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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Elsie's children, 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 children
+
+Author: Martha Finley
+
+Release Date: February 2, 2005 [EBook #14875]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S CHILDREN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy and the PG Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ELSIE'S
+CHILDREN
+
+A SEQUEL TO
+"ELSIE'S MOTHERHOOD"
+
+
+By
+MARTHA FINLEY
+
+Complete Authorized Edition
+
+Published by arrangement with
+Dodd, Mead and Company
+
+
+A.L. BURT COMPANY
+
+PUBLISHERS
+New York Chicago
+
+
+
+
+DODD, MEAD & COMPANY.
+
+1877
+
+1905, BY
+DODD, MEAD & COMPANY.
+
+
+
+
+
+Preface.
+
+
+With this volume, bringing the Story of Elsie
+and her Children down to the present time, the
+series closes.
+
+It was not by request of the author's _personal_
+friends, that either this or any one of the previous
+volumes was written, but in acquiescence with the
+demands of the Public--the friends and admirers
+of Elsie herself; and we know that as child, as
+young girl, as wife and mother, she has had many
+friends who have been loath to part with her.
+May they find neither her nor her children less
+lovable in this, than in the earlier volumes, and
+may their society prove sweet, comforting and helpful
+to many readers and friends both old and new.
+
+M.F.
+
+
+
+
+Elsie's Children.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIRST.
+
+    "Of all the joys that brighten suffering earth,
+     What joy is welcom'd like a new-born child."
+                                     --MRS. NORTON.
+
+
+
+A merry scene in the nursery at Viamede, where the little Travillas are
+waiting for their morning half hour with "dear mamma." Mammy coming in
+smiling and mysterious, her white apron thrown over something held
+carefully in her arms, bids the children guess what it is.
+
+"A new dolly for me?" says Vi; "I'm going to have a birthday to-morrow."
+
+"A kite," ventured Harold. "No, a balloon."
+
+"A tite! a tite!" cried little Herbert, clapping his hands.
+
+"Pshaw! it's nothing but a bundle of clothes mammy's been doing up for one
+of you girls," said Eddie. "I see a bit of lace or work, or something,
+hanging down below her apron."
+
+"Is it a new dress for Vi, mammy?" asked Elsie, putting her arm about her
+sister and giving her a loving kiss.
+
+"Yah, yah; you ain't no whar nigh it yet, chillens," laughed mammy,
+dropping into a chair, and warding off an attempt on the part of little
+Herbert to seize her prize and examine it for himself.
+
+"Oh, it's alive," cried Harold, half breathlessly, "I saw it move!" Then
+as a slight sound followed the movement, "A baby! a baby!" they all
+exclaim, "O, mammy, whose is it? where did you get it? oh, sit down and
+show it to us!"
+
+"Why, chillen, I reckon it 'longs to us," returned mammy, complying with
+the request, while they gathered closely about her with eager and
+delighted faces.
+
+"Ours, mammy? Then I'm glad it isn't black or yellow like the babies down
+at the quarter," said Harold, eying it with curiosity and interest.
+
+"So am I too," remarked Violet, "but it's got such a red face and hardly
+any hair on the top of its head."
+
+"Well, don't you remember that's the way Herbie looked when he first
+came?" said Eddie.
+
+"And he grew very white in a few weeks," remarked Elsie. "But is it
+mamma's baby, mammy?"
+
+"Yes, honey, dat it am; sho's yer born, 'nother pet for ole mammy,--de
+bressed little darlin'," she answered, pressing the little creature to
+her breast.
+
+The information was received with a chorus of exclamations of delight and
+admiration.
+
+"Tate a bite of cacker, boy," said Herbert, offering a cracker which he
+was eating with evident enjoyment.
+
+Mammy explained, amid the good-natured laughter of the older children,
+that the newcomer had no teeth and couldn't eat anything but milk.
+
+"Oh, poor 'ittle fing!" he said, softly touching its velvet cheek. "Won't
+'oo tum and pay wis Herbie?"
+
+"No, it can't play," said Violet, "it can't walk and it can't talk."
+
+"Where's mamma, mammy?" asked Eddie, glancing at the clock; "it's past her
+time; I wonder too she didn't come to show us the new baby herself."
+
+"She's sick, chile," returned mammy, a grave and anxious look coming into
+her old eyes.
+
+"Mamma sick?" exclaimed little Elsie, "oh, may I go to her?"
+
+Mammy shook her head. "Not jes now, honey darlin', byme by, when she's
+bettah."
+
+"Mamma sick?" echoed Violet. "Oh, I'm so, so sorry!"
+
+"Don't fret, chillen, de good Lord make her well again soon," said mammy,
+with cheerful hopefulness, for she could not bear to see how sad each
+little face had grown, how the young lips quivered, and the bright eyes
+filled with tears; for dearly, dearly, they all loved their sweet, gentle
+mother.
+
+"Herbie wants mamma," sobbed the baby boy, clinging to his eldest sister.
+
+"Don't cry, pet," Elsie said chokingly, hugging him close and kissing away
+his tears. "We'll all ask God to make her well, and I'm sure he will."
+
+"Why! why! what's the matter here?" cried a cheery voice, as the door
+opened and Mr. Travilla stepped into their midst. "What's the matter with
+papa's darlings?" he repeated, gathering them all into his arms, and
+caressing each in turn.
+
+"Is mamma, dear mamma, very sick?" they asked, Vi immediately adding in
+joyous tones,
+
+"No, no, she isn't, or papa wouldn't look so happy."
+
+"I am very happy," he said with emotion, glancing toward the bundle in
+mammy's lap, "we are both very happy over the new treasure God has given
+us; and I trust she will soon be well."
+
+"Can we go and speak to her?" they asked.
+
+"After a while," he said, "she is trying to sleep now. What do you all
+think of the little sister?"
+
+"Sister," cried Elsie. "Oh, that is nice, nice! I thought it was a boy.
+What's its name, papa?"
+
+"It has none yet."
+
+"I sorry for it," remarked Herbert, gazing with curious interest at the
+tiny creature, "I sorry for it; cause can't walk, can't talk, can't eat
+good fings; dot no teef to eat wis. Do, boy, try to eat cacker, cacker
+dood, Herbie likes," and breaking off a fragment he would have forced it
+into the wee mouth, if papa and mammy had not interfered for its
+protection.
+
+"No, no, my son, you would choke it," said Mr. Travilla, gently drawing
+him away.
+
+"It isn't a boy; it's a girl, Herbie," corrected Harold.
+
+"Oh!" cried Vi, who was gently feeling the top of the tiny head, and she
+looked aghast at her father, "O, papa, its head's rotten!"
+
+"No, daughter, don't be alarmed," he said smiling slightly, "there's
+nothing wrong there; all young babies' heads are soft like that on the
+top."
+
+"Oh, are they?" she said with a sigh of relief, "I was afraid it would
+spoil soon and we couldn't keep her."
+
+"No, she seems to be all right," he said with a grave and tender smile.
+"God has been very good to us."
+
+"Yes, papa. Oh such a pretty darling as it is!" said Elsie.
+
+"Yes, indeed," chimed in the others; Vi adding, "and I'm so glad she's a
+girl: 'cause now we have two sisters, Elsie, just the same as the boys."
+
+"Oh, but we have three now!" said Eddie, laughing good naturedly at Vi's
+crestfallen look.
+
+"Oh, yes," she acknowledged, then brightening, "but we have three
+brothers, and you only two; so it's even all around after all, isn't it,
+papa?"
+
+The children were full of delight over their treasure, and eager to show
+it to grandpa, grandma, Aunt Rosie, Aunt Wealthy and Aunt May; regretting
+much that the rest of their friends had left Viamede before the advent of
+the little stranger.
+
+She proved a frail, gentle little creature, with violet eyes and pale
+golden hair, so fair and delicate that Lily was the name that most readily
+suggested itself and the one finally settled upon as really hers.
+
+Lily became a great pet with them all, but Violet claimed a special
+property in her because as she would say, "The darling came to us almost
+on my birthday and she's just the sweetest, prettiest birthday present
+mamma ever gave me."
+
+The weather was growing very warm at Viamede and Aunt Wealthy and the
+little Duncans found the heat oppressive; so when Lily was three weeks old
+and the dear mamma able to be up again, looking bright and well, that
+party bade good-bye and set out on their return to Lansdale.
+
+The Dinsmores and Travillas lingered until the middle of May, when they
+too set their faces northward, not parting company till very near to Ion
+and the Oaks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SECOND.
+
+    "Envy is but the smoke of low estate,
+     Ascending still against the fortunate."
+                                 --BROOKE.
+
+
+It was dark and raining a little when the carriage turned into the avenue
+at Ion; but the whole front of the house was ablaze with lights, the hall
+door stood wide open, and a double line of servants in holiday attire,
+each sooty face dressed in smiles, stood waiting to welcome the weary
+travelers home.
+
+There were many hearty shakings and kissings of hands; many fervent
+ejaculations: "God bless you, Massa and Missus!" "Tank de Lord you's got
+home again, honey. We's been pinin' for you darlin's and for de sight of
+de new baby," and with the last words the voices were lowered at a sign
+from Aunt Chloe, in whose arms the little Lily lay sleeping sweetly.
+
+There was some fretting among the weary little ones, but mamma and nurses
+were kind and gentle, and a good supper and bed soon cured all their
+troubles for that night.
+
+Little Elsie was roused from her slumbers by a gentle shake, and starting
+up in bed, found the sun shining and Vi standing by her side with eager,
+excited face.
+
+"Come, come to the window!" she cried. "It does seem as if I must be
+dreaming; it wasn't there before, I'm sure."
+
+"What?" asked Elsie, springing out upon the floor and hurrying after Vi to
+the window from which she had witnessed the burning of the schoolhouse.
+
+"There!" said Violet, pointing with her finger, "there! can you see it
+too?"
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Elsie, clasping her hands in a sort of ecstasy of delight,
+"oh, aren't papa and mamma good? How did they ever come to think of it!
+and how could they get it done while they were away?"
+
+"Grandpa, Uncle Horace and Cal," suggested Vi. "Oh, aren't you glad?
+Aren't you glad, Elsie?"
+
+"I should think so! and the boat is ever so pretty. Let's hurry and get
+dressed and go down and see it closer."
+
+Rowing and sailing upon the bayou and lakelet had been the children's
+greatest pleasure at Viamede, their greatest regret in leaving it. Knowing
+this, their ever indulgent parents had prepared a pleasant surprise for
+them, causing a small tract of barren land on the Ion estate to be turned
+into an artificial lake. It was this, shining in the golden beams of the
+morning sun, and a beautiful boat moored to the hither shore, that had
+called forth from the lips of the little girls those exclamations of
+almost incredulous wonder and delight.
+
+"Yes; I'll ring for Dinah," cried Vi, skipping across the room and putting
+out her hand to lay hold of the bell pull.
+
+"Wait, Vi, our prayers first, you know," said Elsie.
+
+"Oh, yes! I do want to thank God for being so good to us; the pretty lake
+and boat and all."
+
+"Dear kind parents, safe journey home, too, and oh more things than we can
+count," added Elsie, as they knelt down side by side.
+
+This duty performed with no irreverent haste, the maid was summoned and a
+careful toilet made in season to afford them time for a walk before mamma
+would be ready to see them.
+
+They found their father in the lower veranda talking with the overseer,
+while Solon stood waiting with Beppo's bridle in his hand, the horse
+pawing the ground with impatience.
+
+Eddie was there, too, caressing Bruno who seemed as glad to be at home
+again as any of the rest. Uttering a joyous bark he left his young master
+and bounded to meet the little girls.
+
+Mr. Travilla turned at the sound and with a kind fatherly smile, held out
+his hands.
+
+"O papa," they cried running to him, "how good of you to have it made for
+us!"
+
+"Good-morning, my darlings," he said, giving and receiving caresses, "but
+what are you talking about?"
+
+"Why the lake, papa; the lake and the boat."
+
+"Lake?" exclaimed Eddie, "why where?"
+
+"Oh, you couldn't see it from your windows," said Elsie. "Papa, papa, may
+we go now and look at it?"
+
+"Yes," he said, taking a hand of each. "Larkin, I'll see you again after
+breakfast. Come, Eddie, my son, you too, and Bruno."
+
+A brisk five minutes' walk brought them to the shore of the lake, a tiny
+one, scarce a quarter of a mile in circumference, not very deep and the
+water so clear that the pebbly bottom could be distinctly seen; gold and
+silver fish, too, gliding hither and thither; while a pretty, gayly
+painted row-boat lying at the water's edge, rocked gently in the morning
+breeze.
+
+Eddie hailed the scene with a shout of delight; the little girls danced
+about gleefully, Vi clapping her hands and asking eagerly if they might
+get into the boat.
+
+Papa looked at his watch, "Yes, there will be time for a row; one trip
+around the lake. Step in, all of you, and I will take the oars."
+
+Vi was quite ready and Eddie gallantly handed her in, then turned and
+offered his hand to Elsie. She demurred. "But mamma! shouldn't we have
+mamma with us the first time?" and she looked up inquiringly into her
+father's face.
+
+"Yes, yes, of course!" cried the others making haste to step ashore again,
+"we want dear mamma with us the very first time."
+
+Papa smiled approval. "Then we will go back," he said, "and after
+breakfast, if mamma is willing, we will all come and take a row together;
+the boat is large enough to carry us all at once."
+
+Mamma's consent was readily obtained, for to please her children was her
+great delight. So shortly after breakfast they all repaired to the lake
+and rowed round and across it several times, a merry, happy party.
+
+At Roselands the family were gathered about the breakfast table and the
+principal topic of conversation was the return of the party from Viamede.
+Calhoun had been to the Oaks the previous evening and learned of their
+safe arrival.
+
+"We must all go this morning and call upon them," said Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+"We'll divide our forces," said Cal, laughing. "Suppose grandpa, mother
+and Aunt Enna, go first to the Oaks; and we younger ones to Ion?"
+
+"Very well," replied the old gentleman, "I shall spend an hour with my
+son, then ride over to see Elsie and her little flock. How many of you
+young folks want to go to Ion in the first division?"
+
+"I!" "And I!" "And I!" cried one and another.
+
+"But you can't go all at once," returned their grandfather, looking
+around upon them with an amused smile; "the carriage is roomy, but really
+you are too many for it. Besides wouldn't there be some danger of
+overwhelming your cousins?"
+
+"Well, I'm going, let who will stay at home," observed Molly Percival with
+cool decision. "The boys can ride, I mean Cal, and Art, and Dick and Wal;
+they all have ponies and the two carriages will hold the rest of us if we
+crowd a little."
+
+"I'm not going to be bothered with Bob or Betty," said her mother; "they
+may go with you, or wait till another time."
+
+"Then they'll wait," remarked Isadore Conly, "for I shall wear my best
+silk suit, and I have no notion of having it tumbled."
+
+"Last year's suit is quite good enough for the occasion," said her mother,
+"they're only cousins."
+
+"But rich ones, that can afford to dress, and I'll not go a step if I have
+to look shabby."
+
+"Nor I," chimed in her sister. "So mamma you may as well resign yourself
+to the situation. It's no good finding fault or objecting," she added with
+a laugh.
+
+"Take your own way, then," returned her mother indifferently, "but
+remember there'll be no more new dresses this season."
+
+"Dear me, why aren't we as rich as the Travillas?" pouted Isadore. "I do
+think things are very unequally divided in this world."
+
+"Never mind; the wheel of fortune often takes a turn," said her mother.
+"You may have money left you some day (some of your father's relations are
+still rich), and you may make a grand match."
+
+"How long will it take you girls to don your finery?" ask Cal, pulling out
+his watch. "We'd better start as soon as we can: the sun will be getting
+hot."
+
+"I'm done," said Molly, jumping up, "and I'll be ready by the time the
+carriage can be brought to the door. Come Isa and Virgy, you've eaten
+enough. Cousin Elsie will be sure to treat us to something good." And she
+ran gayly from the room.
+
+Molly, just turned thirteen, and already as tall as her mother, was a
+bright, lively girl, full of fun and frolic. She was not a beauty, but had
+a clear complexion and fine dark eyes, and good humor and intelligence
+lent a charm to her face that made it more than ordinarily attractive.
+
+Dick had always been fond of her, and was beginning to take a brotherly
+pride in her good looks and intellectual gifts.
+
+Enna's feelings toward her were divided between motherly pride and
+affection on the one hand, and on the other the dread of being made to
+appear old by the side of so tall a daughter; a dread that made her
+jealous of Dick also.
+
+The Conly girls, too, were growing fast, giving promise of fair, graceful
+womanhood, Isadore particularly of great beauty; which her mother fondly
+hoped would be the means of securing her a wealthy husband; for Mrs.
+Conly's affections were wholly set upon the things of this life; by her
+and her sister Enna, wealth and beauty were esteemed the highest good, and
+their children were trained in accordance with that view; the moral
+atmosphere of the house being very different from that of Ion, where the
+lives and conversation of the parents were such as to leave no doubt in
+the minds of their children, that to them the things of time and sense
+were as nothing in comparison with those of eternity.
+
+Enna followed her daughter into the dressing-room they used in common.
+
+"Wear the very best you have, Molly," she said, "I don't want you to be
+looked down upon as a poor relation, or to have it said that the Conlys
+dress better than my children."
+
+"I'm sure they don't," said Molly, ringing for the maid, "though they'd
+like to if they could, and are always jealous when grandpa makes me a
+present."
+
+"Of course they are, and they manage to get more than their fair share,
+too," acquiesced the mother in a tone of irritation; "but do you see to it
+that they don't get ahead of you at Ion; remember Elsie is as rich as a
+Jew, and likes the credit of being generous, so keep on the right side of
+her, if you want handsome presents."
+
+"I'm sure she is generous and doesn't give only for the credit of it,"
+said Molly.
+
+"Don't give me any impudence," returned her mother sharply. "Rachel," to
+the maid who just then came in in answer to the bell, "dress Miss Molly
+first, and be quick about it."
+
+Enna superintended the business in person, and in a way that sorely tried
+the temper and nerves of both Molly and the maid; the child's sash must be
+tied and retied, her hat bent this way and that, her collar and brooch
+changed again and again, till she was ready to cry with impatience; and
+when at last she started for the door, she was called back, and Rachel
+ordered to change her slippers for gaiter boots.
+
+"I don't want to wear them!" cried Molly, fairly stamping with impatience.
+"The heels are so high and narrow, I can't bear them."
+
+"They're just the style and make your foot look beautiful," said her
+mother, "sit down and let Rachel put them on you."
+
+"Grandpa says they're dangerous, and so does Dr. Barton, too," grumbled
+Molly.
+
+"Put them on her, Rachel," commanded Enna. "Molly, behave yourself, or
+you'll stay at home."
+
+The child submitted rather sullenly, muttering that she would be late.
+
+Rachel was fastening the second boot, when Isadore and Virginia were heard
+running down the stairs, calling out that the carriage was at the door.
+
+"There! I knew you'd make me too late!" cried Molly. "Oh, Rachel, do
+hurry!"
+
+"Yes, Miss Molly, best I kin; dar dat's de las' button."
+
+Up sprang Molly, and away in hot haste. She gained the landing, caught her
+heel in the carpet on the first step of the next flight, and a wild shriek
+rang through the house, accompanied by the sound of a heavy body tumbling
+and rolling down the stairs.
+
+Echoing the scream, Enna rushed out into the upper hall.
+
+Calhoun at the foot of the stairs, was picking Molly up.
+
+"Is she hurt? Is she killed?" asked the mother, "Molly, Molly, how did you
+come to be so awkward?"
+
+"I wasn't! it was those heels; I knew they'd throw me down some day!"
+cried the child in tones of mingled anger, fright and pain.
+
+"H'm! you're not killed; haven't even had the temper knocked out of you,"
+remarked Enna, going back to her dressing.
+
+"Poor child, you must be hurt," said Calhoun, laying her gently on a sofa,
+"but no bones broken, I hope?"
+
+"I--I don't know," sobbed Molly, "it's my back. Oh, dear! oh, dear!"
+
+"Oh, Molly, are you much hurt? shall I go for the doctor?" asked Dick,
+coming to her side pale with fright. "Mac's right here at the door, ready
+saddled and bridled, and----"
+
+"Go for the doctor?" interrupted Molly. "No, indeed! It's very good in
+you, Dick, but I don't want him; I am going to Ion with the rest of you.
+I'm ready now."
+
+"You don't look much like it; you're as pale as a ghost," he said, Calhoun
+adding, "You'd better lie still for a while, Molly; Dick or I will take
+you over this evening, if you find yourself able to go then."
+
+"Thank you, but I'm going now," she answered with decision, getting up and
+taking Dick's arm.
+
+He helped her to the carriage, where Isadore, Virginia, and some of the
+younger ones sat waiting, and placed her in it.
+
+She wiped away her tears and tried to smile, while answering the questions
+and condolences of the others, and the party moved on.
+
+By the time Ion was reached, most of them had nearly forgotten Molly's
+accident, till Elsie remarked that she was looking pale, and asked if she
+were quite well.
+
+That brought out the story of her fall.
+
+Elsie heard it with grave concern but asked few questions as Molly seemed
+annoyed that the subject had been introduced. It was a habit of her
+mother's to scold her for awkwardness, and the child was sensitive on that
+point.
+
+When the young people had left and the older members of the Roselands
+family called, Elsie seized a favorable opportunity to speak of Molly's
+pale looks and urge the importance of calling in a physician that if there
+were any reason to apprehend serious results from the fall, measures might
+be promptly taken to avert the danger.
+
+"She can't have been seriously hurt," returned Enna coldly, "or she
+wouldn't have been ready to get into the carriage the next minute and ride
+over here."
+
+"By the way," said her father, "I haven't heard what caused her fall."
+
+"She's an awkward child, always tumbling about," returned Enna reddening.
+
+"Especially since she wears those fashionable boots with the high narrow
+heels," he remarked. "Had she them on when she fell?"
+
+Enna reluctantly admitted that such was the fact.
+
+"I'll send them into town to-day, with orders that full half the heel
+shall be taken off," he said with angry decision.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRD.
+
+                      "'Tis a goodly scene--
+    Yon river, like a silvery snake, lays out
+    His coil i' the sunshine lovingly."
+                                --HUNT.
+
+
+The family at Ion presently fell into the old routine of study, work and
+play, Elsie resuming the duties of governess; but as the heated term drew
+on, she and the little ones, especially the babe, began to droop.
+
+"You must go north for the summer," said Dr. Barton, "start as soon as
+possible and don't return till October."
+
+"Would you recommend the seashore?" asked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"H'm! that might answer very well, but mountain air would, I think, be
+better."
+
+"Oh then, mamma!" cried Vi, who was present and had been an eager but
+hitherto silent listener, "won't you accept Aunt Lucy's invitation?"
+
+"Perhaps, daughter," Elsie said smiling indulgently into the bright little
+face, "but we will take time to consider what will be best."
+
+"Where is that?" asked the doctor, "Lucy Ross, I suppose, but I've
+forgotten where they live."
+
+"On the banks of the Hudson a few miles south of Newburgh. The Crags they
+call their place, and a beautiful one it is. 'Twas only yesterday I
+received a letter from Lucy, urging us to come and spend the summer with
+her."
+
+"I should say go by all means," said the doctor, taking leave.
+
+There were reasons for hesitation on the part of the careful parents of
+which the physician knew nothing. The young Rosses, all unused to control,
+were a willful set not likely to exert a beneficial influence over other
+children; that was the demur.
+
+However the final decision was in favor of the visit, and a few days later
+they set out upon their journey; Mr. Horace Dinsmore taking charge of
+them, as business made it inconvenient for Mr. Travilla to leave just at
+that time.
+
+From New York they passed up the Hudson in a steamboat; the carriage from
+the Crags was found in waiting at the landing, and a short drive brought
+them to the house, which stood high up above the river, in the midst of
+magnificent mountain scenery.
+
+The Ion children, taught from early infancy to notice the beauties of
+nature, were in ecstasies of delight, exclaiming anew at every turn in the
+road, calling each other's, mamma's or grandpa's attention to the
+sparkling river, the changing shadows on the mountainsides, here a
+beetling crag, there a waterfall or secluded glen. Having rested the
+previous night, sleeping soundly at a hotel, they were not wearied with
+travel but seemed fresher now than when they left their home.
+
+Lucy and her little flock, gathered on the front porch to receive their
+guests, gave them a warm welcome. The two ladies had lost none of the
+affection for each other which had been one of the happinesses of their
+childhood and early youth, and each loved the children of the other for
+the mother's sake if not for their own. They numbered the same, but
+Sophie, Lucy's youngest, was now in her fifth year, and Baby Lily was
+greeted with many expressions and demonstrations of delight.
+
+Lucy excused her husband's absence: he was away on business, she said, but
+would be at home before night.
+
+"Where's Phil?" asked Eddie, turning to Gertrude.
+
+"Oh, he's at boarding-school, don't you know?" she answered. "He'll be
+home in vacation; but that doesn't begin for two weeks yet."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore tarried for a few days, then returned to the neighborhood of
+Philadelphia, where he had left his wife and Rosie, who were visiting
+their northern relatives.
+
+Miss Fisk was still governess at the Crags, and when the children had had
+a week of play together, it was thought best by the mammas, that two hours
+of each morning should be devoted to lessons.
+
+Knowing Miss Fisk to be not only well educated and refined, but also a
+conscientious and good woman, Elsie was willing to entrust her children to
+her care; the more so, because Lily in her feeble state, required much of
+her own time and attention.
+
+In the midst of a beautiful grove of oaks and maples, on the side of a
+hill, scarce more than a stone's throw from the mansion, and within full
+view of its windows, stood a small brick building owned by Mr. Ross, and
+used as a summer schoolroom for the children.
+
+It was a cool shady spot, enlivened by the songs of the wild birds who
+built their nests in the trees, and the musical tinkle of a little
+waterfall that came tumbling down from the heights above not half-a-dozen
+yards from the door.
+
+Mr. Ross had furnished the room with comfortable and convenient chairs and
+desks, and Lucy had made it pretty and tasteful with white muslin curtains
+and neatly papered walls of a soft neutral tint, enlivened by a few gayly
+colored pictures. Woodwork and floor were stained a rich dark brown,
+bright soft rugs were scattered here and there; and altogether the place
+was as inviting as a lady's parlor.
+
+The Ion children were well content to spend here two or three hours of
+that part of the day when the sun was too hot for them to be exposed to
+his rays with safety and comfort: the others found lessons made much more
+agreeable by the companionship of their young guests, and Miss Fisk was
+glad to take them under her charge, because by their intelligence they
+added greatly to the interest of her work, while their respectful obedient
+behavior exerted an excellent influence upon her other pupils.
+
+Before leaving home, Elsie, after careful and prayerful consideration,
+thought it best to have a plain talk with her older children about the
+temptations that were likely to assail them during their visit to the
+Crags.
+
+They had had some past experience of the ways of Lucy's children, and she
+knew they had not forgotten it; and reminding them of the Bible
+declaration, that "evil communications corrupt good manners," she bade
+them, while refraining as far as possible from judging their little
+friends, at the same time to carefully avoid following their example in
+anything they knew to be wrong.
+
+"Mamma," said Vi, "perhaps sometimes we mightn't know if it was wrong!"
+
+"I think you will, daughter, if you take a moment to think; and if you are
+doubtful, you may be pretty sure it is wrong."
+
+"Mamma, we mustn't tell tales to you?"
+
+"No, dear; but perhaps you can consult me without that; and do not forget
+that you can always lift up your heart to God for help to know and do the
+right."
+
+"Yes, mamma," returned the little girl thoughtfully, "and I do believe
+Elsie will 'most always be there and know what's right."
+
+"I'm not sure," said her sister, with a grave shake of the head, "I wish
+we could always have mamma by to tell us."
+
+"But mamma cannot be with you always, darlings," Elsie said, regarding
+them with yearning tenderness, "and so, as your papa and I have often told
+you, you must learn to think and decide for yourselves; about some things
+now, and about others as you grow older and wiser. Some things the Bible
+tells us plainly, and in regard to those we have nothing to do but obey."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTH.
+
+    "A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
+                                      --PROVERBS xxix. 15.
+
+
+Lucy, too, had a talk with her children, in which she begged them quite
+pathetically, not to disgrace her before the expected guests, Mr. Dinsmore
+especially, who was so very strict in his ideas of how children ought to
+be brought up, and how they should behave.
+
+They promised readily enough to "behave splendidly" and for a few days did
+so astonishingly well that, as she laughingly said, "she began to grow
+frightened lest they were becoming too good to live."
+
+But she need not have been alarmed; the reaction was not long in coming
+and was sufficient to relieve all apprehension that they were in immediate
+danger from an overplus of goodness.
+
+It began on the morning after Mr. Dinsmore's departure. Gertrude was late
+to breakfast, and when reproved by her mother answered in a manner so
+disrespectful as to quite astonish the young Travillas. They expected to
+see her banished at once from the table and the room; but her mother only
+looked grave and said in a tone of displeasure, "Gertrude, I cannot have
+you speak to me in that way--Don't do it again."
+
+"I don't care; you needn't scold so about every little trifle then,"
+muttered the delinquent in an undertone, pulling the dish of meat toward
+her, helping herself and spilling the gravy on the clean tablecloth.
+
+Mrs. Ross did not seem to hear, she was spreading a piece of bread with
+the sweetest and freshest of butter, for Sophie.
+
+"I don't want it, I want waffles!" screamed the child, snatching up the
+bread the instant it was laid on her plate, and dashing it on to the
+carpet.
+
+"You are not well this morning, dear, and mamma thinks waffles might make
+her darling worse," said Lucy in a soothing tone. "Come now be a good
+baby, and eat the bread. Shall mamma spread another piece?"
+
+"No, no, naughty mamma! I'll jus' frow it on the floor if you do," cried
+the child, bursting into angry sobs.
+
+"Shall mamma have some toast made for her?" (coaxingly).
+
+"No, no! waffles! and butter on waffles, and 'lasses on butter, and sugar
+on 'lasses!"
+
+The mother laughed. It seemed to irritate the child still further; and she
+screamed louder than ever, slid down from her chair and stamped her foot
+with rage.
+
+Mrs. Ross was deeply mortified at the exhibition. "Pick her up and carry
+her to the nursery," she said to a servant.
+
+Sophie kicked and struggled, but the girl,--a strong and determined
+one--carried her away by main force.
+
+"I'm dreadfully ashamed of her, Elsie," Lucy said, turning to her friend;
+"but she's a nervous little creature and we must try to excuse her."
+
+"A few hearty slaps would reverse the nervous currents and do her an
+immense amount of good, Mrs. Ross," remarked the governess in her slow,
+precise way.
+
+"Slaps, Miss Fisk," returned Lucy reddening, "_I_ don't approve of
+corporal punishment, as _I_ have told you more than once. I was never
+whipped, and I don't intend that any of my children shall be."
+
+"Most assuredly not, madam; but I was recommending it not as a punishment
+for disobedience or ill temper, but simply as a remedial agent. I have
+never experienced anything of the kind myself, Mrs. Ross, but have heard
+it remarked that nervousness occasions greater suffering than what is
+generally understood by the term pain; therefore I suggested it as I
+should the amputation of a diseased member when necessary in order to
+preserve life."
+
+"Permit me to remark," returned Lucy, "that unmasked advice is seldom
+acceptable, and now a truce to discussion, if you please. My dear Elsie,"
+turning to Mrs. Travilla, "I beg you to excuse our ill-manners. It
+strikes me that none of us are behaving quite as we ought this morning.
+Hal and Archie, what's wrong between you now?" For the two boys, seated
+side by side, were scowling at each other, and muttering angrily half
+under their breath.
+
+"Why, ma, he went and took the very piece of meat I just said I was going
+to have," whimpered Archie, digging his fists into his eyes.
+
+"Well, I don't care," retorted Harry, "I'd as good a right as you, and I
+was ready first."
+
+"Give him a part of it, can't you?" said his mother.
+
+"'Tain't more'n I want myself."
+
+"I won't have it after it's been on his plate," exclaimed both together.
+
+"Boys, I'm ashamed of you!" said Lucy, "I wish your father were here to
+keep you straight. You don't dare behave so before him. I'm sure your
+little friends would never act so. Don't you see how your naughtiness
+astonishes them? Vi, would you talk to your mamma as my children do to
+me?"
+
+The large blue eyes opened wide upon the questioner in half incredulous,
+reproachful surprise, then turned upon the beautiful, gentle face of Mrs.
+Travilla with an expression of ardent affection mingled with admiration
+and respect. "O Aunt Lucy! could you b'lieve I'd do that to my mamma?"
+
+The very thought of so wounding that tender mother heart was evidently so
+full of pain to the little one, that Elsie could not refrain from
+responding to the appeal, "Mamma knows you would not, darling."
+
+"Oh, no, mamma, 'cause I love you!" cried the child, the young face
+growing bright with smiles.
+
+"Atmospheric influences have often a great deal to do with these things;
+do you not find it so?" Elsie said, turning to her friend.
+
+"Yes, I have noticed that!" Lucy said, catching gladly at the suggestion:
+"and the air is certainly unusually oppressive this morning. I feel
+nervous myself. I think we'll have a gust before night."
+
+The last words were spoken in an undertone, but the quick ear of Gertrude
+caught them. "Then I shan't go to school," she announced decidedly.
+
+"Nonsense," said her mother, "'twon't be here till afternoon; probably not
+till night, if at all."
+
+"Now, ma, you're just saying that. Aunt Elsie, do you really think it
+won't come soon?"
+
+Glancing through the open window at the mountains and the sky, Elsie
+answered that she saw no present indications of a storm; there was nothing
+to betoken it but the heat and closeness of the air.
+
+"Are you afraid of thunder, Aunt Elsie?" asked Harry.
+
+"Lightning, you silly boy," corrected Gertrude, "nobody's afraid of
+thunder."
+
+"Yes, you are," he retorted. "You just ought to see, Ed, how scared she
+gets," and Harry laughed scornfully.
+
+Gertrude was ready with an indignant retort, but her mother stopped her.
+"If you are really brave, Gertrude, you can have an excellent opportunity
+to show it when the storm comes." Then to Harry, "Let your sister alone,
+or I'll send you from the room."
+
+The gust, a very severe one, came in the afternoon. Before it was fairly
+upon them, Lucy, herself pale with terror, had collected her children in a
+darkened room and seated them all on a feather-bed, where they remained
+during the storm, half stifled by the heat, the little ones clinging to
+their mother, hiding their heads in her lap and crying with fear.
+
+Elsie and her children formed a different group; the mother the central
+figure here also, her darlings gathered closely about her, in her
+dressing-room--at a safe distance from the open windows--watching with
+awed delight, the bursting of the storm clouds over the mountain-tops, the
+play of the lightning, the sweep of the rain down from the heights into
+the valleys and river below, listening to the crash and roar of the
+thunder as it reverberated among the hills, one echo taking it up after
+another, and repeating it to the next, till it sounded like the
+explosions of many batteries of heavy artillery, now near at hand, now
+farther and farther away.
+
+"Mamma, isn't it grand?" exclaimed Eddie, in one of the brief pauses in
+the wild uproar of the elements.
+
+"Yes," she said, "the thunder of his power who can understand?"
+
+"Is it God, mamma? does God make it?" asked little Herbert.
+
+"Yes, dear; 'when he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in
+the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the
+earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of
+his treasuries.'"
+
+"We needn't be 'f'aid, mamma?"
+
+"No, darling, no; for God is our Father; He loves us and will take care of
+us."
+
+The storm was very violent while it lasted, but soon passed away; the sun
+shone out, and a beautiful rainbow spanned the eastern sky above the
+mountain-tops.
+
+Elsie's children clapped their hands in ecstasy, and ran to call their
+little friends to enjoy the sight with them. Mrs. Ross followed, looking
+so pale and exhausted, that Elsie inquired with concern if she were ill.
+
+"Oh, it was the storm!" she said, "wasn't it fearful? I was sure the house
+would be struck and some of us killed. Weren't you frightened?"
+
+"No," Elsie said, with a kindly reassuring smile, "I presume my nerves are
+stronger than yours, and I am not naturally timid in regard to thunder and
+lightning. Besides, I know so well that he who guides and controls it is
+my Father and my Friend. Come, look at his bow of promise."
+
+The children were in a group about the window, gazing and admiring.
+
+"Let's ask mamma for the story of it," Vi was saying.
+
+"The story of it?" repeated Archie Ross.
+
+"Yes; don't you know? about Noah and the flood."
+
+"I never heard it."
+
+"Oh, Archie, it's in the Bible; grandma told it to us once," exclaimed his
+sister Gertrude.
+
+"I didn't hear it, anyhow," persisted the boy, "do, Vi, coax Aunt Elsie to
+tell it."
+
+The petition was readily granted. Mrs. Travilla was an inimitable
+story-teller, and Lucy, whose knowledge of Scripture history was but
+superficial, listened to the narrative with almost as much interest and
+pleasure as did the children.
+
+"I would give anything for your talent for story-telling, Elsie," she said
+at its conclusion.
+
+"Oh, another! another! Please tell us another?" cried a chorus of young
+voices.
+
+Mrs. Travilla drew out her watch, and holding it up with a smile, "Not
+just now, my dears," she said, "see it is almost tea-time, and," she
+added playfully, "some of us have need to change our dresses and smooth
+our tangled tresses."
+
+"That is true," said Lucy, rising hastily, "and I expect my husband home.
+I must send the carriage off at once to the depot; for the train is nearly
+due."
+
+Thereupon a cry was raised among the Rosses as they flew after their
+mother, "I want to go for papa!" "and I!" "It's my turn, I say, and I will
+go!" "No, you shan't, for it's mine."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTH.
+
+    "She fed me first to God;
+     Her words and prayers were my young spirit's dew."
+                                           --PIERPONT.
+
+
+"Hallo! this looks like welcome; every one of you been crying!" Mr. Ross
+said, catching up Sophie in his arms, and glancing about upon his group of
+children, after an affectionate greeting to his wife, and a cordially kind
+one to their guest.
+
+"What's the trouble? so sorry papa was coming home, eh?"
+
+"No, no, that wasn't it, papa," they cried, crowding around him, each
+eager to claim the first caress, "it wasn't that, but we wanted to go for
+you, and mamma wouldn't let us."
+
+"Yes," said Lucy, "they all wanted to go and as that couldn't be, and no
+one would give up to the others, I kept them all at home."
+
+"Quite right," he said, gravely, "I'm afraid you hardly deserve the pretty
+gifts I have brought."
+
+"Oh, yes, yes, papa, we'll be good next time! Indeed we will! Mamma, coax
+him!"
+
+"Yes, do let them have them, Phil," urged his wife, "where would be the
+use of keeping the things back after spending your money for them?"
+
+"To teach them a good lesson. I'm afraid both you and I are foolishly
+indulgent, Lucy."
+
+"Oh, they'll be good next time."
+
+"This once then, but only this once, unless they keep their word," he
+said, producing his gifts--a book or toy for each of his own children, and
+a package of sweetmeats which he divided among all present.
+
+He had brought a new dog home with him, but no one but Eddie had noticed
+it yet. He was stroking and patting it, saying, "Poor fellow, what kind of
+a dog are you?"
+
+"A French poodle," said Mr. Ross, coming up to them, "A good watch dog,
+and excellent for scaring up the wild ducks for the sportsmen. Do you and
+papa keep up the shooting lessons, master Eddie?"
+
+"Yes, sir; papa has always said he meant to make me as good a shot as
+himself, and mamma says it was never his way to give up till a thing's
+thoroughly done," returned the boy, proudly.
+
+"And you don't equal him as a shot yet, eh?"
+
+"No, sir! no, indeed! Why, even cousin Cal Conly--a big man--can't shoot
+as well as papa."
+
+"What an ugly dog!" exclaimed the other children, gathering round.
+
+"What did you buy it for, papa?" asked Gertrude.
+
+"Not for beauty, certainly," laughed Mr. Ross, stroking and patting the
+shaggy head of the dog, who was covered with curly hair of a dirty white,
+mottled with dull brown, "but for worth which is far better. Isn't it,
+Ranger?"
+
+A wag of his bushy tail, was Ranger's only reply.
+
+"Will he bite?" asked little Herbert, shrinking back as the newcomer
+turned toward him.
+
+"Tramps and burglars; but not good children," replied Mr. Ross. "You
+needn't be afraid of him, my little man."
+
+Through the evening there was a great deal of romping between the children
+and the new dog, but little Elsie seemed unusually quiet, scarcely
+stirring from her mother's side. She was suffering with toothache, but
+kept her trouble to herself; principally, because she had a great dread of
+the dentist's instruments.
+
+But in the night the pain grew so severe that she could not keep from
+crying and groaning. She did not want to wake any one, so buried her face
+in the pillow to smother the sound of her sobs; but presently a gentle
+hand touched her caressingly, and mamma's sweet voice asked, "What ails my
+little daughter?"
+
+"O mamma I did not mean to wake you!" cried the little girl sitting up
+with her hand pressed to her cheek, "but the pain was so bad I couldn't
+help making a noise."
+
+"My poor dear little girl! did you think your mother would want to sleep
+when her child was in pain?" Elsie said, clasping her in her arms. "No,
+indeed! so do not try to bear any pain alone another time."
+
+Mamma's loving sympathy was very sweet; the pain was soon relieved, too,
+by some medicine she put into the tooth, and presently all was forgotten
+in sound refreshing sleep.
+
+Elsie came into her mamma's dressing-room the next morning, along with the
+others, looking as bright and well as was her wont, yet with the boding
+fear that something would be said to her about having the troublesome
+tooth extracted.
+
+However to her relief the subject was not broached at all; they had their
+usual reading and prayer, recitation of texts and talk with mamma about
+the lessons contained in them, and then the breakfast bell summoned them
+to their morning meal.
+
+The tooth was quiet for a few days, then ached again for several hours
+harder than ever.
+
+"O mamma, mamma, what shall I do?" sobbed the child in the midst of her
+pain.
+
+"Couldn't my little girl pluck up courage enough to have it out?" asked
+the mother tenderly.
+
+"O mamma, don't say I must! please don't; I'm so frightened at the very
+thought!"
+
+"Ah, if I could only bear it for you, my darling! but you know I cannot."
+
+"No, dear mamma, and I couldn't be so selfish as to let you, if you could.
+But must I have it out?"
+
+"I have not said so; I should far rather my dear daughter would say must
+to herself."
+
+"Ought I, mamma?"
+
+"Ought you not? The tooth has become only a source of pain and trouble to
+you; if left it will cause the others to decay, and decayed teeth injure
+the health. Health is one of God's best gifts and it is our duty to use
+every means in our power to preserve it."
+
+"Yes, mamma, but oh, I'm so afraid!" cried the child, trembling and
+weeping.
+
+"My darling, resolve to do your duty with God's help, and he will fulfill
+his promise to you. 'As thy days so shall thy strength be.'"
+
+Little Elsie had long ago given her heart to Jesus; love to him was the
+ruling motive of her life, and to please and honor him she was ready to do
+or endure anything. "I will try, mamma," she said, "and you too will ask
+God to help me?"
+
+Mamma gave the promise, sealing it with a very tender kiss.
+
+Mr. Ross was going down to New York the next morning, and it was soon
+arranged that his wife, Mrs. Travilla and little Elsie, should accompany
+him.
+
+Mrs. Ross had some shopping to do, but would first take the two Elsies to
+her dentist, so that the little girl's trial might be over as soon as
+possible and she able to enjoy some sight-seeing afterward. Baby Lily was
+better and could be safely entrusted for the day to Aunt Chloe's faithful
+care.
+
+The plan was concealed from the Ross children because, as their mother
+said, "it was the only way to have any peace." So they were allowed to
+sleep until the travelers had taken an early breakfast and gone.
+
+The little Travillas, however, were up and saw the departure, bidding a
+cheerful good-bye to "mamma and sister Elsie," sending wistful, longing
+looks after the carriage as it rolled away, but making no complaint that
+they were left behind.
+
+"Poor dear Elsie!" Vi said with tears in her eyes, "it's just dreadful
+that she must have that tooth extricated."
+
+"Extracted," corrected Eddie. "Vi, you seem to forget what mamma
+says:--that you should never use a big word unless you are sure you have
+it right; or when a little one would do as well."
+
+"What little one?"
+
+"Pulled."
+
+"Couldn't it be pulled and not come out?"
+
+"Well then you might say pulled out."
+
+"I like the other word best," persisted Vi. "But we needn't be particular
+about words when Elsie's going to be so dreadfully hurt."
+
+Herbert burst out crying at that.
