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ELSIE AT HOME 
 
 
 BY 
 
 MARTHA FINLEY 
 
 AUTHOR OF "THE ELSIE BOOKS," "THE MILDRED 
 BOOKS," "WANTED, A PEDIGREE," ETC. 
 
 f^ Jtf/c^^^ ^^^_ 
 
 NEW YORK 
 DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 
 
 PUBLISHERS 
 
Copyright, 1897, 
 
 BY 
 
 DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY. 
 
 All rights reserved. 
 
 THE MERSHON COMPANY PRESS, 
 RAHWAY, N. J. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME, 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The shades of evening were closing in upon 
 a stormy March day; rain and sleet falling fast 
 while a blustering northeast wind sent them 
 sweeping across the desolate-looking fields and 
 gardens, and over the wet road where a hack 
 was lumbering along, drawn by two weary-look- 
 ing steeds; its solitary passenger sighing and 
 groaning with impatience over its slow progress 
 and her own fatigue. 
 
 " Driver/' she called, " are we ever going to 
 arrive at Fairview? " 
 
 " One o' these days, I reckon, ma'am,'* 
 drawled the man in reply. *' It's been a dread- 
 ful tedious ride for you, but a trifle worse for 
 me, seein' I get a lot more o' the wet out here 
 than you do in thar." 
 
 "Yes," she returned in a tone of exaspera- 
 tion, " but I am a weak, ailing woman and you 
 
2 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 a big, strong man, used to exertion and ex- 
 posure." The sentence ended in a distressing 
 fit of coughing that seemed to shake her whole 
 frame. 
 
 "Im right sorry fur ye, ma'am,'' he said, 
 turning a pitying glance upon her, "but just 
 hold on a bit longer and we'll be there. We're 
 e'n a'most in sight o' the place now. Kjn o' 
 yourn and expecting ye, I s'pose ? " 
 
 ''It is the home of my daughter — my only 
 child," she returned, bridling, " and it will be 
 strange indeed if she is not glad to see the 
 mother whom she has not seen for years." 
 
 " Surely, ma'am; and yonder's the house. 
 We'll be there in five minutes — more or less." 
 
 His passenger looked eagerly in the direction 
 indicated. 
 
 ''A large house, isn't it?" she queried. 
 '' One can't see much out of this little pane of 
 glass and through the rain and mist." 
 
 "It's a fine place, ma'am, and a good, big 
 house," he returned. " I wouldn't mind ownin' 
 such a pkce myself. It's grand in the summer 
 time, and not so bad to look at even now 
 through all this storm o' mist, hail, and rain." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 8 
 
 **■ Yes; I dare say," she said, shivering; " and 
 if it was little better than a hovel I'd be glad 
 to reach it and get out of this chilling wind. 
 It penetrates to one's very bones." 
 
 She drew her cloak closer about her as she 
 spoke, and as the hack turned in at the avenue 
 gates took up her satchel and umbrella in evi- 
 dent haste to alight. 
 
 In the home-like parlour of the mansion they 
 were approaching sat a lovely-looking lady of 
 mature years, a little group of children gathered 
 about her listening intently and with great 
 interest to a story she was telling them, while 
 a sweet-faced young girl, sitting near with a bit 
 of tatting in her hands, seemed an equally 
 interested hearer, ready to join in the outburst 
 of merriment that now and again greeted some- 
 thing in the narrative. 
 
 " There is a hack coming up the avenue, Eva. 
 Can we be going to have a visitor this stormy 
 day? " suddenly exclaimed the eldest boy, 
 glancing out of the window near where he 
 stood. " Yes, it has come to a standstill at the 
 foot of the veranda steps, and the driver seems 
 to be getting ready to help someone out." 
 
4 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 "A lady! Why, who can she be?" cried 
 EriC;, the next in age, as the hack door was 
 thrown open and the driver assisted his passen- 
 ger to alight, while Evelyn laid down her work 
 and hastened into the hall to greet and welcome 
 the guest, whoever she might be; for the Fair- 
 view family, like nearly every other in that 
 region of country, was exceedingly hospitable. 
 
 A servant had already opened the outer door 
 and now another stepped forward to take the 
 lady's satchel and umbrella. 
 
 " Who can she be ? " Evel3^n asked herself as 
 she hastily crossed the veranda and held out a 
 welcoming hand with a word or two of pleasant 
 greeting. 
 
 "Is it you, Evelyn?" asked the stranger in 
 tones that trembled with emotion. " And do 
 you not know me — your own mother! " 
 
 " Mother; oh, mother, can it be you? " cried 
 Evelyn, catching the stranger in her arms 
 and holding her fast with sobs and tears 
 and kisses. " I had not heard from you for 
 so long, and have been feeling as if I should 
 never see you again. And oh, how thin and 
 weak you look! You are sick, mother! " she 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 5 
 
 added in tones of grief and anxiety, as she drew 
 her into the hall, where by this time the rest of 
 the family — Grandma Elsie, and Mr. and Mrs. 
 Leland and their children — were gathered. 
 
 "Sister Laura! is it possible! Welcome to 
 Fairview," was Mrs. Leland's greeting, accom- 
 panied by a warm embrace. 
 
 " Laura! we did not even know you were in 
 America! " Mr. Leland said, grasping her hand 
 in brotherly fashion. " And how weary and ill 
 you are looking! Let me help you off with 
 your bonnet and cloak and to a couch here in 
 the parlour." 
 
 " Thank you; yes, I'll be very glad to lie 
 down, for I'm worn out with my journey and 
 this troublesome cough," she said, struggling 
 with a renewed paroxysm and gasping for 
 breath. " But my luggage and " 
 
 '^ We'll attend to all that," he said, half carry- 
 ing her to the couch where his wife and her 
 mother were arranging the pillows for her com- 
 fort, and laying her gently down upon it. 
 
 " Oh, mother; my poor dear mother! " sighed 
 Evelyn, as she leaned over her, smoothing her 
 hair with caressing hand, " it breaks my heart 
 
6 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 to see you looking so weary and ill. But we 
 will soon nurse you back to health and strength 
 — uncle and aunt and I." 
 
 " I hope so, indeed/' Mrs. Leland said in her 
 sweet, gentle tones. *^ You have had most un- 
 pleasant weather for your journey, Laura, so 
 that it is not to be wondered at that you are ex- 
 hausted. You must have some refreshment at 
 once," and with the last word she hastened 
 away in search of it. 
 
 " And here is something to relieve that dread- 
 ful cough," said Mrs. Travilla, presenting her- 
 self with a delicate china cup in her hand. 
 
 Evelyn introduced the two ladies, and her 
 mother, being assured that the cup contained 
 nothing unpleasant to the taste, quickly swal- 
 lowed its contents, then lay back quietly upon 
 her pillows, still keeping fast hold of her daugh- 
 ter's hand, while Grandma Elsie, giving the cup 
 to a servant to carry away, resumed her easy 
 chair on the farther side of the room — near 
 enough to be ready to render assistance should 
 it be needed, yet not so near as to interfere with 
 any private talk between the long separated 
 mother and daughter — and her grandchildren 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 7 
 
 again gathered about her. But they seemed 
 awed into silence by the presence of the stran- 
 ger invalid, whom they gazed upon with pitying 
 curiosity, while her attention seemed equally 
 occupied with them. 
 
 " Your uncle's children? '^ she asked of Eve- 
 lyn in a tone scarcely louder than a whisper. 
 
 " Yes, mamma. Edward, the eldest, you saw 
 when he was a mere baby boy. Eric, the next, 
 is papa's namesake. The eldest of the little 
 girls — she is in her fifth year — is Elsie Alicia, 
 named for her two grandmothers; we call her 
 Alie. And the youngest — that two-year-old 
 darling — we call Vi. She is named for her 
 aunt, Mrs. Raymond." 
 
 "And Mrs. Travilla lives here with her 
 daughter?" 
 
 " No; she is paying a visit of a few days, as 
 she often does since her daughter-in-law. Aunt 
 Zoe, has undertaken the most of the house- 
 keeping at Ion." 
 
 " She certainly looks very young to be mother 
 and grandmother to so many," sighed the in- 
 valid, catching sight of her own sallow, prema- 
 turely wrinkled face reflected in a large mirror 
 
8 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 on the opposite side of the room. " But she 
 has had an easy hfe^ surrounded by kind, affec- 
 tionate, sympathising friends, while I — miser- 
 able woman that I am — have been worried, 
 brow-beaten, robbed, till nothing is left me but 
 ill-health and grinding poverty." 
 
 " Mother, mother dear, don't talk so while I 
 am left you and have enough to keep us both, 
 with care and economy,'' entreated Evelyn in a 
 voice half choked with sobs. "It will be joy 
 to me to share with you and do all I can to 
 make your last days comfortable and happy." 
 
 " Then you haven't lost all your love for your 
 mother in our years of separation?" 
 
 "No, no indeed!" answered Evelyn ear- 
 nestly. But there the conversation ended for 
 the time, Mrs. Leland returning with the 
 promised refreshment. It seemed to give some 
 strength to the invalid, and after taking it she 
 was, by her own request, assisted to her room, 
 an apartment opening into that of her daugh- 
 ter, with whose good help she was soon made 
 ready for her bed, the most comfortable she had 
 lain upon for weeks or months, she remarked, 
 as she stretched her tired limbs upon it. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " I am very glad you find it so, mother dear/' 
 said Evelyn. " And now, if you like, I will un- 
 pack your trunks and arrange their contents in 
 wardrobe, bureau drawers, and closet." 
 
 " There is no hurry about that, and isn't that 
 your supper bell I hear? " 
 
 "Yes'm, suppah's on de table, an' I's come 
 to set yere and 'tend to you uns while Miss 
 Eva gwine eat wif de res' of de folks," said a 
 neatly dressed, pleasant-faced, elderly coloured 
 woman, who had entered the room just in time 
 to hear the query in regard to the bell. " But, 
 missus. Miss Elsie she tole me for to ax you 
 could you take somethin' mo' ? " 
 
 " She says Aunt Elsie wants to know could 
 you eat something more, mother dear?" ex- 
 plained Eva, seeing a puzzled look on her 
 mother's face. 
 
 " Oh, no! that excellent broth fully satisfied 
 my appetite," replied Laura. " Go and get 
 your supper, Eva, child, but come back when 
 you have finished; for we have been so long 
 separated that now I can hardly bear to have 
 you out of my sight." 
 
 " Oh, mother, how sweet to hear you say 
 
10 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 that! '' exclaimed Evelyn, bending down to be- 
 stow another ardent caress upon her newly re- 
 stored parent. " Indeed, I shall not stay away 
 a moment longer than necessary." 
 
 The new arrival and her sad condition were 
 the principal topics of conversation at the table. 
 
 " I am so glad we have such a good doctor in 
 Cousin Arthur/' said Evelyn. '^ I hope he can 
 cure mamma's cough. I wish the weather 
 was such that we could reasonably ask him to 
 come and see her to-night/' she added with a 
 sigh. 
 
 " Yes/' said her uncle, " but as it is so bad I 
 think we will just give him a full account of 
 her symptoms and ask his advice through the 
 telephone. Then he will tell us what would 
 better be done to-night, and call in to see her 
 to-morrow morning." 
 
 The ladies all agreed that that would be the 
 better plan and it was presently carried out. 
 The doctor would have come at once, in spite 
 of the storm, had it seemed necessary, but from 
 the account given he deemed it not so. 
 
 "I will come directly after breakfast to- 
 morrow morning," he concluded, after giving 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. H 
 
 his advice in regard to what should be done 
 immediately. 
 
 " That is satisfactory; and now I will go at 
 once to mamma and carry out his directions for 
 to-night," said Evelyn. 
 
 " Kemembering that we are all ready to assist 
 in any and every possible way," added her 
 uncle, smiling kindly upon her. 
 
 " Yes, indeed! " said Grandma Elsie; " and 
 you must not hesitate to call upon me if you 
 need help." 
 
 " No, no, mother dear. I put my veto upon 
 that! " exclaimed Mrs. Leland. "You are not 
 a really old-looking woman yet, but are not as 
 vigorous as you were some years ago, and I can- 
 not afford to let you run any risk of diminish- 
 ing your stock of health and strength by loss of 
 sleep or over-exertion. Call upon me, Eva, 
 should you need any assistance." 
 
 " Very well, daughter, I shall not insist upon 
 the privilege of losing sleep," returned Grand- 
 ma Elsie with a smile, " but may perhaps be 
 permitted to make myself slightly useful dur- 
 ing the day." 
 
 "Yes, slightly, mother dear, and at such 
 
12 ELSIE AT HOME, 
 
 time as you would not be otherwise improving 
 by taking needed rest or recreation," Mrs. Le- 
 land replied as she hastened away with Eva, 
 with the purpose to make sure that her newly 
 arrived guest lacked for nothing which she 
 could provide. 
 
 ^^ At last, Evelyn, child! I suppose you have 
 not been long gone, but it seemed so to my im- 
 patience," was Laura's salutation as Eva re- 
 entered her room. 
 
 "It is sweet to hear you say that, mother 
 dear; sweet to know that you love me so," Eve- 
 lyn said in moved tones, bending down to press 
 a kiss on the wan cheek, " and I mean to fairly 
 surfeit you with my company in the days and 
 weeks that he before us." 
 
 " And she only waited with the rest of us to 
 consult our good doctor for you, Laura," 
 added Mrs. Leland. " He has prescribed a 
 sleeping potion for to-night, and will call to 
 see you and prescribe further in the morning." 
 
