught it up and kissed it, thinking of the touch of those dear dead
+fingers, that seemed to linger over it yet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTH.
+
+                        "She was the pride
+    Of her familiar sphere, the daily joy
+    Of all who on her gracefulness might gaze,
+    And in the light and music of her way
+    Have a companion's portrait,"
+                       --WILLIS' POEMS.
+
+
+Elsie had fallen asleep thinking of the dear mother whose wealth she
+inherited, and whose place she was now filling; thinking of her as
+supremely blest, in that glorious, happy land, where sin and sorrow are
+unknown. Thinking, too, of Him, through whose shed blood she had found
+admittance there.
+
+The same sweet thoughts were still in the loving daughter's mind, as she
+woke to find the morning sun shining brightly, a fire blazing cheerily on
+the hearth, and Aunt Chloe coming in with a silver waiter filled with
+oranges prepared for eating in the manner usual in the tropics.
+
+She had gathered them the night before, taken off the peel, leaving the
+thick white skin underneath except on the top of each, where she cut it
+away from a spot about the size of a silver quarter of a dollar. She then
+placed them on a waiter, with the cut part uppermost, and set them where
+the dew would fall on them all night. Morning found them with the skin
+hard and leathery, but filled with delicious juice, which could be readily
+withdrawn from it.
+
+At that sight, a sudden memory seemed to flash upon Elsie, and starting up
+in the bed, "Mammy!" she cried, "didn't you do that very thing when I was
+a child?"
+
+"What, honey? bring de oranges in de mornin'?"
+
+"Yes, I seem to remember your coming in at that door, with just such a
+waiterful."
+
+"Yes, darlin', de folks allus eats dem 'foah breakfast. Deys jes' lubly,
+Miss Elsie; massa say so, lubly and delicious." And she brought the waiter
+to her bedside, holding it out for her young mistress to help herself.
+
+"Yes, mammy dear, they look very tempting, but I won't eat with unwashed
+hands and face," said Elsie gayly. "And so papa has stolen a march upon me
+and risen first?"
+
+"Yes, darlin', massa out on the veranda, but he say 'Let your missus sleep
+long as she will.'"
+
+"My always kind and indulgent father! Mammy, I'll take a bath; and then
+while you arrange my hair, I'll try the oranges. Go now and ask papa when
+he will have his breakfast, and tell Aunt Phillis to see that it is ready
+at the hour he names."
+
+Chloe obeyed, and an hour later Elsie met her father in the breakfast-room
+so glad, so gay, so bright, that his heart swelled with joy and pleasure
+in his child, and all fears that she had overfatigued herself vanished
+from his mind.
+
+She was full of plans for the comfort and profit of her people, but all to
+be subject to his approval "Papa dear," she said as soon as their morning
+greetings had been exchanged, "I think of sending for a physician to
+examine Suse and tell us whether there is reason for her complaints. She
+must not be forced to work if she is really ill."
+
+"I think it would be well," he replied. "There is an excellent physician
+living about three miles from here."
+
+Elsie was prompt in action by both nature and training, and instantly
+summoning a servant, despatched him at once on the proposed errand.
+
+"And now what next?" smilingly inquired her father.
+
+"Well, papa, after breakfast and prayers--how some of the old servants
+seemed to enjoy them last night--I think of going down to the quarter to
+see what may be needed there. Unless you have some other plan for me," she
+added quickly.
+
+"Suppose we first mount our horses and ride over the estate, to learn for
+ourselves whether Mr. Spriggs has been as faithful as he would have us
+believe."
+
+"Ah yes, papa; yours is always the better plan."
+
+Their ride in the clear, sweet morning air was most delightful, and both
+felt gratified with the fine appearance of the crops and the discovery
+that Spriggs' boast was no idle one; everything being in the nicest order.
+
+They took the quarter on the way to the house, and dismounting, entered
+one neatly whitewashed cabin after another, kindly inquiring into the
+condition and wants of the inmates, Elsie making notes on her tablets that
+nothing might be forgotten.
+
+Everywhere the visit was received with joy and gratitude, and an almost
+worshipful homage paid to the sweet young mistress whom they seemed to
+regard as akin to the angels: probably in a great measure because of her
+extraordinary likeness to her mother, of whom, for so many years they had
+been accustomed to think and speak as one of the heavenly host.
+
+Spriggs' victim of the previous day was in bed, complaining much of a
+misery in back and head and limbs.
+
+"De doctah hab been heyah," she said, "an' leff me dese powdahs to take,"
+drawing a tiny package from under her pillow.
+
+Elsie spoke soothingly to her; said she should have some broth from the
+house, and should be excused from work till the doctor pronounced her
+quite fit for it again; and left her apparently quite happy.
+
+It was the intention of our friends to spend some weeks at Viamede.
+
+"I want you to have every possible enjoyment while here, my darling," Mr.
+Dinsmore said, as they sat together resting after their ride, in the wide
+veranda at the front of the house, looking out over the beautiful lawn,
+the bayou, and the lovely scenery beyond. "There are pleasant neighbors
+who will doubtless call when they hear of our arrival."
+
+"I almost wish they may not hear of it then," Elsie said half laughing; "I
+just want to be left free from the claims of society for this short time,
+that I may fully enjoy being alone with my father and attending to the
+comfort of my people. But excuse me, dear papa, I fear I interrupted you."
+
+"I excuse you on condition that you are not again guilty of such a breach
+of good manners. I was going on to say there are delightful drives and
+walks in the vicinity, of which I hope we will be able to make good use;
+also, we will have a row now and then on the bayou, and many an hour of
+quiet enjoyment of the contents of the library."
+
+"Yes, papa, I hope so; I do so enjoy a nice book, especially when read
+with you. But I think that, for the present at least, I must spend a part
+of each day in attending to the preparation of winter clothing for
+house-servants and field hands."
+
+"I won't have you doing the actual work, the cutting out and sewing, I
+mean," he answered decidedly; "the head work, calculating how much
+material is needed, what it will cost, etc., may be yours; but you have
+servants enough to do all the rest."
+
+"But, papa, consider; over three hundred to clothe, and I want it all done
+while I am here to oversee."
+
+"Have not some of the house-servants been trained as seamstresses?"
+
+"Yes, sir, two of them, mammy tells me."
+
+"Very well; she knows how to run a sewing-machine. Send for one when you
+order your material; both can be had in the nearest town. Aunt Chloe can
+soon teach the girls how to manage it; Uncle Joe, too; he has had no
+regular work assigned him yet, and the four can certainly do all without
+anything more than a little oversight from you; yes, without even that."
+
+"What a capital planner you are, papa," she said brightly; "I never
+thought of getting a machine or setting Uncle Joe to running it; but I am
+sure it's just the thing to do. Mammy can cut and the girls baste, and
+among them the machine can easily be kept going from morning to night.
+I'll make out my orders and send for the things at once."
+
+"That is right, daughter; it pleases me well to note how you put in
+practice the lesson of promptness I have always tried to teach you. I will
+help you in making your estimate of quantities needed, prices to be paid,
+etc., and I think we can accomplish the whole before dinner. Come to the
+library and let us to work."
+
+"You dear, kind father, always trying to help me and smooth the least
+roughness out of my path, and make life as enjoyable to me as possible,"
+she said, laying her hand on his arm and looking up into his face with
+eyes beaming with filial love, as they rose and stood together for a
+moment.
+
+"A good daughter deserves a good father," he answered, smoothing with soft
+caressing motion the shining hair. "But have you the necessary data for
+our estimates?"
+
+"The number to be clothed, papa? I know how many house-servants, how many
+babies and older children at the quarter, but not the number of field
+hands."
+
+"That will be easily ascertained. I will send a note to Spriggs, who can
+tell us all about it."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's plans were carried out to the letter, and with entire
+success. This was Saturday; the orders were sent that afternoon, and on
+Monday morning the work began. Aunt Chloe proved fully equal to the
+cutting of the garments, and Uncle Joe an apt scholar under her patient,
+loving teaching, and a willing worker at his new employment. There was
+scarcely need of even oversight on the part of the young mistress. She
+would drop in occasionally, commend their industry, and inquire if
+anything were wanting; then felt free for books, rides or walks, music or
+conversation with her father.
+
+But she was often down at the quarter visiting the sick, the aged and
+infirm, seeing that their wants were supplied, reading the Bible to them,
+praying with them, telling of the better land where no trouble or sorrow
+can come, and trying to make the way to it, through the shed blood of
+Christ, very plain and clear. Then she would gather the children about her
+and tell them of the blessed Jesus and His love for little ones.
+
+"Does He lub niggahs, missus?" queried one grinning little wooly head.
+
+"Yes, if they love Him: and they won't be negroes in heaven."
+
+"White folks, missus? Oh, dat nice! Guess I go dar; ef dey let me in."
+
+But we are anticipating somewhat, though Elsie found time for a short
+visit to the sick and aged on the afternoon of even that first day at
+Viamede. The next was the Sabbath, and as lovely a day as could be
+desired. The horses were ordered for an early hour, and father and
+daughter rode some miles together to morning service, then home again.
+
+As the shadows began to lengthen in the afternoon, Elsie was sitting alone
+on the veranda, her father having left her side but a moment before, when
+an old negro, familiarly known as Uncle Ben, came round the corner of the
+house, and slowly approached her.
+
+Very sweet and fair, very beautiful she looked to his admiring eyes. She
+held a Bible in her hand, and was so intent upon its perusal that she was
+not aware of his coming until he had drawn quite near. Ascending the
+steps, and standing at a respectful distance, hat in hand, he waited till
+she should notice and address him.
+
+Glancing up from her book, "Ah, Uncle Ben, good evening," she said. "What
+can I do for you?"
+
+"Missus," he answered, making a low salam, "all de darkies is gadered
+togedder under a tree 'round de house yondah, and dey 'pint me committee
+to come an' ax de young missus would she be so kind for to come an' read
+the Bible to dem, an' talk, an' pray, an' sing like she do for de sick
+ones down to de quarter? Dey be berry glad, missus, an' more dan obliged."
+
+"Indeed I will, uncle," Elsie said, rising at once and going with him,
+Bible in hand; "I had been thinking of doing this very thing."
+
+She found a rustic seat placed for her under a giant oak, and garlanded
+with fragrant flowers. Aunt Phillis, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, and the rest
+of the house-servants, gathered in a semicircle around it, while beyond,
+the men, women, and children from the quarter sat or lay upon the grass,
+enjoying the rest from the toils of the week, the quiet, the balmy air
+laden with the fragrance of the magnolia and orange, and all the sweet
+sights and sounds of rural life in that favored region.
+
+Every one rose at the appearance of their young mistress, and there were
+murmurs of delight and gratitude coming from all sides. "Now bress de
+Lord, she read the good book for us." "She good an' lubly as de angels."
+"Missus berry kind, de darkies neber forget."
+
+Elsie acknowledged it all with a smile and a few kindly words, then
+commanding silence by a slight motion of the hand, addressed them in a
+clear, melodious voice, which, though not loud, could be distinctly heard
+by every one of the now almost breathless listeners.
+
+"I shall read to you of Jesus and some of His own words," she said, "but
+first we will ask Him to help us to understand, to love, and to obey His
+teachings."
+
+Then folding her hands and lifting her eyes to the clear blue sky above,
+she led them in a prayer so simple and childlike, so filial and loving in
+spirit and expression, that the dullest understood it, and felt that she
+spoke to One who was very near and dear to her.
+
+After that she read with the same distinct utterance the third chapter of
+John's Gospel, and commented briefly upon it. "You all want to go to
+heaven?" she said, closing the book.
+
+"Yes, Miss Elsie." "Yes missus, we all does."
+
+"But to be able to go there you must know the way, and now I want to make
+sure you do know it. Can you tell me what you must do to be saved?"
+
+There were various answers. "Be good," "Mine de rules an' do 'bout right."
+"Pray to de Lord," etc., etc.
+
+Elsie shook her head gravely. "All that you must do, and more besides.
+What does Jesus say? 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only
+begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
+everlasting life.' We must believe _in_ Jesus--believe all that the Bible
+tells us about Him, that He was very God and very man, that He came down
+from heaven, was born a little babe and laid in a manger, that He grew up
+to be a man, went about doing good, and at last suffered and died the
+cruel death of the cross; and all to save poor lost sinners.
+
+"But even that is not enough: the devils believe so much; they know it is
+all true. But beside this, we must believe _on_ Christ Jesus. He offers to
+be our Saviour. 'Come unto Me ... and I will give you rest.' 'Him that
+cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out,' And you must come, you must
+take the eternal life He offers you; you must rest on Him and Him only.
+
+"Suppose you were out on the bayou yonder, and the boat should upset and
+float beyond your reach, or be swept away from you by the wind and waves,
+and you couldn't swim; but just as you are sinking, you find a plank
+floating near; you catch hold of it, you find it strong and large enough
+to bear your weight, and you throw yourself upon it and cling to it for
+life. Just so you must cast yourself on Jesus, and cling to Him with all
+your strength: and He will save you; for He is able and willing 'to save
+to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.'
+
+"He will wash away your sins in His own precious blood, and dress you in
+the beautiful robe of His perfect righteousness; that is, set His goodness
+to your account, so that you will be saved just as if you had been as good
+and holy as He was. Then you will love Him and try to do right to please
+Him; not to buy heaven; you cannot do that, for 'all our righteousnesses
+are as filthy rags,' and we cannot be saved unless we trust only in Jesus
+and His righteousness."
+
+Something in the faces before her caused Elsie to turn her head. Her
+father stood with grave, quiet air, but a few feet from her.
+
+"Papa," she said, in an undertone, and blushing slightly, "I did not know
+you were here. Will you not speak to them? you can do it so much better
+than I."
+
+She sat down, and stepping to her side he made a brief and simply worded
+address on the necessity of repentance and faith in Jesus, "the only
+Saviour of sinners," His willingness to save _all_ who come to Him, and
+the great danger of delay in coming. Then with a short prayer and the
+singing of a hymn, they were dismissed.
+
+With murmured thanks and many a backward look of admiring love at their
+already almost idolized young mistress, and her father, who had won their
+thorough respect and affection years ago, they scattered to their homes.
+
+"You must have a shawl and hat, for the air begins to grow cool," said Mr.
+Dinsmore to his daughter.
+
+"Yes, massa, I'se brought dem," said Chloe, hurrying up almost out of
+breath, with the required articles in her hand.
+
+"Thank you, mammy, you are always careful of your nursling;" Elsie said,
+smilingly, as the shawl was wrapped carefully about her shoulders and the
+hat placed upon her head.
+
+Her father drew her hand within his arm and led her across the lawn.
+
+"There is one spot, very dear to us both, which we have not yet visited,"
+he said, low and feelingly, "and I have rather wondered at your delay in
+asking me to take you there."
+
+She understood him. "Yes, sir," she said, "I should have done so last
+evening, but that you looked weary. It has hardly been out of my mind
+since we came, and I have only waited for a suitable time."
+
+"None could be better than the present," he answered.
+
+On a gently sloping hillside, and beneath the shade of a beautiful
+magnolia, they found what they sought: a grave, with a headstone on which
+was carved the inscription:
+
+            "Fell asleep in Jesus,
+                March 15, 18--,
+         ELSIE, WIFE OF HORACE DINSMORE,
+           and only remaining child of
+           WILLIAM AND ELSPETH GRAYSON,
+            Aged 16 years, and 2 weeks.
+    'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'"
+
+They read it standing side by side.
+
+"How young," murmured the daughter, tears filling her eyes, "how young to
+be a wife, a mother, and to die and leave husband and child! Oh, papa, how
+I used to long for her, and dream of her--my own precious mamma!"
+
+"When, my darling?" he asked in moved tones, drawing her tenderly to him
+and passing an arm about her waist.
+
+"Before I knew you, papa, and before you began to love me so dearly and be
+father and mother both, to me, as you have been for so many years," The
+low, sweet voice was tremulous with emotion, and the soft eyes lifted to
+his were brimming over with tears of mingled grief and joy, gratitude and
+love.
+
+
+"I have tried to be," he said; "but no one could supply her place. What a
+loving, tender mother she would have been! But let us forget our loss in
+the bliss of knowing that it is so well with her."
+
+It was a family burying-ground; there were other graves; those of our
+Elsie's grandparents, and several of their sons and daughters who had died
+in infancy or early youth; and in the midst uprose a costly monument,
+placed there by Mr. Grayson after the death of his wife. The spot showed
+the same care as the rest of the estate, and was lovely with roses and
+other sweet flowers and shrubs.
+
+"My mother's grave!" said Elsie, bending over it again. "Papa, let us
+kneel down beside it and pray that we may meet her in heaven."
+
+He at once complied with the request, giving thanks for the quiet rest of
+her who slept in Jesus, and asking that, when each of them had done and
+suffered all God's holy will here on earth, they might be reunited to her
+above, and join in her glad song of praise to redeeming love.
+
+Elsie joined fervently in the "Amen," and rising, they lingered a moment
+longer, then wended their way in sweet and solemn silence to the house.
+
+They sat together in the library after tea, each occupied with a book. But
+Elsie seemed little interested in hers, looking off the page now and then,
+as if in deep and troubled thought. At length closing it, she stole round
+to the side of her father's easy chair, and taking possession of a
+footstool, laid her head on his knee.
+
+"I have my little girl again to-night," he said, passing his hand
+caressingly over her hair and cheek.
+
+"I almost wish it was, papa."
+
+"Why? is anything troubling you, dearest?" And he pushed his book aside,
+ready to give his whole attention to her.
+
+"I am anxious about my poor people, papa; they are so ignorant of the
+truths necessary to salvation; and what can I teach them in three or four
+weeks? I have almost decided that I ought--that I must stay as many
+months."
+
+"And that without even consulting your father? much less considering his
+permission necessary to your action?" Though the words seemed to convey
+reproach, if not reproof, his tone was gentle and tender.
+
+"No, no, papa! I must cease to think it my duty if you forbid it."
+
+"As I do most positively, _I_ cannot stay, and I should never think for a
+moment of leaving you here!"
+
+"But, papa, how then am I to do my duty by these poor ignorant creatures?
+how can I let them perish for lack of knowledge whom Christ has put into
+my care?"
+
+"Procure a chaplain, who shall hold regular services for them every
+Sabbath, and do pastoral work among them through the week. You will not
+grudge him his salary."
+
+"Papa, what an excellent idea! Grudge him his salary? No, indeed; if I can
+get the right man to fill the place, he shall have a liberal one. And then
+he will be a check upon Mr. Spriggs, and inform me if the people are
+abused. But how shall I find him?"
+
+"What do you do when in want of something you do not know exactly how to
+procure?"
+
+"Pray for direction and help," she answered, low and reverently.
+
+"We will both do that, asking that the right man may be sent us; and I
+will write to-morrow to some of the presidents of the theological
+seminaries, asking them to recommend some one suited for the place."
+
+"Papa," she cried, lifting a very bright face to his, "what a load you
+have taken from my mind."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTH.
+
+    "A mighty pain to love it is
+     And 'tis a pain that pain to miss;
+     But of all pains, the greatest pain
+     It is to love, but love in vain."
+                             --COWLEY.
+
+
+One lovely afternoon in the second week of their stay at Viamede, Mr.
+Dinsmore and his daughter were seated in the shade of the trees on the
+lawn, she busied with some fancy-work while her father read aloud to her.
+
+As he paused to turn a leaf, "Papa," she said, glancing off down the
+bayou, "there is a steamer coming, the same that brought us, I think; and
+see, it is rounding to at our landing. Can it be bringing us a guest?"
+
+"Yes, a gentleman is stepping ashore. Why, daughter, it is Harold
+Allison."
+
+"Harold! oh, how delightful!" And rising they hastened to meet and welcome
+him with truly Southern warmth of hospitality.
+
+"Harold! how good of you!" cried Elsie. "Mamma wrote us that you were
+somewhere in this region, and if I'd had your address, I should have sent
+you an invitation to come and stay as long as possible."
+
+"And you have done well and kindly by us to come without waiting for
+that," Mr. Dinsmore said, shaking the hand of his young brother-in-law
+with a warmth of cordiality that said more than his words.
+
+"Many thanks to you both," he answered gayly. "I was conceited enough to
+feel sure of a welcome, and did not wait, as a more modest fellow might,
+to be invited. But what a lovely place! a paradise upon earth! And, Elsie,
+you, in those dainty white robes, look the fit presiding genius."
+
+Elsie laughed and shook her head. "Don't turn flatterer, Harold; though I
+do not object to praise of Viamede."
+
+"I have not heard from Rose in a long time," he said, addressing Mr.
+Dinsmore. "She and the little folks are well, I hope?"
+
+"I had a letter this morning, and they were all in good health when it was
+written."
+
+The servants had come trooping down from the house, and seizing Harold's
+baggage had it all ready in the guest-chamber to which Aunt Phillis
+ordered it. Aunt Chloe now drew near to pay her respects to "Massa
+Harold," and tell him that his room was ready.
+
+"Will you go to it at once? or sit down here and have a little chat with
+papa and me first?" asked Elsie.
+
+"Thank you; I think I shall defer the pleasure of the chat till I have
+first made myself presentable for the evening."
+
+"Then let me conduct you to your room," said Mr. Dinsmore, leading the way
+to the house.
+
+Elsie had come in the course of years to look upon the older brothers of
+her stepmother as in some sort her uncles, but for Harold, who was so much
+nearer her own age, she entertained a sincere sisterly regard. And he was
+worthy of it and of the warm place his many noble qualities had won for
+him in Mr. Dinsmore's heart.
+
+They did all they could to make his visit to Viamede a pleasant one; there
+were daily rides and walks, moonlight and early morning excursions on the
+bayou, rowing parties; oftenest of the three alone, but sometimes in
+company with gallant chivalrous men and refined, cultivated women and
+charming young girls from the neighboring plantations.
+
+One of these last, a beautiful brunette, Elsie had selected in her own
+mind for Harold, and she contrived to throw them together frequently.
+
+"Don't you admire Miss Durand?" she asked, after they had met several
+times. "I think she is lovely; as good, too, as she is beautiful; and
+would make you a charming wife."
+
+He flushed hotly. "She is very handsome, very fascinating and talented,"
+he said; "but would never suit me. Nor do I suppose I could win her if I
+wished."
+
+"Indeed! if you are so hard to please, I fear there will be nothing for
+you but old bachelorhood," laughed Elsie. "I have picked her out for you,
+and I believe you could win her if you tried, Harold; but I shall not try
+to become a match-maker."
+
+"No, I must select for myself; I couldn't let even you choose for me."
+
+"Choose what?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, stepping out upon the veranda, where
+Harold stood leaning against a vine-wreathed pillar, his blue eyes fixed
+with a sort of wistful, longing look upon Elsie's graceful figure and fair
+face, as she sat in a half-reclining posture on a low couch but a few
+feet from him.
+
+"A wife," he answered, compelling himself to speak lightly.
+
+"Don't let her do it," said Mr. Dinsmore, taking a seat by his daughter's
+side; "I've warned her more than once not to meddle with match-making."
+And he shook his head at her with mock gravity.
+
+"I won't any more, papa; I'll leave him to his own devices, since he shows
+himself so ungrateful for my interest in his welfare," Elsie said, looking
+first at her father and then at Harold with a merry twinkle in her eye.
+
+"I don't think I've asked how you like your new home and prospects,
+Harold," said Mr. Dinsmore, changing the subject.
+
+"Very much, thank you; except that they take me so far from the rest of
+the family."
+
+A few months before this Harold had met with a piece of rare good fortune,
+looked at from a worldly point of view, in being adopted as his sole heir
+by a rich and childless Louisiana planter, a distant relative of Mrs.
+Allison.
+
+"Ah, that is an objection," returned Mr. Dinsmore; "but you will be
+forming new and closer ties, that will doubtless go far to compensate for
+the partial loss of the old. I hope you are enjoying yourself here?"
+
+"I am indeed, thank you." This answer was true, yet Harold felt himself
+flush as he spoke, for there was one serious drawback upon his felicity;
+he could seldom get a word alone with Elsie; she and her father were so
+inseparable that he scarcely saw the one without the other. And Harold
+strongly coveted an occasional monopoly of the sweet girl's society. He
+had come to Viamede with a purpose entirely unsuspected by her or her
+apparently vigilant guardian.
+
+He should perhaps, have confided his secret to Mr. Dinsmore first, but his
+heart failed him; and "what would be the use?" he asked himself, "if Elsie
+is not willing? Ah, if I could but be alone with her for an hour!"
+
+The coveted opportunity offered itself at last, quite unexpectedly. Coming
+out upon the veranda one afternoon, he saw Elsie sitting alone under a
+tree far down on the lawn. He hastened towards her.
+
+"I am glad to see you," she said, looking up with a smile and making room
+for him on the seat by her side. "You see I am 'lone and lorn,' Mr. Durand
+having carried off papa to look at some new improvement in his sugar-house
+machinery."
+
+"Ah! and when will your father return?"
+
+"In about an hour, I presume. Shall you attend Aunt Adie's wedding?" she
+asked.
+
+"Yes, I think so. Don't you sometimes feel as if you'd like to stay here
+altogether?"
+
+"Yes, and no; it's very lovely, and the more charming I believe, because
+it is my own; but--there is so much more to bind me to the Oaks, and I
+could never live far away from papa."
+
+"Couldn't you? I hoped---- Oh, Elsie, couldn't you possibly love some one
+else better even than you love him? You're more to me than father, mother,
+and all the world beside. I have wanted to tell you so for years, but
+while I was comparatively poor your fortune sealed my lips. Now I am rich,
+and I lay all I have at your feet; myself included; and----"
+
+"Oh, Harold, hush!" she cried in trembling tones, flushing and paling by
+turns, and putting up her hand as if to stop the torrent of words he was
+pouring forth so unexpectedly that astonishment had struck her dumb for an
+instant; "oh! don't say any more, I--I thought you surely knew that--that
+I am already engaged."
+
+"No. To whom?" he asked hoarsely, his face pale as death, and lips
+quivering so that he could scarcely speak.
+
+"To Mr. Travilla. It has been only for a few weeks, though we have loved
+each other for years. Oh, Harold, Harold, do not look so wretched! you
+break my heart, for I love you as a very dear brother."
+
+He turned away with a groan, and without another word hastened back to the
+house, while Elsie, covering her face with her hands, shed some very
+bitter tears.
+
+Heart-broken, stunned, feeling as if every good thing in life had suddenly
+slipped from his grasp, Harold sought his room, mechanically gathered up
+his few effects, packed them into his valise, then sat down by the open
+window and leant his head upon his hand.
+
+He couldn't think, he could only feel that all was lost, and that he must
+go away at once, if he would not have everybody know it, and make the idol
+of his heart miserable with the sight of his wretchedness.
+
+Why had he not known of her engagement? Why had no one told him? Why had
+he been such a fool as to suppose he could win so great a prize? He was
+not worthy of her. How plainly he saw it now, how sorely repented of the
+conceit that had led him on to the avowal of his passion.
+
+He had a vague recollection that a boat was to pass that afternoon. He
+would take passage in that, and he hoped Mr. Dinsmore's return might be
+delayed till he was gone. He would away without another word to Elsie; she
+should not be disturbed by any further unmanly manifestation of his bitter
+grief and despair.
+
+The hour of the passing of the boat drew near, and valise in hand, he left
+his room and passed down the stairs. But Elsie was coming in from the
+lawn, and they met in the lower hall.
+
+"Harold," she cried, "you are not going? You must not leave us so
+suddenly."
+
+"I must," he said in icy tones, the stony eyes gazing into vacancy; "all
+places are alike to me now, and I cannot stay here to trouble you and
+Horace with the sight of a wretchedness I cannot hide."
+
+Trembling so that she could scarcely stand, Elsie leaned against the wall
+for support, the hot tears coursing down her cheeks. "Oh, Harold!" she
+sobbed, "what an unhappy creature I am to have been the cause of such
+sorrow to you! Oh why should you ever have thought of me so?"
+
+Dropping his valise, his whole manner changing, he turned to her with
+passionate vehemence. "Because I couldn't help it! Even as a boy I gave up
+my whole heart to you, and I cannot call it back. Oh, Elsie, why did I
+ever see you?" and he seized both her hands in a grasp that almost forced
+a cry of pain from her white, quivering lips. "Life is worthless without
+you. I'd rather die knowing that you loved me than live to see you in the
+possession of another."
+
+"Harold, Harold, a sister's love I can, I do give you; and can you not be
+content with that?"
+
+"A sister's love!" he repeated scornfully. "Offer a cup with a drop of
+water in it, to a man perishing, dying with thirst. Yes, I'm going away, I
+care not whither; all places are alike to him who has lost all interest in
+life."
+
+He threw her hands from him almost with violence, half turned away, then
+suddenly catching her in his arms, held her close to his heart, kissing
+passionately, forehead, cheek, and lips. "Oh, Elsie, Elsie, light of my
+eyes, core of my heart, why did we ever meet to part like this? I don't
+blame you. I have been a fool. Good-bye, darling." And releasing her, he
+was gone ere she could recover breath to speak. It had all been so sudden
+she had had no power, perhaps no will, to resist, so sore was the tender,
+loving heart for him.
+
+He was barely in time to hail the boat as it passed, and at the instant he
+was about to step aboard, Mr. Dinsmore rode up, and springing from the
+saddle, throwing the reins to his servant, cried out in astonishment,
+"Harold! you are not leaving us? Come, come, what has happened to hurry
+you away? Must you go?"
+
+"Yes, I must," he answered with half-averted face. "Don't call me a
+scoundrel for making such a return for your hospitality. I couldn't help
+it. Good-bye. Try to forget that I've been here at all; for Rose's sake,
+you know."
+
+He sprang into the boat; it pushed off, and was presently lost to sight
+among the trees shading the bayou on either hand.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore stood for a moment as if spellbound; then turned and walked
+thoughtfully towards the house. "What did it all mean?" he asked himself;
+"of what unkind return of his or Elsie's hospitality could the lad have
+been guilty? Elsie! ha! can it be possible?" and quickened his pace,
+glancing from side to side in search of her as he hurried on.
+
+Entering the hall, the sound of a half-smothered sob guided him to a
+little parlor or reception-room seldom used. Softly he opened the door.
+She was there half-reclining upon a sofa, her face buried in the cushions.
+In a moment he had her in his arms, the weary, aching head on his breast,
+while he tenderly wiped away the fast-falling tears.
+
+"My poor darling, my poor little pet, don't take it so to heart. It is
+nothing; he will probably get over it before he is a month older."
+
+"Papa, is it my fault? did I give him undue encouragement? am I a
+coquette?" she sobbed.
+
+"Far from it! did he dare to call you that?"
+
+"No, no, oh, no; he said he did not blame me; it was all his own folly."
+
+"Ah! I think the better of him for that; though 'twas no more than just."
+
+"I thought he knew of my engagement."
+
+"So did I. And the absurdity of the thing! Such a mixture of relationships
+as it would have been! I should never have entertained the thought for a
+moment. And he ought to have spoken to me first, and spared you all this.
+No, you needn't fret; he deserves all he suffers, for what he has
+inflicted upon you, my precious one."
+
+"I hardly think that, papa; he was very generous to take all the blame to
+himself; but oh, you have eased my heart of half its load. What should I
+ever do without you, my own dear, dear father!"
+
+The pleasure of our friends, during the rest of their stay at Viamede, was
+somewhat dampened by this unfortunate episode, though Elsie, for her
+father's sake, did her best to rally from its effect on her spirits, and
+to be cheerful and gay as before.
+
+Long, bright, loving letters from home, and Ion coming the next day, were
+a great help. Then the next day brought a chaplain, who seemed in all
+respects so well suited to his place as to entirely relieve her mind in
+regard to the future welfare of her people. He entered into all her plans
+for them, and promised to carry them out to the best of his ability.
+
+So it was with a light heart, though not without some lingering regrets
+for the sad ones and the loveliness left behind, that she and her father
+set out on their homeward way.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's man John, Aunt Chloe, and Uncle Joe, went with them; and it
+was a continual feast for master and mistress to see the happiness of the
+poor old couple, especially when their grandchild Dinah, their only living
+descendant so far as they could learn, was added to the party; Elsie
+purchasing her, according to promise, as they passed through New Orleans
+on their return trip.
+
+Dinah was very grateful to find herself installed as assistant to her
+grandmother, who, Elsie said, must begin to take life more easily now in
+her old age. Yet that Aunt Chloe found it hard to do, for she was very
+jealous of having any hands but her own busied about the person of her
+idolized young mistress.
+
+A glad welcome awaited them at home, where they arrived in due season for
+Adelaide's wedding.
+
+Sophie and Harry Carrington had returned from their wedding trip, and were
+making their home with his parents, at Ashlands; Richard, Fred, and May
+Allison, came with their brother Edward; but Harold, who was to meet them
+at Roselands, was not there. He had engaged to act as second groomsman,
+Richard being first, and there was much wondering over his absence; many
+regrets were expressed, and some anxiety was felt.
+
+But Elsie and her father kept their own counsel, and breathed no word of
+the episode at Viamede, which would have explained all.
+
+Harold's coming was still hoped for by the others until the last moment,
+when Fred took his place, and the ceremony passed off as satisfactorily as
+if there had been no failure on the part of any expected, to participate
+in it.
+
+It took place in the drawing-room at Roselands, in presence of a crowd of
+aristocratic guests, and was considered a very grand affair. A round of
+parties followed for the next two weeks, and then the happy pair set sail
+for Europe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINTH.
+
+    "My plots fall short, like darts which rash hands throw
+     With an ill aim, and have too far to go."
+                                       --SIR ROBERT HOWARD.
+
+
+"I'm so glad it's all over at last!"
+
+"What, my little friend?" and Mr. Travilla looked fondly into the sweet
+face so bright and happy, where the beauties of rare intellect and moral
+worth were as conspicuous as the lesser ones of exquisite contour and
+coloring.
+
+"The wedding and all the accompanying round of dissipation. Now I hope we
+can settle down to quiet home pleasures for the rest of the winter."
+
+"So do I, and that I shall see twice as much of you as I have of late. You
+can have no idea how I missed you while you were absent. And I am more
+than half envious of our bride and groom. Shall our trip be to Europe,
+Elsie?"
+
+"Are we to take a trip?" she asked with an arch smile.
+
+"That will be as you wish, dearest, of course."
+
+"I don't wish it now, nor do you, I know; but we shall have time enough to
+settle all such questions."
+
+"Plenty; I only wish we had not so much. Yet I don't mean to grumble; the
+months will soon slip away and bring the time when I may claim my prize."
+
+They were riding towards the Oaks; the sun had just set, and the moon was
+still below the horizon.
+
+Elsie suddenly reined in her horse, Mr. Travilla instantly doing likewise,
+and turned a pale, agitated face upon him. "Did you hear that?" she asked
+low and tremulously.
+
+"What, dear child? I heard nothing but the sound of our horses' hoofs, the
+sighing of the wind in the tree-tops, and our own voices."
+
+"I heard another; a muttered oath and the words, 'You shall never win her.
+I'll see to that.' The tones were not loud but deep, and the wind seemed
+to carry the sounds directly to my ear," she whispered, laying a trembling
+little hand on his arm, and glancing nervously from side to side.
+
+"A trick of the imagination, I think, dearest; but from whence did the
+sounds seem to come?"
+
+"From yonder thicket of evergreens and--I knew the voice for that of your
+deadly foe, the man from whom you and papa rescued me in Landsdale."
+
+"My child, he is expiating his crime in a Pennsylvania penitentiary."
+
+"But may he not have escaped, or have been pardoned out? Don't, oh don't,
+I entreat you!" she cried, as he turned his horse's head in the direction
+of the thicket. "You will be killed."
+
+"I am armed, and a dead shot," he answered, taking a revolver from his
+breast pocket.
+
+"But he is in ambush, and can shoot you down before you can see to aim at
+him."
+
+"You are right, if there is really an enemy concealed there," he
+answered, returning the revolver to its former resting-place; "but I feel
+confident that it was either a trick of the imagination with you, or that
+some one is playing a practical joke upon us. So set your tears at rest,
+dear child, and let us hasten on our way."
+
+Elsie yielded to his better judgment, trying to believe it nothing worse
+than a practical joke; but had much ado to quiet her agitated nerves and
+recover her composure before a brisk canter brought them to the Oaks, and
+she must meet her father's keen eye.
+
+They found Arthur in the drawing-room, chatting with Rose. He rose with a
+bland, "Good-evening," and gallantly handed Elsie to a seat. Arthur was a
+good deal changed since his recall from college; and in nothing more than
+in his manner to Elsie; he was now always polite; often cordial even when
+alone with her. He was not thoroughly reformed, but had ceased to gamble
+and seldom drank to intoxication.
+
+"Thank you; but indeed I must go at once and dress for tea," Elsie said,
+consulting her watch. "You are not going yet?"
+
+"No, he will stay to tea," said Rose.
+
+"But must go soon after, as I have an engagement," added Arthur.
+
+Elsie met her father in the hall. "Ah, you are at home again," he remarked
+with a pleased look; "that is well; I was beginning to think you were
+making it very late."
+
+"But you are not uneasy when I am in such good hands, papa?"
+
+"No, not exactly; but like better to take care of you myself."
+
+The clock was just striking eight as Arthur mounted and rode away from his
+brother's door. It was not a dark night, or yet very light; for though the
+moon had risen, dark clouds were scudding across the sky, allowing but an
+occasional glimpse of her face, and casting deep shadows over the
+landscape.
+
+In the partial obscurity of one of these, and only a few rods ahead of
+him, when about half-way between the Oaks and Roselands, Arthur thought he
+discovered the figure of a man standing by the roadside, apparently
+waiting to halt him as he passed.
+
+"Ha! you'll not take me by surprise, my fine fellow, whoever you may be,"
+muttered Arthur between his set teeth, drawing out a revolver and cocking
+it, "Halloo there! Who are you; and what d'ye want?" he called, as his
+horse brought him nearly opposite the suspicious looking object.
+
+"Your money or your life, Dinsmore," returned the other with a coarse
+laugh. "Don't pretend not to know me, old chap."
+
+"You!" exclaimed Arthur, with an oath, but half under his breath. "I
+thought you were safe in----"
+
+"State prison, eh? Well, so I was, but they've pardoned me out. I was a
+reformed character, you see; and then my vote was wanted at the last
+election, ha! ha! And so I've come down to see how my old friends are
+getting along."
+
+"Friends! don't count me among them!" returned Arthur, hastily;
+"jail-birds are no mates for me."
+
+"No, I understand that, the disgrace is in being caught. But you'd as well
+keep a civil tongue in your head; for if you're covering me with a
+revolver, I'm doing the same by you."
+
+"I'm not afraid of you, Tom," answered Arthur, with a scornful laugh, "but
+I'm in a hurry; so be good enough to move out of the way and let me pass."
+For the other had now planted himself in the middle of the road, and laid
+a heavy hand upon the horse's bridle-rein.
+
+"When I've said my say; no sooner. So that pretty niece of yours, my
+former fiancee, is engaged to Travilla? the man whom, of all others, I
+hate with a hatred bitterer than death. I would set my heel upon his head
+and grind it into the earth as I would the head of a venomous reptile."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"I overheard some o' their sweet talk as they rode by here not two hours
+ago. He robbed me of her that he might snatch the prize himself; I saw his
+game at the time. But he shall never get her," he concluded, grinding his
+teeth with rage.
+
+"Pray, how do you propose to prevent it?"
+
+"I'll call him out."
+
+Arthur's laugh rang out mockingly upon the still night air. "Southern
+gentlemen accept a challenge only from gentlemen; and as for Travilla,
+besides being a dead shot, he's too pious to fight a duel, even with his
+own class."
+
+"He'll meet me in fair fight, or I'll shoot him down, like a dog, in his
+tracks." The words, spoken in low tone, of concentrated fury, were
+accompanied with a volley of horrible oaths.
+
+"You'd better not try it!" said Arthur; "you'd be lynched and hung on the
+nearest tree within an hour."
+
+"They'd have to catch me first."
+
+"And they would, they'd set their bloodhounds on your track, and there'd
+be no escape. As to the lady having been your fiancee--she never was; she
+would not engage herself without my brother's consent, which you were not
+able to obtain. And now you'd better take yourself off out of this
+neighborhood, after such threats as you've made!"
+
+"That means you intend to turn informer, eh?"
+
+"It means nothing of the kind, unless I'm called up as a witness in court;
+but you can't prowl about here long without being seen and arrested as a
+suspicious character, an abolitionist, or some other sort of
+scoundrel--which last you know you are," Arthur could not help adding in a
+parenthesis. "So take my advice, and retreat while you can. Now out o' the
+way, if you please, and let me pass."
+
+Jackson sullenly stood aside, letting go the rein, and Arthur galloped
+off.
+
+In the meantime, the older members of the family at the Oaks were quietly
+enjoying themselves in the library, where bright lights, and a cheerful
+wood-fire snapping and crackling on the hearth, added to the sense of
+comfort imparted by handsome furniture, books, painting, statuary, rich
+carpet, soft couches, and easy chairs.
+
+The children had been sent to bed. Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore sat by the centre
+table, the one busy with the evening paper, the other sewing, but now and
+then casting a furtive glance at a distant sofa, where Mr. Travilla and
+Elsie were seated side by side, conversing in an undertone.
+
+"This is comfort, having you to myself again," he was saying, as he
+watched admiringly the delicate fingers busied with a crochet needle,
+forming bright meshes of scarlet zephyr. "How I missed you when you were
+gone! and yet, do you know, I cannot altogether regret the short
+separation, since otherwise I should have missed my precious budget of
+letters."
+
+"Ah," she said, lifting her merry brown eyes to his face for an instant,
+then dropping them again, with a charming smile and blush, "do you think
+that an original idea, or rather that it is original only with yourself?"
+
+"And you are glad to have mine? though not nearly so sweet and fresh as
+yours." How glad he looked as he spoke.
+
+"Ah!" she answered archly, "I'll not tell you what I have done with them,
+lest you grow conceited. But I have a confession to make," and she laughed
+lightly. "Will you absolve me beforehand?"
+
+"Yes, if you are penitent, and promise to offend no more. What is it?"
+
+"I see I have aroused your curiosity, I shall not keep you in suspense. I
+am corresponding with a young gentleman. Here is a letter from him,
+received to-day;" drawing it from her pocket as she spoke, she put it into
+his hand.
+
+"I have no wish to examine it," he said gravely, laying it on her lap. "I
+can trust you fully, Elsie."
+
+"But I should like you to read it; 'tis from Mr. Mason, my chaplain at
+Viamede, and gives a lengthy, and very interesting account of the
+Christmas doings there."
+
+"Which I should much prefer to hear from your lips, my little friend."
+
+"Ah, read it, please; read it aloud to me; I shall then enjoy it as much
+as I did the first time; and you will learn how truly good and pious Mr.
+Mason is, far better than from my telling. Not that he talks of himself,
+but you perceive it from what he says of others."
+
+He complied with her request, reading in the undertone in which they had
+been talking.
+
+"A very well written and interesting letter," he remarked, as he refolded
+and returned it. "Yes, I should judge from it that he is the right man in
+the right place. I presume the selection of gifts so satisfactory to all
+parties must have been yours?"
+
+"Yes, sir; being with them, I was able to ascertain their wants and
+wishes, by questioning one in regard to another. Then I made out the list,
+and left Mr. Mason to do the purchasing for me. I think I can trust him
+again, and it is a great relief to my mind to have some one there to
+attend to the welfare of their souls and bodies."
+
+"Have you gotten over your fright of this evening?" he inquired tenderly,
+bending towards her, and speaking lower than before.
+
+"Almost if--if you have not to return to Ion to-night. Must you, really?"
+
+"Yes; mother would be alarmed by my absence; and she seldom retires till I
+am there to bid her good-night."
+
+"Then promise me to avoid that thicket," she pleaded anxiously.
+
+"I cannot think there is any real danger," he said, with a reassuring
+smile, "but I shall take the other road; 'tis but a mile further round,
+and it would pay me to travel fifty to spare you a moment's anxiety,
+dearest."
+
+She looked her thanks.
+
+He left at ten, his usual hour, bidding her have no fear for him, since no
+real evil can befall those who put their trust in Him whose watchful,
+protecting care is ever about His chosen ones.
+
+"Yes," she whispered, as for a moment his arm encircled her waist, "'What
+time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.' It is comparatively easy to trust
+for myself, and God will help me to do it for you also."
+
+She stood at the window watching his departure, her heart going up in
+silent prayer for his safety. Then, saying to herself, "Papa must not be
+disturbed with my idle fancies," she turned to receive his good-night with
+a face so serene and unclouded, a manner so calm and peaceful, that he had
+no suspicion of anything amiss.
+
+Nor was it an assumed peace and calmness; for she had not now to learn to
+cast her care on the Lord, whom she had loved and served from her very
+infancy; and her head had not rested many moments upon her pillow ere she
+fell into a deep, sweet sleep, that lasted until morning.