+
+"Why Herbie what ails you?" asked Vi, putting her arms round his neck and
+giving him a kiss.
+
+"I don't want the mans to hurt my Elsie," sobbed the little fellow, "maybe
+dey'll kill her."
+
+"Oh, no, they won't! mamma will never let them do that. They'll only take
+away the naughty tooth that hurts her so."
+
+"Come let's go and walk round the garden," said Eddie, taking Herbie's
+hand, "mamma said we might."
+
+The breakfast bell called them in to find the Rosses making a perfect
+bedlam in their anger and disappointment at being left behind by their
+parents. Sophie was screaming and stamping with rage, the boys and Kate
+were whimpering and scolding, and Gertrude walking about with flashing
+eyes, was saying "I'll never forgive mamma for this, no I never will; for
+she'd promised to take me along next time she went to the city."
+
+Violet, Eddie, and Harold hearing these words, looked at each other in
+horrified silence. "How could she speak so of her own mother?"
+
+Miss Fisk came in, in her quiet, deliberate way and stood looking for a
+moment from one to another of her pupils in a sort of amazed, reproving
+silence that presently had the effect of quieting them down a little. Then
+she spoke.
+
+"Young ladies and young gentlemen, I am astonished! especially at your
+expressions and behavior, Miss Gertrude Ross. How you can permit yourself
+to indulge in such invectives against parents so extremely indulgent as
+Mr. and Mrs. Ross, I cannot conceive."
+
+Sophie whose screams had sunk to sobs, now permitted the servant to lift
+her to her high chair, Kate and the boys slunk shamefacedly into their
+seats at the table, and Gertrude, muttering something about "people not
+keeping their promises," followed their example.
+
+"Come, sit down, my dears," Miss Fisk said, turning to Violet and her
+brothers; "the tempest seems to have nearly subsided and I hope will not
+resume its violence."
+
+Herbie was clinging to Vi in a frightened way, sobbing "I want mamma!" and
+Harold's eyes too were full of tears. It took coaxing and soothing to
+restore their equanimity and then the breakfast proceeded, everybody
+seeming to grow brighter and more good humored with the satisfying of the
+appetite for food.
+
+Vi was a merry little creature, a veritable bit of sunshine wherever she
+went, and under the influence of her bright looks and ways, sweet rippling
+laughter and amusing speeches, the whole party at length grew quite merry:
+especially after Miss Fisk had announced that there were to be no lessons
+that day but instead a picnic in the woods.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTH.
+
+    "By sports like these are all their cares beguil'd,
+     The sports of children satisfy the child."
+                                          --GOLDSMITH.
+
+
+
+"Good! good!" cried the children. "Oh, delightful! But where are we
+going?"
+
+"To the grove adjacent to the schoolhouse," replied the governess. "We
+could not find a lovelier spot, and its proximity to the mansion renders
+it most eligible."
+
+"'Proximity, eligible, adjacent;' what do you mean by those words, Miss
+Fisk?" asked Gertrude, a little contemptuously.
+
+"I desire you to consult one of our standard lexicographers. You will then
+be far more likely to retain the definitions in your memory," returned the
+governess, ignoring the tone of her pupil.
+
+Gertrude shrugged her shoulders, with impatience, muttering audibly, "I
+wish you'd talk like other people, and not like a dictionary."
+
+"You quarrel with my phraseology, because you do not understand it,"
+observed Miss Fisk, nonchalantly, "which is very irrational, since were I
+never to employ, in conversing with you, words beyond your comprehension,
+you would lose the advantage of being induced to increase your stock of
+information by a search for their meaning."
+
+"If that's what you do it for, you may as well give it up at once,"
+returned Gertrude, "for I don't care enough about your meaning to take
+half that trouble."
+
+"Miss Gertrude, permit me to remark that you are lacking in respect to
+your instructress," returned Miss Fisk, reddening.
+
+"Do you mean that it is convenient, because of being so near this house,
+Miss Fisk?" asked Eddie respectfully.
+
+"Yes, convenient and safe; on which account both Mrs. Travilla and Mrs.
+Ross stipulated that our picnic for to-day should be held there."
+
+"Well, let's go right away," said Gertrude, jumping up and pushing back
+her chair.
+
+"Immediately, Miss Ross," corrected the governess. "Right away is
+exceedingly inelegant."
+
+"How tiresome!" muttered Gertrude. Then aloud to Violet, as the governess
+left the room, "I say, Vi, does your mamma reprove you for saying right
+away?"
+
+"I don't remember that I ever said it. Mamma----"
+
+"Said it?" interrupted Gertrude, with a twinkle of fun in her eye, "why
+don't you say 'used the expression'? my dear," mimicking Miss Fisk's
+tones, "you should never condescend to make use of a sixpenny word, when a
+fifty cent one would express your sentiments fully as correctly, or
+perchance even more so."
+
+Vi could not help joining in the laugh with which Gertrude concluded,
+though feeling rather ashamed of herself, as she seemed to see the grave
+look of disapproval mamma would have given her if present.
+
+"Oh, Gertrude," she said, "we oughtn't to----"
+
+"Yes, we ought," returned Gertrude, as they ran out of the room together;
+"mamma always laughs when I take off old finikin Fisk. She wouldn't have
+me talk like her for the world. Would your mamma wish you to?"
+
+"No, but she never says----"
+
+"Right away? No, of course not; she says 'immediately' or 'at once' or
+something that sounds nice. Well, so will I when I'm grown up."
+
+Miss Fisk was on the porch taking an observation of the weather, the
+children crowding about her, and clamoring to be allowed to set out
+immediately for the grove. The day was fine, and there seemed every
+indication that it would continue so.
+
+"Yes," said the governess, "you may request your maids to see that you are
+suitably arrayed for the occasion, and as promptly as possible, and we
+will repair to the appointed place; taking our departure hence in
+precisely thirty minutes."
+
+The children were ready and impatiently waiting, when Miss Fisk came down
+from her room, "suitably arrayed for the occasion."
+
+They set out at once, the whole party in high good humor, the boys
+carrying their balls, marbles, and fishing rods, the girls their dolls and
+a set of toy dishes, to play tea-party with. Miss Fisk had a bit of fancy
+work and a book, and two servants brought up the rear with camp-chairs, an
+afghan and rugs to make a couch for the little ones when they should grow
+sleepy. Luncheon was in course of preparation by the cook, and was to be
+sent by the time the young picnickers were likely to feel an appetite for
+it.
+
+The boys took the lead, bounding on some distance ahead, with Ranger in
+their midst. They were in no mood just then for sitting still, so
+depositing their fishing tackle in the schoolhouse, went roving about in
+search of more active amusement than that of catching trout.
+
+"That'll be good fun when we want to sit down and rest," said Eddie.
+
+"Oh, I see a bird's nest, and I'm going to have it!" exclaimed Archie,
+beginning to climb a tree.
+
+"Oh don't," cried Harold, "mamma says it's very cruel and wicked to rob
+the poor little birds."
+
+"Pooh! you're a baby!" answered Archie, half breathlessly, pulling himself
+up higher and yet higher. "There, I'll have it in a minute," reaching out
+his hand to lay hold of the branch that held the nest.
+
+Ranger was barking loudly at the foot of the tree, Harry and Eddie were
+calling to Archie to "Take care!" and he hardly knew how it was himself,
+but he missed the branch, lost his hold of the tree, and fell, lighting
+upon Ranger's back.
+
+The boy gave a scream, the dog a yelp, and the rest of the party came
+running to ask what was the matter.
+
+Archie picked himself up, looking quite crestfallen, and the fright of the
+others was turned to laughter, as they discovered that he had received no
+damage beyond a slight scratch on his hand and a rent in his jacket.
+
+Miss Fisk, making him promise not to repeat the experiment, went back to
+her seat under the trees and the book she had brought from the house for
+her own enjoyment.
+
+The morning passed without any further incident worth recording, the
+children amusing themselves with various quiet plays, the girls keeping
+house, each under her own particular tree, and exchanging visits; the boys
+catching trout, which they sent to the house to be cooked for dinner. They
+wanted to make a fire and cook them themselves, but Miss Fisk wisely
+forbade it.
+
+She would have had the meal served in the schoolhouse, but yielded to the
+clamor for an out-door repast. Several desks were brought out into the
+shade of the trees, a dainty table-cloth spread over them and the party
+presently sat down to a delightful collation, to which they brought keen
+appetites.
+
+Ranger had disappeared. They missed him as they were leaving the table.
+
+"Where can he have gone?" Harry was saying, when Vi cried out, "Oh yonder
+he is! and he has a dear little bird in his mouth! Oh you wicked, cruel
+dog!" And running to him she tried to take it from him.
+
+Be dropped it and snapped at her, Eddie jerking her back just in time to
+save her from his teeth, while Archie, who was very fond of Vi, struck the
+dog a blow with a stick, crying furiously, "You just do that again, sir,
+and I'll kill you!"
+
+Ranger then flew at him, but the boy avoided the attack by jumping nimbly
+behind a tree.
+
+The other children were screaming with fright, and a catastrophe appeared
+imminent, but one of the maids came running with some tempting morsels for
+Ranger which appeased his wrath, and the danger was averted.
+
+Ranger's attention being absorbed with the satisfying of his appetite, the
+children now looked about for the bird. It was not quite dead, but soon
+breathed its last in Vi's lap with her tears dropping fast upon it.
+
+"Oh don't, Vi!" said Archie, "I can't bear to see you feel so sorry. And
+the bird isn't being hurt now, you know; 'twon't ever be hurt any more;
+will it, Ed?"
+
+"No," said Harry, "we might as well let the dog have it."
+
+"No, no!" said Eddie, "it would just encourage him to catch another."
+
+"So it would," said Gertrude, "let's make a grand funeral and bury it at
+the foot of a tree. If we only knew now which one it used to live on."
+
+The motion was about to be carried by acclamation, but Vi entered a
+decided protest. "No, no, I want to keep it."
+
+"But you can't, Vi," remonstrated Eddie, "dead things have to be buried,
+you know."
+
+"Not the skin and feathers, Eddie; they do stuff them sometimes and I'll
+ask mamma to let me have this one done."
+
+"Oh what's the use?" expostulated Gertrude; "it's only a common robin."
+
+"But I love it; the poor dear little thing! and mamma will let me, I know
+she will," returned Vi, wiping away her tears as though comforted by the
+very thought.
+
+The other children wandered off to their play leaving her sitting where
+she was, on a fallen tree, fondling the bird; but Archie soon came back
+and seated himself by her side.
+
+"Such a pity; isn't it?" he said, "I hate that Ranger, don't you, Vi?"
+
+"No-o I hope not, Archie," she answered doubtfully: "folks kill birds to
+eat them and may be 'tain't any worse for dogs," she added, with a fresh
+burst of tears. "Poor little birdie; and may be there are some young ones
+in the nest that have no mamma now to feed or care for them."
+
+"That old Ranger! and he snapped at you too. Here he comes again. I'll
+kill him!" cried the boy, with vehemence. "Oh no, I know what I'll do!
+Here Ranger! here Ranger!" and starting up he rushed away in a direction
+to take him farther from the schoolhouse and the rest of his party.
+
+He had spied in the distance a farmer's boy, a lad of fourteen, with whom
+he had some slight acquaintance. "Hallo, Jared Bates!" he shouted.
+
+"Well, what's wantin'?" and Jared stood still, drawing the lash of his
+carter's whip slowly between his fingers. "Hurry up now, for I've got to
+go back to my team. Whose dog's that?" as Ranger came running up and
+saluted him with a sharp, "Bow, wow, wow!"
+
+"Ours," said Archie, "and I'm mad at him 'cause he killed a bird and tried
+to bite Vi Travilla, when she went to take it from him."
+
+"Like enough," returned Jared, grinning. "But what about it?"
+
+"I thought may be you'd like to have him."
+
+"So I would, what'll you sell him for?"
+
+"Ten cents."
+
+"I hain't got but two."
+
+"Haven't you, Jared? truly, now?"
+
+"No, nary red, 'cept them," and diving into his pantaloons' pocket, Jared
+produced a handful of odds and ends--a broken knife, a plug of tobacco,
+some rusty nails, a bit of twine, etc.,--from which he picked out two
+nickels. "There, them's um, and they's all I got in the world," he said
+gravely, passing them over to Archie.
+
+"Well, it's very cheap," observed the latter, pocketing the cash, "but you
+can have him. Good-bye," and away he ran back to the spot where he had
+left Vi.
+
+"You're a green 'un!" laughed Jared, looking after him; then whistling to
+the dog to follow, he went on his way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTH.
+
+    "But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also
+    sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also
+    bountifully."
+
+    --2 COR. ix. 6.
+
+
+All the children, Gertrude excepted, were gathered on the front porch, Vi
+with the dead bird in her hands, when the carriage drove up with the
+returning travelers.
+
+There was a glad chorus of welcome, and most of the young faces were
+bright and happy. Elsie's troop had nothing but smiles, caresses and
+loving words for her, and tender, anxious inquiries about "Sister Elsie;
+if the tooth were out?" "if the dentist hurt her much?"
+
+"It was hard to bear," she said, "but the doctor was very kind, and tried
+not to hurt her. And, oh, mamma had made her such a lovely present, for
+being brave and willing to have her tooth out." And she took a beautiful
+little gold watch and chain from her bosom, and held them up to their
+admiring gaze.
+
+"Oh, I'm so glad, so glad! Dear mamma, how good of you!" cried Vi, without
+a touch of envy embracing first her sister, and then her mother.
+
+Eddie and the two younger ones seemed equally pleased, and "sister Elsie"
+allowed each in turn to closely inspect, her treasure.
+
+In the meantime, Mr. and Mrs. Ross had been busy bestowing caresses and
+small gifts upon their children, who received them with noisy glee mingled
+with some reproaches because they had been left at home.
+
+"Come, come, no complaints," said their father; "I think you have fared
+well;--a holiday, a picnic, and these pretty presents. Where's Gertrude?"
+
+"Sure enough, where is she?" asked Lucy, looking round from one to
+another.
+
+"She's mad because you did not take her along," remarked Harry, "she says
+you didn't keep your promise."
+
+"Dear me, I'd forgotten all about it!" exclaimed Mrs. Ross. "I should have
+taken her though, but there wasn't time to get her up and dressed."
+
+"Gertrude! Gertrude!" called Mr. Ross, in tones of authority, "Gertrude,
+come here and show yourself."
+
+At that the child came slowly out from the hall--whence she had been
+watching the scene through the crack behind the door--looking red and
+angry.
+
+"What's the matter with you?" asked her father, with some displeasure in
+his tones.
+
+"Nothing, I'm not crying."
+
+"Nor pouting either, I suppose? What's it all about."
+
+"Mamma promised to take me along the next time she went to the city."
+
+"Perhaps she will the next time."
+
+"But this was the next time, because she promised it when she went before
+and took Kate."
+
+"Well, such promises are always conditional; she took no one this time
+(but me), and there was a good reason why."
+
+Gertrude smiled slightly, then laughed outright, as she glanced up into
+his face, saying, "I thought it was you, papa, that took mamma."
+
+"Oh! now, you begin to look something like the little girl I'm used to
+hearing called Gertrude Ross; the one I like to buy presents for; the
+other one that was here just a moment ago, gets nothing bought with my
+money."
+
+"See here," said her mother, and with a cry of delight Gertrude sprang
+forward and caught from her hand a watch and chain very nearly the
+counterparts of those little Elsie was displaying to her sister and
+brothers.
+
+"Oh, joy, joy!" she cried, dancing up and down, "thank you, mamma! Thank
+you, papa! I'd rather have this than a dozen visits to New York. See,
+Kate, isn't it a beauty?"
+
+"Yes," returned her sister sullenly; "but I don't see why you should have
+a watch and I only this ring; you're hardly more than a year older than I
+am and not a bit better girl"
+
+"Come, come, don't pout, Kitty," said her father, stroking her hair;
+"your time will come. Harry's and Archie's too, and even little Sophie's,"
+he added, catching the household pet up in his arms, to give her a hug and
+kiss.
+
+It was not until after tea that Mr. Ross missed his dog. "Where's Ranger?"
+he asked of one of the servants.
+
+"Dade, sir, I don't know," she answered. "Sure he went to the picnic wid
+the rest of the childer, an' it's meself as hasn't seen him since."
+
+"Harry," stepping out on the porch where the children, except the very
+little ones, who had already been sent up to bed, were sitting listlessly
+about, too weary with the day's sports to care for anymore active
+amusement, "where's Ranger?"
+
+"Ranger?" cried Harry with a start, "why sure enough, I haven't seen him
+since he came home! and I don't think he came with us either."
+
+"No, he didn't," said several young voices.
+
+"I wonder where he can be," pursued Harry. "Shall I go and look for him,
+papa?"
+
+Mr. Ross was about to say yes, when his eye fell upon the face of his
+youngest son who, he noticed, looked very red and somewhat troubled. "What
+do you know about it, Archie?" he asked; "can you tell us what has become
+of Ranger?"
+
+"He behaved very bad indeed, papa," stammered the boy; "he killed a dear
+little bird and tried to bite Vi, and me too--and I sold him."
+
+The truth was out and Archie heaved a sigh of relief.
+
+"Sold him?" repeated his father in a tone of mingled surprise and
+displeasure.
+
+"Yes, sir: to Jared Bates, for two cents. Here they are: I s'pose they
+belong to you," said the little fellow tugging at his pocket.
+
+"For two cents!" exclaimed Mr. Ross laughing in spite of himself. "You'll
+never grow rich, my boy, making such bargains as that. But see here," he
+added, growing grave again, "whose dog was it?"
+
+"I--I thought it was ours, papa."
+
+"Ours? Yours to play with, but only mine to sell or give away. You'll have
+to go to Jared to-morrow, return his two cents, and tell him the dog is
+mine, and you sold what did not belong to you."
+
+"Oh where's my bird?" cried Violet, reminded of it by this little episode.
+"I laid it down to look at Elsie's watch, and oh it's gone! Mamma, mamma,
+I'm so sorry!"
+
+"I am too, dear, for your sake," the mother said, putting an arm about her
+and kissing the wet cheek, for the tears had begun to flow again. "Was it
+the bird Ranger killed?"
+
+"Yes, mamma, I was going to ask you to get it stuffed for me."
+
+"Some cat has got it, no doubt," said Mr. Ross. "But don't cry: it
+couldn't hurt it, you know, after it was dead."
+
+"If it only had a heaven to go to," sobbed Vi
+
+"Perhaps it has," said the gentleman kindly. "I really don't think,"
+turning to Mrs. Travilla, "that the Bible says anything to the contrary;
+it seems to me to simply leave the matter in doubt."
+
+"I know," she answered thoughtfully, "that it is the generally accepted
+belief that there is no hereafter for the lower animals; yet it has
+occurred to me, too, that the Bible does not positively assert it; and
+some of the poor creatures have such a suffering life in this world that
+it makes my heart ache to think there is no other for them"
+
+"Papa," asked Archie, "don't you think Ranger deserved to be sold for
+killing that bird and trying to bite Vi?"
+
+"That's a question you should have propounded before selling him, that and
+another; 'May I sell him.'"
+
+"I wish you'd let Phelim go and buy him back," remarked the boy, looking
+very uncomfortable at the thought of having to do the errand himself.
+
+"No, sir," returned the father decidedly, "the mischief you have done you
+must undo yourself. Ah, Harry, go and ask if any letters came to-day."
+
+"I asked," said Gertrude. "There was just one; from Phil," and she drew it
+from her pocket and handed it to her father.
+
+"What does he say?" Mrs. Ross inquired when he had glanced over it.
+
+"Not much, except that he's to be here to-morrow, and wants the carriage
+sent to the depot for him," he answered, handing it to her.
+
+"Good!" said Gertrude, with much satisfaction. "We always have more fun
+when Phil's at home."
+
+"Except when he picks a quarrel with you or some of us," remarked Harry.
+
+"For shame, Hal!" said his mother. "The quarrels, if there are any, are as
+likely to be begun by you, as any one else."
+
+Lucy was proud and fond of her first-born, and always ready to shield him
+from blame. He was in his mother's eyes as the king, who could do no
+wrong, but to others a spoiled child, a wilful, headstrong, domineering
+boy.
+
+Yet he was not without his good qualities, brave, frank, affectionate, and
+generous to a fault, many hearts besides those of his doting parents were
+drawn to him in sincere affection; Elsie's among the rest; yet she dreaded
+exposing her little sons to Phil's influence; Edward especially as nearer
+Phil's age, and because, though much improved by good training, his
+natural disposition was very similar. But she had not seen Philip for two
+years, and hoped he might have changed for the better.
+
+It seemed so at first. He was a bright, handsome youth, and came home in
+fine spirits, and with a manner full of affection for parents, brothers
+and sisters. She did not wonder at Lucy's fond pride in her eldest son.
+
+"Phil," said his mother, following him into his room that night, "you have
+made a good impression, and I'm very anxious you shouldn't spoil it; so do
+try to keep on your good behavior while the Travillas stay."
+
+"I intend to, Mrs. Ross," he returned, with a laugh. Elsie, little Elsie's
+been my little lady love since the first time my eyes lighted on her, and
+I know that if I want to secure the prize, I've got to keep on the right
+side of her father and mother."
+
+Lucy laughed. "You are beginning early, Phil," she said. "I advise you not
+to say a word of your hopes in their hearing, for ten years to come."
+
+"Trust me for managing the thing, ma," he returned, nodding his head
+wisely. "But do you s'pose now, they'd be so outrageously unreasonable as
+to expect a fellow to be quite perfect?" he queried, striking a match and
+lighting a cigar.
+
+"Phil! Phil! throw that away!" she said, trying to snatch it from him.
+
+He sprang nimbly aside, "No, you don't, ma! Why shouldn't I smoke as well
+as my father? Ministers smoke too, and lots of good people."
+
+"But you're too young to begin yet, and I know your Aunt Elsie would be
+horrified. She'd think you a very fast boy and hurry away with her
+children, lest they should be contaminated by your bad example."
+
+"Well," he answered, puffing away, "I'll not let her or them know I ever
+indulge. I'll only smoke up here and at night, and the smell will be all
+off my breath by morning."
+
+"I wish you'd give it up entirely. Where did you ever learn it?"
+
+"Comes natural; guess I inherited the taste. But nearly all the fellows at
+school do it--on the sly."
+
+"Ah, Phil, I'm afraid you're a sad fellow!" Lucy said, shaking her head
+reprovingly; but he could see the smile shining in her fond, admiring
+eyes, and lurking about the corners of her mouth.
+
+"Oh, come now, ma, I'm not so bad; not the worst fellow in the world. I
+wouldn't do a mean thing."
+
+"No, of course not," she said, kissing him good-night, and leaving him
+with a parting, "Don't forget to say your prayers, Phil."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Ross were not Christian parents; careful and solicitous about
+the temporal welfare of their children, they gave little thought to their
+spiritual needs. Lucy taught them, in their infancy, to say their prayers
+before lying down to rest at night, as they grew older sent them to
+Sunday-school, took them to church on pleasant Sabbath mornings, when it
+was convenient, and she felt inclined to go herself, and provided each
+one with a copy of the Bible.
+
+This was about the extent of the religious training they received; and it
+was strongly counteracted by the worldly atmosphere of their home, the
+worldly example set them by their parents, and the worldly maxims and
+precepts constantly instilled into their young minds.
+
+From these, they learned to look upon the riches, honors and pleasures of
+earth as the things to be most earnestly coveted, most worthy of untiring
+efforts to secure.
+
+Life at the Crags was a strange puzzle to the Ion children: no blessing
+asked at the table, no gathering of the family morning or evening for
+prayer or praise or the reading of God's word.
+
+"Mamma, what does it mean?" they asked; "why doesn't Uncle Ross do as papa
+does?"
+
+Elsie scarce knew how to answer them. "Don't let us talk about it, dears,"
+she said: "but whatever others may do, let us serve God ourselves and seek
+his favor above everything else; for 'in his favor is life' and his loving
+kindness is better than life."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTH.
+
+    "To each his sufferings: all are men
+        Condemn'd alike to groan;
+    The tender for another's pain,
+        The unfeeling for his own."
+                        --GRAY.
+
+
+The weather was delightful: because of Phil's return the children were
+excused altogether from lessons and nearly every day was taken up with
+picnics, riding, driving and boating excursions up and down the river.
+
+They were never allowed to go alone on the water or behind any horse but
+"Old Nan," an old slow moving creature that Phil said "could not be
+persuaded or forced out of a quiet even trot that was little better than a
+walk, for five consecutive minutes."
+
+The mothers were generally of the party;--Lily continuing so much better
+that Elsie could leave her, without anxiety, in the faithful care of her
+old mammy--and always one or two trusty servants were taken along.
+
+One day Philip got permission to take old Nan and the phaeton and drive
+out with the two older girls, Gertrude and Elsie.
+
+They were gone several hours and on their return, while still some miles
+from home were overtaken by a heavy shower, from which they took refuge in
+a small log-house standing a few yards back from the road.
+
+It was a rude structure built in a wild spot among the rocks and trees,
+and evidently the abode of pinching poverty; but everything was clean and
+neat, and the occupants, an elderly woman reclining in a high-backed
+wooden rocking-chair with her feet propped up on a rude bench, and a young
+girl who sat sewing by a window overlooking the road, wore an air of
+refinement, and spoke English more correctly and with a purer accent than
+sometimes is heard in the abodes of wealth and fashion.
+
+The door stood wide open and the moment Philip drew rein, the girl at the
+window called to them to come in out of the wet, and directed the lad to
+shelter his horse and phaeton underneath a shed at the side of the house.
+
+Gertrude ran lightly in with a laugh and jest, Elsie following close at
+her heels.
+
+The girl rose and setting out two unpainted wooden chairs, invited them to
+be seated, remarking as she resumed her work, that the shower had come up
+very suddenly, but she hoped they were not wet.
+
+"Not enough to hurt us," said Gertrude.
+
+"Hardly at all, thank you," I said Elsie. "I hope our mammas will not be
+alarmed about us, Gerty."
+
+"I don't think they need be so long as there's no thunder and lightning,"
+answered Gertrude. "Ah, see how it is pouring over yonder on the mountain,
+Elsie!"
+
+The pale face of the woman in the rocking-chair, evidently an invalid, had
+grown still paler and her features worked with emotion.
+
+"Child! child!" she cried, fixing her wild eyes on Elsie, "who--who are
+you?"
+
+"They're the young ladies from the Crags, mother," said the girl
+soothingly.
+
+"I know that, Sally," she answered peevishly, "but one's a visitor, and
+the other one called her Elsie, she's just the age and very image
+of--child, what is your family name?"
+
+"Travilla, madam," the little girl replied, with a look of surprise.
+
+"Oh, you're her daughter; yes, of course I might have known it. And so she
+married him, her father's friend and so many years older."
+
+The words were spoken as if to herself and she finished with a deep drawn
+sigh.
+
+This woman had loved Travilla--all unsuspected by him, for he was not a
+conceited man--and there had been a time when she would have almost given
+her hopes of heaven for a return of her affection.
+
+"Is it my mother you mean? did you know her when she was a little girl?"
+asked Elsie, rising and drawing near the woman's chair.
+
+"Yes; if she was Elsie Dinsmore, and lived at Roselands--how many years
+ago? let me see; it was a good many; long before I was married to John
+Gibson."
+
+"That was mamma's name and that was where she lived; with her grandpa,
+while her papa was away in Europe so many years," returned the little
+Elsie; then asked with eager interest, "But how did you happen to know
+her? did you live near Roselands?"
+
+"I lived there; but I was a person of no consequence; only a poor
+governess," remarked the woman in a bitter tone; an expression of angry
+discontent settling down upon her features.
+
+"Are you Miss Day?" asked Elsie, retreating a step or two with a look as
+if she had seen a serpent.
+
+Her mother had seldom mentioned Miss Day to her, but from her Aunts
+Adelaide and Lora she had heard of her many acts of cruelty and injustice
+to the little motherless girl committed to her care.
+
+"I was Miss Day; I'm Mrs. Gibson now. I was a little hard on your mother
+sometimes, as I see you've been told; but I'd a great deal to bear; for
+they were a proud, haughty family--those Dinsmores. I was not treated as
+one of themselves, but as a sort of upper servant, though a lady by
+birth, breeding and education," the woman remarked, her tone growing more
+and more bitter as she proceeded.
+
+"But was it right? was it just and generous to vent your anger upon a poor
+little innocent girl who had no mother and no father there to defend her?"
+asked the child, her soft eyes rilling with tears.
+
+"Well maybe not; but it's the way people generally do. Your mother was a
+good little thing, provokingly good sometimes; pretty too, and heiress,
+they said, to an immense fortune. Is she rich still? or did she lose it
+all by the war?"
+
+"She did not lose it all, I know," said Elsie, "but how rich she is I do
+not know; mamma and papa seldom talk of any but the true riches."
+
+"Just like her, for all the world!" muttered the woman. Then aloud and
+sneeringly, "Pray what do you mean by the true riches?"
+
+"Those which can never be taken from us; treasure laid up in heaven where
+neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and thieves break not through to
+steal."
+
+The sweet child voice ceased and silence reigned in the room for a moment,
+while the splashing of the rain upon the roof could be distinctly heard.
+
+Mrs. Gibson was the first to speak again. "Well I'd like to have that
+kind, but I'd like wonderfully well to try the other a while first."
+
+Elsie looked at the thin, sallow face with its hollow cheeks and sunken
+eyes, and wished mamma were there to talk of Jesus to this poor woman, who
+surely had but little time to prepare for another world.
+
+"Is your mother at the Crags?" asked Mrs. Gibson turning to her again.
+
+Elsie answered in the affirmative, adding that they had been there for
+some time and would probably remain a week or two longer.
+
+"Do you think she would be willing to come here to see me?" was the next
+question, almost eagerly put.
+
+"Mamma is very kind and I am sure she will come if you wish to see her,"
+answered the child.
+
+"Then tell her I do; tell her I, her old governess, am sick and poor and
+in great trouble."
+
+Tears rolled down her cheeks and for a moment her eyes rested upon her
+daughter's face with an expression of keen anguish. "She's going blind,"
+she whispered in Elsie's ear, drawing the child toward her, and nodding in
+the direction of Sally, stitching away at the window.
+
+"Blind! oh how dreadful!" exclaimed the little girl in low moved tones,
+the tears springing to her eyes. "I wish she could go to Doctor Thomson."
+
+"Doctor Thomson! who is he?"
+
+"An oculist: he lives in Philadelphia. A friend of mamma's had something
+growing over her eyes so that she was nearly blind, and he cut it off and
+she can see now as well as anybody."
+
+"I don't think that is the trouble with Sally's; though of course I can't
+tell. But she's always had poor sight, and now that she has to support the
+family with her needle, her eyes are nearly worn out."
+
+Sally had been for several minutes making vain attempts to thread a
+needle.
+
+Elsie sprang to her side with a kindly, eager, "Let me do it, won't you?"
+
+It was done in a trice and the girl thanked her with lips and eyes.
+
+"It often takes me full five or ten minutes," she said, "and sometimes I
+have to get mother to do it for me."
+
+"What a pity! it must be a great hindrance to your work."
+
+"Yes, indeed, and my eyes ache so that I can seldom sew or read for more
+than an hour or two at a time. Ah, I'm afraid I'm going to lose my sight
+altogether."
+
+The tone was inexpressibly mournful, and Elsie's eyes filled again.
+
+"Don't fret about it," she said, "I think--I hope you can be cured."
+
+The rain had nearly ceased, and Philip, saying the worst was over, and
+they were in danger of being late at dinner, hurried the girls into the
+phaeton.
+
+"What was that woman whispering to you?" asked Gertrude, as soon as they
+were fairly off.
+
+Elsie looked uncomfortable. "It was something I was to tell mamma," she
+replied.
+
+"But what is it?"
+
+"I'm afraid she wanted to keep it a secret from you, Gerty, or she would
+have spoken out loud."
+
+"I think you're very mean and disobliging," retorted Gertrude, beginning
+to pout.
+
+"No, she isn't," said Philip pompously, "she's honorable, and one of the
+few females who can keep a secret. But I overheard it, Elsie, and feel
+pretty sure that the reason she whispered it, was to keep the poor girl
+from hearing. It's very natural she shouldn't want her to know she's
+afraid her sight's leaving her."
+
+"Oh, yes; I suppose that was it!" returned Elsie. "But you were very wise
+to think of it, Phil."
+
+"Don't flatter him," said Gertrude; "he thinks a great deal too much of
+himself, already."
+
+Dinner was just ready when they reached home, and their mammas were on the
+porch looking for them.
+
+"So there you are at last! what detained you so long?" said Mrs. Ross.
+
+"Went further than we intended; and then the rain, you know," said
+Philip.
+
+"And, oh, we had an adventure!" cried the girls, and hastened to tell it.
+
+Mrs. Travilla had not forgotten her old governess, and though no pleasant
+recollection of her lingered in her memory, neither was there any dislike
+or revengeful feeling there. She heard of her sorrows with commiseration
+and rejoiced in the ability to alleviate them.
+
+"That Mrs. Gibson!" exclaimed Lucy, "I've seen her many a time at the door
+or window, in driving past, and have often thought there was something
+familiar in her face, but never dreamed who she was. That hateful Miss
+Day! as I used to call her; Elsie, I wouldn't do a thing for her, if I
+were you. Why she treated you with absolute cruelty."
+
+"She was sometimes unjust and unkind," said Mrs. Travilla, smiling at her
+friend's vehemence, "but probably my sensitiveness, timidity and
+stupidity, were often very trying."
+
+"No such thing!--if you will excuse me for contradicting you--everybody
+that knew you then, would testify that you were the sweetest, dearest,
+most patient, industrious little thing that ever was made."
+
+Elsie laughed and shook her head, "Ah, Lucy, you always flattered me;
+never were jealous even when I was held up to you as a pattern an evidence
+that yours was a remarkably sweet disposition. Now, tell me, please, if
+you know anything about these Gibsons?"
+
+"Not much; they came to that hut years ago, evidently very poor, and quite
+as evidently--so report says--having seen better days. The husband and
+father drank deeply, and the wife earned a scanty support for the family
+by sewing and knitting; that is about all I know of them, except that
+several of their children died of scarlet fever within a few days of each
+other, soon after they came to the neighborhood, and that a year ago last
+winter, the man, coming home very drunk, fell into a snow-drift, and next
+day was found frozen to death. I was told at that time they had only two
+children--a son who was following in his father's footsteps, and this
+daughter."
+
+"Poor woman!" sighed Elsie, "she is sorely tried and afflicted. I must go
+to her at once."
+
+"Do, mamma, and get a doctor for her," said little Elsie; "she looked so
+sick and miserable."
+
+Mrs. Ross offered her carriage, and the shower having cooled the air,
+Elsie went, shortly after the conclusion of the meal.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINTH.
+
+         "I'll not chide thee;
+    Let shame come when it will, I do not call it."
+                                   --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+"I never saw such a likeness in my life!" said Mrs. Gibson looking after
+the phaeton as it drove away; "she's the very image of her mother. I could
+just have believed it was the very little Elsie Dinsmore I used to teach
+more than twenty years ago."
+
+"She's lovely!" exclaimed Sally with enthusiasm. "Mother, did you see what
+a pretty watch she had?"
+
+"Yes," gloomily; "some folks seem to have nothing but prosperity, and
+others nothing but poverty and losses and crosses. They're as rich as
+Croesus and we have hardly enough to keep us from starving."
+
+"Better times may come," said Sally, trying to speak hopefully, "Tom may
+reform and go to work. I do think, mother, if you'd try to----"
+
+"Hush! I'm a great deal better to him than he deserves."
+
+It was some moments before Sally spoke again, then it was only to ask,
+"Will you have your dinner now, mother?"
+
+"No; there's nothing in the house but bread and potatoes, and I couldn't
+swallow either. Dear me what a table they used to set at Roselands! enough
+to tempt the appetite of an epicure."
+
+"I must rest my eyes a little. I can't see any longer," said the girl,
+laying down her work and going to the door.
+
+"It's just dreadful," sighed her mother, "but don't get out of heart;
+these people will help us and it is possible some skilful oculist may
+understand your case and be able to help you."
+
+The girl's eyes were fixed upon the distant mountain-tops where, through a
+rift in the clouds the sun shone suddenly out for a moment. "'I will lift
+up mine eyes unto the hills whence cometh my help,'" she murmured softly
+to herself. Then from a full heart went up a strong cry, "O God, my
+Father, save me, I beseech thee, from this bitter trial that I so dread!
+Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Oh, help me to be content
+with whatsoever thou shalt send!"
+
+"Sally, you're standing there a long time." It was the mother's querulous
+voice again.
+
+The girl turned toward her, answering in a patient tone. "Yes, mother, it
+rests my eyes to look at the sky and the mountains or any distant object."
+
+"You'd better get yourself something to eat. It must be six or eight hours
+at least since breakfast."
+
+An hour later Sally, again busied with her sewing, by the window, lifted
+her head at the sound of wheels and exclaimed in a low tone, "There is the
+same carriage again! It has stopped and a lady is getting out of it."
+
+But turning her head she perceived that her mother, who was now lying on
+the bed, had fallen asleep. Dropping her work, she stepped quickly to the
+door in time to prevent a rap.
+
+She recognized the lady at once from her likeness to her namesake
+daughter, and holding out her hand with a joyful admiring smile said,
+"Mrs. Travilla, is it not? Thank you for coming. I am so glad, and mother
+will be so delighted to see you; but she is sleeping just now."
+
+She had spoken softly, and Elsie answered in the same subdued tone, as she
+took the offered hand, then stepped in and sat down in a chair the girl
+hastened to set for her, "That is well; we must not wake her."
+
+A long talk followed in which Elsie by her ready tact and sweet sympathy,
+free from the slightest approach to patronage, drew from the girl the
+story of their sorrows, privations and fears for the future.
+
+Her mother had been gradually failing for some time, though she really did
+not know what was the nature of the disease. For a while they had
+contrived by their united efforts to make the two ends meet, but now that
+all depended upon her, with her poor sight, it was no longer possible.
+
+"How are your eyes affected?" asked Elsie.
+
+"The sight is dim; I can scarcely see to set my stitches: I have great
+difficulty in threading a needle: I always had. I could never read fine
+print, never read through a long sentence without shutting my eyes for an
+instant or looking off the book. It has always been an effort to see, and
+now I am forced to use my eyes so constantly they grow worse and pain me
+very much. At times a mist comes over them so that I cannot see at all
+until I rest them a little. Indeed I often seem to be going blind and I'm
+afraid I shall," she added, with a tremble in her tones, a tear rolling
+down her cheek. But she hastily wiped it away.
+
+"My poor child, I hope not," Elsie said, laying a hand softly on hers;
+"there have been wonderful cures of diseased eyes. You must go to an
+oculist."
+
+"The expense would be far beyond our means."
+
+"You must let me assume that. No, don't shake your head. I have abundant
+means. The Lord has given me far more of this world's goods than I ought
+to use for myself or my family and I know it is because he would have me
+be his almoner."
+
+The girl wept for joy and thankfulness.
+
+"Oh, how kind you are!" she cried. "I believe the Lord sent you and that
+my sight will be spared; for I have prayed so that it might;--that he
+would send me help somehow. But mother, how can she do without me?"
+
+"I will see that she has medical advice, nursing, everything she needs."
+
+Sally tried to speak her thanks but tears and sobs came instead.
+
+The sound woke Mrs. Gibson. "Elsie Dinsmore!" she cried in feeble but
+excited tones, with difficulty raising herself to a sitting posture. "I
+should have known you anywhere."
+
+"I cannot say the same; you are much changed," Elsie said, going to the
+bedside and taking the thin feverish hand in hers.
+
+"Yes, I've grown an old woman, while you are fresh and young; and no
+wonder, for your life has been all prosperity; mine nothing but trouble
+and trial from beginning to end."
+
+"O, mother dear, we have had a great many mercies," said Sally; "and your
+life is not ended. I hope your good times are yet to come."
+
+"Well, maybe so, if Mrs. Travilla can help us to the medical aid we need,
+and put us in the way of earning a good living afterward."
+
+"I shall do my best for you in both respects," Elsie said kindly,
+accepting a chair Sally set for her near the bed.
+
+"I knew you would; you were always generous," remarked her ci-devant
+governess; "prompt too in bestowing your favors. But it is easy to be
+generous with a large and well-filled purse."
+
+"Very true," Elsie answered with a smile. "And now what can I do for you?
+Ah I had forgotten. Mrs. Ross, hearing you were ill, and knowing that to
+the sick something sent by a neighbor was often more relished than home
+food, however nice, put a basket of dainties into the phaeton."
+
+Stepping to the door, she signed to the servant, who immediately brought
+in a hamper of provisions such as had not been seen under that roof for
+many months. Mrs. Gibson's eyes glistened at sight of a basket of fine
+fresh fruit and a bowl of delicious custard.
+
+"I will go now and call again to-morrow," Elsie said, as the man carried
+away the empty hamper.
+
+Grasping Sally's hand cordially in parting, she left something in it.
+
+"Mother!" cried the girl, breathlessly, holding it up to view, "it's a
+check for a hundred dollars!"
+
+"'Tisn't possible! let me see!" cried Mrs. Gibson laying down the spoon
+with which she was eating raspberries and custard, and holding out her
+hand for the check.
+
+"Yes, so it is! what a godsend! I didn't think even she was so generous.
+But dear me, she's rolling in wealth, and it's no more to her, or even as
+much as ten cents would be to you or me."
+
+"Oh, mother!" said Sally, reproachfully, "we have no claim on her; and if
+she has a good deal of money, she must have hundreds of calls for it."
+
+"No claim on her? why people take care of old servants, and a governess
+ought to be considered of a good deal more account."
+
+"Tom mustn't know about this, mother."
+
+"No, indeed! the greater part of it would soon go for liquor or at the
+gambling table, if he did. Here give it to me, and I'll hide it under my
+pillow."
+
+The saucer of berries was scarcely disposed of, before a second visitor
+arrived.
+
+Dr. Morton was considered the most skilful practitioner in the
+neighborhood. Mrs. Travilla meeting him on the way in returning to the
+Crags, had begged him to take charge of Mrs. Gibson's case, and also to
+look at Sally's eyes; engaging to settle his bill herself.
+
+On his way home he called at the Crags with his report. The mother, he
+said, was very much out of health, but not incurable; he had promised to
+send her some medicine. A month or two at the seashore would do her good;
+perhaps restore her entirely."
+
+"Then she must go," said Elsie, "I will at once see what arrangements can
+be made. But now, what of the girl, doctor?"
+
+"She seems in pretty good health."
+
+"But her eyes?"
+
+"The nerve is affected; there is no help for her."
+
+"Are you quite sure?"
+
+"Quite. I have paid a good deal of attention to the eye, and I assure you
+a case like hers is incurable."
+
+"Then you decline to attempt to do anything for her?"
+
+"I do, Mrs. Travilla, because there is absolutely nothing to be done."
+
+"Poor girl, how sorry I am for her! blindness must be so terrible," Lucy
+remarked to her friend after the doctor had gone.
+
+"Yes," Elsie answered thoughtfully, "but I do not give up hope for her
+yet."
+
+"Dr. Morton is considered very skilful."
+
+"Still he may be mistaken, and I shall not rest till I have made every
+effort to save her sight."
+
+Little Elsie and her sister had already become deeply interested in poor
+Sally, and were laying plans to help her.
+
+"What can we do, Elsie?" queried Vi, in an under tone, drawing her sister
+aside.
+
+"She'll want clothes; she had on a very old faded calico dress."
+
+"And not a bow or pin; just an old linen collar around her neck," remarked
+Gertrude, joining them; "and her dress was ever so old-fashioned and
+patched besides."
+
+"Let's put our pocket money together, and buy her a new dress," proposed
+Vi.
+
+"And make it for her," added Elsie; "it hurts her eyes to sew, and you
+know Dinah could fit it. Mamma had her taught the trade, and says she fits
+and sews very nicely."
+
+"Oh, what's the use of giving our money?" exclaimed Gertrude, impatiently.
+"We want it ourselves, and your mamma has such loads and loads of money;
+hasn't she, Eddie?" turning to him, as he stood near.
+
+"I don't know," he answered; "she never told us she had; she never talks
+much about money, except to tell us it all belongs to God, who only lends
+it to us."
+
+"And that we must give it to the poor and needy," said Vi.
+
+"Because 'it is more blessed to give than to receive,'" added Elsie.
+
+"Well, I know she has," persisted Gertrude, "for my mamma often says so,
+and I'm sure she knows."