 " I think I should have been consulted," re- 
 turned the invalid in a tone of irritation; " my 
 money is all gone and he may never get his 
 
 pay." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME, 13 
 
 " Oh, don't trouble about that! '' exclaimed 
 Mrs. Leland and Evelyn in a breath, the former 
 adding, " His charges are not heavy and it will 
 be strange indeed if we cannot find a way to 
 meet and defray them/' 
 
 " Of course we can and will, and you are 
 not to concern yourself any more about it, 
 mamma," added Evelyn in a tone of playful 
 authority. " What would be the use when you 
 have a tolerably rich, grown-up daughter, whose 
 principal business and pleasure it will be to 
 take care of and provide for her long-lost, but 
 now happily recovered mother. And here 
 comes uncle with your sleeping potion," she 
 added, as Mr. Leland at that moment appeared 
 in the doorway, cup in hand. 
 
 " Here is something which I hope will quiet 
 your cough, Laura," he said, coming to the bed- 
 side. " It is not bad to take, either, and will 
 be likely to secure you a good night's rest." 
 
 "I don't know," she returned doubtfully, 
 eyeing the cup with evident disfavour, " I was 
 never good at dosing." 
 
 ^*^You prefer lying awake, racked with that 
 distressing cough?" 
 
14 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " No," she sighed, taking the cup from his 
 hand, " even quite a bad dose would be better 
 than that. And it was not so bad after all," 
 she concluded as she returned the cup, after 
 swallowing its contents. 
 
 " Glad to hear you say so," he said in reply. 
 " And now take my further advice — lie still and 
 go to sleep, leaving all the talk with Eva till 
 to-morrow. Good-night to you both." And 
 he left the room, followed presently by his wife, 
 who lingered only until she had made sure that 
 all the wants of the invalid were fully supplied. 
 
 Laura had already fallen into a sweet sleep, 
 under the soothing influence of the draught, 
 and Eva presently stretched herself beside her, 
 and with a heart filled with contending emo- 
 tions — love for this her only remaining parent, 
 joy in their reunion, sorrow and care in view of 
 her evident exhaustion and ill-health, and plans 
 for making her remaining days happy — lay 
 awake for a time silently asking for guidance 
 and help from on high, then fell into dreamless, 
 refreshing sleep. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 Morning found the invalid somewhat re- 
 freshed by her night's rest, yet too languid and 
 feeble to leave her room, and her day was spent 
 reclining upon a couch, with her daughter by 
 her side. Dr. Conly made an early call, pre- 
 scribed, talked to her and Eva in a cheerful 
 strain, saying he hoped that rest and a change 
 of weather would soon bring her at least a meas- 
 ure of relief and strength; but in reply to the 
 anxious questioning of Mr. and Mrs. Leland, he 
 acknowledged that he found her far gone in 
 consumption, and did not think she could last 
 many weeks. 
 
 "Poor dear Eva! how very sad it will be for 
 her to lose her mother so soon after recovering 
 her! '' sighed Mrs. Leland. " I think we must 
 let her remain in ignorance of the danger for a 
 time at least." 
 
 "Yes," assented her husband; "though we 
 must not neglect any effort in our power to pre- 
 
 15 
 
16 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 pare Laura for the great change which awaits 
 her," he added with a look of anxiety and 
 care. 
 
 " Nor fail to offer up earnest petitions for her 
 at the Throne of Grace/' said Grandma Elsie, 
 in her low, sweet tones. " Oh, what a hlessing, 
 what a comfort it is that we may take there all 
 our fears, cares, and anxieties for ourselves and 
 others! And how precious the Saviour's 
 promise, ^ If two of you shall agree on earth as 
 touching anything that you shall ask, it shall 
 be done for you of my Father which is in 
 heaven ' ! " 
 
 "Yes, mother dear," assented Mrs. Leland, 
 " and we will claim and plead it for our poor 
 dear Laura, and for Eva, that she may be sus- 
 tained under the bereavement wliich awaits 
 her." 
 
 " Yes," said Dr. Conly, " and there are many 
 of our friends who will be ready to join us 
 in the petition. I am going now to Woodbum 
 — the captain having telephoned me that one of 
 the servants is ill — and we all know that he and 
 his will be full of sympathy for Eva and her 
 eick mother." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 17 
 
 " No doubt they will," said Grandma Elsie, 
 " both as Christians and as warm friends of 
 Evelyn. And it will be quite the same with 
 our other friends." 
 
 With that the doctor bade good-morning and 
 took his departure in the direction of Wood- 
 burn. The family there were surprised and 
 interested by the news he had to tell of the 
 airival at Fairview, and of Laura's feeble and 
 ailing condition. They were evidently full of 
 sympathy for both mother and daughter, and 
 had any help been needed would have given it 
 gladly. But the doctor assured them that rest 
 and quiet were at present the sick one's most 
 pressing need. 
 
 " Poor dear Eva! I am so sorry for her! " 
 sighed Lucilla when the doctor had gone. 
 " Papa, don't you think I might make myself of 
 use helping her with the nursing?" 
 
 "Not at present, daughter; though I can 
 testify to your ability in that line, and your 
 services may possibly be needed at some future 
 time/' he answered with an affectionate look 
 and smile. 
 
 "Yes, Lu is a capital nurse, I think," said 
 
18 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 Violet, " but whatever she does is sure to be 
 well done/' 
 
 " Thank you, Mamma Vi/' returned the 
 young girl, blushing with pleasure; " it is most 
 kind in you to say that; but if I am thorough 
 in anything, most of the credit belongs to my 
 father, who has never allowed me to content 
 myself with a slovenly performance of my 
 duties." 
 
 " No," he said, " what is worth doing at all 
 is worth doing well; that is a lesson I have en- 
 deavoured to impress upon each one of my chil- 
 dren, and one which I think they have all 
 learned pretty thoroughly." 
 
 " And they have always had the teaching of 
 example as well as precept, from their father," 
 remarked Violet with a look of loving apprecia- 
 tion up into his face; " so that it would be 
 strange indeed if they had not learned it." 
 
 "Indeed that is true, mamma," said Grace. 
 " It does seem to me that papa does everything 
 he undertakes as thoroughly well as anyone pos- 
 sibly could." 
 
 " A very good idea for one's children to cul- 
 tivate," laughed the captain. Then consulting 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 19 
 
 his watch, " But it is high time we were in the 
 schoolroom, daughters. Elsie and Ned have 
 been there this half hour, and probably have a 
 lesson or two ready to recite." 
 
 " And Eva will not be with us to-day; prob- 
 ably not for many more days," remarked Lu- 
 cilla with a slight sigh of disappointment and 
 regret, as she and Grace rose and gave prompt 
 obedience to her father's implied order. 
 
 " Yes," he said, " I fear so; but her first duty 
 is to her mother." 
 
 So Evelyn herself felt, and nobly she dis- 
 charged it; neglecting nothing in her power for 
 the relief and enjoyment of the invalid who, 
 though often fretful, exacting, and unreason- 
 able, was yet nearest and dearest to her of all 
 earthly creatures. The young girFs loving pa- 
 tience seemed never to fail, and her heart was 
 continually going up in earnest, silent petitions 
 that her beloved parent might be made meet 
 for the inheritance of the saints in light; that 
 she might learn to love Him who had died to 
 redeem her from death and the power of the 
 grave, and to give her an abundant entrance 
 into his kingdom and glory. 
 
^0 ELSIE AT UOM&. 
 
 The doubt of Laura's preparation for death 
 and eternity, amounting to almost certainty 
 that it was lacking, made this nursing an even 
 sadder one than had been that of Eric, Evelyn's 
 father, years ago. To him talk of things 
 heavenly and divine had ever seemed easy and 
 natural, and with the certainty that he was 
 passing away from earth came the full assurance 
 that he was ready to de] art and be with Christ 
 in glory. 
 
 But Laura hastily repelled the slightest allu- 
 sion to eternity and a preparation for it. Eve- 
 lyn's only consolation was in the knowledge that 
 others were uniting their earnest petitions with 
 hers, and that God is the hearer and answerer 
 of prayer. 
 
 It was Grandma Elsie who at length suc- 
 ceeded in speaking a word in season to the 
 dying woman. 
 
 " Oh, this racking cough! Shall I never be 
 done with it?" gasped Laura, as she lay pant- 
 ing upon her pillow after an unusually severe 
 and exhausting paroxysm. 
 
 " Yes; when you reach the other side of Jor- 
 dan; for there in that blessed land the inhab- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 21 
 
 itant shall not say *^I am sick/'' returned Grand- 
 ma Elsie in low, sympathising tones. " The 
 Bible tells us that ' God shall wipe away all 
 tears from their eyes; and there shall be no 
 more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither 
 shall there be any more pain/ " 
 
 " Oh, but I am not fit for that place yet! " 
 exclaimed Laura with a look of alarm, " and I 
 don't want to die for years to come, though it 
 is hard to suffer as I do. You don't think I'm 
 a dying woman, Mrs. Travilla ? " 
 
 ^^ You know, dear friend, that no one of us 
 is certain of life for a day or an hour," returned 
 Grandma Elsie gently, taking the wasted hand 
 in hers and gazing tenderly into the anxious, 
 troubled face, " and surely it is the part of wis- 
 dom to make careful preparation for that which 
 we must inevitably meet, sooner or later. And 
 if our peace is made with God — if Jesus is our 
 Friend and Saviour — it will only be joy un- 
 speakable to be called into his immediate pres- 
 ence, there to dwell forevermore." 
 
 *' Yes, yes, if one is fitted for it, as Eric, Eva's 
 father, was. Death seemed only joy to him, 
 except for leaving us. But oh, I ani afraid of 
 
22 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 death! Hard as life is in my weak, ailing con- 
 dition, I don't want to die, I can't bear to think 
 of it." 
 
 " My poor friend, my heart bleeds for you," 
 said Grandma Elsie in low, tender tones. 
 " ' The sting of death is sin and the strength of 
 sin is the law.' But ^ Christ is the end of the 
 law for righteousness to everyone that believeth/ 
 He fulfilled its conditions, he bore the penalty 
 God's justice required against those who had 
 broken it; and now salvation is offered as his 
 free gift to all who will accept it: ^ Even the 
 righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus 
 Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: 
 for there is no difference: For all have sinned, 
 and come short of the glory of God; Being jus- 
 tified freely by his grace through the redemp- 
 tion that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath 
 set forth to be a propitiation through faith in 
 his blood, to declare his righteousness for the 
 remission of sins that are past, through the for- 
 bearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time 
 his righteousness: that he might be just and 
 the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.' " 
 
 "Is that all? only to believe in Jesus? '^ 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 23 
 
 Laura asked with a look of mingled anxiety, 
 hope, and fear. ^' But one must repent deeply, 
 sincerely, and oh, I'm afraid I cannot! " 
 
 " He will help you," returned Grandma Elsie 
 in moved tones. " ' Him hath God exalted 
 with his right hand to be a Prince and a 
 Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and 
 forgiveness of sins.' Ask him, remembering 
 his own gracious promise, ^ Ask and it shall 
 be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock 
 and it shall be opened unto you. For every- 
 one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh 
 findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be 
 opened.' " 
 
 " Ah, I see the way as I never did before," 
 said Laura, after a moment's silence in which 
 she seemed in deep thought. " What wonder- 
 ful love and condescension it was for him, the 
 God-man, to die that painful and shameful 
 death that we — sinful worms of the dust — 
 might live! Oh, I do begin to love him and to 
 hate and abhor my sins that helped nail him to 
 the tree." With the last words tears coursed 
 down her cheeks. " I want to be his, whether I 
 live or die/' she added; and from that hour a 
 
24 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 great change came over her; her sufferings 
 were borne with patience and resignation; and 
 when the end came she passed peacefully and 
 quietly away, leaving her bereaved daughter 
 mourning the separation, but not as those with- 
 out hope of a blessed reunion at some future 
 day, in that land where sin and sorrow, sickness 
 and pain are unknown. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Through all the six long weeks of her 
 mother's illness at Fairview Evelyn had been a 
 most devoted, tender nurse, scarcely leaving the 
 sick room for an hour by day or by night. She 
 bore up wonderfully until all was over and the 
 worn-out body laid to rest in the quiet grave; 
 but then came the reaction; strength and 
 energy seemed suddenly to forsake her, and 
 thin, pale, sad, and heavy-eyed, she was but the 
 shadow of her former self. 
 
 Change of air and scene was the doctor's pre- 
 scription. She was very reluctant to leave 
 home and friends for a sojourn in new scenes 
 and among strangers, but receiving an urgent 
 invitation from Captain and Mrs. Raymond to 
 spend some weeks at Woodburn with her loved 
 friend Lucilla, and finding that her uncle and 
 aunt — Dr. Conly also — highly approved, she 
 gladly accepted; all the more so because she 
 
 had learned that Grandma Elsie too, whom she 
 fa 
 
26 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 loved even better than ever for her kindness to 
 the dear departed, was about to spend some 
 days or weeks with her daughter Violet. That 
 was an added attraction to what Evelyn 
 esteemed one of the most delightful places, and 
 inhabited by the dearest, kindest, most lovable 
 people anywhere to be found. 
 
 She was most heartily welcomed by the entire 
 family, Lucilla and Grace being particularly 
 joyful over her arrival. 
 