+
+While Elsie slept, and Mr. Travilla galloped homeward by the longer route,
+the moon, peering through the cloud curtains, looked down upon a dark
+figure, standing behind a tree not many yards distant from the thicket
+Elsie had besought her friend to shun. The man held a revolver in his
+hand, ready cocked for instant use. His attitude was that of one
+listening intently for some expected sound.
+
+He had stood thus for hours, and was growing very weary. "Curse the
+wretch!" he muttered, "does he court all night? How many hours have I been
+here waiting for my chance for a shot at him? It's getting to be no joke,
+hungry, cold, tired enough to lie down here on the ground. But I'll stick
+it out, and shoot him down like a dog. He thinks to enjoy the prize he
+snatched from me, but he'll find himself mistaken, or my name's n----" The
+sentence ended with a fierce grinding of the teeth. Hark! was that the
+distant tread of a horse? He bent his ear to the earth, and almost held
+his breath to listen. Yes, faint but unmistakable; the sounds filled him
+with a fiendish joy. For years he had nursed his hatred of Travilla, whom
+he blamed almost exclusively for his failure to get possession of Elsie's
+fortune.
+
+He sprang up and again placed himself in position to fire. But what had
+become of the welcome sounds? Alas for his hoped-for revenge; they had
+died away entirely. The horse and his rider must have taken some other
+road. More low-breathed, bitter curses: yet perchance it was not the man
+for whose life he thirsted. He would wait and hope on.
+
+But the night waned: one after another the moon and stars set and day
+began to break in the east; the birds waking in their nests overhead grew
+clamorous with joy, yet their notes seemed to contain a warning tone for
+him, bidding him begone ere the coming of the light hated by those whose
+deeds are evil. Chilled by the frosty air, and stiff and sore from long
+standing in a constrained position, he limped away, and disappeared in the
+deeper shadows of the woods.
+
+Arthur's words of warning had taken their desired effect; and cowardly, as
+base, wicked, and cruel, the man made haste to flee from the scene of his
+intended crime, imagining at times that he even heard the bloodhounds
+already on his track.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TENTH.
+
+    "At last I know thee--and my soul,
+      From all thy arts set free,
+     Abjures the cold consummate art
+      Shrin'd as a soul in thee."
+                    --SARA J. CLARK.
+
+
+The rest of the winter passed quietly and happily with our friends at Ion
+and the Oaks, Mr. Travilla spending nearly half his time at the latter
+place, and in rides and walks with Elsie, whom he now and then coaxed to
+Ion for a call upon his mother.
+
+Their courtship was serene and peaceful: disturbed by no feverish heat of
+passion, no doubts and fears, no lovers' quarrels, but full of a deep,
+intense happiness, the fruit of their long and intimate friendship, their
+full acquaintance with, and perfect confidence in each other, and their
+strong love. Enna sneeringly observed that "they were more like some staid
+old married couple than a pair of lovers."
+
+Arthur made no confidant in regard to his late interview with Jackson;
+nothing more was heard or seen of the scoundrel, and gradually Elsie came
+to the conclusion that Mr. Travilla, who occasionally rallied her
+good-naturedly on the subject of her fright, had been correct in his
+judgment that it was either the work of imagination or of some practical
+joker.
+
+Arthur, on his part, thought that fear of the terrors he had held up
+before him would cause Jackson--whom he knew to be an arrant coward--to
+refrain from adventuring himself again in the neighborhood.
+
+But he miscalculated the depth of the man's animosity towards Mr.
+Travilla, which so exceeded his cowardice as at length to induce him to
+return and make another effort to destroy either the life of that
+gentleman or his hopes of happiness; perhaps both.
+
+Elsie was very fond of the society of her dear ones, yet occasionally
+found much enjoyment in being alone, for a short season, with Nature or a
+book. A very happy little woman, as she had every reason to be, and full
+of gratitude and love to the Giver of all good for His unnumbered
+blessings, she loved now and then to have a quiet hour in which to count
+them over, as a miser does his gold, to return her heartfelt thanks, tell
+her best, her dearest Friend of all, how happy she was, and seek help from
+Him to make a right use of each talent committed to her care.
+
+Seated in her favorite arbor one lovely spring day, with thoughts thus
+employed, and eyes gazing dreamily upon the beautiful landscape spread out
+at her feet, she was startled from her reverie by some one suddenly
+stepping in and boldly taking a seat by her side.
+
+She turned her head. Could it be possible? Yes, it was indeed Tom Jackson,
+handsomely dressed and looking, to a casual observer, the gentleman she
+had once believed him to be. She recognized him instantly.
+
+A burning blush suffused her face, dyeing even the fair neck and arms. She
+spoke not a word, but rose up hastily with the intent to fly from his
+hateful presence.
+
+"Now don't, my darling, don't run away from me," he said, intercepting
+her. "I'm sure you couldn't have the heart, if you knew how I have lived
+for years upon the hope of such a meeting: for my love for you, dearest
+Elsie, has never lessened, the ardor of my passion has never cooled----"
+
+"Enough, sir," she said, drawing herself up, her eyes kindling and
+flashing as he had never thought they could; "how dare you insult me by
+such words, and by your presence here? Let me pass."
+
+"Insult you, Miss Dinsmore?" he cried, in affected surprise. "You were not
+wont, in past days, to consider my presence an insult, and I could never
+have believed fickleness a part of your nature. You are now of age, and
+have a right to listen to my defense, and my suit for your heart and
+hand."
+
+"Are you mad? Can you still suppose me ignorant of your true character and
+your history for years past? Know then that I am fully acquainted with
+them; that I know you to be a lover of vice and the society of the
+vicious--a drunkard, profane, a gambler, and one who has stained his hands
+with the blood of a fellow-creature," she added with a shudder. "I pray
+God you may repent and be forgiven; but you are not and can never be
+anything to me."
+
+"So with all your piety you forsake your friends when they get into
+trouble," he remarked with a bitter sneer.
+
+"Friend of mine you never were," she answered quietly; "I know it was my
+fortune and not myself you really wanted. But though it were true that
+you loved me as madly and disinterestedly as you professed, had I known
+your character, never, _never_ should I have held speech with you, much
+less admitted you to terms of familiarity--a fact which I look back upon
+with the deepest mortification. Let me pass, sir, and never venture to
+approach me again."
+
+"No you don't, my haughty miss! I'm not done with you yet," he exclaimed
+between his clenched teeth, and seizing her rudely by the arm as she tried
+to step past him. "So you're engaged to that fatherly friend of yours,
+that pious sneak, that deadly foe to me?"
+
+"Unhand me, sir!"
+
+"Not yet," he answered, tightening his grasp, and at the same time taking
+a pistol from his pocket. "I swear you shall never marry that man: promise
+me on your oath that you'll not, or--I'll shoot you through the heart; the
+heart that's turned false to me. D'ye hear," and he held the muzzle of his
+piece within a foot of her breast.
+
+Every trace of color fled from her face, but she stood like a marble
+statue, without speech or motion of a muscle, her eyes looking straight
+into his with firm defiance.
+
+"Do you hear?" he repeated, in a tone of exasperation, "speak! promise
+that you'll never marry Travilla, or I'll shoot you in three
+minutes--shoot you down dead on the spot, if I swing for it before night."
+
+"That will be as God pleases," she answered low and reverently; "you can
+have no power at all against me except it be given you from above."
+
+"I can't, hey? looks like it; I've only to touch the trigger here, and
+your soul's out o' your body. Better promise than die."
+
+Still she stood looking him unflinchingly in the eye; not a muscle moving,
+no sign of fear except that deadly pallor.
+
+"Well," lowering his piece, "you're a brave girl, and I haven't the heart
+to do it," he exclaimed in admiration. "I'll give up that promise; on
+condition that you make another--that you'll keep all this a secret for
+twenty-four hours, so I can make my escape from the neighborhood before
+they get after me with their bloodhounds."
+
+"That I promise, if you will be gone at once."
+
+"You'll not say a word to any one of having seen me, or suspecting I'm
+about here?"
+
+"Not a word until the twenty-four hours are over."
+
+"Then good-bye. Your pluck has saved your life; but remember, I've not
+said I won't shoot him or your father, if chance throws them in my way,"
+he added, looking back over his shoulder with a malicious leer, as he left
+the arbor, then disappearing from sight among the trees and shrubbery
+beyond.
+
+Elsie's knees shook and trembled under her; she sank back into her seat,
+covering her face and bowing her head upon her lap, while she sent up
+silent, almost agonizing petitions for the safety of those two so
+inexpressibly dear to her. Some moments passed thus, then she rose and
+hastened, with a quick nervous step, to the house. She entered her
+boudoir, and lay down upon a couch trembling in every fibre, every nerve
+quivering with excitement. The shock had been terrible.
+
+"What de matter wid my chile? what ails you, honey?" asked Aunt Chloe,
+coming to her side full of concern.
+
+"I think one of my bad headaches is coming on, mammy. But oh, tell me, is
+Mr. Travilla here?--and papa! where is he?"
+
+"Here daughter," his voice answered, close at hand, "and with a note for
+you from Mr. Travilla, who has not shown himself to-day."
+
+She took it eagerly, but with a hand that trembled as if with sudden
+palsy, while the eyes, usually so keen-sighted, saw only a blurred and
+confused jumble of letters in place of the clear, legible characters
+really there.
+
+"I cannot see," she said, in a half-frightened tone, and pressing the
+other hand to her brow.
+
+"And you are trembling like an aspen leaf," he said, bending over her in
+serious alarm. "My child, when did this come on? and what has caused it?"
+
+"Papa, I cannot tell you now, or till to-morrow, at this hour; I will
+then. But oh, papa dear, dear papa!" she cried, putting her arm about his
+neck and bursting into hysterical weeping, "promise me, if you love me
+promise me, that you will not leave the house till I have told you. I am
+sick, I am suffering; you will stay by me? you will not leave me?"
+
+"My darling, I will do anything I can to relieve you, mentally or
+physically," he answered in tones of tenderest love and concern. "I shall
+not stir from the house, while to do so would increase your suffering. I
+perceive there has been some villainy practised upon you, and a promise
+extorted, which I shall not ask you to break; but rest assured, I shall
+keep guard over my precious one."
+
+"And Mr. Travilla!" she gasped. "Oh, papa, if I only knew he was safe!"
+
+"Perhaps the note may set your mind at rest on that point. Shall I read it
+for you?"
+
+"Yes, sir," she said, putting it into his hand with a slight blush, "he
+never writes what I should be ashamed or afraid to have my father see."
+
+It was but short, written merely to explain his absence, and dated from a
+neighboring plantation, where he had gone to assist in nursing a sick
+friend whom he should not be able to leave for some days. There were words
+of deep, strong affection, but as she had foreseen, nothing that she need
+care to have her father know or see.
+
+"Does not this news allay your fears for him?" Mr. Dinsmore asked
+tenderly.
+
+"Yes, papa," she answered, the tears streaming from her eyes. "Oh, how
+good God is to me! I will trust Him, trust Him for you both, as well as
+myself." She covered her face with her hands while shudder after shudder
+shook her whole frame.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was much perplexed, and deeply concerned. "Shall I send for
+Dr. Barton?" he asked.
+
+"No, no, papa! I am not ill; only my nerves have had a great, a terrible
+shock; they seem all unstrung, and my temples are throbbing with pain."
+
+"My poor, poor darling! strange that with all my care and watchfulness you
+should have been subjected to such a trial. Some ruffian has been trying
+to extort money from you, I presume, by threatened violence to yourself,
+Travilla, and me. Where were you?"
+
+"In my arbor, sir."
+
+"And alone?"
+
+"Yes, papa; I thought myself safe there."
+
+"I forbid you to go there or to any distance from the house, alone, again.
+You must always have some one within call, if not close at your side."
+
+"And my father knows I will obey him," she said, tremulously lifting his
+hand to her lips.
+
+He administered an anodyne to relieve the tortured nerves, then sitting
+down beside her, passed his hand soothingly over hair and cheek, while
+with the other he held one of hers in loving, tender clasp. Neither spoke,
+and at length she fell asleep; yet not a sound, refreshing slumber, but
+disturbed by starts and moans, and frequent wakings to see and feel that
+he was still there. "Papa, don't go away; don't leave me!" was her
+constant cry.
+
+"My darling, my precious one, I will not," was his repeated assurance; "I
+will stay with you while this trouble lasts."
+
+And all that day and night he never left her side, while Rose came and
+went, full of anxiety and doing everything that could be done for the
+sufferer's relief.
+
+It was a night of unrest to them all; but morning found her free from
+pain, though weak and languid, and still filled with distress if her
+father was absent for more than a few moments from her side. She inquired
+of him at what hour she had come in the day before: then watched the time
+and, as soon as released from her promise, told them all.
+
+Great was his indignation; and, determined that, if possible, the villain
+should be apprehended and brought to justice, he sent word at once to the
+magistrates: a warrant was issued, and several parties were presently out
+in different directions in hot pursuit.
+
+But with the twenty-four hours' start Jackson had made good his escape,
+and the only advantage gained was the relief of knowing that he no longer
+infested the neighborhood.
+
+"But when may he not return?" Elsie said with a shudder. "Papa, I tremble
+for you, and for--Mr. Travilla."
+
+"I am far more concerned for you," he answered, gazing upon her pale face
+with pitying, fatherly tenderness. "But let us cast this care, with all
+others, upon our God. 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is
+stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVENTH.
+
+    "Of truth, he truly will all styles deserve
+     Of wise, good, just; a man both soul and nerve."
+                                          --SHIRLEY.
+
+
+The story reached Mr. Travilla's ears that evening, and finding he could
+be spared from the sick-room, he hastened to the Oaks. His emotions were
+too big for utterance as he took his "little friend" in his arms and
+clasped her to his beating heart.
+
+"God be thanked that you are safe!" he said at last. "Oh, my darling, my
+darling, what peril you have been in and how bravely you met it! You are
+the heroine of the hour," he added with a faint laugh, "all, old and
+young, male and female, black and white, are loud in praise of your
+wonderful firmness and courage. And, my darling, I fully agree with them,
+and exult in the thought that this brave lady is mine own."
+
+He drew her closer as he spoke, and just touched his lips to the shining
+hair and the pure white forehead resting on his breast.
+
+"Ah!" she murmured low and softly, a dewy light shining in her eyes, "why
+should they think it anything wonderful or strange that I felt little
+dread or fear at the prospect of a sudden transit from earth to heaven--a
+quick summons home to my Father's house on high, to be at once freed from
+sin and forever with the Lord? I have a great deal to live for, life
+looks very bright and sweet to me; yet but for you and papa, I think it
+would have mattered little to me had he carried out his threat."
+
+"My little friend, it would have broken my heart: to lose you were worse
+than a thousand deaths."
+
+They were alone in Elsie's boudoir, but when an hour had slipped rapidly
+away there came a message from Mr. Dinsmore to the effect that their
+company would be very acceptable in the library.
+
+They repaired thither at once, and found him and Rose laying out plans for
+a summer trip. The matter was under discussion all the rest of the evening
+and for some days after, resulting finally in the getting up a large party
+of tourists, consisting of the entire families of the Oaks and Ion, with
+the addition of Harry and Sophie Carrington, and Lora with her husband and
+children; servants of course included.
+
+They kept together for some time, visiting different points of interest in
+Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York; spending several weeks at Cape May;
+where they were joined by the Allisons of Philadelphia; Mr. Edward and
+Adelaide among the rest, they having returned from Europe shortly before.
+
+At length they separated, some going in one direction, some in another.
+Lora went to Louise, Rose to her father's, Mrs. and Mr. Travilla to
+friends in Cincinnati and its suburbs, and Elsie to pay a long-promised
+visit to Lucy in her married home, a beautiful country-seat on the banks
+of the Hudson. Her father saw her safely there, then left her for a
+fortnight; their fears in regard to Jackson having been allayed by the
+news that he had been again arrested for burglary, and Lucy and her
+husband promising to guard their precious charge with jealous care.
+
+At the end of the fortnight Mr. Dinsmore returned for his daughter, and
+they went on together to Lansdale to visit Miss Stanhope.
+
+Elsie had set her heart on having her dear old aunt spend the fall and
+winter with them in the "sunny South," and especially on her being present
+at the wedding; and Miss Stanhope, after much urging and many
+protestations that she was too old for such a journey, had at last
+yielded, and given her promise, on condition that her nephew and niece
+should come for her, and first spend a week or two in Lansdale. She
+entreated that Mr. Travilla and his mother might be of the party. "He was
+a great favorite of hers, and she was sure his mother must be a woman in a
+thousand."
+
+They accepted the kindness as cordially as it was proffered; met the
+others at the nearest point of connection, and all arrived together.
+
+It was not Lottie King who met them at the depot this time, but a
+fine-looking young man with black moustache and roguish dark eye, who
+introduced himself as Harry Duncan, Miss Stanhope's nephew.
+
+"Almost a cousin! Shall we consider you quite one?" asked Mr. Dinsmore,
+warmly shaking the hand held out to him in cordial greeting.
+
+"Thank you, I shall feel highly honored," the young man answered in a
+gratified tone, and with a glance of undisguised admiration and a
+respectful bow directed towards Elsie. Then turning with an almost
+reverential air and deeper bow to Mrs. Travilla, "And, madam, may I have
+the privilege of placing you alongside of my dear old aunt, and addressing
+you by the same title?"
+
+"You may, indeed," was the smiling rejoinder. "And my son here, I suppose,
+will take his place with the others as cousin. No doubt we are all
+related, if we could only go back far enough in tracing out our
+genealogies."
+
+"To Father Adam, for instance," remarked Mr. Travilla, laughingly.
+
+"Or good old Noah, or even his son Japheth," rejoined Harry, leading the
+way to a family carriage sufficiently roomy to hold them all comfortably.
+
+"Your checks, if you please, aunt and cousins; and Simon here will attend
+to your luggage. Servants' also."
+
+Elsie turned her head to see a young colored man, bowing, scraping, and
+grinning from ear to ear, in whom she perceived a faint resemblance to the
+lad Simon of four years ago.
+
+"You hain't forgot me, miss?" he said. "I'm still at de ole place wid Miss
+Wealthy."
+
+She gave him a smile and a nod, dropping a gold dollar into his hand along
+with her checks; the gentlemen said, "How d'ye do," and were equally
+generous, and he went off chuckling.
+
+As they drew near their destination, a quaint little figure could be seen
+standing at the gate in the shade of a maple tree, whose leaves of mingled
+green and scarlet, just touched by the September frosts, made a brilliant
+contrast to the sober hue of her dress.
+
+"There she is! our dear old auntie!" cried Elsie with eager delight, that
+brought a flush of pleasure to Harry's face.
+
+Miss Stanhope's greetings were characteristic. "Elsie! my darling! I have
+you again after all these years! Mrs. Vanilla too! how kind! but you tell
+me your face is always that. Horace, nephew, this _is_ good of you! And
+Mr. Torville, I'm as glad as the rest to see you. Come in, come in, all of
+you, and make yourselves at home."
+
+"Does Mrs. Schilling still live opposite to you, Aunt Wealthy?" asked
+Elsie as they sat about the tea-table an hour later.
+
+"Yes, dearie; though she's lost all commercial value," laughed the old
+lady; "she's taken a second wife at last; not Mr. Was though, but a
+newcomer, Mr. Smearer."
+
+"Dauber, auntie," corrected Harry, gravely.
+
+"Well, well, child, the meaning's about the same," returned Miss Stanhope,
+laughing afresh at her own mistake, "and I'd as soon be the other as one."
+
+"Mrs. Dauber wouldn't though," said Harry. "I noticed her face grow as red
+as a beet the other day when you called her Mrs. Smearer."
+
+"She didn't mind being Mrs. Sixpence, I think," said Elsie.
+
+"Oh yes, she did; it nettled her a good deal at first, but she finally got
+used to it; after finding out how innocent auntie was, and how apt to
+miscall other names."
+
+"But I thought she would never be content with anybody but Mr. Wert."
+
+"Well, she lost all hope there, and dropped him at once as soon as Dauber
+made his appearance."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore inquired about the Kings. Elsie had done so in a private chat
+with her aunt, held in her room directly after their arrival.
+
+"The doctor's as busy as ever, killing people all round the country; he's
+very successful at it," replied Miss Stanhope; "I've the utmost confidence
+in his skill."
+
+"You are a warm friend of his, I know, aunt," said Mr. Dinsmore, smiling,
+"but I would advise you not to try to assist his reputation among
+strangers."
+
+"Why not, nephew?"
+
+"Lest they should take your words literally, auntie."
+
+"Ah, yes, I must be careful how I use my stumbling tongue," she answered
+with a good-humored smile. "I ought to have always by, somebody to correct
+my blunders. I've asked Harry to do me that kindness, and he often does."
+
+"It is quite unnecessary with us; for we all know what you intend to say,"
+remarked Mrs. Travilla, courteously.
+
+"Thank you, dear madam," said Miss Stanhope; "I am not at all sensitive
+about it, fortunately, as my nephew knows, and my blunders afford as much
+amusement to any one else as to me; when I'm made aware of them."
+
+"Nettie King is married, papa," said Elsie.
+
+"Ah! Lottie also?"
+
+"No, she's at home and will be in, with her father and mother, this
+evening," said Aunt Wealthy. "I've been matching to make a hope between
+her and Harry, but find it's quite useless."
+
+"No, we're the best of friends, but don't care to be anything more,"
+remarked the young gentleman, coloring and laughing.
+
+"No," said Mr. Travilla, "it is said by some one that two people with hair
+and eyes of the same color should beware of choosing each other as
+partners for life."
+
+"And I believe it," returned Harry. "Lottie and I are too much alike in
+disposition. I must look for a blue-eyed, fair-haired maiden, whose mental
+and moral characteristics will supply the deficiencies in mine."
+
+"Gray eyes and brown; that will do very well, won't it?" said the old lady
+absently, glancing from Elsie to Mr. Travilla and back again.
+
+Both smiled, and Elsie cast down her eyes with a lovely blush, while Mr.
+Travilla answered cheerily, "We think so, Miss Stanhope."
+
+"Call me Aunt Wealthy; almost everybody does, and you might as well begin
+now as any time."
+
+"Thank you, I shall avail myself of the privilege in future."
+
+The weather was warm for the time of year, and on leaving the table the
+whole party repaired to the front porch, where Harry quickly provided
+every one with a seat.
+
+"That is a beautiful maple yonder," remarked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"Yes, sir," returned Harry; "we have a row of them all along the front of
+the lot; and as Mrs. Dauber says, they are 'perfectly gordeous' in the
+fall."
+
+"The maple is my favorite among the shade leaves," remarked Miss Stanhope,
+joining in the talk, "from the time it trees out in the spring till the
+bare become branches in the fall. Through this month and next they're a
+perpetual feast to the eye."
+
+"Aunt, how did you decide in regard to that investment you wrote to
+consult me about?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, turning to her.
+
+"Oh, I concluded to put in a few hundreds, as you thought it safe, on the
+principle of not having all my baskets in one egg."
+
+"Small baskets they would have to be, auntie," Harry remarked quietly.
+
+"Yes, my eggs are not so many, but quite enough for an old lady like me."
+
+As the evening shadows crept over the landscape the air began to be
+chilly, and our friends adjourned to the parlor.
+
+Here all was just as when Elsie last saw it; neat as wax, everything in
+place, and each feather-stuffed cushion beaten up and carefully smoothed
+to the state of perfect roundness in which Miss Stanhope's soul delighted.
+
+Mrs. Travilla, who had heard descriptions of the room and its appointments
+from both her son and Elsie, looked about her with interest: upon the old
+portraits, the cabinet of curiosities, and the wonderful sampler worked by
+Miss Wealthy's grandmother. She examined with curiosity the rich
+embroidery of the chair cushions, but preferred a seat upon the sofa.
+
+"Dr. and Mrs. King and Miss Lottie!" announced Simon's voice from the
+doorway, and the three entered.
+
+Lively, cordial greetings followed, especially on the part of the two
+young girls. Mrs. Travilla was introduced, and all settled themselves for
+a chat; Lottie and Elsie, of course, managing to find seats side by side.
+
+"You dearest girl, you have only changed by growing more beautiful than
+ever," cried Lottie, squeezing Elsie's hand which she still held, and
+gazing admiringly into her face.
+
+Elsie laughed low and musically.
+
+"Precisely what I was thinking of you, Lottie. It must be your own fault
+that you are still single. But we won't waste time in flattering each
+other, when we have so much to say that is better worth while."
+
+"No, surely; Aunt Wealthy has told me of your engagement."
+
+"That was right; it is no secret, and should not be from you if it were
+from others. Lottie, I want you to be one of my bridesmaids. We're going
+to carry Aunt Wealthy off to spend the winter with us, and I shall not be
+content unless I can do the same by you.'
+
+"A winter in the 'sunny South!' and with you; how delightful! you dear,
+kind creature, to think of it, and to ask me. Ah, if I only could!"
+
+"I think you can; though of course I know your father and mother must be
+consulted; and if you come, you will grant my request?"
+
+"Yes, yes indeed! gladly."
+
+Aunt Chloe, always making herself useful wherever she went, was passing
+around the room with a pile of plates, Phillis following with cakes and
+confections, while Simon brought in a waiter with saucers and spoons, and
+two large moulds of ice cream.
+
+"Will you help the cream, Harry?" said Miss Stanhope. "There are two
+kinds, you see, travilla and melon. Ask Mrs. Vanilla which she'll have; or
+if she'll take both."
+
+"Mrs. Travilla, may I have the pleasure of helping you to ice cream?" he
+asked. "There are two kinds, vanilla and lemon. Let me give you both."
+
+"If you please," she answered, with a slightly amused look; for though
+Aunt Wealthy had spoken in an undertone, the words had reached her ear.
+
+"Which will you have, dearies?" said the old lady, drawing near the young
+girls' corner, "travilla cream or melon?"
+
+"Lemon for me, if you please, Aunt Wealthy," replied Lottie.
+
+"And I will take Travilla," Elsie said, low and mischievously, and with a
+merry twinkle in her eye.
+
+"But you have no cake! your plate is quite empty and useless," exclaimed
+the aunt. "Horace," turning towards her nephew, who was chatting with the
+doctor at the other side of the room, "some of this cake is very plain;
+you don't object to Elsie eating a little of it?"
+
+"She is quite grown up now, aunt, and can judge for herself in such
+matters," he answered smiling, then turned to finish what he had been
+saying to the doctor.
+
+"You will have some then, dear, won't you?" Miss Stanhope inquired in her
+most coaxing tone.
+
+"A very small slice of this sponge cake, if you please, auntie."
+
+"How young Mr. Travilla looks," remarked Lottie, "younger I think, than he
+did four years ago. Happiness, I presume; it's said to have that effect. I
+believe I was vexed when I first heard you were engaged to him, because I
+thought he was too old; but really he doesn't look so; a man should be
+considerably older than his wife, that she may find it easier to look up
+to him; and he know the better how to take care of her."
+
+"I would not have him a day younger, except that he would like to be
+nearer my age, or different in any way from what he is," Elsie said, her
+eyes involuntarily turning in Mr. Travilla's direction.
+
+They met the ardent gaze of his. Both smiled, and rising he crossed the
+room and joined them. They had a half hour of lively chat together, then
+Mrs. King rose to take leave.
+
+Mr. Travilla moved away to speak to the doctor, and Lottie seized the
+opportunity to whisper to her friend, "He's just splendid, Elsie! I don't
+wonder you look so happy, or that he secured your hand and heart after
+they had been refused to dukes and lords. You see Aunt Wealthy has been
+telling me all about your conquests in Europe," she added, in answer to
+Elsie's look of surprise.
+
+"I am, indeed, very happy, Lottie," Elsie replied in the same low tone; "I
+know Mr. Travilla so thoroughly, and have not more perfect confidence in
+papa's goodness and love to me, than in his. It is a very restful thing to
+have such a friend."
+
+Dr. King's circumstances had greatly improved in the last four years, so
+that he was quite able to give Lottie the pleasure of accepting Elsie's
+invitation, and at once gave his cordial consent. Mrs. King at first
+objected that the two weeks of our friends' intended stay in Lansdale
+would not give sufficient time for the necessary additions to Lottie's
+wardrobe; but this difficulty was overcome by a suggestion from Elsie. She
+would spend two or three weeks in Philadelphia, attending to the
+purchasing and making up of her trousseau, she said, and Lottie's dresses
+could be bought and made at the same time and place.
+
+The two weeks allotted to Lansdale of course passed very rapidly;
+especially to Harry, to whom the society of these new-found relatives was
+a great pleasure, and who on their departure would be left behind, with
+only Phillis for his housekeeper.
+
+The latter received so many charges from Aunt Wealthy in regard to careful
+attention to "Mr. Harry's" health and comfort, that at length she grew
+indignant, and protested that she loved "Mr. Harry as if he was her own
+child--didn't she nuss him when he was a little feller? and there was no
+'casion for missus to worry an' fret as if she was leavin' him to a
+stranger."
+
+It was not for want of a cordial invitation to both the Oaks and Ion that
+Harry was left behind; but business required his presence at home, and he
+could only promise himself a week's holiday at the time of the wedding.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELFTH
+
+    "Bring flowers, fresh flowers for the bride to wear;
+     They were born to blush in her shining hair;
+     She's leaving the home of her childhood's mirth;
+     She hath bid farewell to her father's hearth;
+     Her place is now by another's side;
+     Bring flowers for the locks of the fair young bride."
+                                          --MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+A fair October day is waning, and as the shadows deepen and the stars
+shine out here and there in the darkening sky, the grounds at the Oaks
+glitter with colored lamps, swinging from the branches of the trees that
+shade the long green alleys, and dependent from arches wreathed with
+flowers. In doors and out everything wears a festive look; almost the
+whole house is thrown open to the guests who will presently come thronging
+to it from nearly every plantation for miles around.
+
+The grand wedding has been talked of, prepared for, and looked forward to
+for months past, and few, if any, favored with an invitation, will
+willingly stay away.
+
+The spacious entrance hall is brilliantly lighted, and on either hand
+wide-open doors give admission to long suites of richly, tastefully
+furnished rooms, beautiful with rare statuary, paintings, articles of
+vertu, and flowers scattered everywhere, in bouquets, wreaths, festoons,
+filling the air with their delicious fragrance.
+
+These apartments, waiting for the guests, are almost entirely deserted;
+but in Elsie's dressing-room a bevy of gay young girls, in white tarletan
+and with flowers in their elaborately dressed hair, are laughing and
+chatting merrily, and now and then offering a suggestion to Aunt Chloe and
+Dinah, whose busy hands are arranging their young mistress for her bridal.
+
+"Lovely!" "Charming!" "Perfect!" the girls exclaim in delighted, admiring
+chorus, as the tirewomen having completed their labors, Elsie stands
+before them in a dress of the richest white satin, with an overskirt of
+point lace, a veil of the same, enveloping her slender figure like an airy
+cloud, or morning mist, reaching from the freshly gathered orange blossoms
+wreathed in the shining hair to the tiny white satin slipper just peeping
+from beneath the rich folds of the dress. Flowers are her only ornament
+to-night, and truly she needs no other.
+
+"Perfect! nothing superfluous, nothing wanting," says Lottie King.
+
+Rose, looking almost like a young girl herself, so sweet and fair in her
+beautiful evening dress, came in at that instant to see if all was right
+in the bride's attire. Her eyes grew misty while she gazed, her heart
+swelling with a strange mixture of emotions: love, joy, pride, and a touch
+of sadness at the thought of the partial loss that night was to bring to
+her beloved husband and herself.
+
+"Am I all right, mamma?" asked Elsie.
+
+"I can see nothing amiss," Rose answered, with a slight tremble in her
+voice. "My darling, I never saw you so wondrously sweet and fair," she
+whispered, adjusting a fold of the drapery. "You are very happy?"
+
+"Very, mamma dear; yet a trifle sad too. But that is a secret between you
+and me. How beautiful you are to-night."
+
+"Ah, dear child, quite ready, and the loveliest bride that ever I saw,
+from the sole of your head to the crown of your foot," said a silvery
+voice, as a quaint little figure came softly in and stood at Mrs.
+Dinsmore's side--"no, I mean from the crown of your foot to the sole of
+your head. Ah, funerals are almost as sad as weddings. I don't know how
+people can ever feel like dancing at them."
+
+"Well, auntie dear, there'll be no dancing at mine," said Elsie, smiling
+slightly.
+
+"I must go and be ready to receive our guests," said Rose, hearing the
+rumble of carriage wheels. "Elsie, dear child," she whispered, "keep calm.
+You can have no doubts or fears in putting your future in----"
+
+"No, no, mamma, not the slightest," and the fair face grew radiant.
+
+As Rose passed out at one door, Miss Stanhope following, with a parting
+injunction to the bride not to grow frightened or nervous, Mr. Dinsmore
+entered by another.
+
+He stood a moment silently gazing upon his lovely daughter; then a slight
+motion of his hand sent all others from the room, the bridesmaids passing
+into the boudoir, where the groom and his attendants were already
+assembled, the tirewomen vanishing by a door on the opposite side.
+
+"My darling!" murmured the father, in low, half tremulous accents, putting
+his arm about the slender waist, "my beautiful darling! how can I give you
+to another?" and again and again his lips were pressed to hers in long,
+passionate kisses.
+
+"Papa, please don't make me cry," she pleaded, the soft eyes lifted to
+his, filled almost to overflowing.
+
+"No, no, I must not," he said, hastily taking out his handkerchief and
+wiping away the tears before they fell. "It is shamefully selfish in me to
+come and disturb your mind thus just now."
+
+"No, papa, no, no; I will not have you say that. Thank you for coming. It
+would have hurt me had you stayed away. But you would not have things
+different now if you could? have no desire to."
+
+"No, daughter, no; yet, unreasonable as it is, the thought will come,
+bringing sadness with it, that to-night you resign my name, and my house
+ceases to be your only home."
+
+"Papa, I shall never resign the name dear to me because inherited from
+you: I shall only add to it; your house shall always be one of my dear
+homes, and I shall be your own, own daughter, your own child, as truly as
+I ever have been. Is it not so?"
+
+"Yes, yes, my precious little comforter."
+
+"And you are not going to give me away--ah, papa, I could never bear that
+any more than you; you are taking a partner in the concern," she added
+with playful tenderness, smiling archly through gathering tears.
+
+Again he wiped them hastily away. "Did ever father have such a dear
+daughter?" he said, gazing fondly down into the sweet face. "I ought to be
+the happiest of men. I believe I am----"
+
+"Except one," exclaimed a joyous voice, at sound of which Elsie's eyes
+brightened and the color deepened on her cheek. "May I come in?"
+
+"Yes, Travilla," said Mr. Dinsmore; "you have now an equal right with me."
+
+Travilla thought his was superior, or would be after the ceremony, but
+generously refrained from saying so. And had Mr. Dinsmore been questioned
+on the subject, he could not have asserted that it had ever occurred to
+him that Mr. Allison had an equal right with himself in Rose. But few
+people are entirely consistent.
+
+Mr. Travilla drew near the two, still standing together, and regarded his
+bride with a countenance beaming with love and delight. The sweet eyes
+sought his questioningly, and meeting his ardent gaze the beautiful face
+sparkled all over with smiles and blushes.
+
+"Does my toilet please you, my friend?" she asked. "And you, papa?"
+
+"The general effect is charming," said Mr. Travilla; "but," he added, in
+low, tender tones saying far more than the words, "I've been able to see
+nothing else for the dear face that is always that to me."
+
+"I can see no flaw in face or attire," Mr. Dinsmore said, taking a more
+critical survey; "you are altogether pleasing in your doting father's
+eyes, my darling. But you must not stand any longer. You will need all
+your strength for your journey." And he would have led her to a sofa.
+
+But she gently declined. "Ah, I am much too fine to sit down just now, my
+dear, kind father, I should crush my lace badly. So please let me stand. I
+am not conscious of weariness."
+
+He yielded, saying with a smile, "That would be a pity; for it is very
+beautiful. And surely you ought to be allowed your own way to-night if
+ever."
+
+"To-night and ever after," whispered the happy groom in the ear of his
+bride.
+
+A loving, trustful look was her only answer.
+
+A continued rolling of wheels without, and buzz of voices coming from
+veranda, hall, and reception rooms, could now be heard.
+
+"The house must be filling fast," said Mr. Dinsmore, "and as host I should
+be present to receive and welcome my guests, Travilla," and his voice
+trembled slightly, as he took Elsie's right hand and held it for a moment
+closely clasped in his; "I do not fear to trust you with what to me is a
+greater treasure than all the gold of California. Cherish my darling as
+the apple of your eye; I know you will."
+
+He bent down for another silent caress, laid the hand in that of his
+friend, and left the room.
+
+"And you do not fear to trust me, my little friend?" Travilla's tones,
+too, were tremulous with deep feeling.
+
+"I have not the shadow of a fear," she answered, her eyes meeting his with
+an earnest, childlike confidence.
+
+"Bless you for those words, dearest," he said; "God helping me you never
+shall have cause to regret them."
+
+A door opened, and a handsome, dark eyed boy, a miniature likeness of his
+father, came hurrying in. "Elsie! Papa said I might come and see how
+beautiful you are!" he cried, as if resolutely mastering some strong
+emotion, "but I'm not to say anything to make you cry. I'm not to hug you
+hard and spoil your dress. Oh, but you do look like an angel, only
+without the wings. Mr. Travilla, you'll be good, _good_ to her, won't
+you?" and the voice almost broke down.
+
+"I will, indeed, Horace; you may be sure of that. And you needn't feel as
+if you are losing her, she'll be back again in a few weeks, please God."
+
+"But not to live at home any more!" he cried impetuously. "No, no, I
+wasn't to say that, I----"
+
+"Come here and kiss me, my dear little brother," Elsie said tenderly; "and
+you shall hug me, too, as hard as you like, before I go."
+
+He was not slow to accept the invitation, and evidently had a hard
+struggle with himself, to refrain from giving the forbidden hug.
+
+"You may hug me instead, Horace, if you like," said Mr. Travilla; "you
+know we're very fond of each other, and are going to be brothers now."
+
+"Yes, that I will, for I do like you ever so much," cried the boy,
+springing into the arms held out to him, and receiving and returning a
+warm embrace, while the sister looked on with eyes glistening with
+pleasure.
+
+"Now, in a few minutes I'll become your brother Edward; and that's what I
+want you to call me in future. Will you do it?"
+
+"Yes, sir; if papa doesn't forbid me."
+
+A light tap at the door leading into the boudoir, and Walter put in his
+head. "The company, the clergy-man, and the hour have come. Are the bride
+and groom ready?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Releasing the child, Mr. Travilla drew Elsie's hand within his arm. For
+an instant he bent his eyes with earnest, questioning gaze upon her face.
+It wore an expression that touched him to the heart, so perfectly
+trustful, so calmly, peacefully happy, yet with a deep tender solemnity
+mingling with and subduing her joy. The soft eyes were misty with unshed
+tears as she lifted them to his.
+
+"It is for life," she whispered; "and I am but young and foolish; shall
+you never regret?"
+
+"Never, _never_; unless you grow weary of your choice."
+
+The answering smile was very sweet and confiding. "I have not chosen
+lightly, and do not fear because it is for life," was its unspoken
+language.
+
+And truly it was no hasty, ill-considered step she was taking, but one
+that had been calmly, thoughtfully pondered in many an hour of solitude
+and communion with that unseen Friend whom from earliest youth she had
+acknowledged in all her ways, and who had, according to His promise,
+directed her paths. There was no excitement, no nervous tremor, about her
+then or during the short ceremony that made them no more twain but one
+flesh. So absorbed was she in the importance and solemnity of the act she
+was performing, that little room was left for thought of anything
+else--her personal appearance, or the hundreds of pairs of eyes fixed upon
+her; even her father's presence, and the emotions swelling in his breast
+were for the time forgotten. Many marked the rapt expression of her face,
+and the clear and distinct though low tones of the sweet voice as she
+pledged herself to "love, honor, and obey." Mr. Travilla's promise "to
+love, honor, and cherish to life's end," was given no less earnestly and
+emphatically.
+
+The deed was done; and relatives and friends gathered about them with
+kindly salutations and good wishes.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was the first to salute the bride. "God bless and keep you,
+my daughter," were his tenderly whispered words.
+
+"Dear, dear papa," was all she said in response, but her eyes spoke
+volumes. "I am yours still, your very own, and glad it is so," they said.
+
+Then came Rose with her tender, silent caress, half-sorrowful,
+half-joyful, and Mrs. Travilla with her altogether joyous salutation, "My
+dear daughter, may your cup of happiness be ever filled to overflowing;"
+while Mr. Dinsmore to hide his emotion turned jocosely to Travilla with a
+hearty shake of the hand, and "I wish you joy, my son."
+
+"Thank you, father," returned the groom gravely, but with a twinkle of
+merriment in his eye.
+
+Aunt Wealthy, standing close by awaiting her turn to greet the bride,
+shook her head at her nephew. "Ah, you are quite too old for that, Horace.
+Mr. Vanilla, I wish you joy; but what am I to call you now?"
+
+"Edward, if you please, Aunt Wealthy."
+
+"Ah, yes, that will do nicely; it's a good name--so easily forgotten.
+Elsie, dearie, you went through it brave as a lion. May you never wish
+you'd lived your lane like your auld auntie."
+
+"As if single blessedness could ever be real blessedness!" sneered Enna,
+coming up just in time to catch the last words.
+
+"Our feelings change as we grow older," returned Miss Stanhope, in her
+gentle, refined tones, "and we come to look upon quiet and freedom from
+care as very desirable things."
+
+"And I venture to say that old age is not likely to find Mrs. Percival so
+happy and contented as is my dear old maiden aunt," remarked Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Yet we will hope it may, papa," said Elsie, receiving Enna's salutation
+with kindly warmth.
+
+But the list of relatives, near connections, and intimate friends, is too
+long for particular mention of each. All the Dinsmores were there, both
+married and single; also most of the Allisons. Harold had not come with
+the others, nor had he either accepted or rejected the invitation.
+
+On first raising her eyes upon the conclusion of the ceremony, had Elsie
+really seen, far back in the shadow of the doorway, a face white, rigid,
+hopeless with misery as his when last they met and parted? She could not
+tell; for if really there, it vanished instantly.
+
+"Did Harold come?" she asked of Richard when he came to salute the bride
+and groom.
+
+"I think not; I haven't seen him, I can't think what's come over the lad
+to be so neglectful of his privileges."
+
+Harry Duncan was there, too, hanging upon the smiles of merry, saucy,
+blue-eyed May Allison; while her brother Richard seemed equally enamored
+with the brunette beauty and sprightliness of Lottie King.
+
+Stiffness and constraint found no place among the guests, after the event
+of the evening was over.
+
+In the great dining-room a sumptuous banquet was laid; and thither, after
+a time, guests and entertainers repaired.
+
+The table sparkled with cut-glass, rare and costly china, and solid silver
+and gold plate. Every delicacy from far and near was to be found upon it;
+nothing wanting that the most fastidious could desire, or the most lavish
+expenditure furnish. Lovely, fragrant flowers were there also in the
+utmost profusion, decorating the board, festooning the windows and
+doorways, in bouquets upon the mantels and antique stands, scattered here
+and there through the apartment, filling the air with their perfume; while
+a distant and unseen band discoursed sweetest music in soft, delicious
+strains.
+
+The weather was warmer far than at that season in our northern clime, the
+outside air balmy and delightful, and through the wide-open doors and
+windows glimpses might be caught of the beautiful grounds, lighted here
+and there by a star-like lamp shining out among the foliage. Silent and
+deserted they had been all the earlier part of the evening, but now group
+after group, as they left the bountiful board, wandered into their green
+alleys and gay parterres; low, musical tones, light laughter, and merry
+jests floating out upon the quiet night air and waking the echoes of the
+hills.
+
+But the bride retired to her own apartments, where white satin, veil, and
+orange blossoms, were quickly exchanged for an elegant traveling dress,
+scarcely less becoming to her rare beauty.
+
+She reappeared in the library, which had not been thrown open to the
+guests, but where the relations and bridesmaids were gathered for the
+final good-bye.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's family carriage, roomy, easy-rolling, and softly cushioned,
+stood at the door upon the drive, its spirited gray horses pawing the
+ground with impatience to be gone. It would carry the bride and groom--and
+a less pretentious vehicle their servants--in two hours to the seaport
+where they were to take the steamer for New Orleans; for their honeymoon
+was to be spent at Viamede, Elsie still adhering to the plan of a year
+ago.
+
+Her adieus were gayly given to one and another, beginning with those least
+dear; very very affectionately to Mrs. Travilla, Aunt Wealthy, Rose, and
+the little Horace (the sleeping Rosebud had already been softly kissed in
+her crib).
+
+Her idolized father only remained; and now all her gayety forsook her, all
+her calmness gave way, and clinging about his neck, "Papa, papa, oh papa!"
+she cried, with a burst of tears and sobs.
+
+    "Holy and pure are the drops that fall,
+     When the young bride goes from her father's hall;
+     She goes unto love yet untried and new--
+     She parts from love which hath still been true."