+
+"But even if she has, mamma's money is not ours, and it's a duty and a
+very great pleasure to give of our own."
+
+"Every one to their taste, I haven't a bit more money than I want myself,"
+said Gertrude, walking away with her chin in the air.
+
+"Gerty," said Elsie, running after her, "don't be vexed; we weren't
+meaning to ask you for anything; but only talking about our own duty."
+
+"Oh, I can take a hint as well as other folks," said Gertrude, tossing her
+head.
+
+"What's it all about?" asked Kate, coming up to them; but they paid no
+heed to her, and she went to Vi for the desired information.
+
+"Why, I'll help, of course I will," she said; "I guess I've got some
+money, I'll look after tea; there's the bell now."
+
+Elsie seized an opportunity to petition her mother for a longer talk than
+usual in her dressing-room that evening, and the most of it was taken up
+in the discussion and arranging of plans for helping Mrs. Gibson and her
+daughter.
+
+"What an unconscionable time you've been upstairs, Elsie," Philip remarked
+in a bantering tone, coming to her side as she and her mother returned to
+the drawing-room. "I've been dying to speak to you, as the girls say."
+
+"All girls don't talk so, Phil."
+
+"You don't, I know. Would you like a gallop before breakfast to-morrow
+morning?"
+
+"Yes, indeed!" she answered, her eyes sparkling, "it's what I'm used to at
+home. Papa rides with us almost every morning."
+
+"Will I do for an escort?"
+
+"Oh, yes, if mamma consents. Gert will go too, won't she?"
+
+"No, she prefers her morning nap."
+
+Philip was a manly boy, the neighborhood a safe one, and the pony Elsie
+would ride, well-broken and not too spirited, so mamma's consent was
+readily given, with the proviso that they should not go before sunrise, or
+choose a lonely road.
+
+"By the way," she added, "I should like you to do an errand for me at Mrs.
+Gibson's."
+
+As Sally Gibson was sweeping the doorstep early the next morning, a couple
+of ponies dashed up to the gate, in whose riders she instantly recognized
+Elsie Travilla and Philip Ross.
+
+"Hallo!" shouted the latter, "this young lady has something for you."
+
+"Good-morning," Elsie said, reaching out a little gloved hand, as the girl
+drew near, "mamma bade me bring you this note, and ask how your mother is
+to-day."
+
+"A little better, thank you; it has done her a world of good to--to have
+her mind so relieved, and the doctor's medicine seems to have helped her
+too. How very, very kind Mrs. Travilla is," she added, with tears in her
+eyes, "and Mrs. Ross. Won't you come in?"
+
+"Not this morning, thank you," and away they galloped. Sally looking after
+them with admiring eyes, and a murmured exclamation, "How pretty and sweet
+she is!"
+
+It was not an envious sigh that accompanied the words, but born of mingled
+emotions,--the half-formed thought, "Shall I ever know such pleasures.
+Alas, they are not for me!" quickly succeeded by another,--"Ah, that sweet
+child cannot live to maturity, and be always as happy and free from care,
+as now."
+
+Her mother's shrill voice recalled her to herself, "Why do you stand
+there? What's that they gave you?"
+
+"A note, mother. It's directed to me."
+
+"Then make haste and read it."
+
+"Shall I not give you your breakfast first?"
+
+"No, no! do as I bid you."
+
+So the girl read the missive aloud without delay.
+
+It was from Mrs. Travilla, and stated that she had already written to
+engage a room for Mrs. Gibson in a cottage in a quiet little seaside town;
+a place recommended by Doctor Morton as very suitable; and that she would
+secure a competent nurse to go with her.
+
+"Why can't she send you, too, instead of hiring a stranger to go with me?"
+here interrupted Mrs. Gibson, angrily.
+
+"Wait, mother," said Sally in quivering tones, tears of joy and gratitude
+filling her eyes.
+
+She dashed them away and read on.
+
+"I have another plan for you. Doctor Morton told you his opinion,--that
+your case was hopeless. But do not despair; mistakes are often made even
+by the most skilful men. A friend of mine, whose trouble was very similar
+to yours--consulted a number of excellent oculists all of whom told her
+the nerve of her eye was affected and there was no help for it, she would
+certainly go blind; then as a last hope she went to Doctor Thomson of
+Philadelphia, who succeeded in giving her entire relief. If you are
+willing, I will send you to him. And now the first thing is to provide
+your mother and yourself each with a suitable outfit. Come up to the Crags
+as early this morning as you can, and we will make arrangements."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TENTH.
+
+    "When we see the flower seeds wafted,
+     From the nurturing mother tree,
+     Tell we can, wherever planted,
+     What the harvesting will be;
+     Never from the blasting thistle,
+     Was there gathered golden grain,
+     Thus the seal the child receiveth,
+     From its mother will remain."
+                          --MRS. HALE.
+
+
+For once Mrs. Gibson had the grace to feel a passing emotion of gratitude
+to this kind benefactor, and shame that she herself had been so ready with
+fault-finding instead of thanks.
+
+As for Sally, she was completely overcome, and dropping into a chair, hid
+her face and cried heartily.
+
+"Come, don't be a fool," her mother said at last; "there's too much to be
+done to waste time in crying, and besides you'll hurt your eyes."
+
+Sally rose hastily, removed the traces of her tears, and began setting the
+table for their morning meal.
+
+"How soon are you going?" her mother asked at its conclusion.
+
+"Just as soon as I can get the things cleared away and the dishes washed;
+if you think you can spare me."
+
+"Of course I can. I feel well enough this morning to help myself to
+anything I'm likely to want."
+
+There was still half an hour to spare before breakfast when, after a round
+of five or six miles on their ponies, Philip and Elsie reached the Crags.
+
+"What shall you do with yours?" asked Philip, remarking upon that fact.
+
+"Read," she answered, looking back at him with a smile as she tripped
+lightly up the stairs.
+
+Dinah was in waiting to smooth her hair and help her change the pretty
+riding hat and habit for a dress better suited to the house; then Elsie,
+left alone, seated herself by a window with her Bible in her hand.
+
+For a moment her eyes rested upon the blue distant mountains, softly
+outlined against the deeper blue of the sky, watched the cloud shadows
+floating over the nearer hills and valleys here richly wooded, there
+covered with fields of waving grain her ear the while drinking in with
+delight many a sweet rural sound, the songs of birds, the distant lowing
+of cattle, and bleating of sheep--her heart swelling with ardent love and
+thankfulness to him who had given her so much to enjoy.
+
+Dinah had left the door open, that the fresh air might course freely
+through the room, and Gertrude coming, some minutes later, in search of
+her friend, stood watching Elsie for a little unperceived.
+
+"Dear me!" she exclaimed at length, "how many times a day do you pore over
+that book?"
+
+Elsie looked up with a smile as sweet as the morning, "I am allowed to
+read it as often as I please."
+
+"Allowed? not compelled? not ordered?"
+
+"No, only I must have a text ready for mamma every morning."
+
+"Getting one ready for to-morrow?"
+
+"No, just reading. I had time for only a verse or two before my ride."
+
+"Well, that would be plenty for me. I can read it, too, as often as I
+like, but a chapter or two on Sunday, generally does me for all the week.
+There's the bell; come let's go down."
+
+Vi met them at the door of the breakfast-room. "Oh, Elsie, did you have a
+pleasant ride? Is Sally Gibson coming soon?"
+
+"I don't know; mamma said I need not wait for an answer."
+
+There was time for no more, and Vi must put a restraint upon herself,
+repressing excitement and curiosity for the present, as mamma expected her
+children to be very quiet and unobtrusive at table when away from home.
+
+Vi was delighted when just as they were leaving the table, a servant
+announced that a young person who called herself Miss Gibson, was asking
+for Miss Travilla; for Vi never liked waiting, and was always eager to
+carry out immediately any plan that had been set on foot.
+
+Mrs. Gibson was not troubled with any delicacy of feeling about asking for
+what she wanted, and had made out a list of things to be provided for
+herself and Sally, which the girl was ashamed to show; so extravagant
+seemed its demands.
+
+When urged by her benefactress, she mentioned a few of the most necessary
+articles, modestly adding that the generous gift Mrs. Travilla had already
+bestowed, ought to be sufficient to supply all else that might be
+required.
+
+Elsie, seating herself at her writing desk and taking out pen, ink and
+paper, looked smilingly into the eager faces of her two little girls.
+
+"What do you think about it, dears?"
+
+"Oh, they must have more things; a good many more, and we want to help pay
+for them with our money."
+
+"You see, Miss Sally, they will be sadly disappointed if you refuse to
+accept their gifts," Elsie said. "Now I'm going to make out a list and you
+must all help me, lest something should be forgotten. Mrs. Ross has kindly
+offered us the use of her carriage, and we will drive to the nearest town
+and see what we can find there, the rest we will order from New York."
+
+The list was made out amid much innocent jesting and merry laughter of
+both mother and children,--Sally a deeply interested and delighted
+spectator of their pleasing intercourse--the mother so sweet, gentle and
+affectionate, the children so respectful and loving to her, so kind and
+considerate to each other.
+
+In fact, the girl was so occupied in watching them, that she was not aware
+till Mrs. Travilla read it over aloud, that this new list was longer and
+more extravagant than the one she had suppressed.
+
+"Oh, it is too much, Mrs. Travilla!" she cried, the tears starting to her
+eyes.
+
+"My dear child," returned Elsie, playfully, "I'm a wilful woman and will
+have my own way. Come, the carriage is in waiting and we must go."
+
+The shopping expedition was quite a frolic for the children, and a great
+treat to poor, overworked Sally. "She looks so shabby; I'd be ashamed to
+go with her to the stores or anywhere, or to have her ride in the carriage
+with me," Gertrude had said to Vi as the little girls were having their
+hats put on; but Vi answered indignantly, "She's clean and tidy, and she
+isn't vulgar or rude, and I do believe she's good; and mamma says dress
+and riches don't make the person."
+
+And that seemed to be the feeling of all; Elsie, too, had purposely
+dressed herself and her children as plainly as possible; so that Sally,
+though at first painfully conscious of the deficiencies in her attire,
+soon forgot all about them, and gave herself up to the thorough enjoyment
+of the pleasures provided for her.
+
+She felt that it would be very ungrateful did she not share the hearty
+rejoicing of the children over "her pretty things" as they eagerly
+selected and paid for them with their own pocket money, seeming fully to
+realize the truth of the Master's declaration, "It is more blessed to give
+than to receive."
+
+Vi would have had the making of the new dresses begun at once, wanting
+Sally to return with them to the Crags, and let Dinah fit her immediately,
+but was overruled by her mamma.
+
+"No, my dear, Sally must go home to her sick mother now, and Dinah shall
+go to them after dinner."
+
+"But mamma, I want to begin my part. You know you said I could hem nicely,
+and might do some on the ruffles or something."
+
+"Yes, daughter, and so you shall, but must rest awhile first."
+
+Violet had often to be held back in starting upon some new enterprise, and
+afterward encouraged or compelled to persevere, while Elsie was more
+deliberate at first, more steadfast in carrying out what she had once
+undertaken. Each had what the other lacked, both were very winsome and
+lovable, and they were extremely fond of one another; scarcely less so of
+their brothers and the darling baby sister.
+
+"When may I begin, mamma?" asked Vi, somewhat impatiently.
+
+"After breakfast to-morrow morning you may spend an hour at your needle."
+
+"Only an hour, mamma? It would take all summer at that rate."
+
+"Ah, what a doleful countenance, daughter mine!" Elsie said laughingly, as
+she bent down and kissed the rosy cheek. "You must remember that my two
+little girls are not to carry the heavy end of this, and the sewing will
+be done in good season without overworking them. I could not permit that;
+I must see to it that they have plenty of time for rest and for healthful
+play. I appoint you one hour a day, and shall allow you to spend one more,
+if you wish, but that must be all."
+
+Violet had been trained to cheerful acquiescence in the decisions of her
+parents, and now put it in practice, yet wished very much that mamma would
+let her work all day for Sally, till her outfit was ready; she was sure
+she should not tire of it; but she soon learned anew the lessons she had
+learned a hundred times before--that mamma knew best.
+
+The first day she would have been willing to sew a little longer after the
+second hour's task was done; the next, two hours were fully sufficient to
+satisfy her appetite for work: on the third, it was a weariness before the
+end of the first hour; on the fourth, she would have been glad to beg off
+entirely, but her mother said firmly, "No, dear; one hour's work is not
+too much for you, and you know I allowed you to undertake it only on
+condition that you would persevere to the end."
+
+"Yes, mamma, but I am very tired, and I think I'll never undertake
+anything again," and with a little sigh the child seated herself and began
+her task.
+
+Mamma smiled sympathizingly, softly smoothed the golden curls, and said in
+her own gentle voice, "Let us not be weary in well-doing'! Do you remember
+the rest of it?"
+
+"Yes, mamma, 'for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.' And you
+told us to faint was to get tired and stop. But mamma, what shall I reap
+by keeping on with this?"
+
+"A much needed lesson in perseverance, for one thing, I hope my little
+daughter, and for another the promise given in the forty-first Psalm,
+'Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in
+time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he
+shall be blessed upon the earth; and thou wilt not deliver him unto the
+will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of
+languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.'
+
+"How would you like to hear a story while you sit here sewing by my side?"
+
+"Oh, ever so much, mamma! A story! a story!" And all the little flock
+clustered about mamma's chair, for they dearly loved her stories.
+
+This was an old favorite, but the narrator added some new characters and
+new scenes, spinning it out, yet keeping up the interest, till it and the
+hour came to an end very nearly together.
+
+Then the children, finding that was to be all for the present, scattered
+to their play.
+
+Mrs. Ross had come in a few minutes before, and signing to her friend to
+proceed, had joined the group of listeners.
+
+"Dear me, Elsie, how can you take so much trouble with your children?" she
+said. "You seem to be always training and teaching them in the sweetest,
+gentlest way; and of course they're good and obedient. I'm sure I love
+mine dearly, but I could never have the patience to do all you do."
+
+"My dear friend, how can I do less, when so much of their future welfare,
+for time and for eternity, depends upon my faithfulness?"
+
+"Yes," said Lucy slowly, "but the mystery to me is, how you can keep that
+in mind all the time, and how you can contrive always to do the right
+thing?"
+
+"I wish I did, but it is not so; I make many mistakes."
+
+"I don't see it. You do wonderfully well anyhow, and I want to know how
+you manage it."
+
+"I devote most of my time and thoughts to it; I try to study the character
+of each child, and above all, I pray a great deal for wisdom and for God's
+blessing on my efforts; not always on my knees, for it is a blessed
+truth, that we may lift our hearts to him at any time and in any place.
+Oh, Lucy," she exclaimed with tearful earnestness, "if I can but train my
+children for God and heaven, what a happy woman shall I be I the longing
+desire of my heart for them is that expressed in the stanza of Watts's
+Cradle Hymn:
+
+    'Mayst them live to know and fear him,
+      Trust and love him all thy days,
+     Then go dwell forever near him,
+      See his face and sing his praise!'"
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVENTH.
+
+
+    "Beware the bowl! though rich and bright,
+     Its rubies flash upon the sight,
+     An adder coils its depths beneath,
+     Whose lure is woe, whose sting is death."
+                                      --STREET.
+
+Mrs. Ross had found a nurse for Mrs. Gibson and a seamstress to help with
+the sewing; a good many of the needed garments were ordered from New York
+ready made, and in a few days the invalid was comfortably established in
+the seaside cottage recommended by Dr. Morton.
+
+In another week, Sally found herself in possession of a wardrobe that more
+than satisfied her modest desires. She called at the Crags in her new
+traveling dress, to say good-bye, looking very neat and lady-like; happy
+too, in spite of anxiety in regard to her sight.
+
+Not used to the world, timid and retiring, she had felt a good deal of
+nervous apprehension about taking the journey alone; but business called
+Mr. Ross to Philadelphia, and he offered to take charge of her and see her
+safe in the quiet boarding-place already secured for her by Mrs. Edward
+Allison, to whom Elsie had written on her behalf.
+
+Adelaide had never felt either love or respect for the ill-tempered
+governess of her younger brothers and sisters, but readily undertook to do
+a kindness for her child.
+
+"Have you the doctor's address?" Mr. Ross asked, when taking leave of the
+girl in her new quarters.
+
+"Yes, sir; Mrs. Travilla gave it to me on a card, and I have it safe. A
+letter of introduction too, from Dr. Morton. He says he is not personally
+acquainted with Dr. Thomson, but knows him well by reputation, and if
+anybody can help me he can."
+
+"That is encouraging, and I hope you will have no difficulty in finding
+the place. It is in the next street and only a few squares from here."
+
+Sally thought she could find it readily; Mrs. Travilla had given her very
+careful directions about the streets and numbers in Philadelphia; besides,
+she could inquire if she were at a loss.
+
+When Mr. Ross returned home, he brought some one with him at sight of whom
+the Ion children uttered a joyous cry, and who stepping from the carriage,
+caught their mother in his arms and held her to his heart, as if he meant
+never to let her go.
+
+"Papa! papa!" cried the children, "we did not know you were coming; mamma
+did not tell us. Mamma, did you know?"
+
+"Yes, mamma had known; they saw it in her smiling eyes; and now they knew
+why it was that she had watched and listened so eagerly for the coming of
+the carriage; even more so than Aunt Lucy, who was expecting Uncle Philip,
+and who was very fond of him too. But then he had left her only the other
+day, and mamma and papa had been parted for weeks."
+
+Mr. Travilla had rented a furnished cottage at Cape May and come to take
+them all there. The doctors thought that would be best for Lily now.
+
+The young folks were greatly pleased, and ready to start at once; they had
+enjoyed their visit to the Crags, but had missed papa sadly, and now they
+would have him with them all the time, grandpa and the whole family from
+the Oaks, too; for they were occupying an adjoining cottage. And the
+delicious salt sea breeze, oh, how pleasant it would be!
+
+Mrs. Ross was sorry to part with her guests, had hoped to keep her friend
+with her all summer, but a good deal comforted in her disappointment, by
+the knowledge that her mother, Sophie and her children would soon take
+their places.
+
+As for young Philip he was greatly vexed and chagrined. "It is really too
+bad!" he said seeking little Elsie out, and taking a seat by her side.
+
+She was on the porch at some little distance from the others, and busied
+in turning over the pages of a new book her papa had brought her.
+
+"What is too bad, Phil?" she asked, closing it, and giving her full
+attention to him.
+
+"That you must be hurried away so soon. I've hardly been at home two
+weeks, and we hadn't seen each other before for two years."
+
+"Well a fortnight is a good while. And you will soon have your cousins
+here--Herbert, Meta----"
+
+"Herbert!" he interrupted impatiently, "who cares for him? and Meta,
+prying, meddling, tell-tale Meta's worse than nobody. But there! don't
+look so shocked, as if I had said an awfully wicked thing. I really don't
+hate her at all, though she got me into trouble more than once with
+grandma and Aunt Sophie that winter we spent at Ashlands. Ah, a bright
+thought strikes me!"
+
+"Indeed! may I have the benefit of it?" asked the little girl, smiling
+archly.
+
+"That you may. It is that you might as well stay on another week, or as
+long as you will."
+
+"Thank you, but you must remember the doctor says we should go at once, on
+baby's account."
+
+"I know that, but I was speaking only of you personally. Baby doesn't need
+you, and papa could take you to your father and mother after a while."
+
+"Let them all go and leave me behind? Oh, Phil, I couldn't think of such a
+thing!"
+
+The Travillas had been occupying their seaside cottage for two weeks, when
+a letter came from Sally Gibson; the first she had written them, though
+she had been notified at once of their change of address, told that they
+would be glad to hear how she was and what Dr. Thomson thought of her
+case, and a cordial invitation given her to come to them to rest and
+recruit as soon as she was ready to leave her physician.
+
+Elsie's face grew very bright as she read.
+
+"What does she say?" asked her husband.
+
+"There is first an apology for not answering sooner (her eyes were so full
+of belladonna that she could not see to put pen to paper, and she had no
+one to write for her), then a burst of joy and gratitude--to God, to the
+doctor and to me,--'success beyond anything she had dared to hope,' but
+she will be with us to-morrow, and tell us all about it."
+
+"And she won't be blind, mamma?" queried Violet, joyously.
+
+"No, dear; I think that she must mean that her eyes are cured, or her
+sight made good in some way."
+
+"Oh, then, I'll just love that good doctor!" cried the child, clasping her
+hands in delight.
+
+The next day brought Sally, but they scarcely recognized her, she had
+grown so plump and rosy, and there was so glad a light in the eyes that
+looked curiously at them through glasses clear as crystal.
+
+Mrs. Travilla took her by both hands and kissed her.
+
+"Welcome, Sally; I am glad to see you, but should scarcely have known
+you, had we met in a crowd;--you are looking so well and happy."
+
+"And so I am, my dear kind friend," the girl answered with emotion; "and I
+can see! see to read fine print that is all a blur to me without these
+glasses; and all the pain is gone, the fear, the distress of body and
+mind. Oh, the Lord has been good, good to me! and the doctor so kind and
+interested! I shall be grateful to him and to you as long as I live!"
+
+"Oh, did he make you those glasses? what did he do to you?" asked the
+eager, curious children. "Tell us all about it, please."
+
+But mamma said, "No, she is too tired now; she must go to her room and lie
+down and rest till tea-time."
+
+Little Elsie showed her the way, saw that nothing was wanting that could
+contribute to her comfort, then left her to her repose.
+
+It was needed after all the excitement and the hot dusty ride in the cars;
+but she came down from it quite fresh, and as ready to pour out the whole
+story of the experiences of the past two weeks as the children could
+desire.
+
+When tea was over, they clustered round her on the cool breezy veranda
+overlooking the restless murmuring sea, and by her invitation, questioned
+her to their heart's content.
+
+"Is he a nice kind old man, like our doctor at Ion?" began little Harold.
+
+"Quite as nice and kind I should think, but not very old."
+
+"Did he hurt you very much?" asked Elsie, who had great sympathy for
+suffering, whether mental or physical.
+
+"Oh, no, not at all! He said directly that the eyes were not diseased; the
+trouble was malformation and could be remedied by suitable glasses; and
+oh, how glad I was to hear it!"
+
+"I thought mamma read from your letter that he put medicine in your eyes."
+
+"Yes, belladonna, but that was only to make them sick, so that he could
+examine them thoroughly, and measure them for the glasses."
+
+Turning to Mrs. Travilla, "He is very kind and pleasant to every one; so
+far as I could see making no difference between rich and poor, but deeply
+interested in each case in turn; always giving his undivided attention to
+the one he has in hand at the moment; putting his whole heart and mind
+into the work."
+
+"Which is doubtless one great reason why he is so successful," remarked
+Mrs. Travilla, adding, "Remember that, my children; half-hearted work
+accomplishes little for this world or the next."
+
+"Weren't you afraid the first time you went?" asked timid little Elsie.
+
+"My heart beat pretty fast," said Sally smiling. "I am rather bashful you
+see, and worse than that, I was afraid the doctor would say like the
+others, that it was the nerve and I would have to go blind, or that some
+dreadful operation would be necessary; but after I had seen him and found
+out how kind and pleasant he was, and that I'd nothing painful or
+dangerous to go through, and might hope for good sight at last, I didn't
+mind going at all.
+
+"It was a little tedious sitting there in the outer office among strangers
+with no one to speak to, and nothing to do for hours at a time, but that
+was nothing compared to what I was to gain by it."
+
+Then the children wanted to know what the doctor measured eyes with, and
+how he did it, and Sally amused them very much by telling how she had to
+say her letters every day and look at the gaslight and tell what shape it
+was, etc., etc.
+
+"The doctor told me," she said, addressing Mrs. Travilla, "that I would
+not like the glasses at first, hardly any one does; but I do, though not
+so well, I dare say, as I shall after a while when I get used to them."
+
+Mrs. Gibson's health was improving so that she was in a fair way to
+recover and as she was well taken care of and did not need her daughter,
+Sally felt at liberty to stay with these kind friends and enjoy herself.
+
+She resolved to put away care and anxiety for the future, and take the
+full benefit of her present advantages. Yet there was one trouble that
+would intrude itself and rob her of half her enjoyment. Tom, her only and
+dearly loved brother, was fast traveling the downward road, seeming wholly
+given up to the dominion of the love of strong drink and kindred vices.
+
+It was long since she had seen or heard from him and she knew not where he
+was. He had been in the habit of leaving their poor home on the Hudson
+without deigning to give her or his mother any information as to whither
+he was bound or when he would return; sometimes coming back in a few
+hours, and again staying away for days, weeks or months.
+
+One day Elsie saw Sally turn suddenly pale while glancing over the morning
+paper and there was keen distress in the eyes she lifted to hers as the
+paper fell from her nerveless hand.
+
+"Poor child; what is it?" Elsie asked compassionately, going to her and
+taking the cold hand in hers, "anything that I can relieve or help you to
+bear?"
+
+"Tom!" and Sally burst into almost hysterical weeping.
+
+He had been arrested in Philadelphia for drunkenness and disorderly
+conduct, fined and sent to prison till the amount should be paid.
+
+Elsie did her best to comfort the poor sister, who was in an agony of
+shame and grief. "Oh," she sobbed, "he is such a dear fellow if only he
+could let drink alone! but it's been his ruin, his ruin! He must feel so
+disgraced that all his self-respect is gone and he'll never hold up his
+head again or have the heart to try to do better."
+
+"Don't despair, poor child!" said Elsie, "he has not fallen too far for
+the grace of God to reclaim him; 'Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened,
+that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.'"
+
+"And oh, I cry day and night to him for my poor Tom, so weak, so beset
+with temptations!" exclaimed the girl, "and will he not hear me at last?"
+
+"He will if you ask in faith pleading the merits of his Son," returned her
+friend in moved tones.
+
+"He must be saved!" Mr. Travilla said with energy, when Elsie repeated to
+him this conversation with Sally. "I shall take the next train for
+Philadelphia and try to find him."
+
+Tom was found, his fine paid, his release procured, his rags exchanged for
+neat gentlemanly attire, hope of better things for this world and the next
+set before him, and with self-respect and manhood partially restored by
+all this and the kindly considerate, brotherly manner of his benefactor,
+he was persuaded to go with the latter to share with Sally for a few
+weeks, the hospitality of that pleasant seaside home.
+
+He seemed scarcely able to lift his eyes from the ground as Mr. Travilla
+led him into the veranda where the whole family were gathered eagerly
+awaiting their coming; but in a moment Sally's arms were round his neck,
+her kisses and tears warm on his cheek, as she sobbed out in excess of
+joy, "O Tom, dear Tom, I'm so glad to see you!"
+
+Then Mrs. Travilla's soft white hand grasped his in cordial greeting, and
+her low sweet voice bade him welcome; and the children echoed her words,
+apparently with no other thought of him than that he was Sally's brother
+and it was perfectly natural he should be there with her.
+
+So he was soon at ease among them; but felt very humble, kept close by
+Sally and used his eyes and ears far more than his tongue.
+
+His kind entertainers exerted themselves to keep him out of the way of
+temptation and help him to conquer the thirst for intoxicating drink, Mrs.
+Travilla giving Sally carte blanche to go into the kitchen and prepare him
+a cup of strong coffee whenever she would.
+
+"Sally," he said to his sister, one evening when they sat alone together
+on the veranda, "what a place this is to be in! It's like a little heaven
+below; there is so much of peace and love; the moral atmosphere is so
+sweet and pure: I feel as though I had no business here, such a fallen
+wretch as I am!" he concluded with a groan, hiding his face in his hands.
+
+"Don't, Tom, dear Tom!" she whispered, putting her arms about his neck and
+laying her head on his shoulder. "You've given up that dreadful habit?
+you're never going back to it?"
+
+"I don't want to! God knows I don't!" he cried as in an agony of fear,
+"but that awful thirst--you don't know what it is! and I--I'm weak as
+water. Oh if there was none of the accursed thing on the face of the
+earth, I might hope for salvation! Sally, I'm afraid of myself, of the
+demon that is in me!"
+
+"O, Tom, fly to Jesus!" she said, clinging to him. "He says, 'In me is
+thine help.' 'Fear not; I will help thee,' and he never yet turned a deaf
+ear to any poor sinner that cried to him for help. Cast yourself wholly on
+him and he will give you strength; for 'every one that asketh, receiveth;
+and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be
+opened.'"
+
+There was a moment of silence, in which Sally's heart was going up in
+earnest prayer for him; then Mr. Travilla joined them and addressing Tom
+said, "My wife and I have been talking about your future; indeed Sally's
+also; for we suppose you would like to keep together."
+
+"That we should," they said.
+
+"Well, how would you like to emigrate to Kansas and begin life anew; away
+from all old associates? I need not add that if you decide to go the means
+shall not be wanting."
+
+"Thank you, sir; you have been the best of friends to us both, and to our
+mother, you and Mrs. Travilla," said Tom, with emotion: "and this is just
+what Sally and I have been wishing we could do. I understand something of
+farming and should like to take up a claim out there in some good location
+where land is given to those who will settle on it. And if you, sir, can
+conveniently advance the few hundred dollars we shall need to carry us
+there and give us a fair start, I shall gladly and thankfully accept it as
+a loan; hoping to be able to return it in a year or two."
+
+This was the arrangement made and preparations to carry it out were
+immediately set on foot. In a few days the brother and sister bade
+good-bye to their kind entertainers, their mother, now nearly recovered,
+joined them in Philadelphia, and the three together turned their faces
+westward.
+
+In bidding adieu to Elsie, Sally whispered with tears of joy the good news
+that Tom was trusting in a strength mightier than his own, and so, as
+years rolled on, these friends were not surprised to hear of his steadfast
+adherence to the practice of total abstinence from all intoxicating
+drinks, and his growing prosperity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELFTH.
+
+            "You may as well
+    Forbid the seas to obey the moon,
+    As, or by oath, remove, or counsel, shake
+    The fabric of her folly."
+                               --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+Scarcely had the Gibsons departed when their places were more than filled
+by the unexpected arrival of a large party from Roselands, comprising old
+Mr. Dinsmore, with his daughter Mrs. Conly and her entire family, with the
+exception of Calhoun, who would follow shortly.
+
+They were welcomed by their relatives with true southern hospitality and
+assured that the two cottages could readily be made to accommodate them
+all comfortably.
+
+"What news of Molly?" was the first question after the greetings had been
+exchanged.
+
+Mrs. Conly shook her head and sighed, "Hasn't been able to set her foot on
+the floor for weeks, and I don't believe she ever will. That's Dr.
+Pancoast's opinion, and he's good authority. 'Twas her condition that
+brought us North. We've left her and her mother at the Continental in
+Philadelphia.
+
+"There's to be a consultation to-morrow of all the best surgeons in the
+city. Enna wanted me to stay with her till that was over, but I couldn't
+think of it with all these children fretting and worrying to get down here
+out of the heat. So I told her I'd leave Cal to take care of her and
+Molly.
+
+"Dick's with them too. He's old enough to be useful now, and Molly clings
+to him far more than to her mother."
+
+"Isn't it dreadful," said Virginia, "to think that that fall down-stairs
+has made her a cripple for life? though nobody thought she was much hurt
+at first."
+
+"Poor child! how does she bear it?" asked her uncle.
+
+"She doesn't know how to bear it at all," said Mrs. Conly; "she nearly
+cries her eyes out."
+
+"No wonder," remarked the grandfather; "it's a terrible prospect she has
+before her, to say nothing of the present suffering. And her mother has no
+patience with her; pities herself instead of the child."
+
+"No," said Mrs. Conly, "Enna was never known to have much patience with
+anybody or anything."
+
+"But Dick's good to her," remarked Isadore.
+
+"Yes," said Arthur, "it's really beautiful to see his devotion to her and
+how she clings to him. And it's doing the lad good;--making a man of
+him."
+
+"Surely Enna must feel for her child!" Elsie said, thinking of her own
+darlings and how her very heart would be torn with anguish at the sight of
+one of them in so distressing a condition.
+
+"Yes, of course, she cried bitterly over her when first the truth dawned
+upon her that Molly was really so dreadfully injured; but of course that
+couldn't last and she soon took to bewailing her own hard fate in having
+such a burden on her hands, a daughter who must always live single and
+could never be anything but a helpless invalid."
+
+Elsie understood how it was; for had she not known Enna from a child? Her
+heart ached for Molly, and as she told her own little ones of their poor
+cousin's hopeless, helpless state, she mingled her tears with theirs.
+
+"Mamma, won't you 'vite her to come here?" pleaded Harold.
+
+"Yes, dear mamma, do," urged the others, "and let us all try to amuse and
+comfort her."
+
+"If I do, my dears, you may be called upon at times to give up your
+pleasures for her. Do you think you will be willing to do so?"
+
+At that the young faces grew very grave, and for a moment no one spoke.
+Quick, impulsive Violet was the first to answer.
+
+"Yes, mamma, I'm willing; I do feel so sorry for her I'd do anything to
+help her bear her pain."
+
+"Mamma," said Elsie, softly, "I'll ask Jesus to help me, and I'm sure he
+will."
+
+"So am I, daughter; and I think Vi means to ask his help too?"
+
+"Oh, yes, mamma, I do!"
+
+"And I," "and I," "and I," responded the others.
+
+So the invitation was sent, for Molly and her mother and brother to come
+and pay as long a visit as they would.
+
+A letter came in a few days, accepting it and giving the sorrowful news
+that all the surgeons agreed in the opinion that the poor girl's spine had
+been so injured that she would never again have any use of her lower
+limbs.
+
+It was Mrs Conly who brought the letter to her niece, it having come in
+one addressed to herself. She expressed strong sympathy for Molly, but was
+much taken up with the contents of another letter received by the same
+mail.
+
+"I've just had a most generous offer from Mr. Conly's sister, Mrs.
+Delaford," she said to her niece. "She has no children of her own, is a
+widow and very wealthy, and she's very fond of my Isadore, who is her
+godchild and namesake. She offers now to clothe and educate her, with the
+view of making the child her heir; and also to pay for Virgy's tuition, if
+I will send them both to the convent where she was herself educated."
+
+"Aunt Louise, you will not think of it surely?" cried Elsie, looking much
+disturbed.
+
+"And why not, pray?" asked Mrs. Conly, drawing herself up, and speaking
+in a tone of mingled hauteur, pique and annoyance.
+
+"You would not wish them to become Romanists?"
+
+"No, of course not; but that need not follow."
+
+"It is very apt to follow."
+
+"Nonsense! I should exact a promise that their faith would not be
+interfered with."
+
+"But would that avail, since, 'No faith with heretics,' has been for
+centuries the motto of the 'infallible, unchangeable,' Church of Rome?"
+
+"I think you are inclined to see danger where there is none," returned the
+aunt. "I would not for the world be as anxious and fussy about my children
+as you are about yours. Besides, I think it quite right to let their
+father's relatives do for them when they are both able and willing."
+
+"But Aunt Louise----"
+
+"There! don't let us talk any more about the matter to-day, if you
+please," interrupted Mrs. Conly, rising, "I must go now and prepare for my
+bath. I'll be in again this evening to see Enna and the others. They'll be
+down by the afternoon train. Good-morning."
+
+And she sailed away, leaving Elsie sad and anxious for the future of her
+young cousins.
+
+"What is it, daughter?" Mr. Dinsmore asked, coming in a moment later. "I
+have seldom seen you look so disturbed."
+
+Her face brightened, as was its wont under her father's greeting, but,
+this time, only momentarily.
+
+"I am troubled, papa," she said, making room for him on the sofa by her
+side. "Here is a note from Enna. The doctors give Molly no hope that she
+will ever walk again. One cannot help feeling very sad for her, poor
+child! and besides something Aunt Louise has been telling me, makes me
+anxious for Isadore and Virginia."
+
+He was scarcely less concerned than she, when he heard what that was. "I
+shall talk to Louise," he said, "it would be the height of folly to expose
+her girls to such influences. It is true I once had some thoughts of
+sending you to a convent school, under the false impression that the
+accomplishments were more thoroughly taught there than in the Protestant
+seminaries; but with the light I have since gained upon the subject, I
+know that it would have been a fearful mistake."
+
+"Dear papa," she said, putting her hand into his and looking at him with
+loving eyes, "I am so thankful to you that you did not; so thankful that
+you taught me yourself. The remembrance of the hours we spent together as
+teacher and pupil, has always been very sweet to me."
+
+"To me also," he answered with a smile.
+
+The expected guests arrived at the appointed time, Enna looking worn,
+faded and fretful, Dick sad and anxious, poor Molly, weary, exhausted,
+despairing; as if life had lost all brightness to her.
+
+Her proud spirit rebelled against her helplessness, against the curious,
+even the pitying looks it attracted to her from strangers in the streets
+and public conveyances.
+
+The transit from one vehicle to another was made in the strong arms of a
+stalwart negro whom they had brought with them from Roselands, Dick
+following closely to guard his sister from accident, and shield her as
+much as possible from observation, while Enna and Cal brought up the rear.
+
+A room on the ground floor had been appropriated to Molly's use, and
+thither she was carried at once, and gently laid upon a couch. Instantly
+her cousin Elsie's arms were about her, her head pillowed upon the gentle
+breast, while tears of loving sympathy fell fast upon her poor pale face,
+mingled with tender caresses and whispered words of endearment.
+
+It did the child good; the tears and sobs that came in response, relieved
+her aching heart of half its load. But it vexed Enna.
+
+"What folly, Elsie!" she said, "don't you see how you're making the child
+cry? And I've been doing my best to get her to stop it; for of course it
+does no good, and only injures her eyes."
+
+"Forgive me, dear child, if I have hurt you," Elsie said low and tenderly,
+as she laid Molly's head gently back against the pillows.
+
+"You haven't! you've done me good!" cried the girl, flashing an indignant
+glance at Enna. "Oh, mother, if you treated me so, it wouldn't be half so
+hard to bear!"
+
+"I've learned not to expect anything but ingratitude from my children,"
+said Enna, coldly returning Elsie's kind greeting.
+
+But Dick grasped his cousin's hand warmly, giving her a look of grateful
+affection, and accepted with delight her offered kiss.
+
+"Now, I will leave you to rest," she said to Molly, "and when you feel
+like seeing your cousins, they will be glad to come in and speak to you.
+They are anxious to do all they can for your entertainment while you are
+here."
+
+"Yes, but I want to see grandpa and Uncle Horace now, please; they just
+kissed me in the car, and that was all."
+
+They came in at once, full of tender sympathy for the crippled, suffering
+child.
+
+"They're so kind," sobbed Molly, as they left the room.
+
+"Yes, you can appreciate everybody's kindness but your mother's," remarked
+Enna in a piqued tone, "and everybody can be sorry for you, but my
+feelings are lost sight of entirely."
+
+"Oh, mother, don't!" sighed Molly. "I'm sure I've enough to bear without
+your reproaches. I'd appreciate you fast enough, if you were such a mother
+as Cousin Elsie."
+
+"Or as Aunt Louise, why don't you say?" said Mrs. Conly, coming in, going
+up to the couch, and kissing her. "How d'ye do, Enna?"
+
+"Yes, even you are sorrier for me than mother is, I do believe!" returned
+Molly, bursting into tears; "and if it was Isa or Virgy you'd be ever so
+good to her, and not scold her as mother does me."
+
+"Why, I'm just worn out and worried half to death about that girl," said
+Enna, in answer to her sister's query. "She'll never walk a step
+again--all the doctors say that." At these words Molly was almost
+convulsed with sobs, but Enna went on relentlessly. "And when they asked
+her how it happened, she up and told them her high-heeled shoes threw her
+down, and that she didn't want to wear them, but I made her do it."
+
+"And so you did, and I only told it because one of the doctors asked if I
+didn't know they were dangerous; and when I said yes, he wanted to know
+how I came to be so foolish as to wear them."
+
+"And then he lectured me," Enna went on, "as if it was all my fault, when
+of course it was her own carelessness; for if it wasn't, why haven't some
+of the rest of us fallen down. Accidents happen when nobody's to blame."
+
+"I came near falling the other day, myself," said Mrs. Conly, "and I'll
+never wear a high, narrow heel again, nor let one of my girls do so. Now
+I'm going out. You two ought to take a nap; Molly especially, poor child!
+I'm very sorry for you; but don't cry any more now. It will only hurt
+your eyes."
+
+Mrs. Conly was to stay to tea and spend the evening. Stepping into the
+parlor she found all the adult members of the family there.
+
+"I want to have a talk with you, Louise," her brother said, seating her
+comfortably on a sofa and drawing up a chair beside her.
+
+"And I think I know what about," she returned with heightened color,
+glancing toward Elsie, "but let me tell you beforehand, Horace, that you
+may as well spare yourself the trouble. I have already accepted Mrs.
+Delaford's offer."
+
+"Louise! how could you be so hasty in so important a matter?"
+
+"Permit me to answer that question with another," she retorted, drawing
+herself up haughtily, "what right have you to call me to an account for so
+doing?"
+
+"Only the right of an older brother to take a fraternal interest in your
+welfare and that of his nieces."
+
+"What is it, mother?" asked Calhoun.
+
+She told him in a few words, and he turned to his uncle with the query why
+he so seriously objected to her acceptance of what seemed so favorable an
+offer.
+
+"Because I think it would be putting in great jeopardy the welfare of your
+sisters, temporal and spiritual"
+
+"What nonsense, Horace!" exclaimed Mrs. Conly angrily. "Of course I shall
+expressly stipulate that their faith is not to be interfered with."
+
+"And just as much of course the promise will be given and systematically
+broken without the slightest compunction; because in the creed of Rome the
+end sanctifies the means and no end is esteemed higher or holier than that
+of adding members to her communion."
+
+"Well," said Louise, "I must say you judge them hardly. I'm sure there are
+at least some pious ones among them and of course they wouldn't lie."
+
+"You forget that the more pious they are, the more obedient they will be
+to the teachings of their church, and when she tells them it is a pious
+act to be false to their word or oath, for her advancement, or to burn,
+kill and destroy, or to break any other commandment of the decalogue, they
+will obey believing that thus they do God service.
+
+"Really the folly and credulity of Protestant parents who commit their
+children to the care of those who teach and put in practice, too, these
+two maxims, so utterly destructive of all truth and honesty, all
+confidence between man and man--'The end sanctifies the means,' and 'No
+faith with heretics,'--is to me perfectly astounding."
+
+"So you consider me a fool," said Mrs. Conly, bridling, "thanks for the
+compliment."
+
+"It is you who make the application, Louise," he answered. "I had no
+thought of doing so, and still hope you will prove your wisdom by
+reconsidering and letting Mrs. Delaford know that you revoke your
+decision."
+
+"Indeed I shall not; I consider that I have no right to throw away
+Isadore's fortune."
+
+"Have you then a greater right to imperil her soul's salvation?" he asked
+with solemn earnestness.
+
+"Pshaw! what a serious thing you make of it," she exclaimed, yet with an
+uneasy and troubled look.
+
+"Uncle!" cried Calhoun in surprise, "do you not think there have been and
+are some real Christians in the Romish Church?"
+
+"No doubt of it, Cal; some who, spite of her idolatrous teachings, worship
+God alone and put their trust solely in the atoning blood and imputed
+righteousness of Christ. Yet who can fail to see in the picture of Babylon
+the Great so graphically drawn in Revelation, a faithful portraiture of
+Rome? And the command is, 'Come out of her, my people, that ye be not
+partaker of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.'"
+
+Mr. Dinsmore paused, but no one seeming to have anything to say in reply,
+went on to give his sister a number of instances which had come to his
+knowledge, of the perversion of Protestant girls while being educated in
+convents.
+
+"Well," she said at last, "I'm not going to draw back now, but I shall be
+on the watch and if they do begin to tamper with my girls' faith I'll
+remove them at once. There now I hope you are satisfied!"
+
+"Not quite, Louise," he said, "they are accomplished proselyters and may
+have the foundations completely and irremediably undermined ere you
+suspect that they have begun."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.
+
+    "Affliction is the wholesome soil of virtue;
+     Where patience, honor, sweet humanity,
+     Calm fortitude, take root, and strongly flourish."
+                        --MALLET AND THOMSON'S ALFRED.
+
+
+A bath, a nap, and a dainty supper had refreshed Molly somewhat before the
+children were admitted to her room, but they found her looking pale and
+thin, and oh, so sorrowful! so different from the bright, merry, happy
+"Cousin Molly" of six months ago.
+
+Their little hearts swelled with sympathetic grief, and tears filled their
+eyes as one after another they took her hand and kissed her lovingly.
+
+"Poor child, I so solly for oo!" said Herbert, and Molly laughed
+hysterically, then put her hands over her face, and sobbed as though her
+heart would break. First, it was the oddity of being called "child" by
+such a mere baby, then the thought that she had become an object of pity
+to such an one.