 It was delightful spring weather, and family 
 and guests, older and younger, spent much of 
 the time in the beautiful grounds or in driving 
 and riding about the country. 
 
 The captain pronounced Eva hardly in a fit 
 condition for study, and for her sake required 
 his daughters Lucilla and Grace to pass only an 
 hour or two daily in the schoolroom; so that 
 they were able to give to Eva as much of their 
 society as he considered desirable for her under 
 the circumstances — seeing that she needed a 
 good deal of quiet rest and sleep in order to 
 regain the youthful vigour she had lost during 
 the exhausting nursing of her invalid mother. 
 
 His kindness was highly appreciated by all 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 27 
 
 three, and under its benign influence Eva made 
 rapid improvement in health and spirits, enjoy- 
 ing every day of her sojourn at Woodburn, the 
 Sabbath even more than any other, especially 
 the afternoon study of the Bible in which all 
 took part, from Grandma Elsie and Captain 
 Raymond down to little Ned. 
 
 The subject chosen for the first lesson after 
 Eva's coming was the resurrection, probably 
 selected especially for Eva's comfort in her sor- 
 row over her mother's recent departure, to be 
 with her no more in this life. 
 
 " Mother," the captain said, addressing 
 Grandma Elsie, when they were all seated, each 
 with a Bible in hand, " as you are somewhat 
 older and certainly much wiser than I — espe- 
 cially as regards spiritual things — will you not 
 take the lead to-day?" 
 
 " Older I certainly am," returned Mrs. Tra- 
 villa, with her own sweet smile, "but I think 
 not wiser than yourself, captain; and certainly 
 I have not made the preparation for this occa- 
 sion which doubtless you have. So please lead 
 the exercises just as you would if I were not 
 present." 
 
28 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 "You would prefer my doing so?" he 
 asked. 
 
 " Very much/' she replied. " The resurrec- 
 tion is the subject? " 
 
 "Yes; and what a glorious one! how full of 
 comfort for all who believe in Christ! ^ For I 
 know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he 
 shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; 
 and though after my death my body is de- 
 stroyed, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I 
 shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, 
 and not another/ said the patriarch Job; com- 
 forting himself in his affliction with that 
 blessed prospect. The doctrine of a general 
 resurrection is expressly taught in both the Old 
 Testament and the New, and I think we can- 
 not spend our lesson hour more profitably than 
 in looking up the texts on the subject. Can 
 you give us one, mother? " 
 
 At that Grandma Elsie opened her Bible. 
 
 " Beginning with the Old Testament/' she 
 said, "here in Psalms xlix. 15 we read: 'But God 
 will redeem my soul from the power of the 
 grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.' Then 
 here in Isaiah; ' Thy dead men shall live, to- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 29 
 
 gether with my dead body shall they arise. 
 Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy 
 dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall 
 cast out the dead/ '' 
 
 Then Violet, sitting next, read from her opep 
 Bible: " ^ The same day came to him the Sad- 
 ducees, which say that there is no resurrection, 
 and asked him, saying. Master, Moses said, if a 
 man die, having no children, his brother shall 
 marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his 
 brother. Now there were with us seven breth- 
 ren: and the first, when he had married a wife, 
 deceased, and having no issue, left his wife unto 
 his brother: likewise the second also, and the 
 third unto the seventh. And last of all the 
 woman died also. Therefore in the resurrec- 
 tion, whose wife shall she be? for they all had 
 her. Jesus answered and said unto them. Ye do 
 err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power 
 of God. For in the resurrection they neither 
 marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the 
 angels of God in heaven. But as touching the 
 resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that 
 which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I 
 am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, 
 
30 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of 
 the dead, but of the living.' " 
 
 Eva's turn came next and she read: " ' And 
 the graves were opened; and many bodies 
 of the saints which slept arose, and came 
 out of the graves after his resurrection, and 
 went into the holy city, and appeared unto 
 many.' " 
 
 Then Lucilla : ^^ ' Women received their dead 
 raised to life again: and others were tortured, 
 not accepting deliverance; that they might ob- 
 tain a better resurrection.' " 
 
 " Will the resurrection be of all the dead, 
 Grace? the wicked as well as the righteous?" 
 asked her father. 
 
 " Yes, papa," she answered; then read aloud: 
 "^Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, 
 in the which all that are in the graves shall hear 
 his voice, and shall come forth; they that have 
 done good, unto the resurrection of life; and 
 they that have done evil, unto the resurrection 
 of damnation.' " 
 
 It was little Elsie's turn and she read a verse 
 in Acts pointed out by her mother: " ' And 
 have hope toward God, which they themselves 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 31 
 
 also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of 
 the dead, both of the just and unjust.' '' 
 
 It was Ned's turn now and he read a 
 passage selected for him by his mother: " ^ For 
 I delivered unto you first of all that which I 
 also received, how that Christ died for our sins 
 according to the Scriptures; and that he was 
 buried, and that he rose again the third day 
 according to the Scriptures.' " 
 
 It was the captain's turn again and he went 
 on with the reading: " ^ Now if Christ be 
 preached that he rose from the dead, how say 
 some among you that there is no resurrection 
 of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of 
 the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ 
 be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and 
 your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found 
 false witnesses of God; because we have testi- 
 fied of God that he raised up Christ: whom he 
 raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 
 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ 
 raised, and if Christ be not raised, your faith is 
 vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they 
 also which are fallen asleep in Christ are per- 
 ished. If in this life only we have hope in 
 
32 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But 
 now is Christ risen from the dead, and become 
 the first fruits of them that slept. For since 
 by man came death, by man came also the 
 resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam 
 all die, even so in Christ shall all be made 
 alive.' " 
 
 " Yes,'' said Grandma Elsie, " we needed a 
 divine Saviour, and Christ's resurrection proved 
 his divinity; as Paul tells us here in the first 
 chapter of Eomans, 'And declared to be the 
 Son of God with power, according to the Spirit 
 of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.' 
 Peter too teaches us that the resurrection of 
 Christ was necessary to our salvation. It seems 
 plainly taught in this verse of the fifth chapter 
 of his first Epistle. ' Blessed be the God and 
 Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which accord- 
 ing to his abundant mercy hath begotten us 
 again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of 
 Jesus Christ from the dead.' " 
 
 "Yes," said Violet, "Jesus said to his dis- 
 ciples, ' Because I live, ye shall live also.' His 
 resurrection is surely the pledge and assurance 
 of that of his people." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 33 
 
 ^' Papa, does everybod}^ have to die ? ^^ asked 
 little Ned. 
 
 " Everybody except those who are alive when 
 Jesus comes again, as he will some day in the 
 clouds of heaven. This is what the Apostle 
 Paul tells us about it in the letter he wrote to 
 the Thessalonians. * Them also which sleep in 
 Jesus will God bring with him. For this we 
 say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we 
 which are alive and remain unto the coming of 
 the Lord, shall not prevent them which are 
 asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend 
 from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the 
 archangel, and with the trump of God: and the 
 dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which 
 are alive and remain, shall be caught up to- 
 gether with them in the clouds, to meet the 
 Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the 
 Lord.' " 
 
 " ' Wherefore comfort one another with these 
 words,' " added Evelyn softly, finishing the 
 quotation; "and oh, what a comfort it is! " 
 
 " There could be none greater," said Grand- 
 ma Elsie, " Think of being reunited with all 
 the dear ones gone before, and in the immediate 
 
34 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 presence of Jesu.s; never again to be parted 
 from them or him or to know sin or sorrow or 
 pain. Oh, what joy to be permitted to look 
 upon the face of our Redeemer, to kneel at his 
 feet, to hear his voice speaking to each one of 
 us. 'Whom I shall see for myself, and mine 
 eyes shall behold and not another/ '' 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 " OH;, Rosie, you here? I'm delighted! T 
 hope you have come to spend the day?" ex- 
 claimed Lucilla, as on Monday she and Grace, 
 on leaving the schoolroom where they had been 
 reciting to their father, passed out upon the 
 veranda in search of Evelyn and the older 
 ladies and found Rose Travilla seated with the 
 others. 
 
 *^ Thank you; but suppose I have come in- 
 tending to stay longer than that? as long as 
 mamma does, for instance ? " laughed Rose, 
 giving and receiving an affectionate caress; for 
 they had seen nothing of each other for several 
 days. 
 
 " The longer the better," was Lucilla's hearty 
 rejoinder. " Do you not say so too. Mamma 
 Vi ? " turning to her. 
 
 " Indeed I do," said Violet. " She will cer- 
 tainly make a most pleasant addition to our 
 party." 
 
 35 
 
3€ ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " I think you may as well accept the invita- 
 tion, Rosie/^ her mother said with a pleased 
 smile; " and as I know you do not care to keep 
 your errand a secret from any of your friends 
 here, we can call a family council and talk the 
 matter over." 
 
 " Yes, mamma; that sounds as though you 
 accept Solomon's teaching that ^ In the multi- 
 tude of counsellors there is safety.' And since 
 he was the wisest of men we may surely consider 
 ourselves safe in so doing. So, if you like, you 
 may tell Lu and Gracie on what errand I 
 came." 
 
 " Tell it yourself, child," returned her mother 
 with an amused look. 
 
 At that Rosie held up a letter to the view of 
 Lucilla and Grace, saying, with a smile and 
 hlush, " It is from Will Croly. He has grown 
 tired of waiting and begs to have matters 
 hurried up somewhat: proposes that I change 
 my name next month, though the prescribed 
 year of waiting would thereby be shortened by 
 two months or more." 
 
 " Oh, do let him have his way, then! " ex- 
 claimed Grace — " at least if he will promise not 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 37 
 
 to carry you off at once after the wedding — 
 for there could not be a lovelier month for it 
 than beautiful June, the month of roses." 
 
 " So I should say," chimed in Lucilla, then 
 added hastily, '^ though I think I'd make 
 him wait till June of next year, rather than 
 leave such a mother as Grandma Elsie so 
 soon." 
 
 At that Rosie glanced at her mother and her 
 eyes filled with unbidden tears. 
 
 " I can't bear to think of that," she said with 
 a tremble in her voice, " but perhaps I can 
 coax Will to settle down somewhere in this 
 neighbourhood — bringing his father and 
 mother along so that they won't be lonely." 
 
 "A very nice plan, Rosie dear, if you can 
 manage to carry it out," remarked Violet. 
 
 '^And I have hope that Will, at least, will 
 favour the plan; for he seemed much pleased 
 with this neighbourhood when he was here," 
 said Rosie, adding with a laugh and blush, 
 ^^ and I know my wishes carry great weight 
 with him." 
 
 " And we will hope that those of his parents 
 may coincide with yours," added her mother 
 
3§ ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 gently; " for I am sure my Eosie would not 
 wish to be the cause of unhappiness to them." 
 
 " No, indeed, mamma; I can assure you it is 
 my earnest desire to add to their happiness; not 
 to take from it. I am strongly in hopes, how- 
 ever, that when they come to know you and all 
 the rest of my dear relatives here, they will 
 esteem it a delight to live in your midst." 
 
 '^ And I don't believe they can help it," said 
 Grace, " I am sure everybody who knows 
 Grandma Elsie, mamma, and papa — not to men- 
 tion all the other dear people — loves them and 
 their pleasant society." 
 
 ^^In all of which I am sure you are quite 
 right, Gracie," said Evelyn. 
 
 " I, too," said Lulu. " But now let us hear 
 the plans for the wedding." 
 
 " They are yet to be made," laughed Eosie. 
 
 " You will want a grand one? " Lulu said in 
 a tone of mingled assertion and inquiry. 
 
 " Not so very," Eosie answered with a slight 
 shake of her pretty head. ^'^I think only the 
 relatives and most intimate friends. They 
 alone will make quite a party, you know. I'll 
 want some bridesmaids. You'll be one, Lu, 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 39 
 
 won't 5^011? Unless you fear the truth of the 
 old saying, ^ Twice a bridesmaid never a 
 bride/ " 
 
 "Pooh! what difference need that make?" 
 returned Lulu; " since I don't intend ever to 
 marry." 
 
 " You don't? " exclaimed Kosie. 
 
 " No; for there is not another man in the 
 world whom I could love half so dearly as I love 
 my father." 
 
 " Oh, well! that is only because you and the 
 right one haven't happened to meet yet." 
 
 " Yes, Lulu," said Grandma Elsie, " at your 
 age I thought and felt just as you do now, but 
 some years later I found that another had 
 gained the first place in my heart." 
 
 " But my father is so much kinder and more 
 lovable than ever yours was," was the answering 
 thought in Lucilla's mind, but unwilling to 
 hurt the dear lady's feelings she refrained from 
 expressing it, and only said with a little laugh 
 of incredulity, " I suppose I should not be too 
 certain, but I am entirely willing to run the 
 risk of again acting as bridesmaid." 
 
 " Bo that much is settled," returned Rosie 
 
40 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 in a tone of satisfaction. ^^ I have always 
 counted upon Eva as another/' she continued, 
 « but " 
 
 " Thank you, Eosie dear, but o^ course I 
 cannot serve — under present circumstances," 
 returned Evelyn in a tone of gentle sadness. 
 
 No one spoke again for a moment; then Vio- 
 let broke the silence by asking, " How many 
 do you think of having, Eosie?" 
 
 "Perhaps six," was the reply, in a musing 
 tone, " at least including flower girls and maid 
 of honour. Gracie, you will be one of the 
 bridesmaids, will you not ? " 
 
 '' If papa does not object; as I hardly think 
 he will." 
 