+
+It was his turn now to comfort her. "Darling daughter," he said, caressing
+her with exceeding tenderness, "we do not part for long. Should it please
+God to spare our lives, I shall have my precious one in my arms in a few
+short weeks. Meantime we can have a little talk on paper every day. Shall
+we not?"
+
+"Yes, yes, dear, dear, precious father."
+
+Mr. Travilla stood by with a face full of compassionate tenderness.
+Putting one hand into her father's, Elsie turned, gave him the other, and
+together they led her to the carriage and placed her in it. There was a
+hearty, lingering hand-shaking between the two gentlemen. Mr. Travilla
+took his seat by Elsie's side, and amid a chorus of good-byes they were
+whirled rapidly away.
+
+"Cheer up, my dear," said Rose, leaning affectionately on her husband's
+arm; "it is altogether addition and not subtraction; you have not lost a
+daughter but gained a son."
+
+"These rooms tell a different tale," he answered with a sigh. "How
+desolate they seem. But this is no time for the indulgence of sadness. We
+must return to our guests, and see that all goes merry as a marriage bell
+with them till the last has taken his departure."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.
+
+                                  "My bride,
+    My wife, my life. O we will walk this world
+    Yok'd in all exercise of noble aim
+    And so through those dark gates across the wild
+    That no man knows."
+                              --TENNYSON'S PRINCESS.
+
+
+Elsie's tears were falling fast, but an arm as strong and kind as her
+father's stole quietly about her, a hand as gentle and tender as a woman's
+drew the weary head to a resting-place on her husband's shoulder, smoothed
+back the hair from the heated brow, and wiped away the falling drops.
+
+"My wife! my own precious little wife!"
+
+How the word, the tone, thrilled her! her very heart leaped for joy
+through all the pain of parting from one scarcely less dear. "My husband,"
+she murmured, low and shyly--it seemed so strange to call him that, so
+almost bold and forward--"my dear, kind friend, to be neither hurt nor
+angry at my foolish weeping."
+
+"Not foolish, dear one, but perfectly natural and right. I understand it;
+I who know so well what your father has been to you these many years."
+
+"Father and mother both."
+
+"Yes; tutor, friend, companion, confidant, everything. I know, dear little
+wife, that you are sacrificing much for me, even though the separation
+will be but partial. And how I love you for it, and for all you are to
+me, God only knows."
+
+The tears had ceased to flow; love, joy, and thankfulness were regaining
+their ascendancy in the heart of the youthful bride; she became again
+calmly, serenely happy.
+
+The journey was accomplished without accident. They were favored with
+warm, bright days, clear, starlit nights; and on as lovely an afternoon as
+was ever known in that delicious clime, reached Viamede.
+
+Great preparations had been made for their reception; banners were
+streaming, and flags flying from balconies and tree-tops. Mr. Mason met
+them at the pier with a face beaming with delight; Spriggs with a stiff
+bow. A gun was fired and a drum began to beat as they stepped ashore; two
+pretty mulatto girls scattered flowers in their path, and passing under a
+grand triumphal arch they presently found themselves between two long rows
+of smiling, bowing negroes, whose fervent ejaculations: "God bless our
+dear young missus an' her husband!" "God bless you, massa an' missus!"
+"Welcome home!" "Welcome to Viamede!" "We've not forgot you, Miss Elsie;
+you's as welcome as de daylight!" affected our tender-hearted heroine
+almost to tears.
+
+She had a kind word for each, remembering all their names, and inquiring
+after their "miseries"; every one was permitted to take her small white
+hand, many of them kissing it with fervent affection. They were introduced
+to their "new master," too (that was what she called him), and shaken
+hands with by him in a cordial interested way that won their hearts at
+once.
+
+Aunt Phillis was in her glory, serving up a feast the preparation of which
+had exhausted the united skill of both Aunt Sally and herself. Their
+efforts were duly appreciated and praised, the viands evidently greatly
+enjoyed, all to their intense delight.
+
+Mr. Mason was invited to partake with the bride and groom, and assigned
+the seat of honor at Mr. Travilla's right hand. Elsie presided over the
+tea-urn with the same gentle dignity and grace as when her father occupied
+the chair at the opposite end of the table, now filled by her husband. Her
+traveling dress had been exchanged for one of simple white, and there were
+white flowers in her hair and at her throat. Very sweet and charming she
+looked, not only in the eyes of her husband, who seemed to find her fair
+face a perpetual feast, but in those of all others who saw her.
+
+On leaving the table they repaired to the library, where Mr. Mason gave a
+report of the condition of the people and his work among them, also
+assuring Mrs. Travilla that Spriggs had carefully carried out her wishes,
+that the prospect for the crops was fine, and everything on the estate in
+excellent order.
+
+She expressed her gratification, appealing to Mr. Travilla for his
+approval, which was cordially given; said she had brought a little gift
+for each of the people, and desired they should be sent up to the house
+about sunset the next evening to receive it.
+
+The chaplain promised that her order should be attended to, then retired,
+leaving husband and wife alone together.
+
+"All very satisfactory, my little friend, was it not?" said Mr. Travilla.
+
+"Yes, sir, very. I'm so glad to have secured such a man as Mr. Mason to
+look after the welfare of these poor helpless creatures. And you like the
+house, Mr. Travilla, do you not?"
+
+"Very much, so far as I have seen it. This is a beautiful room, and the
+dining-room pleased me equally well."
+
+"Ah, I am eager to show you all!" she cried, rising quickly and laying her
+hand on the bell-rope.
+
+"Stay, little wife, not to-night," he said, "you are too much fatigued."
+
+She glided to the back of the easy chair in which he sat, and leaning over
+him, said laughingly, "I'm not conscious of being fatigued, but I have
+promised to obey and----"
+
+"Hush, hush!" he said flushing, "I meant to have that left out; and did I
+not tell you you were to have your own way that night and ever after?
+You've already done enough of obeying to last you a lifetime. But please
+come round where I can see you better." Then, as she stepped to his side,
+he threw an arm about her and drew her to his knee.
+
+"But it wasn't left out," she said, shyly returning his fond caress; "I
+promised and must keep my word."
+
+"Ah, but if you can't, you can't; how will you obey when you get no
+orders?"
+
+"So you don't mean to give me any?"
+
+"No, indeed; I'm your husband, your friend, your protector, your lover,
+but not your master."
+
+"Now, Mr. Travilla----"
+
+"I asked you to call me Edward."
+
+"But it seems so disrespectful."
+
+"More so than to remind me of the disparity of our years? or than to
+disregard my earnest wish? Then I think I'll have to require the keeping
+of the promise in this one thing. Say Edward, little wife, and never again
+call me Mr. Travilla when we are alone."
+
+"Well, Edward, I will try to obey; and if I use the wrong word through
+forgetfulness you must please excuse it. But ah, I remember papa would say
+that was no excuse."
+
+"But I shall not be so strict--unless you forget too often. I have
+sometimes thought my friend too hard with his tender-hearted, sensitive
+little daughter."
+
+"Don't blame him--my dear, dear father!" she said, low and tremulously,
+her face growing grave and almost sad for the moment. "He was very strict,
+it is true, but none too strict in the matter of requiring prompt and
+implicit obedience, and oh, so kind, so loving, so tender, so
+sympathizing. I could, and did go to him with every little childish joy
+and sorrow, every trouble, vexation, and perplexity; always sure of
+sympathy, and help, too, if needed. Never once did he repulse me, or show
+himself an uninterested listener.
+
+"He would take me on his knee, hear all I had to say, clasp me close to
+his heart, caress me, call me pet names, joy, sorrow with, or counsel me
+as the case required, and bid me always come freely to him so, assuring me
+that nothing which concerned me, one way or another, was too trivial to
+interest him, and he would be glad to know I had not a thought or feeling
+concealed from him. I doubt if even you, my friend, have ever known all
+that papa has been and is to me: father, mother, everything--but
+husband," she added with a blush and smile, as her eyes met the kindly,
+tender look in his.
+
+"Ah, that is my blessed privilege," he whispered, drawing her closer to
+him. "My wife, my own precious little wife! God keep me from ever being
+less tender, loving, sympathizing to you than your father has been."
+
+"I do not fear it, my husband. Oh, was ever woman so blessed with love as
+I! Daughter, and wife! they are the sweetest of all names when addressed
+to me by papa's lips and yours."
+
+"I ought not to find fault with his training, seeing what credit you do
+it. However, you seemed to me as near perfection as possible before he
+began. Ah, my little friend, for how many years I loved you with scarcely
+a hope it would ever be returned in the way I wished. Indeed I can hardly
+yet believe fully in my own happiness," he concluded with a joyous laugh.
+The next day Elsie had the pleasure of showing her husband over the house
+first, and then the estate. Their life at Viamede, for the few weeks of
+their stay, seemed much like a repetition of her visit there the year
+before with her father. They took the same rides, walks and drives; glided
+over the clear waters of the bayou in the same boat; sought out each spot
+of beauty or interest he had shown her; were, if possible, even more
+constantly together, reading, writing, or engaged with music in library or
+drawing-room, seated side by side on veranda or lawn enjoying
+conversation, book or periodical; or, it might be, silently musing, hand
+in hand, by the soft moonlight that lent such a witchery to the lovely
+landscape. A pleasanter honeymoon could hardly have been devised.
+
+In one thing, however, they were disappointed: they had hoped to be left
+entirely to each other; but it was impossible to conceal their presence at
+Viamede from the hospitable neighbors, and calls and invitations had to be
+received and returned. But, both being eminently fitted to shine in
+society, and each proud to display the other, this state of things did
+not, after all, so greatly interfere with their enjoyment.
+
+In fact, so delightful did they find their life in that lovely country
+that they lingered week after week till nearly six had slipped away, and
+letters from home began to be urgent for their return. Mr. Dinsmore was
+wearying for his daughter, Mrs. Travilla for her son, and scarcely less
+for the daughter so long vainly hoped for.
+
+Every day a servant was despatched to the nearest post-office with their
+mail, generally returning as full handed as he went. Mr. Dinsmore's
+letters were, as he had promised, daily, and never left unanswered. The
+old love was not, could not be forgotten in the new. Elsie was no less a
+daughter because she had become a wife; but Edward was always a sharer in
+her enjoyment, and she in his.
+
+They were sitting on the veranda one morning when Uncle Ben rode up and
+handed the mail-box to his master. Mr. Travilla hastened to open it, gave
+Elsie her letters and began the perusal of his own.
+
+A softly breathed sigh called his attention to her.
+
+"What is it, little wife?" he asked; "your face is grave almost to
+sadness."
+
+"I was thinking," she answered, with her eye still upon her father's
+letter open in her hand. "Papa says," and she read aloud from the sheet,
+"How long you are lingering in Viamede. When will you return? Tell
+Travilla I am longing for a sight of the dear face his eyes are feasting
+upon, and he must remember his promise not to part us.
+
+"I am writing in your boudoir. I have been thinking of the time (it seems
+but yesterday) when I had you here a little girl, sitting on my knee
+reciting your lessons or listening with almost rapt attention to my
+remarks and explanations. Never before had tutor so dear, sweet, and
+interesting a scholar!"
+
+"A fond father's partiality," she remarked, looking up with a smile and
+blush. "But never, I am sure, was such another tutor; his lucid
+explanations, intense interest in the subject and his pupil, apt
+illustrations, and fund of information constantly opened up to me, made my
+lessons a delight."
+
+"He has made you wonderfully well informed and thorough," said her
+husband.
+
+She colored with pleasure.
+
+"Such words are very sweet, coming from your lips. You appreciate papa."
+
+"Yes, indeed, and his daughter too, I hope," he answered, smiling fondly
+upon her. "Yes, your father and I have been like brothers since we were
+little fellows. It seems absurd to think of him in any other relation."
+
+"But what about going home? isn't it time, as papa thinks?"
+
+"That you shall decide, _ma chere_; our life here has been very delightful
+to me, and to you also, I hope."
+
+"Very, if we had your mother and papa and mamma and the children here, I
+should like to stay all winter. But as it is I think we ought to return
+soon." He assented, and after a little more consultation they decided to
+go soon--not later than the middle of the next week, but the day was not
+set.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.
+
+    "The low reeds bent by the streamlet's side,
+     And hills to the thunder peal replied;
+     The lightning burst on its fearful way
+     While the heavens were lit in its red array."
+                         --WILLIS GAYLORD CLARK.
+
+
+
+    "Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge
+     Accurs'd, and in a cursed hour he hies."
+                        --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+They were alone that evening, and retired earlier than usual. They had
+been quietly sleeping for some time when Elsie was wakened by a sudden
+gust of wind that swept round the house, rattling doors and windows; then
+followed the roll and crash of thunder, peal on peal, accompanied with
+vivid flashes of lightning.
+
+Elsie was not timid in regard to thunder and lightning; she knew so well
+that they were entirely under the control of her Father, without whom not
+a hair of her head could perish; she lay listening to the war of the
+elements, thinking of the words of the Psalmist, "The clouds poured out
+water: the skies sent out a sound; Thine arrows also went abroad. The
+voice of Thy thunder was in the heaven; the lightnings lightened the
+world, the earth trembled and shook."
+
+But another sound startled her. Surely she heard some stealthy step on the
+veranda upon which the windows of the room opened (long windows reaching
+from the floor almost to the ceiling), and then a hand at work with the
+fastenings of the shutters of the one farthest from the bed.
+
+Her husband lay sleeping by her side. She half raised herself in the bed,
+put her lips to his ear, and shaking him slightly, whispered, "Edward,
+some one is trying to get in at the window!"
+
+He was wide-awake in an instant, raised himself and while listening
+intently took a loaded revolver from under his pillow and cocked it ready
+for use.
+
+"Lie down, darling," he whispered; "it will be safer, and should the
+villain get in, this will soon settle him, I think."
+
+"Don't kill him, if you can save yourself without," she answered, in the
+same low tone and with a shudder.
+
+"No; if I could see, I should aim for his right arm."
+
+A moment of silent waiting, the slight sound of the burglar's tool faintly
+heard amid the noise of the storm, then the shutter flew open, a man
+stepped in; at that instant a vivid flash of lightning showed the three to
+each other, and the men fired simultaneously.
+
+A heavy, rolling crash of thunder followed close upon the sharp crack of
+the revolvers; the robber's pistol fell with a loud thump upon the floor
+and he turned and fled along the veranda, this time moving with more haste
+than caution. They distinctly heard the flying footsteps.
+
+"I must have hit him," said Mr. Travilla, "Dearest, you are not hurt?"
+
+"No, no; but you?"
+
+"Have escaped also, thank God," he added, with earnest solemnity.
+
+Elsie, springing to the bell-rope, sent peal after peal resounding through
+the house. "He must be pursued, if possible!" she cried; "for oh, Edward,
+your life is in danger as long as he is at large. You recognized him?"
+
+"Yes, Tom Jackson; I thought him safe in prison at the North; but probably
+he has been bailed out; perhaps by one of his own gang; for so are the
+ends of justice often defeated."
+
+He was hurrying on his clothes as he spoke. Elsie had hastily donned
+dressing-gown and slippers, and now struck a light.
+
+Steps and voices were heard in the hall without, while Aunt Chloe coming
+in from the other side, asked in tones tremulous with affright, "What's de
+matter? what's de matter, darlin'? is you hurted?"
+
+"No, mammy; but there was a burglar here a moment since," said Elsie. "He
+and Mr. Travilla fired at each other, and he must be pursued instantly.
+Send Uncle Joe to rouse Mr. Spriggs and the boys, and go after him with
+all speed."
+
+Meantime Mr. Mason was knocking at the door opening into the hall, asking
+what was wrong and offering his services; a number of negro men's voices
+adding, "Massa and missus, we's all heyah and ready to fight for ye."
+
+Mr. Travilla opened the door, briefly explained what had happened, and
+repeated Elsie's order for an immediate and hot pursuit.
+
+"I myself will head it," he was adding, when she interposed.
+
+"No, no, no, my husband, surely you will not think of it; he may kill you
+yet. Or he might return from another direction, and what could I do with
+only the women to help me? Oh, Edward, don't go! don't leave me!" And she
+clung to him trembling and with tears in the soft, entreating eyes.
+
+"No, dearest, you are right. I will stay here to protect you, and Spriggs
+may lead the boys," he answered, throwing an arm about her. "I think I
+wounded the fellow," he added to Mr. Mason. "Here, Aunt Chloe, bring the
+light nearer."
+
+Yes, there lay a heavy revolver, and beside it a pool of blood on the
+carpet where the villain had stood; and there was a bloody trail all along
+the veranda where he had run, and on the railing and pillar by which he
+had swung himself to the ground; indeed, they could track him by it for
+some distance over the lawn, where the trees kept the ground partially
+dry; but beyond that the rain coming down in sheets, had helped the
+fugitive by washing away the telltale stains.
+
+Elsie shuddering and turning pale and faint at the horrible sight, ordered
+an immediate and thorough cleansing of both carpet and veranda.
+
+"Dere's hot water in de kitchen," said Aunt Phillis. "You, Sal an' Bet,
+hurry up yah wid a big basin full, an' soap an' sand an' house-cloths.
+Glad 'nuff dat massa shot dat ole debbil, but Miss Elsie's house not to be
+defiled wid his dirty blood."
+
+"Cold watah fust, Aunt Phillis," interposed Chloe, "cold watah fust to
+take out blood-stain, den de hot after dat."
+
+"Mammy knows; do as she directs," said Elsie, hastily retreating into her
+dressing-room.
+
+"My darling, this has been too much for you," her husband said tenderly,
+helping her to lie down on a sofa.
+
+Chloe came hurrying in with a tumbler of cold water in one hand, a bottle
+of smelling salts in the other, her dusky face full of concern.
+
+Mr. Travilla took the articles from her. "That is right, but I will attend
+to your mistress," he said in a kindly tone; "and do you go and prepare a
+bed for her in one of the rooms on the other side of the hall."
+
+"It is hardly worth while, dear," said Elsie; "I don't think I can sleep
+again to-night."
+
+"Yet perhaps you may; it is only two o'clock," he said, as the timepiece
+on the mantle struck the hour, "and at least you may rest a little better
+than you could here."
+
+"And perhaps you may sleep. Yes, mammy, get the bed ready as soon as you
+can."
+
+"My darling, how pale you are!" Mr. Travilla said with concern, as he
+knelt by her side, applying the restoratives. "Do not be alarmed; I am
+quite sure the man's right arm is disabled, and therefore the danger is
+past, for the present at least."
+
+She put her arm about his neck and relieved her full heart with a burst of
+tears. "Pray, praise," she whispered; "oh, thank the Lord for your narrow
+escape; the ball must have passed very near your head; I heard it whiz
+over mine and strike the opposite wall."
+
+"Yes, it just grazed my hair and carried away a lock, I think. Yes, let us
+thank the Lord." And he poured out a short but fervent thanksgiving, to
+every word of which her heart said "Amen!"
+
+"Yes, there is a lock gone, sure enough," she said, stroking his hair
+caressingly as he bent over her. "Ah, if we had not lingered so long here,
+this would not have happened."
+
+"Not here, but elsewhere perhaps."
+
+"That is true, and no doubt all has been ordered for the best."
+
+Aunt Chloe presently returned, with the announcement that the bed was
+ready; and they retired for the second time, leaving the house in the care
+of Uncle Joe and the women servants.
+
+It was some time before Elsie could compose herself to sleep, but near
+daybreak she fell into a deep slumber that lasted until long past the
+usual breakfast hour. Mr. Travilla slept late also, while the vigilant
+Aunts Chloe and Phillis and Uncle Joe took care that no noise should be
+made, no intruder allowed access to their vicinity to disturb them.
+
+The first news that greeted them on leaving their room, was of the failure
+of the pursuit after the burglar. He had managed to elude the search, and
+to their chagrin Spriggs and his party had been obliged to return
+empty-handed. The servants were the first to tell the tale, then Spriggs
+came in with a fuller report.
+
+"The scoundrel!" he growled; "how he contrived to do it I can't tell. If
+we'd had hounds, he couldn't. We've none on the place, but if you say so,
+I'll borrow----"
+
+"No, no! Mr. Travilla, you will not allow it" cried Elsie, turning an
+entreating look upon him.
+
+"No, Spriggs, the man must be greatly weakened by the loss of blood, and,
+unable to defend himself, might be torn to pieces by them before you could
+prevent it."
+
+"Small loss to the rest of the world if he was," grumbled the overseer.
+
+"Yes, but I wouldn't have him die such a death as that; or hurried into
+eternity without a moment for repentance."
+
+"But might it not be well to have another search?" suggested Elsie. "He
+had better be given up to justice, even for his own good, than die in the
+woods of weakness and starvation."
+
+"Hands are all so busy with the sugar-cane just now, ma'am, that I don't
+see how they could be spared," answered Spriggs. "And tell you what,
+ma'am"--as if struck with a sudden thought--"the rascal must have a
+confederate that's helped him off."
+
+"Most likely," said Mr. Travilla. "Indeed, I think it must be so. And you
+need give yourself no further anxiety about him, my dear."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.
+
+    "Revenge at first though sweet,
+     Bitter erelong, back on itself recoils."
+                   --MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+At the instant of discharging his revolver, Jackson felt a sharp stinging
+pain in his right arm, and it dropped useless at his side. He hoped he had
+killed both Mr. Travilla and Elsie; but, an arrant coward and thus
+disabled, did not dare to remain a moment to learn with certainty the
+effect of his shot, but rushing along the veranda, threw himself over the
+railing, and sliding down a pillar, by the aid of the one hand, and with
+no little pain and difficulty, made off with all speed across the lawn.
+
+But he was bleeding at so fearful a rate that he found himself compelled
+to pause long enough to improvise a tourniquet by knotting his
+handkerchief above the wound, tying it as tightly as he could with the
+left hand aided by his teeth. He stooped and felt on the ground in the
+darkness and rain, for a stick, by means of which to tighten it still
+more; for the bleeding, though considerably checked, was by no means
+stanched. But sticks, stones, and every kind of litter, had long been
+banished thence; his fingers came in contact with nothing but the smooth,
+velvety turf, and with a muttered curse, he rose and fled again; for the
+flashing of lights, the loud ringing of a bell, peal after peal, and
+sounds of running feet and many voices in high excited tones, told him
+there was danger of a quick and hot pursuit.
+
+Clearing the lawn, he presently struck into a bridle-path that led to the
+woods. Here he again paused to search for the much-needed stick, found one
+suited to his purpose, and by its aid succeeded in decreasing still more
+the drain upon his life current; yet could not stop the flow entirely.
+
+But sounds of pursuit began to be heard in the distance, and he hastened
+on again, panting with weakness, pain and affright. Leaving the path, he
+plunged deeper into the woods, ran for some distance along the edge of a
+swamp, and leaping in up to his knees in mud and water, doubled on his
+track, then turned again, and penetrating farther and farther into the
+depths of the morass, finally climbed a tree, groaning with the pain the
+effort cost him, and concealed himself among the branches.
+
+His pursuers came up to the spot where he had made his plunge into the
+water; here they paused, evidently at fault. He could hear the sound of
+their footsteps and voices, and judge of their movements by the gleam of
+the torches many of them carried.
+
+Some now took one direction, some another, and he perceived with joy that
+his stratagem had been at least partially successful. One party, however,
+soon followed him into the swamp. He could hear Spriggs urging them on and
+anathematizing him as "a scoundrel, robber, burglar, murderer, who ought
+to be swung up to the nearest tree."
+
+Every thicket was undergoing a thorough search, heads were thrown back and
+torches held high that eager blacks eyes might scan the tree-tops, and
+Jackson began to grow sick with the almost certainty of being taken, as
+several stout negroes drew nearer and nearer his chosen hiding-place.
+
+He uttered a low, breathed imprecation upon his useless right arm, and the
+man whose sure aim had made it so. "But for you," he muttered, grinding
+his teeth, "I'd sell my life dear."
+
+But the rain, which had slackened for a time, again poured down in
+torrents, the torches sputtered and went out, and the pursuers turned back
+in haste to gain the firmer soil, where less danger was to be apprehended
+from alligators, panthers, and poisonous reptiles.
+
+The search was kept up for some time longer, with no light but an
+occasional flash from the skies; but finally abandoned, as we have seen.
+
+Jackson passed several hours most uncomfortably and painfully on his
+elevated perch, quaking with fear of both man and reptile, not daring to
+come down or to sleep in his precarious position, or able to do so for the
+pain of his wound, and growing hour by hour weaker from the bleeding which
+it was impossible to check entirely.
+
+Then his mind was in a state of great disturbance, His wound must be
+dressed, and that speedily; yet how could it be accomplished without
+imperiling life and liberty? Perhaps he had now two new murders on his
+hands; he did not know, but he had at least attempted to take life, and
+the story would fly on the wings of the wind; such stories always did.
+
+He had been lurking about the neighborhood for days, and had learned that
+Dr. Balis, an excellent physician and surgeon, lived on a plantation, some
+two or three miles eastward from Viamede. He must contrive a plausible
+story, and go to him; at break of day, before the news of the attack on
+Viamede would be likely to reach him. It would be a risk, but what better
+could be done? He might succeed in quieting the doctor's suspicions, and
+yet make good his escape from the vicinity.
+
+The storm had spent itself before the break of day, and descending from
+his perch with the first faint rays of light that penetrated the gloomy
+recesses of the swamp, he made his way out of it, slowly and toilsomely,
+with weary, aching limbs, suffering intensely from the gnawings of hunger
+and thirst, the pain of his injury, and the fear of being overtaken by the
+avengers of his innocent victims. Truly, as the Bible tells us, "the way
+of transgressors is hard."
+
+The sun was more than an hour high when Dr. Balis, ready to start upon his
+morning round, and pacing thoughtfully to and fro upon the veranda of his
+dwelling while waiting for his horse, saw a miserable looking object
+coming up the avenue: a man almost covered from head to foot with blood
+and mud; a white handkerchief, also both bloody and muddy, knotted around
+the right arm, which hung apparently useless at his side. The man reeled
+as he walked, either from intoxication or weakness and fatigue.
+
+The doctor judged the latter, and called to a servant, "Nap, go and help
+that man into the office." Then hurrying thither himself, got out lint,
+bandages, instruments, whatever might be needed for the dressing of a
+wound. With the assistance of Nap's strong arm, the man tottered in, then
+sank, half fainting, into a chair.
+
+"A glass of wine, Nap, quick!" cried the doctor, sprinkling some water in
+his patient's face, and applying ammonia to his nostrils.
+
+He revived sufficiently to swallow with eager avidity the wine Nap held to
+his lips.
+
+"Food, for the love of God," he gasped. "I'm starving!"
+
+"Bread, meat, coffee, anything that is on the table, Nap," said his
+master; "and don't let the grass grow under your feet."
+
+Then to the stranger, and taking gentle hold of the wounded limb: "But you
+need this flow of blood stanched more than anything else. You came to me
+for surgical aid, of course. Pistol-shot wound, eh? and a bad one at
+that."
+
+"Yes, I----"
+
+"Never mind; I'll hear your story after your arm's dressed and you've had
+your breakfast. You haven't strength for talk just now."
+
+Dr. Balis had his own suspicions as he ripped up the coat sleeve, bared
+the swollen limb, and carefully dressed the wound; but kept them to
+himself. The stranger's clothes, though much soiled and torn in several
+places by contact with thorns and briers, were of good material,
+fashionable cut, and not old or worn; his manners were gentlemanly, and
+his speech was that of an educated man. But all this was no proof that he
+was not a villain.
+
+"Is that mortification?" asked the sufferer, looking ruefully at the
+black, swollen hand and fore-arm, and wincing under the doctor's touch as
+he took up the artery and tied it.
+
+"No, no; only the stagnation of the blood."
+
+"Will the limb ever be good for anything again?"
+
+"Oh yes; neither the bone nor nerve has suffered injury; the ball has
+glanced from the bone, passed under the nerve, and cut the humeral artery.
+Your tourniquet has saved you from bleeding to death. 'Tis well you knew
+enough to apply it. The flesh is much torn where the ball passed out; but
+that will heal in time."
+
+The doctor's task was done. Nap had set a plate of food within reach of
+the stranger's left hand, and he was devouring it like a hungry wolf.
+
+"Now, sir," said the good doctor, when the meal was finished, "I should
+like to hear how you came by that ugly wound. I can't deny that things
+look suspicious. I know everybody, high and low, rich and poor, for miles
+in every direction, and so need no proof that you do not belong to the
+neighborhood."
+
+"No; a party of us, from New Orleans last, came out to visit this
+beautiful region. We were roaming through a forest yesterday, looking for
+game, when I somehow got separated from the rest, lost my way, darkness
+came on, and wondering hither and thither in the vain effort to find my
+comrades, tumbling over logs and fallen trees, scratched and torn by
+brambles, almost eaten up by mosquitos, I thought I was having a dreadful
+time of it. But worse was to come; for I presently found myself in a swamp
+up to my knees in mud and water, and in the pitchy darkness tumbling over
+another fallen tree, struck my revolver, which I had foolishly been
+carrying in my coat pocket: it went off and shot me in the arm, as you
+see. That must have been early in the night; and what with loss of blood,
+pain, fatigue, and long fasting, I had but little strength when daylight
+came and I could see to get out of swamp and woods, and come on here."
+
+The doctor listened in silence, his face telling nothing of his thoughts.
+
+"A bad business," he said, rising and beginning to draw on his gloves.
+"You are not fit to travel, but are welcome to stay here for the present;
+had better lie down on the sofa there and take a nap while I am away
+visiting my patients. Nap, clean the mud and blood from the gentleman's
+clothes; take his boots out and clean them too; and see that he doesn't
+want for attention while I am gone. Good-morning, sir; make yourself at
+home." And the doctor walked out, giving Nap a slight sign to follow him.
+
+"Nap," he said, when they were out of ear-shot of the stranger, "watch
+that man and keep him here if possible, till I come back."
+
+"Yes, sah."
+
+Nap went back into the office while the doctor mounted and rode away.
+
+"Humph," he said, half aloud, as he cantered briskly along, "took me for a
+fool, did he? thought I couldn't tell where the shot went in and where it
+came out, or where it would go in or out if caused in that way. No, sir,
+you never gave yourself that wound; but the question is who did? and what
+for? have you been house-breaking or some other mischief?" Dr. Balis was
+traveling in the direction of Viamede, intending to call there too, but
+having several patients to visit on the way, did not arrive until the late
+breakfast of its master and mistress was over.
+
+They were seated together on the veranda, her hand in his, the other arm
+thrown lightly about her waist, talking earnestly, and so engrossed with
+each other and the subject of their conversation, that they did not at
+first observe the doctor's approach.
+
+Uncle Joe was at work on the lawn, clearing away the leaves and twigs
+blown down by the storm.
+
+"Mornin', Massa Doctah; did you heyah de news, sah?" he said, pulling off
+his hat and making a profound obeisance, as he stepped forward to take the
+visitor's horse.
+
+"No, uncle, what is it?"
+
+"Burglah, sir, burglah broke in de house las' night, an' fire he revolvah
+at massa an' Miss Elsie. Miss dem, dough, an' got shot hisself."
+
+"Possible!" cried the doctor in great excitement, springing from the
+saddle and hurrying up the steps of the veranda.
+
+"Ah, doctor, good-morning. Glad to see you, sir," said Mr. Travilla,
+rising to give the physician a hearty shake of the hand.
+
+"Thank you, sir. How are you after your fright? Mrs. Travilla, you are
+looking a little pale; and no wonder. Uncle Joe tells me you had a visit
+from a burglar last night?"
+
+"A murderer, sir; one whose object was to take my husband's life," Elsie
+answered with a shudder, and in low, tremulous tones, leaning on Edward's
+arm and gazing into his face with eyes swimming with tears of love and
+gratitude.
+
+"My wife's also, I fear," Mr. Travilla said with emotion, fondly stroking
+her sunny hair.
+
+"Indeed! why this is worse and worse! But he did not succeed in wounding
+either of you?"
+
+"No; his ball passed over our heads, grazing mine so closely as to cut off
+a lock of my hair. But I wounded him, must have cut an artery, I think,
+from the bloody trail he left behind him."
+
+"An artery?" cried the doctor, growing more and more excited; "where? do
+you know where your ball struck?"
+
+"A flash of lightning showed us to each other and we fired simultaneously,
+I aiming for his right arm. I do not often miss my aim: we heard his
+revolver fall to the floor and he fled instantly, leaving it and a trail
+of blood before him."
+
+"You had him pursued promptly, of course?"
+
+"Yes; but they did not find him. I expected to see them return with his
+corpse, thinking he must bleed to death in a very short time. But I
+presume he had an accomplice who was able to stanch the flow of blood and
+carry him away."
+
+"No, I don't think he had; and if I'm not greatly mistaken I dressed his
+wound in my office this morning, and left him there in charge of my boy
+Nap, bidding him keep the fellow there, if possible, till I came back. I'd
+better return at once, lest he should make his escape. Do you know the
+man? and can you describe him?"
+
+"I do; I can," replied Mr. Travilla. "But, my little wife, how you are
+trembling! Sit down here, dearest, and lean on me," leading her to a sofa.
+"And doctor, take that chair.
+
+"The man's name is Tom Jackson; he is a noted gambler and forger, has been
+convicted of manslaughter and other crimes, sent to the penitentiary and
+pardoned out. He hates me because I have exposed his evil deeds, and
+prevented the carrying out of some of his wicked designs. He has before
+this threatened both our lives. He is about your height and build, doctor;
+can assume the manners and speech of a gentleman; has dark hair, eyes, and
+whiskers, regular features, and but for a sinister look would be very
+handsome."
+
+"It's he and no mistake!" cried Dr. Balis, rising in haste. "I must hurry
+home and prevent his escape. Why, it's really dangerous to have him at
+large. If he wasn't so disabled I'd tremble for the lives of my wife and
+children.
+
+"He trumped up a story to tell me--had his revolver in his coat pocket,
+set it off in tumbling over a log in the dark, and so shot himself. Of
+course I knew 'twas a lie, because in that case the ball would have
+entered from below, at the back of the arm, and come out above, while the
+reverse was the case."
+
+"But how could you tell where it entered or where it passed out, doctor?"
+inquired Elsie.
+
+"How, Mrs. Travilla? Why, where it goes in it makes merely a small hole;
+you see nothing but a blue mark; but a much larger opening in passing out,
+often tearing the flesh a good deal; as in this case.
+
+"Ah, either he was a fool or thought I was. But good-bye. I shall gallop
+home as fast as possible and send back word whether I find him there or
+not."
+
+"Don't take the trouble, doctor," said Mr. Travilla; "we will mount and
+follow you at once, to identify him if he is to be found. Shall we not,
+wife?"
+
+"If you say so, Edward, and are quite sure he cannot harm you now?"
+
+"No danger, Mrs. Travilla," cried the doctor, looking back as he rode
+off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.
+
+    "Oft those whose cruelty makes many mourn
+     Do by the fires which they first kindle burn."
+                            --EARL OF STIRLING.
+
+    "As crimes do grow, justice should rouse itself."
+                                --JOHNSON'S CATILINE.
+
+
+Jackson thought he read suspicion in the doctor's eye as the latter left
+the office; also he felt sure the physician would not ride far before
+hearing of the attack on Viamede, and would speedily come at the truth by
+putting that and that together; perhaps return with a party of avengers,
+and hang him to a tree in the adjacent forest.
+
+"I must get out o' this before I'm an hour older," said the scoundrel to
+himself. "Oh, for the strength I had yesterday!"
+
+"Why don't you lie down, sah, as Massa Doctah tole ye?" asked Nap,
+returning. "Massa always 'spects folks to do prezactly as he tells dem."
+
+"Why, Sambo, I'm too dirty to lie on that nice sofa," replied Jackson,
+glancing down at his soiled garments.
+
+"Sambo's not my name, sah," said the negro, drawing himself up with
+dignity; "I'se Napoleon Boningparty George Washington Marquis de
+Lafayette, an' dey calls me Nap for short. If ye'll take off dat coat,
+sah, an' dem boots, I'll take 'em out to de kitchen yard an' clean 'em."
+
+"Thank you; if you will I'll give you a dollar. And if you'll brush the
+mud from my pants first, I'll try the sofa; for I'm nearly dead for sleep
+and rest."
+
+"All right, sah," and Nap went to a closet, brought out a whisk, and using
+it vigorously upon the pantaloons, soon brushed away the mud, which the
+sun had made very dry. A few blood stains were left, but there was no help
+for that at present. The coat was taken off with some difficulty on
+account of the wounded arm, then the boots, and Jackson laid himself down
+on the sofa and closed his eyes.
+
+Nap threw the coat over his arm, and taking the boots in the other hand
+went softly out, closing the door behind him. "Safe 'nuff now, I reckon,"
+he chuckled to himself; "guess he not trabble far widout dese."
+
+He was hardly gone, however, when Jackson roused himself and forced his
+weary eyes to unclose. "As dangerous as to go to sleep when freezing," he
+muttered. He rose, stepped to the closet door, and opened it.
+
+A pair of boots stood on the floor, a coat hung on a peg. He helped
+himself to both, sat down and drew on the boots, which were a little too
+large but went on all the more readily for that. Now for the coat. It was
+not new, but by no means shabby. He took out his knife, hastily ripped up
+the right sleeve and put it on. It fitted even better than the boots.
+
+Nap had brought a bottle of wine and left it on the office table,
+forgetting to carry it back to the dining-room. Jackson took it up, and
+placing it to his mouth drained the last drop. Then putting on his hat, he
+stole softly from the house and down the avenue.
+
+To his great joy a boat was just passing in the direction to take him
+farther from Viamede. He signaled it, and was taken aboard.
+
+"Been getting Dr. Balis to patch up a wound, eh, stranger?" said the
+skipper, glancing at the disabled arm.
+
+"Yes;" and Jackson repeated the story already told to the surgeon.
+
+The skipper sympathized and advised a rest in the cabin.
+
+"Thank you," said Jackson; "but I'm only going a few miles, when I'll
+reach a point where, by taking to the woods again, I'll be likely to find
+my friends; who are doubtless anxious to know what has become of me."
+
+"Very well, sir, when we come to the right place, just let us know and
+we'll put you off."
+
+Evidently the skipper had heard nothing to arouse his suspicions. Jackson
+was landed at the spot he pointed out--a lonely one on the edge of a
+forest, without question or demur, and the boat went on its way.
+
+He watched it till it disappeared from view, then plunging into the woods,
+presently found a narrow foot-path, pursuing which for an hour or so he
+came out into a small clearing. At the farther side, built just on the
+edge of the forest, was a rude log cabin. A slatternly woman stood in the
+open doorway.
+
+"So ye did get back at last?" she remarked, as he drew near. "I'd most
+give ye up. What ails your arm now?"
+
+He briefly repeated his story to the doctor and skipper; then asked
+hurriedly, "Is my horse all right?"
+
+The woman nodded. "I've tuck good care on her. Now where's the gold ye
+promised me?"
+
+"Here," he said, taking out, and holding up before her delighted eyes,
+several shining half-eagles; "have my horse saddled and bridled and
+brought round to the door here as quickly as possible, and these are
+yours."
+
+"I'll do it. Bill," to a half-grown youth who sat on a rude bench within
+lazily smoking a pipe--"run and fetch the gentleman's hoss. But what's yer
+hurry, mister?"
+
+"This," he answered, pointing to the disabled limb; "it's growing worse,
+and I'm in haste to get home, where I can be nursed by mother and sisters,
+before I quite give out."
+
+"She's a awful sperited cratur, and you'll have a hard job o' it to manage
+her, with one hand."
+
+"I must try it, nevertheless; I believe I can do it too; for she knows her
+master."
+
+"She'll go like lightnin'," said the boy, as he brought the animal to the
+door; "she's been so long in the stable, she's as wild and scary as a
+bird."
+
+Jackson threw the gold into the woman's lap, turned about and taking the
+bridle from the boy, stroked, patted, and talked soothingly to the excited
+steed, who was snorting and pawing the ground in a way that boded danger
+to any one attempting to mount.
+
+His caresses and kindly tones seemed, however, to have a calming effect;
+she grew comparatively quiet, he sprang into the saddle and was off like
+an arrow from the bow.
+
+It was about that time the doctor returned to his office to find it
+deserted. Nap was summoned.
+
+"What's become of the man I left here in your charge, sirrah?" asked the
+doctor sternly.
+
+"Dunno, sah, Massa Doctah," answered Nap, glancing in astonishment from
+side to side. "To't he heyah, sah; 'deed I did. Took he coat an' boots to
+clean 'em; to't he safe till I fotch 'em back; wouldn't go off without
+dem."
+
+The doctor stepped to the closet. "Yes, my coat and boots gone, bottle of
+wine emptied, no fee for professional aid--a fine day's work for me."
+
+"Massa Doctah! you don't say de rascal done stole yer coat an' boots? Oh,
+ef I cotch him, I----" and Napoleon Bonaparte George Washington Marquis de
+Lafayette looked unutterable things.
+
+"Better take care I don't get hold of you!" cried the irate master. "Go
+and tell Cato to saddle and bridle Selim and bring him to the door as
+quickly as possible; and do you find out if anybody saw which way the
+rascal went. He must be caught, for he's a burglar and murderer!"
+
+Nap lifted his hands and opened mouth and eyes wide in surprise and
+horror.
+
+"Begone!" cried the doctor, stamping his foot, "and don't stand gaping
+there while the scoundrel escapes."
+
+Nap shuffled out, leaving his master pacing the office to and fro with
+angry, impatient strides.
+
+"What is it, my dear? what has gone wrong?" asked his wife, looking in
+upon him.
+
+"Come, sit down on the sofa here and I'll tell you," he said, his excited
+manner quieting somewhat at sight of her pleasant face.
+
+She accepted the invitation, and seating himself beside her he briefly
+related all that he knew of Jackson and his attack on Mr. Travilla.
+
+He had hardly finished when Nap returned with the news that several of the
+negro children had seen a man go down the avenue and get aboard a passing
+boat.
+
+"Ah ha!" cried the doctor, jumping up; "and which way was the boat going?"
+
+"Dat way, sah," replied Nap, indicating the direction by a flourish of his
+right hand.
+
+At that moment Mr. and Mrs. Travilla rode up, and Dr. and Mrs. Balis
+hastened out to greet them.
+
+"He's gone; took the morning boat," cried the doctor.
+
+"Good!" said Mr. Travilla, "we have only to head him with a telegram, and
+he'll be arrested on stepping ashore; or on board the boat."
+
+"Unless he should land in the next town, Madison, which the boat, having a
+good hour's start of us, would reach before the swiftest messenger we
+could send; probably has already reached."
+
+"Then the best plan will be for me to ride on to Madison, give notice to
+the authorities, have it ascertained whether our man has landed there, and
+if not telegraph to the next town and have them ready to board the boat,
+with a warrant for his arrest, as soon as it arrives."
+
+"Yes; and I'll mount Selim and go with you," answered the doctor. "I
+probably know the road better than you do. And our wives may keep each
+other company till we return."
+
+"What do you say, Elsie?" asked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"That I will go or stay as you think best."
+
+"We must ride very fast; I think it would fatigue you too much; so advise
+you to stay with Mrs. Balis, and I will call for you on my return."
+
+"Do, Mrs. Travilla! I should be delighted to have you," urged Mrs. Balis;
+"and you can tell me all about last night. What a trial to your nerves! I
+don't wonder you are looking a little pale this morning."
+
+"Thank you, I will stay," said Elsie; and instantly her husband, giving
+his horse into Nap's charge for a moment, sprang to the ground and lifted
+her from the saddle. "Don't be anxious, little wife," he whispered, as the
+soft eyes met his with a fond wistful look, "I am not likely to be in
+danger, and you know the sweet words, 'Not a hair of your head shall fall
+to the ground without your Father.'"
+
+"Yes, yes, I know, and will trust you in His hands, my dear husband," was
+the low-breathed response.
+
+Another moment and the two gentlemen were galloping rapidly down the
+avenue side by side. The ladies stood on the veranda, watching till they
+were out of sight, then went into the house.
+
+"Now, my dear Mrs. Travilla, shall I just treat you as one of ourselves,
+and take you into my own breezy room?" asked Mrs. Balis, regarding Elsie
+with an affectionate, admiring look.
+
+"It is just what I should like, Mrs. Balis," Elsie answered, with a smile
+so sweet that her hostess put her arm about her and kissed her.
+
+"I can't help it," she said; "you take my heart by storm with your beauty,
+grace, and sweetness."
+
+"Thank you, and you need not apologize," Elsie said, returning the
+embrace; "love is too precious a gift to be rejected."
+
+"I think Mr. Travilla a very fortunate man, and so does my husband."
+
+"And am not I a fortunate woman, too?"
+
+"Ah, yes, Mr. Travilla is most agreeable and entertaining, handsome too;
+and indeed I should think everything one could wish in a husband; as mine
+is," she added laughingly. "I presume neither of us would consent to an
+exchange of partners. Are you fond of children, Mrs. Travilla?"
+
+"Very."
+
+"Shall I show you mine?"
+
+"I should like to see them, if you please."