+
+"Don' ky," he said, pulling away her hand to kiss her cheek. "Herbie
+didn't mean to make oo ky."
+
+"Come, Herbie dear, let us go now; we mustn't tease poor sick cousin,"
+whispered his sister Elsie, drawing him gently away.
+
+"No, no! let him stay; let him love me," sobbed Molly. "He is a dear
+little fellow," she added, returning his caresses, and wiping away her
+tears.
+
+"Herbie will love oo, poor old sing," he said, stroking her face, "and
+mamma and papa, and all de folks will be ever so dood to oo."
+
+Molly's laugh was more natural this time, and under its inspiring
+influence, the little ones grew quite merry, really amusing her with their
+prattle, till their mammy came to take them to bed.
+
+Elsie was beginning to say good-night too, thinking there was danger of
+wearying the invalid, but Molly said, "I don't wonder you want to leave
+me; mother says nobody could like to stay with such a----" she broke off
+suddenly, again hid her face in her hands and wept bitterly.
+
+"Oh, no, no! I was only afraid of tiring you," Elsie said, leaning over
+her and stroking her hair with soft, gentle touch. "I should like to stay
+and talk if you wish; to tell you all about our visit to the Crags, and
+mamma's old governess, and----"
+
+"Oh, yes, do; anything to help me to forget, even for a few minutes. Oh, I
+wish I was dead! I wish I was dead! I can't bear to live and be a
+cripple!"
+
+"Dear Molly, don't cry, don't feel so dreadfully about it!" Elsie said,
+weeping with her. "Jesus will help you to bear it; he loves you, and is
+sorrier for you than anybody else is; and he won't let you be sick or in
+pain in heaven."
+
+"No, he doesn't love me! I'm not good enough; and if he did, he wouldn't
+have let me get such a dreadful fall."
+
+Little Elsie was perplexed for the moment, and knew not what to answer.
+
+"Couldn't he have kept me from falling?" demanded Molly, almost fiercely.
+
+"Yes, he can do everything."
+
+"Then I hate him for letting me fall!"
+
+Elsie was inexpressibly shocked. "Oh, Molly!" in an awed, frightened tone,
+was all that she could say.
+
+"I'm awfully wicked, I know I am; but I can't help it. Why did he let me
+fall? I couldn't bear to let a dog be so dreadfully hurt, if I could help
+it!"
+
+"Molly, the Bible says 'God is love.' And in another place, 'God so loved
+the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
+him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' 'God commendeth his
+love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' He
+must have loved you, Molly, when he died that dreadful death to save you."
+
+"Not me."
+
+"Yes, if you will believe. 'Whosoever believeth.'"
+
+"It was just for everybody in a lump," said Molly, sighing wearily. "Not
+for you or me, or anybody in particular; at least not anybody that's
+living now; because we weren't made then; so how could he?"
+
+"But mamma says he knew he was going to make us, just the same as he does
+now; and that he thought of each one, and loved and died for each one just
+as much as if there was only one."
+
+"Well, it's queer if he loved me so well as that, and yet would let me
+fall and be so awfully injured. What's this? You didn't have it before you
+came North," taking hold of the gold chain about Elsie's neck.
+
+Out came the little watch and Elsie told about the aching tooth and the
+trip to New York to have it extracted.
+
+"Seems to me," was Molly's comment, "you have all the good things: such a
+nice mother and everything else. Such a good father too, and mine was
+killed when I was a little bit of a thing; and mother's so cross.
+
+"But Dick's good to me; dear old Dick," she added, looking up at him with
+glistening eyes as he came in and going up to her couch, asked how she
+was.
+
+"You'd better go to sleep now," he said. "You've been talking quite
+awhile, haven't you?"
+
+At that Elsie slipped quietly away and went in search of her mother.
+
+She found her alone on the veranda looking out meditatively upon the
+restless moonlit waters of the sea.
+
+"Mamma," said the child softly, "I should like a stroll on the beach with
+you. Can we go alone? I want to talk with you about something."
+
+"Come then, daughter," and hand in hand they sought the beach, only a few
+yards distant.
+
+It was a clear still night, the moon nearly at the full, and the cool salt
+breeze from the silver-tipped waves was exceedingly refreshing after the
+heat of the day; which had been one of the hottest of the season.
+
+For a while they paced to and fro in silence; then little Elsie gave her
+mother the substance of her conversation with Molly in which the latter
+expressed her disbelief in God's love for her because he had not prevented
+her fall. "Mamma," she said in conclusion, "how I wished you were there to
+make her understand."
+
+"Poor child!" said the mother, in low, moved tones, "only he who permitted
+this sore trial can convince her that it was sent in love."
+
+"But you will talk to her, mamma?"
+
+"Yes, when a suitable opportunity offers; but prayer can do more for her
+than any words of ours, addressed to her."
+
+The presence of Molly and her mother proved a serious drawback to the
+enjoyment of our party during the remainder of their sojourn at the
+seashore. The burden fell heaviest upon Elsie and her children, as the
+principal entertainers, and the mother had often to counsel patience and
+forbearance, and to remind her darlings of their promise to be ready to do
+all they could for the comfort and happiness of the sufferer.
+
+All made praiseworthy efforts to fulfil their engagement, and Elsie and
+Vi, particularly the former, as nearest to Molly in age, and therefore
+most desired by her as a companion, gave up many a pleasure excursion for
+her sake, staying at home to talk with and amuse her when all the rest
+were out driving or boating.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.
+
+
+    "Ah! who can say, however fair his view,
+     Through what sad scenes his path may lie?"
+
+
+Mrs. Conly adhered to her resolve in regard to the education of her
+daughters, and about the middle of September left with them and her
+younger children for a visit to Mrs. Delaford, at whose house the
+wardrobes of the two girls were to be made ready for their first school
+year at the convent chosen by their aunt.
+
+Arthur went with them as their escort. A week later the rest of the
+Roselands party returned home, and early in October the Oaks and Ion
+rejoiced in the return of their families.
+
+Baby Lily had been so benefited by the trip that Elsie felt warranted in
+resuming her loved employment as acting governess to her older children.
+
+They fell into the old round of duties and pleasures, as loving and happy
+a family as one might wish to see; a striking and most pleasant contrast
+to the one at Roselands, that of Enna and her offspring--where the mother
+fretted and scolded, and the children, following her example were
+continually at war with one another.
+
+Only between Dick and Molly there was peace and love. The poor girl led a
+weary life pinned to her couch or chair, wholly dependent upon others for
+the means of locomotion and for anything that was not within reach of her
+hand.
+
+She had not yet learned submission under her trial, and her mother was far
+from being an assistance in bearing it. Molly was greatly depressed in
+spirits, and her mother's scolding and fretting were often almost beyond
+endurance.
+
+Her younger brother and sister thought it a trouble to wait on her and
+usually kept out of her way, but Dick, when present, was her faithful
+slave; always ready to lift and carry her, or to bring her anything she
+wanted. But much of Dick's time was necessarily occupied with his studies,
+and in going to and from his school, which was two or three miles distant.
+
+He was very thoughtful for her comfort, and it was through his suggestion,
+that their grandfather directed that one of the pleasantest rooms in the
+house, overlooking the avenue, so that all the coming and going could be
+seen from its windows, should be appropriated to Molly's use.
+
+There Dick would seat her each morning, before starting for school, in an
+invalid's easy-chair presented to her by her Cousin Elsie, and there he
+would be pretty sure to find her on his return, unless, as occasionally
+happened, their grandfather, Uncle Horace, Mr. Travilla, or some one of
+the relatives, had taken her out for a drive.
+
+One afternoon about the last of November, Molly, weary of sewing and
+reading, weary inexpressibly weary, of her confinement and enforced
+quietude, was gazing longingly down the avenue, wishing that some one
+would come to take her out for an airing, when the door opened and her
+mother came in dressed for the open air, in hat, cloak and furs.
+
+"I want you to button my glove, Molly," she said, holding out her wrist,
+"Rachel's so busy on my new silk, and you have nothing to do. What a
+fortunate child you are to be able to take your ease all the time."
+
+"My ease!" cried Molly bitterly, "I'd be gladder than words can tell to
+change places with you for awhile."
+
+"Humph! you don't know what you're wishing; the way I have to worry over
+my sewing for four besides myself, is enough to try the patience of a
+saint. By the way, it's high time you began to make yourself useful in
+that line. With practice, you might soon learn to accomplish a great deal,
+having nothing to do but stick at it from morning to night."
+
+Molly was in the act of buttoning the second glove. Tears sprang to her
+eyes at this evidence of her mother's heartlessness, and one bright drop
+fell on Enna's wrist.
+
+"There you have stained my glove!" she exclaimed angrily. "What a baby you
+are! will you never have done with this continued crying?"
+
+"It seems to be very easy for you to bear my troubles, mother," returned
+poor Molly, raising her head proudly, and dashing away the tears, "I will
+try to learn to bear them too, and never again appeal to my mother for
+sympathy."
+
+"You get enough of that from Dick, he cares ten times as much for you as
+he does for me--his own mother."
+
+At that moment Betty came running in. "Mother, the carriage is at the
+door, and grandpa's ready. Molly, grandpa says he'll take you too, if you
+want to go."
+
+Molly's face brightened, but before she could speak, Enna answered for
+her. "No, she can't; there isn't time to get her ready."
+
+Mrs. Johnson hurried from the room, Betty following close at her heels,
+and Molly was left alone in her grief and weariness.
+
+She watched the carriage as it rolled down the avenue, then turning from
+the window, indulged in a hearty cry.
+
+At length, exhausted by her emotion, she laid her head back and fell
+asleep in her chair.
+
+How long she had slept she did not know; some unusual noise down-stairs
+woke her, and the next moment Betty rushed in screaming, "Oh, Molly,
+Molly, mother and grandfather's killed; both of 'em! Oh, dear! oh, dear!"
+
+For an instant Molly seemed stunned, she scarcely comprehended Betty's
+words, then as the child repeated, "They're killed! they're both killed;
+the horses ran away and threw 'em out," she too uttered a cry of anguish,
+and grasping the arms of her chair, made desperate efforts to rise; but
+all in vain, and with a groan she sank back, and covering her face with
+her hands, shed the bitterest tears her impotence had ever yet cost her.
+
+Betty had run away again, and she was all alone. Oh, how hard it was for
+her to be chained there in such an agony of doubt and distress! She
+forcibly restrained her groans and sobs, and listened intently.
+
+The Conlys, except Cal, were still at the North; the house seemed
+strangely quiet, only now and then a stealthy step or a murmur of voices
+and occasionally a half smothered cry from Bob or Betty.
+
+A horseman came dashing furiously up the avenue. It was her uncle, Mr.
+Horace Dinsmore. He threw himself from the saddle and hurried into the
+house, and the next minute two more followed at the same headlong pace.
+
+These were Cal and Dr. Barton, and they also dismounted in hot haste and
+disappeared from her sight beneath the veranda. Certainly something very
+dreadful had happened. Oh would nobody come to tell her!
+
+The minutes dragged their slow length along seeming like hours. She lay
+back in her chair in an agony of suspense, the perspiration standing in
+cold drops on her brow.
+
+But the sound of wheels roused her and looking out she saw the Oaks and
+Ion carriages drive up, young Horace and Rosie alight from the one, Mr.
+Travilla and Elsie from the other.
+
+"Oh!" thought Molly, "Cousin Elsie will be sure to think of me directly
+and I shall not be left much longer in this horrible suspense."
+
+Her confidence was not misplaced. Not many minutes had elapsed when her
+door was softly opened, a light step crossed the floor and a sweet fair
+face, full of tender compassion, bent over the grief-stricken girl.
+
+Molly tried to speak; her tongue refused its office, but Elsie quickly
+answered the mute questioning of the wild, frightened, anguished eyes.
+
+"There is life," she said, taking the cold hands in hers, "life in both;
+and 'while there is life there is hope.' Our dear old grandfather has a
+broken leg and arm and a few slight cuts and bruises, but is restored to
+consciousness now, and able to speak. Your poor mother has fared still
+worse, we fear, as the principal injury is to the head, but we will hope
+for the best in her case also."
+
+Molly dropped her head on her cousin's shoulder while a burst of weeping
+brought partial relief to the overburdened heart.
+
+Elsie clasped her arms about her and strove to soothe and comfort her
+with caresses and endearing words.
+
+"If I could only nurse mother now," sobbed the girl, "how glad I'd be to
+do it. O cousin, it most breaks my heart now to think how I've vexed and
+worried her since--since this dreadful trouble came to me. I'd give
+anything never to have said a cross or disrespectful word to her. And now
+I can do nothing for her! nothing, nothing!" and she wrung her hands in
+grief and despair.
+
+"Yes, dear child; there is one thing you can do," Elsie answered, weeping
+with her.
+
+"What, what is that?" asked Molly, half incredulously, half hopefully,
+"what can I do chained here?"
+
+"Pray for her, Molly, plead for her with him unto whom belong the issues
+from death; to him who has all power in heaven and in earth and who is
+able to save to the uttermost."
+
+"No, no, even that I can't do," sobbed Molly, "I've never learned to pray,
+and he isn't my friend as he is yours and your children's!"
+
+"Then first of all make him your friend; oh, he is so kind and merciful
+and loving. He says, 'Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
+and I will give you rest.' 'Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast
+out.'"
+
+"Oh, if I only knew how!" sighed Molly, "nobody needs such a friend more
+than I. I'd give all the world to have him for mine."
+
+"But you cannot buy his friendship--his salvation; it is 'without money
+and without price.' What is it to come to him? Just to take him at his
+word, give yourself to him and believe his promise that he will not cast
+you out."
+
+There was a tap at the door and Rosie came in, put her arms round Molly,
+kissed her and wept with her.
+
+Then young Horace followed and after that his father. Both seemed to feel
+very much for Molly and to be anxious to do everything in their power to
+help and comfort her.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was evidently in deep grief and soon withdrew, Elsie going
+with him. They stood together for a few minute in the hall.
+
+"My dear father, how I feel for you!" Elsie said, laying her hand on his
+arm and looking up at him through gathering tears.
+
+"Thank you, my child; your sympathy is always very sweet to me," he said.
+"And you have mine; for I know this trial touches you also though somewhat
+less nearly than myself."
+
+"Is grandpa suffering much?" she asked.
+
+"Very much; and at his age--but I will not anticipate sorrow; we know that
+the event is in the hands of him who doeth all things well. Ah, if he were
+only a Christian! And Enna! poor Enna!"
+
+Sobs and cries coming from the nursery broke in upon the momentary silence
+that followed the exclamation.
+
+"Poor little Bob and Betty, I must go to them," Elsie said, gliding away
+in the direction of the sounds, while Mr. Dinsmore returned to the room
+where his father lay groaning with the pain of his wounds. Mr. Travilla,
+Calhoun and the doctor were with him, but he was asking for his son.
+
+"Horace," he said, "can't you stay with me?"
+
+"Yes, father, night and day while you want me."
+
+"That's right! It's a good thing to have a good son. Dr. Barton, where are
+you going?"
+
+"To your daughter, sir, Mrs. Johnson."
+
+"Enna! is she much hurt?" asked the old man, starting up, but falling back
+instantly with almost a scream of pain.
+
+"You must lie still, sir, indeed you must," said the doctor, coming back
+to the bed; "your life depends upon your keeping quiet and exciting
+yourself as little as possible."
+
+"Yes, yes; but Enna?"
+
+"Has no bones broken."
+
+"Thank God for that! then she'll do. Go, doctor, but don't leave the house
+without seeing me again."
+
+They were glad he was so easily satisfied, but knew he would not be if his
+mind were quite clear.
+
+Dick had come home in strong excitement, rumors of the accident having met
+him on the way. The horses had taken fright at the sudden shriek of a
+locomotive, and the breaking of a defective bit had deprived the old
+gentleman of the power to control them. They ran madly down a steep
+embankment, wrecking the carriage and throwing both passengers out upon a
+bed of stones.
+
+Pale and trembling the lad went straight to his mother's room where he
+found her lying moaning on the bed, recognizing no one, unconscious of
+anything that was going on about her.
+
+He discovered that he loved her far more than he would have believed; he
+thought her dying, and his heart smote him, as memory recalled many a
+passionate, undutiful word he had spoken to her; often, it is true, under
+great provocation, but oh, what would he not now have given to recall
+them.
+
+He had much ado to control his emotion sufficiently to ask the doctor what
+he thought of her case. He was somewhat comforted by the reply,
+
+"The injury to the head is very serious, yet I by no means despair of her
+life."
+
+"What can I do for her?" was the boy's next question in an imploring tone
+as though he would esteem it a boon to be permitted to do something for
+her relief.
+
+"Nothing; we have plenty of help here, and you are too inexperienced for a
+nurse," Dr. Barton said, not unkindly. "But see to your sister Molly," he
+added. "Poor child! she will feel this sorely."
+
+The admonition was quite superfluous; Dick was already hastening to her.
+
+Another moment and she was weening out her sorrow and anxiety on his
+shoulder.
+
+"O Dick," she sobbed, "I'm afraid I can never speak to her again, and--and
+my last words to her, just before she went, were a reproach. I said I'd
+never ask her for sympathy again; and now I never can. Oh isn't it
+dreadful, dreadful!" and she wept as if her very heart would break.
+
+"Oh, don't, Molly!" he said hoarsely, pressing her closer to him and
+mingling his tears with hers, "who could blame you, you poor suffering
+thing! and I'm sure you must have been provoked to it. She hadn't been
+saying anything kind to you?"
+
+Molly shook her head with a fresh burst of grief. "No, oh no! oh, if we'd
+parted like Cousin Elsie and her children always do!--with kind, loving
+words and caresses."
+
+"But we're not that sort, you know," returned Dick with an awkward attempt
+at consolation, "and I'm worse than you, a great deal, for I've talked up
+to mother many a time and didn't have the same excuse."
+
+There was sickness at Pinegrove. Mrs. Howard was slowly recovering from an
+attack of typhoid fever. This was why she had not hastened to Roselands to
+the assistance of her injured father and sister.
+
+And Mrs. Rose Dinsmore was at Ashlands, helping Sophie nurse her children
+through the scarlet fever. And so, Mrs. Conly being still absent at the
+North, the burden of these new responsibilities must fall upon Mr. Horace
+Dinsmore and his children.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore undertook the care of his father, Mr. Travilla and young
+Horace engaging to relieve him now and then, Elsie that of Enna; her
+children, except the baby, who with mammy must come to Roselands also,
+could do without her for a time. It would be hard for both her and them,
+she knew, but the lesson in self-denial for the sake of others, might
+prove more than a compensation; and Enna must not, in her critical state,
+be left to the care of servants.
+
+Rosie volunteered to see that Molly was not neglected, and to exert
+herself for the poor girl's entertainment, and Bob and Betty were sent to
+the Oaks to be looked after by Mrs. Murray and their cousin Horace.
+
+It would be no easy or agreeable task for the old lady, but she was sure
+not to object in view of the fact that quiet was essential to the recovery
+of the sufferers at Roselands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.
+
+    "Great minds, like heaven, are pleased in doing good,
+     Though the ungrateful subjects of their favors
+     Are barren in return."
+                                            --ROWE.
+
+
+The short winter day was closing in. At Ion, five eager, expectant little
+faces were looking out upon the avenue, where slowly and softly, tiny
+snowflakes were falling, the only moving thing within range of their
+vision.
+
+"Oh, dear, what does keep papa and mamma so long!" cried Vi, impatiently;
+"it seems most like a year since they started."
+
+"Oh, no, Vi, not half a day yet!"
+
+"I don't mean it _is_, Eddie, but it does _seem_ like it to me. Elsie, do
+you think anything's happened?"
+
+"One of the horses may have lost a shoe," Elsie said, trying to be very
+cheerful, and putting her arm round Violet as she spoke. "I remember that
+happened once a good while ago. But if mamma were here, don't you know
+what she would say, little sister?"
+
+"Yes; 'don't fret; don't meet trouble half way, but trust in God, our
+Father, who loves us so dearly, that he will never let any real harm come
+to us.'"
+
+"I think our mamma is very wise," remarked Eddie; "so very much wiser than
+Aunt Lucy, who gets frightened at every little thing."
+
+"Oh, Eddie dear, would mamma or papa like that?" said Elsie softly.
+
+"Well, it's true," he said reddening.
+
+But they've both told us that unkind remarks should not be made even if
+true: unless it is quite necessary."
+
+"Oh, why don't papa and mamma come?" "Oh, I wis dey would! I so tired
+watchin' for 'em!" burst out Harold and Herbert, nearly ready to cry.
+
+"Look! look!" cried the others in chorus, "they are coming, the carriage
+is just turning in at the gate!"
+
+But it was growing so dark now, and the tiny flakes were coming down so
+thick and fast, that none of them were quite sure the carriage was their
+own, until it drew up before the door, and two dear familiar forms
+alighted and came up the veranda steps.
+
+They were greeted with as joyous a welcome as if they had been absent for
+weeks or months, and returned the sweet caresses as lovingly as they were
+bestowed, smiling tenderly upon each darling of their hearts.
+
+But almost instantly little Elsie perceived something unusual in the
+sweet, fair face she loved so dearly, and was wont to study with such
+fond, tender scrutiny.
+
+"Mamma, dear mamma, what is wrong?" she asked.
+
+"A sad accident, daughter," Elsie answered, her voice faltering with
+emotion, "poor grandpa and Aunt Enna have been badly hurt."
+
+"Our dear grandpa, mamma?" they all asked, lips and voices tremulous with
+grief.
+
+"No, darlings, not my own dear father," the mother answered, with a heart
+full of gratitude that it was not he, "but our poor old grandfather who
+lives at Roselands."
+
+"My dear little wife, you are too much overcome to talk any more just
+now," Mr. Travilla said, wheeling an easy-chair to the fire, seating her
+in it, and removing her hat and cloak, with all the tender gallantry of
+the days when he wooed and won his bride; "let me tell it." He took a seat
+near her side, lifted "bit Herbie" to his knee, and with the others
+gathered close about him, briefly told how the accident had happened, and
+that he and their mother had met a messenger coming to acquaint them with
+the disaster, and summon them to Roselands; then gave the children some
+idea of the present situation of their injured relations.
+
+When he had finished, and his young hearers had expressed their sorrow and
+sympathy for the sufferers, a moment of silence ensued, broken by little
+Elsie.
+
+"Mamma, who will take care of them?"
+
+"God," said Herbert, "won't he, papa?"
+
+"But I mean who will nurse them while they are sick," said Elsie.
+
+"My father will take care of grandpa," Mrs. Travilla answered, "Uncle
+Horace and papa helping when needed."
+
+"And Aunt Enna, mamma?"
+
+"Well, daughter, who do you think should nurse her? Aunt Louise is away,
+Aunt Lora sick herself, grandma at Ashlands with Aunt Sophie and her sick
+children."
+
+"Oh, mamma, it won't have to be you, will it?" the child asked almost
+imploringly.
+
+"Oh, mamma, no; how could we do without you?" chimed in the others,
+Herbert adding tearfully, "Mamma stay wis us; we tan't do wisout you."
+
+They left their father to cluster about and cling to her, with caresses
+and entreaties.
+
+"My darlings," she said, returning their endearments, "can you not feel
+willing to spare your mother for a little while to poor, suffering Aunt
+Enna?"
+
+"Mamma, they have plenty of servants"
+
+"Yes, Vi, but she is so very ill that we cannot hope she will get well
+without more careful, tender nursing than any servant would give her."
+
+"Mamma, it will be very hard to do without you."
+
+"And very hard for me to stay away from my dear children; but what does
+the Bible say? Seek your own pleasure and profit, and let others take
+care of themselves?"
+
+"Oh, mamma, no! 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'"
+
+"'Do good to them that hate you,'" quoted Eddie in an undertone.
+
+"But we were not speaking of enemies, my son," his mother said in
+surprise.
+
+"I think Aunt Enna is your enemy, mamma; I think she hates you," he said,
+with flashing eyes, "for I've many a time heard her say very hateful
+things to you. Mamma, don't look so sorry at me; how can I help being
+angry at people that say unkind things to you?"
+
+"'Forgive, and you shall be forgiven,'" she said gently. "'Do good and
+lend.' Can't you lend your mother for a few weeks, dears?"
+
+"Weeks, mamma! oh, so long!" they cried. "How can we? who will take care
+of us, and hear our lessons and teach us to be good?"
+
+"Dinah will wash and dress you, Elsie help you little ones to learn your
+lessons, and I think papa," looking at him, "will hear you recite."
+
+"Yes," he said, smiling on them, "we will do our best, so that dear mamma
+may not be anxious and troubled about us in addition to all the care and
+anxiety for the suffering ones at Roselands."
+
+"Yes, papa," they answered, returning his smile half tearfully; then
+questioned their mother as to when she must go, and whether they should
+see her at all while Aunt Enna was sick.
+
+"I can wait only long enough to take supper with you, and have our talk
+together afterward," she said, "because I am needed at Roselands. Perhaps
+papa will bring you there sometimes to see me for a little while if you
+will be very quiet. And it may be only for a few days that I shall be
+wanted there; we cannot tell about that yet."
+
+She spoke cheerfully, but it cost her an effort because of the grieved,
+troubled looks on the dear little faces.
+
+"But baby, mamma!" cried Vi, "baby can't do without you!"
+
+"No, dear, she and mammy will have to go with me."
+
+They were not the usual merry party at the tea-table, and a good many
+tears were shed during the talk with mamma afterward.
+
+They all consented to her going, but the parting with her, and the thought
+of doing without her for "so long" were the greatest trials they had ever
+known.
+
+She saw all the younger ones in bed, kissed each one good-night, and
+reminding them that their heavenly Father was always with them, and that
+she would not be too far away to come at once to them if needed, she left
+them to their sleep.
+
+Elsie followed her mother to her dressing-room, watched for every
+opportunity to assist in her preparations for her absence. They were not
+many, and with some parting injunctions to this little daughter and the
+servants, she announced herself ready to go.
+
+Elsie clung to her with tears at the last, as they stood together in the
+lower hall waiting for the others.
+
+"Mamma, what shall I do without you? I've never been away from you a whole
+day in all my life."
+
+"No, dearest, but be my brave, helpful little girl. You must try to fill
+mother's place to the little ones. I shall not be far away, you know, and
+your dear father will be here nearly all the time. And don't forget,
+darling, that your best Friend is always with you."
+
+"No, mamma," said the child, smiling through her tears; "it is so sweet to
+know that; and please don't trouble about us at home. I'll do my best for
+papa and the children."
+
+"That is right, daughter, you are a very great comfort to me now and
+always," the mother said, with a last caress, as her husband joined her
+and gave her his arm to lead her to the carriage.
+
+"Don't come out in the cold, daughter," he said, seeing the child about to
+follow.
+
+Mammy had just come down with the sleeping babe in her arms, warmly
+wrapped up to shield her from the cold.
+
+Elsie sprang to her side, lifted the veil that covered the little face,
+and softly touched her lips to the delicate cheek. "Good-bye, baby
+darling. Oh, mammy, we'll miss her sadly and you too."
+
+"Don't fret, honey, 'spect we all be comin' back soon," Aunt Chloe
+whispered, readjusting the veil, and hurrying after her mistress.
+
+Elsie flew to the window, and watched the carriage roll away down the
+avenue, till lost to sight in the darkness, tears trembling in her eyes,
+but a thrill of joy mingling with her grief: "it was so sweet to be a
+comfort and help to dear mamma."
+
+She set herself to considering how she might be the same to her father and
+brothers and sister; what she could do now.
+
+She remembered that her father was very fond of music and that her mother
+often played and sang for him in the evenings. He had said he would
+probably return in an hour, and going to the piano she spent the
+intervening time in the diligent practice of a new piece of music he had
+brought her a day or two before.
+
+At sound of the carriage wheels she ran to meet him, her face bright with
+welcoming smiles.
+
+"My little sunbeam," he said taking her in his arms; "you have been
+nothing but a comfort and blessing to your mother and me, since the day
+you were born."
+
+"Dear papa, how kind in you to tell me that!" she said, her cheek flushing
+and her eyes glistening with pleasure.
+
+He kept her with him till after her usual hour for retiring, listening to,
+and praising her music and talking with her quite as if she were fit to be
+a companion for him.
+
+Both the injured ones were very ill for some weeks, but by means of
+competent medical advice and careful nursing, their lives were saved; yet
+neither recovered entirely from the effects of the accident. Mr. Dinsmore
+was feeble and ailing, and walked with a limp for the rest of his days,
+and Enna, though her bodily health was quite restored, rose from her bed
+with an impaired intellect, her memory gone, her reasoning powers scarcely
+equal to those of an ordinary child of five or six.
+
+She did not recognize her children, or indeed any one; she had everything
+to relearn and went back to childish amusements, dolls, baby-houses and
+other toys.
+
+The sight was inexpressibly painful to Dick and Molly, far worse than
+following her to her grave.
+
+She remained at her father's, a capable and kind woman being provided to
+take constant charge of her, while Bob and Betty stayed on at the Oaks,
+their uncle and aunt bringing them up with all the care and kindness
+bestowed upon their own children; and Dick and Molly made their home at
+Ion.
+
+The latter was removed thither as soon as the danger to her mother's life
+was past, the change being considered only temporary at the time; though
+afterward it was decided to make it permanent, in accordance with the kind
+and generous invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Travilla to her and her brother,
+and their offer to become responsible for the education and present
+support of both.
+
+Little Elsie, bravely and earnestly striving to fill her mother's place in
+the household, making herself companionable to her father, helping Eddie,
+Vi and Harold with their lessons, comforting Herbie when his baby heart
+ached so sorely with its longing for mamma, and in all his little griefs
+and troubles, and settling the slight differences that would sometimes
+arise between the children or the servants, found Molly an additional
+burden; for she too must be cheered and consoled and was often fretful,
+unreasonable and exacting.
+
+Still the little girl struggled on, now feebly and almost ready to
+despair, now with renewed hope and courage gathered from an interview with
+her earthly or her heavenly Father.
+
+Mr. Travilla was very proud of the womanly way in which she acquitted
+herself at this time, her diligence, utter unselfishness, patience, and
+thoughtfulness for others, and did not withhold the meed of well earned
+praise; this with his advice and sympathy did much to enable her to
+persevere to the end.
+
+But oh what relief and joy when at last the dear mother was restored to
+them and the unaccustomed burden lifted from the young shoulders!
+
+It would have been impossible to say who rejoiced most heartily in the
+reunion, father, mother or children. But every heart leaped lightly, every
+face was bright with smiles.
+
+Mrs. Travilla knew she was adding greatly to her cares, and to the
+annoyances and petty trials of every day life, in taking Dick and
+especially Molly into her family, but she realized it more and more as the
+months and years rolled on; both had been so spoiled by Enna's unwise and
+capricious treatment, that it was a difficult thing to control them; and
+poor Molly's sad affliction caused her frequent fits of depression which
+rendered her a burden to herself and to others; also she inherited to some
+extent, her mother's infirmities of temper, and her envy, jealousy and
+unreasonableness made her presence in the family a trial to her young
+cousins.
+
+The mother had to teach patience, meekness and forbearance by precept and
+example, ever holding up as the grand motive, love to Jesus, and a desire
+to please and honor him.
+
+Such constant sowing of the good seed, such patient, careful weeding out
+of the tares, such watchfulness and prayerfulness as Elsie bestowed upon
+the children God had given her, could not fail of their reward from him
+who has said, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap"; and as
+the years rolled on she had the unspeakable joy of seeing her darlings one
+after another gathered into the fold of the Good Shepherd;--consecrating
+themselves in the dew of their youth to the service of him who had loved
+them and washed them from their sins in his own blood.
+
+She was scarcely less earnest and persistent in her efforts to promote the
+welfare, temporal and spiritual, of Molly and Dick. She far more than
+supplied the place of the mother now almost worse than lost to them.
+
+They had always liked and respected her; they soon learned to love her
+dearly and grew happier and more lovable under the refining, elevating
+influence of her conduct and conversation.
+
+She and her husband gave to both the best advantages for education that
+money could procure, aroused in them the desire, and stimulated them to
+earnest efforts to become useful members of society.
+
+Elsie soon discovered that one grand element of Molly's depression was the
+thought that she was cut off from all the activities of life and doomed,
+by her sad affliction, to be a useless burden upon others.
+
+"My poor dear child!" she said clasping the weeping girl in her arms,
+"that would be a sad fate indeed, but it need not be yours; there are many
+walks of usefulness still open to you; literature, several of the arts and
+sciences, music, painting, authorship; to say nothing of needle work both
+plain and fancy. The first thing will be a good education in the ordinary
+acceptation of the term--and that you can take as easily as one who has
+use of all her limbs. Books and masters shall be at your command, and when
+you have decided to what employment you will especially devote yourself,
+every facility shall be given you for perfecting yourself in it."
+
+"O Cousin Elsie," cried the girl, her eyes shining, "do you think I could
+ever write books, or paint pictures? I mean such as would be really worth
+the doing; such as would make Dick proud of me and perhaps give me money
+to help him with; because you know the poor fellow must make his own way
+in the world."
+
+"I scarcely know how to answer that question," Elsie said, smiling at her
+sudden enthusiasm, "but I do know that patience and perseverance will do
+wonders, and if you practice them faithfully, it will not surprise me to
+see you some day turn out a great author or artist.
+
+"But don't fret because Dick has not a fortune to begin with. Our very
+noblest and most successful men have been those who had to win their way
+by dint of hard and determined struggling with early disadvantages. 'Young
+trees root the faster for shaking!'" she added with a smile.
+
+"Oh then Dick will succeed, I know, dear, noble fellow!" cried Molly
+flushing with sisterly pride.
+
+From that time she took heart and though there were occasional returns of
+despondency and gloom she strove to banish them and was upon the whole,
+brave, cheerful and energetic in carrying out the plans her cousin had
+suggested.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.
+
+    "It is as if the night should shade noonday,
+     Or that the sun was here, but forced away;
+     And we were left, under that hemisphere,
+     Where we must feel it dark for half a year."
+                                  --BEN. JOHNSON.
+
+
+Since the events recorded in our last chapter, six years have rolled their
+swift, though noiseless round, ere we look in upon our friends again; six
+years bringing such changes as they must;--growth and development to the
+very young, a richer maturity, a riper experience to those who had already
+attained to adult life, and to the aged, increasing infirmities, reminding
+them that their race is nearly run; it may be so with others; it must be
+so with them.
+
+There have been gains and losses, sickness and other afflictions, but
+death has not yet entered any of their homes.
+
+At Ion, the emerald, velvety lawn, the grand old trees, the sparkling
+lakelet, the flower gardens and conservatories gay with rich autumn hues,
+were looking their loveliest, in the light of a fair September morning.
+
+The sun was scarcely an hour high, and except in the region of the
+kitchen and stables quiet reigned within and without the mansion; doors
+and windows stood wide open, and servants were busied here and there
+cleaning and setting in order for the day, but without noise or bustle. In
+the avenue before the front entrance, stood Solon with the pretty grey
+ponies, Prince and Princess, ready saddled and bridled, while on the
+veranda sat a tall, dark-eyed, handsome youth, a riding whip in one hand,
+the other gently stroking and patting the head of Bruno, as it rested on
+his knee; the dog receiving the caress with demonstrations of delight.
+
+A light, springing step passed down the broad stairway, crossed the hall,
+and a slender fairy-like form appeared in the doorway. It was Violet, now
+thirteen, and already a woman in height; though the innocent childlike
+trust in the sweet fair face and azure eyes, told another tale.
+
+"Good-morning, Eddie," she said. "I am sorry to have kept you waiting."
+
+"Oh, good-morning," he cried, jumping up and turning toward her. "No need
+for apology, Vi, I've not been here over five minutes."
+
+He handed her gallantly to the saddle, then mounted himself.
+
+"Try to cheer up, little sister; one should not be sad such a lovely
+morning as this," he said, as they trotted down the avenue side by side.
+
+"Oh, Eddie," she answered, with tears in her voice, "I do try, but I
+can't yet; it isn't like home without them."
+
+"No; no indeed, Vi; how could it be? Mr. and Mrs. Daly are very kind, yet
+not in the least like our father and mother; but it would be impossible
+for any one to take their places in our hearts or home."
+
+"The only way to feel at all reconciled, is to keep looking forward to the
+delight of seeing them return with our darling Lily well and strong," Vi
+said, struggling bravely with her tears; and Eddie answered, "I cannot
+help hoping that may be, in spite of all the discouraging things the
+doctors have said."
+
+Lily, always frail and delicate, had drooped more and more during the past
+year, and only yesterday the parents had left with her for the North,
+intending to try the effect of different watering places, in the faint
+hope that the child might yet be restored to health, or her life at least
+be prolonged for a few years.
+
+They had taken with them their eldest daughter, and infant son, and
+several servants.
+
+Aunt Chloe and Uncle Joe were not of the party, increasing infirmities
+compelling them to stay behind.
+
+The separation from her idolized mistress, cost the former many tears, but
+she was much comforted by Elsie's assurance, that to have her at home to
+watch over the children there, would be a great comfort and relief from
+anxiety on their account.
+
+It had seemed to Mr. and Mrs. Travilla, a very kind Providence that had
+sent them an excellent tutor and housekeeper, in the persons of Mr. and
+Mrs. Daly, their former guests at Viamede.
+
+Since the winter spent together there, an occasional correspondence had
+been kept up between the two families, and learning from it, that Mr. Daly
+was again in need of a change of climate, and that, just as they were
+casting about for some suitable persons to take charge of their house and
+children during their contemplated absence from home, Elsie suggested to
+her husband that the situations should be offered to him and his wife.
+
+Mr. Travilla approved, the offer was made at once, and promptly and
+thankfully accepted.
+
+Frank Daly, now a fine lad of eleven, was invited to come with his
+parents, and to share his father's instructions.
+
+They had now been in the house for more than a week, and seemed eminently
+suited to the duties they had undertaken; yet home was sadly changed to
+the children, deprived for the first time in their lives of the parents
+whom they so dearly loved, and who so thoroughly understood and
+sympathized with them.
+
+Eddie was growing very manly, was well advanced in his studies, easy and
+polished in manner, and Vi and the younger ones looked up to him with
+pride and respect, as the big brother who knew a great deal, and in papa's
+absence would be their leader and protector.
+
+He, on his part was fond and proud of them all, but more especially of
+Elsie and Vi, who grew daily in beauty and grace.
+
+"You can't think how sorely I have missed Elsie this morning," Vi said,
+breaking a slight pause in their talk, "and yet I am glad she went too,
+she will be such a comfort to mamma and Lily; and she promised me to write
+every day; which of course mamma could not find time to do."
+
+"Yes; and her absence will give you an opportunity for practice in that
+line, and in being motherly to Rosie," Eddie said with a smile.
+
+"To Herbie too," she answered; "we are to meet in mamma's dressing-room
+every morning just as usual, only it will be a strange half hour without
+mamma; but we will say our texts to each other, talk them over and read
+together."
+
+"Yes, I promised mamma that I would be with you. Which way now?" he asked,
+as they came to the crossroads.
+
+"To the Oaks. I want to see grandpa. A caress, or even a word or smile
+from him, would do me good this morning."
+
+"He may not be up."
+
+"But I think he will; you know he likes to keep early hours."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was up and pacing the veranda thoughtfully to and fro, as the
+young riders came in sight.
+
+He welcomed them with a smile, and lifting Vi from her pony, held her
+close to his heart as something very dear and precious.
+
+"My darling," he said, "your face is sad this morning; and no wonder. Yet
+cheer up, we will hope to see our dear travelers at home again in a few
+weeks, our poor fading flower restored to bloom and beauty."
+
+He made them sit down and regale themselves with some fine fresh oranges,
+which he summoned a servant to bring; their grandma, aunt and uncle joined
+them presently and they were urged to stay to breakfast, but declined.
+"The little ones must not be left alone this first morning without papa
+and mamma."
+
+On their return Rosie, a merry, healthy, romping child of five, with a
+rich creamy complexion, dark hair and eyes, forming a strong contrast to
+Vi's blonde beauty, came bounding to meet them.
+
+"O, Vi, I've been wanting you! you'll have to be mamma to us now, you
+know, till our real own mamma comes back. And, Eddie, you'll have to be
+the papa. Won't he, Vi? Come, let's all go to mamma's dress-room; my verse
+is ready."
+
+"What is your text, Rosie?" Violet asked when they had reached the room,
+sitting down and drawing the child to her side.
+
+"Take me on your lap like mamma does and I'll say it."
+
+"Now then," Vi said, complying with the request.
+
+"'When my father and my mother forsake me then the Lord will take me up.'"
+
+"Who taught you that, pet?" asked Vi, with a slight tremble in her low
+sweet tones.
+
+"Cousin Molly. I was crying for mamma and papa and she called me in there
+and told me I mustn't cry, 'cause Jesus loves me and will never, never go
+away from me."
+
+"That's like my text," said Herbert. "Mamma gave it to me for to-day. 'I
+will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'"
+
+"And mine," said Harold, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of
+the world,'"
+
+"'This God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even unto
+death,'" repeated Vi feelingly.
+
+"That's a nice one," said Rosie.
+
+"Yes," said Eddie, "and this is a nice one for us to remember just now in
+connection with the dear ones on their journey, and for ourselves when we
+go away. Yes, now, and at all times. 'Behold I am with thee, and will keep
+thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this
+land.'"
+
+"Isn't the Bible the sweetest book!" exclaimed Vi, "the Book of books; it
+has a comforting word for everybody and every time of need."
+
+The breakfast bell rang.
+
+"Oh, dear!" cried Rosie clinging to Violet, her bosom heaving with sobs,
+"how can we go to the table and eat without papa and mamma!"
+
+"Don't cry, little pet, don't cry; you know they want us to be cheerful
+and make it pleasant for Mr. and Mrs. Daly," the others said, and with a
+great effort the child swallowed her sobs; then wiping away her tears,
+suffered Vi to lead her down to the breakfast room.
+
+Mrs. Daly met them there with a smiling face, and kind motherly greeting.
+Mr. Daly had a pleasant word for each, and talked so entertainingly all
+through the meal, that they had scarcely time for sad or lonely thoughts.
+
+Family worship followed immediately after breakfast, as was the custom of
+the house. Mr. Daly's prayer was short, comforting them all, and simple
+enough for even little Rose to understand.
+
+There was still time for a walk before school, but first Vi went to Molly
+to ask how she was, and to carry her a letter from Dick which had come by
+the morning mail.
+
+Dick was in Philadelphia studying medicine. He and Molly corresponded
+regularly and she knew no greater treat than a letter from him. Vi was
+glad she could carry it to her this morning, it was so great a pleasure
+to be the bearer of anything so welcome.
+
+There were no pleasanter or better furnished rooms in the house than those
+appropriated to the use of the poor, dependent crippled cousin. Molly
+herself tastefully and becomingly dressed, blooming, bright and cheerful,
+sat in an invalid chair by the open window. She was reading, and so
+absorbed in her book that she did not hear the light step of her young
+relative.
+
+Vi paused in the doorway a moment, thinking what a pretty picture Molly
+made--with her intellectual countenance, clear complexion, rosy cheeks,
+bright eyes and glossy braids--framed in by the vine-wreathed window.
+
+Molly looked up, and laying aside her book, "Ah, Vi, this is kind!" she
+said. "Come in, do; I'm ever so glad to see you."
+
+"And what of this?" asked Vi, holding up the letter.
+
+"Oh, delightful! dear old fellow, to write so soon. I was not expecting it
+till to-morrow."
+
+"I knew you'd be glad," Vi said, putting it into her hand, "and now I'll
+just kiss you good-morning and run away, that you may enjoy it fully
+before lesson time."
+
+Rosie's voice was summoning Vi. The children were in the veranda ready for
+their morning walk, waiting only for "Sister Vi."
+
+"Let's go to the Oaks," said Rosie, slipping her hand into Vi's; "it's a
+nice shady walk, and I like to throw pebbles into the water. But I'll feed
+the fishes first. See what a bag full of crumbs mammy has given me."
+
+Violet was very patient and indulgent toward the little pet sister, yet
+obliged to cut short her sport with the pebbles and the fishes, because
+the hour for lessons drew near.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.
+
+    "The lilies faintly to the roses yield,
+     As on thy lovely cheek they struggling vie,
+     And thoughts are in thy speaking eyes revealed,
+     Pure as the fount the prophet's rod unseal'd."
+                                       --HOFFMAN.
+
+
+"Dr. Arthur lef' dis for you, Miss Wi'let," said one of the maids, meeting
+her young mistress on the veranda and handing her a note.