 "Maud and Sydney Dinsmore I think will 
 serve," continued Eosie. " And wouldn't it be 
 a pretty idea to have Elsie Eaymond and Uncle 
 Horace's Elsie, who is about the same size, as 
 either bridesmaids or flower girls? " 
 
 Everyone approved of that idea. 
 
 " Now, it will be in order, I suppose, to settle 
 about the material and colour of our dresses," 
 remarked Lucilla. 
 
 " Perhaps it might be as well to first decide at 
 
BL8IB AT HOME. 41 
 
 what time of year they are to be worn/' sug- 
 gested Mrs. Travilla in her gentle tones. 
 
 " Yes, mamma, but — you do not want to dis- 
 appoint Will, do you? And June is really the 
 prettiest month in the year for a wedding, I 
 think," said Rose. 
 
 " None lovelier, daughter," her mother re- 
 sponded with a slight sigh, "but October, my 
 own wedding month, seems to me no less 
 suitable." 
 
 " Why, yes, to be sure! if only Will could be 
 satisfied to wait till then." 
 
 "It will be hardly longer than the time he 
 was given to understand he must expect to 
 wait," returned her mother pleasantly, " or than 
 he ought to think my Rose worth waiting for. 
 But at all events, daughter, we must consult 
 with your grandpa before deciding. Have you 
 had any talk with him on the subject? " 
 
 " No, mamma; I preferred coming to you 
 first, and am almost sure grandpa will think it 
 a matter for you to decide." 
 
 " Probably; yet I shall want his opinion; and 
 besides he is your guardian as well as your 
 grandfather." 
 
4^ ELSIE AT HOMR 
 
 " Along with you, mamma; and I love him 
 as both, he is so dear and kind." 
 
 " He is indeed/' assented her mother. " He 
 has told me more than once or twice that my 
 children are scarcely less dear to him than his 
 own." 
 
 " Partly because our father was his dear 
 friend as well as his son-in-law/' added Violet 
 softly. 
 
 " Yes; they were bosom friends before I was 
 born/' her mother said with a far-away look in 
 her eyes. 
 
 " Then you must have been very much 
 younger than he, Grandma Elsie," remarked 
 Grace, half inquiringly. 
 
 " Sixteen years younger. I was in my ninth 
 year when I saw him first, and more than twice 
 that age before I thought of him as anything 
 but a dear, kind friend — my father's friend and 
 mine." 
 
 " And after that he seemed to you to grow 
 younger, did he not, mamma?" asked Rosie. 
 
 " Yes; when he joined us in Europe I had 
 not seen him for two years, and as regarded age 
 he seemed to have been standing still while I 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 43 
 
 grew up to him; and in the daily and intimate 
 intercourse of those months I learned that his 
 worth was far greater than that of any other 
 man of my acquaintance — excepting my father. 
 Ah, there was never a better man, a truer 
 friend, a kinder, more devoted husband and 
 father than he." 
 
 The sweet voice trembled with emotion; she 
 paused for a moment, then went on: 
 
 "He does not seem dead to me — he is not 
 dead, but only gone before into the immediate 
 presence of the dear Master, where I hope one 
 day to join him for an eternity of bliss. 
 
 " ' 'Tis there we'll meet 
 
 At Jesus' feet. 
 When we meet to part no more.' " 
 
 Again there was a brief silence, presently 
 broken by the coming of the captain and his 
 two younger children. All three seemed 
 pleased to find Rosie there, greeted her affec- 
 tionately, and then the captain remarked, 
 glancing from one to another: 
 
 " It strikes me that you are all looking about 
 as grave as if assembled to discuss the affairs 
 
44 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 of the nation. Can I have a voice in the sub- 
 ject, whatever it is? " 
 
 " Yes, Brother Levis/' replied Eosie, " I am 
 trying to make arrangements for — doing what 
 you have done twice. And perhaps, since you 
 have had so much practice, you may be more 
 capable than these other friends and relatives 
 of giving me advice." 
 
 " Something that I have done twice? What 
 can that be ? " 
 
 "Will Croly wants to help me," returned 
 Eosie with a laugh and a blush. 
 
 "Ah! now I understand. Is the vexing 
 question as to the colour and material of the 
 wedding gown ? " 
 
 " Mamma thinks the first thing is to settle 
 when the ceremony is to be performed. She 
 does not seem to sympathise in Will's haste to 
 have it over." 
 
 "Which is not at all surprising," returned 
 the captain, glancing at his two older daughters. 
 " I can quite understand the feeling. But 
 what is the time proposed by Will? " 
 
 ^' June of this year." 
 
 "June seems a very suitable month, but if 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 45 
 
 you were my daughter I should say not June of 
 this year — since you are both young enough to 
 wait for that of next or the year after.'' 
 
 "Ah, sir! that was not the way you talked 
 when you wanted to rob mamma of one of her 
 daughters." 
 
 " No; but I was some years older than Mr. 
 Croly is now, and your sister Violet very 
 womanly in her ways." 
 
 "And I am not? Ah, well! perhaps it is for- 
 tunate for me that the decision rest with 
 mamma and grandpa." 
 
 "' So you, too, are in haste? " queried the cap- 
 tain, regarding her with a look of amusement. 
 
 " Not at all," she returned, drawing herself 
 up with an air of pretended indignation. 
 " Who would be in haste to leave such a home 
 and mother as mine? If I consulted only my 
 own feelings I should be more than willing to 
 wait another year." 
 
 " Then why not decide to do so ? " he asked 
 with a quizzical look. 
 
 " Because I really have some regard for the 
 wishes of my betrothed." 
 
 " And it makes it hard for you that the dif- 
 
46 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 ferent ones you love cannot agree so that you 
 might please them all," remarked Grace, then 
 exclaimed, " Ah, here comes grandpa! " as at 
 that moment the Ion carriage turned in at the 
 great gates. 
 
 Mr. Dinsmore seldom let a day pass without 
 a more or less extended interview with his 
 eldest daughter, and had now come for a call at 
 Woodburn, bringing his wife with him. 
 
 When the usual greetings had been ex- 
 changed the subject of Eosie's approaching 
 marriage and the letter from Mr. Croly, urging 
 that it take place speedily, were introduced, and 
 after some discussion it was decided to let him 
 have his own way. The day was not fixed upon 
 any farther than that it should be near the end 
 of the month of June, and with that Eosie 
 seemed satisfied. 
 
 ^' Now, mamma," she said, " I think we may 
 go on and discuss minor details, such as dresses 
 and ornaments for bride and attendants." 
 
 " Very well, daughter; you may give us your 
 views on the subject. You will want your own 
 dress of some rich white material, I suppose?" 
 
 " Yes, mamma; of Bengaline silk, richly 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 47 
 
 trimmed with lace; and I must have a veil and 
 orange blossoms; also a bouquet of bride roses 
 and smilax. Lu and Grace, you will want 
 white silk dresses, won^t you ? ^' 
 
 " Yes," they replied. " And bouquets of 
 white flowers," added Lucilla. 
 
 " Oh, papa, you will let me act as one of the 
 bridesmaids, will you not ? " asked Grace, turn- 
 ing to him. 
 
 "I have no objection," he replied. "You 
 may both serve, since Rosie wishes it and I 
 see you are pleased with the idea. As for 
 the matter of dress you may settle that for 
 yourselves." 
 
 " Oh, thank you, sir! " both exclaimed joy- 
 ously, Grace adding, "But won't you please 
 tell us, papa, just how much we may spend?" 
 
 "Any amount which your mamma and 
 Grandma Elsie do not consider too great," he 
 replied in an indulgent tone. "However, I 
 think I should not hesitate to leave that matter 
 to the judgment of my daughters themselves; 
 for I know that neither of you is inclined to 
 be at all extravagant." 
 
 " No, indeed," said Violet, " they are always 
 
48 ELSIE AT HOME, 
 
 very careful to make sure that papa is able to 
 afford them what they want." 
 
 " It would be strange if we weren't, Mamma 
 Vi," said Lucilla with a happy laugh, " for we 
 know that papa loves us so dearly that he would 
 go without things himself any time rather than 
 deny us anything desirable." 
 
 " And I expect to put him to the additional 
 expense of dressing Elsie handsomely for the 
 occasion/' laughed Rosie. 
 
 " Ah! is she also to be a bridesmaid? " asked 
 the captain with a smiling glance at his little 
 girl, who was turning her bright eyes from one 
 to another with a surprised, pleased, yet puz- 
 zled look. 
 
 " Not just that," replied Rosie; then went 
 on to explain her plan for giving the two little 
 Elsies a part in the ceremony. 
 
 " Should you like to do that, daughter? " 
 asked the captain, taking the hand of the little 
 girl and drawing her to his side. 
 
 " I'm 'most afraid I would not know how to 
 do it right, papa,'^ she answered with doubtful 
 look and tone. 
 
 " You can take lessons beforehand," he 
 
EL8IE AT HOME. 49 
 
 said; ^^but you shall do just as you please 
 about it." 
 
 "And the question need not be decided at 
 once," remarked Grandma Elsie. " We will 
 let the matter rest till we leam what your 
 cousin Elsie Dinsmore thinks about joining you 
 in it." 
 
 "Yes," said Eosie, "and fortunately we do 
 not need to settle anything more to-day. Maud 
 and Sydney must be consulted before we quite 
 decide on the colour and material of the brides- 
 maids' dresses." 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 A PAUSE in the conversation upon the ve- 
 randa was broken by an exclamation from little 
 Ned. ^^ Cousin Arthur is coming! " he cried 
 as a carriage turned in at the great gates and 
 came swiftly up the driveway. 
 
 "Yes," said his father, stepping forward to 
 meet and welcome Dr. Conly, " always a visitor 
 we are delighted to see, whether we are sick or 
 well. Good-morning, sir! We are all glad to 
 see you as friend and guest, though fortunately 
 not in need of your professional services at 
 present. I hope the demands of other patients 
 are not so pressing that we may not keep you 
 here till after dinner." 
 
 *' Thank you, but I can stay for only a hasty 
 call," replied the doctor, alighting and shaking 
 hands with one after another as they crowded 
 about him. 
 
 "You look like the bringer of good news, 
 
 50 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 61 
 
 cousin," said Grandma Elsie, regarding him 
 with a pleased smile. 
 
 " Yes," he said, " I feel myself a very fortu- 
 nate and happy man to-day, and have come to 
 tell my news and ask the sympathy and con- 
 gratulations of you my relatives and friends. 
 My Marian and I have a son — a fine healthy 
 habe, now some hours old — mother and child 
 are doing as well as possible." 
 
 The congratulations were poured forth with- 
 out stint. Then Mr. Dinsmore asked, " What 
 do you propose to call the lad? " 
 
 " Ronald. It is Marian's choice and I am 
 well content, for it is a good name, and I highly 
 esteem the dear old cousin w^ho has showed such 
 kindness to the mother." 
 
 " Yes, he is worthy of it," said Grandma 
 Elsie. " I have alw ays felt proud to ow n him 
 as my kinsman." 
 
 "And Ronald and Conly go well together, 
 making a very pretty name, to my thinking," 
 said Rosie. 
 
 " Have they heard the news at Beechwood 
 yet?" asked Lucilla. 
 
 "I think not," replied the doctor; "but I 
 
52 ELSIE AT BOMB, 
 
 shall take it in my way home, as it will make 
 the drive only a little longer and I need delay 
 there but a moment.'* Then with a hasty 
 adieu he took his departure. 
 
 *^ Art is a very happy man to-day/' Mr. Dins- 
 more remarked with a pleased smile, as they 
 watched the doctor's gig on its way down the 
 drive. 
 
 " Yes; I know of no one more worthy of hap- 
 piness, and it does me good to see it," said the 
 captain. 
 
 " And no doubt dear Marian's heart is over- 
 flowing with love and gratitude," said Grandma 
 Elsie in low, soft tones. " I quite want to see 
 her and her new treasure." 
 
 "Both she and Art will be very proud to 
 show it to their friends and relatives," remarked 
 Violet with a smile, " though he will be care- 
 ful not to admit even relatives for some days 
 yet. He is very kind and careful as both hus- 
 band and physician." 
 
 "Yes," said Rosie; "he will take excellent 
 care of Marian and have her well in time to at- 
 tend the wedding, I hope." 
 
 "I think we can manage that, daughter, as 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 53 
 
 we have not fixed upon the day," her mother 
 said with playful look and tone. 
 
 " Oh, yes, mamma! and I do intend it to be 
 at least six weeks before I leave girlhood for 
 married life," returned Rosie, laughing and 
 blushing as she spoke. 
 
 " It is too serious a step to be taken hastily, 
 my dear young sister," remarked the captain in 
 a tone between jest and earnest; "a step that 
 once taken cannot be retraced — a venture in- 
 volving the happiness or misery of perhaps a 
 lifetime; certainly the lifetime of one if not of 
 both." 
 
 '^ Oh, you frighten me! " cried Rosie, draw- 
 ing a long breath and lifting her hands with a 
 gesture of alarm and despair; " what shall I do? 
 Would you recommend single blessedness — you 
 who have twice tried laying hold of the other 
 horn of the dilemma? " 
 
 " Only for a time," he said. " Look well be- 
 fore you leap, as I did, and then you will be in 
 little danger of wanting to leap back again." 
 
 " You don't? you never do? " she queried in 
 mock surprise and doubt. 
 