+
+Mrs. Balis at once led the way to the nursery, where she exhibited, with
+much motherly pride and delight, her three darlings, the eldest five, the
+second three years of age, the third a babe in the arms. They were
+bright-eyed, rosy-cheeked children, full of life and health, but to
+Elsie's taste not half so sweet and pretty as Rosebud.
+
+Mrs. Balis next conducted her guest to her boudoir; a servant brought in
+refreshments, consisting of a variety of fruits, cakes, and confections,
+with wine sangaree and lemonade. After partaking of these, the ladies had
+a long talk while awaiting the return of their husbands. The gentlemen
+were gone much longer than had been anticipated, and I am not sure the
+wives did not grow a little uneasy. At all events they left the boudoir
+for the front veranda, which gave them a view of the avenue and some
+hundred yards of the road beyond in the direction from which the travelers
+must come. And when at length the two were descried approaching, in a more
+leisurely manner than they went, there was a simultaneous and relieved
+exclamation, "Oh, there they are at last."
+
+The ladies stood up and waved their handkerchiefs. There was no response;
+the gentlemen's faces were towards each other and they seemed to be
+engaged in earnest converse.
+
+"Unsuccessful," said Mrs. Balis.
+
+"How do you know?" asked Elsie.
+
+"There's an air of dejection about them."
+
+"I don't see it," returned Elsie, smiling. "They seem to me only too busy
+talking to notice our little attention."
+
+But Mrs. Balis was correct in her conjecture. The boat had passed Madison
+some time before the gentlemen arrived there, had paused but a few minutes
+and landed no such passenger. Learning this they then telegraphed the
+authorities of the next town; waited some hours, and received a return
+telegram to the effect that the boat had been boarded, no person answering
+the description found; but the captain gave the information that such a
+man had been taken on board at Dr. Balis' plantation, and set ashore at
+the edge of a forest half-way between that place and Madison.
+
+On receiving this intelligence Mr. Travilla and the doctor started for
+home, bringing with them a posse of mounted men headed by some of the
+police of Madison.
+
+Dr. Balis had taken with him to Madison the blood-stained coat of Jackson.
+From this the hounds took the scent, and on arriving at the wood mentioned
+by the skipper, soon found the trail and set off in hot pursuit, the
+horsemen following close at their heels.
+
+Our gentlemen did not join in the chase, but having seen it well begun,
+continued on their homeward way.
+
+"And you did consent to the use of hounds?" Elsie said inquiringly, and
+with a slightly reproachful look at her husband.
+
+"My dear," he answered gently, "having been put into the hands of the
+police it has now become a commonwealth case, and I have no authority to
+dictate their mode of procedure."
+
+"Forgive me, dearest, if I seemed to reproach you," she whispered, the
+sweet eyes seeking his with a loving, repentant look, as for a moment they
+were left alone together.
+
+He drew her to him with a fond caress. "My darling, I have nothing to
+forgive."
+
+In the cabin at whose door Jackson had made his call and remounted his
+steed, a woman--the same with whom his business had been transacted--was
+stooping over an open fire, frying fat pork and baking hoe-cake. Bill sat
+on his bench smoking as before, while several tow-headed children romped
+and quarreled, chasing each other round and round the room with shouts of
+"You quit that ere!" "Mammy, I say, make her stop."
+
+"Hush!" cried the woman, suddenly straightening herself, and standing in a
+listening attitude, as a deep sound came to the ear, borne on the evening
+breeze.
+
+"Hounds! bloodhounds!" cried Bill, springing to his feet with unwonted
+energy. "And they're a-comin' this way; makin' straight for the house," he
+added, glancing from the door, then shutting it with a bang. "They're
+after that man; you may depend. He's a 'balitionist, or a horse thief, or
+somethin'."
+
+The children crouched, silent, pale, and terror-stricken, in a corner,
+while outside, the deep baying of the hounds drew nearer and nearer, and
+mingling with it came other sounds of horses' hoofs and the gruff voices
+of men. Then a loud "Halloo the house!"
+
+"What's wanted?" asked Bill, opening the one window and putting out his
+head.
+
+"The burglar you're hiding from justice and the hounds have tracked to
+your door. A fellow with his right arm disabled by a pistol-shot."
+
+"He isn't here, didn't step inside at all; don't ye see the hounds are
+turning away from the door? But you kin come in an' look for yourself."
+
+One of the men dismounted and went in.
+
+"Look round sharp now," said the woman. "I only wish he was here fur ye to
+ketch um: if I'd know'd he was a burglar, he would never hev got off so
+easy. He jest come for his beast that he left with us four days ago, and
+mounted there at the door and was off like a shot."
+
+"Which way?" asked the man.
+
+She pointed in a southerly direction. "It's the way to Texas, ain't it?
+an' he's got four or five hours the start o' ye, an' on a swift horse;
+he'll be over the border line afore ye kin ketch up to him."
+
+"I'm afraid so, indeed; but justice can follow him even there," replied
+the officer, hastening out, already satisfied that the one bare room did
+not contain his quarry.
+
+He sprang into the saddle, and the whole party galloped away in the wake
+of the dogs, who had found the trail again and started off in full cry.
+
+The party had a hard ride of some hours, the hounds never faltering or
+losing the scent; but at length they were at fault. They had reached a
+brook and here the trail was lost; it was sought for on both sides of the
+stream for a considerable distance both up and down, then abandoned in
+despair.
+
+The wily burglar had made his steed travel the bed of the stream, which
+was nowhere very deep, for several miles; then taking to the open country
+again and traveling under cover of the darkness of a cloudy night, at
+length, in a condition of utter exhaustion, reached a place of safety
+among some of his confederates; for he had joined himself to a gang of
+villains who infested that part of the country.
+
+But "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished." Few if
+any of them would escape a violent and terrible death at the last;
+and--"after that the judgment"; from which none may be excused.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.
+
+    "His house she enters, there to be a light
+     Shining within, when all without is night;
+     A guardian angel o'er his life presiding,
+     Doubling his pleasure, and his cares dividing."
+                            --ROGERS' HUMAN LIFE.
+
+
+At the set time our friends turned their faces homeward, leaving their
+loving dependents of Viamede all drowned in tears. In the six weeks of
+their stay, "Massa" an' "Missus" had become very dear to those warm,
+childlike hearts.
+
+Elsie could not refrain from letting fall some bright sympathetic drops,
+though the next moment her heart bounded with joy at the thought of home
+and father. The yearning to hear again the tones of his loved voice, to
+feel the clasp of his arm and the touch of his lip upon brow and cheek and
+lip, increased with every hour of the rapid journey.
+
+Its last stage was taken in the Ion family carriage, which was found
+waiting for them at the depot.
+
+Elsie was hiding in her own breast a longing desire to go first to the
+Oaks, chiding herself for the wish, since her husband was doubtless fully
+as anxious to see his mother, and wondering why she had not thought of
+asking for a gathering of both families at the one place or the other.
+
+They had left the noisy city far behind, and were bowling smoothly along
+a very pleasant part of the road, bordered with greensward and shaded on
+either side by noble forest trees; she with her mind filled with these
+musings, sitting silent and pensive, gazing dreamily from the window.
+
+Suddenly her eyes encountered a well-known noble form, seated on a
+beautiful spirited horse, which he was holding in with a strong and
+resolute hand.
+
+"Papa!" she exclaimed, with a joyous, ringing cry; and instantly he had
+dismounted, his servant taking Selim's bridle-reins, the carriage had
+stopped, and springing out she was in his arms.
+
+"My dear father, I was so hungry to see you," she said, almost crying for
+joy. "How good of you to come to meet us, and so much nicer here than in
+the crowded depot."
+
+"Good of me," he answered, with a happy laugh. "Of course, as I was in no
+haste to have my darling in my arms. Ah, Travilla, my old friend, I am
+very glad to see your pleasant face again." And he shook hands warmly.
+"Many thanks to you (and to a higher power)," he added reverently, "for
+bringing her safely back to me. She seems to have been well taken care of;
+plump and bright and rosy."
+
+"I have been, papa; even you could not be more tender and careful of me
+than--my husband is."
+
+Her father smiled at the shy, half-hesitating way in which the last word
+slipped from the rich red lips, and the tender, loving light in the soft
+eyes as they met the fond, admiring gaze of Travilla's.
+
+"No repentance on either side yet, I see," he said laughingly. "Travilla,
+your mother is in excellent health and spirits; but impatient to embrace
+both son and daughter, she bade me say. We all take tea by invitation at
+Ion to-day; that is, we of the Oaks, including Aunt Wealthy and Miss
+King."
+
+"Oh, how nice! how kind!" cried Elsie.
+
+"And to-morrow you are all to be at the Oaks!" added her father. "Now
+shall I ride beside your carriage? or take a seat in it with you?"
+
+"The latter, by all means," answered Travilla, Elsie's sparkling eyes
+saying the same, even more emphatically.
+
+"Take Selim home, and see that both he and the family carriage are at Ion
+by nine this evening," was Mr. Dinsmore's order to his servant.
+
+"Ah, papa! so early!" Elsie interposed, in a tone that was half reproach,
+half entreaty.
+
+"We must not keep you up late after your journey, my child," he answered,
+following her into the carriage, Mr. Travilla stepping in after.
+
+"The seats are meant for three; let me sit between you, please," requested
+Elsie.
+
+"But are you not afraid of crushing your dress?" asked her father
+jocosely, making room for her by his side.
+
+"Not I," she answered gayly, slipping into her chosen place with a light,
+joyous laugh, and giving a hand to each. "Now I'm the happiest woman in
+the world."
+
+"As you deserve to be," whispered her husband, clasping tight the hand he
+held.
+
+"Oh, you flatterer!" she returned. "Papa, did you miss me?"
+
+"Every day, every hour. Did I not tell you so in my letters? And you? did
+you think often of me?"
+
+"Oftener than I can tell."
+
+"I have been wondering," he said, looking gravely into her eyes, "why you
+both so carefully avoided the slightest allusion to that most exciting
+episode of your stay at Viamede."
+
+Elsie blushed. "We did not wish to make you uneasy, papa."
+
+"Of course, you must have seen a newspaper account?" observed Mr.
+Travilla.
+
+"Yes; and now suppose you let me hear your report. Did the villain's shot
+graze Elsie's forehead and carry a tress of her beautiful hair?"
+
+"No, no, it was only a lock of her unworthy husband's hair--a much
+slighter loss," Travilla said, laughing. "But perhaps the reporter would
+justify his misrepresentation on the plea that man and wife are one."
+
+"Possibly. And did your shot shatter the bone in the rascal's arm?"
+
+"No; Dr. Balis told me the ball glanced from the bone, passed under the
+nerve and severed the humeral artery."
+
+"It's a wonder he didn't bleed to death."
+
+"Yes; but it seems he had sufficient knowledge and presence of mind to
+improvise a tourniquet with his handkerchief and a stick."
+
+"What rooms were you occupying?" asked Mr. Dinsmore. "Come, just tell me
+the whole story as if I had heard nothing of it before."
+
+Travilla complied, occasionally appealing to Elsie to assist his memory;
+and they had hardly done with the subject when the carriage turned into
+the avenue at Ion.
+
+"My darling, welcome to your home," said Travilla low and tenderly,
+lifting the little gloved hand to his lips.
+
+An involuntary sigh escaped from Mr. Dinsmore's breast.
+
+"Thank you, my friend," Elsie replied to her husband, the tone and the
+look saying far more than the words. Then turning to her father, "And
+to-morrow, papa, you will welcome me to the other of my two dear homes."
+
+"I hope so, daughter; sunlight is not more welcome than you will always
+be."
+
+What joyous greetings now awaited our travelers. Elsie had hardly stepped
+from the carriage ere she found herself in Mrs. Travilla's arms, the old
+lady rejoicing over her as the most precious treasure Providence could
+have sent her.
+
+Then came Rose, with her tender, motherly embrace, and joyous "Elsie,
+dearest, how glad I am to have you with us again."
+
+"Oh, but you've missed us sadly!" said Aunt Wealthy, taking her turn; "the
+house seemed half gone at the Oaks. Didn't it, Horace?"
+
+"Yes; the absence of our eldest daughter made a very wide gap in the
+family circle," answered Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+And "Yes, indeed!" cried Horace junior, thinking himself addressed. "I
+don't believe I could have done without her at all if she hadn't written
+me those nice little letters."
+
+"Don't you thank me for bringing her back then, my little brother?" asked
+Mr. Travilla, holding out his hand to the child.
+
+"Yes, indeed, Brother Edward. Papa says I may call you that, as you asked
+me to; and I'll give you another hug as I did that night, if you'll let
+me."
+
+"That I will, my boy!" And opening wide his arms he took the lad into a
+warm embrace, which was returned as heartily as given.
+
+"Now, Elsie, it's my turn to have a hug and kiss from you," Horace said,
+as Mr. Travilla released him; "everybody's had a turn but me. Miss King
+and Rosebud and all."
+
+Elsie had the little one in her arms, caressing it fondly.
+
+"Yes, my dear little brother," she said, giving Rosebud to her mammy, "you
+shall have as hard a hug as I can give, and as many kisses as you want. I
+love you dearly, dearly, and am as glad to see you as you could wish me to
+be."
+
+"Are you much fatigued, Elsie dear?" asked Rose, when the greetings were
+over, even to the kindly shake of the hand and pleasant word to each of
+the assembled servants.
+
+"Oh, no, mamma, we have traveled but little at night, and last night I had
+nine hours of sound, refreshing sleep."
+
+"That was right," her father said, with an approving glance at Travilla.
+
+Mrs. Travilla led the way to a suite of beautiful apartments prepared for
+the bride.
+
+Elsie's taste had been consulted in all the refitting and refurnishing,
+and the whole effect was charming. This was, however, her first sight of
+the rooms since the changes had been begun.
+
+The communicating doors were thrown wide, giving a view of the whole suite
+at once, from the spot where Elsie stood between Mr. Travilla and his
+mother. She gazed for a moment, then turned to her husband a face
+sparkling with delight.
+
+"Does it satisfy you, my little wife?" he asked, in tones that spoke
+intense enjoyment of her pleasure.
+
+"Fully, in every way; but especially as an evidence of my husband's love,"
+she answered, suffering him to throw an arm about her and fold her to his
+heart.
+
+There had been words of welcome and a recognition of the younger lady as
+now mistress of the mansion, trembling on the mother's tongue, but she now
+stole quietly away and left them to each other.
+
+In half an hour the two rejoined their guests, "somewhat improved in
+appearance," as Mr. Travilla laughingly said he hoped they would be found.
+
+"You are indeed," said Aunt Wealthy, "a lily or a rose couldn't look
+lovelier than Elsie does in that pure white, and with the beautiful
+flowers in her hair. I like her habit of wearing natural flowers in her
+hair."
+
+"And I," said her husband, "they seem to me to have been made for her
+adornment."
+
+"And your money-hoon's over, Elsie; how odd it seems to think you've been
+so long married. And did you get through the money-hoon without a
+quarrel? But of course you did."
+
+Elsie, who had for a moment looked slightly puzzled by the new word, now
+answered with a smile of comprehension, "Oh, yes, auntie; surely we should
+be a sad couple if even the honeymoon were disturbed by a disagreement.
+But Edward and I never mean to quarrel."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore turned in his chair, and gave his daughter a glance of
+mingled surprise and disapprobation.
+
+"There, papa, I knew you would think me disrespectful," she exclaimed with
+a deep blush; "but he insisted, indeed ordered me, and you know I have
+promised to obey."
+
+"It is quite true," assented Mr. Travilla, coloring in his turn; "but I
+told her it was the only order I ever meant to give her."
+
+"Better not make rash promises," said Mr. Dinsmore, laughing; "these wives
+are sometimes inclined to take advantage of them."
+
+"Treason! treason!" cried Rose, lifting her hands; "to think you'd say
+that before me!
+
+    "'Husband, husband, cease your strife
+        No longer idly rove, sir;
+      Tho' I am your wedded wife,
+        Yet I am not your slave, sir.'"
+
+There was a general laugh, in the midst of which the tea-bell rang.
+
+"Come," said the elder Mrs. Travilla good-humoredly, "don't be setting a
+bad example to my children, Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, but let us all adjourn
+amicably to the tea-room, and try the beneficial effect of meat and drink
+upon our tempers."
+
+"That's a very severe reproof, coming from so mild a person as yourself,
+Mrs. Travilla," said Rose. "My dear, give your arm to Aunt Wealthy, or our
+hostess. The ladies being so largely in the majority, the younger ones
+should be left to take care of themselves; of course excepting our bride.
+Miss King, will you take my arm?"
+
+"Sit here, my daughter," said Mrs. Travilla, indicating the seat before
+the tea-urn.
+
+"Mother, I did not come here to turn you out of your rightful place,"
+objected Elsie, blushing painfully.
+
+"My dear child, it is your own place; as the wife of the master of the
+house, you are its mistress. And if you knew how I long to see you
+actually filling that position; how glad I am to resign the reigns to such
+hands as yours, you need not hesitate or hold back."
+
+"Yes; take it, wife," said Mr. Travilla, in tender, reassuring tones, as
+he led her to the seat of honor; "I know my mother is sincere (she is
+never anything else), and she told me long ago, even before she knew who
+was to be her daughter, how glad she would be to resign the cares of
+mistress of the household." Elsie yielded, making no further objection,
+and presided with the same modest ease, dignity, and grace with which she
+had filled the like position at Viamede. The experience there had
+accustomed her to the duties of the place, and after the first moment she
+felt quite at home in it.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore's carriage was announced at the early hour he had named. The
+conversation in the drawing-room had been general for a time, but now the
+company had divided themselves into groups; the two older married ladies
+and Aunt Wealthy forming one, Mr. Travilla and Miss King another, while
+Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter had sought out the privacy of a sofa, at a
+distance from the others, and were in the midst of one of the long,
+confidential chats they always enjoyed so much.
+
+"Ah, papa, don't go yet," Elsie pleaded, "we're not half done our talk,
+and it's early."
+
+"But the little folks should have been in their nests long before this,"
+he said, taking out his watch.
+
+"Then send them and their mammies home, and let the carriage return for
+you and the ladies; unless they wish to go now."
+
+He looked at her smilingly. "You are not feeling the need of rest and
+sleep?"
+
+"Not at all, papa; only the need of a longer chat with you."
+
+"Then, since you had so good a rest last night, it shall be as you wish."
+
+"Are you ready, my dear?" asked Rose, from the other side of the room.
+
+"Not yet, wife; I shall stay half an hour longer, and if you ladies like
+to do the same we will send the carriage home with the children and their
+mammies, and let it return for you."
+
+"What do you say, Aunt Wealthy and Miss Lottie?" inquired Mrs. Dinsmore.
+
+"I prefer to stay and talk out my finish with Mrs. Travilla," said Miss
+Stanhope.
+
+"I cast my vote on the same side," said Miss King. "But, my dear Mrs.
+Dinsmore, don't let us keep you."
+
+"Thanks, no; but I, too, prefer another half hour in this pleasant
+company."
+
+The half hour flew away on swift wings, to Elsie especially.
+
+"But why leave us at all to-night, auntie and Lottie?" she asked, as the
+ladies began their preparations for departure. "You are to be my guests
+for the rest of the winter, are you not?" Then turning, with a quick vivid
+blush, to Mrs. Travilla, "Mother, am I transcending my rights?"
+
+"My dearest daughter, no; did I not say you were henceforth mistress of
+this house?"
+
+"Yes, from its master down to the very horses in the stable and dogs in
+the kennel," laughed Mr. Travilla, coming softly up and stealing an arm
+about his wife's waist.
+
+Everybody laughed.
+
+"No, sir; I don't like to contradict you," retorted Elsie, coloring but
+looking lovingly into the eyes bent so fondly upon her, "but I am--nothing
+to you but your little wife;" and her voice sank almost to a whisper with
+the last word.
+
+"Ah? Well, dear child, that's enough for me," he said, in the same low
+tone.
+
+"But, Lottie," she remarked aloud, "you are tying on your hat. Won't you
+stay?"
+
+"Not to-night, thank you, Mrs. Travilla," answered the gay girl in her
+merry, lively tones.
+
+"You are to be at the Oaks to-morrow, and perhaps I--well, we can settle
+the time there."
+
+"And you, auntie?"
+
+"Why, dearie, I think you'd better get your housekeeping a little used to
+your ways first. And it's better for starting out that young folks should
+be alone."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore had stepped into the hall for his hat, and while the other
+ladies were making their adieus to her new mother, Elsie stole softly
+after him.
+
+"My good-night kiss, papa," she whispered, putting her arms about his
+neck.
+
+"My dear darling! my precious, precious child! how glad I am to be able to
+give it to you once more, and to take my own from your own sweet lips," he
+said, clasping her closer. "God bless you and keep you, and ever cause His
+face to shine upon you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.
+
+                     "O what passions then
+    What melting sentiments of kindly care,
+    On the new parents seize."
+                          --THOMPSON'S AGAMEMNON.
+
+                                  "There is none
+    In all this cold and hollow world, no fount
+    Of deep, strong, deathless love, save that within
+    A mother's heart!"
+                                   --MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+Finding it so evidently the wish of both her husband and his mother, Elsie
+quietly and at once assumed the reins of government.
+
+But with that mother to go to for advice in every doubt and perplexity,
+and with a dozen or more of well-trained servants at her command, her
+post, though no sinecure, did not burden her with its duties; she still
+could find time for the cultivation of mind and heart, for daily walks and
+rides, and the enjoyment of society both at home and abroad.
+
+Shortly after the return of the newly married pair, there was a grand
+party given in their honor at Roselands; another at Ashlands, one at
+Pinegrove, at the Oaks, and several other places; then a return was made
+by a brilliant affair of the kind at Ion.
+
+But when at last this rather wearying round was over, they settled down to
+the quiet home life much more congenial to both; always ready to entertain
+with unbounded hospitality, and ignoring none of the legitimate claims of
+the outside world, they were yet far more interested in the affairs of
+their own little one, made up of those nearest and dearest.
+
+They were an eminently Christian household, carefully instructing their
+dependents in the things pertaining to godliness, urging them to faith in
+Jesus evidenced by good works; trying to make the way of salvation very
+clear to their often dull apprehension, and to recommend it by their own
+pure, consistent lives.
+
+Night and morning all were called together--family and house servants--and
+Mr. Travilla read aloud a portion of Scripture, and led them in prayer and
+praise. Nor was a meal ever eaten without God's blessing having first been
+asked upon it.
+
+There was but one drawback to Elsie's felicity--that she no longer dwelt
+under the same roof with her father; yet that was not so great, as a day
+seldom passed in which they did not meet once or oftener. It must be very
+urgent business, or a severe storm, that kept him from riding or driving
+over to Ion, unless his darling first appeared at the Oaks.
+
+Aunt Wealthy and Lottie came to Ion within a fortnight after the return
+from Viamede; and while the former divided the rest of her stay at the
+South between Ion and the Oaks, Lottie spent nearly the whole of hers with
+Elsie.
+
+In May, Harry Duncan came for his aunt, and Miss King returned with them
+to her paternal home. Our friends at Ion and the Oaks decided to spend
+their summer at home this year.
+
+"We have traveled so much of late years," said Rose, "that I am really
+tired of it."
+
+"And home is so dear and sweet," added Elsie. "I mean both Ion and the
+Oaks, Edward and papa; for somehow they seem to me to be both included in
+that one dear word."
+
+"That is right," responded her father.
+
+"Yes; we seem to be all one family," said Mr. Travilla, contentedly,
+fondling Rosebud, whom he had coaxed to a seat upon his knee; "and like a
+good spouse, I vote on the same side with my wife."
+
+"I too," said his mother, looking affectionately upon them both. "I have
+no inclination to travel, and shall be much happier for having you all
+about me."
+
+The summer glided rapidly by, and vanished, leaving at Ion a priceless
+treasure.
+
+It was a soft, hazy, delicious September morning; Elsie sat in her pretty
+boudoir, half-reclining in the depths of a large velvet-cushioned easy
+chair. Her husband had left her a minute before, and she was--no, not
+quite alone, for her eyes were turning with a sweet, new light in them,
+upon a beautiful rosewood crib where, underneath the silken covers and
+resting on pillows of eider-down, lay a tiny form, only a glimpse of the
+pink face and one wee doubled-up fist to be caught through the lace
+curtains so carefully drawn about the little sleeper.
+
+A familiar step was heard in the outer room. The door opened quietly, and
+Elsie looking up cried, "Papa," in a delighted yet subdued tone.
+
+"My darling," he said, coming to her and taking her in his arms. "How nice
+to see you up again; but you must be careful, very, very careful, not to
+overexert yourself."
+
+"I am, my dear father, for Edward insists on it, and watches over me, and
+baby too, as if really afraid we might somehow slip away from him."
+
+"He is quite right. There, you must not stand, recline in your chair
+again, while I help myself to a seat by your side. How are you to-day?"
+
+"I think I never felt better in my life, papa; so strong and well that it
+seems absurd to be taking such care of myself."
+
+"Not at all; you must do it. You seem to be alone with your babe. I hope
+you never lift her?"
+
+"No, sir, not yet. That I shall not has been my husband's second order.
+Mammy is within easy call, just in the next room, and will come the
+instant she is wanted."
+
+"Let me look at her; unless you think it will disturb her rest."
+
+"Oh, no, sir." And the young mother gently drew aside the curtain of the
+crib.
+
+The two bent over the sleeping babe, listening to its gentle breathing.
+
+"Ah, papa, I feel so rich! you don't know how I love her!" whispered
+Elsie.
+
+"Don't I, my daughter? don't I know how I love you?" And his eyes turned
+with yearning affection upon her face, then back to that of the little
+one. "Six weeks old to-day, and a very cherub for beauty. Aunt Chloe tells
+me she is precisely my daughter over again, and I feel as if I had now an
+opportunity to recover what I lost in not having my first-born with me
+from her birth. Little Elsie, grandpa feels that you are his; his precious
+treasure."
+
+The young mother's eyes grew misty with a strange mixture of emotion, in
+which love and joy were the deepest and strongest. Her arm stole round her
+father's neck.
+
+"Dear papa, how nice of you to love her so; my precious darling. She is
+yours, too, almost as much as Edward's and mine. And I am sure if we
+should be taken away and you and she be left, you would be the the same
+good father to her you have been to me."
+
+"Much better, I hope. My dear daughter, I was far too hard with you at
+times. But I know you have forgiven it all long ago."
+
+"Papa, dear papa, please don't ever again talk of--of forgiveness from me;
+I was your own, and I believe you always did what you thought was for my
+good; and oh, what you have been, and are to me, no tongue can tell."
+
+"Or you to me, my own beloved child," he answered with emotion.
+
+The babe stirred, and opened its eyes with a little, "Coo, coo."
+
+"Let me take her," said Mr. Dinsmore, turning back the cover and gently
+lifting her from her cozy nest.
+
+Elsie lay back among her cushions again, watching with delighted eyes as
+her father held and handled the wee body as deftly as the most competent
+child's nurse.
+
+It was a very beautiful babe; the complexion soft, smooth, and very fair,
+with a faint pink tinge; the little, finely formed head covered with rings
+of golden hair that would some day change to the darker shade of her
+mother's, whose regular features and large, soft brown eyes she inherited
+also.
+
+"Sweet little flower blossomed into this world of sin and sorrow! Elsie,
+dearest, remember that she is not absolutely yours, her father's, or mine;
+but only lent you a little while to be trained up for the Lord."
+
+"Yes, papa, I know," she answered with emotion, "and I gave her to Him
+even before her birth."
+
+"I hope she will prove as like you in temper and disposition as she bids
+fair to be in looks."
+
+"Papa, I should like her to be much better than I was."
+
+He shook his head with a half-incredulous smile. "That could hardly be, if
+she has any human nature at all."
+
+"Ah, papa, you forget how often I used to be naughty and disobedient; how
+often you had to punish me; particularly in that first year after you
+returned from Europe."
+
+A look of pain crossed his features. "Daughter, dear, I am full of remorse
+when I think of that time. I fully deserved the epithet Travilla once
+bestowed upon me in his righteous indignation at my cruelty to my gentle,
+sensitive little girl."
+
+"What was that, papa?" she asked, with a look of wonder and surprise.
+
+"Dinsmore, you're a brute!"
+
+"Papa, how could he say that!" and the fair face flushed with momentary
+excitement and anger towards the father of her child, whom she so
+thoroughly respected ind so dearly loved.
+
+"Ah, don't be angry with him," said Mr. Dinsmore; "I was the culprit. You
+cannot have forgotten your fall from the piano-stool which came so near
+making me childless? It was he who ran in first, lifted you, and laid you
+on the sofa with the blood streaming from the wounded temple over your
+curls and your white dress. Ah, I can never forget the sad sight, or the
+pang that shot through my heart with the thought that you were dead. It
+was as he laid you down that Travilla turned to me with those indignant
+words, and I felt that I fully deserved them. And yet I was even more
+cruel afterwards, when next you refused to obey when I bade you offend
+against your conscience."
+
+"Don't let us think or talk of it any more, dear father; I love far better
+to dwell upon the long years that followed, full of the tenderest care and
+kindness. You certainly can find nothing to blame yourself with in them."
+
+"Yes; I governed you too much. It would probably have ruined a less
+amiable temper, a less loving heart, than yours. It is well for parents to
+be sometimes a little blind to trivial faults. And I was so strict, so
+stern, so arbitrary, so severe. My dear, be more lenient to your child.
+But of course she will never find sternness in either you or her father."
+
+"I think not, papa; unless she proves very head-strong; but you surely
+cannot mean to advise us not to require the prompt, cheerful, implicit
+obedience you have always exacted from all your children?"
+
+"No, daughter; though you might sometimes excuse or pardon a little
+forgetfulness when the order has not been of vital importance," he
+answered, with a smile.
+
+There was a moment's silence: then looking affectionately into her
+father's face, Elsie said, "I am so glad, papa, that we have had this
+talk. Edward and I have had several on the same subject (for we are very,
+very anxious to train our little one aright); and I find that we all
+agree. But you must be tired acting the part of nurse. Please lay her in
+my arms."
+
+"I am not tired, but I see you want her," he answered with a smile, doing
+as she requested.
+
+"Ah, you precious wee pet! you lovely, lovely little darling!" the young
+mother said, clasping her child to her bosom, and softly kissing the
+velvet cheek. "Papa, is she really beautiful? or is it only the mother
+love that makes her so in my eyes?"
+
+"No; she is really a remarkably beautiful babe. Strangers pronounce her so
+as well as ourselves. Do you feel quite strong enough to hold her?"
+
+"Oh, yes, sir; yes, indeed! The doctor says he thinks there would now be
+no danger in my lifting her, but----" laughingly, and with a fond look up
+into her husband's eyes, as at that moment he entered the room, "that old
+tyrant is so fearful of an injury to this piece of his personal property,
+that he won't let me."
+
+"That old tyrant, eh?" he repeated, stooping to take a kiss from the sweet
+lips, and to bestow one on the wee face resting on her bosom.
+
+"Yes, you know you are," she answered, her eyes contradicting her words;
+"the idea of you forbidding me to lift my own baby!"
+
+"My baby, my little friend," he said gayly.
+
+Elsie laughed a low, silvery, happy laugh, musical as a chime of bells.
+"Our baby," she corrected. "But you have not spoken to papa."
+
+"Ah, we said good-morning out in the avenue. Dinsmore, since we are all
+three here together now, suppose we get Elsie's decision in regard to that
+matter we were consulting about."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"What matter?" she asked, looking a little curious.
+
+"A business affair," replied her husband, taking a seat by her side.
+
+"I have a very good offer for your New Orleans property, daughter," said
+Mr. Dinsmore; "shall I accept it?"
+
+"Do you think it advisable, papa? and you, Edward? I have great confidence
+in your judgments."
+
+"We do; we think the money could be better and more safely invested in
+foreign stock; but it is for you to decide, as the property is yours."
+
+"More safely invested? I thought I had heard you both say real estate was
+the safest of all investments."
+
+"Usually," replied her father, "but we fear property there is likely to
+depreciate in value."
+
+"Well, papa, please do just as you and my husband think best. You both
+know far more about these things than I do, and so I should rather trust
+your judgment than my own."
+
+"Then I shall make the sale; and I think the time will come when you will
+be very glad that I did."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore presently said good-bye and went away, leaving them alone.
+
+"Are not your arms tired, little wife?" asked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"No, dear; ah, it is so sweet to have her little head lying here; to feel
+her little form, and know that she is my own, own precious treasure."
+
+He rose, gently lifted her in his arms, put himself in the easy chair and
+placed her on his knee.
+
+"Now I have you both. Darling, do you know that I love you better to-day
+than I ever did before?"
+
+"Ah, but you have said that many times," she answered, with an arch, yet
+tender smile.
+
+"And it is always true. Each day I think my love as great as it can be,
+but the next I find it still greater."
+
+"And I have felt angry with you to-day, for the first time since you told
+me of your love." Her tone was remorseful and pleading, as though she
+would crave forgiveness.
+
+"Angry with me, my dearest? In what can I have offended?" he asked in
+sorrowful surprise.
+
+"Papa was saying that he had sometimes been too hard with me, and had
+fully deserved the epithet you once bestowed upon him in your righteous
+indignation. It was when I fell from the piano-stool; do you remember?"
+
+"Ah, yes, I can never forget it. And I called him a brute. But you will
+forgive what occurred so long ago? and in a moment of anger aroused by my
+great love for you?"
+
+"Forgive you, my husband? ah, it is I who should crave forgiveness, and I
+do, though it was a momentary feeling; and now I love you all the better
+for the great loving heart that prompted the exclamation."
+
+"We will exchange forgiveness," he whispered, folding her closer to his
+heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINETEENTH.
+
+    "Sweet is the image of the brooding dove!
+     Holy as heaven a mother's tender love!
+     The love of many prayers, and many tears
+     Which changes not with dim, declining years--
+     The only love which, on this teeming earth,
+     Asks no return for passion's wayward birth."
+                            --MRS. NORTON'S DREAM.
+
+    "Death is another life."
+                         --BAILEY.
+
+
+No mortal tongue or pen can describe the new, deep fountain of love the
+birth of her child had opened in our Elsie's heart.
+
+Already a devoted wife and daughter, she was the tenderest, most careful,
+most judicious of mothers; watching vigilantly over the welfare, physical,
+moral, and spiritual, of her precious charge.
+
+Often she took it with her to her closet, or kneeling beside its cradle,
+sent up fervent petitions to Him who, while on earth, said, "Suffer the
+little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me," that He would
+receive her little one, and early make her a lamb of His fold.
+
+And even before the child could comprehend, she began to tell it of that
+dear Saviour and His wondrous love; then, as soon as it could speak, she
+taught it to lisp a simple prayer to Him.
+
+Little Elsie was almost the idol of her father and grandparents, who all
+looked upon her as a sort of second edition of her mother; more and more
+so as she grew in size, in beauty, and intelligence. Our Elsie seemed to
+find no cloud in her sky during that first year of her motherhood. "I
+thought I was as perfectly happy as possible in this world, before our
+darling came," she said to her husband one day, "but I am far happier now;
+for oh! such a well-spring of joy as she is!"
+
+"I am sure I can echo and reecho your words," he answered, folding the
+child to his heart. "How rich I have grown in the last two years! My two
+Elsies, more precious than the wealth of the world! Sometime I'm half
+afraid I love you both with an idolatrous affection, and that God will
+take you from me." His voice trembled with the last words.
+
+"I have had that fear also," she said, coming to his side and laying her
+hand on his arm; "but, Edward, if we put God first, we cannot love each
+other, nor this wee precious pet, too dearly."
+
+"No, you are right, little wife. But we must not expect to continue
+always, or very long, so free from trial; for 'we must through much
+tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.' And 'many are the afflictions
+of the righteous.'"
+
+"But the Lord delivereth him out of them all," she responded, finishing
+the quotation.
+
+"Yes, dearest, I know that trials and troubles will come, but not of
+themselves, and what our Father sends, He will give us strength to bear.
+'The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory.'"
+
+This conversation was held when the little girl was about a year old.
+
+Early in the following winter Elsie said to the dear old Mrs. Travilla,
+"Mother, I'm afraid you are not well. You are losing flesh and color, and
+do not seem so strong as usual. Mamma remarked it to me to-day, and asked
+what ailed you."
+
+"I am doing very well, dear," the old lady answered with a placid smile,
+and in her own gentle, quiet tones.
+
+"Mother, dear mother, something is wrong; you don't deny that you are
+ill!" and Elsie's tone was full of alarm and distress, as she hastily
+seated herself upon an ottoman beside Mrs. Travilla's easy chair, and
+earnestly scanned the aged face she loved so well. "We must have Dr.
+Barton here to see you. May I not send at once?"
+
+"No, dearest, I have already consulted him, and he is doing all he can for
+my relief."
+
+"But cannot cure you?"
+
+The answer came after a moment's pause.
+
+"No, dear; but I had hoped it would be much longer ere my cross cast its
+shadow over either your or Edward's path."
+
+Elsie could not speak; she only took the pale hands in hers, and pressed
+them again and again to her quivering lips, while her eyes filled to
+overflowing.
+
+"Dear daughter," said the calm, sweet voice, "do not grieve that I have
+got my summons home; for dearly, dearly as I love you all, I am often
+longing to see the face of my Beloved; of Him who hath redeemed me and
+washed me from my sins in His own precious blood."
+
+Mr. Travilla from the next room had heard it all. Hurrying in, he knelt by
+her side and folded his arms about her. "Mother," he said, hoarsely, "oh,
+is it, can it be so? Are we to lose you?"
+
+"No, my son; blessed be God, I shall not be lost, but only gone before; so
+don't be troubled and sorrowful when you see me suffer; remember that He
+loves me far better than you can, and will never give me one unneeded
+pang.
+
+"Well may I bear joyfully all He sends; for your light affliction, which
+is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal
+weight of glory; and He has said, 'When thou passest through the waters, I
+will be with thee: and through the floods, they shall not overflow thee:
+when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned, neither shall
+the flames kindle upon thee.'"
+
+"And He is faithful to His promises. But we will not let you die yet, my
+mother, if anything in the wide world can save you. There are more skilful
+physicians than Dr. Barton; we will consult them----"
+
+"My son, the disease is one the whole profession agree in pronouncing
+incurable, and to travel would be torture. No, be content to let me die at
+home, with you and this beloved daughter to smooth my dying pillow, our
+wee precious pet to wile away the pain with her pretty baby ways, and my
+own pastor to comfort me with God's truth and sweet thoughts of heaven."
+
+Elsie looked the question her trembling lips refused to utter.
+
+"I shall not probably leave you soon," said the old lady. "It is a slow
+thing, the doctor tells me, it will take some time to run its course."
+
+Elsie could scarce endure the anguish in her husband's face. Silently she
+placed herself by his side, her arm about his neck, and laid her cheek to
+his.
+
+He drew her yet closer, the other arm still embracing his mother. "Are you
+suffering much, dearest mother?"
+
+"Not more than He giveth me strength to bear; and His consolations are not
+small.
+
+"My dear children, I have tried to hide this from you lest it should mar
+your happiness. Do not let it do so; it is no cause of regret to me. I
+have lived my three-score years and ten, and if by reason of strength they
+should be four-score, yet would their strength be labor and sorrow. I am
+deeply thankful that our Father has decreed to spare me the infirmities of
+extreme old age, by calling me home to that New Jerusalem where sin and
+sorrow, pain and feebleness, are unknown."
+
+"But to see you suffer, mother!" groaned her son.
+
+"Think on the dear Hand that sends the pain--so infinitely less than what
+He bore for me; that it is but for a moment; and of the weight of glory it
+is to work for me. Try, my dear children, to be entirely submissive to His
+will."
+
+"We will, mother," they answered; "and to be cheerful for your sake."
+
+A shadow had fallen upon the brightness of the hitherto happy home--a
+shadow of a great, coming sorrow--and the present grief of knowing that
+the dear mother, though ever patient, cheerful, resigned, was enduring
+almost constant and often very severe pain.
+
+They watched over her with tenderest love and care, doing everything in
+their power to relieve, strengthen, comfort her; never giving way in her
+presence to the grief that often wrung their hearts.
+
+Dearly as Mr. Travilla and Elsie had loved each other before, this
+community of sorrow drew them still closer together; as did their love
+for, and joy and pride in, their beautiful child.
+
+The consolations of God were not small with any of our friends at Ion and
+the Oaks; yet was it a winter of trial to all.
+
+For some weeks after the above conversation, Mr. Dinsmore and Rose called
+every day, and showed themselves sincere sympathizers; but young Horace
+and little Rosebud were taken with scarlet fever in its worst form, and
+the parents being much with them, did not venture to Ion for fear of
+carrying the infection to wee Elsie.
+
+By God's blessing upon skilful medical advice and attention, and the best
+of nursing, the children were brought safely through the trying ordeal,
+the disease leaving no evil effects, as it so often does. But scarcely had
+they convalesced when Mr. Dinsmore fell ill of typhoid fever, though of a
+rather mild type.
+
+Then as he began to go about again, Rose took to her bed with what proved
+to be a far more severe and lasting attack of the same disease; for weeks
+her life was in great jeopardy, and even after the danger was past, the
+improvement was so very slow that her husband was filled with anxiety for
+her.
+
+Meanwhile the beloved invalid at Ion was slowly sinking to the grave. Nay,
+rather, as she would have it, journeying rapidly towards her heavenly
+home, "the land of the leal," the city which hath foundations, whose
+builder and Maker is God.
+
+She suffered, but with a patience that never failed, a cheerfulness and
+joyful looking to the end, that made her sick-room a sort of little heaven
+below.
+
+Her children were with her almost constantly through the day; but Mr.
+Travilla, watchful as ever over his idolized young wife, would not allow
+her to lose a night's rest, insisting on her retiring at the usual hour.
+Nor would he allow her ever to assist in lifting his mother, or any of the
+heavy nursing; she might smooth her pillows, give her medicines, order
+dainties prepared to tempt the failing appetite, and oversee the negro
+women, who were capable nurses, and one of whom was always at hand night
+and day, ready to do whatever was required.
+
+Elsie dearly loved her mother-in-law, and felt it both a duty and delight
+to do all in her power for her comfort and consolation; but when she heard
+that her own beloved father was ill, she could not stay away from him, but
+made a daily visit to the Oaks and to his bedside. She was uniformly
+cheerful in his presence, but wept in secret because she was denied the
+privilege of nursing him in his illness.
+
+Then her sorrow and anxiety for Rose were great, and all the more because,
+Mrs. Travilla being then at the worst, she could very seldom leave her for
+even the shortest call at the Oaks.
+
+In the afternoon of a sweet bright Sabbath in March, a little group
+gathered in Mrs. Travilla's room. Her pastor was there: a man of large
+heart full of tender sympathy for the sick, the suffering, the bereaved,
+the poor, the distressed in mind, body, or estate; a man mighty in the
+Scriptures; with its warnings, its counsels, its assurances, its sweet and
+precious promises ever ready on his tongue; one who by much study of the
+Bible, accompanied by fervent prayer for the wisdom promised to him that
+asks it, had learned to wield wisely and with success "the sword of the
+Spirit which is the word of God." Like Noah he was a preacher of
+righteousness, and like Paul could say, "I ceased not to warn every one
+night and day with tears."
+
+He had brought with him one of his elders, a man of like spirit, gentle,
+kind, tender, ever ready to obey the command to "weep with those that weep
+and rejoice with those that do rejoice," a man silver-haired and growing
+feeble with age, yet so meek and lowly in heart, so earnest and childlike
+in his approaches to our Father, that he seemed on the very verge of
+heaven.
+
+"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." Often had these two
+been in that sick-room, comforting the aged saint as she neared "the
+valley of the shadow of death."
+
+To-day they had come again on the same Christlike errand, and for the last
+time; for all could see that she stood on Jordan's very brink, its cold
+waters already creeping up about her feet.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore, Mr. Travilla, and Elsie were present; also, a little
+withdrawn from the others, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, and a few of the old
+house servants who were Christians. "The rich and the poor meet together;
+the Lord is the Maker of them all."
+
+It was a sweetly solemn service, refreshing to the soul of each one there;
+most of all, perhaps, to that of her who would so soon be casting her
+crown at the Master's feet. "I am almost home," she said with brightening
+countenance, her low, sweet voice breaking the solemn stillness of the
+room; "I am entering the valley, but without fear, for Jesus is with me. I
+hear Him saying to me, 'Fear not; I have redeemed thee; thou art mine.'"
+
+"He is all your hope and trust, dear friend, is He not?" asked her pastor.
+
+"All, all; His blood and righteousness are all my hope. All my
+righteousnesses are as filthy rags; all my best services have need to be
+forgiven. I am vile; but His blood cleanseth from all sin; and He has
+washed me in it and made me mete for the inheritance of the saints in
+light."
+
+"Dear sister," said the old elder, taking her hand in a last farewell,
+"good-bye for a short season; 'twill not be long till we meet before the
+throne. Do not fear to cross the river, for He will be with you, and will
+not let you sink."
+
+"No; the everlasting arms are underneath and around me, and He will never
+leave nor forsake."