+
+"Cousin Arthur? was he here?"
+
+"Yes, miss. He axed for you, but hadn't no time to stop, not even to see
+po' Miss Molly. 'Spect somebody's mighty sick."
+
+Arthur Conly had entered the medical profession, and for the last two
+years had been practicing in partnership with Dr. Barton.
+
+Vi glanced over the note and hastened to Eddie, whom she found in the
+schoolroom, its only occupant at the moment.
+
+"Here's a note from Isa, asking me to bring Rosie and come to Roselands
+for the rest of the day, after lessons are done. She thinks I must feel
+lonely. It is very kind, but what shall I do about it? Rosie would enjoy
+going, but would it be kind to you or the boys, or Molly?"
+
+"I might take the boys over to the Oaks, but I don't know--oh, I think
+Molly would probably prefer solitude, as I happen to know that she has
+some writing to do. Well, what now?" seeing a hesitating, perplexed look
+on Vi's face.
+
+"I cannot ask permission of papa or mamma."
+
+"No, of course not; we must go to Mr. Daly for that now."
+
+"I don't like it," she answered coloring; "it does seem as if nobody has
+the right to control us except our father and mother, and our
+grandparents."
+
+"Only that they have given him the right for the present."
+
+Mr. Daly came in at that instant, and Vi, placing the note in his hand,
+said "Will you please to look at this, sir, and tell me if I may accept
+the invitation?"
+
+"I see no objection," he said, returning it with a kindly smile, "provided
+your lessons are well recited."
+
+Mr. Daly was an excellent teacher, thoroughly prepared for his work by
+education, native talent for imparting the knowledge he possessed, love
+for the employment and for the young creatures entrusted to his care.
+
+The liking was mutual, and study hours were soon voted only less enjoyable
+than when mamma was their loved instructress.
+
+Molly occupied her place in the schoolroom as regularly as the others. It
+adjoined her apartments, and her wheeled chair required a very slight
+exertion of strength on the part of friend or servant to propel it from
+room to room.
+
+Molly had already made herself a very thorough French and German scholar,
+and was hoping to turn her ability to translate to good account in the way
+of earning her own support; for there was no pauper instinct in the girl's
+noble nature, and able and willing as her cousin was to support her, she
+greatly preferred to earn her own living, though at the cost of much
+wearisome labor of hand and brain.
+
+She was not of those who seem to forget that the command, "Six days shalt
+thou labor and do all thy work," is equally binding with that other, "In
+it (the seventh day) thou shalt not do any work," This lesson--that
+industry is commanded, idleness forbidden--was one which Elsie had ever
+been careful to instil into the minds of her children from their earliest
+infancy; nor was it enough, she taught them, that they should be doing
+something, they must be usefully employed, remembering that they were but
+stewards who must one day give an account to their Lord of all they had
+done with the talents entrusted to them.
+
+"Is Dick well? was it a nice letter?" Violet asked, leaning over her
+cousin's chair when lessons were done.
+
+"Oh very nice! he's well and doing famously, I must answer it this
+afternoon."
+
+"Then you will not care for company?"
+
+"Not particularly. Why?"
+
+Vi told of her invitation.
+
+"Go, by all means," said Molly. "You know Virgy has a friend with her, a
+Miss Reed. I want you to see her and tell me what she's like."
+
+"I fear you'll have to see her yourself to find that out; I'm no portrait
+painter," Violet said with a smile as she ran lightly away to order the
+carriage and see to her own toilet and Rosie's.
+
+They were simple enough; white dresses with blue sash and ribbons for Vi,
+ditto of pink for Rosie.
+
+Miss Reed, dressed in a stiff silk and loaded with showy jewelry, sat in
+the drawing-room at Roselands in a bay-window overlooking the avenue. She
+was gazing eagerly toward its entrance, as though expecting some one.
+
+"Yes, I've heard of the Travillas," she said in answer to a remark from
+Virginia Conly who stood by her side almost as showily attired as herself,
+"I've been told she was a great heiress."
+
+"She was; and he was rich too; though I believe he lost a good deal during
+the war."
+
+"They live splendidly, I suppose?"
+
+"They've everything money can buy, but are nearly breaking their hearts
+just now, over one of their little girls who seems to have some incurable
+disease."
+
+"Is that so? Well, they ought to have some trouble as well as other
+folks. I'm sorry though; for I'd set my heart on being invited there and
+seeing how they live."
+
+"Oh they're all gone away except Vi and Rosie and the boys. But may be Vi
+will ask us there to dinner or tea. Ah here they come!"
+
+"What splendid match horses! What an elegant carriage!" exclaimed Miss
+Reed, as a beautiful barouche, drawn by a pair of fine bays, came bowling
+up the avenue.
+
+"Yes, they've come, it's the Ion carriage."
+
+"But that's a young lady Pomp's handing out of it!" exclaimed Miss Reed
+the next moment, "and I thought you said it was only two children you
+expected."
+
+"Yes, Vi's only thirteen," answered Virginia running to the door to meet
+her. "Vi, my dear, how good in you to come. How sweet you look!" kissing
+her. "Rosie too," bestowing a caress upon her also, "pink's so becoming to
+you, little pet, and blue equally so to Vi. This is my friend Miss Reed,
+Vi, I've been telling her about you."
+
+Violet gave her hand, then drew back blushing and slightly disconcerted by
+the almost rude stare of the black eyes that seemed to be taking an
+inventory of her personal appearance and attire.
+
+"Where is Isa?" she asked.
+
+"Here, and very glad to see you, Vi," answered a silvery voice, and a
+tall, queenly looking girl of twenty, in rustling black silk and with
+roses in her hair and at her throat, took Violet's hands in hers and
+kissed her on both cheeks, then letting her go, saluted the little one in
+like manner.
+
+"Why don't you do that to me? guess I like kisses as well as other folks,
+ha! ha!" cried a shrill voice, and a little withered up, faded woman with
+a large wax doll in her arms, came skipping into the room.
+
+Her hair, plentifully sprinkled with grey, hung loosely about her neck,
+and she had bedizened herself with ribbons and faded artificial flowers of
+every hue.
+
+"Well, Griselda," she continued, addressing the doll, which she dandled in
+her arms, regarding it with a look of fond admiration, "we don't care, do
+we, dear? We love and embrace one another, and that's enough."
+
+"Oh, go back to your own room," said Virginia in a tone of annoyance, "we
+don't want you here."
+
+"I'll go when I get ready, and not a minute sooner," was the rejoinder in
+a pettish tone. "Oh, here's visitors! what a pretty little girl! what's
+your name, little girl? Won't you come and play with me? I'll lend you
+Grimalkin, my other wax doll. She's a beauty; almost as pretty as
+Griselda. Now don't get mad at that, Grissy, dear," kissing the doll again
+and again.
+
+Rose was frightened and clung to her sister, trying to hide behind her.
+
+"It's Aunt Enna; she won't hurt you," whispered Vi; "she never hurts any
+one unless she is teased or worried into a passion."
+
+"Won't she make me go with her! oh, don't let her, Vi."
+
+"No, dear, you shall stay with me. And here is the nurse come to take her
+away," Violet answered, as the poor lunatic was led from the room by her
+attendant.
+
+"Dear me!" exclaimed Miss Reed, who had not seen or heard of Enna before,
+turning to Virginia, "does she belong in the house? aren't you afraid of
+her?"
+
+"Not at all; she is perfectly harmless. She is my mother's sister, and
+lost her reason some years ago, by an accidental injury to the head."
+
+"I wonder you don't send her to an asylum."
+
+"Perhaps it might be as well," returned Virginia indifferently, "but it's
+not my affair."
+
+"Grandpa would never hear of such a thing!" said Isadore, indignantly.
+
+"Mamma would not either, I am sure," said Violet. "Poor Aunt Enna! should
+she be sent away from all who love her, just because she is unfortunate?"
+
+"Every one to their taste," remarked the visitor, shrugging her shoulders.
+
+Vi inquired for her Aunt Louise and the younger members of the family, and
+was told that they and the grandfather were spending the day at
+Pinegrove.
+
+"I was glad they decided to go to-day," said Isadore, seating Vi and
+herself comfortably on a sofa, then taking Rose on her lap and caressing
+her, "because I wanted you here, and to have you to myself. You see these
+two young ladies," glancing smilingly at her sister and guest, "are so
+fully taken up with each other, that for the most of the time I am quite
+_detrop_, and must look for entertainment elsewhere than in their
+society."
+
+"Yes," said Virginia, with more candor than politeness, "Josie and I are
+all sufficient for each other; are we not, _mon amie_?"
+
+"Very true, _machère_, yet I enjoy Isa's company, and am extremely
+delighted to have made the acquaintance of your charming cousin," remarked
+Miss Reed, with an insinuating bow directed to Violet.
+
+"You do not know me yet," said Vi, modestly. "Though so tall, I am only a
+little girl and do not know enough to make an interesting companion for a
+young lady."
+
+"Quite a mistake, Vi," said Isadore rising. "But there is the dinner-bell.
+Come let us try the soothing and exhilarating effect of food and drink
+upon our flagging spirits. We will not wait for Art; there's no knowing
+when he can leave his patients; and Cal's away on business."
+
+On leaving the table, Isadore carried off her young cousins to her own
+apartments. Rose was persuaded to lie down and take a nap, while the
+older girls conversed together in an adjoining room.
+
+"Isn't it delightful to be at home again, after all those years in the
+convent?" queried Vi.
+
+"I enjoy home, certainly," replied Isa, "yet I deeply regretted leaving
+the sisters; for you cannot think how good and kind they were to me. Shall
+I tell you about it? about my life there?"
+
+"Oh, do! I should so like to hear it."
+
+Isadore smiled at the eager tone, the bright interested look, and at once
+began a long and minute description of the events of her school-days at
+the nunnery, ending with a eulogy upon convent life in general, and the
+nuns who had been her educators, in particular. "They lived such holy,
+devoted lives, were so kind, so good, so self-denying."
+
+Violet listened attentively, making no remark, but Isadore read
+disapproval more than once in her speaking countenance.
+
+"I wish your mamma would send you and Elsie there to finish," remarked
+Isa, breaking the pause which followed the conclusion of her narrative.
+"Should you not like to go?"
+
+"No, oh no, no!"
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Isa, I could never, _never_ do some of those things you say they
+require--bow to images or pictures, or kneel before them, or join in
+prayers or hymns to the Virgin."
+
+"I don't know how you could be so wicked as to refuse. She is the queen
+of Heaven and mother of God."
+
+"Isa!" and Violet looked inexpressibly shocked.
+
+"You can't deny it. Wasn't Jesus God?"
+
+"Yes; he is God. 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
+God, and the Word was God.' 'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among
+us.'"
+
+"Ah! and was not the Virgin Mary his mother?'"
+
+Vi looked perplexed for a moment, then brightening, "Ah, I know now,'" she
+said, "Jesus was God and man both.'"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"And--mamma told me--Mary was the mother of his human nature only, and it
+is blasphemous to call her the mother of God; and to do her homage is
+idolatry."
+
+"So I thought before I went to the convent," said Isadore, "but the
+sisters convinced me of my error. Vi, I should like to show you something.
+Can you keep a secret?"
+
+"I have never had a secret from mamma; I do not wish to have any."
+
+"But you can't tell her everything now while she's away, and this concerns
+no one but myself. I know I can trust to your honor," and taking Vi's
+hand, she opened a door and drew her into a large closet, lighted by a
+small circular window quite high up in the wall. The place was fitted up
+as an oratory, with a picture of the Virgin and child, and a crucifix,
+standing on a little table with a prayer-book and rosary beside it.
+
+Vi had never seen such things, but she had heard of them and knew what
+they signified. Glancing from the picture to the crucifix, she started
+back in horror, and without a word hastily retreated to the dressing-room,
+where she dropped into a chair, pale, trembling and distressed.
+
+"Isadore, Isadore!" she cried, clasping her hands, and lifting her
+troubled eyes to her cousin's face, "have you--have you become a papist?"
+
+"I am a member of the one true church," returned her cousin coldly. "How
+bigoted you are, Violet. I could not have believed it of so sweet and
+gentle a young thing as you. I trust you will not consider it your duty to
+betray me to mamma?"
+
+"Betray you? can you think I would? So Aunt Louise does not know? Oh, Isa,
+can you think it right to hide it from her--your own mother?"
+
+"Yes; because I was directed to do so by my father confessor, and because
+my motive is a good one, and 'the end sanctifies the means.'"
+
+"Isa, mamma has taught me, and the Bible says it too, that it is never
+right to do evil that good may come."
+
+"Perhaps you and your mamma do not always understand the real meaning of
+what the Bible says. It must be that many people misunderstand it, else
+why are there so many denominations of Protestants, teaching opposite
+doctrines, and all professing to get them from the Bible?"
+
+Violet in her extreme youth and want of information and ability to argue,
+was not prepared with an answer.
+
+"Does Virgy know?" she asked.
+
+"About my change of views and my oratory? Yes."
+
+"And does she----"
+
+"Virgy is altogether worldly, and cares nothing for religion of any kind."
+
+Vi's face was full of distress; "Isa," she said, "may I ask you a
+question?"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"When you pray, do you kneel before that--that----"
+
+"Crucifix? sometimes, at others before the Virgin and child."
+
+Vi shuddered. "O Isa, have you forgotten the second commandment? 'Thou
+shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that
+is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the
+waters under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve
+them.'"
+
+"I have not forgotten, but am content to do as the church directs,"
+returned Isadore, coldly.
+
+"Isa, didn't they promise Aunt Louise that they would not interfere with
+your religion?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And then broke their promise. How can you think they are good?"
+
+"They did it to save my soul. Was not that a good and praiseworthy
+motive?"
+
+"Yes; but if they thought it their duty to try to make you believe as they
+do, they should not have promised not to do so."
+
+"But in that case I should never have been placed in the convent, and they
+would have had no opportunity to labor for my conversion."
+
+Earnestly, constantly had Elsie endeavored to obey the command. "Therefore
+shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind
+them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your
+eyes. And ye shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when thou
+sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest
+down, and when thou risest up."
+
+Thus Violet's memory was stored with texts, and these words from Isaiah
+suggested themselves as a fit comment upon Isadore's last remark. "Woe
+unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light
+and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.
+
+    "But all's not true that supposition saith,
+     Nor have the mightiest arguments most faith."
+                                 --DRAYTON.
+
+    "Examples I could cite you more;
+     But be contented with these four;
+     For when one's proofs are aptly chosen,
+     Four are as valid as four dozen."
+                             --PRIOR.
+
+
+Isa's perversion, Isa's secret, weighed heavily upon the heart and
+conscience of poor Violet; the child had never been burdened with a secret
+before.
+
+She thought Aunt Louise ought to know, yet was not at all clear that it
+was her duty to tell her. She wished it might be discovered in some way
+without her agency, for "it was a dreadful thing for Isa to be left to go
+on believing and doing as she did. Oh, if only she could be talked to by
+some one old enough and wise enough to convince her of her errors!"
+
+Isadore with the zeal of a young convert, had set herself the task of
+bringing Vi over to her new faith. The opportunity afforded by the absence
+of the vigilant parents was too good to be lost, and should be improved to
+the utmost.
+
+She made daily errands to Ion, some trifling gift to Molly often being the
+excuse, was sweet and gracious to all, but devoted herself especially to
+Violet, insisting on sharing her room when she staid over night, coaxing
+her out for long walks and drives, rowing with her on the lake, learning
+to handle the oars herself in order that they might go alone.
+
+And all the time she was on the watch for every favorable opening to say
+something to undermine the child's faith, or bias her mind in favor of the
+tenets of the church of Rome.
+
+Violet grew more and more troubled and perplexed and now not on Isa's
+account alone. She could not give up the faith of her fathers, the faith
+of the Bible (to that inspired word she clung as to the rock which must
+save her from being engulfed in the wild waters of doubt and difficulty
+that were surging around her) but neither could she answer all Isadore's
+questions and arguments, and there was no one to whom she might turn in
+her bewilderment, lest she should betray her cousin's secret.
+
+She prayed for guidance and help, searching the Scriptures and "comparing
+spiritual things with spiritual," and thus was kept from the snares laid
+for her inexperienced feet; she stumbled and walked with uncertain step
+for a time, but did not fall.
+
+Those about her, particularly Eddie and her old mammy, noticed the
+unwonted care and anxiety in her innocent face, but attributed it wholly
+to the unfavorable news in regard to Lily's condition, which reached them
+from time to time.
+
+The dear invalid was reported as making little or no progress toward
+recovery, and the hearts of brothers and sisters were deeply saddened by
+the tidings.
+
+Miss Reed was still at Roselands, and had been brought several times by
+Virginia for a call at Ion, and at length, Violet having written for and
+obtained permission of her parents, and consulted Mrs. Daly's convenience
+in reference to the matter, invited the three girls for a visit of several
+days, stipulating, however, that it was not to interfere with lessons.
+
+To this the girls readily assented; "they would make themselves quite at
+home, and find their own amusement; it was what they should like above all
+things."
+
+The plan worked well, except that under this constant association with
+Isadore, Vi grew daily more careworn and depressed. Even Mr. Daly noticed
+it, and spoke to her of Lily's state as hopefully as truth would permit.
+
+"Do not be too much troubled, my dear child," he said, taking her hand in
+a kind fatherly manner. "She is in the hands of One who loves her even
+better than her parents, brothers and sisters do, and will let no real
+evil come nigh her. He may restore her to health, but if not--if he takes
+her from us, it will be to make her infinitely happier with himself; for
+we know that she has given her young heart to him."
+
+Violet bowed a silent assent, then hurried from the room; her heart too
+full for speech. She was troubled, sorely troubled for her darling,
+suffering little sister, and with this added anxiety, her burden was hard
+indeed to bear.
+
+Mr. Daly was reading in the library that afternoon, when Violet came
+running in as if in haste, a flush of excitement on her fair face.
+
+"Ah, excuse me, sir! I fear I have disturbed you," she said, as he looked
+up from his book; "but oh, I'm glad to find you here! for I think you will
+help me. I came to look for a Bible and Concordance."
+
+"They are both here on this table," he said. "I am glad you are wanting
+them, for we cannot study them too much. But in what can I help you, Vi?
+is it some theological discussion between your cousins and yourself?"
+
+"Yes, sir; we were talking about a book--a story-book that Miss Reed
+admires--and I said mamma would not allow us to read it, because it
+teaches that Jesus Christ was only a good man; and Miss Reed said that was
+her belief; and yet she professes to believe the Bible, and I wish to show
+her, that it teaches that he was very God as well as man."
+
+"That will not be difficult," he said; "for no words could state it more
+directly and clearly than these, 'Christ, who is over all, God blessed
+forever. Amen,'" And opening the Bible at the ninth chapter of Romans, he
+pointed to the latter clause of the fifth verse.
+
+"Oh, let me show her that!" cried Vi.
+
+"Suppose you invite them in here," he suggested, and she hastened to do
+so.
+
+Miss Reed read the text as it was pointed out to her, "I don't remember
+noticing that before," was all she said.
+
+Silently Mr. Daly turned over the leaves and pointed out the twentieth
+verse of the first Epistle of John, where it is said of Jesus Christ,
+"This is the true God and eternal life;" and then to Isaiah ix. 6. "For
+unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall
+be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
+the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace," and several
+other passages equally strong and explicit in their declaration of the
+divinity of Christ.
+
+"Well," said Miss Reed, "if he was God, why didn't he say so?"
+
+"He did again and again," was the reply "Here John viii. 58--we read
+"Jesus said unto them, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham
+was, I am.'""
+
+"I don't see it!" she said sneeringly.
+
+"You do not? just compare it with this other passage Exodus iii. 14, 15.
+'And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say
+unto the children of Israel, I AM _hath sent me unto you_. And God said
+moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the, the God of Abraham, the
+God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you; this is
+children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers my name forever, and this
+is my memorial unto all generations.' The Jews who were present understood
+those words of Jesus as an assertion of his divinity and took up stones to
+cast at him."
+
+Isadore seemed interested in the discussion, but Virginia showed evident
+impatience. "What's the use of bothering ourselves about it?" she
+exclaimed at length, "what difference does it make whether we believe in
+his divinity or deny it?"
+
+"A vast deal of difference, my dear young lady," said Mr. Daly. "If Christ
+be not divine, it is idolatry to worship him. If he is divine, and we fail
+to acknowledge it and to trust in him for salvation, we must be eternally
+lost for 'neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other
+name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.' 'But
+whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.'"
+
+Virginia fidgeted uneasily and Miss Reed inquired with affected
+politeness, if that were all.
+
+"No," he said, "far from it; yet if the Bible be--as I think we all
+acknowledge--the inspired word of God, one plain declaration of a truth
+is as authoritative as a dozen."
+
+"Suppose I don't believe it is all inspired?" queried Miss Reed.
+
+"Still, since Jesus asserts his own divinity, we must either accept him as
+God, or believe him to have been an impostor and therefore not even a good
+man. He must be to us everything or nothing; there is no neutral ground;
+he says, 'He that is not with me is against me.'"
+
+"And there is only one true church," remarked Isadore, forgetting herself;
+"the holy Roman Church, and none without her pale can be saved."
+
+Mr. Daly looked at her in astonishment. Violet was at first greatly
+startled, then inexpressibly relieved; since Isa's secret being one no
+longer, a heavy weight was removed from her heart and conscience.
+
+Virginia was the first to speak. "There!" she said, "you've let it out
+yourself; I always knew you would sooner or later."
+
+"Well," returned Isadore, drawing herself up haughtily, determined to put
+a brave face upon the matter, now that there was no retreat, "I'm not
+ashamed of my faith; nor afraid to attempt its defence against any who may
+see fit to attack it," she added with a defiant look at Mr. Daly.
+
+He smiled a little sadly. "I am very sorry for you, Miss Conly," he said,
+"and do not feel at all belligerent toward you; but let me entreat you to
+rest your hopes of salvation only upon the atoning blood and imputed
+righteousness of Jesus Christ."
+
+"I must do good works also," she said.
+
+"Yes as an evidence, but not as the ground of your faith; we must do good
+works not that we may be saved, but because we are saved. 'If a man love
+me, he will keep my words.' Well, my little Vi? what is it?" for she was
+looking at him with eager, questioning eyes.
+
+"O, Mr. Daly, I want you to answer some things Isa has said to me. Isa, I
+have never mentioned it to any one before. I have kept your secret
+faithfully, till now that you have told it yourself."
+
+"I don't blame you, Vi," she answered coloring. "I presume I shall be
+blamed for my efforts to bring you over to the true faith, but my
+conscience acquits me of any bad motive. I wanted to save your soul. Mr.
+Daly, I do not imagine you can answer all that I have to bring against the
+claims of Protestantism. Pray where was that church before the
+Reformation?"
+
+There was something annoying to the girl in the smile with which he heard
+her question.
+
+"Wherever the Bible was made the rule of faith and practice," he said,
+"there was Protestantism though existing under another name. All through
+the dark ages, when Popery was dominant almost all over the civilized
+world, the light of a pure gospel--the very same that the Reformation
+spread abroad over other parts of Europe--burned brightly among the
+secluded valleys of Piedmont; and twelve hundred years of bloody
+persecution on the part of apostate Rome could not quench it.
+
+"I know that Popery lays great stress on her claims to antiquity, but
+Paganism is older still, and evangelical religion--which, as I have
+already said, is Protestantism under another name--is as old as the
+Christian Era; as the human nature of its founder, the Lord Jesus Christ."
+
+"You are making assertions," said Isadore bridling, "but where are your
+proofs?"
+
+"They are not wanting," he said. "Suppose we undertake the study of
+ecclesiastical history together, and see how Popery was the growth of
+centuries, as one error after another crept into the Christian church."
+
+"I don't believe she was ever the persecutor you would make her out to
+have been," said Isadore.
+
+"Popish historians bear witness to it as well as Protestant," he answered.
+
+"Well, it's persecution to bring up those old stories against her now."
+
+"Is it? when she will not disavow them, but maintains that she has always
+done right? and more than that, tells us she will do the same again if
+ever she has the power."
+
+"I'm sure all Romanists are not so cruel as to wish to torture or kill
+their Protestant neighbors," cried Isadore indignantly.
+
+"And I quite agree with you there," he said; "I have not the least doubt
+that many of them are very kind-hearted; but I was speaking, not of
+individuals, but of the Romish Church as such. She is essentially a
+persecuting power."
+
+"Well, being the only true church, she has the right to compel conformity
+to her creed."
+
+"Ah, you have already imbibed something of her spirit. But we contend that
+she is not the true church. 'To the law and to the testimony; if they
+speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in
+them.' Brought to the touch-stone of God's revealed word, she is proved to
+be reprobate silver; her creed spurious Christianity. In second
+Thessalonians, second chapter, we have a very clear description of her as
+that 'Wicked whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and
+shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.' Also, in the seventeenth
+of Revelation, where she is spoken of as 'Babylon the great, the mother of
+harlots and abominations of the earth.'"
+
+"How do you know she is meant there?" asked Isadore, growing red and
+angry.
+
+"Because she, and she alone, answers to the description. It is computed
+that fifty millions of Protestants have been slain in her persecutions;
+may it not then be truly said of her that she is drunken with the blood of
+the saints?"
+
+"I think what you have been saying shows that the priests are right in
+teaching that the Bible is a dangerous book in the hands of the ignorant,
+and should therefore be withheld from the laity," retorted Isadore hotly.
+
+"But," returned Mr. Daly, "Jesus said, 'Search the Scriptures; for in them
+ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINETEENTH.
+
+    "Let us go back again mother,
+     Oh, take me home to die."
+
+
+"And so, Isa, my uncle's predictions that your popish teachers would
+violate their promise not to meddle with your faith, have proved only too
+true," said Calhoun Conly, stepping forward, as Mr. Daly finished his last
+quotation from the Scriptures.
+
+In the heat of their discussion, neither the minister nor Isadore had
+noticed his entrance, but he had been standing there, an interested
+listener, long enough to learn the sad fact of his sister's perversion.
+
+"They only did their duty, and I shall not have them blamed for it," she
+said, haughtily.
+
+"They richly deserve blame, and you cannot prevent it from being given
+them," he answered firmly, and with flashing eyes. "I have come, by my
+mother's request, to take you and Virginia home, inviting Miss Reed to
+accompany us."
+
+"I am ready," said Isadore, rising, the others doing likewise.
+
+"But you will stay to tea?" Violet said. "Cal, you are not in too great
+haste for that?"
+
+"I'm afraid I am, little cousin," he answered with a smile of
+acknowledgment of her hospitality. "I must meet a gentleman on business,
+half an hour from now."
+
+Vi expressed her regrets, and ran after the girls, who had already left
+the room to prepare for their drive.
+
+They seemed in haste to get away.
+
+"We've had enough of Mr. Daly's prosing about religion," said Virginia.
+
+"I'm sick of it," chimed in Miss Reed, "what difference does it make what
+you believe, if you're only sincere and live right?"
+
+"'With the heart man believeth unto righteousness,'" said Violet; "and
+'the just shall live by faith.'"
+
+"You're an apt pupil," sneered Virginia.
+
+"It is mamma's doing that my memory is stored with texts," returned the
+child, reddening.
+
+Isadore was silent and gloomy, and took leave of her young cousin so
+coldly, as to quite sadden her sensitive spirit.
+
+Violet had enjoyed being made much of by Isa, who was a beautiful and
+brilliant young lady, and this sudden change in her manner was far from
+pleasant. Still the pain it gave her was greatly overbalanced by the
+relief of having her perplexities removed, her doubts set at rest.
+
+Standing on the veranda, she watched the carriage as it rolled away down
+the avenue, then hailed with delight a horseman who came galloping up,
+alighted and giving the bridle to Solon, turned to her with open arms, and
+a smile that proclaimed him the bearer of good tidings, before he uttered
+a word.
+
+"Grandpa," she cried, springing to his embrace, "Oh, is Lily better?"
+
+"Yes," he said, caressing her, then turning to greet Rosie and the boys,
+who had come running at the sound of his voice. "I have had a letter from
+your mother, in which she says the dear invalid seems decidedly better."
+
+"Oh, joy! joy!" cried the children, Rosie hugging and kissing her
+grandfather, the boys capering about in a transport of gladness.
+
+"And will they come home soon, grandpa?" asked Eddie.
+
+"Nothing is said about that, I presume they will linger at the North till
+the weather begins to grow too cool for Lily," Mr. Dinsmore answered,
+shaking hands with Mr. Daly, who, hearing his voice on the veranda,
+stepped out to inquire for news of the absent ones.
+
+While they talked together, Vi ran away in search of Aunt Chloe.
+
+She found her on the back veranda, enjoying a chat with Aunt Dicey and
+Uncle Joe.
+
+"Oh, mammy, good news! good news!" Vi cried, half breathless with haste
+and happiness; "grandpa had a letter from mamma, and our darling Lily is
+better, much better."
+
+"Bress de Lord!" ejaculated her listeners in chorus.
+
+"Bress his holy name, I hope de chile am gwine to discover her health
+agin," added Uncle Joe. "I'se been a prayin' pow'ful strong for her."
+
+"'Spect der is been more'n you at dat business, Uncle Joe;" remarked Aunt
+Dicey, "'spect I knows one ole niggah dat didn't fail to disremember de
+little darlin' at de throne ob grace."
+
+"De bressed lamb!" murmured Aunt Chloe, dropping a tear on Violet's golden
+curls as she clasped her to her breast, "she's de Lord's own, and he'll
+take de bes' care of her; in dis world and in de nex'; be sho' ob dat,
+honey. Ise mighty glad for her and my dear missus; and for you too Miss
+Wi'let. You's been frettin' yo' heart out 'bout Miss Lily."
+
+"I've been very anxious about her, mammy; and something else has been
+troubling me too, but it's all right now," Violet answered with a glad
+look, then releasing herself, ran back to her grandfather.
+
+She had seen less than usual of him for several weeks past, and wanted an
+opportunity to pour out all her heart to him.
+
+He had gone up to Molly's sitting-room, and she followed him thither.
+
+With Rosie on his knee, Harold and Herbert standing on either side, and
+Eddie sitting near, he was chatting gayly with his crippled niece, who
+was as bright and cheery as any of the group, all of whom were full of
+joy over the glad tidings he had brought.
+
+"Grandpa," said Vi, joining them, "it seems a good while since you were
+here for more than a short call. Won't you stay now for the rest of the
+day?"
+
+"Yes, and I propose that we drive down to the lake, Molly and all, and
+have a row. I think it would do you all good. The weather is delightful."
+
+The motion was carried by acclamation, Molly's maid was summoned, Eddie
+went down to order the carriage, and the rest scattered to prepare for the
+expedition.
+
+It was a lovely October day, the air balmy, the woods gorgeous in their
+richly colored autumn robes; gold, scarlet and crimson, russet and green
+mingled in gay profusion; the slanting beams of the descending sun fell
+athwart the lakelet, like a broad band of shimmering gold, and here and
+there lent an added glory to the trees. The boat glided swiftly over the
+rippling waters, now in sunshine, now in shadow, and the children hushed
+their merry clatter, silenced by the beauty and stillness of the scene.
+
+Tea was waiting when they returned, and on leaving the table the younger
+ones bade good-night, and went away with Vi to be put to bed.
+
+She had a story or some pleasant talk for them every night; doing her
+best to fill mamma's place.
+
+Vi was glad to find her grandpa alone in the library when she came down
+again.
+
+"Come, sit on my knee, as your dear mamma used to do at your age," he
+said, "and tell me what you have been doing these past weeks while I have
+seen so little of you."
+
+"It is so nice," she said as she took the offered seat, and he passed his
+arm about her, "so nice to have a grandpa to pet me; especially when I've
+no father or mother at home to do it."
+
+"So we are mutually satisfied," he said. "Now what have you to tell me?
+any questions to ask? any doubts or perplexities to be cleared away?"
+
+"Grandpa, has anybody been telling you anything?" she asked.
+
+"No, nothing about you."
+
+"Then I'll just tell you all." And she gave him a history of Isadore's
+efforts to pervert her, and their effect upon her; also of the
+conversation of that afternoon, in which Mr. Daly had answered the
+questions of Isadore, that had most perplexed and troubled her.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was grieved and distressed by Isa's defection from the
+evangelical faith, and indignant at her attempt to lead Vi astray also.
+
+"Are you fully satisfied now on all the points?" he asked.
+
+"There are one or two things I should like to ask you about, grandpa,"
+she said. "Isa thinks a convent life so beautiful and holy, so shut out
+from the world, with all its cares and wickedness, she says; so quiet and
+peaceful, so full of devotion and the self-denial the Lord Jesus taught
+when he said, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and
+take up his cross and follow me.'
+
+"Do you think leaving one's dear home and father and mother, and brothers
+and sisters to be shut up for life with strangers, in a convent, was the
+cross he meant, grandpa?"
+
+"No, I am perfectly sure it was not; the Bible teaches us to do our duty
+in the place where God puts us; it recognizes the family relationships;
+teaches the reciprocal duties of kinsmen, parents and children, husbands
+and wives, but has not a word to say to monks or nuns.
+
+"It bids us take up the cross God lays upon us, and not one of our own
+invention; nor did one of the holy men and women it tells of live the life
+of an anchorite. Nor can peace and freedom from temptation and sin be
+found in a convent any more than elsewhere; because we carry our evil
+natures with us wherever we go."
+
+"No; peace and happiness are to be found only in being 'followers of God
+as dear children,' doing our duty in that station in life where he has
+placed us; our motive love to him; leading us to desire above all things
+to live to his honor and glory."
+
+Violet sat with downcast eyes, her face full of earnest thought. She was
+silent for a moment after Mr. Dinsmore had ceased speaking, then lifting
+her head and turning to him with a relieved look, "Thank you, grandpa,"
+she said. "I am fully satisfied on that point. Now, there is just one
+more. Isa says the divisions among Protestants show that the Bible is not
+a book for common people to read for themselves. They cannot understand it
+right; if they did they would all believe alike."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore smiled. "Who is to explain it?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, Isa says that is for the priests to do; and they and the people must
+accept the decisions of the church."
+
+"Well, my child, it would take too much time to tell you just how
+impossible it is to find out what are the authoritative decisions of the
+Romish Church on more than one important point;--how one council would
+contradict another--one pope affirm what his predecessors had denied, and
+vice versa; councils contradict popes, and popes councils.
+
+"As to the duty of studying the Bible for ourselves--we have the master's
+own command, 'Search the Scriptures,' which settles the question at once
+for all his obedient disciples. And no one who sets himself to the work
+humbly and teachably, looking to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, will
+fail to find the path to heaven. 'The way-faring men, though fools shall
+not err therein.' Jesus said 'The Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom
+the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things.'
+
+"And, my child, none of us is responsible for the interpretation that his
+neighbor puts upon God's word,--his letter addressed to us all; each of us
+must give account of himself to God."
+
+Violet's doubts and perplexities had vanished like morning mist before the
+rising sun; her natural gayety of spirits returned, and she became again
+as was her wont, the sunshine of the house, full of life and hope, with a
+cheery word and sunny smile for every one, from Mr. Daly down to Rosie,
+and from Aunt Chloe to the youngest child at the quarter.
+
+She had not been so happy since the departure of her parents.
+
+Eddie, Molly and the younger ones, reflected in some measure her bright
+hopefulness, and the renewed ardor with which she pursued her studies, and
+for some days all went on prosperously at Ion.
+
+Then came a change.
+
+One evening, Vi, having seen Rosie in bed, and bade Harold and Herbert
+good-night also, returned to the schoolroom, where Eddie and their cousin
+were busied with their preparations for the morrow's recitations.
+
+She had settled herself before her desk, and was taking out her books,
+when the sound of horses' hoofs coming swiftly up the avenue, caused her
+to spring up and run to the window.
+
+"It is grandpa," she said. "He seldom comes so late, oh, Eddie!" and she
+dropped into a chair, her heart beating wildly.
+
+"Don't be alarmed," Eddie said, rising and coming toward her, his own
+voice trembling with apprehension, "it may be good news again."
+
+"Oh, do you think so? Can it be?" she asked.
+
+"Surely, Vi, uncle would come as fast as possible if he had good news to
+bring," said Molly. "Perhaps it is that they are coming home; it is
+getting so late in the fall now, that I'm expecting every day to hear
+that."
+
+"Let's go down to grandpa," said Vi, rising, while a faint color stole
+into her cheek, which had grown very pale at the thought that the little
+pet sister might be dead or dying. "No, no," as a step was heard on the
+stairs, "he is coming to us."
+
+The door opened, and Mr. Dinsmore entered. One look into his
+grief-stricken face, and Violet threw herself into his arms, and wept upon
+his breast.
+
+He soothed her with silent caresses; his heart almost too full for speech;
+but at length, "It is not the worst," he said in low, moved tones, "she
+lives, but has had a relapse, and they are bringing her home."
+
+"Home to die!" echoed Violet's heart, and she clung about her
+grandfather's neck, weeping almost convulsively.
+
+Tears coursed down Molly's cheeks also, and Eddie, hardly less overcome
+than his sister, asked tremulously, "How soon may we expect them,
+grandpa?"
+
+"In about two days, I think; and my dear children, we must school
+ourselves to meet Lily with calmness and composure, lest we injure, by
+exciting and agitating her. We must be prepared to find her more feeble
+than when she went away, and much exhausted by the fatigue of the
+journey."
+
+Worse than when she went away! and even then the doctors gave no hope! It
+was almost as if they already saw her lying lifeless before them.
+
+They wept themselves to sleep that night, and in the morning it was as
+though death had already entered the house; a solemn stillness reigned in
+all its rooms, and the quiet tread, the sad, subdued tones, the oft
+falling tear, attested the warmth of affection in which the dear, dying
+child was held.
+
+A parlor car was speeding southward; its occupants, a noble looking man, a
+lovely matron, a blooming, beautiful girl of seventeen, a rosy babe in his
+nurse's arms, and a pale, fragile, golden-haired, blue-eyed child of
+seven, lying now on a couch with her head in her mother's lap, now resting
+in her father's arms for a little.
+
+She seemed the central figure of the group, all eyes turning ever and
+anon, upon her in tenderest solicitude, every ear attentive to her
+slightest plaint, every hand ready to minister to her wants.
+
+She was very quiet, very patient, answering their anxious, questioning
+words and looks with many a sweet, affectionate smile or whisper of
+grateful appreciation of their ministry of love.
+
+Sometimes she would beg to be lifted up for a moment that she might see
+the rising or setting sun, or gaze upon the autumnal glories of the woods,
+and as they drew near their journey's end she would ask, "Are we almost
+there, papa? shall I soon see my own sweet home, and dear brothers and
+sisters?"
+
+At last the answer was, "Yes, my darling; in a few moments we shall leave
+the car for our own easy carriage, and one short stage will take us home
+to Ion."
+
+Mr. Dinsmore, his son, and Arthur Conly met them at the station, and told
+how longingly their dear ones at home were looking for them.
+
+The sun had set, and shadows began to creep over the landscape as the
+carriage stopped before the door and Lily was lifted out, borne into the
+house and gently laid upon her own little bed.
+
+She was nearly fainting with fatigue and weakness, and dearly as the
+others were loved, father and mother had no eyes for any but her, no word
+of greeting, as the one bore her past, the other hastily followed, with
+the doctor and grandfather, to her room.
+
+But Elsie and Vi were quickly locked in each other's arms, mingling their
+tears together, while Rosie and the boys gathered round, awaiting their
+turn.
+
+"Oh!" sobbed Rosie, "mamma didn't speak to me; she didn't look at me; she
+doesn't love me any more; nor my papa either."
+
+"Yes, they do, little pet," Elsie said, leaving Violet to embrace the
+little sister; "and sister Elsie loves you dearly, dearly. Harold and
+Herbert too; as well as our big oldest brother," smiling up at Eddie
+through her tears, as he stood by her side.
+
+He bent down to kiss her sweet lips.
+
+"Lily?" he said in a choking voice.
+
+With a great effort Elsie controlled her emotion, and answered low and
+tremulously, "She is almost done with pain. She is very happy--no doubt,
+no fear, only gladness that soon she will be
+
+    'Safe in the arms of Jesus,
+     Safe on his gentle breast'"
+
+Eddie turned away with a broken sob. Vi uttered a low cry of anguish; and
+Rosie and the boys broke into a wail of sorrow.
+
+Till that moment they had not given up hope that the dear one might even
+yet be restored.
+
+In the sick-room the golden head lay on a snow white pillow, the blue eyes
+were closed, and the breath came pantingly from the pale, parted lips.
+
+"Cousin Arthur" had his finger on the slender wrist, counting its
+pulsations, while father and grandfather stood looking on in anxious
+solicitude, and the mother bent over her fading flower, asking in tender
+whispered accents, "are you in pain, my darling?"
+
+"No, mamma, only so tired; so tired!"
+
+Only the mother's quick ear, placed close to the pale lips, could catch
+the low-breathed words.
+
+The doctor administered a cordial, then a little nourishment was given,
+and the child fell asleep.
+
+The mother sat watching her, lost to all else in the world. Arthur came to
+her side with a whispered word about her own need of rest and refreshment
+after her fatiguing journey.
+
+"How long?" she asked in the same low tone, glancing first at the white
+face on the pillow, then at him.
+
+"Some days, I hope; and she is likely now to sleep for hours. Let me take
+your place."
+
+Elsie bent over the child, listening for a moment to her breathing, then
+accepting his offer, followed her husband and father from the room.
+
+Rosie, waiting and watching in the hall without, sprang to her mother's
+embrace with a low, joyful cry, "Mamma, mamma! oh, you've been gone so
+long, so long! I thought you'd never come back."
+
+"Mamma is very glad to be with you again," Elsie said, holding her close
+for a moment, then resigning her to her father, she sought the others,
+all near at hand, and waiting eagerly for a sight of her loved face, a
+word from her gentle lips.
+
+They were all longing for one of the old confidential talks, Violet,
+perhaps, more than the others; but it could not be now, the mother could
+scarcely allow herself time for a little rest, ere she must return to her
+station by the side of the sick bed.
+
+But Molly was not forgotten or neglected. Elsie went to her with kind
+inquiries, loving cheering words and a message from Dick, whom she had
+seen a few days before.
+
+Molly sat thinking it over gratefully, after her cousin had left the room.
+
+"How kind and thoughtful for others she is! how sweet and gentle, how
+patient and resigned. I will try to be more like her. How truly she obeys
+the command 'Be pitiful, be courteous.'
+
+"But why should one so lovely, so devoted a Christian, be visited with so
+sore a trial? I can see why my trials were sent. I was so proud and
+worldly; and they were necessary to show me my need of Jesus; but she has
+loved and leaned upon him since she was a little child."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTIETH.
+
+             "Let them die,
+    Let them die now, thy children! so thy heart
+    Shall wear their beautiful image all undimm'd
+    Within it to the last."
+                                   --MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+Lily seemed a little stronger in the morning, and the brothers and sisters
+were allowed to go in by turns and speak to her.
+
+Violet chose to be the last, thinking that would, perhaps, secure a little
+longer interview.
+
+Lily with mamma by her side, lay propped up with pillows--her eyes bright,
+a lovely color on her almost transparent cheek, her luxurious hair lying
+about her like heaps of shining gold, her red lips smiling a joyous
+welcome, as Vi stooped over her.
+
+Could it be that she was dying?
+
+"Oh, darling, you may get well even yet?" cried Vi, in tones tremulous
+with joy and hope.
+
+Lily smiled, and stroked her sister's face lovingly with her little thin
+white hand.
+
+Violet was startled by its scorching heat.
+
+"You are burning up with fever!" she exclaimed, tears gushing from her
+eyes.
+
+"Yes; but I shall soon be well," said the child clasping her sister
+close; "I'm going home to the happy land to be with Jesus, Vi; oh, don't
+you wish you were going too? Mamma I'm tired; please tell Vi my text."
+
+"'And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell
+therein shall be forgiven their iniquity,'" the mother repeated in a low
+sweet voice.
+
+"For Jesus' sake," softly added the dying one. "He has loved me and washed
+me from my sins in his own blood."
+
+Vi fell on her knees by the bedside, and buried her face in the clothes,
+vainly trying to stifle her bursting sobs.
+
+"Poor Vi," sighed Lily. "Mamma, comfort her."
+
+Mamma drew the weeper to her bosom, and spoke tenderly to her of the
+loving Saviour and the home he has gone to prepare for his people.
+
+"Our darling will be so safe and happy there," she said, "and she is glad
+to go, to rest in his bosom, and wait there for us, as, in his own good
+time, he shall call one after another to himself.