 " Never! " he said with a smiling, admiring 
 
64 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 glance into Violet's beautiful eyes, watching 
 him with not a shade of doubt or distrust in 
 their azure depths; " never for a moment have 
 I been conscious of the slightest inclination to 
 
 do 60." 
 
 " Thank you, my dear," Violet said. " And, 
 Eosie, let me tell you for your encouragement 
 that I have known no more regret than has he. 
 I am very sure that if it were in our power to 
 reconsider, the question would be decided ex- 
 actly as it was years ago." 
 
 "I believe it," responded Eosie heartily, 
 "and that Will and I will be able to say the 
 same when we too have lived together for years. 
 He is good as gold, I know, and I shall try to be 
 worthy of him." 
 
 The call to dinner here put an end to the con- 
 versation and the talk at the table was upon 
 other themes. 
 
 Shortly after the conclusion of the meal Mr. 
 and Mrs. Dinsmore returned to Ion, while the 
 others, some on horseback, the rest in the 
 family carriage, went over to the Oaks to call 
 upon the relatives there and consult with them 
 <?n the arrangements for the wedding, particu- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 55 
 
 larly the dress of the bride and her attendants 
 — a subject of great interest to the ladies, espe- 
 cially such to the young girls, but one which the 
 two gentlemen — Captain Raymond and young 
 Mr. Dinsmore — were so entirely willing to leave 
 to their decision that they presently excused 
 themselves and walked out into the grounds, 
 Mr. Dinsmore wishing to consult the captain in 
 regard to some improvements that he had in 
 contemplation. 
 
 Then Eosie announced her errand and gave 
 her invitation to Maud and Sydney. It was ac- 
 cepted promptly and with evident pleasure by 
 both. Then Rosie went on to speak of her idea 
 of having the two little Elsies act as flower 
 girls. 
 
 " My niece and my cousin, and both bearing 
 mamma's name; about the same size, too; would 
 it not be pretty?" she asked, and received a 
 chorus of approving replies. 
 
 " Oh, I'd like to! " cried Elsie Dinsmore, 
 clapping her hands in delight. "It's ever so 
 good in you, Cousin Rosie, to choose us! and I 
 suppose we will be dressed alike, won't we?" 
 
 " That is my idea," said Rosie, " and I pre- 
 
56 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 sume your mothers will not withhold their con- 
 sent." 
 
 " Oh, you will let us, mamma — you and 
 Cousin Vi — won't you? " cried the child, turn- 
 ing to them. 
 
 " I am entirely willing, if that suits Cousin 
 Vi and her Elsie," replied her mother. 
 
 " As it will, I am sure," said Violet. 
 
 " Yes, mamma," said her Elsie, " I shall like 
 it, for I am sure you and the other ladies will 
 choose a pretty dress for us." 
 
 '^Probahly no prettier than some that you 
 already own," Violet returned with an amused 
 look. '^ Try not to think or care too much for 
 dress, daughter; there are so many things which 
 are much more important." 
 
 "But it isn't wrong to like to be tastefully 
 dressed, is it, mamma?" asked the little girl 
 with a slightly troubled look. 
 
 " No, I think not, dear," returned her mother 
 with a loving smile into the inquiring eyes; " if 
 it were wrong to love pretty things, surely God 
 would not have made so many for our eyes to 
 look upon — the beautiful flowers and fruits, the 
 sunset clouds, the stars, to mention only a few 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. Si 
 
 ■ — ^but he — our kind Heavenly Father — ^loves to 
 give us enjoyment/' 
 
 "And I do enjoy all the pretty things very 
 much indeed, mamma/' responded the little 
 girl with a look of relief and pleasure, " and 
 I'm glad it isn't wrong; I like to see pretty 
 clothes on you and my sisters quite as much as 
 on myself. And don't you think papa likes to 
 have us all nicely dressed? " 
 
 " I am sure he does; and you may feel very 
 certain that papa approves of nothing but what 
 is right." 
 
 " Those are exactly mine and my husband's 
 sentiments upon the subject in question/' re- 
 marked Mrs. Dinsmore in a lively tone. " But 
 now let us hear what those girls are talking 
 about." 
 
 "You will be married in church?" Maud 
 was saying inquiringly. 
 
 " IN'o/' said Rosie in a tone of decision; " I 
 mean to follow the good example of my mother 
 and older sisters in having a home wedding." 
 
 "And you will want ushers? I was just 
 going to ask who were to serve in that capacity." 
 
 "I believe Mr. Croly has engaged my 
 
58 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 brothers Harold and Herbert, who are his most 
 intimate friends/' replied Rosie; " but of course 
 there will be plenty of time for all those 
 arrangements." 
 
 " I dare say he will ask Uncle Harold to be 
 best man/' said Grace. 
 
 " Very likely/' said Eosie, " and Herbert, 
 Chester, and Frank for ushers. We may as 
 well make it a family affair," she added with 
 a satisfied little laugh. 
 
 " And if either you or Will conclude that 
 you would prefer a larger number it will be an 
 easy matter to think of, and invite them to 
 serve a little later," remarked Violet. 
 
 " Yes, there is plenty of time," said their 
 mother, smiling lovingly into Rosie's bright 
 eyes. " I am in no hurry to give my youngest 
 daughter to even so entirely a good, worthy, 
 and amiable young man as William Croly." 
 
 " Please do not look at it in that way, mother 
 dear. Please remember that you are not to 
 lose your daughter, but to gain another good 
 son." 
 
 " That is right, Eosie; I do believe it is going 
 to prove a gain all round," said Violet. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 69 
 
 " Why, of course it is/^ said Maud; " that is 
 settled; so now let us consider and decide the 
 important question what colours we are to wear 
 on the grand occasion. Lu, you wore canary 
 colour at Betty Norris' wedding; suppose I take 
 that this time and you wear pink; it will be- 
 come you quite as well, I think." 
 
 " I suppose so," said Lucilla, " and am per- 
 fectly willing to wear it." 
 
 " And pink beside my white will look very 
 pretty," said Eosie. '' Lu is to be maid of 
 honor, you know, girls." 
 
 " Yes; and I for one highly approve your 
 choice, Rosie," said Evelyn with an affectionate, 
 admiring look at Lucilla. 
 
 " Yes; and suppose we dress your little 
 flower girls in pink, also," suggested Mrs. 
 Dinsmore. 
 
 That idea seemed to suit everybody. 
 
 " I like that colour," remarked Elsie Dins- 
 more sagely, "but I shall be particular about 
 having very handsome material." 
 
 " It shall be handsome enough to accord well 
 with the others," said her mother with an 
 amused laugh. 
 
60 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " I think straw colour becomes me," re- 
 marked Maud; " so that is what I shall wear, 
 if the rest of the party approve." 
 
 " And blue will be the thing for Gracie and 
 me," said Sydney. " What do you say to that, 
 Gracie?" 
 
 "I am satisfied if Rosie and the rest approve," 
 was Grace's pleasant-toned reply. 
 
 " So that is settled," said Sydney. " Wouldn't 
 it be well for us all to go into the city to- 
 morrow, see what we can find there to suit us, 
 and order other things sent for? " 
 
 " What do you say to that, mamma? " asked 
 Eosie. 
 
 " I see no objection to it," replied Grandma 
 Elsie. " But we will consult the captain in 
 regard to that matter," she added, as at that 
 moment he and her brother came in. 
 
 " Ah! upon what is my valuable opinion de- 
 sired, mother? " he asked in playful tones; then, 
 in response to the explanation given, said that 
 he thought it a very good plan, as it w^ould 
 surely do no harm to begin needed preparations 
 promptly. 
 
 " Then, papa, won't you excuse Gracie and 
 
EL8IE AT HOME. 61 
 
 me from lessons for the next few days? " asked 
 Lucilla. 
 
 " I will; you may consider the remainder of 
 the week a holiday," he replied. 
 
 "For Ned and me too, papa?" asked Elsie. 
 
 "Yes; if you think you can assist in the 
 shopping." 
 
 "I should like to help choose my own 
 things if you and mamma are willing," she 
 said with a persuasive look from one to the 
 other. 
 
 " I think you will be allowed a voice in the 
 selection," he replied, patting her cheek as she 
 leaned upon his knee, looking up affectionately 
 and pleadingly into his face. 
 
 " Yes," said Violet, " and I am sure we shall 
 be able to find dress goods and whatever else is 
 needed, that will suit all three of us." 
 
 "And it will be four days' holiday we'll 
 have," remarked Ned with satisfaction. 
 
 " You are planning to have your wedding a 
 good deal after the pattern of Cousin Betty's, 
 Rosie," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore. 
 
 "Yes; in some respects, for I thought it a 
 very pretty wedding; but that ceremony took 
 
62 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 place in the church, while I mean to be married 
 at home; also there will probably be a differ- 
 ence in the number of attendants and their 
 dress/' replied Rosie. " And by the way, 
 mamma/' she added, turning to her mother, 
 " we must send Betty an invitation in good sea- 
 son for her to arrange matters so that she can 
 come to my wedding. I was one of her brides- 
 maids, you remember, and should be sorry in- 
 deed to neglect her at this time." 
 
 ^' She shall not be forgotten, daughter/' was 
 Grandma Elsie's ready response; " we will 
 shortly make out a list of those you wish to 
 invite, that none may be forgotten or over- 
 looked." 
 
 " Yes, mamma; if our list contains only rela- 
 tives and very intimate friends we will be quite 
 a large party, should all accept." 
 
 "Now about to-morrow's shopping," said 
 Sydney. " We need to settle when wc will set 
 out on our expedition, where we will meet, or 
 whether we will divide our forces and each 
 division decide questions of taste and expense 
 independently of the others." 
 
 " As there are so many of us I think the lat- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 63 
 
 ter plan would be the better one/' said Grand- 
 ma Elsie. 
 
 " And as regards dress goods, we can secure 
 samples and hold a consultation over them be- 
 fore making the purchases/' said Violet; adding 
 with a smiling glance at her Elsie, " that will 
 be only fair where two or more are to be dressed 
 ahke." 
 
 "I like that plan, mamma," said the little 
 girl, " and I do intend to be satisfied with what- 
 ever you and papa choose for me." 
 
 " With some help from my mamma and me," 
 said the other Elsie in a tone that seemed to 
 imply some fear that their choice might not be 
 altogether to her taste. 
 
 "Tut! tut!" said her father. "You need 
 not be in the least afraid that such good judges 
 will fail to select as handsome and suitable 
 material as could be desired." 
 
 "But please. Uncle Horace, let her have a 
 vote on the question," said Violet pleasantly. 
 " There may be several pieces of goods of the 
 chosen colour, equally desirable; nor is it neces- 
 sary that the two dresses should be off the same 
 piece; only that they match in colour." 
 
64 ELStiS AT ITOMR 
 
 " And I feel sure there will be no difficulty 
 in settling upon which will he satisfactory to all 
 parties/' added Mrs. Dinsmore. 
 
 With a little more chat all the arrangements 
 for the morrow's shopping expedition were con- 
 cluded. Then the Woodburn party hade good- 
 bye and returned to their home. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The weather the next morning proved all 
 that could be desired, and the shopping expedi- 
 tion a grand success — everybody being not only 
 satisfied but charmed with results. 
 
 Mrs. Travilla and Rosie returned to Ion that 
 evening, but scarcely a day passed while the 
 preparations for the wedding were going on, 
 without more or less interchange of visits 
 among the young people of that place. Wood- 
 burn, Fairview, and the Oaks and Pinegrove. 
 
 Naturally the deepest interest was felt and 
 shown by the ladies and young girls, but 
 brothers and cousins were by no means indiffer- 
 ent. Harold and Herbert, though well pleased 
 with the idea of taking their friend Croly into 
 the family, were loath to part with Rosie, their 
 youngest and only single sister, the only one 
 now left in the Ion family. She had always 
 been somewhat of a pet with them, and during 
 these last weeks of her life with them they 
 
 65 
 
66 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 treated her as one for whom they could not do 
 enough; while her manner toward them showed 
 full appreciation of their kindness and affection. 
 Much of her time and thoughts was necessarily 
 taken up with the preparations for her ap- 
 proaching marriage; but in leisure moments 
 she had many sad thoughts in regard to the 
 coming separation from home and all there 
 whom she so loved; especially the tender mother 
 who had been, until within a few months, her 
 dearest earthly friend. 
 
 " Mamma dear, dearest mamma, I can hardly 
 endure the thought of leaving you," she sighed 
 one day with starting tears, as they sat together 
 over their needlework in Mrs. Travilla's dress- 
 ing room. 
 
 They were quite alone at the moment, Zoe, 
 who had been with them, having just gone out 
 with her little ones. 
 
 "No one can ever take your place in my 
 heart or home," continued Rosie with almost a 
 sob, " and oh, how I shall miss you — your love, 
 your sweet motherly counsels, your tender sym- 
 pathy in all my joys and sorrows — oh, mamma, 
 mamma! at times the very thought of it all is 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 67 
 
 almost unendurable, and I am tempted to say 
 to Will that he may come to me if he likes, but 
 that I can never tear myself away from my dear 
 home and the precious mother who has been 
 everything to me since I first drew the breath of 
 life! " and dropping her work she knelt at 
 her mother's feet, lifting to hers eyes full of 
 tears. 
 
 " Dear child," her mother responded in tones 
 tremulous with emotion, and bending down to 
 press a kiss on the quivering lips, " it gives me 
 a sad and sore heart to think of it. And yet, 
 daughter dear, we may hope to see each other 
 very often — to spend weeks and months of 
 every year in each other's society, and when we 
 are apart to exchange letters daily; and best of 
 all, to be in a few brief years together in the 
 better land, never to part again." 
 