+
+"'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,'" said the
+pastor, taking the feeble hand in his turn. "Fear not; you shall be more
+than conqueror through Him that loved us."
+
+"Yes, the battle is fought, the victory is won; and I hear Him saying to
+me, 'Come up hither.' Oh! I shall be there very soon--a sinner saved by
+grace."
+
+The pastor and elder withdrew, Mr. Travilla going with them to the door.
+Elsie brought a cordial and held it to her mother's lips, Mr. Dinsmore
+gently raising her head. "Thank you both," she said, with the courtesy for
+which she had ever been distinguished. Then, as Mr. Dinsmore settled her
+more comfortably on her pillows, and Elsie set aside the empty cup,
+"Horace, my friend, farewell till we meet in a better land. Elsie,
+darling," laying her pale thin hand on the bowed head, "you have been a
+dear, dear daughter to me, such a comfort, such a blessing! May the Lord
+reward you."
+
+Elsie had much ado to control her feelings. Her father passed his arm
+about her waist and made her rest her head upon his shoulder.
+
+"Mother, how are you now?" asked Mr. Travilla, coming in and taking his
+place on his wife's other side, close by the bed of the dying one.
+
+"All is peace, peace, the sweetest peace, I have nothing to do but to die,
+I am in the river, but the Lord upholdeth me with His hand, and I have
+almost reached the farther shore."
+
+She then asked for the babe, kissed and blessed it, and bade her son
+good-bye.
+
+"Sing to me, children, the twenty-third psalm."
+
+Controlling their emotion by a strong effort, that they might minister to
+her comfort, they sang; the three voices blending in sweet harmony.
+
+"Thank you," she said again, as the last strain died away. "Hark! I hear
+sweeter, richer melody, the angels have come for me, Jesus is here. Lord
+Jesus receive my spirit."
+
+There was an enraptured upward glance, an ecstatic smile, then the eyes
+closed and all was still; without a struggle or a groan the spirit had
+dropped its tenement of clay and sped away on its upward flight.
+
+It was like a translation; a deep hush filled the room, while for a moment
+they seemed almost to see the "glory that dwelleth in Immanuel's land."
+They scarcely wept, their joy for her, the ransomed of the Lord, almost
+swallowing up their grief for themselves.
+
+But soon Elsie began to tremble violently, shudder after shudder shaking
+her whole frame, and in sudden alarm her husband and father led her from
+the room.
+
+"Oh. Elsie, my darling, my precious wife!" cried Travilla, in a tone of
+agony, as they laid her upon a sofa in her boudoir, "are you ill? are you
+in pain?"
+
+"Give way, daughter, and let the tears come," said Mr. Dinsmore, tenderly
+bending over her and gently smoothing her hair; "it will do you good,
+bring relief to the overstrained nerves and full heart."
+
+Even as he spoke the barriers which for so many hours had been steadily,
+firmly resisting the grief and anguish swelling in her breast, suddenly
+gave way, and tears poured out like a flood.
+
+Her husband knelt by her side and drew her head to a resting-place on his
+breast, while her father, with one of her hands in his, softly repeated
+text after text speaking of the bliss of the blessed dead.
+
+She grew calmer. "Don't be alarmed about me, dear Edward, dear papa," she
+said in her low sweet tones. "I don't think I am ill; and heavy as our
+loss is, dearest husband, how we must rejoice for her. Let me go and
+perform the last office of love for her--our precious mother; I am better;
+I am able."
+
+"No, no, you are not; you must not," both answered in a breath. "Aunt
+Dinah and Aunt Chloe will do it all tenderly and lovingly as if she had
+been of their own flesh and blood," added Mr. Travilla, in trembling
+tones.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTIETH.
+
+    "There are smiles and tears in the mother's eyes
+     For her new-born babe beside her lies;
+     Oh, heaven of bliss! when the heart o'erflows
+     With the rapture a _mother_ only knows!"
+                              --HENRY WARE, JR.
+
+
+Mrs. Travilla was laid to rest in their own family burial-ground, her dust
+sleeping beside that of her husband, and children who had died in infancy;
+and daily her surviving son carried his little daughter thither to scatter
+flowers upon "dear grandma's grave."
+
+It was not easy to learn to live without the dear mother; they missed her
+constantly. Yet was their sorrow nearly swallowed up in joy for her--the
+blessed dead who had departed to be with Christ in glory and to go no more
+out forever from that blissful presence.
+
+Their house was not made dark and gloomy, the sunlight and sweet spring
+air entered freely as of yore. Nor did they suffer gloom to gather in
+their hearts or cloud their faces. Each was filled with thankfulness for
+the spared life of the other, and of their darling little daughter.
+
+And scarce a week had passed away since heaven's portals opened wide to
+the ransomed soul, when a new voice--that of a son and heir--was heard in
+the old home, and many hearts rejoiced in the birth of the beautiful boy.
+
+"God has sent him to comfort you in your sorrow, dearest," Elsie
+whispered, as her husband brought the babe--fresh from its first robing by
+Aunt Chloe's careful hands--and with a very proud and happy face laid it
+in her arms.
+
+"Yes," he said, in moved tones. "Oh, that men would praise the Lord for
+His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
+
+"If mother could only have seen him!" And tears gathered in the soft,
+sweet eyes of the young mother gazing so tenderly upon the tiny face on
+her arm.
+
+"She will, one day, I trust; I have been asking for this new darling that
+he may be an heir of glory: that he may early be gathered into the fold of
+the good Shepherd."
+
+"And I, too," she said, "have besought my precious Saviour to be the God
+of my children also from their birth."
+
+"What do you intend to call your son?"
+
+"What do you?" she asked, smiling up at him.
+
+"Horace, for your father, if you like."
+
+"And I had thought of Edward, for his father and yours. Horace Edward.
+Will that do?"
+
+"I am satisfied, if you are. But Edward would do for the next."
+
+"But he may never come to claim it," she said, laughing. "Is papa in the
+house?"
+
+"Yes, and delighted to learn that he has a grandson."
+
+"Oh, bring him here and let me see the first meeting between them."
+
+"Can you bear the excitement?"
+
+"I promise not to be excited; and it _always_ does me good to see my dear
+father."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore came softly in, kissed very tenderly the pale face on the
+pillow, then took a long look at the tiny pink one nestling to her side.
+
+"Ah, isn't he a beauty? I have made you two grand-fathers now, you dear
+papa!" she said, indulging in a little jest to keep down the emotions
+tugging at her heart-strings. "Do you begin to feel old and decrepit, _mon
+pere_?"
+
+"Not very," he said smiling, and softly smoothing her hair; "not more so
+to-day than I did yesterday. But now I must leave you to rest and sleep.
+Try, my darling, for all our sakes, to be very prudent, very calm and
+quiet."
+
+"I will, papa; and don't trouble about me. You know I am in good hands.
+Ah, stay a moment! here is Edward bringing wee bit Elsie to take her first
+peep at her little brother."
+
+"Mamma," cried the child; stretching out her little arms towards the bed,
+"mamma, take Elsie."
+
+"Mamma can't, darling; poor mamma is so sick," said Mr. Travilla; "stay
+with papa."
+
+"But she shall kiss her mamma, dear, precious little pet," Elsie said.
+"Please hold her close for a minute, papa, and let her kiss her mother."
+
+He complied under protest, in which Mr. Dinsmore joined, that he feared it
+would be too much for her; and the soft baby hands patted the wan cheeks,
+the tiny rosebud mouth was pressed again and again to the pale lips with
+rapturous cooings, "Mamma, mamma!"
+
+"There, pet, that will do," said her father. "Now, see what mamma has for
+you."
+
+"Look, mother's darling," Elsie said with a glad smile, exposing to view
+the tiny face by her side.
+
+"Baby!" cried the little girl, with a joyous shout, clapping her chubby
+hands, "pretty baby Elsie take"; and the small arms were held out
+entreatingly.
+
+"No, Elsie is too little to hold it," said her papa; "but she may kiss it
+very softly."
+
+The child availed herself of the permission, then gently patting the
+newcomer, repeated her glad cry, "Baby, pretty baby."
+
+"Elsie's little brother," said her mamma, tenderly. "Now, dearest, let
+mammy take her away," she added, sinking back on her pillows with a weary
+sigh.
+
+He complied, then bent over her with a look of concern. "I should not have
+brought her in," he said anxiously; "it has been too much for you."
+
+"But I wanted so to see her delight. One more kiss, papa, before you go,
+and then I'll try to sleep."
+
+Elsie did not recover so speedily and entirely as before, after the birth
+of her first babe; and those to whom she was so dear grew anxious and
+troubled about her.
+
+"You want change, daughter," Mr. Dinsmore said, coming in one morning and
+finding her lying pale and languid on a sofa; "and we are all longing to
+have you at home. Do you feel equal to a drive over to the Oaks?"
+
+"I think I do, papa," she answered, brightening. "Edward took me for a
+short drive yesterday, and I felt better for it."
+
+"Then, dearest, come home to your father's house and stay there as long as
+you can; bring babies and nurses and come. Your own suite of rooms is
+quite ready for you," he said, caressing her tenderly.
+
+"Ah, papa, how nice to go back and feel at home in my own father's house
+again," she said, softly stroking his head with her thin white hand as he
+bent over her, the sweet soft eyes, gazing full into his, brimming over
+with love and joy. "I shall go, if Edward doesn't object. I'd like to
+start this minute. But you haven't told me how poor mamma is to-day?"
+
+"Not well, not very much stronger than you are, I fear," he answered, with
+a slight sigh. "But your coming will do her a world of good. Where is
+Travilla?"
+
+"Here, and quite at your service," replied Mr. Travilla's cheery voice, as
+he came in from the garden with his little daughter in his arms.
+
+He set her down, and while he exchanged greetings with Mr. Dinsmore, she
+ran to her mother with a bouquet of lovely sweet-scented spring blossoms
+they had been gathering "for mamma."
+
+"Thank you, mother's darling," Elsie said, accepting the gift and tenderly
+caressing the giver; "you and papa, too. But see who is here?"
+
+The child turned to look, and with a joyous cry "G'anpa!" ran into his
+outstretched arms.
+
+"Grandpa's own wee pet," he said, hugging the little form close and
+covering the baby face with kisses. "Will you come and live with grandpa
+in his home for awhile?"
+
+"Mamma? papa too?" she asked, turning a wistful look on them.
+
+"Oh, yes; yes indeed, mamma and papa too."
+
+"Baby?"
+
+"Yes, baby and mammies and all. Will you come?"
+
+"May Elsie, mamma?"
+
+"Yes, pet; we will all go, if your papa is willing." And her soft eyes
+sought her husband's face with a look of love and confidence that said she
+well knew he would never deny her any good in his power to bestow.
+
+"I have been proposing to my daughter to take possession again, for as
+long a time as she finds it convenient and agreeable, of her old suite of
+rooms at the Oaks. I think the change would do her good, and perhaps you
+and the little ones also," Mr. Dinsmore explained.
+
+"Thank you; I think it would. When will you go, little wife?"
+
+"Papa proposes taking me at once."
+
+"My carriage is at the door, and this is the pleasantest part of the day,"
+remarked Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"Ah, yes; then take Elsie with you, and I will follow shortly with
+children and servants. There is no reason in the world why she should not
+go, if she wishes, and stay as long as she likes."
+
+The change proved beneficial to Elsie; it was so pleasant to find herself
+again a member of her father's family; and that even without a short
+separation from her husband and little ones.
+
+Here, too, absent from the scenes so closely associated with the memory of
+her beloved mother-in-law, she dwelt less upon her loss, while at the same
+time she was entertained and cheered by constant intercourse with father,
+Rose, and young brother and sister. It was indeed a cheering thing to all
+parties to be thus brought together for a time as one family in delightful
+social intercourse.
+
+Yet, though the invalids improved in spirits, and to some extent in other
+respects, they did not regain their usual strength, and the physicians
+recommending travel, particularly a sea voyage, it was finally decided to
+again visit Europe for an indefinite period, the length of their stay to
+depend upon circumstances.
+
+It was in June, 1860, they left their homes; and traveling northward, paid
+a short visit to relatives and friends in Philadelphia; then took the
+steamer for Europe.
+
+A few weeks later found them cozily established in a handsome villa
+overlooking the beautiful bay of Naples.
+
+They formed but one family here as at the Oaks; each couple having their
+own private suite of apartments, while all other rooms were used in common
+and their meals taken together; an arrangement preferred by all; Mr.
+Dinsmore and his daughter especially rejoicing in it, as giving them
+almost as much of each other's society as before her marriage.
+
+In this lovely spot they planned to remain for some months, perchance a
+year; little dreaming that five years would roll their weary round ere
+they should see home and dear native land again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST.
+
+    "He who loves not his country can love nothing."
+                                          --BYRON.
+
+    "There were sad hearts in a darken'd home,
+       When the brave had left their bower;
+     But the strength of prayer and sacrifice
+       Was with them in that hour."
+                              --MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+The sea voyage had done much for the health of both ladies, and the soft
+Italian air carried on the cure. Mr. Dinsmore, too, had recovered his
+usual strength, for the first time since his attack of fever.
+
+There was no lack of good society at their command; good both socially and
+intellectually. American, English, Italian, French, etc.; many former
+friends and acquaintances and others desiring to be introduced by these;
+but none of our party felt disposed at that time to mix much with the
+outside world.
+
+Elsie's deep mourning was for her sufficient excuse for declining all
+invitations; while Rose could plead her still precarious state of health.
+
+She wore no outward badge of mourning for Mrs. Travilla, but felt deep and
+sincere grief at her loss; for the two had been intimate and dear friends
+for many years, the wide disparity in age making their intercourse and
+affection much like that of mother and daughter.
+
+The condition of political affairs in their own country was another thing
+that caused our friends to feel more exclusive and somewhat reluctant to
+mingle with those of other nationalities. Every mail brought them letters
+and papers from both North and South, and from their distant standpoint
+they watched with deep interest and anxiety the course of events fraught
+with such momentous consequences to their native land.
+
+Neither Mr. Dinsmore nor Mr. Travilla had ever been a politician; but both
+they and their wives were dear lovers of their country, by which they
+meant the whole Union. The three who were natives of the South
+acknowledged that that section was dearer to them than any other, but that
+the whole was nearer and dearer than any part; while Rose said "she knew
+no difference; it was all her own beloved native land, to her mind one and
+indivisible."
+
+They led a cheerful, quiet life in their Italian home, devoting themselves
+to each other and their children; Mr. Dinsmore acting the part of tutor to
+young Horace, as he had done to Elsie.
+
+Her little ones were the pets and playthings of the entire household,
+while she and their father found the sweetest joy in caring for them and
+watching over and assisting the development of their natures, mental,
+moral, and physical. Their children would never be left to the care and
+training of servants, however faithful and devoted.
+
+Nor would those of Mr. Dinsmore and Rose. In the esteem of these wise,
+Christian parents the God-given charge of their own offspring took
+undoubted precedence of the claims of society.
+
+Thus placidly passed the summer and autumn, the monotony of their
+secluded life relieved by the enjoyment of literary pursuits, and varied
+by walks, rides, drives, and an occasional sail, in bright, still weather,
+over the waters of the lovely bay.
+
+Elsie entered the drawing-room one morning, with the little daughter in
+her arms. The child was beautiful as a cherub, the mother sweet and fair
+as ever, nor a day older in appearance than while yet a girl in her
+father's house.
+
+She found him sole occupant of the room, pacing to and fro with downcast
+eyes and troubled countenance. But looking up quickly at the sound of her
+footsteps he came hastily towards her.
+
+"Come to grandpa," he said, holding out his hands to the little one; then
+as he took her in his arms, "My dear daughter, if I had any authority over
+you now----"
+
+"Papa," she interrupted, blushing deeply, while the quick tears sprang to
+her eyes, "you hurt me! Please don't speak so. I am as ready now as ever
+to obey your slightest behest."
+
+"Then, my darling, don't carry this child. You are not strong, and I fear
+will do yourself an injury. She can walk very well now, and if necessary
+to have her carried, call upon me, her father, or one of the servants;
+Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, Dinah, one or another is almost sure to be at
+hand."
+
+"I will try to follow out your wishes, papa. Edward has said the same
+thing to me, and no doubt you are right; but it is so sweet to have her in
+my arms, and so hard to refuse when she asks to be taken up."
+
+"You mustn't ask mamma to carry you," Mr. Dinsmore said to the child,
+caressing her tenderly as he spoke; "poor mamma is not strong, and you
+will make her sick."
+
+They had seated themselves side by side upon a sofa. The little one turned
+a piteous look upon her mother, and with a quivering lip and fast-filling
+eyes, said, "Mamma sick? Elsie tiss her, make her well?"
+
+"No, my precious pet, mother isn't sick; so don't cry," Elsie answered,
+receiving the offered kiss, as the babe left her grandfather's knee and
+crept to her; then the soft little hands patted her on the cheeks and the
+chubby arms clung about her neck.
+
+But catching sight, through the open window, of her father coming up the
+garden walk, wee Elsie hastily let go her hold, slid to the floor and ran
+to meet him.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore seemed again lost in gloomy thought.
+
+"Papa, dear, what is it? What troubles you so?" asked Elsie, moving closer
+to him, and leaning affectionately on his shoulder, while the soft eyes
+sought his with a wistful, anxious expression.
+
+He put his arm about her, and just touching her cheek with his lips,
+heaved a deep sigh. "The papers bring us bad news. Lincoln is elected."
+
+"Ah well, let us not borrow trouble, papa; perhaps he may prove a pretty
+good president after all."
+
+"Just what I think," remarked Mr. Travilla, who had come in with his
+little girl in his arms at the moment of Mr. Dinsmore's announcement, and
+seated himself on his wife's other side; "let us wait and see. All may go
+right with our country yet."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head sadly. "I wish I could think so, but in the
+past history of all republics whenever section has arrayed itself against
+section the result has been either a peaceful separation, or civil war;
+nor can we hope to be an exception to the rule."
+
+"I should mourn over either," said Elsie, "I cannot bear to contemplate
+the dismemberment of our great, glorious old Union. Foreign nations would
+never respect either portion as they do the undivided whole."
+
+"No; and I can't believe either section can be so mad as to go that
+length," remarked her husband, fondling his baby daughter as he spoke.
+"The North, of course, does not desire a separation; but if the South
+goes, will be pretty sure to let her go peaceably."
+
+"I doubt it, Travilla; and even if a peaceable separation should be
+allowed at first, so many causes of contention would result (such as the
+control of the navigation of the Mississippi, the refusal of the North to
+restore runaway negroes, etc., etc.), that it would soon come to blows."
+
+"Horace, you frighten me," said Rose, who had come in while they were
+talking.
+
+The color faded from Elsie's cheek, and a shudder ran over her, as she
+turned eagerly to hear her husband reply.
+
+"Why cross the bridge before we come to it, Dinsmore?" he answered
+cheerily, meeting his wife's anxious look with one so fond and free from
+care, that her heart grew light; "surely there'll be no fighting where
+there is no yoke of oppression to cast off. There can be no effect
+without a cause."
+
+"The accursed lust of power on the part of a few selfish, unprincipled
+men, may invent a cause, and for the carrying out of their own ambitious
+schemes, they may lead the people to believe and act upon it. No one
+proposes to interfere with our institution where it already exists--even
+the Republican party has emphatically denied any such intention--yet the
+hue and cry has been raised that slavery will be abolished by the incoming
+administration, arms put into the hands of the blacks, and a servile
+insurrection will bring untold horrors to the hearths and homes of the
+South."
+
+"Oh, dreadful, dreadful!" cried Rose.
+
+"But, my dear, there is really no such danger: the men (unscrupulous
+politicians) do not believe it themselves; but they want power, and as
+they could never succeed in getting the masses to rebel to compass their
+selfish ends, they have invented this falsehood and are deceiving the
+people with it."
+
+"Don't put all the blame on the one side, Dinsmore," said Mr. Travilla.
+
+"No; that would be very unfair. The framers of our constitution looked to
+gradual emancipation to rid us of this blot on our escutcheon, this
+palpable inconsistency between our conduct and our political creed.
+
+"It did so in a number of States, and probably would ere this in all, but
+for the fierce attacks of a few ultra-abolitionists, who were more zealous
+to pull the mote out of their brother's eye than the beam out of their
+own, and so exasperated the Southern people by their wholesale abuse and
+denunciations, that all thought of emancipation was given up.
+
+"It is human nature to cling the tighter to anything another attempts to
+force from you; even though you may have felt ready enough to give it up
+of your own free will."
+
+"Very true," said Travilla, "and Garrison and his crew would have been at
+better work repenting of their own sins, than denouncing those of their
+neighbors."
+
+"But, papa, you don't think it can come to war, a civil war, in our dear
+country? the best land the sun shines on; and where there is none of the
+oppression that makes a wise man mad!"
+
+"I fear it, daughter, I greatly fear it; but we will cast this care, as
+well as all others, upon Him who 'doeth according to His will, in the army
+of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth.'"
+
+What a winter of uncertainty and gloom to Americans, both at home and
+abroad, was that of 1860-'61. Each mail brought to our anxious friends in
+Naples news calculated to depress them more and more in view of the
+calamities that seemed to await their loved land.
+
+State after State was seceding and seizing upon United States property
+within its limits--forts, arsenals, navy-yards, custom-houses, mints,
+ships, armories, and military stores--while the government at Washington
+remained inactive, doubtless fearing to precipitate the civil strife.
+
+Still Mr. Travilla, Rose, and Elsie, like many lovers of the Union, both
+North and South, clung to the hope that war might yet be averted.
+
+At length came the news of the formation of the Confederacy: Davis's
+election as its president; then of the firing upon the Star of the West,
+an unarmed vessel bearing troops and supplies to Fort Sumter.
+
+"Well, the first gun has been fired," said Mr. Dinsmore, with a sigh, as
+he laid down the paper from which he had been reading the account.
+
+"But perhaps it may be the only one, papa," remarked Elsie hopefully.
+
+"I wish it may," replied her father, rising and beginning to pace to and
+fro, as was his wont when excited or disturbed.
+
+The next news from America was looked for with intense anxiety. It was
+delayed longer than usual; and at length a heavy mail came, consisting of
+letters and Capers of various dates from the twelfth to the twentieth of
+April, and bringing news of the most exciting character in the fall of
+Fort Sumter: the call of the president for seventy-five thousand troops to
+defend the capital, the seizure of the United States armory at Harper's
+Ferry by the Confederates; the attack on the Massachusetts troops while
+passing through Baltimore, and lastly the seizure of Norfolk Navy-yard.
+
+Dinner was just over at the villa, the family still chatting over the
+dessert, children and all in an unusually merry mood, when this mail was
+brought in by a servant, and handed to Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+He promptly distributed it, took up the paper of the earliest date, and
+glancing over the headings, exclaimed, with a groan, "It has come!"
+
+"What?" queried the others, in excited chorus.
+
+"War! My country! oh, my country! Fort Sumter has fallen after a terrific
+bombardment of thirty-six hours." And he proceeded to read aloud the
+account of the engagement, the others listening in almost breathless
+silence.
+
+"And they have dared to fire upon the flag! the emblem of our nationality,
+the symbol of Revolutionary glory; to tear it down and trample it in the
+dust!" cried Mr. Travilla, pushing back his chair in unwonted excitement;
+"shameful, shameful!"
+
+Tears were rolling down Elsie's cheeks, and Rose's eyes were full.
+
+"Let us adjourn to the library and learn together all these papers and
+letters can tell us," said Mr. Dinsmore, rising. "'Twill be better so; we
+shall need the support of each other's sympathy."
+
+He led the way and the rest followed.
+
+The papers were examined first, by the gentlemen, now the one and now the
+other reading an article aloud, the excitement and distress of all
+increasing with each item of intelligence in regard to public affairs.
+Rose and Elsie opened their letters, and now and then, in the short pauses
+of the reading, cast a hasty glance at their contents.
+
+Elsie's were from her Aunt Adelaide, Walter, and Enna. Rose's from her
+mother, Richard, May, and Sophie.
+
+The last seemed written in a state of distraction.
+
+"Rose, Rose, I think I shall go crazy! my husband and his brothers have
+enlisted in the Confederate army. They, Harry especially, are furious at
+the North and full of fight; and I know my brothers at home will enlist on
+the other side; and what if they should meet and kill each other! Oh,
+dear! oh, dear! my heart is like to break!
+
+"And what is it all about? I can't see that anybody's oppressed; but when
+I tell Harry so, he just laughs and says, 'No, we're not going to wait
+till they have time to rivet our chains,' 'But,' I say, 'I've had neither
+sight nor sound of chains; wait at least till you hear their clank.' Then
+he laughs again, but says soothingly, 'Never mind, little wife; don't
+distress yourself; the North won't fight; or if they do try it, will soon
+give it up,' But I know they won't give up: they wouldn't be Americans if
+they did.
+
+"Arthur and Walter Dinsmore were here yesterday, and Arthur is worse than
+Harry a great deal; actually told me he wouldn't hesitate to shoot down
+any or all of my brothers, if he met them in Federal uniform. Walter is
+almost silent on the subject, and has not yet enlisted. Arthur taunted him
+with being for the Union, and said if he was quite sure of it he'd shoot
+him, or help hang him to the nearest tree.
+
+"Oh, Rose! pray, pray that this dreadful war may be averted!"
+
+Rose felt almost stunned with horror as she read; but her tears fell fast
+as she hurriedly perused the contents of the other three, learning from
+them that Richard, Harold, and Fred had already enlisted, and Edward
+would do the same should the war continue long.
+
+"My heart is torn in two!" she cried, looking piteously up in her
+husband's face, with the tears streaming down her own.
+
+"What is it, my darling?" he asked, coming to her and taking her cold
+hands in his.
+
+"Oh my country! my country! My brothers, too--and yours! they are pitted
+against each other--have enlisted in the opposing armies. Oh, Horace,
+Horace! what ever shall we do?"
+
+"God reigns, dearest; let that comfort you and all of us," he said, in
+moved tones. "It is dreadful, dreadful! Brothers, friends, neighbors, with
+hearts full of hatred and ready to imbrue their hands in each other's
+blood and for what? That a few ambitious, selfish, unscrupulous men may
+retain and increase their power; for this they are ready to shed the blood
+of tens of thousands of their own countrymen, and bring utter ruin upon
+our beautiful, sunny South."
+
+"Oh, papa, surely not!" cried Elsie; "these papers say the war cannot last
+more than three months."
+
+"They forget that it will be American against American. If it is over in
+three years, 'twill be shorter than I expect."
+
+Elsie was weeping, scarcely less distressed than Rose.
+
+"We will, at least, hope for better things, little wife," her husband
+said, drawing her to him with caressing motion. "What do your letters
+say?"
+
+"They are full of the war; it is the all-absorbing theme with them, as
+with us. Aunt Adelaide's is very sad. Her heart clings to the South, as
+ours do; yet, like us, she has a strong love for the old Union.
+
+"And she's very found of her husband, who, she says, is very strong for
+the Government; and then, besides her distress at the thought that he will
+enlist, her heart is torn with anguish because her brothers and his are in
+the opposing armies.
+
+"Oh, Edward! isn't it terrible? Civil war in our dear land! So many whom
+we love on both sides!"
+
+There was a moment of sorrowful silence. Then her father asked, "What does
+Enna say?"
+
+"She is very bitter, papa: speaks with great contempt of the North; exults
+over the fall of Fort Sumter and the seizure of United States property;
+glories in the war-spirit of Dick and Arthur, and sneers at poor Walter
+because he is silent and sad, and declines, for the present at least, to
+take any part in the strife. Grandpa, she says, and his mother, too, are
+almost ready to turn him out of the house; for they are as hot
+secessionists as can be found anywhere.
+
+"I have a letter from Walter too, papa. He writes in a very melancholy
+strain; hints mildly at the treatment he receives at home; says he can't
+bear the idea of fighting against the old flag, and still less the old
+friends he has at the North, and wishes he was with us or anywhere out of
+the country, that he might escape being forced to take part in the
+quarrel."
+
+"Poor fellow!" sighed Mr. Dinsmore. "Ah, I have a letter here from my
+father that I have not yet opened."
+
+He took it from the table as he spoke. His face darkened as he read, the
+frown and stern expression reminding Elsie of some of the scenes in her
+early days; but he handed the missive to Rose, remarking, in a calm, quiet
+tone, "My father expects me to be as strong a secessionist as himself."
+
+"But you're for the Union, papa, are you not?" asked Horace. "You'd never
+fire upon the Stars and Stripes--the dear old flag that protects us here?"
+
+"No, my son. I love the dear South, which has always been my home, better
+far than any other of the sections; yet I love the whole better than a
+part."
+
+"So do I!" exclaimed Rose warmly; "and if Pennsylvania, my own native
+State, should rebel against the general government, I'd say, 'Put her down
+with a strong hand'; and just so with any State or section, Eastern,
+Northern, Middle or Western. I've always been taught that my country is
+the Union; and I think that teaching has been general through the North."
+
+"It is what my mother taught me, and what I have taught my children," said
+Mr. Dinsmore; "not to love the South or my native State less, but the
+Union more. I was very young when I lost my mother; but that, and some
+other of her teachings, I have never forgotten."
+
+"There is, I believe, a strong love for the old Union throughout the whole
+South," remarked Mr. Travilla; "there would be no rebellion among the
+masses there, but for the deceptions practised upon them by their leaders
+and politicians; and it is they who have been whirling the States out of
+the Union, scarce allowing the people a voice in the matter."
+
+"I don't wonder at the indignation of the North over the insult to the
+flag," said Elsie; "nor the furor for it that is sweeping over the land."
+
+"I'd like to be there to help fling it to the breeze," cried Horace
+excitedly; "and to see how gay the streets must be with it flying
+everywhere. Yes, and I'd like to help fight. Papa, am I not old enough?
+mayn't I go?"
+
+"No, foolish boy, you are much too young, not yet fourteen. And suppose
+you were old enough, would you wish to fight your uncles? kill one of
+them, perhaps? Uncle Walter, for instance?"
+
+"Oh papa, no, no, no! I wouldn't for the world hurt one hair of dear Uncle
+Wal's head; no, not if he were the hottest kind of secessionist."
+
+"Kill Uncle Wal! why Horace, how could you ever think of such a thing?"
+exclaimed Rosebud. "And mamma and sister Elsie, why are you both crying
+so?"
+
+All the afternoon the elders of the family remained together, talking over
+the news--they could scarce think or speak of anything else: very grave
+and sad all of them, the ladies now and then dropping a tear or two while
+each paper was carefully scanned again and again, lest some item on the
+all-absorbing subject might have been overlooked, and every letter that
+had any bearing upon it read and re-read till its contents had been fully
+digested.
+
+May's gave a graphic account of the excitement in Philadelphia; the
+recruiting and drilling of troops, the making of flags, the constant,
+universal singing of patriotic songs, etc., then closed with the story of
+the sorrowful parting with the dear brothers who might never return from
+the battle-field.
+
+It had been a bright, warm day, but at evening the sea breeze came in cool
+and fresh; thin clouds were scudding across the sky, hiding the stars and
+giving but a faint and fitful view of the young moon that hung, a bright
+crescent, amid their murky folds.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was pacing slowly to and fro upon an open colonnade
+overlooking the bay. He walked with bent head and folded arms, as one in
+painful thought.
+
+A slight girlish figure came gliding towards him from the open doorway.
+"Papa, dear, dear papa," murmured a voice tremulous with emotion, "you are
+very sad to-night; would that your daughter could comfort you!"
+
+He paused in his walk, took her in his arms and folded her close to his
+heart.
+
+"Thank you, darling. Yes, I am sad, as we all are. Would that I could
+comfort you, and keep all sorrow from your life. Nay, that is not a right
+wish, for 'whom the Lord _loveth_ He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
+whom He receiveth.' 'As many as I love I rebuke and chasten.'"
+
+"Yes, papa, those words make me more than willing to bear trials. But oh,
+how dreadful, how dreadful, to know that our countrymen are already
+engaged in spilling each other's blood!"
+
+"Yes, that is harrowing enough; but that it should be also our near and
+dear relations! Elsie, I am thinking of my young brothers: they are not
+Christians; nor is my poor old father. How can they bear the trials just
+at hand? How unfit they are to meet death, especially in the sudden, awful
+form in which it is like to meet those who seek the battle-field.
+Daughter, you must help me pray for them, pleading the promise, 'If two of
+you shall agree.'"
+
+"I will, papa; and oh, I do feel deeply for them. Poor Walter and poor,
+poor grandpa. I think he loves you best of all his sons, papa; but it
+would be very terrible to him to have the others killed or maimed."
+
+"Yes, it would indeed. Arthur is his mother's idol, and I dare say she now
+almost regrets that he has now so entirely recovered from his lameness as
+to be fit for the army."
+
+He drew her to a seat. "The babies are in bed, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, papa; I left my darlings sleeping sweetly. I am trying to train them
+to regular habits and early hours, as you did me."
+
+"That is right."
+
+"Papa, it is so sweet to be a mother! to have my little Elsie in my lap,
+as I had but a few moments since, and feel the clasp of her arms about my
+neck, or the tiny hands patting and stroking my face, the sweet baby lips
+showering kisses all over it, while she coos and rejoices over me; Mamma!
+mamma, my mamma! Elsie's dear mamma! Elsie's own sweet pretty mamma.' Ah,
+though our hearts ache for the dear land of our birth, we still have many
+many blessings left."
+
+"We have indeed."
+
+Mr. Travilla, Rose, and Horace now joined them, and the last-named
+besieged his father with questions about the war and its causes; all of
+which were patiently answered to the best of Mr. Dinsmore's ability, Mr.
+Travilla now and then being appealed to for further information, or his
+opinion, while the ladies listened and occasionally put in a remark or a
+query.
+
+From that day the mails from America were looked for with redoubled
+anxiety and eagerness: though the war news was always painful, whichever
+side had gained a victory or suffered defeat.
+
+At first, papers and letters had been received from both North and South,
+giving them the advantage of hearing the report from each side; but soon
+the blockade shut off nearly all intercourse with the South, a mail from
+thence reaching them only occasionally, by means of some Confederate or
+foreign craft eluding the vigilance of the besieging squadron.
+
+Early in June there came a letter from Miss Stanhope, addressed to Elsie.
+Like all received from America now, it dwelt almost exclusively upon
+matters connected with the fearful struggle just fairly begun between the
+sections. The old lady's heart seemed full of love for the South, yet she
+was strongly for the Union, and said she should be so if any other section
+or State rebelled.
+
+Lansdale was full of excitement, flags flying everywhere; they had one
+streaming across from the top of the house, and another from a tree in the
+garden.
+
+Harry had enlisted in response to the first call of troops, and was now
+away, fighting in Virginia; while she, praying night and day for his
+safety, was, with most of the ladies of the town, busy as a bee knitting
+stockings and making shirts for the men in the field, and preparing lint,
+bandages, and little dainties for the sick and wounded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND.
+
+    "Calm me, my God, and keep me calm
+      While these hot breezes blow;
+     Be like the night-dew's cooling balm
+      Upon earth's fevered brow."
+                          --H. BONAR.
+
+    "Fear not; I will help thee."
+                   --ISAIAH xiii. 13.
+
+
+"Dear old auntie! to think how hard at work for her country she is, while
+I sit idle here," sighed Elsie, closing the letter after reading it aloud
+to the assembled family. "Mamma, papa, Edward, is there nothing we can
+do?"
+
+"We can do just what they are doing," replied Rose with energy, "I wonder
+I had not thought of it before; shirts, stockings, lint, bandages, we can
+prepare them all; and send with them such fruits and delicacies as will
+carry from this far-off place. What say you, gentlemen?"
+
+"I think you can," was the simultaneous reply; Mr. Travilla adding, "and
+we can help with the lint, and by running the sewing-machines. I'd be glad
+to add to the comfort of the poor fellows on both sides."
+
+"And money is needed by their aid societies," added Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"And I can send that!" Elsie exclaimed joyously
+
+"Yes, we all can," said her father.
+
+Several busy weeks followed, and a large box was packed and sent off.
+
+"If that arrives safely we will send another," they said; for news had
+reached them that such supplies were sorely needed.
+
+"What! at it again, little wife?" queried Mr. Travilla, entering Elsie's
+boudoir the next morning, to find her delicate fingers busy with
+knitting-needles and coarse blue yarn.
+
+"Yes, sir," she said, smiling up at him, "it seems a slight relief to my
+anxiety about my country, to be doing something, if it is only _this_."
+
+"Ah! then I'll take lessons, if you, or Aunt Chloe there will teach me,"
+he returned, laughingly drawing up a chair and taking a seat by her side.
+"Mammy, can you supply another set of needles, and more yarn?"
+
+"Yes, massa;" and laying down the stocking she was at work upon, away she
+went in search of them.
+
+"Papa, see! so pitty!" cried a little voice; and "wee Elsie" was at his
+knee, with a diamond necklace in her hand.
+
+"Yes," he said, gently taking it from her, "but rather too valuable a
+plaything for my little pet. How did she get hold of it, dearest?" he
+asked, turning to his wife.
+
+"Mamma say Elsie may. Please, papa, let Elsie have it," pleaded the little
+one with quivering lip and fast-filling eyes.
+
+"I gave her leave to look over the contents of my jewel box; she is a very
+careful little body, and mammy and I are both on the watch:" answered
+mamma. "It is a great treat to her; and she takes up only one article at
+a time, examines it till satisfied, then lays it back exactly as she found
+it. So please, papa, may she go on?"
+
+"Yes, if mamma gave permission it is all right, darling," he said,
+caressing the child and returning the necklace.
+
+"Tank oo, papa, mamma; Elsie be very tareful mamma's pitty sings," she
+cried with a gleeful laugh, holding up her rosebud mouth for a kiss, first
+to one, then the other.
+
+"Let papa see where you put it, precious," he said, following her as she
+tripped across the room and seated herself on a cushion in front of the
+box.
+
+"Dere, papa, dus where Elsie dot it," she said, laying it carefully back
+in its proper place. "See, so many, many pitty sings in mamma's box."
+
+"Yes," he said, passing his eye thoughtfully from one to another of the
+brilliant collection of rings, brooches, chains, bracelets, and necklaces
+sparkling with gems--diamonds, rubies, amethysts, pearls, emeralds, and
+other precious stones. "Little wife, your jewels alone are worth what to
+very many would be a handsome fortune."
+
+"Yes, Edward, and is it not really a pity to have so much locked up in
+them?"
+
+"No, it is a good investment; especially as things are at present."
+
+"I could do very well without them; should never have bought them for
+myself: they are almost all your gifts and papa's, or his purchases."
+
+Aunt Chloe had returned with the needles and yarn, and now Elsie began
+giving the lesson in knitting, both she and her pupil making very merry
+over it. Rose and Mr. Dinsmore presently joined them, and the latter, not
+to be outdone by his son-in-law, invited his wife to teach him.
+
+Horace was at his lessons, but Rosebud, or Rosie as she had gradually come
+to be called, soon followed her parents. She was a bright, merry little
+girl of six, very different from what her sister had been at that age;
+full of fun and frolicsome as a kitten, very fond of her father, liking to
+climb upon his knee to be petted and caressed, but clinging still more to
+her sweet, gentle mamma.
+
+Mr. Travilla and she were the best of friends; she was devotedly attached
+to her sister, and considered it "very nice and funny," that she was aunt
+to wee Elsie and baby Eddie.
+
+"Oh," she cried, the moment she came into the room, "what is wee Elsie
+doing? Mamma, may I, too?"
+
+"May you what?" asked Rose.
+
+"Why, what is the child doing? playing with your jewels, Elsie?" asked Mr.
+Dinsmore in a tone of surprise, noticing for the first time what was the
+employment of his little granddaughter.
+
+"Yes, papa; but she is very careful, and I am watching her."
+
+"I should not allow it, if she were my child. No, Rosie, you may not; you
+are not a careful little girl."
+
+Rosie was beginning to pout, but catching the stern look in her father's
+eye, quickly gave it up, her face clearing as if by magic.
+
+"Papa," Elsie asked in a low tone, "do you wish me to take away those
+costly playthings from my little girl?"
+
+"My dear daughter," he said, smiling tenderly upon her, "I have neither
+the right nor the wish to interfere with you and your children; especially
+when your husband approves of your management. I only fear you may suffer
+loss. How easy a valuable ring may slip through the little fingers and
+roll away into some crevice where it would never be found."
+
+"I'm afraid it is rather hazardous," she acknowledged. "Mammy, sit close
+to Elsie and keep a careful watch, lest she should drop something."
+
+"I begin to think there's truth in the old saw, 'It's hard to teach old
+dogs new tricks,'" remarked Mr. Travilla, with a comically rueful face.
+"I've a mind to give it up. What do you say, Dinsmore?"
+
+"That you wouldn't make a good soldier, if you are so easily conquered,
+Travilla."
+
+"Oh, fighting's another thing, but I'll persevere as long as you do;
+unless I find I'm wearying my teacher."
+
+"Perhaps you would learn faster with a better teacher," said Elsie, "I'm
+sure the fault is not in the scholar; because I know he's bright and
+talented."
+
+"Ah! then I shall try harder than ever, to save your reputation; but take
+a recess now, for here comes my boy, reaching out his arms to papa. Bring
+him here Dinah. Papa's own boy, he looks beautiful and as bright as the
+day."
+
+"Mamma thinks he's a very handsome mixture of papa and grandpa," Elsie
+said, leaning over to caress the babe, now crowing in his father's arms.
+
+"I'm afraid he inherits too much of his grandpa's temper," remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, but with a glance of loving pride bestowed upon the beautiful
+babe.
+
+"I, for one, have no objection, provided he learns to control it as well,"
+said Mr. Travilla; "he will make the finer character."
+
+Little Elsie had grown weary of her play.
+
+"Put box way now, mammy," she said, getting up from her cushion; "wee
+Elsie don't want any more. Mamma take; Elsie so tired."
+
+The baby voice sounded weak and languid, and tottering to her mother's
+side, she almost fell into her lap.
+
+"Oh, my baby! my precious darling, what is it?" cried Elsie, catching her
+up in her arms. "Papa! Edward! she is dying!"
+
+For the face had suddenly lost all its color; the eyes were rolled upward,
+the tiny fists tightly clenched, and the little limbs had grown stiff and
+rigid on the mother's lap.
+
+Mr. Travilla hastily set down the babe, laid turned to look at his little
+girl, his face full of alarm and distress.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore sprang to his daughter's side, and meeting her look of agony,
+said soothingly, "No, dearest, it is a spasm, she will soon be over it."
+
+"Yes; don't be so terrified, dear child," said Rose, dropping her work and
+hurrying to Elsie's assistance; "they are not unusual with children; I
+have seen both May and Daisy have them. Quick, Aunt Chloe! a cloth dipped
+in spirits of turpentine, to lay over the stomach and bowels, and another
+to put between her shoulders. It is the best thing we can do till we get a
+doctor here. But, ah, see! it is already passing away."
+
+That was true; the muscles were beginning to relax, and in another moment
+the eyes resumed their natural appearance, the hands were no longer
+clenched, and a low plaintive, "Mamma," came from the little lips.
+
+"Mamma is here, darling," Elsie said, amid her fast-dropping tears,
+covering the little wan face with kisses, as she held it to her bosom.
+
+"Thank God! she is still ours!" exclaimed the father, almost under his
+breath; then, a little louder, "Elsie, dear wife, I shall go at once for
+Dr. Channing, an English physician who has been highly recommended to me."
+
+"Do, dear husband, and urge him to come at once," she answered, in a tone
+full of anxiety.
+
+He left the room, returning with the physician within half an hour, to
+find the little girl asleep on her mother's breast.
+
+"Ah, I hope she is not going to be very ill," said the doctor, taking
+gentle hold of her tiny wrist. "She seems easy now, and her papa tells me
+the spasm was of very short duration."
+
+She woke, apparently free from suffering, allowed her papa to take her,
+that mamma's weary arms might rest, and in the course of the afternoon
+even got down from his knee, and played about the room for a little while,
+but languidly, and was soon quite willing to be nursed again, "papa,
+grandpa, and Mamma Rose," as she lovingly called her young and fair
+step-grandmother, taking turns in trying to relieve and amuse her.
+
+She was a most affectionate, unselfish little creature, and though longing
+to lay again her weary little head on mamma's breast, and feel the
+enfolding of mamma's dear arms, gave up without a murmur, when told that
+"poor mamma was tired with holding so big a girl for so long," and
+quietly contented herself with the attention of the others.
+
+As the early evening hour which was the children's bed-time drew near,
+Elsie took her little girl again on her lap.
+
+"Mamma, pease talk to Elsie," pleaded the sweet baby voice, while the
+curly head fell languidly upon her shoulder, and a tiny hand, hot and dry
+with fever, softly patted her cheek.
+
+"What about, darling?"
+
+"'Bout Jesus, mamma. Do He love little chillens? do he love wee Elsie?"
+
+The gentle voice that answered was full of tears. "Yes, darling, mamma and
+papa, and dear grandpa too, love you more than tongue can tell, but Jesus
+loves you better still."