+
+    "'Tis there we'll meet,
+      At Jesus' feet,
+      When we meet to part no more.'"
+
+Tears were coursing down the mother's cheeks as she spoke, but her manner
+was calm and quiet. To her, as to her child standing upon the very brink
+of Jordan, heaven seemed very near, very real, and while mourning that
+soon that beloved face and form would be seen no more on earth she
+rejoiced with joy unspeakable, for the blessedness that should be hers
+forever and forevermore.
+
+There were no tears in Lily's eyes, "Mamma, I'm so happy," she said
+smiling. "Dear Vi, you must be glad for me and not cry so. I have no pain
+to-day; and I'll never have any more when I get home where the dear
+Saviour is. Mamma, please read about the beautiful city."
+
+Elsie took up the Bible that lay beside the pillow, and opening at the
+Revelation, read its last two chapters--the twenty-first and
+twenty-second.
+
+Lily lay intently listening, Violet's hand fast clasped in hers.
+
+"Darling Vi," she whispered, "you love Jesus, don't you?"
+
+Violet nodded assent: she could not speak.
+
+"And you're willing to let him have me, aren't you, dear?"
+
+"Yes, yes," but the tears fell fast, and "Oh, what shall I do without
+you?" she cried with a choking sob.
+
+"It won't be long," said Lily. "Mamma says it will seem only a very little
+while when it is past."
+
+Her voice sank with the last words, and she closed her eyes with a weary
+sigh.
+
+"Go, dear daughter, go away for the present," the mother said to Violet,
+who instantly obeyed.
+
+Lily lingered for several days, suffering little except from weakness,
+always patient and cheerful, talking so joyfully of "going home to Jesus,"
+that death seemed robbed of all its gloom; for it was not of the grave
+they thought in connection with her, but of the glories of the upper
+sanctuary, the bliss of those who dwell forever with the Lord.
+
+Father, brothers and sisters often gathered for a little while about her
+bed; for she dearly loved them all; but the mother scarcely left her day
+or night; the mother whose gentle teachings had guided her childish feet
+into the path that leads to God, whose ministry of love had made the short
+life bright and happy, spite of weakness and pain.
+
+It was in the early morning that the end came.
+
+She had been sleeping quietly for some hours, sleeping while darkness
+passed away till day had fully dawned and the east was flushing with
+crimson and gold.
+
+Her mother sat by the bedside gazing with tender glistening eyes upon the
+little wan face, thinking how placid was its expression, what an almost
+unearthly beauty it wore, when suddenly the large azure eyes opened wide,
+gazing steadily into hers, while the sweetest smile played about the lips.
+
+"Mamma, dear mamma, how good you've been to me! Jesus is here, he has
+come for me. I'm going now. Dear, darling mamma, kiss me good-bye."
+
+"My darling! my darling!" Elsie cried, pressing a kiss of passionate love
+upon the sweet lips.
+
+"Dear mamma," they faintly whispered--and were still.
+
+Kneeling by the bedside, Elsie gathered the little wasted form in her
+arms, pillowing the beautiful golden head upon her bosom, while again and
+again she kissed the pale brow, the cheeks, the lips; then laying it down
+gently she stood gazing upon it with unutterable love and mingled joy and
+anguish.
+
+"It was well with the child," and no rebellious thought arose in her
+heart, but ah, what an aching void was there! how empty were her arms,
+though so many of her darlings were still spared to her.
+
+A quiet step drew near, a strong arm was passed about her waist, and a
+kind hand drew her head to a resting-place on her husband's breast.
+
+"Is it so?" he said in moved tones, gazing through a mist of tears upon
+the quiet face of the young sleeper. "Ah, darling, our precious lamb is
+safely folded at last. He has gathered her in his arms and is carrying her
+in his bosom."
+
+There was no bitterness in the tears that were shed to the memory of
+little Lily; her short life had been so full of suffering, her passing
+away was so joyful that they must rejoice for her even while they wept for
+their own heavy loss.
+
+They laid her body in the family burialground and mamma and the children
+went very often to scatter flowers upon the graves, reserving the fairest
+and sweetest for the little mound that looked so fresh and new.
+
+"But she is not here," Rosie would say, "she's gone to the dear home above
+where Jesus is. And she's so happy. She'll never be sick any more because
+it says, 'Neither shall there be any more pain.'"
+
+Lily was never spoken of as lost or as dead; she had only gone before to
+the happy land whither they all were journeying, and where they should
+find her again blooming and beautiful; they spoke of her often and with
+cheerfulness, though tears would sometimes fall at the thought that the
+separation must be so long.
+
+Elsie was much worn out with the long nursing, which she would not resign
+to other hands, and, as Mr. and Mrs. Daly were well pleased to have it so
+arranged, they still retained their posts in the household.
+
+But the children again enjoyed the pleasant evening talks, and the prized
+morning half hour with mamma. They might go to her at other times also,
+and it was not long before Vi found an opportunity to unburden her mind by
+a full account of all the doubts and perplexities that had so troubled
+her, and the manner in which they had been removed, to her great comfort
+and peace.
+
+It was in the afternoon of the second day after the funeral, the two older
+girls being alone with their mother in her boudoir.
+
+Elsie was startled at the thought of the peril her child had been in.
+
+"I blame myself," she said, "that I have not guarded you more carefully
+against these fearful errors. We will now take up the subject together, my
+children and I, and study it thoroughly; and we will invite Isa and Virgy
+to join with us in our search after truth."
+
+"Molly also, mamma, if she is willing," suggested her namesake daughter.
+
+"Certainly; but I count her among my children. Ah, I have not seen her for
+several days! I fear she has been feeling neglected. I will go to her
+now," she added, rising from the couch on which she had been reclining.
+"And you may both go with me, if you wish."
+
+Isa had been with Molly for the last half hour.
+
+"I came on that unpleasant business of making a call of condolence," she
+announced on her entrance, "but they told me Cousin Elsie was lying down
+to rest and her girls were with her--Elsie and Vi--so not wishing to
+disturb them, I'll visit with you first, if you like."
+
+"I'm glad to see you," Molly said. "Please be seated."
+
+Isadore seemed strangely embarrassed and sat for some moments without
+speaking.
+
+"What is the matter, Isa?" Molly asked at length.
+
+"I think it was really unkind in mamma to send me on this errand; it was
+her place to come, but she said Cousin Elsie was so bound up in that child
+that she would be overwhelmed with grief, and she (mamma) would not know
+what to say; she always found it the most awkward thing in the world to
+try to console people under such afflictions."
+
+"It will not be at all necessary," returned Molly dryly. "Cousin Elsie has
+all the consolation she needs. She came to me for a few moments the very
+day Lily died, and though I could see plainly that she had been weeping,
+her face was perfectly calm and peaceful; and she told me that her heart
+sang for joy when she thought of her darling's blessedness."
+
+Isa looked very thoughtful.
+
+"I wish I were sure of it," she said half unconsciously; "she was such a
+dear little thing."
+
+"Sure of what?" cried Molly indignantly; "can you doubt for a moment that
+that child is in heaven?"
+
+"If she had only been baptized into the true church. But there, don't look
+so angry! how can I help wishing it when I know it's the only way to be
+saved?"
+
+"But you don't know it! you can't know it, because it isn't so. O Isadore,
+how could you turn Papist and then try to turn Violet?"
+
+"So you've heard about it? I supposed you had," said Isadore coloring. "I
+suppose too, that Cousin Elsie is very angry with me, and that was why I
+thought it so unkind in mamma to send me in her place, making an excuse of
+a headache; not a bad enough one to prevent her coming, I'm sure."
+
+"I don't know how Cousin Elsie feels about it, or even whether she has
+heard it," said Molly; "though I presume she has, as Vi never conceals
+anything from her."
+
+"Well I've only done my duty and can't feel that I'm deserving of blame,"
+said Isadore. "But such a time as I've had of it since my conversion
+became known in the family!"
+
+"Your perversion, you should say," interrupted Molly. "Was Aunt Louise
+angry?"
+
+"Very; but principally, I could see, because she knew grandpa and Uncle
+Horace would reproach her for sending me to the convent."
+
+"And did they?"
+
+"Yes, grandpa was furious, and of course uncle said, 'I told you so.' He
+has only reasoned with me, though he let me know he was very much
+displeased about Vi. Cal and Art, too, have undertaken to convince me of
+my errors, while Virginia sneers and asks why I could not be content to
+remain a Protestant; and altogether I've had a sweet time of it for the
+last two weeks."
+
+"There's a tap at the door; will you please open it?" said Molly.
+
+It was Mrs. Travilla, Elsie and Violet whom Isadore admitted. She
+recognized them with a deep blush and an embarrassed, deprecating air; for
+the thought instantly struck her that Vi had probably just been telling
+her mother what had occurred during her absence.
+
+"Ah, Isa, I did not know you were here," her cousin said taking her hand.
+"I am pleased to see you."
+
+The tone was gentle and kind and there was not a trace of displeasure in
+look or manner.
+
+"Thank you, cousin," Isa said, trying to recover her composure. "I came
+to--mamma has a headache, and sent me----"
+
+"Yes; never mind, I know all you would say," Elsie answered, tears
+trembling in her soft brown eyes, but a look of perfect peace and
+resignation on her sweet face; "you feel for my sorrow, and I thank you
+for your sympathy. But Isa, the consolations of God are not small with me,
+and I know that my little one is safe with him.
+
+"Molly, my child, how are you to-day?"
+
+"Very well, thank you," Molly answered, clinging to the hand that was
+offered her, and looking up with dewy eyes into the calm, beautiful face
+bending over her. "How kind you are to think of me at such a time as this.
+Ah cousin, it puzzles me to understand why afflictions should be sent to
+one who already seems almost an angel in goodness."
+
+Elsie shook her head. "You cannot see my heart, Molly; and the Master
+knows just how many strokes of his chisel are needed to fashion the soul
+in his image; he will not make one too many. Besides should I grudge him
+one of the many darlings he has given me? or her the bliss he has taken
+her to? Ah no, no! his will be done with me and mine."
+
+She sat down upon a sofa, and making room for Isa, who had been exchanging
+greetings with her younger cousins, invited her to a seat by her side.
+
+"I want to talk with you," she said gently, "Vi has been telling me
+everything. Ah, do not think I have any reproaches for you, though nothing
+could have grieved me more than your success in what you attempted."
+
+She then went on to give, in her own gentle, kindly way, good and
+sufficient reasons for her dread and hatred of--not Papists--but Popery,
+and concluded by inviting Isa to join with them in a thorough
+investigation of its arrogant claims.
+
+Isa consented, won by her cousin's generous forbearance and affectionate
+interest in her welfare, and arrangements were made to begin the very
+next day.
+
+Molly's writing desk stood open on the table by her side, and Violet's
+bright eyes catching sight of the address on a letter lying there, "Oh,
+cousin, have you heard?" she exclaimed, "and is it good news?"
+
+"Yes," replied Molly, a flush of pride and pleasure mantling her cheek. "I
+should have told you at once, if--under ordinary circumstances;--but--"
+and her eyes filled as she turned them upon Mrs. Travilla.
+
+"Dear child, I am interested now and always in all your pains and
+pleasures," responded the latter, "and shall heartily rejoice in any good
+that has come to you."
+
+Then Molly, blushing and happy, explained that she had been using her
+spare time for months past, in making a translation of a French story, had
+offered it for publication, and, after weeks of anxious waiting, had that
+morning received a letter announcing its acceptance, and enclosing a check
+for a hundred dollars.
+
+"My dear child, I am proud of you--of the energy, patience and
+perseverance you have shown," her cousin said warmly, and with a look of
+great gratification. "Success, so gained, must be very sweet, and I offer
+you my hearty congratulations."
+
+The younger cousins added theirs, Elsie and Vi rejoicing as at a great
+good to themselves, and Isa expressing extreme surprise at the discovery
+that Molly had attained to so much knowledge, and possessed sufficient
+talent for such an undertaking.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST.
+
+    "Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
+     As to be hated needs but to be seen;
+     Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
+     We first endure, then pity, then embrace."
+                                    --POPE.
+
+
+The winter and spring passed very quietly at Ion. At Roselands there was
+more gayety, the girls going out frequently, and receiving a good deal of
+company at home.
+
+Virginia was seldom at Ion, but Isadore spent an hour there almost every
+day pursuing the investigation proposed by her Cousin Elsie.
+
+She was an honest and earnest inquirer after truth, and at length
+acknowledged herself entirely convinced of the errors into which she had
+been led, entirely restored to the evangelical faith; and more than that,
+she became a sincere and devoted Christian; much to the disgust and
+chagrin of her worldly-minded mother and Aunt Delaford, who would have
+been far better pleased to see her a mere butterfly of fashion, as were
+her sister and most of her younger friends.
+
+But to her brother Arthur, and at both the Oaks and Ion, the change in Isa
+was a source of deep joy and thankfulness.
+
+Also it was the means of leading Calhoun, who had long been halting
+between two opinions, to come out decidedly upon the Lord's side.
+
+Old Mr. Dinsmore had become quite infirm, and Cal now took entire charge
+of the plantation. Arthur was busy in his profession, and Walter was at
+West Point preparing to enter the army.
+
+Herbert and Meta Carrington were at the North; the one attending college,
+the other at boarding-school. Old Mrs. Carrington was still living; making
+her home at Ashlands; and through her, the Rosses were frequently heard
+from.
+
+They were still enjoying a large measure of worldly prosperity, Mr. Ross
+being a very successful merchant. He had taken his son Philip into
+partnership a year ago, and Lucy's letter spoke much of the lad as
+delighting his father and herself, by his business ability and shrewdness.
+
+They had their city residence, as well as their country seat. Gertrude had
+made her debut into fashionable society in the fall, and spent a very gay
+winter, and the occasional letters she wrote to the younger Elsie, were
+filled with descriptions of the balls, parties, operas and theatricals she
+attended, the splendors of her own attire, and the elegant dresses worn by
+others.
+
+It may be that at another time Elsie, so unaccustomed to worldly
+pleasures, would have found these subjects interesting from their very
+novelty; but now while the parting from Lily was so recent, when her
+happy death had brought the glories of heaven so near, how frivolous they
+seemed.
+
+They had more attraction for excitable, excitement-loving Violet; yet even
+she, interested for the moment, presently forgot them again, as something
+reminded her of the dear little sister, who was not lost but gone before
+to the better land.
+
+Vi had a warm, loving heart; no one could be fonder of home, parents,
+brothers and sisters than she, but as spring drew on, she began to have a
+restless longing for change of scene and employment. She had been growing
+fast, and felt weak and languid.
+
+Both she and Elsie had attained their full height, Vi being a trifle the
+taller of the two; they grew daily in beauty and grace, and were not more
+lovely in person than in character and mind.
+
+They were as open as the day with their gentle, tender mother, and their
+fond, proud father--proud of his lovely wife, and his sons and daughters,
+whose equals he truly believed were not to be found anywhere throughout
+the whole length and breadth of the land. So Vi was not slow in telling of
+her desire for change.
+
+It was on a lovely evening in May, when the whole family were gathered in
+the veranda, serenely happy in each other's society, the babe in his
+mother's arms, Rosie on her father's knee, the others grouped about them,
+doing nothing but enjoy the rest and quiet after a busy day with books
+and work.
+
+Molly in her wheeled chair, was there in their midst, feeling herself
+quite one of them and looking as contented and even blithesome as any of
+the rest. She was feeling very glad over her success in a second literary
+venture, thinking of Dick too, and how delightful it would be if she could
+only talk it all over with him.
+
+He had told her in his last letter that she was making him proud of her,
+and what a thrill of delight the words had given her.
+
+"Papa and mamma!" exclaimed Violet, breaking a pause in the conversation,
+"home is very dear and sweet, and yet--I'm afraid I ought to be ashamed to
+say it, but I do want to go away somewhere for awhile, to the seashore I
+think; that is if we can all go and be together."
+
+"I see no objection if all would like it," her father said, with an
+indulgent smile. "What do you say to the plan, little wife?"
+
+"I echo my husband's sentiments as a good wife should," she answered with
+something of the sportiveness of other days.
+
+"And we echo yours, mother," said Edward. "Do we not?" appealing to the
+others.
+
+"Oh yes, yes!" they cried, "a summer at the seashore, by all means."
+
+"In a cottage home of our own; shall it not be, papa?" added Elsie.
+
+"Your mamma decides all such questions," was his smiling rejoinder.
+
+"I approve the suggestion. It is far preferable to hotel life," she said.
+"Molly, my child, you are the only one who has not spoken."
+
+Molly's bright face had clouded a little. "I want you all to go and enjoy
+yourselves," she said, "though I shall miss you sadly."
+
+"Miss us! do you then intend to decline going along?"
+
+Molly colored and hesitated; "I'm such a troublesome piece of furniture to
+move," she said half jestingly, bravely trying to cover up the real pain
+that came with the thought.
+
+"That is nothing," said Mr. Travilla, so gently and tenderly that happy,
+grateful tears sprang to her eyes; "you go, of course, with the rest of
+us; unless there is some more insuperable objection--such as a
+disinclination on your part, and even that should, perhaps, be overruled;
+for the change would do you good."
+
+"O Molly you will not think of staying behind?"
+
+"We should miss you sadly," said Elsie and Vi.
+
+"And if you go you'll see Dick," suggested Eddie.
+
+Molly's heart bounded at the thought. "Oh," she said, her eyes sparkling,
+"how delightful that would be! and since you are all so kind, I'll be
+glad, very glad to go."
+
+"Here comes grandpa's carriage. I'm so glad!" exclaimed Herbert, the first
+to spy it as it turned in at the avenue gate. "Now I hope they'll say
+they'll all go too."
+
+He had his wish; the carriage contained Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, their son
+and daughter, and it soon appeared that they had come to propose the very
+thing Herbert desired, viz., that adjacent cottages at the seashore should
+be engaged for the two families, and all spend the summer there together.
+
+It was finally arranged that the Dinsmores should precede the others by
+two or three weeks, then Mr. Dinsmore return for his daughter and her
+family, and Mr. Travilla follow a little later in the season.
+
+Also that the second party should make their journey by water; it would be
+easier for Molly, and newer to all than the land route which they had
+taken much oftener in going North.
+
+"Dear me, how I wish we were rich!" exclaimed Virginia Conly when she
+heard of it the next morning at breakfast, from Cal, who had spent the
+evening at Ion. "I'd like nothing better than to go North for the summer;
+not to a dull, prosy life in a cottage though, but to some of the grand
+hotels where people dress splendidly and have hops and all sorts of gay
+times. If I had the means I'd go to the seashore for a few weeks, and then
+off to Saratoga for the rest of the season, Mamma, couldn't we manage it
+somehow? You ought to give Isa and me every advantage possible, if you
+want us to make good matches."
+
+"I shouldn't need persuasion to gratify you, if I had the money,
+Virginia," she answered dryly, and with a significant glance at her father
+and sons.
+
+There was no response from them; for none of them felt able to supply the
+coveted funds.
+
+"I think it very likely Cousin Elsie will invite you to visit them,"
+remarked Arthur at length, breaking the silence which had followed his
+mother's remark.
+
+"I shall certainly accept if she does," said Isa; "for I should dearly
+like to spend the summer with her there."
+
+"Making garments for the poor, reading good books and singing psalms and
+hymns," remarked Virginia with a contemptuous sniff.
+
+"Very good employments, all of them," returned Arthur quietly, "though I
+feel safe in predicting that a good deal more time will be spent by the
+Travillas in bathing, riding, driving, boating and fishing. They are no
+ascetics, but the most cheerful, happy family I have ever come across."
+
+"Yes, it's quite astonishing how easily they've taken the death of that
+child," said Mrs. Conly, ill-naturedly.
+
+"Mother, how can you!" exclaimed Arthur, indignant at the insinuation.
+
+"O mamma, no one could think for a moment it was from want of affection!"
+cried Isadore.
+
+"I have not said so; but you didn't tell me, I suppose, how Molly assured
+you her cousin had no need of consolation?"
+
+"Yes, mother, but it was that her grief was swallowed up in the realizing
+sense of the bliss of her dear departed child. Oh they all talk of her to
+this day with glad tears in their eyes,--sorrowing for themselves but
+rejoicing for her."
+
+Elsie did give a cordial invitation to her aunt and the two girls to spend
+the summer with her and it was accepted at first, but declined afterward
+when a letter came from Mrs. Delaford, inviting them to join her in some
+weeks' sojourn, at her expense, first at Cape May and afterward at
+Saratoga.
+
+It would be the gay life of dressing, dancing and flirting at great
+hotels, for which Virginia hungered, and was snatched at with great
+avidity by herself and her mother.
+
+Isadore would have preferred to be with the Travillas, but Mrs. Conly
+would not hear of it.
+
+"Aunt Delaford would be mortally offended. And then the idea of throwing
+away such a chance! Was Isa crazy? It would be well enough to accept
+Elsie's offer to pay their traveling expenses and provide each with a
+handsome outfit; but her cottage would be no place to spend the summer in,
+when they could do so much better; they would meet few gentlemen there;
+Elsie and Mr. Travilla were so absurdly particular as to whom they
+admitted to an acquaintance with their daughters; if there was the
+slightest suspicion against a man's moral character, he might as well wish
+for the moon as for the entree to their house; or so much as a bowing
+acquaintance with Elsie or Vi. It was really too absurd."
+
+"But, mamma," expostulated Isadore, "surely you would not be willing that
+we should associate with any one who was not of irreproachable character?"
+
+Mrs. Conly colored and looked annoyed.
+
+"There is no use in being too particular, Isadore," she said, "one can't
+expect perfection; young men are very apt to be a little wild, and they
+often settle down afterward into very good husbands."
+
+"Really, I don't think any the worse of a young fellow for sowing a few
+wild oats," remarked Virginia, with a toss of her head: "they're a great
+deal more interesting than your _good_ young men."
+
+"Such as Cal and Art," suggested Isa, smiling slightly. "Mamma, don't you
+wish they'd be a little wild?"
+
+"Nonsense, Isadore! your brothers are just what I would have them! I don't
+_prefer_ wild young men, but I hope I have sense enough not to expect
+everybody's sons to be as good as mine, and charity enough to overlook
+the imperfections of those who are not."
+
+"Well, mamma," said Isadore with great seriousness, "I have talked this
+matter over with Cousin Elsie, and I think she takes the right view of it;
+that the rule should be as strict for men as for women; that the sin which
+makes a woman an outcast from decent society, should receive the same
+condemnation when committed by a man; that a woman should require as
+absolute moral purity in the man she marries, as men do in the women they
+choose for wives; and so long as we are content with anything less, so
+long as we smile on men whom we know to be immoral, we are in a measure
+responsible for their vices."
+
+"I endorse that sentiment," said Arthur, coming in from an adjoining room;
+"it would be a great restraint upon men's vicious inclinations, if they
+knew that indulgence in vice would shut them out of ladies' society."
+
+"A truce to the subject. I'm tired of it," said Virginia. "Is it decided,
+mamma, that we take passage in the steamer with the Travillas?"
+
+"Yes; and now let us turn our attention to the much more agreeable topic
+of dress; there are a good many questions to settle in regard to it;--what
+we must have, what can be got here, and what after we reach Philadelphia."
+
+"And how one dollar can be made to do the work of two," added Virginia;
+"for there are loads and loads of things I must have in order to make a
+respectable appearance at the watering-places."
+
+"And we have just two weeks in which to make our arrangements," added her
+mother.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND.
+
+    "Such sheets of fire, such bursts of horrid thunder,
+     Such groans of roaring wind and rain, I never
+     Remember to have heard."
+                                          --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+Early in the morning of a perfect June day, our numerous party arrived at
+the wharf where lay the steamer that was to carry them to Philadelphia.
+
+The embarkation was made without accident. Molly had had a nervous dread
+of her share in it, but under her uncle's careful supervision, was
+conveyed safely on board.
+
+The weather was very warm, the sea perfectly calm, but as they steamed out
+of the harbor a pleasant breeze sprang up, and the voyage began most
+prosperously.
+
+There were a hundred lady passengers, and not more than a dozen gentlemen;
+but to Virginia's delight, one of these last was a gay dashing young army
+officer, with whom she had a slight acquaintance.
+
+He caught sight of her directly, hastened to greet her, and they were soon
+promenading the deck together, engaged in an evident flirtation.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore, seated at some little distance with his daughter and her
+children about him, watched his niece's proceedings with a deepening
+frown. He was not pleased with either her conduct or her companion.
+
+At length, rising and approaching his sister, "Do you know that young man,
+Louise?" he asked.
+
+"Not intimately," she returned, bridling. "He is Captain Brice of the
+army."
+
+"Do you know his character?"
+
+"I have heard that he belongs to a good family, and I can see that he is a
+gentleman. I hope you are satisfied."
+
+"No, I am not, Louise. He is a wild, reckless fellow, fond of drink,
+gambles----"
+
+"And what of it?" she interrupted. "I don't suppose he's going to teach
+Virginia to do either."
+
+"He is no fit associate for her or for any lady. Will you interpose your
+authority----"
+
+"No, I won't; I'm not going to insult a gentleman, and I'm satisfied that
+Virginia has sense enough to take care of herself."
+
+"Waving the question whether a man of his character is a gentleman, let me
+remark that it is not necessary to insult him in order to put a stop to
+this. You can call your daughter to your side, keep her with you, take an
+early opportunity to inform her of the man's reputation, and bid her
+discourage his attentions. If you do not interfere," he added in his
+determined way, "I shall take the matter into my own hands."
+
+"Isadore," said Mrs. Conly, "go and tell your sister I wish to speak to
+her."
+
+Virginia was extremely vexed at the summons, but obeyed it promptly.
+
+"What can mamma want? I was having such a splendid time," she said
+pettishly to her sister, when they were out of the captain's hearing.
+
+"It is more Uncle Horace than mamma."
+
+Virginia reddened. She knew her uncle's opinions, and she was not entirely
+ignorant of the reputation borne by Captain Brice.
+
+She feigned ignorance however, listened with apparent surprise to her
+uncle's account of him and promised sweetly to treat him with the most
+distant politeness in future.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore saw through her, but what more could he do, except keep a
+strict watch over both.
+
+The captain, forsaken by Virginia, sauntered about the deck and presently
+approaching an elderly lady who sat somewhat apart from the rest, lifted
+his cap with a smiling "How do you do, Mrs. Noyes?" and taking an empty
+chair by her side entered into a desultory conversation.
+
+"By the by," he said, "what an attractive family group is that over
+yonder," with a slight motion of the head in the direction of the
+Travillas. "The mother is my beau-ideal of a lovely matron, in appearance
+at least--I have not the happiness of her acquaintance--and the daughters
+are models of beauty and grace. They are from your neighborhood, I
+believe?"
+
+"Yes; I have a calling acquaintance with Mrs. Travilla. She was a great
+heiress; has peculiar notions, rather puritanical; but is extremely
+agreeable for all that."
+
+"Could you give me an introduction?"
+
+She shook her head. "I must beg you to excuse me."
+
+"But why?"
+
+"Ah, captain, do you not know that you have the reputation of being a
+naughty man? not very; but then, as I have told you, the mother is very
+strict and puritanical in her ideas; the father is the same, and I should
+only offend them without doing you any good; the girls would not dare, or
+even so much as wish to look at or speak to you."
+
+Growing red and angry, the captain stammered out something about being no
+worse than ninetenths of the rest of the world.
+
+"Very true, no doubt," she said; "and please understand that you are not
+tabooed by me. I'm not so strict. But perhaps," she added laughing, "it
+may be because I've no daughters to be endangered by young fellows who are
+as handsome and fascinating as they are naughty." He bowed his
+acknowledgments, then, as a noble looking young man was seen to approach
+the group with the manner of one on a familiar footing inquired, "Who is
+that fellow that seems so much at home with them?"
+
+"His name is Leland; Lester Leland. He's a nephew of the Leland who bought
+Fairview from the Fosters some years ago. He's an artist and poor--the
+nephew--he had to work his own way in the world; has to yet for that
+matter. I should wonder at the notice the Travillas take of him, only that
+I've heard he's one of the good sort. Then besides you know he may make a
+great reputation some day."
+
+"A pious fortune-hunter, I presume," sneered Brice, rising to give his
+seat to a lady; then with a bow he turned and walked away.
+
+Mr. Dinsmore was taking his grandsons over the vessel, showing them the
+engine and explaining its complicated machinery.
+
+Edward, who had quite a mechanical turn, seemed to understand it nearly as
+well as his grandfather, and Harold and Herbert, bright, intelligent boys
+of ten and twelve, looked and examined with much interest, asking sensible
+questions and listening attentively to the replies.
+
+They were active, manly little fellows, not fool-hardy or inclined to
+mischief; nor was their mother of the over-anxious kind; she could trust
+them, and when the tour of inspection with their grandpa was finished,
+they were allowed to roam about by themselves.
+
+Captain Brice took advantage of this to make acquaintance with them, and
+win their hearts by thrilling stories of buffalo hunts and encounters with
+wolves, grizzly bears and Indians, in which he invariably figured as
+conquering hero.
+
+He thought to make them stepping stones to an acquaintance with their
+sisters, and congratulated himself on his success when, on being summoned
+to return to their mother, they asked eagerly if he would not tell them
+more to-morrow.
+
+"Just try me, my fine fellows," he answered, laughing.
+
+"Mamma, what do you want with us?" they asked, running up to her. "A
+gentleman was telling us such nice stories."
+
+"I think the call to supper will come very soon," she said, "and I want
+you to smooth your hair and wash your hands. Dinah will take you to your
+state-room and see that you have what you need."
+
+"I'm afraid we're going to have a gust," remarked Isadore as the lads
+hurried away to do their mother's bidding; "see how the clouds are
+gathering yonder in the northwest."
+
+"A thunder-storm at sea; how romantic!" said Virginia; "'twill be
+something to talk about all our lives."
+
+"Silly child!" said her mother, "to hear you talk, one would think there
+was no such thing as danger."
+
+"Pshaw, mamma! we're hardly out of sight of land--our own shores," she
+retorted.
+
+"That would but increase our danger if the storm were coming from the
+opposite direction," said her uncle; "but fortunately, it is from a
+quarter to drive us out to sea."
+
+"Do you think it will be a gust, grandpa?" asked Violet, a little
+anxiously.
+
+"I fear so; the heat has become so oppressive, the breeze has entirely
+died down, and the clouds look threatening; but, my child, do not fear;
+our Father, God, rules upon the sea as well as the land; the stormy wind
+fulfilling his word."
+
+The storm came up rapidly, bursting on them in its fury before they had
+left the tea-table; the lightning's flash and the crash and roll of the
+thunder followed in quick succession; the stentorian voices of the
+officers of the vessel, shouting their orders to the crew, the heavy hasty
+tramp of the men's feet, the whistling of the wind through the rigging,
+the creaking of the cordage, the booming of the sea, mingling with the
+terrific thunder claps and the down-pouring of the rain, combined in an
+uproar fit to cause the stoutest heart to quake.
+
+Faces grew pale with fear; the women and children huddled together in
+frightened groups; the men looked anxiously at each other, and between the
+thunder peals, spoke in low tones of the danger of being driven out to
+sea, and asked each other of the captain's skill, on what part of the
+coast they were, and whether the vessel were strong enough to outride the
+tempest, should it continue long.
+
+"Oh, this is dreadful! I'm afraid we shall all go to the bottom, if it
+keeps on much longer," Mrs. Conly was saying to her niece, when there came
+a crash as if the very sky were falling; as if it had come down upon them;
+a shock that threw some from their seats, while others caught at the
+furniture to save themselves; the vessel shivered from stem to stern,
+seemed to stand still for an instant, then rushed on again.
+
+"It struck! we're lost!" cried a number of voices, while many women and
+children screamed, and some fainted.
+
+"Courage, my friends!" cried Mr. Dinsmore in loud clear tones, that could
+be distinctly heard by all, above the storm. "All is not lost that is in
+danger; and the 'Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither
+his ear heavy that it cannot hear.'"
+
+"Yes, it is time to pray," said an excited, answering voice; "the
+lightning has struck and shivered the mast; and look how it has run along
+over our heads and down yon mirror; as you may see by the melting of the
+glass. It has doubtless continued on to the hold, and set fire to the
+cotton stored there," the speaker--a thin, nervous looking man, who was
+pushing his way through the throng--added in a whisper close to Mr.
+Dinsmore's ear.
+
+"Be quiet, will you!" said the latter sternly; "these helpless women and
+children are sufficiently frightened already."
+
+"Yes, yes and I don't want to scare 'em unnecessarily; but we'd better be
+prepared for the worst."
+
+Elsie had overheard the whispers and her cheek paled, a look of keen
+distress coming into her face as she glanced from one to another of her
+loved ones, dearer far than her own life.
+
+But she showed no other sign of agitation; her heart sent up one swift cry
+to him to whom "all power is given in heaven and in earth," and faith and
+love triumphed over fear. His love to her was infinite nor was there any
+limit to his power. She would trust him that all would be well whether in
+life or death.
+
+"'Even the wind and the sea obey him,'" she whispered to Violet, who was
+asking with pale trembling lips, "Mamma, mamma, what will become of us?"
+
+"But mamma they say the vessel is loaded with cotton, and that the
+lightning has probably set it on fire."
+
+"Still, my darling, he is able to take care of us; 'it is nothing with him
+to help whether with many or with them that have no power;' he is the Lord
+our God."
+
+Her father had come to her side. "Daughter, my dear, dear daughter!" he
+said with emotion, taking her in his arms as was his wont in her early
+years.
+
+"O grandpa, take care of mamma, whatever becomes of us!" exclaimed Elsie
+and Vi together.
+
+"No, no!" she said, "save my children and never mind me."
+
+"Mamma, you must be our first care!" said Eddie hoarsely.
+
+"Your sisters, my son, and your brothers. Leave me to the last," she
+answered firmly.
+
+"We will hope to save you all," Mr. Dinsmore said, trying to speak
+cheerfully; "but, my child, if you perish, I perish with you."
+
+"Horace, is it true? is it true that the vessel is on fire?" gasped Mrs.
+Conly, clutching his arm and staring him in the face with eyes wild with
+terror.
+
+"Try to calm yourself, Louise," he said kindly. "We do not know certainly
+yet, though there is reason to fear it may be so."
+
+"Horrible!" she cried, wringing her hands. "I can't die! I've never made
+any preparations for death. Oh save me, Horace, if you can! No, no save my
+girls, my poor dear girls, and never mind me."
+
+"Louise, my poor sister," he said, deeply moved, "we will not despair yet
+of all being saved; but try to prepare for the worst, turn _now_ to him
+who has said, Look unto me and be ye saved all ye ends of the earth."
+
+Virginia had thrown herself upon a sofa, in strong hysterics, and Isadore
+stood over her with smelling salts and fan.
+
+Mrs. Conly hurried back to them with tears rolling down her cheeks.
+
+"Oh what is to be done?" she sighed, taking the fan from Isa's hand. "If
+Cal and Art were but here to look after us! Your uncle has his hands full
+with his daughter and her children."
+
+"Mamma let us ask God for help; he and he only can give it," whispered
+Isadore.
+
+"Yes, yes, ask him! you know how and he will hear you. Virgy, my child,
+try to calm yourself."
+
+Isa knelt by her sister's side; there were many on their knees crying for
+succor in this hour of terrible danger.
+
+The storm was abating, the rain had nearly ceased to fall, and the wind to
+lash the waves into fury; the flashes of lightning were fewer and fainter
+and the heavy claps of thunder had given place to distant mutterings; they
+would not be wrecked by the fury of the tempest, yet alas, there still
+remained the more fearful danger of devouring fire.
+
+It was a night of terror; no one thought of retiring, and few but young
+children closed an eye.
+
+Every preparation was made for taking to the water at a moment's warning;
+those who had life preservers--and all our party were supplied with
+them--brought them out and secured them to their persons; boats were made
+ready to launch, and those who retained sufficient presence of mind and
+forethought, selected, and kept close at hand, such valuables as it seemed
+possible they might be able to carry about them.
+
+The Travillas kept together, Mr. Dinsmore with them, and young Leland
+also.
+
+He was to them only an ordinary friend, but one of them he would have died
+to save, and almost he would have done it for the others for her sake.
+
+Poor Molly had never felt her helplessness more than now; fastened to her
+chair as with bands of steel, there was less hope of escape for her than
+for others.
+
+Her thoughts flew to Dick in that first moment of terror, to Dick who
+loved her better than any other earthly thing. Alas, he was far away; but
+there was One near, her Elder Brother, who would never leave nor forsake
+her. With that thought she grew calm and strong to wait and to endure.
+
+But her uncle did not forget her; with his own hands he fastened a life
+preserver about her.
+
+"My poor helpless child," he said low and tenderly, "do not fear that you
+will be forgotten should there be any chance for rescue."
+
+"Thank you, dear, kind uncle," she said with tears in her eyes, "but leave
+me to the last, my life is worth so much less than theirs," glancing
+toward her cousins; "there would be only Dick to mourn its loss----"
+
+"No, no, Molly, we all love you!" he interrupted.
+
+She smiled a little sadly, but went on, "and it would be more difficult to
+save me than two others."
+
+"Still, do not despair," he said, "I will not leave you to perish alone;
+and I have hope that in the good providence of God, we shall all be
+saved."
+
+Gradually the screaming, sobbing, fainting, gave place to a dull
+despairing waiting, waiting, with a trembling, sickening dread, for the
+confirmation of their worst fears.
+
+Rosie had fallen asleep upon a sofa with her head in her eldest sister's
+lap, Vi on an ottoman beside them, tightly clasping a hand of each.
+
+Elsie had her babe in her arms; he was sleeping sweetly, and laying her
+head back, she closed her eyes while her thoughts flew to Ion, to the
+husband and father who would perhaps learn to-morrow of the loss of all
+his treasures.
+
+Her heart bled for him, as she seemed to see him bowed down with
+heart-breaking sorrow.
+
+Then arose the question "what should the end bring to them--herself and
+her beloved children?"
+
+For herself she could say, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow
+of death; I will fear no evil; for thou art with me." Elsie, Vi and Eddie
+she had good reasons to hope were true Christians; but Harold and
+Herbert?--A pang shot through her heart. Good, obedient children though
+they were, she yet knew not that they had ever experienced that new birth
+without which none can enter heaven.
+
+Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
+he cannot see the kingdom of God."
+
+"Mamma, what is it?" Eddie asked, seeing her glance anxiously from side to
+side.
+
+"Your brothers! I do not see them. Where are they?"
+
+"They went into their state-room a moment since;--right here, you know.
+Shall I call them?"
+
+"Yes, yes; I must speak to them."
+
+They came hand in hand, in answer to Eddie's summons.
+
+Herbert's eyes were full of tears, not of terror or grief; there seemed a
+new happy light in each boyish face.
+
+"Mamma," whispered Harold, putting his arm round her neck, his lips to her
+ear, "we went away to be alone, Herbie and I; we knew what made you look
+so sorry at us;--because you were afraid we didn't love Jesus; but we do,
+mamma, and we went away to give ourselves to him; and we mean to be his
+always, whether we live or die."
+
+Glad tears rolled down her cheeks as she silently embraced first one, then
+the other.
+
+And so slowly the night wore away, a reign of terror for hours, while
+every moment they were watching with despairing hearts for the smell of
+fire or the bursting out of flames from the hold; their fears gave way to
+a faint hope as time passed on and the catastrophe was still delayed; a
+hope that grew gradually stronger and brighter, till at last it was lost
+in glad certainty.
+
+The electricity, it appeared, had scattered over the iron of the
+machinery, instead of running on down into the hold.
+
+Some said, "What a lucky escape!" others, "What a kind providence."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.
+
+    "Sacred love is basely bought and sold;
+     Wives are grown traffic, marriage is a trade."
+                                              --RANDOLPH.
+
+
+They came safely into port. A little crowd of eager, expectant friends
+stood waiting on the wharf; among them a tall, dark-eyed young man, with a
+bright, intellectual face, whom Molly, seated on the deck in the midst of
+the family group, recognized with almost a cry of delight.
+
+The instant a plank was thrown out, he sprang on board, and in another
+moment she was in his arms, sobbing, "Oh, Dick, Dick. I thought I'd never
+see you again!"
+
+"Why?" he said with a joyous laugh, "we've not been so long or so far
+apart that you need have been in despair of that."
+
+Then as he turned to exchange greetings with the others, his ear caught
+the words, "We had an awful night, expecting every moment to see flames
+bursting out from the hold."
+
+"What, what does it mean?" he asked, grasping his uncle's hand, while his
+cheek paled, and he glanced hastily from side to side.
+
+"We have had a narrow escape," said Mr. Dinsmore.
+
+The main facts were soon given, the details as they drove to their hotel,
+and Dick rejoiced with trembling, as he learned how, almost, he had lost
+these dear ones.
+
+A few days were spent in Philadelphia, then Mr. Dinsmore and the Travillas
+sought their seaside homes, Dick going with them.
+
+Their coming was hailed with joy by Mrs. Dinsmore and her daughter Rose,
+who had been occupying their cottage for a week or more.
+
+The Conlys would linger some time longer in the city, laying in a stock of
+finery for the summer campaign, then, joined by Mrs. Delaford, they too
+would seek the seashore.
+
+The cottages were quite out of the town, built facing the ocean, and as
+near it as consistent with safety and comfort.
+
+The children hailed the first whiff of the salt sea breeze with eager
+delight, were down upon the beach within a few minutes of their arrival,
+and until bedtime left it only long enough to take their tea, finishing
+their day with a long moonlight drive along the shore.
+
+They were given perfect liberty to enjoy themselves to the full; the only
+restrictions being that they were not to go into danger, or out of sight
+of the house, or to the water's edge unless accompanied by some older
+member of the family or a trusty servant.
+
+The next morning they were all out again for a ramble before breakfast,
+and immediately after prayers Vi, Rosie, Harold and Herbert, with a man
+servant in attendance, returned to the beach.
+
+The girls were collecting shells and seaweed, the two boys skipping stones
+on the water, Ben, the servant, watching the sport with keen interest, and
+occasionally joining in it.
+
+Absorbed in their amusements, none of them noticed the approach of a young
+man in undress uniform.
+
+He followed them for some moments in a careless way, as if he were but
+casually strolling in the same direction, yet was watching with close
+attention every movement of Vi's graceful figure.
+
+She and Rosie were unconsciously widening the distance between their
+brothers and themselves, not noticing that the boys had become stationary.
+
+Perceiving this, and that they were now out of earshot, the stranger
+quickened his pace, and coming up behind the lads, hailed them with, "So
+here you are, my fine fellows! I'm pleased to meet you again!"
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Herbert, looking round, "it's the gentleman that tells
+such nice stories! Good-morning, sir. We're glad to see you, too."
+
+"Yes, indeed," assented Harold offering his hand, which the stranger
+grasped and shook heartily. "We're having a splendid time skipping stones.
+Did you ever do it?"
+
+"Many a time when I was a little chap like you, I used to be a famous
+hand at it. Let's see if I can equal you now."
+
+He was soon apparently as completely engrossed with the sport as any of
+them, yet through it all was furtively watching Vi and Rosie as they
+strolled slowly onward, now stooping to pick up a shell or pausing a
+moment to gaze out over the wide expanse of waters, then sauntering on
+again in careless, aimless fashion, thoroughly enjoying the entire freedom
+from ordinary tasks and duties.
+
+The boys knew nothing about their new companion except what they had seen
+of him on board the vessel; their mother had not understood who was their
+story-telling friend, and in the excitement of the storm and the hasty
+visit to the city, he had been quite forgotten by all three. Nor were any
+of the family aware of his vicinity; thus it happened that the lads had
+not been warned against him.
+
+Vi, however, had seen him with Virginia and knew from what passed directly
+afterward between her grandfather and aunt (though she did not hear the
+conversation) that the stranger was not one whom Mr. Dinsmore approved.
+
+Not many minutes had passed before she looked back, and seeing that she
+had left her brothers some distance behind, hastily began to retrace her
+footsteps, Rosie with her.
+
+The instant they turned to do so, the captain, addressing Harold, artfully
+inquired, "Do you know that young lady?"
+
+"I should think so! she's my own sister," said the boy proudly. "The
+little one too."
+
+"Pretty girls, both of them. Won't you introduce me?"
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," returned the boy a little doubtfully, and taking a
+more critical survey of his new acquaintance than he had thought necessary
+before; "you--you're a gentleman and a good man, aren't you?"
+
+"Don't I look like it?" laughed the captain. "Would you take me for a
+rogue?"