 "x\h, mamma dear, that last seems a long 
 look ahead. At least — oh, mamma, I cannot 
 bear the thought of — of death coming between 
 us; and yet we can hardly hope to go together." 
 
 " No, daughter dear, but time is short, as you 
 will realize when you have seen as many years 
 in this world as I have; and after it will come 
 
68 ELSIE AT HOMJ^. 
 
 the never-ending ages of eternity — eternity, 
 which we are hoping to spend with our dear 
 ones in the immediate presence of our Eedeemer 
 — united, never to part again." 
 
 " Yes, mamma; oh, that is indeed a sweet 
 thought. But," she added with a heavy sigh, 
 " sometimes I fear I may miss heaven; I seem 
 so far, so very far from fit for its employments 
 and its joys — so often indulging in wrong 
 thoughts and feelings — so taken up with earthly 
 cares and interests." 
 
 " Dear daughter, look to God for help to fight 
 against your sinful nature," replied her mother 
 in moved tones. " He says ^ In me is thine 
 help '; ^ He giveth power to the faint; and to 
 them that have no might he increaseth 
 strength.^ ' They that wait upon the Lord 
 shall renew their strength; they shall mount 
 up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not 
 be weary; they shall walk and not faint.' 
 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not 
 dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen 
 thee; yea,. I will help thee; yea, I will uphold 
 thee with the right hand of my righteousness.' 
 These are some of his gracious promises." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 69 
 
 ^^ Ah, mamma, but the question with me is, 
 is he really my God? am I his? — truly one of 
 his redeemed ones, his adopted children? How 
 shall I make sure of that? " 
 
 " By accepting his conditions and believing 
 his word, ' Come unto me all ye that labour and 
 are heavy laden and I will give you rest/ 
 ^Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise 
 cast out.' Come now and accept his offered sal- 
 vation, whether you have done so before or not; 
 come, believing his word; ' I will in no wise 
 cast out,' ^ I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, 
 thy transgressions, and as a cloud, thy sins: re- 
 turn unto me; for I have redeemed thee/ 
 * Surely shall one say. In the Lord have I right- 
 eousness and strength; even to him shall all 
 men come/ ^ In the Lord shall all the seed of 
 Israel be justified, and shall glory/ * The just 
 shall live by faith,' and faith is the gift of God, 
 as we are told again and again in his Holy 
 Word; a gift that he will grant to all who ask 
 it of him/' 
 
 There was a sound of approaching footsteps 
 and Rosie resumed her seat, taking up the work 
 ghe had dropped. They recognised the step as 
 
10 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 Harold's, and the next moment he stood in the 
 open doorway. 
 
 "Mamma/' he said, "I am going over to 
 Roselands and should like to take you along. 
 You have not seen that youngest Conly yet, and 
 Arthur considers Marian now quite well enough 
 for a call from you. I know, too, that she is 
 wanting to see you." 
 
 *^ And I to see her, the dear girl," responded 
 his mother, laying aside her work. " Come in 
 and sit down while I don my bonnet and 
 mantle." 
 
 " Let me get them out for you, mamma," said 
 Eosie, dropping her embroidery and hastening 
 to do so. 
 
 "I should include you in the invitation, 
 Eosie," said Harold, " but we think it safer not 
 to let Marian have the excitement of many 
 callers until she gains more strength." 
 
 "I thought she was doing j&nely," returned 
 Eosie, bringing her mother's mantle and put- 
 ting it about her with loving care. 
 
 " So she is," replied Harold with a light 
 laugh ; " but we cannot be too careful of her to 
 satisfy her doting husband, and though eager to 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 71 
 
 exhibit her new treasure to all her friends and 
 relatives, she is entirely submissive to his will 
 in the matter." 
 
 " Oh, well, I can wait," laughed Kosie. 
 " Give her my love, mamma, and tell her I am 
 not stajdng away from any indifference to her 
 or the little newcomer." 
 
 *^ ISTo fear that she would ever suspect you of 
 that, Rosie dear," her mother said, with a slight 
 smile; "but I will assure her of your interest 
 in both herself and^ baby boy. Now good-bye 
 till my return, which I presume will be in the 
 course of an hour or two." 
 
 " Don't hurry home on my account, mamma 
 dear," returned Rosie. " I shall not be lonely. 
 I have letters to write, and that will make the 
 time pass quickly." 
 
 " It is a lovely day and the short drive with 
 my son will be very enjoyable," Mrs. Travilla 
 remarked, as Harold handed her into the 
 vehicle. 
 
 " To us both, I hope, mother," he returned, 
 giving her an affectionate look and smile. 
 *' Yours is to me the best company in the 
 world. The roads are in fine condition," he 
 
12 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 added as he took up the reins and they started 
 down the avenue, " the fields and gardens along 
 the way also, and the air full of the fragrance 
 of flower and shrub. Oh, on such a morning 
 as this it seems a joy just to be alive and 
 well! '' 
 
 " Yes/' she responded, " oh, what cause for 
 gratitude to the Giver of all good that you and 
 I, and all our nearest and dearest in this world, 
 are alive and well." 
 
 " Yes, mother; attendance upon the sick and 
 suffering has given me a higher appreciation of 
 the greatness of the blessing of sound health 
 than I had in earlier days. It is saddening to 
 witness suffering from accident and disease, but 
 a great privilege to be able in many cases to 
 relieve it. That last makes me thankful that 
 I was led to choose the medical profession.'' 
 
 " And you have often an opportunity to min- 
 ister to souls as well as bodies; one which I 
 hope you do not neglect." 
 
 " I am afraid I have sometimes neglected it, 
 mother," he acknowledged with a sigh, " and at 
 others performed it in a very halting and imper- 
 fect way. But as you know — for I could not 
 
^LSIE AT HOME. 1^ 
 
 keep from you such gladness as the knowledge 
 of that fact brought me — I have been privi- 
 leged to win some souls to Christ — smooth 
 some dying pillows — and to lead some recover- 
 ing ones to devote their spared lives and re- 
 stored health to the service of the Master — the 
 Physician of souls — ^in whose footsteps I 
 ardently desire to tread." 
 
 " I know it, my dear son, and it has filled me 
 with joy and gratitude for you, for them, and 
 for myself — that I am the mother of one whom 
 God has so honoured and blessed." 
 
 Then she inquired about the condition and 
 needs of some of his poorer patients; for she 
 made it her business to provide for their necessi- 
 ties and to* furnish many a little luxury that 
 helped on convalescence or smoothed the pass- 
 age to the grave. 
 
 As they drove up the avenue at Eoselands 
 Dr. Conly came out upon the veranda, his face 
 beaming with smiles. 
 
 " Ah, Cousin Elsie," he said as he assisted 
 her to alight, " this is kind. Marian has been 
 looking forward to your visit with longing, both 
 to see you and to exhibit to your appreciative 
 
V4 BL8IB AT HOME. 
 
 eyes the little one who seems to her the greatest 
 and loveliest darling the world ever saw." 
 
 "Ah, I can understand that," she returned 
 with a low, pleased laugh. " I have not for- 
 gotten how lovely and what an inestimable 
 treasure my first baby seemed to me; though I 
 am by no means sure that each one who fol- 
 lowed was not an equal joy and delight." 
 
 "Your second son among the rest, I hope, 
 mother," laughed Harold. 
 
 She gave him a loving smile in response. 
 
 "Will you go up with us, Harold?" asked 
 Arthur. 
 
 " No, thank you," he said. " I will busy 
 myself here with the morning paper while 
 mother makes her little call." 
 
 It was a most inviting looking apartment 
 into which the doctor conducted his cousin, 
 tastefully furnished and redolent of the breath 
 of flowers; in pretty vases set here and there on 
 bureau, mantel, and table, and blooming in 
 the garden beneath the open windows whence 
 the soft, warm air came stealing in through the 
 lace curtains. But the chief ornaments of the 
 room were its living occupants — the young 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 75 
 
 mother lying amid her snowy pillows and the 
 little one sleeping in its dainty crib close at her 
 side. 
 
 "Dear Cousin Elsie, you have come at last, 
 and I am, oh, so glad to see you! " Marian ex- 
 claimed with a look of eager delight, and hold- 
 ing out her hand in joyous welcome. " I have 
 hardly known how to wait to show you our 
 treasure and receive your congratulations." 
 
 " Dear girl, I can quite understand that," 
 Mrs. Travilla said with a smile and a tender 
 caress, " and I wanted to come sooner; should 
 have done so had your good husband deemed it 
 entirely safe for you." 
 
 "Ah, he is very careful of me," returned 
 Marian, giving him a glance of ardent affection. 
 " But, oh, look at our darling! His father and 
 mother think him the sweetest creature that 
 ever was made," she added with a happy laugh, 
 laying a hand on the edge of the crib and gazing 
 with eyes full of mother love at the tiny pink 
 face nestling among the pillows there. 
 
 Elsie bent over it too in tender motherly 
 fashion. 
 
 " He is a dear little fellow," she said softly. 
 
76 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " I congratulate you both on this good gift from 
 our Heavenly Father, and wish for you that he 
 may grow up into a God-fearing man, a bless- 
 ing to his parents, to the Church and the 
 world." 
 
 " I hope he may indeed, cousin, and I want 
 you to join your prayers to ours that we may 
 have grace and wisdom to train him up aright, 
 should it please the Lord to spare him to us," 
 said the doctor with emotion. 
 
 " I think his mother needs those prayers the 
 most," said Marian low and softly. " I am but 
 a foolish young thing; scarcely fit for so great 
 a respouvsibility; but I am more glad and thank- 
 ful than words can tell that the darling has a 
 good, wise. Christian father to both train him 
 and set him a good example." 
 
 " It is a cause for great thankfulness," Elsie 
 said, " but never forget, dear girl, how very 
 great and important is a mother's influence; 
 especially in the early years when the strongest 
 and most lasting impressions are apt to be made. 
 No doubt you feel — as I often have, often do — 
 like cr}dng out in the midst of it all, * Alas, who 
 is sufficient for these things! ' but what a bless- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 17 
 
 ingy what a comfort is the promise, ' If any of 
 you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth 
 to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it 
 shall be given him.' " 
 
 "Oh, those are comforting texts!" Marian 
 said with a look of relief. " I wish I were as 
 well acquainted with the Bible as you are, 
 cousin." 
 
 " I know more of it now than I did at your 
 age," Elsie returned in a reassuring tone, " and 
 you, as well as I, have it at hand to turn to in 
 every perplexity; and if you do so you will find 
 the truth of the words of the Psalmist, ^ Thy 
 word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my 
 path.' " 
 
 "Ah, yes! an open Bible is an inestimable 
 blessing," said Arthur, " and my Marian and 1 
 will endeavour to make it the rule of our life, 
 the man of our counsel." 
 
 At that moment the babe stirred and opened 
 its eyes. 
 
 " Ah, he is awake, the darling! " said Marian. 
 " Don't you want to take him up, papa, and let 
 Cousin Elsie have a better look at him? " 
 
 "Yes, mamma; as you know, I am very 
 
18 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 proud to exhibit my son and heir/' laughed the 
 doctor, bending over the crib, gently lifting the 
 babe and placing it in Elsie's arms, smilingly 
 outstretched to receive it. 
 
 "He is indeed a lovely little darling," she 
 said, gazing on it with admiring eyes, then 
 softly pressing her lips to the velvet cheek. 
 " There is nothing sweeter to me than a little 
 helpless babe. I hope he may live to grow up 
 if the will of God be so, and I think he is 
 going to resemble his father," she added with 
 a most affectionate look up into the doctor's 
 face. 
 
 "If he equals his father in all respects, his 
 mother will be fully satisfied," Marian said with 
 a happy little laugh. 
 
 " Ah, love is blind, dearest," was Arthur's 
 smiling response. 
 
 " And well for me that it is in your case, as I 
 have often thought," she said in sportive tone, 
 " for it seems to hide all my imperfections and 
 show you virtues that are wholly imaginary." 
 
 " Then it is a very good and desirable kind of 
 blindness, I think," remarked Grandma Elsie 
 with her pleasant smile. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 19 
 
 "Now, Cousin Elsie, please tell me about 
 Eosie,'^ Marian requested with a look of keen 
 interest. " I suppose she is both very busy and 
 very happy." 
 
 " Quite busy and happy too, I think, except 
 when her thoughts turn upon the approaching 
 separation— partial at least — from home and its 
 loved ones." 
 
 " And doubtless that thought makes you sad 
 too, cousin," sighed Marian. " Ah, what a 
 world of partings it is! and how sudden and 
 unexpected many of them are." 
 
 " Yes; but there are none in that happy land 
 to which we are journeying. Ah, what a 
 blessed land it must be! no sin, no sorrow, pain 
 or care, no death, but eternal life at the foot of 
 the dear Master whose love for his redeemed 
 ones is greater, tenderer than that of a mother 
 for her own little helpless child." 
 
 "How intense it must be!" said Marian 
 musingly. " I can realise that now as I never 
 could before my little darling came. But now, 
 about Rosie and her betrothed. Do they not 
 expect to settle somewhere in this region, 
 cousin?" 
 