+
+"Mamma, may Elsie go dere?"
+
+"Where, my precious one?"
+
+"To Jesus, mamma; Elsie want to go see Jesus."
+
+A sharp pang shot through the young mothers heart, and her arms tightened
+their clasp about the little form, while the hot tears chased each other
+adown her cheeks. One fell on the child's face.
+
+"What! mamma ky? Mamma don't want Elsie to go see Jesus? Den Elsie will
+stay wis mamma and papa. Don't ky, Elsie's mamma;" and feebly the little
+hand tried to wipe away her mother's tears.
+
+With a silent prayer for help to control her emotion, Elsie cleared her
+voice, and began in low, sweet tones the old, old story of Jesus and His
+love, His birth, His life, His death.
+
+"Mamma, Elsie do love Jesus!" were the earnest words that followed the
+close of the narrative. "Say prayer now, and go bed. Elsie feel sick.
+Mamma, stay wis Elsie?"
+
+"Yes, my precious one, mamma will stay close beside her darling as long as
+she wants her. You may say your little prayer kneeling in mamma's lap; and
+then she will sing you to sleep."
+
+"Jesus like Elsie do dat way?"
+
+"Yes, darling, when she's sick."
+
+Mamma's arms encircled and upheld the little form, the chubby hands were
+meekly folded, and the soft cheek rested against hers, while the few words
+of prayer faltered on the baby tongue.
+
+Then, the posture changed to a more restful one, the sweet voice still
+full of tears, and often trembling with emotion, sang the little one to
+sleep.
+
+Laying her gently in her crib, Elsie knelt beside it, sending up a
+petition with strong crying and tears; not that the young life might be
+spared, unless the will of God were so, but that she might be enabled to
+say, with all her heart, "Thy will be done."
+
+Ere she had finished, her husband knelt beside her asking the same for her
+and himself.
+
+They rose up together, and folded to his heart, she wept out her sorrow
+upon his breast.
+
+"You are very weary, little wife," he said tenderly, passing his hand
+caressingly over her hair and pressing his lips again and again to the
+heated brow.
+
+"It is rest to lay my head here," she whispered.
+
+"But you must not stand;" and sitting down he drew her to the sofa, still
+keeping his arm about her waist. "Bear up, dear wife," he said, "we will
+hope our precious darling is not very ill."
+
+She told him of the child's words, and the sad foreboding that had entered
+her own heart.
+
+"While there is life there is hope, dearest," he said, with assumed
+cheerfulness. "Let us not borrow trouble. Does He not say to us, as to the
+disciples of old, 'It is I, be not afraid'?"
+
+"Yes; and she is His; only lent to us for a season; and we dare not rebel
+should He see fit to recall His own," she answered, amid her tears. "Oh,
+Edward, I am so glad we indulged her this morning in her wish to play with
+my jewels!"
+
+"Yes; she is the most precious of them all," he said with emotion.
+
+Aunt Chloe, drawing near, respectfully suggested that it might be well to
+separate the children, in case the little girl's illness should prove to
+be contagious.
+
+"That is a wise thought, mammy," said Elsie. "Is it not, Edward?"
+
+"Yes, wife; shall we take our little daughter to our own bedroom, and
+leave Eddie in possession of the nursery?"
+
+"Yes, I will never leave her while she is ill."
+
+Weeks of anxious solicitude, of tenderest, most careful nursing, followed;
+for the little one was very ill, and for some time grew worse hour by
+hour. For days there was little hope that her life would be spared, and a
+solemn silence reigned through the house; even the romping, fun-loving
+Horace and Rosie, awe-struck into stillness, and often shedding
+tears--Horace in private, fearing to be considered unmanly, but Rosie
+openly and without any desire of concealment--at the thought that the
+darling of the house was about to pass away from earth.
+
+Rose was filled with grief, the father, and grandfather were almost
+heart-broken. But the mother! That first night she had scarcely closed an
+eye, but continually her heart was going up in earnest supplications for
+grace and strength to meet this sore trial with patience, calmness, and
+submission.
+
+And surely the prayer was heard and answered; day and night she was with
+her suffering little one, watching beside its crib, or holding it in her
+arms, soothing it with tender words of mother love, or singing, in low
+sweet tones, of Jesus and the happy land.
+
+Plenty of excellent nurses were at hand, more than willing to relieve her
+of her charge; but she would relinquish it to no one; except when
+compelled to take a little rest that her strength might not utterly fail
+her. Even then she refused to leave the room, but lay where the first
+plaintive cry, "Mamma," would rouse her and bring her instantly to her
+darling's side.
+
+At times the big tears might be seen coursing down her cheek, as she gazed
+mournfully upon the baby face so changed from what it was; but voice and
+manner were quiet and composed.
+
+Her husband was almost constantly at her side, sharing the care, the grief
+and anxiety, and the nursing, so far as she would let him. Rose, too, and
+Mr. Dinsmore, were there every hour of the day, and often in the night,
+scarcely less anxious and grief-stricken than the parents, and Mr.
+Dinsmore especially, trembling for the life and health of the mother as
+well as the child.
+
+At length came a day when all knew and felt that wee Elsie was at the very
+brink of the grave, and the little thread of life might snap asunder at
+any moment.
+
+She lay on her pillow on her mother's lap, the limbs shrunken to half
+their former size, the face, but lately so beautiful with the bloom of
+health, grown wan and thin, with parched lips and half-closed, dreamy
+eyes.
+
+Mr. Travilla sat close beside them, with cup and spoon in hand, now and
+then moistening the dry lips. Chloe, who had stationed herself a little
+behind her mistress to be within call, was dropping great tears on the
+soldier's stocking in her hand.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore came softly in and stood by the little group, his features
+working with emotion. "My darling," he murmured, "my precious daughter,
+may God comfort and sustain you."
+
+"He does, papa," she answered in low, calm tones, as she raised her head
+and lifted her mournful eyes to his face; "His consolations are not small
+in the trying hour."
+
+"You can give her up?" he asked, in a choking voice, looking with anguish
+upon the wasted features of his almost idolized grandchild.
+
+"Yes, papa--if He sees fit to take her; 'twere but selfishness to want to
+keep her here. So safe, so happy will she be in Jesus' arms."
+
+Mr. Travilla's frame shook with emotion, and Mr. Dinsmore was not less
+agitated; but the mother was still calm and resigned.
+
+No sound had come from those little lips for hours; but now there was a
+faintly murmured "Mamma!"
+
+"Yes, darling, mamma is here," Elsie answered, softly pressing a kiss on
+the white brow; "what shall mamma do for her baby?"
+
+"Jesus loves wee Elsie?" and the dreamy eyes unclosed and looked up into
+the sweet pale face bent so lovingly over her. "Elsie so glad. Mamma sing
+'Happy land.'"
+
+The young mother's heart was like to burst, but with a silent prayer for
+strength, she controlled herself and sang low and sweetly, and even as she
+sang a change came over the child, and it fell into a deep, calm, natural
+sleep that lasted for hours. All the time on the mother's lap, her eyes
+scarce moving from the dear little face; her breath almost suspended, lest
+that life-giving slumber should be broken.
+
+In vain husband and father in turn entreated to be allowed to relieve her.
+
+"No, oh no!" she whispered. "I cannot have her disturbed; it might cost
+her life."
+
+This was the turning point in the disease, and from that time the little
+one began to amend. But very weak and frail, she was still in need of
+weeks of continued tender, careful nursing.
+
+"Mamma's lap" was the place preferred above all others; but patient and
+unselfish, she yielded without a murmur when invited to the arms of papa,
+grandpa, Rose, or nurse, and told that "dear mamma was tired and needed
+rest."
+
+Elsie was indeed much reduced in health and strength; but love, joy, and
+thankfulness helped her to recuperate rapidly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.
+
+    "What fates impose, that men must needs abide.
+     It boots not to resist both wind and tide."
+                           --SHAKESPEARE'S HENRY VI.
+
+
+From the time of Mr. Lincoln's election Walter Dinsmore's home had been
+made very uncomfortable to him; after the fall of Sumter it was well-nigh
+unendurable.
+
+Never were two brothers more entirely unlike than he and Arthur; the
+latter, selfish, proud, haughty, self-willed, passionate, and reckless of
+consequences to himself or others; the former sweet-tempered, amiable, and
+affectionate, but lacking in firmness and self-reliance.
+
+Poor fellow! his heart was divided; on the one side were home, parents,
+friends, and neighbors, native State and section; on the other, pride in
+the great, powerful Union he had hitherto called his country, love for the
+old flag as the emblem of its greatness and symbol of Revolutionary glory;
+and--perhaps more potent than all--the wishes and entreaties of a Northern
+girl who had won his heart and promised him her hand.
+
+One April morning Walter, who had overslept himself, having been up late
+the night before, was roused from his slumbers by a loud hurrah coming
+from the veranda below. He recognized his father's voice, Arthur's, and
+that of one of the latter's particular friends, a hot secessionist
+residing in the adjacent city.
+
+There seemed a great tumult in the house, running to and fro, loud
+laughter, repeated hurrahs and voices--among which his mother's and Enna's
+were easily distinguished--talking in high, excited chorus.
+
+"So Fort Sumter has fallen, and war is fairly inaugurated," he sighed to
+himself, as he rose and began to dress. "It can mean nothing else."
+
+"Glorious news, Wal!" cried Arthur, catching sight of him as he descended
+the stairs; "Fort Sumter has fallen and Charleston is jubilant. Here,
+listen while I read the despatch."
+
+Walter heard it in grave silence, and at the close merely inquired how the
+news had come so early.
+
+"Johnson brought it; has gone on now to Ashlands with it; says the city's
+in a perfect furor of delight But you, it seems, care nothing about it,"
+Arthur concluded with a malignant sneer.
+
+"Not a word of rejoicing over this glorious victory"--cried Enna angrily.
+
+"Of seven _thousand_ over seventy-five?"
+
+"If I were papa, I'd turn you out of the house;" she exclaimed still more
+hotly.
+
+"Walter, I have no patience with you," said his father. "To think that son
+of mine should turn against his own country!" he added, with a groan.
+
+"No, father, I could never do that," Walter answered with emotion.
+
+"It looks very much like it--the utter indifference with which you receive
+this glorious news!" cried Mrs. Dinsmore with flashing eyes. "I'm
+positively ashamed of you."
+
+"No, mother, not with indifference, far from it; for it inaugurates a war
+that will drench the land with blood."
+
+"Nonsense! the North will never fight. A race of shop-keepers fighting for
+a sentiment, poh! But come to breakfast, there's the bell."
+
+"Better," says Solomon, "is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a
+stalled ox and hatred therewith." The luxurious breakfast at Roselands was
+partaken of with very little enjoyment that morning; by Walter especially,
+who had to bear contempt and ridicule; threats also: he was called a
+Yankee, coward, poltroon, traitor; and threatened with disinheritance and
+denouncement unless he would declare himself for the Confederacy and
+enlist in its army.
+
+The meal was but half over when he rose with flashing eyes, pale face, and
+quivering lips. "I am neither a traitor nor a coward," he said between his
+clenched teeth, "as perhaps time may prove to the sorrow of a father and
+mother, sister and brother, who can so use one who ill deserves such
+treatment at their hands." And turning, he stalked proudly from the room.
+
+Enna was beginning a sneering remark, but her father stopped her.
+
+"Hush! we have been too hard on the lad; he was always slower than Art
+about making up his mind, and I've no doubt will turn out all right in the
+end."
+
+Soon after breakfast the father and mother had a private talk on the
+subject, and agreed to try coaxing and entreaties.
+
+"Wal always had a warm heart," remarked Mr. Dinsmore finally, "and I dare
+say can be reached more readily through that."
+
+"Yes, he was your favorite always, while you have been very hard upon poor
+Arthur's youthful follies; but you see now which is the more worthy of the
+two."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore shook his head. "Not yet, wife; 'tisn't always the braggart
+that turns out bravest in time of trial."
+
+"Yes, we shall see," she answered, with a slight toss of her haughty head.
+"I trust no son of _mine_ will prove himself so cowardly as to run away
+from his country in her time of need, on whatever pretext."
+
+And having winged this shaft, perceiving with pleasure that her husband
+winced slightly under it, she sailed from the room, ascending the
+stairway, and presently paused before the door of Walter's dressing-room.
+It was slightly ajar; and pushing it gently open she entered without
+knocking.
+
+He stood leaning against the mantel, his tall erect figure, the perfection
+of manly grace, his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the carpet, and his fine,
+open, expressive countenance full of a noble sadness.
+
+There was something of motherly pride in the glance that met his as he
+looked up at the sound of Mrs. Dinsmore's step. Starting forward, he
+gallantly handed her to a seat: then stood respectfully waiting for what
+she had to say.
+
+"Walter, my dear boy," she began; "your father and I think we were all a
+trifle hard on you this morning."
+
+He colored slightly but made no remark, and she went on. "Of course we
+can't believe it possible that a son of ours will ever show himself a
+coward; but it is very trying to us, very mortifying, to have you holding
+back in this way till all our neighbors and friends begin to hint that you
+are disloyal to your native State, and look scornful and contemptuous at
+the very mention of your name."
+
+Walter took a turn or two across the room, and coming back to her side,
+"Mother," said he, "you know it is my nature to be slow in deciding any
+matter of importance, and this is the weightiest one that ever I had to
+consider. Men much older and wiser than I are finding it a knotty question
+to which their loyalty is due, State or General Government; where
+allegiance to the one ends, and fealty to the other begins."
+
+"There is no question in my mind," she interrupted, angrily. "Of course
+your allegiance is due to your State; so don't let me hear any more about
+that. Your father and brother never hesitated for a moment; and it would
+become you to be more ready to be guided by them."
+
+"Mother," he said, with a pained look, "you forget that I am no longer a
+boy; and you would be the first to despise a man who could not form an
+opinion of his own. All I ask is time to decide this question
+and--another."
+
+"Pray what may that be? whether you will break with Miss Aller, I
+presume," she retorted, sneeringly.
+
+"No, mother," he answered with dignity; "there is no question in my mind
+in regard to that. Mary and I are pledged to each other, and nothing but
+death can part us."
+
+"And" (fiercely) "you would marry her, though she is ready to cheer on the
+men who are coming to invade our homes and involve us in the horrors of a
+servile insurrection!"
+
+"I think it is hardly an hour since I heard you say the North would not
+fight; and since we have shown our determination in capturing Sumter, the
+next news would be that we were to be allowed to go in peace. You may be
+right; I hope you are; but the fellows I know in the North are as full of
+pluck as ourselves, and I fear there is a long, fierce, bloody struggle
+before us." He stood before her with folded arms and grave, earnest face,
+his eyes meeting hers unflinchingly. "And ere I rush into it I want to
+know that I am ready for death and for judgment."
+
+"No need to hesitate on that account," she said, with a contemptuous
+smile; "you've always been a remarkably upright young man, and I'm sure
+are safe enough. Besides, I haven't a doubt that those who die in defense
+of their country go straight to heaven."
+
+He shook his head. "I have been studying the Bible a good deal of late,
+and I know that that would never save my soul."
+
+"This is some of Horace's and Elsie's work; I wish they would attend to
+their own affairs and let you and others alone." And she rose and swept
+angrily from the room.
+
+Walter did not appear at dinner, nor was he seen again for several days;
+but as such absences were not infrequent--he having undertaken a sort of
+general oversight of both the Oaks and Ion--this excited no alarm.
+
+The first day in fact was spent at Ion; the next he rode over to the Oaks.
+Mrs. Murray always made him very comfortable, and was delighted to have
+the opportunity; for the place was lonely for her in the absence of the
+family. She was on the veranda as he rode up that morning attended by his
+servant.
+
+"Ah, Mr. Walter," she cried, "but I'm glad to see you! You're a sight for
+sair een, sir. I hope ye've come to stay a bit."
+
+He had given the reins to his servant and dismounted. "Yes," he said,
+shaking hands with her, "for two or three days, Mrs. Murray."
+
+"That's gude news, sir. Will ye come in and take a bite or sup o'
+something?"
+
+"Thank you, not now. I'll just sit here for a moment. The air is
+delightful this morning."
+
+"So it is, sir. And do ye bring ony news frae our friends in Naples?"
+
+"No; I have heard nothing since I saw you last."
+
+"But what's this, Mr. Walter, that I hear the servants saying aboot a
+fight wi' the United States troops?"
+
+"Fort Sumter has fallen, Mrs. Murray. There's an account of the whole
+affair," he added, taking a newspaper from his pocket and handing it to
+her.
+
+She received it eagerly, and with a hearty thanks.
+
+"I am going out into the grounds," he said, and walked away, leaving her
+to its perusal.
+
+He strolled down a green alley, inspected it, the lawns, the avenue, the
+flower and vegetable gardens, to see that all were in order; held a few
+minutes' conversation with the head gardener, making some suggestions and
+bestowing deserved praise of his faithful performance of his duties; then
+wandering on, at length seated himself in Elsie's bower, and took from his
+breast-pocket--where he had constantly carried it of late--a small
+morocco-bound, gilt-edged volume.
+
+He sat there a long time, reading and pondering with grave, anxious face,
+it may be asking for heavenly guidance too, for his eyes were now and then
+uplifted and his lips moved.
+
+The next day and the next he spent at the Oaks, passing most of his time
+in solitude, either in the least frequented parts of the grounds, or the
+lonely and deserted rooms of the mansion.
+
+Walter had always been a favorite with Mrs. Murray. She had a sort of
+motherly affection for him, and watching him furtively, felt sure that he
+had some heavy mental trouble. She waited and watched silently, hoping
+that he would confide in her and let her sympathize, if she could do
+nothing more.
+
+On the evening of the third day he came in from the grounds with a
+brightened countenance, his little book in his hand. She was on the
+veranda looking out for him to ask if he was ready for his tea. He met her
+with a smile.
+
+"Is it gude news, Mr. Walter?" she asked, thinking of the distracted state
+of the country.
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Murray, I think you will call it so. I have been searching
+here," and he held up the little volume, "for the pearl of great price;
+and I have found it."
+
+"Dear bairn, I thank God for ye!" she exclaimed with emotion. "It's gude
+news indeed!"
+
+"I cannot think how I've been so blind," he went on in earnest tones; "it
+seems now so simple and easy--just to believe in Jesus Christ, receive His
+offered pardon, His righteousness put upon me, the cleansing of His blood
+shed for the remission of sins, and trust my all to Him for time and
+eternity. Now I am ready to meet death on the battle-field, if so it must
+be."
+
+"But, O Mr. Walter, I hope you'll be spared that, and live to be a good
+soldier of Christ these many years."
+
+They were startled by the furious galloping of a horse coming up the
+drive; and the next moment Arthur drew rein before the door.
+
+"Walter; so you're here, as I thought! I've come for you. Lincoln has
+called for seventy-five thousand troops to defend the capital; but we all
+know what that means--an invasion of the South. The North's a unit now,
+and so is the South. Davis has called for volunteers, and the war-cry is
+resounding all over the land. We're raising a company: I'm appointed
+captain, and you lieutenant. Come; if you hesitate now--you'll repent it:
+father says he'll disown you forever."
+
+Arthur's utterance was fierce and rapid, but now he was compelled to pause
+for a breath, and Walter answered with excitement in his tones also.
+
+"Of course if it has come to that, I will not hesitate to defend my native
+soil, my home, my parents."
+
+"All right; come on then; we leave to-night."
+
+Walter's horse was ordered at once, and in a few moments the brothers were
+galloping away side by side. Mrs. Murray looked after them with a sigh.
+
+"Ah me! the poor laddies! will they die on the battle field? Ah, wae's me,
+but war's an awfu' thing!"
+
+At Roselands all was bustle and excitement, every one eager, as it seemed,
+to hasten the departure of the young men.
+
+But when everything was ready and the final adieus must be spoken, the
+mother embraced them with tears and sobs, and even Enna's voice faltered
+and her eyes grew moist.
+
+Mounting, they rode rapidly down the avenue, each followed by his own
+servant--and out at the great gate. Walter wheeled his horse. "One last
+look at the old home, Art," he said; "we may never see it again."
+
+"Always sentimental, Wal," laughed Arthur, somewhat scornfully; "but have
+your way." And he, too, wheeled about for a last farewell look.
+
+The moon had just risen, and by her silvery light the lordly mansion--with
+its clustering vines, the gardens, the lawn, the shrubbery, and the grand
+old trees--was distinctly visible. Never had the place looked more lovely.
+The evening breeze brought to their nostrils the delicious scent of roses
+in full bloom, and a nightingale poured forth a song of ravishing
+sweetness from a thicket hard by.
+
+Somehow her song seemed to go to Walter's very heart and a sad foreboding
+oppressed him as they gazed and listened for several moments, then turned
+their horses' heads and galloped down the road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.
+
+    "Is't death to fall for Freedom's right?
+     He's dead alone who lacks her light."
+                              --CAMPBELL.
+
+
+Wee Elsie was convalescing rapidly, and the hearts so wrung with anguish
+at sight of her sufferings and the fear of losing her, relieved from that,
+were again filled with the intense anxiety for their country, which for a
+short space had been half forgotten in the severity of the trial
+apparently so close at hand.
+
+Mails from America came irregularly; now and then letters and papers from
+Philadelphia, New York, and other parts of the North; very seldom anything
+from the South.
+
+What was going on in their homes? what were dear relatives and friends
+doing and enduring? were questions they were often asking of themselves or
+each other--questions answered by a sigh only, or a shake of the head. The
+suspense was hard to bear; but who of all Americans, at home or abroad,
+who loved their native land, were not suffering at this time from anxiety
+and suspense?
+
+"A vessel came in last night, which I hope has a mail for us," remarked
+Mr. Dinsmore as they sat down to the breakfast table one morning early in
+November. "I have sent Uncle Joe to find out; and bring it, if there."
+
+"Ah, if it should bring the glorious news that this dreadful war is over,
+and all our dear ones safe!" sighed Rose.
+
+"Ah, no hope of that," returned her husband. "I think all are well-nigh
+convinced now that it will last for years: the enlistments now, you
+remember, are for three years or the war."
+
+Uncle Joe's errand was not done very speedily, and on his return he found
+the family collected in the drawing-room.
+
+"Good luck dis time, massa," he said, addressing Mr. Dinsmore, as he
+handed him the mail bag, "lots ob papahs an' lettahs."
+
+Eagerly the others gathered about the head of the household. Rose and
+Elsie, pale and trembling with excitement and apprehension, Mr. Travilla,
+grave and quiet, yet inwardly impatient of a moment's delay.
+
+It was just the same with Mr. Dinsmore; in a trice he had unlocked the bag
+and emptied its contents--magazines, papers, letters--upon a table.
+
+Rose's eye fell upon a letter, deeply edged with black, which bore her
+name and address in May's handwriting. She snatched it up with a sharp
+cry, and sank, half-fainting, into a chair.
+
+Her husband and Elsie were instantly at her side. "Dear wife, my love, my
+darling! this is terrible; but the Lord will sustain you."
+
+"Mamma, dearest mamma; oh that I could comfort you!"
+
+Mr. Travilla brought a glass of water.
+
+"Thank you; I am better now; I can bear it," she murmured faintly, laying
+her head on her husband's shoulder. "Open--read--tell me."
+
+Elsie, in compliance with the sign from her father, opened the envelope
+and handed him the letter.
+
+Glancing over it, he read in low, moved tones.
+
+    "Rose, Rose, how shall I tell it? Freddie is dead, and Ritchie
+    sorely wounded--both in that dreadful, dreadful battle of Ball's
+    Bluff; both shot while trying to swim the river. Freddie killed
+    instantly by a bullet in his brain, but Ritchie swam to shore,
+    dragging Fred's body with him; then fainted from fatigue, pain,
+    and loss of blood.
+
+    "Mamma is heart-broken--indeed we all are--and papa seems to
+    have suddenly grown many years older. Oh, we don't know how to
+    bear it! and yet we are proud of our brave boys. Edward went on
+    at once, when the sad news reached us; brought Ritchie home to
+    be nursed, and--and Freddie's body to be buried. Oh! what a
+    heart-breaking scene it was when they arrived!
+
+    "Harold, poor Harold, couldn't come home; they wouldn't give him
+    a furlough even for a day. Edward went, the day after the
+    funeral, and enlisted, and Ritchie will go back as soon as his
+    wound heals. He says that while our men stood crowded together
+    on the river-bank, below the bluff, where they could neither
+    fight nor retreat, and the enemy were pouring their shot into
+    them from the heights, Fred came to him, and grasping his hand
+    said, 'Dear Dick, it's not likely either of us will come out of
+    this alive; but if you do and I don't, tell mother and the rest
+    not to grieve; for I know in whom I have believed.' Remember,
+    dear Rose, this sweet message is for you as well as for us.
+
+
+                                Your loving sister,
+                                          May Allison."
+
+
+Rose, who had been clinging about her husband's neck and hiding her face
+on his shoulder, vainly striving to suppress her sobs during the reading,
+now burst into a fit of hysterical weeping.
+
+"Oh Freddie, Freddie, my little brother! my darling brother, how can I
+bear to think I shall never, never see you again in this world! Oh Horace,
+he was always so bright and sweet, the very sunshine of the house."
+
+"Yes, dearest, but remember his dying message; think of his perfect
+happiness now. He is free from all sin and sorrow, done with the weary
+marchings and fightings, the hunger and thirst, cold and heat and fatigue
+of war; no longer in danger from shot or bursting shell, or of lying
+wounded and suffering on the battle-field, or languishing in hospital or
+prison."
+
+"Yes," she sighed, "I should rather mourn for poor wounded Ritchie, for
+Harold and Edward, still exposed to the horrors of war. Oh, when will it
+end?--this dreadful, dreadful war!"
+
+All were weeping; for all had known and loved the bright, frank,
+noble-hearted, genial young man.
+
+But Rose presently became more composed, and Mr. Travilla proceeded with
+the distribution of the remaining letters.
+
+"From Adelaide, doubtless, and I presume containing the same sad news,"
+Mr. Dinsmore said, breaking the seal of another black edged epistle,
+directed to him. "Yes, and more," he added, with a groan, as he ran his
+eye down the page. "Dick Percival was killed in a skirmish last May; and
+Enna is a widow. Poor fellow, I fear he was ill prepared to go."
+
+Mr. Travilla had taken up a newspaper. "Here is an account of that Ball's
+Bluff affair, which seems to have been very badly managed on the part of
+the Federals. Shall I read it aloud?"
+
+"Oh, yes, yes, if you please," sobbed Rose; "let us know all."
+
+"Badly managed, indeed," was Mr. Dinsmore's comment at the conclusion, "it
+looks very like the work of treason."
+
+"And my two dear brothers were part of the dreadful sacrifice," moaned
+Rose.
+
+"But oh! how brave, noble, and unselfish they, and many others, showed
+themselves in that awful hour," said Elsie amid her sobs and tears. "Dear
+mamma, doesn't that comfort you a little?"
+
+"Yes, dear child. Freddie's sweet message still more, Oh, I need not mourn
+for him!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH.
+
+    "Liberty! Freedom! tyranny is dead!
+     --Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets."
+                         --SHAKESPEARE'S JULIUS CAESAR.
+
+
+The winter of 1861-'62 wore wearily away, the Great Republic still
+convulsed with all the horrors of the civil war; and the opening spring
+witnessed no abatement of the fearful strife.
+
+Daring all these months nothing unusual had occurred in the family of our
+friends at Naples; but one lovely morning in April a sweet floweret
+blossomed among them; bringing joy and gladness to all hearts.
+
+"Our little violet," Elsie said, smiling up at the happy face of her
+husband, as he bent over her and the babe. "She has come to us just as her
+namesakes in America are lifting their pretty heads among the grass."
+
+"Thank you, darling," he answered, softly touching his lips to her cheek;
+"yes, we will give her my mother's name, and may she inherit her lovely
+disposition also."
+
+"I should be so glad, dear mother's was as lovely a character as I ever
+knew."
+
+"Our responsibilities are growing, love: three precious little ones now to
+train up for usefulness here and glory hereafter."
+
+"Yes," she said, with grave yet happy face; "and who is sufficient for
+these things?"
+
+"Our sufficiency is of God!"
+
+"And He has promised wisdom to those who ask it. What a comfort. I should
+like to show this pretty one to Walter. Where is he now, I wonder, poor
+fellow?"
+
+Ah, though she knew it not, he was then lying cold in death upon the
+bloody field of Shiloh.
+
+There had been news now and then from their Northern friends and
+relatives. Richard Allison had recovered from his wound, and was again in
+the field. Edward was with the army also; Harold, too, and Philip Ross.
+
+Lucy was, like many others who had strong ties in both sections and their
+armies, well-nigh distracted with grief and fear.
+
+From their relatives in the South the last news received had been that of
+the death of Dick Percival, nor did any further news reach there until the
+next November. Then they heard that Enna had been married again to another
+Confederate officer, about a year after her first husband's death; that
+Walter had fallen at Shiloh, that Arthur was killed in the battle of Luka,
+and that his mother, hearing of it just as she was convalescing from an
+attack of fever, had a relapse and died a few days after.
+
+Great was the grief of all for Walter; Mr. Dinsmore mourned very much for
+his father also, left thus almost alone in his declining years. No
+particulars were given in regard to the deaths of the two young men.
+
+"Oh," cried Elsie, as she wept over Walter's loss, "what would I not give
+to know that he was ready for death! But surely we may rejoice in the hope
+that he was; since we have offered so much united prayer for him."
+
+"Yes," returned her father, "for 'If two of you shall agree on earth, as
+touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
+Father which is in heaven'; and God's promises are all 'yea and amen in
+Christ Jesus.'"
+
+"Papa," said Horace, "how can it be that good Christian men are fighting
+and killing each other?"
+
+"It is a very strange thing, my son; yet undoubtedly true that there are
+many true Christians on both sides. They do not see alike, and each is
+defending what he believes a righteous cause."
+
+"Listen all," said Mrs. Dinsmore, who was reading a letter from Daisy, her
+youngest sister.
+
+"Richard is ill in the hospital at Washington, and May has gone on to
+nurse him. Dr. King, of Lansdale, Ohio, is there acting as volunteer
+surgeon, and has Lottie with him. She will be company for our May. Don't
+worry about Ritchie; May writes that he is getting better fast."
+
+Rose smiled as she read the last sentence.
+
+"What is it, mamma?" asked Elsie.
+
+"Nothing much; only I was thinking how greatly Ritchie seemed to admire
+Miss King at the time of the wedding."
+
+"Well, if he loses his heart I hope he will get another in exchange."
+
+"Why, Sister Elsie, how could Uncle Ritchie lose his heart? did they shoot
+a hole so it might drop out?" queried Rosebud in wide-eyed wonder. "I hope
+the doctors will sew up the place quick 'fore it does fall out," she
+added, with a look of deep concern. "Poor, dear Uncle Wal is killed," she
+sobbed; "and Uncle Art too, and I don't want all my uncles to die or to be
+killed."
+
+"We will ask God to take care of them, dear daughter," said Rose,
+caressing the little weeper, "and we know that He is able to do it."
+
+       *       *       *       *      *
+
+One day in the following January--1863--the gentlemen went into the city
+for a few hours, leaving their wives and children at home. They returned
+with faces full of excitement.
+
+"What news?" queried both ladies in a breath.
+
+"Lincoln has issued an Emancipation Proclamation freeing all the blacks."
+
+There was a momentary pause: then Rose said, "If it puts an end to this
+dreadful war, I shall not be sorry."
+
+"Nor I," said Elsie.
+
+"Perhaps you don't reflect that it takes a good deal out of our pockets,"
+remarked her father. "Several hundred thousand from yours."
+
+"Yes, papa, I know; but we will not be very poor. I alone have enough left
+to keep us all comfortably. If I were only sure it would add to the
+happiness of my poor people, I should rejoice over it. But I am sorely
+troubled to know what has, or will become of them. It is more than two
+years now, since we have heard a word from Viamede."
+
+"It is very likely we shall find nothing but ruins on all our
+plantations--Viamede, the Oaks, Ion, and Roselands," remarked Mr.
+Dinsmore, pacing to and fro with an anxious and disturbed countenance.
+
+"Let us hope for the best," Mr. Travilla responded cheerfully; "the land
+will still be there, perhaps the houses too; the negroes will work for
+wages, and gradually we may be able to restore our homes to what they
+were."
+
+"And if the war stops now, we shall probably find them still in pretty
+good condition," said Elsie.
+
+"No," her father said, "the war is not at an end, or likely to be for a
+long time to come; but we will wait in patience and hope, daughter, and
+not grieve over losses that perhaps may bring great happiness to others."
+
+"Are we poor now, papa?" asked Horace anxiously.
+
+"No, son; your sister is still very wealthy, and we all have comfortable
+incomes."
+
+"It did me good to see Uncle Joe's delight over the news," Mr. Travilla
+smilingly remarked to his wife.
+
+"Ah, you told him then?" she returned, with a keen interest and pleasure.
+
+"Yes, and it threw him into a transport of joy. 'Ki! massa,' he said,
+'neber tink to heyah sich news as dat! neber spects dis chile lib to bee
+freedom come;' then sobering down, 'but, massa, we's been a prayin' for
+it; we's been crying to the good Lord like the chillen ob Israel when
+dey's in de house ob bondage; tousands an' tousands ob us cry day an'
+night, an' de Lord heyah, an' now de answer hab come. Bress de Lord! Bress
+His holy name foreber an' eber.'
+
+"'And what will you do with your liberty, Uncle Joe?' I asked; then he
+looked half frightened. 'Massa, you ain't gwine to send us off? we lub you
+an' Miss Elsie an' de chillen, an' we's gettin' mos' too ole to start out
+new for ourselves.'"
+
+"Well, dear, I hope you assured him that he had nothing to fear on that
+score."
+
+"Certainly; I told him they were free to go or stay as they liked, and as
+long as they were with, or near us, we would see that they were made
+comfortable. Then he repeated, with great earnestness, that he loved us
+all, and could never forget what you had done in restoring him to his
+wife, and making them both so comfortable and happy."
+
+"Yes, I think they have been happy with us; and probably it was the bitter
+remembrance of the sufferings of his earlier life that made freedom seem
+so precious a boon to him."
+
+Going into the nursery half an hour later, Elsie was grieved and surprised
+to find Chloe sitting by the crib of the sleeping babe, crying and sobbing
+as if her very heart would break, her head bowed upon her knees, and the
+sobs half-smothered, lest they should disturb the child.
+
+"Why, mammy dear, what is the matter?" she asked, going to her and laying
+a hand tenderly on her shoulder.
+
+Chloe slid to her knees, and taking the soft white hand in both of hers,
+covered it with kisses and tears, while her whole frame shook with her
+bitter weeping.
+
+"Mammy, dear mammy, what is it?" Elsie asked in real alarm, quite
+forgetting for the moment the news of the morning, which indeed she could
+never have expected to cause such distress.
+
+"Dis chile don't want no freedom," sobbed the poor old creature at length,
+"she lubs to b'long to her darlin' young missis: Uncle Joe he sing an'
+jump an' praise de Lord, 'cause freedom come, but your ole mammy don't
+want no freedom; she can't go for to leave you, Miss Elsie, her bressed
+darlin' chile dat she been done take care ob ever since she born."
+
+"Mammy dear, you shall never leave me except of your own free will," Elsie
+answered, in tender soothing tones. "Come, get up, and don't cry any more.
+Why, it would come as near breaking my heart as yours, if we had to part.
+What could I or my babies ever do without our old mammy to look after our
+comfort!"
+
+"Bress your heart, honey, you'se allus good an' kind to your ole mammy,"
+Chloe said, checking her sobs and wiping away her tears, as she slowly
+rose to her feet; "de Lord bress you an' keep you. Now let your mammy gib
+you one good hug, like when you little chile."
+
+"And many times since," said Elsie, smiling sweetly into the tear-swollen
+eyes of her faithful old nurse, and not only submitting to, but returning
+the embrace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH.
+
+    "And faint not, heart of man! though years wane slow!
+     There have been those that from the deepest caves,
+     And cells of night and fastnesses below
+     The stormy dashing of the ocean waves,
+     Down, farther down than gold lies hid, have nurs'd
+     A quenchless hope, and watch'd their time and burst
+     On the bright day like wakeners from the grave."
+                                      --MRS. HEMANS
+
+
+Noon of a sultry July day, 1864; the scorching sun looks down upon a pine
+forest; in its midst a cleared space some thirty acres in extent,
+surrounded by a log stockade ten feet high, the timbers set three feet
+deep into the ground; a star fort, with one gun at each corner of the
+square enclosure; on top of the stockade sentinel boxes placed twenty feet
+apart, reached by steps from the outside; in each of these a vigilant
+guard with loaded musket, constantly on the watch for the slightest
+pretext for shooting down some one or more of the prisoners, of whom there
+are from twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand.
+
+All along the inner side of the wall, six feet from it, stretches a dead
+line; and any poor fellow thoughtlessly or accidentally laying a hand upon
+it, or allowing any part of his body to reach under or over it, will be
+instantly shot.
+
+A green, slimy, sluggish stream, bringing with it all the filth of the
+sewers of Andersonville, a village three miles distant, flows directly
+across the enclosure from east to west. Formerly, the only water fit to
+drink came from a spring beyond the eastern wall, which flowing under it,
+into the enclosure, emptied itself into the other stream, a few feet
+within the dead line.
+
+It did not suffice to satisfy the thirst of the thousands who must drink
+or die, and the little corner where its waters could be reached was always
+crowded, men pressing upon each other till often one or another would be
+pushed against the dead line, shot by the guard, and the body left lying
+till the next morning; even if it had fallen into the water beyond the
+line, polluting the scant supply left for the living. But the cry of these
+perishing ones had gone up into the ears of the merciful Father of us all,
+and of late a spring of clear water bubbles up in their midst.
+
+But powder and shot, famine, exposure (for the prisoners have no shelter,
+except as they burrow in the earth), and malaria from that sluggish,
+filthy stream, and the marshy ground on either side of it, are doing a
+fearful work: every morning a wagon drawn by four mules is driven in, and
+the corpses--scattered here and there to the number of from eighty-five to
+a hundred--gathered up, tossed into it like sticks of wood, taken away and
+thrown promiscuously into a hole dug for the purpose, and earth shoveled
+over them.
+
+There are corpses lying about now; there are men, slowly breathing out
+their last of life, with no dying bed, no pillow save the hard ground, no
+mother, wife, sister, daughter near, to weep over, or to comfort them as
+they enter the dark valley.
+
+Others there are, wasted and worn till scarce more than living skeletons,
+creeping about on hands and feet, lying or sitting in every attitude of
+despair and suffering; a dull, hopeless misery in their sunken eyes, a
+pathetic patience fit to touch a heart of stone; while others still have
+grown frantic with that terrible pain, the hunger gnawing at their very
+vitals, and go staggering about, wildly raving in their helpless agony.
+
+And on them all the scorching sun beats pitilessly down. Hard, cruel fate!
+scorched with heat, with the cool shelter of the pine forests on every
+side; perishing with hunger in a land of plenty.
+
+In one corner, but a yard or so within the dead line, a group of officers
+in the Federal uniform--evidently men of culture and refinement, spite of
+their hatless and shoeless condition, ragged, soiled raiment, unkempt
+hair, and unshaven faces--sit on the ground, like their comrades in
+misfortune, sweltering in the sun.
+
+"When will this end?" sighs one. "I'd sooner die a hundred deaths on the
+battle-field."
+
+"Ah, who wouldn't?" exclaims another; "to starve, roast, and freeze by
+turns for one's country, requires more patriotism by far than to march up
+to the cannon's mouth, or charge up hill under a galling fire of
+musketry."
+
+"True indeed, Jones," returns a fair-haired, blue-eyed young man, with
+face so gaunt and haggard with famine that his own mother would scarcely
+have recognized him, and distinguished from the rest by a ball and chain
+attached to wrist and ankle; "and yet we bear it for her sake and for
+Freedom's. Who of us regrets that we did not stay at home in inglorious
+ease, and leave our grand old ship of state to founder and go to pieces
+amid the rocks of secession?"
+
+"None of us, Allison! No, no! the Union forever!" returned several voices
+in chorus.
+
+"Hark!"--as the sharp crack of a rifle was heard, and a prisoner who, half
+crazed with suffering, had, in staggering about, approached too near the
+fatal line and laid a hand upon it, fell dead--"another patriot soul has
+gone to its account, and another rebel earned a thirty days' furlough."
+
+The dark eyes of the speaker flashed with indignation.
+
+"Poor fellows, they don't know that it is to preserve _their_ liberties we
+fight, starve, and die; to save them from the despotism their ambitious
+and unscrupulous leaders desire to establish over them," remarked Harold
+Allison; "how grossly the masses of the Southern people have been deceived
+by a few hot-headed politicians, bent upon obtaining power for themselves
+at whatever cost."
+
+"True," returned the other, drily; "but it's just a little difficult to
+keep these things in mind under present circumstances. By the way,
+Allison, have you a sister who married a Mr. Horace Dinsmore?"
+
+"Yes, do you know Rose?" asked Harold, in some surprise.
+
+"I was once a guest at the Oaks for a fortnight or so, at the time of the
+marriage of Miss Elsie, Mr. Dinsmore's daughter, to a Mr. Travilla."
+
+Harold's face grew a shade paler, but his tones were calm and quiet.
+"Indeed! and may I ask your name?"
+
+"Harry Duncan, at your service," returned the other, with a bow and smile.
+"I met your three brothers there, also your sisters, Mrs. Carrington and
+Miss May Allison."
+
+The color deepened slightly on Harry's cheek as he pronounced the last
+name. The pretty face, graceful form, charming manners, and sprightly
+conversation of the young lady were still fresh in his memory. Having
+enjoyed the hospitalities of Andersonville for but a few days, he was in
+better condition, as to health and clothing, than the rest of the group,
+who had been there for months.
+
+"Harry Duncan!" exclaimed Harold, offering his hand, which the other took
+in a cordial grasp and shook heartily, "yes, I know; I have heard of you
+and your aunt, Miss Stanhope. I feel as if I'd found a brother."
+
+"Thank you; suppose we consider ourselves such; a brother is what I've
+been hankering after ever since I can remember."
+
+"Agreed," said Harold. "Perhaps," he added, with a melancholy smile, "we
+may find the fiction turned to fact some day, if you and one of my single
+sisters should happen to take a fancy to each other; that is, if we live
+to get out of this and to see home again." His tone at the last was very
+desponding.
+
+"Cheer up," said Duncan, in a low, sympathizing tone, "I think we can find
+a way to escape; men have done so even from the Bastile--a far more
+difficult task, I should say."
+
+"What's your idea?"
+
+"To dig our way out, working at night, and covering up the traces of our
+work by day."
+
+"Yes, it's the only way possible, so far as I can see," said Harold. "I
+have already escaped twice in that way, but only to be retaken, and this
+is what I gained," shaking his chain, and pointing to the heavy ball
+attached. "Yet, if I were rid of this, and possessed of a little more
+strength, I'd make a third attempt."
+
+"I think I could rid you of that little attachment," returned Duncan; "and
+the tunnel once ready, help you in the race for liberty."
+
+The others of the group were exchanging significant nods and glances.
+
+"I think we may let Duncan into our secret," said Jones. "We're digging a
+well; have gone down six feet; three feet below the surface is soapstone,
+so soft we can cut it with our jack-knives. We mean to work our way out
+to-night. Will you join us?"
+
+"With all my heart."
+
+"Suppose we are caught in the attempt," said one.
+
+"We can't be in much worse condition than now," observed another;
+"starving in this pestiferous atmosphere filled with the malaria from that
+swamp, and the effluvia from half-decayed corpses; men dying every day,
+almost every hour, from famine, disease, or violence."
+
+"No," said Harry, "we may bring upon ourselves what Allison is enduring,
+or instant death; but I for one would prefer the latter to the slow
+torture of starvation."
+
+"If we are ready," said Harold, in low, solemn tones. "It is appointed to
+men once to die, and after that the judgment."
+
+"And what should you say was the needful preparation?" queried another,
+half-mockingly. "'Repent ye and believe the gospel.' 'Let the wicked
+forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return
+unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will
+abundantly pardon.' 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be
+saved.'"
+
+Silence fell on the little group. Duncan's eyes wandered over the field,
+over the thousands of brave men herded together there like cattle, with
+none of the comforts, few of the necessaries of life--over the living, the
+dying, the dead; taking in the whole aggregate of suffering with one
+sweeping glance. His eyes filled; his whole soul was moved with
+compassion, while he half forgot that he himself was one of them.
+
+How much were the consolations of God needed here! how few, comparatively,
+possessed them. But some there were who did, and were trying to impart
+them to others. Should he stay and share in this good work? Perhaps he
+ought; he almost thought so for a moment; but he remembered his country's
+need; he had enlisted for the war; he must return to active service, if he
+could.
+
+Then his eye fell upon Harold. Here was a noble life to be saved; a life
+that would inevitably be lost to friends, relatives, country, by but a few
+weeks' longer sojourn in this horrible place. Duncan's determination was
+taken: with the help of God the morning light should find them both free
+and far on their way towards the Union lines.