+
+"I--I don't believe you'd be a burglar or a thief, but----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Please don't think I mean to be rude, sir, but you broke the third
+commandment a minute ago."
+
+"The third? which is that? for I really don't remember."
+
+"I thought you'd forgotten it," said Herbert.
+
+"It's the one that says, 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God
+in vain,'" answered Harold, in low reverent tones.
+
+"I own to being completely puzzled," said the captain. "I certainly
+haven't been swearing."
+
+"No, not exactly; but you said, 'By George,' and 'By Heaven,' and mamma
+says such words are contrary to the spirit of the command, and that no one
+who is a thorough gentleman and Christian will ever use them."
+
+"That's a very strict rule," he said, lifting his cap and bowing low to
+Violet, who was now close at hand.
+
+She did not seem to notice it, or to see him at all.
+
+"Boys," she said with gentle gravity, "let us go home now."
+
+"What for, Vi? I'm not tired of the beach yet," objected Herbert.
+
+"I have something to tell you; something else to propose. Won't you go
+with me?"
+
+"Yes," and with a hasty "good-bye," to the captain, they joined their
+sisters, who were already moving slowly toward home.
+
+"What have you to tell us, Vi?" asked Harold.
+
+"That I know grandpa does not approve of that man, and I am quite sure
+mamma would not wish you to be with him. The sun is getting hot and there
+are Dick and Molly on the veranda; let's go and talk with them for a
+while. It's nearly time now for our drive."
+
+"Miss Wi'let," said Ben, coming up behind, "dat fellah's mighty pow'ful
+mad; swored a big oath dat you's proud as Luficer."
+
+"Oh, then we won't have anything more to do with him!" exclaimed the boys,
+Herbert adding, "but I do wish he was good, for he does tell such famous
+stories."
+
+They kept their word and were so shy of the captain that he soon gave up
+trying to cultivate their acquaintance, or to make that of their sisters.
+
+Mrs. Noyes and he were boarding at the same hotel, and from her he learned
+that Mrs. Delaford and the Conlys were expected shortly, having engaged
+rooms on the same floor with herself.
+
+The information was agreeable, as, though he did not care particularly for
+Virginia, flirting with her would, he thought, be rather an enjoyable way
+of passing the time; all the more so that it would be in opposition to Mr.
+Dinsmore's wishes; for the captain knew very well why, and at whose
+suggestion, Virginia had been summoned away from his society on board the
+vessel, and had no love for the man who so highly disapproved of him.
+
+The girl, too, resented her uncle's interference, and on her arrival, with
+the perversity of human nature, went farther in her encouragement of the
+young man's attentions than she, perhaps, would otherwise have done.
+
+Her mother and aunt looked on with indifference, if not absolute approval.
+
+Isadore was the only one who offered a remonstrance, and she was cut short
+with a polite request to "mind her own business."
+
+"I think I am, Virgy," she answered pleasantly, "I'm afraid you're getting
+yourself into trouble; and surely I ought to try to save you from that."
+
+"I won't submit to surveillance," returned her sister. "I wouldn't live in
+the same house with Uncle Horace for anything. And if mamma and Aunt
+Delaford don't find fault, you needn't."
+
+Isadore, seriously concerned for Virginia's welfare, was questioning in
+her own mind whether she ought to mention the matter to her uncle, when
+her mother set that doubt at rest by forbidding her to do so.
+
+Isa, who was trying to be a consistent Christian, would neither flirt nor
+dance, and the foolish, worldly-minded mother was more vexed at her
+behavior than at Virginia's.
+
+Isa slipped away to the cottage homes of the Dinsmores and Travillas
+whenever she could. She enjoyed the quiet pleasures and the refined and
+intellectual society of her relatives and the privileged friends, both
+ladies and gentlemen, whom they gathered about them.
+
+Lester Leland, who had taken up his abode temporarily in that vicinity,
+was a frequent visitor and sometimes brought a brother artist with him.
+Dick's cronies came too, and old friends of the family from far and near.
+
+Elsie sent an early invitation to Lucy Ross to bring her daughters and
+spend some weeks at the cottage.
+
+The reply was a hasty note from Lucy saying that she deeply regretted her
+inability to accept, but they were extremely busy making preparations to
+spend the season at Saratoga, had already engaged their rooms and could
+not draw back; beside that Gertrude and Kate had set their hearts on
+going. "However," she added, "she would send Phil in her place, he must
+have a little vacation and insisted he would rather visit their old
+friends the Travillas, than go anywhere else in the world; he would put up
+at a hotel (being a young man, he would of course prefer that) but hoped
+to spend a good deal of time at the cottage."
+
+He did so, and attached himself almost exclusively to the younger Elsie,
+with an air of proprietorship which she did not at all relish.
+
+She tried to let him see it without being rude; but the blindness of
+egotism and vast self-appreciation was upon him and he thought her only
+charmingly coy; probably with the intent to thus conceal her love and
+admiration.
+
+He was egregiously mistaken. She found him, never the most interesting of
+companions at times an intolerable bore; and was constantly contrasting
+his conversation which ran upon trade and money making, stocks, bonds and
+mortgages, to the exclusion of nearly everything else except fulsome
+flatteries of herself--with that of Lester Leland, who spoke with
+enthusiasm of his art; who was a lover of Nature and Nature's God; whose
+thoughts dwelt among lofty themes, while at the same time he was entirely
+free from vanity, his manner as simple and unaffected as that of a little
+child.
+
+He was a favorite with all the family; his society enjoyed especially by
+the ladies.
+
+He devoted himself more particularly to sculpture, but also sketched
+finely from nature, as did both Elsie and Violet; the latter was beginning
+to show herself a genius in both that and music, Elsie had recently under
+Leland's instructions, done some very pretty wood carving and modeling in
+clay, and this similarity of tastes made them very congenial.
+
+Philip's stay was happily not lengthened, business calling him back to New
+York.
+
+Letters came now and then from Mrs. Ross, Gertrude or Kate, telling of
+their gay life at Saratoga.
+
+The girls seemed to have no lack of gentlemen admirers; among whom was a
+Mr. Larrabee from St. Louis, who was particularly attentive to Gertrude.
+
+At length it was announced that they were engaged.
+
+It was now the last of August. The wedding was to take place about the
+middle of October, and as the intervening six weeks would barely afford
+time for the preparation of the trousseau, the ladies hurried home to New
+York.
+
+Then Kate came down to spend a week with the Travillas.
+
+She looked fagged and worn, complained of ennui, was already wearied of
+the life she had been leading, and had lost all taste for simple
+pleasures.
+
+Her faded cheek and languid air, presented a strange contrast to the
+fresh, bright beauty and animation of Elsie and Violet, a contrast that
+pained the kind, motherly heart of Mrs. Travilla, who would have been glad
+to make all the world as happy as she and her children were.
+
+Elsie and Vi felt a lively interest in Gertrude's prospects, and had many
+questions to ask about her betrothed;--"Was he young? was he handsome? was
+he a good man? But, oh _that_ was of course."
+
+"No, not of course at all," Kate answered, almost with impatience. "She
+supposed he was not a bad man; but he wasn't good in their sense of the
+word--not in the least religious--and he was neither young nor handsome."
+
+A moment of disappointed silence followed this communication, then Elsie
+said, a little doubtfully, "Well, I suppose Gerty loves him, and is happy
+in the prospect of becoming his wife?"
+
+"Happy?" returned Kate, with a contemptuous sniff. "Well, I suppose she
+ought to be; she is getting what she wanted--plenty of money and a
+splendid establishment; but as to loving Mr. Victor Larrabee--I could
+about as soon love a--snake; and so could she. He always makes me think of
+one."
+
+"Oh, Kate! and will she marry him?" both exclaimed in horror.
+
+"She's promised to and doesn't seem inclined to draw back," replied Kate
+with indifference. Then bursting into a laugh, "Girls," she said, "I've
+had an offer too, and mamma would have had me accept it, but it didn't
+suit my ideas. The man himself is well enough, I don't really dislike him;
+but such a name! Hogg! only think of it! I told mamma that I didn't want
+to live in a sty, if it was lined with gold."
+
+"No, I don't believe I could feel willing to wear that name," said Violet
+laughing. "But if his name suited, would you marry him without loving
+him?"
+
+"I suppose so; I like riches, and mamma says such wealthy men as Mr. Hogg
+and Mr. Larrabee are not to be picked up every day."
+
+"But, oh, it wouldn't be right, Kate! because you have to promise to
+love."
+
+"Oh, that's a mere form!" returned Kate with a yawn. "Gerty says she's
+marrying for love--not of the man but his money," and Kate laughed as if
+it was an excellent joke.
+
+The other two looked grave and distressed, their mother had taught them
+that to give the hand without the heart was folly and sin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.
+
+    "There's many a slip
+     Twixt the cup and the lip."
+
+
+The Travillas were all invited to Gertrude's wedding; but as it was to be
+a very grand affair, the invitation was declined because of their recent
+bereavement.
+
+Mr. Ross had not seen his intended son-in-law, nor did he know how
+mercenary were Gertrude's motives. He took it for granted that she would
+not, of her own free will, consent to marry a man who was not at least
+agreeable to her, though he certainly thought it odd that she should fancy
+one over forty years older than herself.
+
+He made some inquiries relative to the man's character and circumstances,
+and learning that he was really very wealthy, and bore a respectable
+reputation, as the world goes, gave his consent to the match.
+
+The preparations went on; dresses and jewels were ordered from Paris,
+invitations issued to several hundred guests, and the reception rooms of
+their city residence refurnished for the occasion; money was poured out
+without stint to provide the wedding feasts and flowers, rich and rare,
+for the adornment of the house, and the persons of the girls.
+
+Gertrude did not seem unhappy, but was in a constant state of excitement,
+and would not allow herself a moment to think.
+
+Ten days before that appointed for the ceremony, the bridegroom arrived in
+the city, and called upon the family.
+
+Mr. Ross did not like his countenance, and wondered more than ever at his
+daughter's choice.
+
+He waited till Mr. Larrabee was gone, then sent for her to come to him in
+the library.
+
+She came, looking surprised and annoyed. "What is it, papa?" she said
+impatiently. "Please be as brief as you can; because I've a world of
+things to attend to."
+
+"So many that you have not a moment to spare for the father you are going
+to leave so soon?" he said a little sadly.
+
+"Oh, don't remind me of that!" she cried, a sudden change coming over her
+manner. "I can't bear to think of it!" and creeping up to him, she put her
+arms around his neck, while a tear trembled in her eye.
+
+"Nor I," he said, caressing her; "not even if I knew you were going to be
+very happy so far away from me; and I fear you are not. Gertrude, do you
+love that man?"
+
+"Why what a question coming from my practical father!" she said, forcing a
+laugh. "I am choosing for myself, marrying of my own free will; is not
+that sufficient?"
+
+"I tell you candidly, Gertrude," he answered, "I do not like Mr.
+Larrabee's looks. I cannot think it possible that you can love him, and I
+beg of you if you do not, to draw back even now at this late hour."
+
+"It is too late, papa," she returned, growing cold and hard; "and I do not
+wish it. Is this all you wanted to say to me?"
+
+"Yes," he said, releasing her with a sigh.
+
+She glided from the room and he spent the next half hour in pacing slowly
+back and forth with his head bowed upon his breast.
+
+The door bell rang and the servant came in with a card.
+
+Mr. Ross glanced at it, read the name with a look of pleased surprise, and
+said, "Show the gentleman in here."
+
+The next moment the two were shaking hands and greeting each other as old
+and valued friends.
+
+"I'm very glad to see you, Gordon!" exclaimed Mr. Ross; "but what happy
+chance brought you here? Are you not residing somewhere in the West?"
+
+"Yes; in St. Louis; and it is not a happy chance, but a painful duty that
+has brought me to you to-night."
+
+He spoke hurriedly, as if to be done with an unpleasant task, and Mr.
+Ross's pulses throbbed at the sudden recollection that Larrabee also was
+a resident of St. Louis.
+
+He turned a quick, inquiring look upon his friend. "Out with it, man! I'm
+in no mood to wait, whether it be good news or ill."
+
+Gordon glanced toward the door.
+
+Mr. Ross stepped to it and turned the key; then coming back, seated
+himself close to his friend with the air of one who is ready for anything.
+
+"Phil, my old chum," said Gordon, clapping him affectionately on the
+shoulder, "I heard the other day in St. Louis, that Larrabee was about to
+marry a daughter of yours, and I took the first eastern bound train and
+traveled night and day to get here in time to put a stop to the thing. I
+hope I'm not too late."
+
+"What do you know of the man?" asked Mr. Ross steadily and looking Gordon
+full in the eye, but with a paling cheek.
+
+"Know of him? that he made all his money by gambling; that he is a
+murderer."
+
+The last word was spoken low and close to the listener's ear.
+
+Mr. Ross started back--horrified--deadly pale.
+
+"Gordon! do you know whereof you affirm?" he asked low and huskily.
+
+"I do; I had the account from one who was an eye-witness of the affair. He
+is dead now, and I do not suppose it would be possible to prove the thing
+in a court of justice; but nevertheless I assure you it is true.
+
+"It was thirty years ago, on a Mississippi steamer, running between St.
+Louis and New Orleans, that the deed was done.
+
+"Larrabee, then a professional black-leg, was aboard, plying his trade. My
+informant, a man whose veracity I could not doubt, was one of a group of
+bystanders, who saw him (Larrabee) fleece a young man out of several
+thousand dollars--all he had in the world--then, enraged by some taunting
+words from his victim, pull out a pistol and shoot him through the heart,
+just as they sat there on opposite sides of the gaming table; then with
+his revolver still in his hand, threatening with terrible oaths and
+curses, to shoot down any man who should attempt to stop him, he rushed on
+deck, jumped into the river, swam ashore and disappeared in the woods."
+
+"Horrible, horrible!" groaned Mr. Ross, hiding his face in his hands. "And
+this murderer, this fiend in human form, would have married my daughter!"
+he cried, starting up in strong excitement. "Why was he suffered to
+escape? Where is he now?"
+
+"The whole thing passed so quickly, my informant said, that every one
+seemed stunned, paralyzed with horror and fright till the scoundrel had
+made good his escape; beside there were several others of the same stamp
+on board--desperate fellows, probably belonging to the same gang--who
+were evidently ready to make common cause with the ruffian.
+
+"That part of our country was, you know, in those days, infested with
+desperadoes and outlaws."
+
+"Yes, yes; but what is to be done now? I shall of course send a note to
+Larrabee, at his hotel, telling him that all is at an end between him and
+Gertrude, forbidding him the house, and intimating that the sooner he
+leaves the vicinity the better. But--Gordon, I can never thank you
+sufficiently for this kindness; will you add to it by keeping the thing to
+yourself for the present? I wouldn't for the world have the story get into
+the papers."
+
+"Certainly, Ross!" returned his friend, grasping his hand in adieu. "I
+understand how you feel. There is but one person beside ourselves, who
+knows my errand here, and I can answer for his silence."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Mr. Hogg, a friend of your wife and daughters."
+
+The news brought by Mr. Gordon sent both Gertrude and her mother into
+violent hysterics, and Mr. Ross and an old nurse who had been in the
+family for years, had their hands full for the rest of the night. It was a
+sore wound to the pride of both mother and daughter.
+
+"The scoundrel! the wretch! the villain!" cried Gertrude. "I can never
+hold up my head again; everybody will be talking about me, and those
+envious Miss Petitts and their mother will say, 'It's just good enough for
+her; serves her right for being so proud of the grand match she was going
+to make.' Oh dear, oh dear! why couldn't that Gordon have staid away and
+held his tongue!"
+
+"Gertrude!" exclaimed her father, in anger and astonishment, "is this your
+gratitude to him for saving you from being the wife of a gambler and
+murderer? You might well be thankful to him and to a Higher Power, for
+your happy escape."
+
+"Yes, of course," said Lucy. "But what are we to do? the invitations are
+all out. Oh dear, dear, was there ever such a wretched piece of business!
+Phil, it's real good in you not to reproach me."
+
+"'Twould be useless now," he sighed, "and I think the reproaches of your
+own conscience must be sufficient. Not that I would put all the blame on
+you, though. A full share of it belongs to me."
+
+By morning both ladies had recovered some degree of calmness, but Gertrude
+obstinately refused to leave her room, or to see any one who might call,
+even her most intimate friend.
+
+"Tell them I'm sick," she said, "it'll be true enough, for I have an awful
+headache."
+
+It was to her mother who had been urging her to come down to breakfast,
+that she was speaking.
+
+"Well, I shall send up a cup of tea," said Mrs. Ross. "But, what is this?"
+as the maid entered with a note. "It's directed to you, Gertrude."
+
+"From him, I presume," Gertrude said, as the girl went out and closed the
+door. "Throw it into the fire, mother, or no; I'll send it back unopened."
+
+"It is not his hand," said Mrs. Ross, closely scrutinizing the address.
+
+"Then give it to me, please;" and almost snatching it from her mother's
+hand, Gertrude tore it open, and glanced hastily over its contents.
+
+"Yes, I'll see him! he'll be here directly; and I must look my best!" she
+exclaimed, jumping up and beginning to take down her crimps.
+
+"See him? Gertrude, are you mad? Your father will never allow it."
+
+"Mr. Hogg, mother."
+
+"Oh!"
+
+They exchanged glances and smiles. Mrs. Ross hurried down to breakfast,
+not to keep her husband waiting, and Gertrude presently followed in
+handsome morning toilet, and in apparently quite gay spirits; a trifle
+pale, but only enough so to make her interesting, her mother said.
+
+Mr. Ross and Philip, Jr., had already gone away to their place of
+business, Sophie and the younger boys to school, and only Mrs. Ross and
+Kate were left, the latter of whom had little to say, but regarded her
+sister with a sort of contemptuous pity.
+
+Gertrude had scarcely finished her meal, when the door-bell rang, and she
+was summoned to the drawing-room to receive her visitor.
+
+The wedding came off at the appointed time. There was a change of
+bridegrooms, that was all; and few could decide whether the invitations
+had been a ruse, so far as he was concerned--or if that were not so, how
+the change had been brought about.
+
+In a long letter to Violet Travilla, Kate Ross gave the details of the
+whole affair.
+
+A strange, sad story it seemed to Vi and her sister. They could not in the
+least understand how Gertrude could feel or act as she had done, and
+feared she would find, as Kate expressed it, "even a gold lined sty, but a
+hard bed to lie in, with no love to soften it."
+
+"Still," they said to each other, "it was better, a thousand times better,
+than marrying that dreadful Mr. Larrabee."
+
+For Kate had assured them Mr. Hogg was "an honest, honorable man, and not
+ill-tempered; only an intolerable bore--so stupid and uninteresting."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FIFTH.
+
+    "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
+                                          --GAL. vi. 7.
+
+
+Elsie and her children returned home healthful and happy, with scarce any
+but pleasing recollections of the months that had just passed.
+
+Not so with Mrs. Conly and Virginia. They seemed soured and disappointed;
+nothing had gone right with them; their finery was all spoiled, and they
+were worn out--with the journey they said, but in reality far more by late
+hours and dissipation of one sort and another.
+
+The flirtation with Captain Brice had not ended in anything
+serious--except the establishing of a character for coquetry for
+Virginia--nor had several others which followed in quick succession.
+
+The girl had much ado to conceal her chagrin; she had started out with
+bright hopes of securing a brilliant match, and now, though not yet
+twenty, began to be haunted with the terrible, boding fear of old
+maidenhood.
+
+She confided her trouble to Isadore one day, when a fit of extreme
+depression had made her unusually communicative.
+
+Isa could scarce forbear smiling, but checked the inclination.
+
+"It is much too soon to despair, Virgy," she said; "but indeed, I do not
+think the prospect of living single need make one wretched."
+
+"Perhaps not you, who are an heiress; but it's another thing for poor,
+penniless me."
+
+Isadore acknowledged that that probably did make a difference.
+
+"But," she added, "I hope neither of us will ever be so silly as to marry
+for money. I think it must be dreadful to live in such close connection
+with a man you do not love, even if he is rolling in wealth; but suppose
+he loses his money directly? There you are, tied to him for life without
+even riches to compensate you for your loss of liberty."
+
+"Dear me, Isa, how tiresome! Where's the use of supposing he's going to
+lose his money?"
+
+"Because it's something not at all unlikely to happen; riches do take
+wings and fly away. I do not feel certain that Aunt Delaford's money will
+ever come to me, or that, if it does, I may not lose it. So I intend to
+prepare to support myself if it should ever become necessary."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I intend to take up the English branches again, also the higher
+mathematics, and make myself thorough in them (which I am far from being
+now; they do not teach them thoroughly at the convent), so that I may be
+able to command a good position as a teacher.
+
+"And let me advise you to do the same."
+
+"Indeed, I've no fancy for such hard work," sneered Virginia. "I'd rather
+trust to luck. I'll be pretty sure to be taken care of somehow."
+
+"I should think if any one might feel justified in doing that it would be
+Cousin Elsie," said Isadore; "but Uncle Horace educated her in a way to
+make her quite capable of earning her own living, and she is doing the
+same by every one of her children."
+
+"Such nonsense!" muttered Virginia.
+
+"Such prudence and forethought, I should say," laughed her sister.
+
+A few days after this Isadore was calling at Ion and in the course of
+conversation Mrs. Travilla remarked, with concern, "Virginia looks really
+unhappy of late. Is her trouble anything it would be in my power to
+relieve?"
+
+"No; unless she would listen to good counsel from you. It is really
+nothing serious; and yet I suppose it seems so to her. I'm almost ashamed
+to tell you, cousin, but as far as I can learn it is nothing in the world
+but the fear of old-maidenhood," Isa answered, half laughing.
+
+Elsie smiled.
+
+"Tell her from me that there is plenty of time yet. She is two or three
+years younger than I was when I married, and," she added with a bright,
+happy look, "I have never thought I lost anything by waiting."
+
+"I'm sure you didn't, mamma," said Violet, who was present. "But how very
+odd of Virgy to trouble about that! I'm glad people don't have to marry,
+because I shall never, never be willing to leave my dear home, and my
+father and mother. Especially not to live with some stranger."
+
+"I hope it may be some years before you change your mind in regard to
+that," her mother responded with a loving look.
+
+Elsie was not bringing up her daughters to consider marriage the chief end
+of woman; she had, indeed, said scarcely anything on the subject till her
+eldest was of an age to begin to mix a little in general society; then she
+talked quietly and seriously to them of the duties and responsibilities of
+the married state and the vast importance of making a wise choice in
+selecting a partner for life.
+
+In their childhood she had never allowed them to be teased about beaux.
+She could not prevent their hearing, occasionally, something of the kind,
+but she did her best to counteract the evil influence, and had succeeded
+so well in that, and in making home a delight, that her children one and
+all, shunned the thought of leaving it, and her girls were as easy and
+free from self-consciousness in the society of gentlemen as in that of
+ladies; never bold or forward; there was nothing in their manner that
+could give the slightest encouragement to undue familiarity.
+
+And then both she and their father had so entwined themselves about the
+hearts of their offspring, that all shared the feeling expressed by
+Violet, and truly believed that nothing less than death could ever
+separate them from these beloved parents.
+
+There was a good deal to bring the subject of marriage prominently before
+their minds just at present, for the event of the winter was the bringing
+home of a wife by their Uncle Horace, and "Aunt Rosie" was to be married
+in the ensuing spring.
+
+The approaching Centennial was another topic of absorbing interest.
+
+That they might reap the full benefit of the great Exhibition, they went
+North earlier than usual, the middle of May finding them in quiet
+occupancy of a large, handsome, elegantly furnished mansion in the
+vicinity of the Park.
+
+Here they kept open house, entertaining a large circle of relatives and
+friends drawn thither, by a desire to see this great world's fair.
+
+The Dalys were with them, husband and wife each in the same capacity as at
+Ion, which left Mr. and Mrs. Travilla free to come and go as they wished,
+either with or without their children.
+
+They kept their own carriages and horses and when at home drove almost
+daily to the Exhibition.
+
+Going there with parents and tutor, and being able to devote so much time
+to it, the young people gathered a great store of general information.
+
+Poor Molly's inability to walk, shut her out from several of the
+buildings, but she gave the more time and careful study to those whose
+contents were brought within her reach by the rolling chairs.
+
+Her cousins gave her glowing descriptions of the treasures of the Art
+building, Horticultural Hall, Women's Department, etc., and sincerely
+sympathized with her in her deprivation of the pleasure of examining them
+for herself.
+
+But Molly was learning submission and contentment with her lot, and would
+smilingly reply that she considered herself highly favored in being able
+to see so much, since there were millions of people even in our own land,
+who could not visit the Exhibition at all.
+
+One morning, early in the season, when as yet the crowd was not very
+great, the whole family had gone in a body to Machinery Hall to see the
+Corliss engine.
+
+They were standing near it, silently gazing, when a voice was heard in the
+rear.
+
+"Ah, ha! ah, ha! um h'm; ah, ha! what think ye o' that now, my lads? is it
+worth looking at?"
+
+"That it is, sir!" responded a younger voice in manly tones, full of
+admiration, while at the same instant, Elsie turned quickly round with the
+exclamation, "Cousin Ronald!"
+
+"Cousin Elsie," he responded, as hand grasped hand in cordial greeting.
+
+"I'm so glad to see you!" she said. "But why did you not let us know you
+were coming? Did you not receive my invitation?"
+
+"No, I did not, cousin, and thought to give you a surprise. Ah, Travilla,
+the sight of your pleasant face does one good like a medicine.
+
+"And these bonny lads and lasses; can they be the little bairns of eight
+years ago? How they have grown and increased in number too?" he said,
+glancing around the little circle.
+
+He shook hands with each, then introduced his sons, two tall, well built,
+comely young men, aged respectively twenty and twenty-two, whom he had
+brought with him over the sea.
+
+Malcom was the name of the eldest, the other he called Hugh.
+
+They had arrived in Philadelphia only the day before, and were putting up
+at the Continental.
+
+"That will not do at all, Cousin Ronald," Elsie said when told this. "You
+must all come immediately to us, and make our house your home as long as
+you stay."
+
+Mr. Travilla seconded her invitation, and after some urging, it was
+accepted.
+
+It proved an agreeable arrangement for all concerned. "Cousin Ronald" was
+the same genial companion that he had been eight years before, and the two
+lads were worthy of their sire, intelligent and well-informed, frank,
+simple hearted and true.
+
+The young people made acquaintance very rapidly. The Exposition was a
+theme of great and common interest, discussed at every meal, and on the
+days when they stayed at home to rest; for all found it necessary to do so
+occasionally, while some of the ladies and little ones could scarcely
+endure the fatigue of attending two days in succession.
+
+Then through the months of July and August, they made excursions to
+various points of interest, spending usually several days at each;
+sometimes a week or two.
+
+In this way they visited Niagara Falls, Lakes Ontario, George and
+Champlain, the White Mountains, and different seaside resorts.
+
+At one of these last, they met Lester Leland again. The Travillas had not
+seen him for nearly a year, but had heard of his welfare through the
+Lelands of Fairview.
+
+All seemed pleased to renew the old familiar intercourse; an easy matter,
+as they were staying at the same hotel.
+
+Lester was introduced to the Scotch cousins, as an old friend of the
+family.
+
+Mr. Lilburn and he exchanged a hearty greeting and chatted together very
+amicably, but Malcom and Hugh were only distantly polite to the newcomer
+and eyed him askance, jealous of the favor shown him by their young lady
+cousins, whose sweet society they would have been glad to monopolize.
+
+But this they soon found was impossible even could they have banished
+Leland; for Herbert Carrington, Philip Ross, Dick Percival and his
+friends, and several others soon appeared upon the scene.
+
+Elsie was now an acknowledged young lady; Violet in her own estimation and
+that of her parents', still a mere child; but her height, her graceful
+carriage and unaffected ease of manner--which last was the combined result
+of native refinement and constant association with the highly polished and
+educated, united to childlike simplicity of character and utter absence of
+self-consciousness--often led strangers into the mistake of supposing her
+several years older than she really was.
+
+Her beauty, too, and her genius for music and painting added to her
+attractiveness, so that altogether, the gentlemen were quite as ready to
+pay court to her as to her sister, and had she been disposed to receive
+their attentions, or to push herself forward in the least, her parents
+would have found it difficult to prevent her entering society earlier than
+was for her good.
+
+But like her mother before her, Vi was in no haste to assume the duties
+and responsibilities of womanhood. Only fifteen she was
+
+    "Standing with reluctant feet
+     Where the brook and river meet,
+     Womanhood and childhood fleet."
+
+Hugh Lilburn and Herbert Carrington both regarded her with covetous eyes,
+and both asked permission of her father to pay their addresses, but
+received the same answer;--that she was too young yet to be approached on
+that subject.
+
+"Well, Mr. Travilla, if you say that to every one, as no doubt you do, I'm
+willing to wait," said Herbert going off tolerably contented.
+
+But Hugh, reddening with the sudden recollection that Violet was an
+heiress, and his portion a very moderate one, stammered out something
+about hoping he was not mistaken for a fortune hunter, and that he would
+make no effort to win her until he was in circumstances to do so with
+propriety.
+
+"My dear fellow," said Mr. Travilla, "do not for a moment imagine that has
+anything to do with my refusal. I do not care to find rich husbands for my
+daughters, and were Violet of proper age, should have but one objection to
+you as a suitor; that you would be likely to carry her far away from us."
+
+"No, no, sir, I wouldn't!" exclaimed the lad warmly. "I like America, and
+think I shall settle here. And sir, I thank you most heartily for your
+kind words. But, as I've said, I won't ask again till I can do so with
+propriety."
+
+Leland, too, admired Violet extremely, and loved her with brotherly
+affection; but it was Elsie who had won his heart.
+
+But he had never whispered a word of this to her, or to any human
+creature, for he was both poor and proud, and had firmly resolved not to
+seek her hand until his art should bring him fame and fortune to lay at
+her feet.
+
+Similar considerations alone held Malcom Lilburn back, and each was
+tortured with the fear that the other would prove a successful rival.
+
+Philip Ross, too, was waiting to grow rich, but feared no rival in the
+meantime; so satisfied was he that no one could be so attractive to Elsie
+as himself.
+
+"She's waiting for me," he said to his mother, "and she will wait. She's
+just friendly and kind to those other fellows, but it's plain she doesn't
+care a pin for any of them."
+
+"I'm not so sure of that, Phil," returned Mrs. Ross; "some one may cut you
+out. Have you spoken to her yet? Is there a regular engagement between
+you?"
+
+"Oh, no! but we understand each other; always have since we were mere
+babies."
+
+Mrs. Ross and her daughters had accompanied Philip to the shore, and it
+pleased Lucy greatly that they had been able to obtain rooms in the same
+house with their old friends, the Travillas.
+
+Mr. Hogg was of the party also, and Elsie and Violet had now an
+opportunity to judge of the happiness of Gertrude's married life.
+
+They were not greatly impressed with it; husband and wife seemed to have
+few interests in common, and to be rather bored with each other's
+society.
+
+Mr. Hogg had a fine equipage, and drove out a great deal, sometimes with
+his wife, sometimes without; both dressed handsomely and spent money
+lavishly; but he did not look happy, and Gertrude, when off her guard,
+wore a discontented, care-worn expression.
+
+Mrs. Ross was full of cares and anxieties, and one day she unburdened her
+heart to her childhood's friend.
+
+They were sitting alone together on the veranda upon which Mrs. Travilla's
+room opened, waiting for the summons to the tea-table.
+
+"I have no peace of my life, Elsie," Lucy said fretfully; "one can't help
+sympathizing with one's children, and my girls don't seem happy like
+yours.
+
+"Kate's lively and pleasant enough in company, but at home she's dull and
+spiritless; and though Gertrude has made what is considered an excellent
+match, she doesn't seem to enjoy life; she's easily fretted, and wants
+change and excitement all the time."
+
+"Perhaps matters may improve with her," Elsie said, longing to comfort
+Lucy. "Some couples have to learn to accommodate themselves to each
+other."
+
+"Well, I hope it may be so," Lucy responded, sighing as though the hope
+were faint indeed.
+
+"And Kate may grow happier, too; dear Lucy, if you could only lead her to
+Christ, I am sure she would," Elsie went on low and tenderly.
+
+Mrs. Ross shook her head, tears trembling in her eyes.
+
+"How can I? I have not found him myself yet. Ah, Elsie, I wish I'd begun
+as you did. You have some comfort in your children; I've none in mine.
+
+"That is," she added, hastily correcting herself, "not as much as I ought
+to have, except in Phil; he's doing well; yet even he's not half so
+thoughtful and affectionate toward his father and mother as your boys are.
+But then of course he's of a different disposition."
+
+"Your younger boys seem fine lads," Elsie said; "and Sophie has a winning
+way."
+
+Lucy looked pleased, then sighed, "They _are_ nice children, but so
+wilful; and the boys so venturesome. I've no peace when they are out of my
+sight, lest they should be in some danger."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXTH.
+
+    "Oh, Lord! methought what pain it was to drown!"
+                                    --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+Cousin Ronald was a great favorite with his young relatives. Harold and
+Herbert had long since voted him quite equal, if not superior to Captain
+Brice as a story-teller; his narratives were fully as interesting, and
+beside always contained a moral or some useful information.
+
+There were tales of the sea, wild tales of the Highlands and of the
+Scottish Border; stories of William Wallace, of the Bruce and the Black
+Douglass, in all of which the children greatly delighted.
+
+Mr. Lilburn's ventriloquial powers were used for their amusement also, and
+altogether they found him a very entertaining companion.
+
+Rosie holding a shell to her ear one day, was sent into ecstasies of
+delight, by hearing low, sweet strains of music, apparently coming from
+the inside of it.
+
+At another time, as she stooped to pick up a dead crab while wandering
+along the beach, she started back in dismay at hearing it scream out in a
+shrill, tiny voice, "Don't touch me! I'll pinch you, if you do."
+
+The merry laugh of the boys told her that it was "only Cousin Ronald," but
+she let the crab alone, keeping at a respectful distance from its claws.
+
+This was on the evening spoken of in our last chapter, and while her mamma
+and Aunt Lucy were chatting together in the veranda, waiting for the call
+to tea.
+
+It sounded presently, and Cousin Ronald and the children started on a run
+for the house, trying who could get there first.
+
+Harold showed himself the fleetest of foot, Herbert and Frank Daly were
+close at his heels, while Mr. Lilburn, with Rosie in one hand and little
+Walter in the other, came puffing and blowing not far behind.
+
+"Won't you take us another walk, cousin?" asked Rosie when they came out
+again after the meal.
+
+"Yes," he said, "this is a very pleasant time to be down on the beach.
+Come lads," to Harold and Herbert, "will you go along?"
+
+They were only too glad to accept the invitation, and the four sauntered
+leisurely down to the water's edge, where they strolled along watching the
+incoming tide.
+
+"I love the sea," said Rosie. "I wish we could take it home with us."
+
+"We have a lake and must be content with that," said Herbert, picking up a
+stone and sending it far out, to fall with a splash in among the restless
+waves; "we can't have everything in one place."
+
+"Did you ever see a mermaid, Rosie?" asked Mr. Lilburn.
+
+"No, sir; what is it?"
+
+"They're said to live in the sea, and to be half fish and half woman."
+
+"Ugh! that's dreadful! I wouldn't like to be half of a fish. But I wish I
+could see one. Are there any in our sea here, Cousin Ronald?"
+
+"They're said to have very long hair," he went on, not noticing her query,
+"and to come out of the water and sit on the rocks, sometimes, while they
+comb it out with their fingers and sing."
+
+"Sing! Oh, I'd like to hear 'em! I wish one would come and sit on that big
+rock 'way out there."
+
+"Look sharp now and see if there is one there. Hark! don't you hear her
+sing?"
+
+Rosie and the boys stood still, listening intently, and in another moment
+strains of music seemed to come to them from over the water, from the
+direction of the rock.
+
+"Oh, I do! I do!" screamed Rosie, in delight. "O, boys can you hear her,
+too? can you see her?"
+
+"I hear singing," said Harold, smiling, "but I think the rock is bare."
+
+"I hear the music too," remarked Herbert, "but I suppose Cousin Ronald
+makes it. A mermaid's only a fabled creature."
+
+"Fabled? what's that?"
+
+"Only pretend."
+
+"Ah now, what a pity!"
+
+At that instant a piercing scream seemed to come from the sea out beyond
+the surf, some yards higher up the coast. "Help! help! I'll drown, I'll
+drown!"
+
+Instantly Harold was off like a shot, in the direction of the sound,
+tearing off his coat as he went, while Herbert screaming "somebody's
+drowning! The life boat! the life boat!" rushed away toward the hotel.
+
+"Lads! lads!" cried Mr. Lilburn, putting himself to his utmost speed to
+overtake Harold in time to prevent him from plunging into the sea, "are ye
+mad? are ye daft? There's nobody there, lads; 'twas only Cousin Ronald at
+his old tricks again."
+
+As he caught up to Harold, the boy's coat and vest lay on the ground, and
+he was down beside them, tugging at his boots and shouting "Hold on! I'm
+coming," while a great wave came rolling in and dashed over him, wetting
+him from head to foot.
+
+"No, ye're not!" cried Mr. Lilburn, laying a tight grasp upon his arm;
+"there's nobody there; and if there was, what could a bit, frail laddie
+like you do to rescue him? You'd only be dragged under yourself."
+
+"Nobody there? oh, I'm so glad!" cried Harold with a hearty laugh, as he
+jumped up, snatched his clothes from the ground and sprang hastily back
+just in time to escape the next wave. "But you gave us a real scare this
+time, Cousin Ronald."
+
+"You gave me one," said Mr. Lilburn, joining in the laugh. "I thought
+you'd be in the sea and may be out of reach of help before I could catch
+up to you. You took no time to deliberate."
+
+"Deliberate when somebody was drowning? There wouldn't have been a second
+to lose."
+
+"You'd just have thrown your own life away, lad, if there had been anybody
+there. Don't you know it's an extremely hazardous thing for a man to
+attempt to rescue a drowning person? They're so apt to catch, and grip you
+in a way to deprive you of the power to help yourself and to drag you
+under with them.
+
+"I honor you for your courage, but I wish, my boy, you'd promise me never
+to do the like again; at least not till you're grown up and have some
+strength."
+
+"And leave a fellow-creature to perish!" cried the boy almost indignantly.
+"O cousin, could you ask me to be so selfish?"
+
+"Not selfish, lad; only prudent. If you want to rescue a drowning man,
+throw him a rope, or reach him the end of a pole, or do anything else you
+can without putting yourself within reach of his hands."
+
+Rosie, left behind by all her companions, looked this way and that in
+fright and perplexity, then ran after Herbert; as that was the direction
+to take her to her father and mother.
+
+Mr. Travilla and Eddie had started toward the beach to join the others and
+were the first to hear Herbert's cry.
+
+"Oh, it was Cousin Ronald," said the latter; "nobody goes in bathing at
+this hour."
+
+"Probably," said his father, "yet--ah, there's the life boat out now and
+moving toward the spot."
+
+With that they all ran in the same direction and came up to Mr. Lilburn
+and Harold just as the boy had resumed his coat and the gentleman
+concluded his exhortation.
+
+They all saw at once that Eddie had been correct in his conjecture.
+
+"Hallo! where's your drowning man?" he called. "Or, was it a woman?"
+
+"Ask Cousin Ronald," said Harold laughing, "he's best acquainted with the
+person."
+
+"A hoax was it?" asked Mr. Travilla. "Well, I'm glad things are no worse.
+Run home my son, and change your clothes; you're quite wet."
+
+"I fear I owe you an apology, sir," said Mr. Lilburn; "but the fact is I'd
+a great desire to try the mettle of the lads, and I believe they're brave
+fellows, both, and not lacking in that very useful and commendable quality
+called presence of mind."
+
+"Thank you, sir," Mr. Travilla said, turning upon his boys a glance of
+fatherly pride that sent a thrill of joy to their young hearts.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVENTH.
+
+    "Nursed by the virtues she hath been
+     From childhood's hour."
+                              --HALLECK.
+
+    "Count all th' advantage prosperous vice attains,
+     'Tis but what virtue flies from and disdains;
+     And grant the bad what happiness they would,
+     One they must want--which is to pass for good."
+                                       --POPE.
+
+
+Mrs. Travilla was sitting on the veranda of the hotel, reading a letter
+her husband had handed her at the tea-table, when Violet came rushing
+toward her in wild affright.
+
+"Mamma, mamma, something's wrong! something's happened! Herbie just came
+running up from the beach, calling for the life boat, and papa and Eddie
+have gone back with him running as fast as they can. Oh, I'm afraid Harold
+or Rosie has fallen into the water!" she added bursting into hysterical
+weeping.
+
+Her mother rose hastily, thrusting the letter into her pocket, pale but
+calm.
+
+"Daughter dear, we will not meet trouble half way. I do not think it could
+be they; for they are not disobedient or venturesome. But come." And
+together they hurried toward the beach.
+
+In a moment they perceived that their fears were groundless, for they
+could see their dear ones coming to meet them.
+
+Violet's tears were changed to laughter as Harold gave a humorous account
+of "Cousin Ronald's sell," as he called it, and the latter's praise of the
+boy's bravery and readiness to respond to the cry for help, brought proud,
+happy smiles to the lips and eyes of both mother and sisters.
+
+Elsie had joined them; Mrs. Ross, too, and a handsome, richly dressed,
+middle-aged lady, whom she introduced as her friend, Mrs. Faude, from
+Kentucky.
+
+They, as Lucy afterward told Elsie, had made acquaintance the year before
+at Saratoga, and were glad to meet again.
+
+Mrs. Faude was much taken with Elsie and her daughters, pleased, indeed,
+with the whole family, and from that time forward sought their society
+very frequently.
+
+Elsie found her an entertaining companion, polished in manners, refined,
+intelligent, highly educated and witty; but a mere worldling, caring for
+the pleasures and rewards of this life only.
+
+She was a wealthy widow with but one child, a grown up son, of whom she
+talked a great deal.
+
+"Clarence Augustus" was evidently, in his mother's eyes, the perfection of
+manly beauty and grace, a great genius, and indeed everything that could
+be desired.
+
+"He is still single," she one day said significantly to the younger Elsie,
+"though I know plenty of lovely girls, desirable matches in every way, who
+would have been delighted with the offer of his hand. Yes, my dear, I am
+quite sure of it," she added, seeing a slight smile of incredulity on the
+young girl's face; "only wait till you have seen him. He will be here
+to-morrow."
+
+Elsie was quite willing to wait, and no dreams of Mrs. Faude's idol
+disturbed either her sleeping or waking hours.
+
+Clarence Augustus made his appearance duly the next day at the dinner
+table; a really handsome man, if regular features and fine coloring be all
+that is necessary to constitute good looks; but his face wore an
+expression of self-satisfaction and contempt for others, which was not
+attractive to our Ion friends.
+
+But it soon became evident to them, that to most of the other ladies in
+the house, he was an object of admiration.
+
+His mother seized an early opportunity to introduce him to the Misses
+Travilla, coming upon them as they stood talking together upon the
+veranda.
+
+But they merely bowed and withdrew, having, fortunately, an engagement to
+drive, at that hour, with their parents and cousins, along the beach.
+
+"What do you think of him?" asked Violet, when they had reached their
+room.
+
+"He has good features, and a polished address."
+
+"Yes; but do you like his looks?"
+
+"No; I do not desire his acquaintance."
+
+"Nor I; he's not the sort that papa and grandpa would wish us to know."
+
+"No; so let us keep out of his way."
+
+"But without seeming to do so?"
+
+"Oh, yes; as far as we can. We don't wish to hurt his feelings or his
+mother's."
+
+They carried out their plan of avoidance, and so skilfully that neither
+mother nor son was quite sure it was intended. In fact, it was difficult
+for them to believe that any girl could wish to shun the attentions of a
+young man so attractive in every way as was Clarence Augustus Faude.
+
+"I should like you to marry one of those girls," the mother said to her
+son, chatting alone with him in her own room; "you could not do better,
+for they are beautiful, highly educated and accomplished, and will have
+large fortunes."
+
+"Which?" he added sententiously, and with a smile that seemed to say, he
+was conscious that he had only to take his choice.
+
+"I don't care; there's hardly a pin to choose between them."
+
+"Just my opinion. Well, I think I shall go for the brown eyes; as you tell
+me the other is not yet out, and I hear the father refuses, on that plea,
+to allow any one to pay his addresses--though, between you and me, Mrs.
+F., I fancy he might make an exception in my favor."