80 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " I think that question remains yet to "be 
 fully discussed; it is certainly still undecided. 
 Probably they will not for some time settle per- 
 manently in any one spot. Mrs, Croly is an in- 
 valid, almost constantly being taken from place 
 to plaoe in search of health, and never satisfied 
 to be long separated from either husband or 
 son — her only child/^ 
 
 " Ah, I'm afraid that will make it hard for 
 Rosie," said Marian. " By the way, I think 
 they would better bring her here and put 
 her in our doctor's care," she added with a 
 smiling and arch look up into her husband's 
 face. 
 
 "Ah, my dear! " he said with a slight smile 
 and a warning shake of the head, " don't allow 
 yourself to take to the business of hunting up 
 cases for me; especially chronic and incurable 
 ones." 
 
 *' But is she so bad as that? " asked Marian, 
 turning to her cousin Elsie again. 
 
 " I suppose so," Elsie replied. " I have 
 never been told that her caee was considered 
 incurable, but I know that she has been an 
 invalid for many years." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 81 
 
 ^^And with no daughter to nurse and care 
 for her! She may well deem herself fortunate 
 in getting one so sweet and bright as Eosie." 
 
 "Eosie has had no experience as a nurse/' 
 said her mother, " but she is kind-hearted and 
 I hope will prove a pleasant and helpful daugh- 
 ter to her husband's mother; as she has been to 
 her own." 
 
 "I haven't a doubt of it. And is the wed- 
 ding to come off soon, cousin ? " 
 
 " The day has not yet been set," replied Mrs. 
 Travilla, with a slight sigh at thought of the 
 parting that must follow, '' but we expect to fix 
 upon one in the latter part of June; which I 
 hope will give you time to grow strong enough 
 to make one of our party. But I fear I am 
 keeping you talking too long," she added, ris- 
 ing and laying the babe, who had fallen asleep 
 again, gently back among its pillows. 
 
 " I am sure your call has done me good, and I 
 hope you will come again soon, dear cousin," 
 Marian said, receiving and returning a farewell 
 caress. 
 
 " Sometime when your doctor gives permis- 
 sion," was Elsie's smiling reply. ^^ Never mind 
 
82 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 coming down with me, Arthur/' she added, " I 
 know the way and have a son waiting there on 
 the veranda to hand me into the carriage. So 
 good-hye, and don't consider it necessary to wait 
 for sickness among iis to call you to Ion/' 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Left alone upon the veranda Harold sat 
 scanning the columns of the morning paper, 
 when a light step drew near, a pleasant voice 
 said, " Good-morning," and looking up he 
 found Mrs. Calhoun Conly, with a babe in her 
 arms, close by his side. 
 
 " Oh! good-morning to you. Cousin Mary," 
 he returned, hastily rising and gallantly hand- 
 ing her to a seat. " I am glad to see you and 
 the little one looking so well." 
 
 " Thank you," she returned merrily, " it 
 would be a pity if we failed to keep well with 
 so many doctors about. Were you waiting to 
 see Arthur? I believe he is in the house- 
 probably up in his wife's room — though I have 
 not seen him since breakfast." 
 
 " Yes, he is there, sharing with Marian a call 
 from my mother." 
 
 "Ah! that is nice for Marian; she has been 
 wanting to see Cousin Elsie badly. I want a 
 
 83 
 
84 ELStt: AT HOME. 
 
 call froiP her too, and hope she will not forget 
 me when through with my sister-in-law." 
 
 " Hardly, I think; it is not mother's way to 
 forget anyone; especially so near and dear a 
 relative as yourself. Cousin Mary. But don't 
 set45 our heart on a long call this morning, for 
 some other folks want the doctor if you don't." 
 
 " Ah! and your mother has taken up the 
 practice of medicine, has she ? " 
 
 " Well, I don't say that exactly, hut certainly 
 her advice and suggestions are sometimes more 
 beneficial to the patient than those of her doc- 
 tor son; then think of the enviable condition of 
 the patient who can have both," returned 
 Harold laughingly. "Ah, here comes Cousin 
 Cal! " as a horseman came gaHoping up the 
 avenue. 
 
 " Good-morning, Harold! " Calhoun said, as 
 he alighted, giving his steed in charge to a serv- 
 ant, and came up the veranda steps. " I have 
 been out in the field for some hours, overseeing 
 the work of my men, saw you passing a few mo- 
 ments since with your mother, and could not 
 resist the temptation to leave them and come in 
 for a bit of chat with her and yourself." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 85 
 
 "Especially with me, of course/' laughed 
 Harold as the two shook hands and Calhoun, 
 seating himself near his wife, took the babe, 
 which was stretching out its arms to him with a 
 cooing invitation not to be resisted by the dot- 
 ing father. 
 
 " Mother's particular errand this morning 
 was a call upon Marian; she is paying it now, 
 and I presume will be down in the course of ten 
 or fifteen minutes," added Harold. 
 
 " You will both st^y to dinner, w^on't you? " 
 queried Calhoun hospitably. "We'd be de- 
 lighted to have you do so." 
 
 " That we would," added his wife heartily. 
 
 " Thank you," returned Harold, " but I have 
 some rather urgent calls to make and hope to 
 get mother to accompany me. I know of no 
 one else who can say such comforting things 
 to the sick and depressed." 
 
 " Nor do I," responded Mrs. Conly. " If I 
 am in the least depressed, a call from her, or a 
 chat with her, always raises my spirits; she can 
 always show you a silver lining to the cloud, 
 however dark it may be." 
 
 " Yes," said Harold, " her faith in the good- 
 
86 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 ness and love of God is so strong and unwaver- 
 ing, and she realizes so perfectly that life in 
 this world is short and fleeting, that which 
 follows unending and full of bliss to all who 
 believe in the Lord Jesus, that she is ever con- 
 tent with whatever Providence sends her. I 
 never knew a happier Christian." 
 
 " Nor I," said Mary. " I only wish we were 
 all more like her in that respect." 
 
 ^' Yes," said Calhoun, " and I believe we are 
 every one of us the happier and better for 
 knowing her. I have been thinking that it will 
 be hard for Kosie to leave such a mother." 
 
 " That it will," sighed Harold; " and hard 
 for mother, and all of us indeed, to part with 
 Eosie. But of course the members of so large 
 a family as ours cannot expect to remain to- 
 gether all through life." 
 
 " Yes; weddings are apt to bring both joy 
 and sorrow," remarked Mrs. Conly reflectively; 
 " the forming of new ties and the breaking of 
 old ones. One cannot altogether forget the old 
 loves, however sweet the new may be; but when 
 we get to the better land we may hope to have 
 them all," she added with an appreciative glance 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 87 
 
 at her husband. " Ah, how delightful that will 
 be!" 
 
 There was a moment's silence; then Harold 
 said, " The wedding day having not been fixed 
 yet the invitations have not been sent out, but 
 I know mother is hoping to see your parents 
 here at that time. Cousin Mary." 
 
 " That is kind," she returned with a pleased 
 smile; " I supposed they would be invited, and 
 that so I should have the better prospect of 
 getting a long promised visit from them myself. 
 But if you invite all tlie relatives you will have 
 a great many guests to entertain — that is should 
 all, or nearly all, accept. However, it is more 
 than likely that by far the larger number 
 will feel constrained to content themselves 
 with sending regrets, congratulations, and 
 gifts." 
 
 " I hope," said Harold quickly and ear- 
 nestly, " I am sure we all do — that no one will 
 feel called upon for that last. I trust that will 
 be fully understood. Th^ parents of both 
 bride and groom being abundantly able to pro- 
 vide everything necessary or desirable, why 
 should distant relatives and friends assist in it, 
 
88 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 perhaps at the cost of embarrassment or self- 
 denial?" 
 
 "But you should not deny the privilege to 
 those who are abundantly able and would feel 
 it a pleasure/' returned Mary with playful look 
 and tone; "which I am sure is the case with 
 some of the relatives/' she added. 
 
 "No/' said Harold^ "I should not deny it, but 
 would have a distinct understanding that it was 
 not expected or desired, at the cost of hardship 
 or self-denial to the giver, or his or her nearer 
 and dearer ones." 
 
 At that moment his mother stepped from 
 the doonvay into the veranda. Very warmly 
 affectionate greetings were exchanged, she was 
 quickly installed in an easy-chair, and some 
 moments were spent in lively chat. 
 
 " Do take off your bonnet, Cousin Elsie, and 
 stay and dine with us," urged Calhoun hos- 
 pitably. " Our young doctor here insists that 
 he cannot; but let him go on and visit the 
 patients he thinks need his services, and call 
 here again for you; unless you will allow me 
 the pleasure of seeing you safely home later in 
 the day." 
 
"ELSIE AT HOME. 8d 
 
 " Thank you, Cal/' she said in reply, " but 
 Eosie will be looking out for her mother — as I 
 promised her I would not be gone very long — 
 and I want to see some of my boy's patients 
 myself, and to make a little call at Beechwood. 
 You know they are all relatives there, and 
 Annis and I very old and dear friends." 
 
 " Yes; and it is growing late," said Harold, 
 consulting his watch; " so, whenever you are 
 ready, mother, we will start." 
 
 " I am that now," she answered, rising with 
 the words. ^' Good-bye, Cousin Mary. Come 
 over to Ion whenever you can make it conven- 
 ient. And when you write home be as urgent 
 as possible in your entreaties that your parents 
 will come to the wedding and be prepared to re- 
 main in the neighbourhood for a long visit after 
 it is over." 
 
 " You may rest assured that I will do my very 
 best to bring them here and for as long a stay 
 as possible," was Mary's smiling and earnest 
 reply. 
 
 " And never doubt, cousin, that I will do my 
 best to second her efforts," said Calhoun, hand- 
 ing her into the carriage as he spoke. 
 
00 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " Will there be time for a call at Beechwood, 
 Harold?" she asked as they drove down the 
 avenue. 
 
 " Oh, yes, mother! I think so/' he replied. 
 "I have but two calls to make on the way, and 
 it is not likely either need be very long.'' 
 
 " I would not have anyone neglected for my 
 convenience/' she remarked in a cheery tone, 
 " but should be glad to spend a half hour with 
 Annis if I can do so w^ithout loss or incon- 
 venience to anyone else." 
 
 " Always thoughtful for others, mother 
 dear/' Harold said, giving her a most affection- 
 ate look and smile. " I think you may trust 
 me not to neglect my patients." 
 
 " I hope so, indeed," she responded; " and 
 that you will never be less careful and consider- 
 ate of the poor than of the rich." 
 
 Fortunately they found all doing so well that 
 no lengthened call was necessary, and they 
 reached Beechwood in season to allow quite a 
 long chat between the lady cousins before it 
 would be time for Mrs. Travilla and her son to 
 set out on their return to Ion. 
 
 They found Mr. Lilbum and Annis seated 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 91 
 
 upon the front veranda, she with a bit of 
 needlework in her hands, he reading aloud to 
 her. He closed his book as the carriage drove 
 up, and laying it aside, hastened to assist his 
 Cousin Elsie to alight, greeting her with 
 warmth of affection as he did so. Annis 
 dropped her work and hastened to meet and 
 embrace her, saying: 
 
 " Oh, but I am glad to see you, Elsie! I had 
 letters this morning from Mildred and Zilla, 
 both bringing a great deal of love to you and 
 a cordial invitation to you and yours — as 
 well as my husband and myself — to pay them a 
 visit this summer. They have not yet heard of 
 Eosie^s approaching marriage, I find." 
 
 " But must hear of it very soon," Elsie said 
 with a smile. " As soon as the important day 
 is fixed upon I must send out my invitations; 
 and you may rest assured that none of our rela- 
 tives will be forgotten or neglected; certainly 
 not one of your sisters or brothers." 
 
 " No, my dear cousin, it would not be at all 
 like you to neglect any of them," returned 
 Annis with a smile of loving appreciation. 
 "Ah, Harold! " turning to him as, having se- 
 
92 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 cured his horse, he came up the veranda steps 
 and joined their little group, " I am glad to see 
 you; especially as, like a dear, good boy, you 
 have brought your mother along," 
 
 " Yes," he said, grasping cordially the hand 
 she held out, " I find I am sure of a welcome 
 anywhere when I am fortunate enough to in- 
 duce mother to accompany me. Sick or well, 
 everybody is glad to see her." 
 
 " You also, I presume; especially if they are 
 sick." 
 
 " And can't get Cousin Arthur," he added. 
 " A young doctor is better than none; though 
 an old and tried physician is deemed the best — 
 by sensible people." 
 
 " Ah, ha; ah, ha; um, hm! so it would seem, 
 laddie, yet sometimes the young fellows hae a 
 new trick the auld hardly ken aboot," remarked 
 Cousin Konald with a good-humoured smile. 
 " And for my ain seF I should care little-^-were 
 I ill — whether it were Doctor Arthur or Doctor 
 Harold that prescribed the remedies to be used." 
 
 " Or Doctor Herbert; Herbert might do just 
 as well as either of the two^ I presume/' added 
 Annis. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 93 
 
 " We have just come from a call at Roselands 
 to see Marian and your little namesake. Cousin 
 Ronald," said Mrs. Travilla. "He is a dear 
 little fellow, and I hope will grow up in a way 
 to do honour to the name." 
 
 " I hope he may, and to be a great comfort 
 and blessing to the parents who have done me 
 the honour to call their firstborn for me," re- 
 turned the old gentleman, a gleam of pleasure 
 lighting up his face. " I want to see the bit 
 bairn myself when the mother is well enough 
 to enjoy a call from her auld kinsman. And 
 how soon do you think that may be, doctor? " 
 he asked, turning to Harold. 
 