+
+"We'll try it, comrades, to-night," he said aloud.
+
+"So we will," they answered with determination.
+
+A man came staggering towards them, gesticulating wildly and swearing
+horrible oaths.
+
+"He is crazed with hunger, poor fellow," remarked Harold.
+
+Duncan was gazing steadily at the man who had now sunk panting upon the
+ground, exhausted by his own violence. Evidently he had once possessed
+more than an ordinary share of physical beauty, but vice and evil passions
+had set their stamp upon his features, and famine had done its ghastly
+work; he was but a wreck of his former self.
+
+"Where have I seen that face?" murmured Harry, unconsciously thinking
+aloud.
+
+"In the rogues' gallery, perhaps. Tom Jackson is his name, or one of his
+names; for he has several aliases, I'm told," remarked some one standing
+near.
+
+"Yes, he's the very man!" exclaimed Harry. "I have studied his photograph
+and recognize him fully, in spite of famine's ravages. The wretch! he
+deserves all he suffers: and yet I pity him."
+
+"What! the would-be assassin of Viamede?" and Harold started to his feet,
+the hot blood dyeing his thin cheeks.
+
+"The same. You feel like lynching him on the spot; and no wonder. But
+refrain; _they_ would bid you, and he is already suffering a worse fate
+than any you could mete out to him."
+
+"God forgive me!" groaned Harold, dropping down again and hiding his face
+in his hands, "I believe there was murder in my heart."
+
+"The story? what was it?" asked Jones. "Tell it, Duncan; anything to help
+us to a moment's forgetfulness."
+
+The others joined in the request, and Duncan gave the full particulars of
+the several attempts Jackson had made upon the lives of Mr. Travilla and
+Elsie.
+
+Allison never once lifted his face during the recital, but the rest
+listened with keen interest.
+
+"The fellow richly deserves lynching," was the unanimous verdict, "but, as
+you say, is already suffering a far worse fate."
+
+"And yet no worse than that of thousands of innocent men," remarked Jones
+bitterly. "Where's the justice of it?"
+
+"Do you expect even-handed justice here?" inquired another.
+
+"Perhaps he may be no worse in the sight of God, than some of the rest of
+us," said Harold, in low, grave tones; "we do not know what evil
+influences may have surrounded him from his very birth, or whether,
+exposed to the same, we would have turned out any better."
+
+"I'm perishing with thirst," said Jones, "and must try pushing through
+that crowd about the spring."
+
+He wandered off and the group scattered, leaving Harold and Duncan alone
+together.
+
+The two had a long talk: of home, common friends and acquaintance; of the
+war, what this or that Federal force was probably now attempting; what
+future movements were likely to be made, and how the contest would end;
+neither doubting the final triumph of the government.
+
+"And that triumph can't be very far off either," concluded Harry. "I think
+the struggle will be over before this time next year, and I hope you and I
+may have a hand in the winding up."
+
+"Perhaps you may," Allison rejoined a little sadly; "but I, I fear, have
+struck my last blow for my native land."
+
+"You are not strong now, but good nursing may do wonders for you,"
+answered Harry cheerily. "Once within the Union lines, and you will feel
+like another man."
+
+"Ah, but how to get me there? that's the tug of war," said Harold, but
+with a smile and in tones more hopeful than his words. "Duncan, you are a
+Christian?"
+
+"Yes, Allison; Jesus Christ is the Captain of my salvation; in whom I
+trust, and in whose service I desire to live and die."
+
+"Then are we brothers indeed!" and with the words their right hands joined
+in a more cordial grasp than before.
+
+The sun was nearing the western horizon when at length Harold was left
+alone. He bowed his head upon his knees in thought and prayer, remaining
+thus for many minutes, striving for a spirit of forgiveness and compassion
+towards the coward wretch who would have slain one dearer to him than
+life.
+
+At last, as the shadows of evening were gathering over the place, he
+lifted a pale, patient face; and rising, made his way slowly and with
+difficulty towards the spot where Jackson lay prostrate on the ground,
+groaning and crying like a child.
+
+Sitting down beside the miserable creature, he spoke to him in gentle,
+soothing tones. "You have been here a long time?"
+
+"The longest year that ever I lived! but it won't last much longer," and
+he uttered a fearful oath.
+
+"Are you expecting to be exchanged?"
+
+"Exchanged! no. What do those fellows at Washington care about our lives?
+They'll delay and delay till we're all starved to death, like hundreds and
+thousands, before us;" and again he concluded with a volley of oaths and
+curses, bestowed indiscriminately upon the President and Congress, Jeff
+Davis, Wirtz, and the guard.
+
+Harold was shocked at his profanity. "Man," said he solemnly, "do you know
+that you are on the brink of the grave? and must soon appear at the bar of
+Him whose holy name you are taking in vain?"
+
+"Curse you!" he cried, lifting his head for a moment, then dropping it
+again on the ground; "take your cant to some other market, I don't believe
+in a God, or heaven or hell: and the sooner I die the better; for I'll be
+out of my misery."
+
+"No; that is a fatal delusion, and unless you turn and repent, and believe
+on the Lord Jesus Christ, death can only plunge you into deeper misery.
+You have only a little while! Oh, I beseech you, don't cast away your last
+chance to secure pardon, peace and eternal life!"
+
+"You're 'casting your pearls before swine,'" returned the man, sneeringly.
+"Not to say that I'm a hog exactly, but I've not a bit more of a soul than
+if I was. Your name's Allison, isn't it?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"D'ye know anybody named Dinsmore? or Travilla?"
+
+"Yes; and I know who you are, Jackson, and of your crimes against them. In
+the sight of God you are a murderer."
+
+"You tell me to repent. I've repented many a time that I didn't take
+better aim and blow his brains out; yes, and hers too. I hoped I had, till
+I saw the account in the papers."
+
+Harold's teeth and hands were tightly clenched, in an almost superhuman
+effort to keep himself quiet; and the man went on without interruption.
+
+"He'd nearly made a finish of me, but I was smart enough to escape them,
+bloodhounds and all. I got over the border into Texas; had a pretty good
+time there for awhile--after I recovered from that awful blood-letting;
+but when secession began, I slipped off and came North. You think I'm all
+bad; but I had a kind of love for the old flag, and went right into the
+army. Besides, I thought it might give me a chance to put a bullet through
+some o' those that had thwarted my plans, and would have had me lynched,
+if they could."
+
+Harold rose and went away, thinking that verily he had been casting his
+pearls before swine.
+
+Jackson had, indeed, thrown away his last chance; rejected the last offer
+of salvation; for, ere morning, life had fled. Starved to death and gone
+into eternity without God and without hope! his bitterest foe could not
+have desired for him a more terrible fate.
+
+There was no moon that night, and the evening was cloudy, making a
+favorable condition of affairs for the prisoners contemplating an escape.
+As soon as the darkness was dense enough to conceal their movements from
+the guard, the work of tunneling began.
+
+It was a tedious business, as they had none of the proper tools, and only
+one or two could work at a time at the digging and cutting away of the
+stone; but they relieved each other frequently at that, while those on the
+outside carried away in their coats or whatever came to hand, the earth
+and fragments of stone dislodged, and spread them over the marshy ground
+near the creek.
+
+Duncan, returning from one of these trips, spoke in an undertone to Harold
+Allison, who with a rude file made of a broken knife-blade, was patiently
+endeavoring to free himself from his shackles.
+
+"Jackson is dead. I half stumbled over a corpse in the dark, when a man
+close by (the same one that told us this afternoon who the fellow was--I
+recognized the voice) said, 'He's just breathed his last, poor wretch!
+died with a curse on his lips.' 'Who is he?' I asked; and he answered,
+'Tom Jackson was one of his names.'"
+
+"Gone!" said Harold, "and with all his sins upon his head."
+
+"Yes; it's awful! Here, let me work that for awhile. You're very tired."
+
+The proffered assistance was thankfully accepted, and another half-hour of
+vigorous effort set Harold's limbs free. He stretched them out, with a low
+exclamation of gratitude and relief.
+
+At the same instant a whisper came to their ears. "The work's done at
+last. Jones is out. Parsons close at his heels. Cox behind him. Will you
+go next?"
+
+"Thanks, no; I will be the last," said Duncan; "and take charge of Allison
+here, who is too weak to travel far alone."
+
+"Then I'm off," returned the voice. "Don't lose a minute in following me."
+
+"Now, Allison," whispered Harry, "summon all your strength and courage,
+old fellow."
+
+"Duncan, you are a true and noble friend! God reward you. Let me be last."
+
+"No, in with you, man! not an instant to spare;" and with kindly force he
+half lifted his friend into the well, and guided him to the mouth of the
+tunnel.
+
+Allison crept through it as fast as his feeble strength would permit,
+Duncan close behind him.
+
+They emerged in safety, as the others had done before them; at once
+scattering in different directions.
+
+These two moved on together, for several minutes, plunging deeper and
+deeper into the woods, but presently paused to take breath and consider
+their bearings.
+
+"Oh, the air of liberty is sweet!" exclaimed Duncan, in low, exultant
+tones; "but we mustn't delay here."
+
+"No; we are far from safe yet," panted Allison, "but--'prayer and
+provender hinder no man's journey'; Duncan, let us spend one moment in
+silent prayer for success in reaching the Union lines."
+
+They did so, kneeling on the ground; then rose and pressed forward with
+confidence. God, whose servants they were and whose help they had asked,
+would guide them in the right direction.
+
+"What a providence!" exclaimed Duncan, grasping Harold's arm, as they came
+out upon an opening in the wood. "See!" and he pointed upward, "the
+clouds have broken away a little, and there shines the North Star: we can
+steer by that."
+
+"Thank God! and, so far, we have been traveling in the right direction."
+
+"Amen! and we must press on with all speed; for daylight will soon be upon
+us, and with it, in all probability, our escape will be discovered and
+pursuit begun."
+
+No more breath could be spared for talk, and they pushed on in silence,
+now scrambling through a thicket of underbrush, tearing their clothes and
+not seldom lacerating their flesh also; now leaping over a fallen tree,
+anon climbing a hill, and again fording or swimming a stream.
+
+At length Harold, sinking down upon a log, said, "I am utterly exhausted!
+Can go no farther. Go on, and leave me to follow as I can after a little
+rest."
+
+"Not a step without you, Allison," returned Duncan, determinedly. "Rest a
+bit, and then try it again with the help of my arm. Courage, old fellow,
+we must have put at least six or eight miles between us and our late
+quarters. Ah, ha! yonder are some blackberry bushes, well laden with ripe
+fruit. Sit or lie still while I gather our breakfast."
+
+Hastily snatching a handful of oak leaves, and forming a rude basket by
+pinning them together with thorns, he quickly made his way to the bushes,
+a few yards distant, while Harold stretched himself upon the log and
+closed his weary eyes.
+
+He thought he had hardly done so when Duncan touched his arm.
+
+"Sorry to wake you, Allison, but time is precious; and, like the beggars,
+we must eat and run."
+
+The basket was heaped high with large, delicious berries, which greatly
+refreshed our travelers.
+
+"Now, then, are you equal to another effort?" asked Duncan, as the last
+one disappeared, and he thrust the leaves into his pocket, adding, "We
+mustn't leave these to tell tales to our pursuers."
+
+"Yes, I dare not linger here," returned Allison, rising but totteringly.
+
+Duncan threw an arm about him, and again they pressed forward, toiling on
+for another half-hour; when Allison again gave out, and sinking upon the
+ground, begged his friend to leave him and secure his own safety.
+
+"Never!" cried Duncan, "never! There would be more, many more, to mourn
+your loss than mine. Who would shed a tear for me but Aunt Wealthy? Dear
+old soul, it would be hard for her, I know; but she'd soon follow me."
+
+"Yes, you are her all; but there's a large family of us, and I could
+easily be spared."
+
+Duncan shook his head. "Was your brother who fell at Ball's Bluff easily
+spared? But hark! what was that?" He bent his ear to the ground. "The
+distant bay of hounds! We must push on!" he cried, starting up in haste.
+
+"Bloodhounds on our track? Horrible!" exclaimed Harold, also starting to
+his feet, weakness and fatigue forgotten for the moment, in the terror
+inspired by that thought.
+
+Duncan again gave him the support of his arm, and for the next half-hour
+they pressed on quite rapidly; yet their pursuers were gaining on them,
+for the bay of the hounds, though still distant, could now be distinctly
+heard, and Allison's strength again gave away.
+
+"I--can--go no farther, Duncan," he said, pantingly; "let me climb up yon
+tall oak and conceal myself among the branches, while you hurry on."
+
+"No, no, they would discover you directly, and it would be surrender or
+die. Ah, see! there's a little log cabin behind those bushes, and who
+knows but we may find help there. Courage, and hope, my boy;" and almost
+carrying Harold, Duncan hurried to the door of the hut.
+
+Pushing it open, and seeing an old negro inside, "Cato, Caesar----"
+
+"Uncle Scip, sah," grinned the negro.
+
+"Well, no matter for the name; will you help us? We're Federal soldiers
+just escaped from Andersonville, and they're after us with bloodhounds.
+Can you tell us of anything that will put the savage brutes off the
+scent?"
+
+"Sah?"
+
+"Something that will stop the hounds from following us--quick, quick! if
+you know anything."
+
+The negro sprang up, reached a bottle from a shelf, and handing it to
+Harry, said, "Turpentine, sah; rub um on your feet, gen'lemen, an' de
+hounds won't follah you no moah. But please, sahs, go little ways off into
+the woods fo' you use um, so de rebs not tink dis chile gib um to ye."
+
+Harry clutched the bottle, throwing down a ten-dollar bill (all the money
+he had about him) at Uncle Scip's feet, and dragging Harold some hundred
+yards farther into the depths of the wood, seated him on a log, applied
+the turpentine plentifully to his feet, and then to his own.
+
+All this time the baying of the hounds came nearer and nearer, till it
+seemed that the next moment would bring them into sight.
+
+"Up!" cried Harry, flinging away the empty bottle, "one more tug for life
+and liberty, or we are lost!"
+
+Harold did not speak, but hope and fear once more inspiring him with
+temporary strength, he rose and hurried on by the side of his friend.
+Coming presently to a cleared space, they almost flew across it, and
+gained the shelter of the woods beyond. The cry of the hounds was no
+longer heard.
+
+"They've lost the scent, sure enough," said Duncan, exultingly; "a little
+farther and I think we may venture to rest awhile, concealing ourselves in
+some thicket. Indeed 'twill now be safer to hide by day, and continue our
+journey by night."
+
+They did so, spending that and the next day in hiding, living upon roots
+and berries, and the next two nights in traveling in the supposed
+direction of the nearest Union camp, coming upon the pickets about sunrise
+of the third day. They were of Captain Duncan's own regiment, and he was
+immediately recognized with a delighted, "Hurrah!"
+
+"Hurrah for the Union and the old flag!" returned Harry, waving a green
+branch above his head, in lieu of the military cap he had been robbed of
+by his captors.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH.
+
+    "In peace, love tunes the shepherd's reed;
+     In war, he mounts the warrior's steed;
+     In halls, in gay attire is seen;
+     In hamlets, dances on the green;
+     Love rules the court, the camp, the grove,
+     And men below and saints above;
+     For love is heaven, and heaven is love."
+                                   --SCOTT.
+
+
+"Escaped prisoners from Andersonville, eh?" queried the guard gathering
+about them.
+
+"Yes; and more than half-starved; especially my friend here, Captain
+Allison of the----"
+
+But the sentence was left unfinished; for at that instant Harold reeled,
+and would have fallen but for the strong arm of another officer quickly
+outstretched to save him.
+
+They made a litter and carried him into camp, where restoratives were
+immediately applied.
+
+He soon recovered from his faintness, but was found to be totally unfit
+for duty, and sent to the hospital at Washington, where he was placed in a
+bed adjoining that of his brother Richard, and allowed to share with him
+in the attentions of Dr. King, Miss Lottie, and his own sister May.
+
+How they all wept over him--reduced almost to a skeleton, so wan, so weak,
+so aged, in those few short months.
+
+He recognized his brother and sister with a faint smile, a murmured word
+or two, then sank into a state of semi-stupor, from which he roused only
+when spoken to, relapsing into it again immediately.
+
+Slowly, very slowly, medical skill and tender, careful nursing told upon
+his exhausted frame till at length he seemed to awake to new life, began
+to notice what was going on about him, was able to take part in a cheerful
+chat now and then, and became eager for news from home and of the progress
+of the war.
+
+Months had passed away. In the meantime Richard had returned to camp, and
+Harry Duncan, wounded in a late battle, now occupied his deserted bed in
+the hospital.
+
+Harry was suffering, but in excellent spirits.
+
+"Cheer up, Allison," he said; "you and I will never go back to
+Andersonville; the war can't last much longer, and we may consider the
+Union saved. Ah! this is a vast improvement upon Andersonville fare," he
+added gayly, as Lottie and May appeared before them, each bearing a tray
+with a delicious little lunch upon it. "Miss Lottie, I'm almost tempted to
+say it pays to be ill or wounded, that one may be tended by fair ladies'
+hands."
+
+"Ah, that speech should have come from Mr. Allison, for May is fair and
+her hands are white, while mine are brown," she answered demurely, as she
+set her tray within his reach, May doing the same for Harold.
+
+"None the less beautiful, Miss King," returned Duncan gallantly. "Many a
+whiter hand is not half so shapely or so useful. Now reward me for that
+pretty compliment by coaxing your father to get me well as fast as
+possible, that I may have a share in the taking of Richmond."
+
+"That would be a waste of breath, as he's doing all he can already; but
+I'll do my part with coddling, write all your letters for you--business,
+friendship, love--and do anything else desired; if in my power."
+
+"You're very good," he said, with a furtive glance at May, who seemed to
+see or hear nothing but her brother, who was asking about the last news
+from home; "very good indeed, Miss King; especially as regards the
+love-letters. I presume it would not be necessary for me even to be at the
+trouble of dictating them?"
+
+"Oh, no, certainly not!"
+
+"Joking aside, I shall be greatly obliged if you will write to Aunt
+Wealthy to-day for me."
+
+"With pleasure; especially as I can tell her your wound is not a dangerous
+one, and you will not lose a limb. But do tell me. What did you poor
+fellows get to eat at Andersonville?"
+
+"Well, one week's daily ration consisted of one pint of corn-meal ground
+up cob and all together, four ounces of mule meat, generally spoiled and
+emitting anything but an appetizing odor; but then we were not troubled
+with want of--the best of sauce for our meals."
+
+"Hunger?"
+
+"Yes; we'd plenty of that always. In addition to the corn-meal and meat,
+we had a half pint of peas full of bugs."
+
+"Oh! you poor creatures! I hope it was a little better the alternate
+week."
+
+"Just the same, except, in lieu of the corn-meal, we had three square
+inches of corn bread."
+
+"Is it jest; or earnest?" asked Lottie, appealing to Harold.
+
+"Dead earnest, Miss King; and for medicine we had sumac and white-oak
+bark."
+
+"No matter what ailed you?"
+
+"Oh, yes; that made no difference."
+
+To Harry's impatience the winter wore slowly away while he was confined
+within the hospital walls; yet the daily, almost hourly sight of May
+Allison's sweet face, and the sound of her musical voice, went far to
+reconcile him to this life of inactivity and "inglorious ease," as he
+termed it in his moments of restless longing to be again in the field.
+
+By the last of March this ardent desire was granted, and he hurried away
+in fine spirits, leaving May pale and tearful, but with a ring on her
+finger that had not been there before.
+
+"Ah," said Lottie, pointing to it with a merry twinkle in her eye, and
+passing her arm about May's waist as she spoke, "I shall be very generous,
+and not tease as you did when somebody else treated me exactly so."
+
+"It is good of you," whispered May, laying her wet cheek on her friend's
+shoulder; "and I'm ever so glad you're to be my sister."
+
+"And won't Aunt Wealthy rejoice over you as over a mine of gold!"
+
+Poor Harold, sitting pale and weak upon the side of his cot, longing to be
+with his friend, sharing his labors and perils, yet feeling that the
+springs of life were broken within him, was lifting up a silent prayer
+for strength to endure to the end.
+
+A familiar step drew near, and Dr. King laid his hand on the young man's
+shoulder.
+
+"Cheer up, my dear boy," he said, "we are trying to get you leave to go
+home for thirty days, and the war will be over before the time expires; so
+that you will not have to come back."
+
+"Home!" and Harold's eye brightened for a moment; "yes, I should like to
+die at home, with mother and father, brothers and sisters about me."
+
+"But you are not going to die just yet," returned the doctor, with assumed
+gayety; "and home and mother will do wonders for you."
+
+"Dr. King," and the blue eyes looked up calmly and steadily into the
+physician's face, "please tell me exactly what you think of my case. Is
+there any hope of recovery?"
+
+"You may improve very much: I think you will when you get home; and,
+though there is little hope of the entire recovery of your former health
+and strength, you may live for years."
+
+"But it is likely I shall not live another year? do not be afraid to say
+so: I should rather welcome the news. Am I not right?"
+
+"Yes; I--I think you are nearing home, my dear boy; the land where 'the
+inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.'"
+
+There was genuine feeling in the doctor's tone.
+
+A moment's silence, and Harold said, "Thank you. It is what I have
+suspected for some time; and it causes me no regret, save for the sake of
+those who love me and will grieve over my early death."
+
+"But don't forget that there is still a possibility of recuperation; while
+there's life there's hope."
+
+"True! and I will let them hope on as long as they can."
+
+The doctor passed on to another patient, and Harold was again left to the
+companionship of his own thoughts. But not for long; they were presently
+broken in upon by the appearance of May with a very bright face.
+
+"See!" she cried joyously, holding up a package; "letters from home, and
+Naples too. Rose writes to mamma, and she has enclosed the letter for our
+benefit."
+
+"Then let us enjoy it together. Sit here and read it to me; will you? My
+eyes are rather weak, you know, and I see the ink is pale."
+
+"But mamma's note to you?"
+
+"Can wait its turn. I always like to keep the best till the last."
+
+Harold hardly acknowledged to himself that he was very eager to hear news
+from Elsie; even more than to read the loving words from his mother's pen.
+
+"Very well, then; there seems to be no secret," said May, glancing over
+the contents; and seating herself by his side she began.
+
+After speaking of some other matters, Rose went on: "But I have kept my
+greatest piece till now. Our family is growing; we have another grandson
+who arrived about two weeks ago; Harold Allison Travilla by name.
+
+"Elsie is doing finely; the sleepy little newcomer is greatly admired and
+loved by old and young; we make as great a to-do over him as though he
+were the first instead of the fourth grandchild. My husband and I are
+growing quite patriarchal.
+
+"Elsie is the loveliest and the best of mothers, perfectly devoted to her
+children; so patient and so tender, so loving and gentle, and yet so firm.
+Mr. Travilla and she are of one mind in regard to their training,
+requiring as prompt and cheerful obedience as Horace always has; yet
+exceedingly indulgent wherever indulgence can do no harm. One does not
+often see so well-trained and yet so merry and happy a family of little
+folks.
+
+"Tell our Harold--my poor dear brother--that we hope his name-child will
+be an honor to him."
+
+"Are you not pleased?" asked May, pausing to look up at him.
+
+"Yes," he answered, with a quiet, rather melancholy smile; "they are very
+kind to remember me so. I hope they will soon bring the little fellow to
+see me. Ah, I knew Elsie would make just such a lovely mother."
+
+"Nothing about the time of their return," observed May, as she finished
+reading; "but they will hardly linger long after the close of the war."
+
+May had left the room, and Harold lay languid and weak upon his cot. A
+Confederate officer, occupying the next, addressed him, rousing him out of
+the reverie into which he had fallen.
+
+"Excuse me, sir, but I could not help hearing some parts of the letter
+read aloud by the lady--your sister, I believe----"
+
+"Yes. Of course you could not help hearing, and there is no harm done,"
+Harold answered with a friendly tone and smile. "So no need for
+apologies."
+
+"But there is something else. Did you know anything of a Lieutenant Walter
+Dinsmore, belonging to our side, who fell in the battle of Shiloh?"
+
+"Yes; knew and loved him!" exclaimed Harold, raising himself on his elbow,
+and turning a keenly interested, questioning gaze upon the stranger.
+
+"Then it is, it must be the same family," said the latter, half to
+himself, half to Harold.
+
+"Same as what, sir?"
+
+"That letter I could not help hearing was dated Naples, signed Rose
+Dinsmore, and talked of Elsie, Mr. Travilla, and their children. Now
+Lieutenant Dinsmore told me he had a brother residing temporarily in
+Naples, and also a niece, a Mrs. Elsie Travilla; and before going into the
+fight he intrusted to me a small package directed to her, with the request
+that, if he fell, I would have it forwarded to her when an opportunity
+offered. Will you, sir, take charge of it, and see that it reaches the
+lady's hands?"
+
+"With pleasure. How glad she will be to get it, for she loved Walter
+dearly."
+
+"They were near of an age?"
+
+"Yes; the uncle a trifle younger than the niece."
+
+"Dinsmore and I were together almost constantly during the last six months
+of his life, and became very intimate. My haversack, Smith, if you
+please," addressing a nurse.
+
+It was brought, opened, and a small package taken from it and given to
+Harold.
+
+He gazed upon it with sad thoughtfulness for a moment; then, bestowing it
+safely in his breast-pocket, "Thank you very much," he said, "I will
+deliver it with my own hand, if she returns from Europe as soon as we
+expect."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH.
+
+    "She led me first to God;
+     Her words and prayers were my young spirit's dew."
+                                      --JOHN PIERPONT.
+
+
+Elmgrove, the country-seat of the elder Mr. Allison, had never looked
+lovelier than on a beautiful June morning in the year 1865.
+
+The place had been greatly improved since Elsie's first sight of it, while
+it was still Rose's girlhood's home where Mr. Dinsmore and his little
+daughter were so hospitably entertained for many weeks.
+
+There was now a second dwelling-house on the estate, but a few hundred
+yards distant from the first, owned by Edward Allison, and occupied by
+himself, wife, and children, of whom there were several.
+
+Our friends from Naples had arrived the night before. The Dinsmores were
+domiciled at the paternal mansion, the Travillas with Edward and Adelaide.
+
+The sun was not yet an hour high as Elsie stood at the open window of her
+dressing-room, looking out over the beautiful grounds to the brook beyond,
+on whose grassy banks, years ago, she and Harold and Sophie had spent so
+many happy hours. How vividly those scenes of her childhood rose up before
+her!
+
+"Dear Harold!" she murmured, with a slight sigh, "how kind he always was
+to me."
+
+She could not think of him without pain, remembering their last interview
+and his present suffering. She had not seen him yet, but had learned from
+others that those months at Andersonville had injured his health so
+seriously that it was not likely ever to be restored.
+
+"What happy children we were in those days," her thoughts ran on; "and I
+am even happier now, my treasures have so increased with the rolling
+years; but they! what bitter trials they are enduring; though not less
+deserving of prosperity than I, who am but a miserable sinner. But it is
+whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth."
+
+At that moment the sound of little hurrying feet, entering the room, and
+glad young voices crying, "Good-morning, dear mamma!" broke in upon the
+current of her thoughts.
+
+"Good-morning, my darlings," she said, turning from the window to embrace
+them. "All well and bright! Ah, how good our heavenly Father is to us!"
+
+"Yes, mamma, it is like my text," said wee Elsie, "We have each a short
+one this morning. Mine is, 'God is love.'"
+
+Mamma had sat down and taken Violet on her lap, while Elsie and Eddie
+stood one on each side.
+
+Three lovelier children fond mother never looked upon. Elsie, now seven
+years old, was her mother's miniature. Eddie, a bright manly boy of five,
+had Mr. Dinsmore's dark eyes and hair, firm mouth and chin; but the rest
+of his features, and the expression of countenance, were those of his own
+father. Violet resembled both her mother and the grandmother whose name
+she bore; she was a blonde, with exquisitely fair complexion, large deep
+blue eyes, heavily fringed with curling lashes several shades darker than
+the ringlets of pale gold that adorned the pretty head.
+
+"True, beautiful words," the mother said, in reply to her little daughter;
+"'God is love!' Never forget it, my darlings; never forget to thank Him
+for His love and goodness to you; never fear to trust His love and care.
+Can you tell me, dear, of some of His good gifts to you?"
+
+"Our dear, kind mamma and papa," answered Eddie quickly, leaning
+affectionately against her, his dark eyes lifted to her face, full of
+almost passionate affection.
+
+"Mammy too," added Violet.
+
+"And dear, dear grandpa and grandma; and oh, so many more," said Elsie.
+
+Rose was called grandma now, by her own request.
+
+"Yes, dear grandpa and grandma, and so many more," echoed the other two.
+
+"But Jesus the best gift of all, mamma," continued little Elsie.
+
+"Yes, my precious ones," returned the mother, in moved tones, "Jesus the
+best of all; for He loves you better than even papa and mamma do, and
+though they should be far away, He is ever near, ready and able to help
+you. Now, Eddie, what is your verse?"
+
+"A little prayer, mamma, 'Lord help me.'"
+
+"A prayer that I hope will always be in my children's hearts when trouble
+comes, or they are tempted to any sin. The dear Saviour loves to have you
+cry to Him for help, and He will give it."
+
+"Now Vi's tex', mamma," lisped the little one on her knee. "'Jesus wept.'"
+
+"Why did Jesus weep, little daughter?"
+
+"'Cause He so tired? so sick? naughty mans so cross to Him?"
+
+"No, dear; it was not for any sorrow or trouble of His own that Jesus shed
+those tears. Can you tell us why it was, Elsie?"
+
+"Yes, mamma; He was so sorry for poor Martha and Mary, 'cause their
+brother Lazarus was dead."
+
+"Yes, and for all the dreadful sufferings and sorrows that sin has brought
+into the world. We are not told that Jesus wept for His own trials and
+pains; but He wept for others. We must try to be like Him; to bear our own
+troubles patiently, and to feel for the grief and pain of other people.
+
+"We must try to keep these thoughts in our hearts all the day long: that
+God is love; that Jesus is our help in every trouble and temptation, that
+He feels for us, and we must feel for others, and do what we can to make
+them happy. Now we will kneel down and ask the dear Saviour to help us to
+do this."
+
+The prayer was very short and simple; so that even Baby Vi could
+understand every word.
+
+There was a moment's quiet after they had risen from their knees; then the
+children went to the window to look out upon the grounds, which they had
+hardly seen last night.
+
+"Mamma!" said Elsie. "I see a brook away over yonder; and there are big
+trees there, and nice green grass. Mamma, is that where you and Aunt
+Sophie and Uncle Harold used to play when you were a little girl?"
+
+"Yes, daughter."
+
+"Oh, mamma, please tell us again about the time when you waded in the
+brook, and thought you'd lost your rings; and dear grandpa was so kind and
+didn't scold or punish you at all."
+
+"Yes, mamma, do tell it."
+
+"Please mamma, do," joined in the other little voices; and mamma kindly
+complied.
+
+That story finished, it was, "Now, mamma, please tell another; please tell
+about the time when you wanted to go with the school children to pick
+strawberries, and grandpa said 'No.'"
+
+"Ah, I was rather a naughty little girl that time, and cried because I
+couldn't have my own way," answered the mother musingly, with a dreamy
+look in her eyes and a tender smile playing about her lips as she almost
+seemed to hear again the loved tones of her father's voice, and to feel
+the clasp of his arm as he drew her to his knee and laid her head against
+his breast, asking, "Which was my little daughter doubting, this
+afternoon--papa's wisdom, or his love?"
+
+But her own little Elsie's arm had stolen about her neck, the cherry lips
+were pressed again and again to her cheek, and the sweet child voice
+repelled the charge with indignation.
+
+"Mamma, you couldn't help the tears coming when you were so disappointed;
+and that was all. You didn't say one naughty word. And grandpa says you
+were the best little girl he ever saw."
+
+"And papa says just the same," added a pleasant, manly voice from the
+door, as Mr. Travilla came in, closing it after him.
+
+Then the three young voices joined in a glad chorus, "Papa! papa!
+good-morning, dear papa."
+
+"Good-morning, papa's dear pets," he said, putting his arms round all
+three at once, as they clustered about him, and returning with interest
+their affectionate caresses.
+
+"And so you have already been teasing poor mamma for stories?"
+
+"Did we tease and trouble you, mamma?" asked Elsie, a little remorsefully,
+going back to her mother's side.
+
+"No, darling; it always gives me pleasure to gratify my dear children.
+And, papa, they have been very good."
+
+"I am glad to hear it."
+
+"Mamma and papa, may we go down and play by that brook after breakfast?"
+asked Elsie.
+
+"And wade in the water like mamma did when she was a little girl?" added
+Eddie.
+
+"Yes, with Uncle Joe and Aunt Chloe to take care of you; if mamma is
+willing," answered their father.
+
+Mamma said yes, too, and made the little hearts quite happy.
+
+They returned to the window, and presently sent up a joyous shout.
+"Grandpa, our dear grandpa, is coming!"
+
+"Shall I go down and bring him up here, mamma?" asked Elsie.
+
+"No, dear, we will go down to grandpa, and not trouble him to come up.
+Besides, Aunt Adelaide wants to see him as well as we."
+
+"Yes, mamma's plan is the best," said Mr. Travilla, giving Elsie one hand
+and Eddie the other, while his wife led the way with little Violet.
+
+They found Mr. Dinsmore in the lower hall, with Adelaide weeping almost
+hysterically in his arms.
+
+"You are the only brother I have left," she sobbed. "Poor, poor dear
+Walter and Arthur! Oh, that dreadful, dreadful war!"
+
+He caressed and soothed her with tender words. "Dear sister, I will do all
+I can to make up their loss to you. And our father is left us; your
+husband spared, too. And let us not forget that almighty Friend, that
+Elder Brother on the throne, who will never leave or forsake the feeblest
+one who trusts in Him."
+
+"Oh, yes, I know, I know! He has been very good to me; but I must weep for
+the dear ones gone----"
+
+"And He will not chide you--He who wept with Martha and Mary over their
+dead brother."
+
+The children were awed into silence and stillness by the scene; but as
+Adelaide withdrew herself from her brother's arms, while he and her
+husband grasped each other by the hand in a cordial greeting, little Elsie
+drew near her, and taking gently hold of her hand, dropped upon it a kiss
+and a sympathizing tear.
+
+"Darling!" said Adelaide, stooping to fold the child in her arms; then
+looking up at her niece, "What a wonderful likeness, Elsie! I can hardly
+believe it is not yourself, restored to us as you were at her age."
+
+The morning greetings were soon exchanged, and Adelaide led the way to her
+pleasant sitting-room.
+
+"What is the latest news from home, Adelaide?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, with
+evident anxiety. "I have not heard a word for months past."
+
+"I had a long letter from Lora yesterday;" she answered; "the first since
+the close of the war. Her eldest son, Ned, and Enna's second husband, were
+killed in the battle of Bentonville, last March. Lora's husband has lost
+an arm, one of his brothers a leg; the others are all killed, and the
+family utterly ruined.
+
+"The Carringtons--father and sons--have all fallen, Sophie is here, with
+her orphan children; her mother-in-law, with her own daughter, Lucy Ross.
+Philip has escaped unhurt. They will all be here next week to attend May's
+wedding.
+
+"Papa, Louise--you know that she too has lost her husband--and Enna are
+all at the Oaks; for Roselands is a ruin, Ion not very much better, Lora
+says."
+
+"And the Oaks has escaped?"
+
+"Yes, almost entirely; not being visible from the road. Papa sends a
+message to you. He is too heart-broken to write. He knows he is welcome in
+your house; he is longing to see you, now his only son----" Adelaide's
+voice faltered, and it was a moment ere she could go on--"but he would
+have you stay away till September, not risking a return during the hottest
+season; and, if you wish, he will attend to the plantation, hiring blacks
+to work it."
+
+"My poor, poor old father!" Mr. Dinsmore exclaimed, with emotion. "Welcome
+in my house? If I had but a dollar, I would share it with him."
+
+"He shall never want a home, while any of us live!" sprang simultaneously
+from the lips of Mr. Allison and Mr. Travilla.
+
+Adelaide and Elsie were too much moved to speak, but each gave her husband
+a look of grateful affection.
+
+"Thank you both," Mr. Dinsmore said. "Adelaide, I shall write my father
+to-day. Does Lora say that he is well?"
+
+Mrs. Allison could hardly speak for tears, as she answered, "He is not
+ill, but sadly aged by grief and care. But you shall read the letter for
+yourself. Stay to breakfast with us (there's the bell), and I'll give it
+to you afterwards."
+
+"Thanks; but I fear they may wait breakfast for me at the other house."
+
+"No; I will send them word at once that we have kept you."
+
+There was an effort after cheerfulness as they gathered about the
+plentiful board; but too many sad thoughts and memories had been called up
+in the hearts of the elders of the party: and only the children were
+really gay.
+
+Edward Allison was pale and thin, his health having suffered from the
+hardships incident to his army life.
+
+Elsie remarked it, in a tone of grief and concern; but he answered with a
+smile, "I have escaped so much better than many others, that I have more
+reason for thankfulness than complaint. I am hearty and robust compared
+to poor Harold."
+
+A look of deep sadness stole over his face as he thus named his younger
+brother.
+
+Elsie understood it when, an hour later, the elder Mr. Allison entered the
+parlor, where she and Adelaide were chatting together, with Harold leaning
+on his arm.
+
+They both shook hands with her, the old gentleman saying, "My dear, I am
+rejoiced to have you among us again;" Harold silently, but with a sad,
+wistful, yearning look out of his large bright eyes, that filled hers with
+tears.
+
+His father and Adelaide helped him to an easy chair, and as he sank back
+pantingly upon its cushions, Elsie--completely overcome at sight of the
+feeble, wasted frame, and wan, sunken features--stole quickly from the
+room.
+
+Adelaide followed, to find her in the sitting-room on the opposite side of
+the hall, weeping bitterly.
+
+"Oh, Aunt Adie," she sobbed; "he's dying!"
+
+"Yes," Adelaide answered, with the tears coursing down her own cheeks, "we
+all know it now; all but father and mother, who will not give up hope.
+Poor May! hers will be but a sad wedding. She would have put it off, but
+he begged her not, saying he wanted to be present and to greet Duncan as
+his brother--Duncan, to whom he owed so much. But for him, you know,
+Harold would have perished at Andersonville; where, indeed, he got his
+death."
+
+"No, I have heard very little about it."
+
+"Then Harold will tell you the story of their escape. Oh! Rose dear,"
+turning quickly, as Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Carrington entered, "how kind!
+I was coming to see you directly, but it was so good of you not to wait."
+
+Elsie was saying, "Good-morning, mamma," when her eye fell upon the other
+figures. Could it be Sophie with that thin, pale face and large, sad eyes?
+Sophie arrayed in widow's weeds. All the pretty golden curls hidden
+beneath the widow's cap? It was indeed, and the next instant the two were
+weeping in each other's arms.
+
+"You poor, poor dear girl! God comfort you!" Elsie whispered.
+
+"He does, He has helped me to live for my children, my poor fatherless
+little ones," Sophie said, amid her choking sobs.
+
+"We must go back to father and Harold," Adelaide said presently. "They are
+in the parlor, where we left them very unceremoniously."
+
+"And Harold, I know, is longing for a chat with Elsie," Sophie said.
+
+They found the gentlemen patiently awaiting their return. Elsie seated
+herself near Harold, who, somewhat recovered from his fatigue, was now
+able to take part in the conversation.
+
+"You were shocked by my changed appearance?" he said, in an undertone, as
+their eyes met and hers filled again. "Don't mind it, I was never before
+so happy as now; my peace is like a river--calm, deep, and ever increasing
+as it nears the ocean of eternity. I'm going home!" And his smile was both
+bright and sweet.
+
+"Oh, would you not live--for your mother's sake? and to work for your
+Master?"
+
+"Gladly, if it were His will; but I hear Him saying to me, 'Come up
+hither'; and it is a joyful summons."
+
+"Harold, when----" her voice faltered, but with an effort she completed
+her sentence--"when did this begin?"
+
+"At Andersonville; I was in perfect health when I entered the army," he
+answered quickly, divining the fear that prompted the question; "but bad
+air, foul water, wretched and insufficient food, rapidly and completely
+undermined my constitution. Yet it is sweet to die for one's country! I do
+not grudge the price I pay to secure her liberties."
+
+Elsie's eyes sparkled through her tears. "True patriotism still lives!"
+she said. "Harold, I am proud of you and your brothers. Of dear Walter,
+too; for his heart was right, however mistaken his head may have been."
+
+"Walter? oh, yes, and I----"
+
+But the sentence was interrupted by the entrance of his mother and
+sisters, May and Daisy, Mr. Dinsmore, and his son and daughter. Fresh
+greetings, of course, had to be exchanged all round, and were scarcely
+finished when Mr. Travilla came in with his three children.
+
+Elsie called them to her, and presented them to Harold with all a mother's
+fond pride in her darlings.
+
+"I have taught them to call you Uncle Harold. Do you object?"
+
+"Object? far from it; I am proud to claim them as my nephew and nieces."
+
+He gazed with tender admiration upon each dear little face; then, drawing
+the eldest to him and putting an arm about her, said, "She is just what
+you must have been at her age, Elsie; a little younger than when you first
+came to Elmgrove. And she bears your name?"
+
+"Yes; her papa and mine would hear of no other for her."
+
+"I like to have mamma's name," said the child, in a pretty, modest way,
+looking up into his face. "Grandpa and papa call mamma Elsie, and me wee
+Elsie and little Elsie, and sometimes daughter. Grandpa calls mamma
+daughter too, but papa calls her wife. Mamma, has Uncle Harold seen baby?"
+
+"My namesake! ah, I should like to see him."
+
+"There is mammy on the porch now, with him in her arms," cried the child.
+
+"Go, and tell her to bring him here, daughter," Elsie said; and the little
+girl hastened to obey.
+
+It was a very fine babe, and Harold looked at it with interest.
+
+"I am proud of my name-child," he said, turning to the mother with a
+gratified smile. "You and Mr. Travilla were very kind to remember me."
+
+The latter, who had been engaged in the exchange of salutations with the
+others, hearing his name, now came up and took the hand of the invalid in
+his. He was much moved by the sad alteration in the young man, who, when
+last seen by him, was in high health and spirits--the full flush of early
+manhood's prime.
+
+Taking a seat by his side, he inquired with kindly interest how he was,
+who was his physician, and if there had been any improvement in the case
+of late.
+
+"Thank you, no; rather the reverse," Harold said, in answer to the last
+inquiry. "I am weaker than when I left the hospital."
+
+"Ah, that is discouraging; still, we will hope the disease may yet take a
+favorable turn."
+
+"That is what my parents say," he answered, with a grave, sweet smile;
+"and though I have little hope, I know that nothing is too hard for the
+Lord, and am more than willing to leave it in His hands."
+
+"Uncle Harold," said Elsie, coming to the side of his chair and looking up
+into his face with eyes full of tender sympathy, "I'm so, so sorry for
+you. I'll ask Jesus to please make you well, or else take you soon to the
+happy land where you'll never have any more pain."
+
+"Thank you, darling," he said, bending down to kiss the sweet lips. "I
+know the dear Saviour will listen to your prayer."
+
+"You used to play with my mamma when you were a little boy like me; didn't
+you, uncle Harold?" queried Eddie, coming up close on the other side.
+
+"Not quite so small, my man," Harold answered, laying his hand gently on
+the child's head. "Your mamma was about the size of your Aunt Rosie,
+yonder, and I some three or four years older."
+
+"We've been down to the brook where you played together--you and mamma and
+Aunt Sophie," said Elsie. "Papa took us, and I think it's a lovely place
+to play."
+
+"Sophie and I have talked over those dear old times more than once, of
+late," Harold remarked, turning to Mrs. Travilla. "It does not seem so
+very long ago, and yet--how many changes! how we are changed! Well, Rosie,
+what is it?" for she was standing by his chair, waiting with eager face
+till he should be ready to attend to her.
+
+"Uncle Harold, do you feel able to tell us the story about your being a
+prisoner, and how you got free, and back to the Union army?" she asked,
+with persuasive look and tone. "Papa and mamma, and all of us that haven't
+heard it, would like so much to hear it, if it won't tire you to talk so
+long."
+
+"It is not a long story; and as my lungs are sound, I do not think it will
+fatigue me, if you will all come near enough to hear me in my ordinary
+tone of voice."
+
+They drew around him, protesting against his making the effort, unless
+fully equal to it; as another time would do quite as well.
+
+"Thank you all," he said; "but I feel able for the task, and shall enjoy
+gratifying my nieces and nephews, as well as the older people."
+
+He then proceeded with his narrative; all listening with deep interest.
+
+Among other incidents connected with his prison life, he told of his
+interview with Jackson, and the poor wretch's death that same night.
+
+Elsie shuddered and turned pale, yet breathed a sigh of relief as she laid
+her hand in that of her husband, and turned a loving, grateful look upon
+her father, to meet his eyes fixed upon her with an expression of deep
+thankfulness, mingled with the sadness and awe inspired by the news of the
+miscreant's terrible end.