+
+"It would not surprise me, Clarence Augustus," she responded, regarding
+him with a proud, fond smile, "I fancy he must be aware that there's no
+better match in the Union. But you have no time to lose, they may leave
+here any day."
+
+"True, but what's to hinder us from following? However, I will take your
+advice, and lose no time. Let me borrow your writing desk for a moment.
+I'll ask her to drive with me this morning, and while we're out secure her
+company for the boating party that's to come off to-morrow."
+
+A few moments later the younger Elsie came into her mother's room with a
+note written in a manly hand, on delicately perfumed and tinted French
+paper.
+
+"What shall I do about it, mamma?" she asked. "Will you answer it for me.
+Of course you know I do not wish to accept."
+
+"I will, daughter," Mrs. Travilla said, "though if he were such a man as I
+could receive into my family on friendly terms, I should prefer to have
+you answer it yourself."
+
+Mr. Faude's very handsome carriage and horses were at the door, a liveried
+servant holding the reins, while the gentleman himself waited in the
+parlor for the coming of the young lady, who, he doubted not, would be
+well pleased to accept his invitation. He was not kept waiting long; had,
+indeed, scarcely seated himself and taken up the morning paper, when Mr.
+Travilla's Ben appeared with a note, presented it in grave silence, and
+with a respectful bow, withdrew.
+
+"Hold on! It may require an answer," Mr. Faude called after him.
+
+"No, sah; Mrs. Travilla say dere's no answer," returned Ben, looking back
+for an instant from the doorway, then vanishing through it.
+
+"All right!" muttered Clarence Augustus, opening the missive and glancing
+over the contents; an angry flush suffusing his face, as he read.
+
+"What is it? She hasn't declined, surely?" Mrs. Faude asked in an
+undertone, close at his side.
+
+"Just that; it's from the mother; thanks me for the invitation, but
+respectfully declines; not even vouchsafing a shadow of an excuse. What
+can it mean?"
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure. But if they knew you had serious intentions--it
+might make a difference."
+
+"Possibly. I'll soon bring it to the proof."
+
+He rose and went out in search of Mr. Travilla, found him alone, and at
+once asked his permission to pay his addresses to Elsie.
+
+The request was courteously, but decidedly and firmly refused.
+
+"May I ask why?" queried the young man in anger and astonishment.
+
+"Because, sir, it would not be agreeable to either my daughter herself, to
+her mother or to me."
+
+"Then I must say, sir, that you are all three hard to please. But pray,
+sir, what is the objection?"
+
+"Do you insist upon knowing?"
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Then let me answer your query with another. Would you pay your addresses
+to a young woman--however wealthy, beautiful or high-born--whose moral
+character was not better, whose life had been no purer than your own?"
+
+"Of course not!" exclaimed Faude, coloring violently, "but who
+expects----"
+
+"I do, sir; I expect the husbands of my daughters to be as pure and
+stainless as my sons' wives."
+
+"I'm as good as the rest, sir. You'll not find one young fellow in five
+hundred who has sowed fewer wild oats than I."
+
+"I fear that may be true enough, but it does not alter my decision,"
+returned Mr. Travilla, intimating by a bow and a slight wave of the hand,
+that he considered the interview at an end.
+
+Faude withdrew in anger, but with an intensified desire to secure the
+coveted prize; the more difficult of acquisition, the more desirable it
+seemed.
+
+He persuaded his mother to become his advocate with Mrs. Travilla.
+
+She at first flatly refused, but at length yielded to his entreaties, and
+undertook the difficult, and to her haughty spirit, humiliating mission.
+
+Requesting a private interview with Elsie, she told her of the wishes of
+Clarence Augustus, and plead his cause with all the eloquence of which she
+was mistress.
+
+"My boy would make your daughter a good husband," she said, "and indeed, I
+think any woman might feel highly honored by the offer of his hand. I do
+not understand how it is, Mrs. Travilla, that a lady of your sense fails
+to see that."
+
+"I appreciate your feelings, my dear Mrs. Faude," said Elsie gently. "I am
+a mother too, you know, and have sons of my own."
+
+"Yes, and what possible objection can you have to mine? Excuse my saying
+it, but the one your husband advanced, seems to me simply absurd."
+
+"Nevertheless it is the only one; except that our child's heart is not
+enlisted; but either alone would be insuperable."
+
+"She hardly knows him yet, and could not fail to learn to love him if she
+did. Be persuaded my dear Mrs. Travilla, to give him a chance to try. It
+is never well to be hasty, especially in declining a good offer, and this,
+let me tell you, is such an one as you will not meet with every day,
+lovely and attractive in every way, as your daughters are.
+
+"Ours is an old, aristocratic family; none better to be found in our
+state, or in the Union; we have wealth too, and I flatter myself that
+Clarence Augustus is as handsome a man as you would find anywhere;
+amiable in disposition also, and would, as I said before, make an
+excellent husband. Will you not undertake his cause?"
+
+"Believe me, it is painful to me to refuse, but I could not, in
+conscience."
+
+"But why not?"
+
+"Simply for the reason my husband gave. We both consider moral purity more
+essential than anything else in those we admit to even friendly
+intercourse with our children; especially our daughters."
+
+"My son is not a bad man, Mrs. Travilla, very far from it!" Mrs. Faude
+exclaimed, in the tone of one who considers herself grossly insulted.
+
+"Not, I am sure, as the world looks upon these things," said Elsie, "but
+the Bible is our standard; and guided by its teachings we desire above all
+things else, purity of heart and life in those who seek the friendship of
+our children; and very especially in those who are to become their
+partners for life, and the future fathers or mothers of their offspring,
+should it please God to give them any."
+
+"That is certainly looking far ahead," returned Mrs. Faude, with a polite
+sneer.
+
+"Not farther than is our duty, since after marriage it is too late to
+consider, to any profit, what kind of parent our already irrevocably
+chosen partner for life will probably make."
+
+"Well, well, every one to her taste!" said Mrs. Faude, rising to go, "but
+had I a daughter, I should infinitely prefer for her husband, such a young
+man as my Clarence Augustus to such as that poor artist who is so
+attentive to Miss Travilla.
+
+"Good-morning. I am sure I may trust you not to blazon this matter
+abroad?"
+
+"You certainly may, Mrs. Faude," Elsie returned with sweet and gentle
+courtesy, "and believe me, it has been very painful to me to speak words
+that have given pain to you."
+
+"What is it, little wife?" Mr. Travilla asked, coming in a moment after
+Mrs. Faude's departure and finding Elsie alone and seemingly sunk in a
+painful reverie.
+
+She repeated what had just passed, adding, "I am very glad now that we
+decided to return to Philadelphia to-morrow. I could see that Mrs. Faude
+was deeply offended, and it would be unpleasant to both of us to remain
+longer in the same house; but as she and her son go with the boating party
+to-day, and we leave early in the morning, we are not likely to encounter
+each other again."
+
+"Yes, it is all for the best," he said. "But I wish I could have shielded
+you from this trial."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHTH.
+
+    "The brave man is not he who feels no fear,
+     For that were stupid and irrational;
+     But he whose soul its fear subdues,
+     And bravely dares the danger nature shrinks from."
+                                      --BAILLIE.
+
+
+The Travillas returned home to Ion in November and took up with new zest
+the old and loved routine of study, work and play.
+
+Elsie was no longer a schoolgirl, but still devoted some hours of each day
+to the cultivation of her mind and the keeping up of her accomplishments;
+also pursued her art studies with renewed ardor under the tuition of
+Lester Leland, who, his health requiring during the winter, a warmer
+climate than that of his northern home, had come at the urgent request of
+his relatives, to spend the season at Fairview.
+
+Elsie had a number of gentlemen friends, some of whom she highly esteemed,
+but Lester's society was preferred to that of any other.
+
+Malcom Lilburn had grown very jealous of Lester, and found it difficult
+indeed to refrain from telling his love, but had gone away without
+breathing a word of it to any one.
+
+Not to Scotland, however; he and his father were traveling through the
+West, visiting the principal points of interest, and had partly promised
+to take Ion in their way as they returned; which would probably not be
+before spring.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Travilla were not exempt from the cares and trials incident
+to our fallen state, but no happier parents could be found; they were
+already reaping as they had sowed; indeed it seemed to them that they had
+been reaping all the way along, so sweet was the return of affection from
+the little clinging, helpless ones, the care of whom had been no less a
+pleasure than a sacred, God-given duty; but with each passing year the
+harvest grew richer and more abundant; the eldest three had become very
+companionable and the intercourse between the two Elsies was more like
+that of sisters, than of mother and daughter; the young girl loved her
+mother's society above that of any other of her sex, and "mamma" was
+still, as she had ever been, her most intimate friend and confidante.
+
+And was it not wise? who so tender, faithful and prudent a guide and
+counsellor as the mother to whom she was dearer than life.
+
+It was the same with the others also--both sons and daughters; and they
+were scarcely less open with their wisely indulgent father.
+
+Life was not at all sunshine; the children had their faults which would
+occasionally show themselves; but the parents, conscious of their own
+imperfections, were patient and forbearing. They were sometimes tried
+with sickness too, but it was borne with cheerful resignation; and no one
+could say what the future held in store for any of them; but God reigned,
+the God whom they had chosen as their portion, and their inheritance
+forever, and they left all with him, striving to obey the command to be
+without carefulness.
+
+The winter passed quietly, almost without incident save one.
+
+Eddie had been spending the afternoon with his cousins at Pinegrove (some
+of them were lads near his own age, and fine, intelligent, good boys), had
+stayed to tea and was riding home alone, except that he had an attendant
+in the person of a young negro boy, who rode some yards in his rear.
+
+It was already dark when they started, but the stars shone down from a
+clear sky, although a keen, cold wind blew from the north.
+
+Part of the way lay through a wood, in the midst of which stood a hut
+occupied by a family by the name of Smith, belonging to the class known as
+"poor whites"; shiftless, lazy, and consequently very poor indeed, they
+were. Many efforts had been put forth in their behalf, by the families of
+the Oaks and Ion, and by others also, but thus far with small results, for
+it is no easy matter to effectually help those who will not try to help
+themselves.
+
+As Eddie entered the wood, he thought he smelt smoke, and presently a
+sudden turn in the road brought into view the dwelling of the Smiths all
+wrapped in flames.
+
+Putting spurs to his horse, at the sight, Eddie flew along the road
+shouting at the top of his lungs, "Fire! fire! fire!" Jim, his attendant,
+following his example.
+
+But there was no one within hearing, save the Smiths themselves.
+
+The head of the family, half stupefied with rum, stood leaning against the
+fence, his hands in the pockets of his ragged coat, a pipe in his mouth,
+gazing in a dazed sort of way upon the work of destruction; while the wife
+and children ran hither and thither, screaming and wringing their hands
+with never a thought of an attempt to extinguish the flames or save any of
+their few poor possessions.
+
+"Sam Smith," shouted Eddie, reining in his horse close to the individual
+addressed, "why don't you drop that old pipe, take your hands out of your
+pockets, and go to work to put out the fire!"
+
+"Eh!" cried Sam, turning slowly round so as to face his interlocutor,
+"why--I--I--I couldn't do nothin'; it's bound to go--that house is; don't
+you see how the wind's a blowin'? Well, 'tain't much 'count nohow, and I
+wouldn't care, on'y she says she's left the baby in there; so she does."
+
+"The baby?" and almost before the words had left his lips, Eddie had
+cleared the rough rail fence at a bound, and was rushing toward the
+burning house.
+
+How the flames crackled and roared, seeming like demons greedily devouring
+all that came in their way.
+
+"That horse blanket, Jim! bring it here quick, quick!" he shouted back to
+his servant. Then to the half-crazed woman, "Where is your baby? where did
+you leave it?"
+
+"In there, in there on the bed, oh, oh, it's burnin' all up! I forgot it,
+an' I couldn't get back."
+
+Eddie made one step backward, and ran his eye rapidly over the burning
+pile, calmly taking in the situation, considering whether the chances of
+success were sufficient to warrant the awful risk.
+
+It was the work of an instant to do that, snatch the blanket from Jim,
+wrap it around his person, and plunge in among the flames, smoke, and
+falling firebrands, regardless of the boy's frightened protest, "Oh, Mr.
+Eddie don't; you'll be killed! you'll burn all up!"
+
+He had looked into the cabin but a day or two before, and remembered in
+which corner stood the rude bed of the family, their only one. He groped
+his way to it, half suffocated by the heat and smoke, and in momentary
+dread of the falling in of the roof, reached it at last, and feeling about
+among the scanty coverings, laid hold of the child, which was either
+insensible or sound asleep.
+
+Taking it in his young, strong arms, holding it underneath the blanket,
+which he drew closer about his person, he rushed back again, stepping from
+the door just as the roof fell in with a crash.
+
+The woman snatched her babe, and its gallant rescuer fell fainting to the
+ground. A falling beam had grazed his head and struck him a heavy blow
+upon the shoulder.
+
+With a cry Jim sprang forward, dragged his young master out of reach of
+the flying sparks, the overpowering heat, and suffocating smoke, and
+dropping, blubbering, down by his side, tried to loosen his cravat.
+
+"Fetch some wattah!" he called, "quick dar, you ongrateful white trash!
+you gwine let young Marse Eddie die, when he done gone saved yo' baby from
+burnin' up?"
+
+"Take the gourd and run to the spring Celestia Ann; quick, quick as you
+kin go," said the mother hugging up her rescued child, and wiping a tear
+from her eye with the corner of a very dirty apron.
+
+"There ain't none," answered the child, "we uns ain't got nothin' left;
+it's all burnt up."
+
+But a keen, fresh air was already reviving our hero.
+
+"Take me home, Jim," he said faintly. "Stop that wagon," as one was heard
+rumbling down the road, still at some distance.
+
+"Hollo dar! jes stop an' take a passenger aboard!" shouted Jim, springing
+to his feet and rushing into the road, waving his cap above his head.
+
+"Hollo!" shouted back the other, "dat you Jim Yates? Burnin' down Smith's
+house. Dat's a plenepotentiary crime, dat is, sah!"
+
+"Oh go 'long, you fool, Pete White!" retorted Jim, as the other drew rein
+close at his side, "you bet you don't catch dis niggah a burnin' no
+houses. Spect ole Smith set de fire goin' hisself wid dat ole pipe o'
+his'n!"
+
+"An' it's clar burnt down to de ground," observed Pete, gazing with eager
+interest at the smouldering ruins. "What you s'pose dey's gwine to do for
+sheltah for dem po' chillen?"
+
+"Dat ain't no concern ob mine," returned Jim indifferently. "Ise consarned
+'bout getting young Marse Ed'ard safe home, an' don't care nuffin' for all
+de white trash in de country. Jes hitch yo' hoss an' help me lift him into
+de wagon."
+
+"What's de mattah?" queried Pete, leisurely dismounting and slowly
+hitching his horse to a tree.
+
+"Oh you hurry up, you ole darky!" returned Jim impatiently. "Mr. Ed'ard's
+lyin' dar in de cold; 'catch his diff if you's gwine to be all night 'bout
+gittin' to him."
+
+"Ise got de rheumatiz, chile; ole folks can't turn roun' like young uns,"
+returned Pete quickening his movements somewhat as he clambered over the
+fence and followed Jim to the spot where Eddie lay.
+
+"Hurt, sah?" he asked.
+
+"A little; I fear I can hardly sit my horse--for this faintness," Eddie
+answered, low and feebly. "Can you put me into your wagon and drive me to
+Ion?"
+
+"Yes, sah; wid de greatest pleasah in life, sah. Mr. Travilla and de Ion
+ladies ben berry kind to me an' my ole woman and de chillen."
+
+Mrs. Smith and her dirty ragged little troop had gathered round, still
+crying over their fright and their losses, curious too about the young
+gentleman who had saved the baby and was lying there on the ground so
+helpless.
+
+"Are ye much hurt, Mr. Edward?" asked the woman. "Oh yer mother'll never
+forgive me fur lettin' ye risk yer life that away!"
+
+"I don't think the injury is serious, Mrs. Smith, at least I hope not; and
+you were not to blame," he answered, "so make yourself easy. Now, Pete and
+Jim, give me an arm, each of you."
+
+They helped him into the wagon and laid him down, putting the scorched
+horse blanket under his head for a pillow.
+
+"Now drive a little carefully, Pete," he said, suppressing a groan, "and
+look out for the ruts, I'd rather not be jolted.
+
+"And you, Sim, ride on ahead and lead Prince. I want you to get in before
+us, ask for my father and tell him I've had an accident; am not seriously
+hurt, but want my mother prepared. She must not be alarmed by seeing me
+brought in unexpectedly, in this state."
+
+His orders were obeyed, Jim reached Ion some ten minutes ahead of the
+wagon and gave due warning of its approach. He met his master in the
+avenue and told his story in a tolerably straightforward manner.
+
+"Where is Mr. Edward now?" asked Mr. Travilla.
+
+"De wagon's jes down de road dar a piece, sah; be here in 'bout five
+minutes, sah."
+
+"Then off for the doctor, Jim, as fast as you can go. Here, give me
+Prince's bridle. Now don't let the grass grow under your horse's feet.
+Either Dr. Barton, or Dr. Arthur; it doesn't matter which; only get him
+here speedily." And vaulting into the saddle Mr. Travilla rode back to the
+house, dismounted, throwing the bridle to Solon, and went in.
+
+Opening the door of the drawing-room where the family were gathered:
+
+"Wife," he said cheerfully, "will you please step here a moment?"
+
+She came at once and followed him down the hall, asking, "What is it,
+Edward?" for her heart misgave her that something was wrong.
+
+"Not much, I hope, dearest," he said, turning and taking her in his arms.
+"Our boy, Eddie, has done a brave deed and suffered some injury by it,
+but nothing serious, I trust. He will be here in a moment."
+
+He felt her cling to him with a convulsive grasp, he heard her quick
+coming breath, the whispered words, "Oh, my son! Dear Lord, help!" then,
+as the rumble of the wagon wheels was heard nearing the door, she put her
+hand in his, calm and quiet, and went forth with him to meet their wounded
+child.
+
+His father helped him to alight, and supported him up the veranda steps.
+
+"Don't be alarmed, mother, I'm not badly hurt," he said, but staggered as
+he spoke, and would have fallen but for his father's sustaining arm, and
+by the light from the open door, she saw his eyes close and a deadly
+pallor overspread his face.
+
+"He's fainting!" she exclaimed, springing to his other side. "Oh, my boy,
+this is no trifle!"
+
+Servants were already crowding about them, and Eddie was quickly borne to
+his room, laid upon the bed, and restoratives administered.
+
+"Fire!" his mother said with a start and shudder, pointing to his singed
+locks, "oh, where has the child been?"
+
+Her husband told her in a few words.
+
+"And he has saved a life!" she cried with tears of mingled joy and grief,
+proud of her brave son, though her tender mother heart ached for his
+suffering. "Thank God for that, if--if he has not sacrificed his own."
+
+The door opened and Arthur Conly came in.
+
+Consciousness was returning to the lad, and looking up at his cousin as he
+bent over him, "Tell mother," he murmured, "that I'm not much hurt."
+
+"I have to find that out, first," said Arthur. "Do you feel any burns,
+bruises? whereabouts are you injured, do you think?"
+
+"Something--a falling beam, I suppose, grazed my head and struck me on the
+shoulder; I think, too, that my hands and face are scorched."
+
+"Yes, your face is; and your hands--scorched? why they are badly burned!
+And your collar bone's broken. That's all, I believe; enough to satisfy
+you, I hope?"
+
+"Quite," Eddie returned with a faint smile. "Don't cry, mother dear, you
+see it's nothing but what can be made right in a few days or weeks."
+
+"Yes," she said, kissing him and smiling through her tears; "and oh, let
+us thank God that it is no worse!"
+
+Eddie's adventure created quite a stir in the family and among outside
+relatives and friends, he was dubbed the hero of the hour, and attentions
+were lavished upon him without stint.
+
+He bore his honors meekly. "Mother," he said privately to her, "I don't
+deserve all these encomiums and they make me ashamed; for I am not really
+brave. In fact I'm afraid I'm an arrant coward; for do you know I was
+afraid to rush in among those flames; but I could not bear the thought of
+leaving that poor baby to burn up, and you had taught me that it was right
+and noble to risk my own life to save another's."
+
+"That was not cowardice, my dear boy," she said, her eyes shining, "but
+the truest courage. I think you deserve far more credit for bravery, than
+you would if you had rushed in impulsively without a thought of the real
+danger you were encountering."
+
+"Praise is very sweet from the lips of those I love; especially my
+mother's," he responded, with a glad smile. "And what a nurse you are,
+mother mine! it pays to be ill when one can be so tended."
+
+"That is when one is not very seriously ill, I suppose?" she said
+playfully, stroking his hair. "By the way, it will take longer to restore
+these damaged locks, than to repair any of the other injuries caused by
+your escapade."
+
+"Never mind," he said, "they'll grow again in time. What has become of the
+Smiths?"
+
+"Your father has found temporary shelter for them at the quarter, and is
+rebuilding their hut."
+
+"I knew he would; it is just like him--always so kind, so generous."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-NINTH.
+
+                           "Oh, gentle Romeo,
+    If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.
+    Or if thou think'st I'm too quickly won,
+    I'll frown and be perverse, and say thee nay,
+    So thou wilt woo; but else not for the world."
+                                       --SHAKESPEARE.
+
+
+One lovely morning in the ensuing spring, the younger Elsie wandered out
+alone into the grounds, and sauntering aimlessly along with a book in her
+hand, at length found herself standing on the shore of the lakelet.
+
+It was a lovely spot, for the limpid waters reflected grassy banks
+sprinkled here and there with the wild violet, and shaded by beautiful
+trees.
+
+A gentle breeze just ruffled the glassy surface of the pond, and rustic
+seats invited to rest. It seemed just the place and time for a reverie,
+and Elsie, with scarce a glance about her, sat down to that enjoyment. It
+was only of late that she had formed the habit, but it was growing upon
+her.
+
+She sat for some time buried in thought, her cheek upon her hand, her eyes
+upon the ground, and smiles and blushes chasing each other over the fair
+sweet face.
+
+The dip of an oar, followed instantly by a discordant laugh and a shrill
+voice asking, "What are you sittin' there for so still and quiet? Wouldn't
+you like to get in here with me!" caused her to start and spring to her
+feet with a cry of dismay.
+
+About an hour before a little, oddly dressed woman, with grey hair hanging
+over her shoulders, a large doll in one arm and a sun umbrella in the
+other hand, might have been seen stealing along the road that led from
+Roselands to Ion, keeping close to the hedge that separated it from the
+fields, and now and then glancing over her shoulder as if fearing or
+expecting pursuit.
+
+She kept up a constant gabble, now talking to herself, now to the doll,
+hugging and kissing it with a great show of affection.
+
+"Got away safe this time, didn't we, Grizzy? And we're not going back in a
+hurry, are we, dear? We've had enough of being penned up in that old house
+this ever so long; and now we'll have a day in the woods, a picnic all to
+ourselves. Hark! what was that? did I hear wheels?" pausing a moment to
+listen. "No, they haven't found us out yet, Grizzy, so we'll walk on."
+
+Reaching the gate leading into the avenue at Ion, she stood a moment
+peering in between the bars.
+
+"Seems to me I've been here before; must have been a good while ago. Guess
+I won't go up to the house; they might catch me and send me back. But let
+us go in, Griselda, and look about. Yonder's a garden full of flowers.
+We'll pick what we want and nobody'll know it."
+
+Putting down her umbrella and pushing the gate open just far enough to
+enable her to slip through, she stole cautiously in, crossed the avenue
+and the lawn, and entered the garden unobserved.
+
+She wandered here and there about it, plucking remorselessly whatever
+seized her fancy, till she had an immense bouquet of the choicest
+blossoms.
+
+At length leaving the garden she made a circuit through the shrubbery, and
+finally came out upon the shore of the little lake.
+
+"Oh, this is nice!" she said. "Did I ever see this before? It's cool and
+shady here; we'll sit down and rest ourselves under one of these trees,
+Grizzy." Then catching sight of a pretty row-boat, moored to the shore,
+"No, we'll jump into this boat and take a ride!" and springing nimbly in,
+she laid the doll down on one of the seats, the bouquet beside it, saying,
+"I'm tired carrying you, Griselda, so you just lie there and rest," then
+quickly loosing the little craft from its moorings, and taking up the
+oars, pushed off into the deep water.
+
+She laid down the oars presently, and amused herself with the flowers,
+picking them to pieces and scattering the petals in the water, leaning
+over the side of the boat, talking to the fishes, and bidding them eat
+what she gave them, "for it was good, much better and daintier than bread
+crumbs."
+
+The breeze came from the direction to take her farther from the shore, and
+soon wafted her out to the middle of the lake, but she went on with her
+new diversion, taking no note of her whereabouts.
+
+It was just about this time that Elsie reached the spot and sat down to
+her day dreams.
+
+Enna, for she it was who occupied the boat, did not see her niece at
+first, but after a little, growing weary of her sport with the flowers,
+she threw them from her, took up an oar again, and glancing toward the
+land, as she dipped it in the water, her eye fell upon the graceful
+white-robed figure seated there underneath the trees, and she instantly
+called out to her as we have related.
+
+Elsie was much alarmed; concerned for the safety of the poor lunatic.
+There was no knowing what mad freak might seize her at any moment; no one
+was within call, and that being the only boat there, there was no way of
+reaching her until she should return to the shore of her own accord; if
+indeed, she was capable of managing the boat so as to reach the land if
+she desired to do so.
+
+Elsie did not lose her presence of mind, and she thought very rapidly. The
+breeze was wafting the boat farther from her, but nearer to the opposite
+shore; if let alone it would arrive there in the course of time, and Enna
+she perceived did not know how to propel it with the oars.
+
+"Will you come?" she was asking again, "will you take a ride in this
+pretty boat with me?"
+
+"I'll run round to the other side," Elsie called in reply. "I wouldn't
+bother with those great heavy oars, if I were you; just let them lie in
+the bottom of the boat, while you sit still and rest, and the wind will
+carry it to the land."
+
+"All right!" Enna answered, laying them down. "Now you hurry up."
+
+"I will," Elsie said, starting upon a run for the spot where she thought
+that the boat would be most likely to reach the shore.
+
+She reached it first, and the boat being still several yards away floating
+upon very deep water, she watched it a moment anxiously.
+
+Enna was sitting still in the bottom, hugging the doll to her bosom and
+singing a lullaby to it; but suddenly as Elsie stood waiting and watching
+in trembling suspense, she sprang up, tossed the doll from her, leaped
+over the side of the boat, and disappeared beneath the water.
+
+Elsie tore off her sash, tied a pebble to one end, and as Enna rose to the
+surface, spluttering and struggling, threw it to her crying, "Catch hold
+and I will try to pull you out."
+
+"Oh, don't! you will but sacrifice your own life!" cried a manly voice, in
+tones of almost agonized entreaty, and Lester Leland came dashing down the
+bank.
+
+It was too late; Enna seized the ribbon with a jerk that threw Elsie also
+into the water, and they were struggling there together, both in imminent
+danger of drowning.
+
+It was but an instant before Lester was there also; death with Elsie would
+be far preferable to life without her, and he would save or perish with
+her.
+
+It was near being the last; would have been had not Bruno come to his aid,
+but with the good help of the faithful dog, he at length succeeded in
+rescuing both ladies, dragging them up the bank and laying them on the
+grass, both in a state of insensibility.
+
+"Go to the house, Bruno, go and bring help," he said pantingly, for he was
+well-nigh overcome by his exertions, and the dog bounded away in the
+direction of the house.
+
+"Lord, grant it may come speedily," ejaculated the young man, kneeling
+beside the apparently lifeless form of her he loved so well. "Oh, my
+darling, have those sweet eyes closed forever?" he cried in anguish,
+wiping the water from her face, and chafing her cold hands in his. "Elsie
+my love, my life, my all! oh! I would have died to save you!"
+
+Enna had been missed almost immediately, and Calhoun, Arthur and several
+servants at once set out in different directions in search of her.
+
+Arthur and Pomp got upon the right scent, followed her to Ion, and joined
+by Mr. Travilla, soon traced her through the garden and shrubbery down to
+the lake, coming upon the scene of the catastrophe, or rather of the
+rescue, but a moment after Bruno left.
+
+"Why, what is this?" exclaimed Mr. Travilla in alarm, "is it Elsie? can
+she have been in the water? Oh, my child, my darling!"
+
+Instantly he was down upon the grass by her side, assisting Lester's
+efforts to restore her to consciousness.
+
+For a moment she engrossed the attention of all, to the utter exclusion
+from their thoughts of poor Enna, for whom none of them entertained any
+great amount of affection.
+
+"She lives! her heart beats! she will soon recover!" Arthur said
+presently, "see, a faint color is coming into her cheek. Run, Pomp, bring
+blankets and more help; they must be carried at once to the house."
+
+He turned to his aunt, leaving Mr. Travilla and Lester to attend to Elsie.
+
+Enna seemed gone; he could not be sure that life was not extinct. Perhaps
+it were better so, but he would not give up till every possible effort had
+been made to restore her.
+
+Both ladies were speedily conveyed to the house, Elsie, already conscious,
+committed to the care of her mother and Aunt Chloe, while Arthur, Dr.
+Barton and others, used every exertion for Enna's resuscitation. They were
+at length successful in fanning to a flame the feeble spark of life that
+yet remained, but fever supervened, and for weeks afterward she was very
+ill.
+
+Elsie kept her bed for a day, then took her place in the family again,
+looking quite herself except a slight paleness. No; a close observer might
+have detected another change; a sweet glad light in the beautiful brown
+eyes that was not there before; full of peaceful content and quiet
+happiness as her young life had been.
+
+Lester's words of passionate love had reached the ear that seemed closed
+to all earthly sounds; they were heard as in a dream, but afterward
+recalled with a full apprehension of their reality and of all they meant
+to her and to him.
+
+Months ago she had read the same sweet story in his eyes, but how sweeter
+far it was to have heard it from his lips.
+
+She had sometimes wondered that he held his peace so long, and again had
+doubted the language of his looks, but now those doubts were set at rest,
+and their next interview was anticipated with a strange flutter of the
+heart, a longing for, yet half shrinking from the words he might have to
+speak.
+
+But the day passed and he did not come; another and another, and no word
+from him. How strange! he was still her preceptor in her art studies; did
+he not know that she was well enough to resume them? If not, was it not
+his place to inquire?
+
+Perhaps he was ill. Oh, had he risked his health, perhaps his life in
+saving hers? She did not ask; her lips refused to speak his name, and
+would nobody tell her?
+
+At last she overheard her father saying to Eddie, "What has become of
+Lester Leland? It strikes me as a little ungallant that he has not been in
+to inquire after the health of your aunt and sister."
+
+"He has gone away," Eddie answered, "he left the morning after the
+accident."
+
+"Gone away," echoed Elsie's sinking heart. "Gone away, and so suddenly!
+what could it mean?" She stole away to her own room to indulge, for a
+brief space, in the luxury of tears, then, with a woman's instinctive
+pride, carefully removed their traces, and rejoined the family with a face
+all wreathed in smiles.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTIETH.
+
+    "Love is not to be reasoned down or lost,
+     In high ambition, or a thirst for greatness;
+     'Tis second life, it grows into the soul,
+     Warms ev'ry vein, and beats in ev'ry pulse;
+     I feel it here; my resolution melts."
+                                         --ADDISON.
+
+
+Enna lay at the point of death for weeks. Mrs. Travilla was her devoted
+nurse, scarcely leaving her day or night, and only snatching a few hours
+of rest occasionally, on a couch in an adjoining room whence she could be
+summoned at a moment's notice.
+
+Mr. Travilla at length remonstrated, "My darling, this is too much, you
+are risking your own life and health, which are far more valuable than
+hers."
+
+"O Edward," she answered, the tears shining in her eyes, "I must save her
+if I can. I am praying, praying that reason may come back and her life be
+spared till she has learned to know him, whom to know aright is life
+eternal."
+
+"My precious, unselfish little wife!" he said, embracing her with emotion,
+"I believe your petition will be granted; that the Master will give you
+this soul for your hire, saying to you as to one of old, 'According to
+your faith be it unto you.'
+
+"But, dearest," he added, "you must allow others to share your labor,
+others upon whom she certainly has a nearer claim. Where is Mrs. Conly?"
+
+"Aunt Louise says she has no talent for nursing," Elsie answered with a
+half smile, "and that Prilla, mammy and Dinah are quite capable and I am
+very foolish to take the work off their hands."
+
+"And I am partly of her opinion," he responded playfully; then more
+seriously, "will you not, for my sake and for your children's, spare
+yourself a little."
+
+"And for your father's," added Mr. Dinsmore, whose quiet step as he
+entered the room, they had not heard.
+
+Elsie turned to him with both hands extended, a smile on her lips, a tear
+in her eye, "My dear father, how are you?"
+
+"Quite well, daughter," he said, taking the hands and kissing the rich red
+lips, as beautiful and as sweet now, as in her childhood or youth, "but
+troubled and anxious about you. Are you determined to be quite obstinate
+in this thing?"
+
+"No," she said, "I hope not; but what is it that you and my husband would
+have me do?"
+
+"Take your regular rest at night," answered the one, the other adding,
+"And go out for a little air and exercise every day."
+
+Arthur, coming in at that moment, from his morning visit to his patient,
+who lay in the next room, joined his entreaties to theirs, and upon his
+assurance that Enna was improving, Elsie consented to do as they desired.
+
+Still the greater part of her time was spent at Enna's bedside, and her
+family saw but little of her.
+
+This was a trial to them all; but especially to the eldest, who was
+longing for "mamma's" dear society; she fully appreciated Molly's and
+Eddie's companionship, dearly loved that of her father, and esteemed Vi's
+as very sweet, but no one could fill her mother's place.
+
+Probably not even to her would she have unburdened her heart, she could
+scarce bear to look into it herself, but the dear mother's very presence,
+though she might only sit in silence by her side, would be as balm to her
+troubled spirit.
+
+She forced herself to be cheerful when with the others, and to take an
+interest in what interested them, but when left alone would drop her book
+or work and fall into a reverie, or wander out into the grounds, choosing
+the most quiet and secluded parts; often the shady banks of the lakelet,
+where she and Lester had passed many an hour together in days gone by.
+
+She had gone there one morning, leaving the others at home busied with
+their lessons. Seated on a rustic bench, her hands folded in her lap, her
+eyes on the ground and a book lying unheeded in the grass at her feet, she
+was startled by a sound as of some heavy body falling from a height and
+crashing through the branches of a thick clump of trees on the other side
+of the lake.
+
+She sprang up and stood looking and listening with a palpitating heart.
+She could see that a large branch had broken from a tall tree, and lay
+upon the ground and--yes, something else lay beside or on it, half
+concealed from her view by the green leaves and twigs; and--did she hear a
+groan?
+
+Perhaps it was only fancy, but it might be that some one was lying there
+in pain and needing assistance.
+
+Instantly she flew toward the spot, her heart beating wildly; she drew
+near, started back and caught at a young sapling for support; yes, there
+lay a motionless form among the fallen branches, that of a man, a
+gentleman, as she discerned by what she could see of his clothing; her
+heart told her the rest.
+
+Another moment and she was kneeling at his side, gazing with unutterable
+anguish into the still white face.
+
+"He is dead, the fall has killed him." She had no hope of anything else at
+the moment; there seemed no possibility of life in that rigid form and
+death-like face; and she made no effort to give assistance or to call for
+it. She was like one turned to stone by the sudden crushing blow. She
+loved and she had lost--that was all she knew.
+
+But at length this stony grief gave place to a sharper anguish, a low cry
+burst from her lips, and hot scalding tears fell upon his face.
+
+They brought him back to consciousness, and he heard her bitter sighs and
+moans; he knew she thought him dead and mourned as for one who was very
+dear.
+
+He was in terrible pain, for he had fallen with his leg bent under him and
+it was badly broken; but a thrill of joy shot through his whole frame. For
+a moment more he was able to control himself and remain perfectly still,
+then his eyelids quivered, and a groan burst from him.
+
+At the sound Elsie started to her feet, then bending over him, "You're
+hurt, Lester," she said, unconsciously addressing him for the first time
+by his Christian name; "what can I do for you?"
+
+"Have me carried to Fairview," he said faintly; "my leg is broken and I
+cannot rise or help myself."
+
+"Oh, what can I do," she cried, "how can I leave you alone in such pain?
+Ah!" as steps were heard approaching, "here is grandpa coming up in search
+of me."
+
+She ran to meet him and told him what had happened.
+
+He seemed much concerned. "Solon is here with the carriage," he said. "I
+was going to ask your company for a drive, but we will have him take
+Leland to Fairview first. Strange what could have taken him into that
+tree!"
+
+That broken limb kept Lester Leland on his back for six long weeks.
+
+His aunt nursed him with the utmost kindness, but could not refrain from
+teasing him about his accident, asking what took him into the tree, and
+how he came to fall, till at last, in sheer desperation, he told her the
+whole story of his love, his hopelessness on account of his poverty, his
+determination not to go back to Ion to be thanked by Elsie and her parents
+for saving her life, his inability to go or stay far away from her; and
+finally owned that he had climbed the tree simply that he might be able to
+watch her, himself unseen.
+
+"Well, I must say you are a sensible young man!" laughed Mrs. Leland; "but
+it was very unromantic to be so heavy as to break the limb and fall."
+
+"True enough!" he said, half-laughing, half-sighing, while a deep flush
+suffused his face.
+
+"Well, what are you going to do next?"
+
+"Go off to--Italy, I suppose."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"To try to make fame and money to lay at her feet."
+
+"That is all very well, but I think----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"It just struck me that I was about to give unasked advice, which is
+seldom relished by the recipient."
+
+"Please go on. I should like to have it whether I make use of it or not."
+
+"Well, I think the honest, straightforward, and therefore best course,
+would be to seek an interview with the parents of the young lady, tell
+them frankly your feelings toward her, your hopes and purposes, and leave
+it with them to say whether you shall go without speaking to her."
+
+"They will take me for a fortune-hunter, I fear," he said, the color
+mounting to his very hair.
+
+"I think not; but at all events, I should risk it. I do not pretend to
+know Elsie's feelings, but if she cares for you at all, it would be
+treating her very badly indeed, to go away without letting her know yours;
+unless her parents forbid it.
+
+"There, I've said my say, and will not mention the subject again till you
+do, but leave you to consider my advice at your leisure."
+
+Lester did so during the next week, which was the last of the six of
+enforced quietude, and the more he pondered it, the more convinced was he
+of the soundness of his aunt's advice, and at length he fully resolved to
+follow it.
+
+Mr. Travilla had called frequently at Fairview, since his accident, always
+inquiring for him, sometimes coming up to his room, at others merely
+leaving kind messages from himself, wife and family, or some dainty to
+tempt the appetite of the invalid. Eddie had been there, too, on similar
+errands; but there was never a word from her whose lovely image was ever
+present to his imagination.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Enna was recovering; was now able to sit up and to walk about the room.
+There was partial restoration of reason also. Elsie's prayer had been
+granted, and though still feeble in intellect, Enna had sense enough to
+comprehend the plan of salvation, and seemed to have entered into the
+kingdom as a little child. She was gentle, patient and submissive; very
+different, indeed, from the Enna of old. Elsie rejoiced over her with joy
+akin to that of the angels "over one sinner that repenteth."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Elsie's children were full of content and happiness in having mamma again
+at leisure to bestow upon them her wonted care and attention; her husband
+also, in that he was no longer deprived of the large share of her sweet
+society, which for weeks past had been bestowed upon Enna.
+
+"Let us have a quiet walk together, little wife," he said to her one
+lovely summer evening, as she joined him in the veranda on coming down
+from seeing her little ones safe in their nest; "suppose we call on the
+Lelands. Lester, I hear, is talking of going North soon, and I believe
+contemplates a trip to Europe."
+
+"And I have never seen him yet to thank him for saving our darling's life;
+and Enna's too. Yes; let us go."
+
+Lester and his aunt were alone in the drawing-room at Fairview, when their
+visitors were announced.
+
+There seemed a slight air of embarrassment about the young man at the
+moment of their entrance; but it was quickly dispelled by the kindly
+warmth of their greeting.
+
+The four chatted together for some time on indifferent topics; then Mrs.
+Lester found some excuse for leaving the room, and Mrs. Travilla seized
+the opportunity to pour out her thanks to Elsie's rescuer from a watery
+grave.
+
+This made a favorable opening for Lester, and modestly disclaiming any
+right to credit for what he had done, he frankly told the parents all that
+was in his heart toward their daughter, why he had refrained from speaking
+before, and his purpose not to seek to win her until he could bring fame
+and fortune to lay at her feet.
+
+He began in almost painful confusion, but something in the faces of his
+listeners reassured him; for they expressed neither surprise nor
+displeasure, though tears were trembling in the soft brown eyes of the
+mother.
+
+Lester had concluded, and for a moment there was silence, then Mr.
+Travilla said--a slight huskiness in his voice, "Young man, I like your
+straightforward dealing; but do you know the worth of the prize you
+covet?"
+
+"I know, sir, that her price is above rubies, and that I am not worthy of
+her."
+
+"Well, Mr. Leland, we will let her be the judge of that," the father
+answered. "Shall we not, little wife?" turning to Elsie with a look that
+had in it all the admiring homage of the lover, as well as the tender
+devotion of the husband.
+
+"Yes," she sighed, seeming already to feel the pang of parting with her
+child.
+
+"Do you mean that I may speak now?" Lester asked, half-incredulous of his
+happiness.
+
+"Yes," Mr. Travilla said; "though not willing to spare our child yet, we
+would not have you part in doubt of each other's feelings. And," he added
+with a kindly smile, "if you have won her heart, the want of wealth is not
+much against you. 'Worth makes the man.'"
+
+They walked home together--Elsie and her husband--sauntering along arm in
+arm, by the silvery moonlight, like a pair of lovers.
+
+There was something very lover-like in the gaze he bent upon the sweet,
+fair face at his side, almost sad in its quietness.
+
+"What is it, little wife?" he asked.
+
+"Ah, Edward, how can we spare her--our darling, our first-born?"
+
+"Perhaps we shall not be called upon to do so; he may not have won her
+heart."
+
+She shook her head with a faint smile.
+
+"She has tried to hide it--dear innocent child! but I know the symptoms; I
+have not forgotten." And she looked up into his face, blushing and happy
+as in the days when he had wooed and won his bride.
+
+"Yes, dearest; what a little while ago it seems! Ah, those were gladsome
+days to us; were they not?"
+
+"Gladsome? Ah, yes! their memory is sweet to this hour. Yet I do not sigh
+for their return; I would not bring them back; a deeper, calmer
+blessedness is mine. My dear husband,
+
+    "'I bless thee for the noble heart,
+     The tender and the true,
+     Where mine hath found the happiest rest
+     That e'er fond woman's knew;
+     I bless thee, faithful friend and guide,
+     For my own, my treasur'd share,
+     In the mournful secrets of thy soul,
+     In thy sorrow and thy care.'"
+
+"Thank you, my darling," he said, lifting her hand to his lips, his eyes
+shining. "Yes;
+
+    "We have lived and loved together,
+     Through many changing years,
+     We have shared each other's sorrows,
+     And we've wept each other's tears.
+
+    "Let us hope the future
+     As the past has been, may be,
+     I'll share with thee thy sorrows,
+     And thou my joys with me."
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+THE MERRY LYNN SERIES
+
+By HARRIET PYNE GROVE
+
+Cloth Bound. Jackets in Colors.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The charm of school and camp life, out-door sports and European travel is
+found in these winning tales of Merilyn and her friends at boarding school
+and college. These realistic stories of the everyday life, the fun, frolic
+and special adventures of the Beechwood girls will be enjoyed by all girls
+of high school age.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+    MERILYN ENTERS BEECHWOLD
+    MERILYN AT CAMP MEENAHGA
+    MERILYN TESTS LOYALTY
+    MERILYN'S NEW ADVENTURE
+    MERILYN FORRESTER, CO-ED.
+    THE "MERRY LYNN" MINE
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A.L. BURT COMPANY, _Publishers_
+
+114-120 EAST 23rd STREET NEW YORK
+
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+
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+
+By HARRIET PYNE GROVE
+
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+    ANN'S AMBITIONS
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the Publishers
+
+=A.L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK=
+
+[Illustration]
+
+=MARJORIE DEAN POST-GRADUATE SERIES=
+
+By PAULINE LESTER
+
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+
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+
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+
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+For sale by all booksellers, or sent on receipt of price by the Publishers
+
+=A.L. BURT COMPANY, 114-120 E. 23d St., NEW YORK=
+
+
+
+
+
+
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