+
+Harold spent the day at his brother's, and availed himself of an
+opportunity, which offered that afternoon, to have a little private talk
+with Elsie, in which he delivered Walter's packet, telling her how it came
+into his hands.
+
+"Dear, dear Walter," she said, weeping, "I have so wanted to know the
+particulars of his death, and am so thankful to hear that he was a
+Christian."
+
+"His friend told me he was instantly killed, so was spared much
+suffering."
+
+"I am thankful for that. I will open this now; you will like to see the
+contents."
+
+They were a letter from Walter to her, and two photographs--both excellent
+and striking likenesses; one of her in her bridal robes, the other of
+himself in his military dress.
+
+The first Elsie threw carelessly aside, as of little worth; the other she
+held long in her hands; gazing intently upon it, again and again wiping
+away the fast-falling tears.
+
+"It is his own noble, handsome face," she murmured. "Oh, to think I shall
+not see it again in this world! How good of him to hive it taken for me!"
+and again she gazed and wept.
+
+Turning to her companion she was startled by the expression of mingled
+love and anguish in his eyes, which were intently fixed upon the other
+photograph; he having taken it up as she threw it aside.
+
+"Oh Harold!" she moaned, in low, agitated tones.
+
+He sighed deeply, but his brow cleared, and a look of peace and
+resignation stole over his face as he turned his eyes on her.
+
+"I think there is no sin in the love I bear you now, Elsie," he said; "I
+rejoice in your happiness and am willing to see you in the possession of
+another; more than willing, since I must so soon pass away. But it was
+not always so; my love and grief were hard to conquer, and this--bringing
+you before me just as you were that night that gave you to another and
+made my love a sin--brought back for a moment the anguish that wrung my
+heart at the sight."
+
+"You _were_ there, then?"
+
+"Yes; just for a few moments. I found I must look upon the scene, though
+it broke my heart. I arrived at the last minute, stood in the shadow of
+the doorway during the ceremony, saw you look up towards me at its
+conclusion, then turned and fled from the house; fearful of being
+recognized and forced to betray my secret which I felt I could not hide.
+
+"But don't weep for me, dear friend, my sorrow and disappointment proved
+blessings in disguise, for through them I was brought to a saving
+knowledge of Him
+
+        "'whom my soul desires above
+    All earthly joy or earthly love.'"
+
+"And oh, Harold, how infinitely more is His love worth than mine!"
+
+But her eye fell upon Walter's letter lying forgotten in her lap. She took
+it up, glanced over it, then read it more carefully, pausing often to wipe
+away the blinding tears. As she finished, Mr. Travilla came in.
+
+"Here is a letter from Walter, Edward," she said, in tremulous tones, as
+she handed it to him.
+
+"Then the report of his death was untrue?" he exclaimed inquiringly, a
+glad look coming into his face.
+
+"Only too true," she answered, with a fresh burst of tears; and Harold
+briefly explained.
+
+"Shall I read it aloud, wife?" Mr. Travilla asked.
+
+"If Harold cares to hear. There is no secret."
+
+"I should like it greatly," Harold said; and Mr. Travilla read it to him,
+while Elsie moved away to the farther side of the room, her heart filled
+with a strange mixture of emotions, in which grief was uppermost.
+
+The letter was filled chiefly with an account of the writer's religious
+experience. Since his last visit to the Oaks he had been constantly
+rejoicing in the love of Christ, and now, expecting, as he did, to fall in
+the coming battle, death had no terrors for him. And he owed this, he
+said, in great measure to the influence of his brother Horace and Elsie,
+especially to the beautiful consistency of her Christian life through all
+the years he had known her.
+
+Through all her grief and sadness, what joy and thankfulness stirred in
+her breast at that thought. Very humble and unworthy she felt; but oh,
+what gladness to learn that her Master had thus honored her as an
+instrument in His hands.
+
+The door opened softly, and her three little ones came quietly in and
+gathered about her. They had been taught thoughtfulness for others: Uncle
+Harold was ill, and they would not disturb him.
+
+Leaning confidingly on her lap, lifting loving, trustful eyes to her face,
+"Mamma," they said, low and softly, "we have had our supper; will you come
+with us now?"
+
+"Yes, dear, presently."
+
+"Mamma," whispered little Elsie, with a wistful, tender gaze into the soft
+sweet eyes still swimming in tears, "dear mamma, something has made you
+sorry. What can I do to comfort you?"
+
+"Love me, darling, and be good; you are mamma's precious little comforter.
+See dears," and she held the photograph so that all could have a view, "it
+is dear Uncle Walter in his soldier dress." A big tear rolled down her
+cheek.
+
+"Mamma," Elsie said quickly, "how good he looks! and he is so happy where
+Jesus is."
+
+"Yes, daughter, we need shed no tears for him."
+
+"Dear Uncle Walter," "Poor Uncle Walter!" the other two were saying.
+
+"There, papa has finished reading; go now and bid good-night to him and
+Uncle Harold," their mother said; and they hastened to obey.
+
+They climbed their father's knees and hung about his neck with the most
+confiding affection, while he caressed them over and over again, Harold
+looking on with glistening eyes.
+
+"Now some dood fun, papa: toss Vi up in oo arms," said the little one,
+expecting the usual game of romps.
+
+"Not to-night, pet; some other time. Another sweet kiss for papa, and now
+one for Uncle Harold."
+
+"After four years of camp, prison, and hospital life, it is a very
+pleasant change to be among the children," Harold said, as the door closed
+upon Elsie and her little flock.
+
+"I feared their noise and perpetual motion might disturb you," Mr.
+Travilla answered.
+
+"Not at all; yours are not boisterous, and their pretty ways are very
+winning."
+
+Aunt Chloe and Dinah were in waiting, and soon had the three small figures
+robed each in its white night-dress.
+
+Then mamma--seated upon a sofa with little Violet on her lap, the other
+two, one on each side--was quite at their disposal for the next half hour
+or so; ready to listen or to talk; her sweet sympathy and tender love
+encouraging them to open all their young hearts to her, telling her of any
+little joy or sorrow, trouble, vexation, or perplexity.
+
+"Well, darlings, have you remembered your verses and our little talk about
+them this morning?" the mother asked. "Elsie may speak first, because she
+is the eldest."
+
+"Mamma, I have thought of them many times," answered the sweet child
+voice; "we had a nice, nice walk with papa this morning, and the little
+birds, the brook, and the trees, and the pretty flowers and the beautiful
+blue sky all seemed to say to me, 'God is love.' Then mamma, once I was
+tempted to be naughty, and I said in my heart, 'Lord, help me,' and Jesus
+heard me."
+
+"What was it, dear?"
+
+"We had a little tea party, mamma, with our cousins, out under the trees,
+and there was pie and very rich cake----"
+
+"And 'serves," put in Eddie.
+
+"Yes, mamma, and preserves too, and they looked so good, and I wanted
+some, but I remembered that you and papa don't let us eat those things
+because they would make us sick. So I said, 'Lord, help me'; and then I
+felt so glad and happy, thinking how Jesus loves me."
+
+"My darling! He does, indeed," the mother said, with a gentle kiss.
+
+"And Eddie was good, and said, 'No, thank you; mamma and papa don't let us
+eat 'serves and pie.'"
+
+"Mamma's dear boy," and her hand passed softly over the curly head resting
+on her shoulder.
+
+"Mamma, I love you; I love you _so much_," he said, hugging her tight;
+"and dear papa, too; and Jesus. Mamma, I wanted to be naughty once to-day
+when one o' zese cousins took away my own new whip that papa buyed for me;
+but I remembered I mustn't be selfish and cross, and I said my little
+prayers jus' in my heart, mamma--and Jesus did help me to be good."
+
+"Yes, my dear son, and He will always help you when you ask Him. And now,
+what has Vi to tell mamma?"
+
+"Vi naughty girl one time, mamma: ky 'cause she didn't want mammy wash
+face and brush curls. Vi solly now;" and the golden head dropped upon
+mamma's breast.
+
+"Mamma's dear baby must try and be patient; mamma is sure she will, and
+Jesus will help her if she asks Him, and forgive her, if she is sorry for
+being naughty," the mother said, with a tender caress. "Now let us sing,
+'Jesus loves me.'"
+
+The child voices blended very sweetly with the mother's as they sang in
+concert; then she told them a Bible story, heard each little prayer, saw
+them laid in their beds, gave each a tender good-night kiss, and left them
+to their rest.
+
+Passing into her dressing-room, she found her husband there, pacing
+thoughtfully to and fro. At sight of her a smile irradiated his whole
+countenance, while his arms opened wide to receive her.
+
+"My dear, dear husband!" she said, laying her head on his shoulder, while
+he folded her to his heart, "how bravely you bear trials; how patient and
+cheerful you always are under all circumstances."
+
+"Not more so than my little wife; we have heard much saddening news
+to-day, love; but most of it such as to make us weep for our friends and
+neighbors rather than for ourselves."
+
+"That is true; our losses are slight, very slight, compared with those of
+multitudes of others; and yet it must sadden your heart to know that your
+dear old home is in ruins."
+
+"Yes, wife, it does; but I were an ungrateful wretch to murmur and repine,
+had I lost everything but you and our four treasures in yonder room: but
+you are all spared to me, and I am by no means penniless yet."
+
+"Very far from it, my own noble husband," she answered, with a look of
+proud, loving admiration; "for all I have is yours as much as mine."
+
+"Thanks, dearest; I am not too proud to accept your assistance, and we
+will build up the old home and make it lovelier than ever, for ourselves
+and for our children; what a pleasant work it will be to make it as nearly
+as possible an earthly paradise for them."
+
+"Yes," she said, smiling brightly; "the cloud has a silver lining."
+
+"As all our clouds have, dearest."
+
+"Yes; for 'we know that all things work together for good to them that
+love God!' But oh, Edward, what an awful end was Jackson's. I shudder to
+think of it? and yet--oh, I fear it is not right--but I cannot help
+feeling it a relief to know that he is dead. Even in Europe, I could not
+divest myself of the fear that he might turn up unexpectedly, and attempt
+the lives of my dear ones."
+
+"It is a relief to me also, and not wrong, I think, to feel it so; for we
+do not rejoice in his destruction, but would have saved him, if we could.
+Has not the news of Walter comforted you in some measure?"
+
+"Yes, oh yes; the dear, dear fellow! You have not seen this," she added,
+taking the photograph from her pocket.
+
+"No; it is a striking likeness, and you will value it highly."
+
+"Indeed I shall. Ah, how strange it will be to go home and not find him
+there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-NINTH.
+
+        "O war!--what, what art thou?
+    At once the proof and scourge of man's fallen state."
+                                      --HANNAH MORE.
+
+
+Richard Allison had gone to Lansdale for his bride a fortnight ago; they
+were now taking their bridal trip and expected to reach Elmgrove a day or
+two before the wedding of May and Harry Duncan. The latter would bring
+Aunt Wealthy with him, and leave her for a short visit among her friends.
+
+Sophie's mother and sister-in-law, Mrs. Carrington, and Lucy Ross, came
+earlier, arriving only two days after our party from Europe.
+
+There was great pleasure, yet mingled with profound sadness, in the
+meeting of these old and dear friends. Lucy and her mother were in deep
+mourning, and in Mrs. Carrington's countenance Christian resignation
+blended with heart-breaking sorrow; grief and anxiety had done the work of
+a score of years, silvering her hair and ploughing deep furrows in the
+face that five years ago was still fresh and fair.
+
+Mr. Travilla had taken wife and children for a morning drive, and on their
+return, Adelaide, meeting them at the door, said to her niece, "They have
+come, they are in Mrs. Carrington's dressing-room; and she begs that you
+will go and meet her there. She has always loved you so dearly, and I
+know is longing for your sympathy."
+
+Elsie, waiting only to lay aside hat and gloves, hastened to grant the
+request of the gentle lady for whom she cherished almost a daughter's
+affection.
+
+She found her alone. They met silently, clasping each other in a long,
+tearful embrace, Mrs. Carrington's sobs for many minutes the only sound
+that broke the stillness of the room.
+
+"I have lost all," she said at length, as they released each other and sat
+down side by side upon a sofa; "all: husband, sons, home----"
+
+Sobs choked her utterance, and Lucy coming hastily in at the open door of
+the adjoining room, dropped on her knees by her mother's side, and taking
+one thin, pale hand in hers, said tearfully, "Not all, dear mamma; you
+have me, and Phil, and the children."
+
+"Me too, mother dear, and your Harry's children," added Sophie, who had
+followed her sister, and now knelt with her.
+
+"Yes, yes, dear daughters, I was wrong: I have lost much, but have many
+blessings still left, your love not the least; and my grandchildren are
+scarcely less dear than my own. Lucy, dear, here is Elsie."
+
+"Yes, our own dear, darling Elsie, scarcely changed at all!" Lucy cried,
+springing up to greet her friend with a warm embrace.
+
+A long talk followed, Mrs. Carrington and Sophie giving their experiences
+of the war and its results, to which the others listened with deep
+interest.
+
+"Thank God it is over at last!" concluded the elder lady; "and oh, may
+He, in His great goodness and mercy, spare us a repetition of it. Oh, the
+untold horrors of civil war--strife among brethren who should know nothing
+but love for each other--none can imagine but those who have passed
+through them! There was fault on both sides, as there always is when
+people quarrel. And what has been gained? Immense loss of property, and of
+far more precious lives, an exchange of ease and luxury for a hard
+struggle with poverty."
+
+"But it is over, dear mother, and the North will help the South to
+recuperate," said Lucy. "Phil says so, and I've heard it from others too;
+just as soon as the struggle ended, people were saying, 'Now they have
+given up, the Union is safe, and we're sorry for them and will do all we
+can to help them; for they are our own people.'"
+
+"Yes, I have been most agreeably surprised at the kind feeling here," her
+mother answered; "nobody has had a hard word to say of us, so far as I
+have been able to learn; and I have seen nothing like exultation over a
+fallen foe; but on the contrary there seems a desire to lend us a helping
+hand and set us on our feet again."
+
+"Indeed, mother, I assure you that is so," said Sophie.
+
+"And all through the war," added Lucy, "there was but little hard feeling
+towards the people of the South; 'deceived and betrayed by their leaders,
+they are more to be pitied than blamed,' was the opinion commonly
+expressed by those who stood by the government."
+
+"And papa says there will be no confiscation of property," Sophie said,
+"unless it may be merely that of the leaders; and that he will help us to
+restore Ashlands to what it was: so you will have your own home again,
+mother."
+
+"How generous! I can never repay the obligation," Mrs. Carrington said, in
+a choking voice.
+
+"But you need not feel overburdened by it, dear mother. It is for Herbert,
+you know, his own grand son."
+
+"And mine! Ah, this news fills me with joy and gratitude."
+
+"Yes, I feel papa's kindness very much," Sophie said, "and hope my son
+will never give him cause to regret it."
+
+Elsie rose. "I hear my baby crying, and know that he wants his mother.
+Dear Mrs. Carrington, you are looking very weary; and it is more than an
+hour yet to dinner-time; will you not lie down and rest?"
+
+"Yes, and afterwards you must show me your children. I want to see them."
+
+"Thank you; I shall do so with much pleasure," the young mother answered
+smilingly, as she hastened from the room; for Baby Harold's cries were
+growing importunate.
+
+This was the regular hour for Eddie and Vi to take a nap, and Elsie found
+them lying quietly in their little bed, while the screaming babe stoutly
+resisted the united efforts of his elder sister and Aunt Chloe to pacify
+and amuse him.
+
+"Give him to me, mammy," she said, seating herself by the open window; "it
+is his mother he wants."
+
+Little Elsie, ever concerned for her mother's happiness, studied the dear
+face intently for a moment, and seeing the traces of tears, drew near
+and, putting an arm about her neck, "Mamma," she said tenderly, "dear
+mamma, what troubles you? May I know about it?"
+
+Mrs. Travilla explained briefly, telling of Mrs. Carrington's trials, and
+of those of other old friends and neighbors in the South.
+
+"Mamma," said the child, with eyes filled to overflowing, "I am very sorry
+for them all, and for you. Mamma, it is like Jesus to shed tears for other
+people's troubles: but, mamma, I think it is too much; there are so many,
+it makes you sorry all the time, and I can't bear it."
+
+The mother's only answer was a silent caress, and the child went on: "I
+hope nobody else will come with such sad stories to make you cry. Is there
+anybody else to do it, mamma?"
+
+"I think not, dear; there are only Aunt Wealthy, who has not lost any near
+friend lately, and--Why there she is now! the dear old soul!" she broke
+off joyously, for at that instant a carriage, which she had been watching
+coming up the drive, drew up before the door, and a young gentleman and a
+little old lady alighted.
+
+Aunt Chloe took the babe, and Elsie hastened down to meet her aunt, her
+little daughter following.
+
+To the child's great relief it was an altogether joyous greeting this
+time; both Miss Stanhope, and her escort, Harry Duncan, were looking very
+happy, which caused her to regard them with much satisfaction, and the
+kisses asked of her were given very readily.
+
+"Were you expecting us to-day, Mrs. Allison?" Harry asked, turning to
+Adelaide.
+
+"Yes; I received your telegram."
+
+"Business hurried us off two days sooner than we expected," said Miss
+Stanhope. "I would have written, but was so very busy with papers and
+painterers doing the house all up new; and putting down new curtains, and
+tacking up new carpets, till, Elsie, the old place would hardly know you."
+
+The old lady's heart was evidently full to overflowing, with happiness at
+the prospect of seeing May installed as future mistress in the pretty
+cottage at Lansdale.
+
+Yet there was no lack of sympathy in the sorrows or joys of others; she
+wept with them all over their losses past and prospective; for she, too,
+saw that Harold must soon pass away from earth, and while rejoicing with
+him, when she learned how gladly he would obey the summons, her heart yet
+bled for those to whom he was so dear.
+
+Richard and his bride arrived in due season. The latter had lost no near
+relative by the war, and--to wee Elsie's delight--the meeting between
+"Aunt Lottie and mamma," seemed one of unalloyed pleasure.
+
+Unlike those of her older sisters, May's was a private wedding--none but
+the family and a few near relatives and connections being present. Though
+deeply attached to Harry, and trusting him fully, much of sadness was
+unavoidably mingled with her happiness as she prepared for her bridal. It
+could not be otherwise, as she thought of Fred in his soldier grave,
+Harold soon to follow, and Sophie--whose had been the last wedding in the
+paternal home, and so gay and joyous a one--now in her widow's weeds and
+well-nigh broken-hearted.
+
+"Mine will not be a gay bridal," May had said, in arranging her plans;
+"and I will just wear my traveling suit."
+
+But Harold objected. "No, no, May; I want to see you dressed as Rose and
+Sophie were--in white, with veil and orange blossoms. Why shouldn't your
+beauty be set off to the best advantage as well as theirs, even though
+only the eyes of those who love you will look upon it?"
+
+And so it was; for Harold's wishes were sacred now.
+
+They were married in the morning; and after a sumptuous breakfast the
+bridal attire was exchanged for the traveling suit, and the new-made
+husband and wife set out upon their wedding trip. It was very sad for poor
+May to leave, not only childhood's home, parents, and brothers and sisters
+whose lease of life seemed as likely to be long as her own, but to part
+from the dying one to whom she was most tenderly attached.
+
+But Harry promised to bring her back; and she was to be immediately
+summoned, in case of any marked unfavorable change in the invalid.
+
+Then, too, Harold was so serenely happy in the prospect before him, and
+talked so constantly of it as only going home a little while before the
+rest, and of how at length all would be reunited in that better land, to
+spend together an eternity of bliss, that it had robbed death of half its
+gloom and terror.
+
+It was Harold's earnest desire that all his dear ones should be as gay and
+happy as though he were in health; he would not willingly cast a shadow
+over the pathway of any of them, for a day; especially the newly married,
+whose honeymoon, he said, ought to be a very bright spot for them to look
+back upon in all after years.
+
+So Lottie felt it right to let her heart swell with gladness in the new
+love that crowned her life; and the time passed cheerfully and pleasantly
+to the guests at Elmgrove.
+
+Mrs. Ross and her mother, and Miss Stanhope, remained for a fortnight
+after the wedding. All were made to feel themselves quite at home in both
+houses; the two families were much like one, and usually spent their
+evenings together, in delightful social intercourse; Harold in their midst
+on his couch, or reclining in an easy chair, an interested listener to the
+talk and occasionally joining in it.
+
+One evening when they were thus gathered about him, Mrs. Carrington,
+looking compassionately upon the pale, patient face, remarked, "You suffer
+a great deal, Captain Allison?"
+
+"Yes, a good deal," he answered cheerfully, "but not more than I can
+easily endure, remembering that it is 'whom the Lord loveth He
+chasteneth.'"
+
+"You take a very Christian view of it; but do your sufferings arouse no
+bitterness of feeling towards the South?"
+
+"Oh, no!" he answered, earnestly, "why should they? The people of the
+South were not responsible for what was done at Andersonville; perhaps the
+Confederate government was so only in a measure; and Wirtz was a
+foreigner. Besides, there was a great deal endured by rebel prisoners in
+some of our Northern prisons. Father," turning to the elder Mr. Allison,
+"please tell Mrs. Carrington about your visit to Elmira."
+
+The others had been chatting among themselves, but all paused to listen as
+Mr. Allison began his narrative.
+
+"We learned that a young relative of my wife was confined there, and ill.
+I went at once to see what could be done for him, and finding the prison
+in charge of a gentleman who was under much obligation to me, gained
+admittance without much difficulty. It was a wretched place, and the
+prisoners were but poorly fed; which was far more inexcusable here than at
+the South, where food was scarce in their own army and among the people."
+
+"I know that to have been the case," said Mrs. Carrington. "The farmers
+were not allowed to make use of their grain for their own families, till a
+certain proportion had been taken for the army; and there were families
+among us who did not taste meat for a year."
+
+"Yes; the war has been hard for us, but far harder upon them. I found our
+young friend in a very weak state. I succeeded in getting permission to
+remove him to more comfortable quarters, and did so; but he lived scarcely
+two days after."
+
+"How very sad," remarked Elsie, with emotion. "Oh, what a terrible thing
+is war!"
+
+"Especially civil war," said the elder Mrs. Allison; "strife among
+brethren; its fruits are bitter, heart-rending."
+
+"And being all one people there was equal bravery, talent, and
+determination on both sides; which made the struggle a very desperate
+one," said Harold.
+
+"And the military tic-tacs were the same," added Aunt Wealthy; "and then
+speaking the same language, and looking so much alike, foes were
+sometimes mistaken for friends, and versa-vice."
+
+"A brother-in-law of Louise's was confined in Fort Delaware for some
+months," said Adelaide, addressing her brother, "and wrote to me for some
+articles of clothing he needed badly, adding, 'If you could send me
+something to eat, it would be most thankfully received.' I sent twice, but
+neither package ever reached him."
+
+"Too bad! too bad!" said Mr. Dinsmore; "yet very likely it was through no
+fault of the government."
+
+"No; I am satisfied that individuals--selfish, unscrupulous men of whom
+there were far too many on both sides, were the real culprits, and that
+the government intended every prisoner should be made as comfortable as
+circumstances would permit," said Mr. Allison. "But there are men who made
+large fortunes by swindling the government and robbing our brave soldiers;
+men unworthy of the name! who would sell their own souls for gold!"
+
+"You are right, sir!" said Mr. Travilla; "one who could take advantage of
+the necessities of his own country, to enrich himself by robbing her, is
+not worthy to be called a man."
+
+"And I esteem an officer who could rob the soldiers very little better,"
+said Daisy. "Again and again canned fruits and other niceties, sent by
+ladies for the comfort of the sick and wounded men, were appropriated by
+officers who did not need them, and knew they were not given to them."
+
+"And the conclusion of the whole matter," said Harold, with his placid,
+patient smile, "is that there were on both sides men who, loving and
+seeking their own interest above country, personal honor, or anything
+else, would bring disgrace upon any cause. No, Mrs. Carrington, I have no
+bitter feeling towards the South. My heart aches for her people in their
+bereavements, their losses, and all the difficulties of reconstruction and
+adapting themselves to the new order of things which is the result of the
+war."
+
+Elsie had several times expressed to her husband and father a deep anxiety
+to hear from Viamede, and had written to both Mr. Mason and Spriggs,
+inquiring about the people and the condition of the estate, yet with but
+slight hope of reply, as all communication with the place had been cut off
+for years, and it was more than likely that one or both had been driven,
+or drifted away from his post during the progress of the war.
+
+She was therefore greatly pleased when, on entering the parlor one morning
+on her return from a drive, she found Mr. Mason there waiting for an
+interview.
+
+"You are not direct from Viamede!" she asked, when they had exchanged a
+cordial greeting.
+
+"No, Mrs. Travilla," he answered; "I stayed as long as I could, but not
+being willing to go into the army, was finally compelled to leave. That
+was more than two years ago. But I received a letter from Spriggs only
+yesterday, written from the estate. He was in the Confederate service; and
+when the struggle was over, went back to Viamede.
+
+"He says it was not visited by either army, and has suffered only from
+neglect. The old house-servants are still there--Aunt Phillis, Aunt Sally,
+and the rest; many of the field hands, too, occupying their old quarters,
+but looking ragged and forlorn enough.
+
+"They are willing to work for wages, and Spriggs begs of me to find out
+where you are, and tell you that, if you wish it and will furnish the
+means, he will hire them, and do the best he can to restore the place and
+make it profitable to you.
+
+"I saw your name in the list of arrivals by a late steamer, and with some
+little painstaking, at length learned where you were."
+
+"I am very glad you have come, Mr. Mason; and I am inclined to think well
+of Mr. Spriggs' proposition," Elsie answered; "but I must consult my--Ah,
+here they are!" as the husband and father entered the room together.
+
+The matter was under discussion for the next half-hour, when it was
+decided to accept Mr. Spriggs' proposal, for the present at least.
+
+Elsie then said to Mr. Mason that she hoped he was not engaged, as she
+would be glad to have him return to Viamede and resume his former duties
+there.
+
+He colored and laughed, as he answered, "I am engaged, Mrs. Travilla,
+though not in the sense you mean, and shall be glad to comply with your
+wish, if you do not object to my taking a wife with me."
+
+"Not at all," she answered, smiling; "the Bible says, 'it is not good for
+man to be alone,' and I hope you will be all the happier and more useful
+in the Master's service for having a better-half with you. A suite of
+rooms shall be placed at your service and your wants attended to as
+formerly."
+
+Mr. Mason returned warm thanks for her kindness, and took his departure,
+evidently well-pleased with the result of his call.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTIETH.
+
+         "War, war, war!
+    Misery, murder, and crime;
+    Crime, murder, and woe."
+
+
+The Travillas accompanied Miss Stanhope on her return to Lansdale, and
+were there to assist at the reception of Harry and his bride. After that,
+a few weeks were spent by them with Mr. and Mrs. Ross.
+
+They then returned to Elmgrove, where, detained, partly by business
+matters, partly by Harold's condition and his earnest wish to have them
+all near him to the last, they lingered until September.
+
+Harold "went home," early in that month, dying as calmly and quietly as
+"fades a summer cloud away," or "sinks the gale when storms are o'er."
+
+He was buried with military honors, and the friends returned to the house,
+sorely to miss, indeed, the wasted form, and wan, yet patient, cheerful
+face, and the loved voice, ever ready with words of consolation and hope;
+but while weeping over their own present bereavement, rejoicing in his joy
+and the assurance of a blessed reunion in a better land, when they, too,
+should be able to say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
+course: I have kept the faith."
+
+It was a melancholy satisfaction to Rose that she had been with him almost
+constantly during the last three months of his life; her husband had not
+hurried her; but now both they, and Mr. Travilla and Elsie, felt that the
+time had come when they should hasten their return to their own homes.
+
+They set out the next week; not a gay party, but filled with a subdued,
+quiet cheerfulness. Some of their dear ones, but lately journeying with
+them towards the Celestial City, had reached the gates and entered in; but
+they were following after, and would overtake them at length; and, though
+the way might be at times rough and stony to their weary feet, the path
+compassed by foes both wily and strong, yet there was with them One
+mightier than all the hosts of hell, and who had promised never to leave
+nor forsake. "In all these things they should be more than conquerors,
+through Him that loved them."
+
+After entering Virginia, they saw all along the route the sad ravages of
+the war, and their hearts sent up earnest petitions that those waste
+places might speedily be restored, and their dear native land never again
+be visited with that fearful scourge.
+
+The scenes grew more saddening as they neared their journey's end, and
+could recognize, in the ruined houses and plantations, the wrecks of the
+former happy homes of friends and neighbors.
+
+They all went directly to the Oaks, where the Travillas were to find a
+home until Ion could be made again comfortably habitable. It was late in
+the afternoon of a cloudy, showery day that they found themselves actually
+rolling quietly along the broad winding drive that led through the grounds
+to the noble mansion they had left more than five years before.
+
+Even here there were sad signs of neglect: the grounds had forgotten their
+former neat and trim appearance, and the house needed paint and some
+slight repairs. But this was all; and they felt it a cause for
+thankfulness that things were no worse.
+
+A group of relatives and retainers were gathered in the veranda to greet
+them; an aged, white-haired man the central figure, around him three
+ladies in deep mourning, a one-armed gentleman, and a crowd of children of
+both sexes and all ages, from the babe in arms to the youth of sixteen;
+while in the rear could be seen Mrs. Murray's portly figure, and strong,
+sensible Scotch face, beaming with pleasure, relieved by a background of
+dusky faces, lighted up with joy and expectation.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore alighted first, gave his hand to his wife, and leaving young
+Horace to attend to Rosebud, hastened to meet his father.
+
+The old man tottered forward and fell upon his neck, weeping bitterly. "My
+son, my boa, my only one now; I have lost all--everything--wife, sons,
+home; all swept away, nothing left to my old age but you."
+
+"Yes, that's it always," sneered a sharp voice near at hand; "daughters
+count for nothing; grandchildren are equally valuable. Sons, houses, and
+lands are the only possessions worth having."
+
+"Enna, how can you!" exclaimed Mrs. Howard.
+
+But neither father nor brother seemed to hear, or heed the unkind,
+unfilial remark. The old man was sobbing on his son's shoulder; he
+soothing him as tenderly as ever he had soothed wife or daughter.
+
+"My home is yours as long as you choose to make it so, my dear father; and
+Roselands shall be restored, and your old age crowned with the love and
+reverence of children and children's children."
+
+Hastily recovering himself, the old gentleman released his son, gave an
+affectionate greeting to Rose, and catching sight of young Horace, now a
+handsome youth of nineteen, embraced him, exclaiming, "Ah, yes, here is
+another son for me! one of whom I may well be proud. Rosie, too, grown to
+a great girl! Glad to see you, dear." But the first carriage had moved on;
+the second had come up and discharged its living freight, and Mr.
+Travilla, with Vi in his arms, Elsie leading her eldest daughter and son,
+had stepped upon the veranda, followed by Dinah with the babe.
+
+"Dear grandpa," Mrs. Travilla said, in tender, tremulous tones, dropping
+her children's hands to put her arms about his neck, as he turned from
+Rosebud to her, "my poor, dear grandpa, we will all try to comfort you,
+and make your old age bright and happy. See, here are your
+great-grandchildren ready to rise up and call you blessed."
+
+"God bless you, child!" he said, in quivering tones, embracing her with
+more affection than ever before. "And this," laying his hand on wee
+Elsie's head, "is yourself as you were at the same age."
+
+"I'm very sorry for you, dear old grandpa; mamma has told me all about
+it," the little girl softly whispered, putting her small arms about his
+neck as he stooped to give her a kiss.
+
+"Me too," Eddie put in, offering his hand and lips.
+
+"That's right; good boy; good children. How are you, Travilla? You've come
+back to find ruin and desolation where you left beauty and prosperity;"
+and the aged voice shook with emotion.
+
+Mr. Travilla had a kindly, hearty hand-shake, and gentle sympathizing
+words for him, then presented Vi and Baby Harold.
+
+Meanwhile the greetings were being exchanged by the others. Lora met her
+brother, and both Rose and Elsie, with the warm affection of earlier days,
+mingled with grief for the losses and sorrows that had befallen since they
+parted.
+
+Mr. Howard, too, was cordial in his greeting, but Louise and Enna met them
+with coldness and disdain, albeit they were mere pensioners upon Horace's
+bounty, self-invited guests in his house.
+
+Louise gave the tips of her fingers to each, in sullen silence, while Enna
+drew back from the offered hands, muttering, "A set of Yankees come to spy
+out the nakedness of the land; don't give a hand to them, children."
+
+"As you like," Mr. Dinsmore answered indifferently, stepping past her to
+speak to Mrs. Murray and the servants; "you know I will do a brother's
+part by my widowed sisters all the same."
+
+"For shame, Enna!" said Lora; "you are here in Horace's house, and neither
+he nor the others ever took part against us."
+
+"I don't care, it was nearly as bad to stay away and give no help,"
+muttered the offender, giving Elsie a look of scorn and aversion.
+
+"Be quiet, will you, Madam Johnson," said her old father; "it would be no
+more than right if Horace should turn you out of the house. Elsie," seeing
+tears coursing the cheeks of the latter, "don't distress yourself, child;
+she's not worth minding."
+
+"That is quite true, little wife," said Mr. Travilla; "and though you have
+felt for her sorrows, do not let her unkindness wound you."
+
+Elsie wiped away her tears, but only waiting to speak to Mrs. Murray and
+the servants, retired immediately to the privacy of her own apartments,
+Mr. Travilla accompanying her with their children and attendants.
+
+Wearied with her journey, and already saddened by the desolations of the
+country over which they had passed, this cold, and even insulting
+reception from the aunts--over whose bereavements she had wept in tender
+sympathy--cut her to the quick.
+
+"Oh, Edward, how can they behave so to papa and mamma in their own house!"
+she said, sitting down upon a sofa in her boudoir and laying aside her
+hat, while her eyes again overflowed; "dear papa and mamma, who are always
+so kind!"
+
+"And you, too, dearest," he said, placing himself by her side and putting
+an arm about her. "It is shameful conduct, but do not allow it to trouble
+you."
+
+"I will try not to mind it, but let me cry; I shall get over it the
+sooner. I never thought to feel so uncomfortable in my father's house. Ah,
+if Ion were only ready for us!" she sighed.
+
+"I am glad that your home must be with me for the present, daughter, if
+you can only enjoy it," said her father, who, still ever watchful over
+her happiness, had followed to soothe and comfort her. "It grieves me that
+your feelings should have been so wounded," he added, seating himself on
+the other side, and taking her hand in his.
+
+"Thank you, dear papa; it is for you and mamma, even more than myself,
+that I feel hurt."
+
+"Then never mind it, dearest. Enna has already coolly told me that she and
+Louise have settled themselves in the west wing, with their children and
+servants; where they purpose to maintain a separate establishment, having
+no desire to associate with any of us; though I, of course, am to supply
+their table at my own expense, as well as whatever else is needed," he
+added, with a slight laugh of mingled amusement and vexation.
+
+"Considering it a great privilege to be permitted to do so, I presume,"
+Mr. Travilla remarked, a little sarcastically.
+
+"Of course; for cool impudence Enna certainly exceeds every other person
+of my acquaintance."
+
+"You must let us share the privilege."
+
+"Thanks; but we will talk of that at another time. I know you and Elsie
+have dreaded the bad influence of Enna's spoiled children upon yours; and
+I, too, have feared it for them, and for Rosebud; but there is to be no
+communication between theirs and ours; Louise's one set, and Enna's two,
+keeping to their own side of the building and grounds, and ours not
+intruding upon them. Enna had it all arranged, and simply made the
+announcement to me, probably with little idea of the relief she was
+affording."
+
+"It is a great relief," said Elsie. "Aunt Lora's are better trained, and
+will not----"
+
+"They do not remain with us; Pinegrove is still habitable, and they are
+here only for to-day to welcome us home."
+
+Elsie's face lighted up with pleasure. "And we shall have our own dear
+home to ourselves, after all! Ah, how foolish I have been to so borrow
+trouble."
+
+"I have shared the folly," her father said, smiling; "but let us be wiser
+for the future. They have already retired to their own quarters, and you
+will see no more of them for the present. My father remains with us."
+
+Mrs. Howard was deeply mortified by the conduct of her sisters, but tried
+to excuse them to those whom they were treating with such rudeness and
+ingratitude.
+
+"Louise and Enna are very bitter," she said, talking with Rose and Elsie
+in the drawing-room after tea; "but they have suffered much in the loss of
+their husbands and our brothers; to say nothing of property. Sherman's
+soldiers were very lawless--some of them, I mean; and they were not all
+Americans--and inflicted much injury. Enna was very rude and exasperating
+to the party who visited Roselands, and was roughly handled in
+consequence; robbed of her watch and all her jewelry and money.
+
+"They treated our poor old father with great indignity also; dragged him
+down the steps of the veranda, took his watch, rifled his pockets,
+plundered the house, then set it on fire and burned it to the ground."
+
+Her listeners wept as she went on to describe more minutely the scenes of
+violence at Roselands, Ashlands, Pinegrove, and other plantations and
+towns in the vicinity; among them the residences of the pastor and his
+venerable elder, whose visits were so comforting to Mrs. Travilla in her
+last sickness.
+
+"They were Union men," Lora said, in conclusion, "spending their time and
+strength in self-denying efforts for the spiritual good of both whites and
+blacks, and had suffered much at the hands of the Confederates; yet were
+stripped of everything by Sherman's troops, threatened with instant death,
+and finally left to starve, actually being without food for several days."
+
+"Dreadful!" exclaimed Rose. "I could not have believed any of our officers
+would allow such things. But war is very cruel, and gives opportunity to
+wicked, cruel men, on both sides to indulge their evil propensities and
+passions. Thank God, it is over at last; and oh, may He, in His great
+goodness and mercy, spare us a renewal, of it."
+
+"I say amen to that!" responded Mrs. Howard earnestly. "My poor Ned! my
+brothers! my crippled husband! Oh, I sometimes think my heart will break!"
+
+It was some minutes ere she could speak again, for weeping, and the others
+wept with her.
+
+But resuming. "We were visited by both armies," she said, "and one did
+about as much mischief as the other; and between them there is but little
+left: they did not burn us out at Pinegrove, but stripped us very bare."
+
+"Aunt Lora, dear Aunt Lora!" Elsie sobbed, embracing her with much
+tenderness; "we cannot restore the loved ones, but your damages shall be
+repaired."
+
+"Ah, it will take a lifetime; we have no means left."
+
+"You shall borrow of me without interest. With the exception of the
+failure of income from Viamede, I have lost nothing by the war but the
+negroes. My husband's losses are somewhat heavier. But our united income
+is still very large; so that I believe I can help you all, and I shall
+delight to do it, even should it involve the sale of most of my jewels."
+
+"Dear child, you are very very kind," Lora said, deeply moved; "and it may
+be that Edward, proud as he is, will accept some assistance from you."
+
+The next morning Mr. Dinsmore and Rose, Mr. Travilla and Elsie, mounted
+their horses directly after breakfast, and set out to view for themselves
+the desolations of Roselands and Ion, preparatory to considering what
+could be done to restore them to their former beauty.
+
+Roselands lying nearest, received their attention first, but so greatly
+were the well-remembered landmarks changed, that on arriving, they could
+scarce believe themselves there.
+
+Not one of the noble old trees, that had bordered the avenue and shaded
+the lawn, was left standing; many lay prostrate upon the ground, while
+others had been used for fuel. Of the house naught remained but a few feet
+of stone wall, some charred, blackened beams, and a heap of ashes. The
+gardens were a desert, the lawn was changed to a muddy field by the
+tramping of many feet, and furrowed with deep ruts where the artillery had
+passed and repassed; fences, hedge-rows, shrubbery--all had disappeared;
+and the fields, once cultivated with great care, were overgrown with weeds
+and nettles.
+
+"We have lost our way! this cannot be the place!" cried Rose, as they
+reined in their horses on the precise spot where Arthur and Walter had
+taken their farewell look at home.
+
+"Alas, alas, it is no other!" Mr. Travilla replied, in moved tones.
+
+The hearts of Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were too full for speech, and hot
+tears were coursing down the cheeks of the latter.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore pressed forward, and the others followed, slowly picking
+their way through the ruins, grief swelling in their hearts at every step.
+Determined to know the worst, they made the circuit of the house and of
+the whole estate.
+
+"Can it ever be restored?" Elsie asked at length, amid her tears.
+
+"The house may be rebuilt in a few months, and fields and gardens cleared
+of weeds, and made to resume something of the old look," Mr. Dinsmore
+answered; "but the trees were the growth of years, and this generation
+will not see their places filled with their like."
+
+They pursued their way to Ion in almost unbroken silence. Here the fields
+presented the same appearance of neglect; lawn and gardens were a wild,
+but scarcely a tree had fallen, and though the house had been pillaged,
+furniture destroyed, windows broken, and floors torn up, a few rooms were
+still habitable; and here they found several of the house-servants, who
+hailed their coming with demonstrations of delight.
+
+They had lived on the products of the orchard and grapery, and by
+cultivating a small patch of ground and keeping a few fowls.
+
+Elsie assumed an air of cheerfulness, for her husband's sake; rejoiced
+that the trees had been spared, that the family burial-place had escaped
+desecration, and talked gayly of the pleasure of repairing damages, and
+making improvements till Ion should not have a rival for beauty the
+country round.
+
+Her efforts were appreciated, and met fully half-way, by her loving
+spouse.
+
+The four, taking possession of the rustic seat on the top of a little
+knoll, where the huge branches of a giant oak protected them from the sun,
+took a lengthened survey of the house and grounds, and held a consultation
+in regard to ways and means.
+
+Returning to the Oaks, the gentlemen went to the library, where old Mr.
+Dinsmore was sitting alone, and reported to him the result of the morning
+conference. Roselands was to be rebuilt as fast as men and materials could
+be procured, Elsie furnishing the means--a very large sum of money, of
+which he was to have the use, free of interest, for a long term of years,
+or during his natural life.
+
+Mr. Horace Dinsmore knew his father would never take it as a gift, and
+indeed, it cost him a hard struggle to bring his pride down to the
+acceptance of it as offered. But he consented at last, and as the other
+two retired, begged that Elsie would come to him for a moment.
+
+She came in so quietly that he was not aware of her presence. He sat in
+the corner of a sofa, his white head bowed upon his knees, and his aged
+frame shaking with sobs.
+
+Kneeling at his side, she put her arms about him, whispering, "Grandpa,
+my poor, dear grandpa, be comforted; for we all love and honor you."
+
+"Child! child! I have not deserved this at your hands," he sobbed. "I
+turned from you when you came to my house, a little, desolate motherless
+one, claiming my affection."
+
+"But that was many years ago, dear grandpa, and we will 'let the dead past
+bury its dead,' You will not deny me the great pleasure of helping to
+repair the desolations of war in the dear home of my childhood? You will
+take it as help sent by Him whose steward I am?"
+
+He clasped her close, and his kisses and tears were warm upon her cheek,
+as he murmured, in low, broken tones, "God bless you, child! I can refuse
+you nothing. You shall do as you will."
+
+At last, Elsie had won her way to her stern grandfather's heart; and
+henceforth she was dear to him as ever one of his children had been.
+
+       *       *       *      *       *
+
+It is a sweet October morning in the year 1867. Ion, restored to more than
+its pristine loveliness, lies basking in the beams of the newly risen sun;
+a tender mist, gray in the distance, rose-colored and golden where the
+rays of light strike it more directly, enveloping the landscape; the trees
+decked in holiday attire--green, russet, orange, and scarlet.
+
+The children are romping with each other and their nurses, in the avenue;
+with the exception of wee Elsie, now a fair, gentle girl of nine, who
+occupies a rustic seat a little apart from the rest. She has a Bible in
+her hand, and the sweet young face is bent earnestly, lovingly, over the
+holy book.
+
+On the veranda stands the mother, watching her darlings with eyes that
+grow misty with glad tears, while her heart sends up its joyous
+thanksgiving to Him who had been the Guide of her youth and the stay and
+staff of maturer years.
+
+A step approaches, and her husband's arm encircles her waist, while, as
+she turns her head, his kindly gray eyes gaze into the depths of her soft
+hazel ones, with a love stronger than life--or than death.
+
+"Do you know, little wife, what day this is?"
+
+She answered with a bright, glad smile; then her head dropped upon his
+shoulder.
+
+"Yes, my husband; ten years ago to-day I committed my happiness to your
+keeping, and never for one moment have I regretted the step."
+
+"Bless you, darling, for the word! How great are the mercies of God to me!
+Yonder is our first-born. I see you as you were when first I met and
+coveted you; and here you stand by my side, the true wife who has been for
+ten years the joy and light of my heart and home. Wife, I love you better
+to-day than ever before, and if it be the will of God, may we yet have
+five times ten years to live together in love and harmony."
+
+"We shall!" she answered earnestly; "eternity is ours, and death itself
+can part us but for a little while."
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie's Womanhood, by Martha Finley
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