 " In a few days, sir, should she continue to 
 gain strength as she seems to be doing now. I 
 have no doubt she will be very glad to see both 
 you and Cousin Annis." 
 
 " Yes; I must go along, for I want to see 
 both the boy and his mother. Marian will 
 make a sweet mother, I think; and Arthur an 
 excellent father," said Annis. 
 
 " I quite agree with you in that idea," Elsie 
 said, "and their joy in the possession of the 
 little fellow is a pleasant thing to see. By the 
 
94 ELSIE AT HOME, 
 
 way, where are Cousin Ella and her little 
 ones? '^ 
 
 " Hugh has taken them out driving/' replied 
 Mr. Lilburn. " There is nothing the bit 
 bairnies like better than that." 
 
 "I am sorry to miss seeing them, but it is 
 time we were on our homeward route/' Elsie 
 said, consulting her watch. 
 
 They were kindly urged to remain longer, 
 but declined, bade adieu, and were presently 
 driving on toward Ion. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 ■ At Ion Rosie was pacing the veranda as her 
 mother and Harold drove up. She hailed them 
 eagerly as they alighted. 
 
 "At last! I began to think you must have 
 yielded to a most urgent invitation to stay to 
 dinner at Roselands^ Beechwood, or Wood- 
 burn.^^ 
 
 "No/' said her mother; "invitations were 
 not lacking, but were steadily declined for the 
 sake of my daughter Rosie, who I knew would 
 be sadly disappointed if her mother failed to 
 keep her promise not to remain long away from 
 her to-day. So here we are; and I see you have 
 news to impart/' she added with a smiling 
 glance at a letter in Rosie's hand. 
 
 "Yes, mamma/' returned the young girl, 
 smiling and blushing as she spoke. " It is from 
 Will, and incloses a Httle note from his mother 
 — such a nice, kind, affectionate one — saying 
 she is glad she is to have a daughter at last, and 
 
 95 
 
96 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 she wants to make my acquaintance as soon as 
 possible." 
 
 They had seated themselves, and Harold, hav- 
 ing given his horse into the care of a stable boy, 
 now followed them, asking in a gay, bantering 
 tone: 
 
 " Am I intruding upon a private conference, 
 Rosie? I know mother may be intrusted with 
 secrets which you might prefer not to give into 
 my keeping." 
 
 " Certainly that is so, but this is not one of 
 that kind, and you may listen if you care to," 
 returned Rosie with a light laugh; then she re- 
 peated the item of news just given her mother. 
 
 " Ah\ I wonder if she does not want an invi- 
 tation to pay us a visit," said Harold. 
 
 " Wait," laughed Rosie; " I have not told you 
 all yet. She goes on to speak of Cousin Arthur 
 as a physician in whom she has great confi- 
 dence, and to say that she would like to be in his 
 care for at least a time; so if we can recommend 
 a good boarding place somewhere in this neigh- 
 bourhood she, her husband, and son will come 
 and take possession for weeks or months; at 
 least until after the wedding." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 97 
 
 " By the way/'^ said Harold, " I thought I 
 had heard that Mrs. Croly had nearly or quite 
 recovered her health while in Europe a few 
 years ago. You know at the time Will was so 
 nearly drowned they had just returned from a 
 visit there." 
 
 " Yes/' replied Kosie; " she had been greatly 
 benefited, but her health has failed again within 
 the last year or two — so Will has told me. I 
 do hope she may come here — into this neigh- 
 bourhood — and that Cousin Arthur may suc- 
 ceed in helping her very much.'' 
 
 " Yes, I hope so," said Harold. " He will 
 be glad indeed of an opportunity to make some 
 return for their very liberal treatment of him 
 in acknowledgment of his service to their son. 
 They feel that they owe that son's life to Ar- 
 thur's persistent efforts to resuscitate him when 
 he was taken from the sea apparently dead." 
 
 " Will himself is very grateful to him," said 
 Eosie. " He has told me that he feels he owes 
 his life to Doctor Arthur and that nothing can 
 ever fully repay the obligation." 
 
 " Yes; he has talked to me in the same strain 
 more than once or twice," said Harold. " Now 
 
98 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 I think of it;, I should not be at all surprised if 
 they would be willing to take the Crolys in at 
 Koselands for a time. There is a good deal of 
 unoccupied room in the house, and having her 
 there would enable Arthur to watch the case 
 closely and do everything possible for her 
 restoration to health." 
 
 *^ Oh, that would be a grand plan! " ex- 
 claimed Rosie. " Though perhaps it would 
 make too much care for our lady cousins — Mary 
 and Marian." 
 
 " Well, we won't suggest it," returned Har- 
 old, "but just tell Arthur her wishes — Mrs. 
 Croly's, I mean — and let him give his opinion 
 in regard to possible boarding places. Would 
 not that be the better plan, mother ? " 
 
 " I think so," she said, taking «*t her watch 
 as she spoke. " Ah! it wants but five minutes 
 of the dinner hour. I must go at once to my 
 rooms and make ready for the summons to the 
 table." 
 
 It was not thought worth while to make Mrs. 
 Croly's request a secret from any member of the 
 family, so the matter was talked over among 
 them as they sat together on the veranda that 
 
3SLSIE AT HOMS. dd 
 
 evening, and the different boarding places in 
 the vicinity were considered. It was feared 
 none of them could furnish quite such accom- 
 modations as might be desired without placing 
 the invalid farther from her physician than 
 would be convenient for the constant oversight 
 of the case which they supposed he would want 
 to exercise. 
 
 " Well, evidently/' remarked Herbert at 
 length, " we will have to refer the question to 
 Cousin Arthur himself. And here he comes, 
 most opportunely," as a horseman turned in at 
 the avenue gates. 
 
 He was greeted with warmth of cordiality and 
 speedily installed in a luxuriously easy chair. 
 
 "I was passing," he said, "and though I 
 don't like to be long away from my wife and 
 boy, I felt an irresistible inclination to give my 
 Ion relatives and friends a brief call." 
 
 "And omitting that ugly word brief, it is 
 just exactly what we are all delighted to re- 
 ceive," laughed Zoe. 
 
 " Yes," said Mr. Dinsmore, " we were talking 
 of you and wanting your opinion on a certain 
 matter under discussion." 
 
100 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 "Ah, what was that?" Arthur asked in re- 
 turn, and Mr. Dinsmore went on to explain, 
 telling of the desire of Mrs. Croly to put her- 
 self under his care for at least a time, and ask- 
 ing his opinion of the various boarding places 
 in the vicinity. 
 
 "Boarding places!" he exclaimed. "We 
 would be only too glad to receive her as a guest 
 at Eoselands; for as you all know I feel under 
 great obligation to Mr. Croly, her husband; be- 
 sides, it would make it ^luch easier for me to 
 take charge of her case. Poor dear woman! I 
 hope she may be at least partially, if not en- 
 tirely, restored to health." 
 
 " That proposal is just what one might ex- 
 pect of you. Cousin Arthur," said Grandma 
 Elsie, giving him a look of affectionate appre- 
 ciation; " but are you quite sure it would suit 
 CaPs convenience, and that of your wife and 
 his? " 
 
 " Knowing all three as I do, I can scarcely 
 doubt it," replied Arthur; "but perhaps I 
 would better consult them before sending the 
 invitation to the Crolys. I will do so, and you 
 shall hear from me early to-morrow or possibly 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 101 
 
 to-night/' he added. " Marian, I am sure, will 
 feel very much as I do about it," he went on 
 presently, " but just now the burden would fall 
 more upon Sister Mary; so that I think I must 
 not give the invitation unless she is entirely 
 willing." 
 
 "Which I feel almost certain she will be," 
 said Kosie. " But I will wait to hear from 
 you. Cousin Arthur, before answering my 
 letters." 
 
 "You shall hear at an early hour," he re- 
 turned. 
 
 " Mary is hoping to have her parents here for 
 the wedding and for a long visit afterward," 
 remarked Grandma Elsie, " but you have room 
 enough to accommodate both them and the 
 Crolys, I think." 
 
 "Oh, yes!" replied Arthur, "there need be 
 no difficulty about that. Our house is large 
 and the regular dwellers in it are far less numer- 
 ous than they were in my young days. Ah, 
 how widely scattered they are," he continued 
 half musingly — "my sisters Isadore and Vir- 
 ginia in Louisiana — Molly and Dick Percival 
 there too, with Betty and Bob Johnson; my 
 
102 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 brothers Walter and Ralph — the one in the 
 army, the other in California. Sister Ella, the 
 only one near at hand, living at Beechwood; 
 Cal and I the only ones left in the old home." 
 
 ^^ Where you are very happy; are you not?" 
 asked his cousin Elsie in a cheery tone and with 
 an affectionate smile into his eyes. 
 
 "Yes," he answered, returning the smile; 
 " Cal with his charming wife and two dear little 
 children, I with my sweet Marian and a baby 
 boy of whom any father might well be proud 
 and fond. And I must be going back to them," 
 he added, rising, and with a hasty good-night to 
 all, he took his departure. 
 
 He was scarcely out of sight when the Beech- 
 wood and Woodburn carriages turned in at the 
 gates, the one bringing Mr. and Mrs. Ronald 
 Lilbum, the other Captain Raymond, his wife, 
 and his daughters Lucilla and Grace. 
 
 All were received with warm and joyous 
 greetings. They had started out for a drive, 
 met and exchanged salutations, had then de- 
 cided to call together upon their Ion relatives; 
 a not very unusual proceeding. 
 
 And scarcely were they seated when Mr. and 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 103 
 
 Mrs. Leland and Evelyn were seen coming up 
 the drive, having walked over from Fairview, 
 tempted to do so by the beauty of the evening 
 and the prospect of the pleasure of a chat with 
 the very near and dear dwellers in the old home 
 at Ion, who never seemed weary of their com- 
 panionship, though scarcely a day passed in 
 which they had not more or less of it. 
 
 Nor was the communication with Woodburn 
 much less frequent, though it was farther away 
 by a mile or more; for with their abundance of 
 steeds and conveyances of various sorts, it could 
 be traversed with such ease, expedition, and 
 comfort that it seemed little or no incon- 
 venience; the short ride or drive was really a 
 pleasure; though not infrequently it was made 
 a walk when roads were in good condition and 
 the weather was propitious. 
 
 The welcome of the Fairview party was not 
 less cordial than had been that of the others, 
 and presently all were seated aind a buzz of con- 
 versation ensued. 
 
 The young girls made a little group by them- 
 selves and of course the approaching wedding, 
 with the preparations for it, was the principal 
 
104 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 theme of their talk. Eosie, not caring to have 
 secrets from these very near and dear young 
 friends, told of the letters received that morning 
 and the talk just held with Dr. Conly. 
 
 ^' Oh, that was noble in Cousin Arthur! " ex- 
 claimed Lucilla. " The Crolys were very 
 generous to him, to be sure, but not at all more 
 so than he deserved." 
 
 ^^No," said Kosie; ^'^they were quite able to 
 pay him what they did; but it isn't everyone 
 who would have done so, and I have always 
 thought well of them for it; and I am glad 
 Cousin Arthur can make them some small 
 return." 
 
 " But should he succeed in restoring Mrs. 
 Croly to health, that will not be a very small 
 return, I think," said Evelyn with a smile. 
 
 " No; for good health is the greatest of 
 earthly blessings," said Grace. " One can 
 hardly fully enjoy anything without it." 
 
 ^^As you know by experience, you poor 
 thing! " said Rosie. 
 
 "Oh, no! not now." 
 
 " Have you fixed upon the wedding day yet, 
 Rosie?" asked Lucilla. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 105 
 
 "No, not definitely; we have only decided 
 that it shall be somewhere about the middle of 
 June; or perhaps a little later. I want to make 
 sure of having Walter here; for it would be too 
 bad to have him miss his youngest sister's 
 wedding." 
 
 " And you want Marian to have time to get 
 well, too, don't you? " said Grace. 
 
 " Oh, yes, indeed! and she will be by that 
 time; at least she seems altogether likely to be. 
 Mamma was there to-day and found her doing 
 nicely." 
 
 " Hark! What is that Cousin Konald is 
 saying? " exclaimed Lucilla, and they paused in 
 their talk to listen. 
 
 " I want you all, old and young," he said in 
 his blithe, cordial tones, " to come and have as 
 good and merry a time as possible, to celebrate 
 the third birthday of my little namesake grand- 
 son. We talked the thing over at the dinner 
 table and all agreed that there could beino bet- 
 ter way of celebrating that most important 
 event." 
 
 " It certainly is a delightful time of year for 
 an outdoor party in this region of country," 
 
106 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 remarked Mrs. Dinsmore, "and I, for one, ac- 
 cept the invitation with pleasure." 
 
 " As I do/^ said her husband. 
 
 " And I! " " And I! " " And I! " added the 
 others in turn. 
 
 The young girls were highly pleased: it was 
 by no means tWfeir first invitation to Beechwood, 
 and they felt sure of being hospitably and well 
 entertained. Ella, Hugh's wife, had been 
 mistress of the mansion before the marriage 
 of the old gentleman and Annis, and so con- 
 tinued to be, with Annis' full consent, but there 
 was no jarring between them; they were con- 
 genial spirits, and enjoyed each other's society. 
 Ella was fond of the old gentleman, too, — the 
 only father she had ever known, — and her lit- 
 tle ones, Ronald and his baby sister, w^ere to 
 all a strong bond of union. 
 
 " It is to be an afternoon party, I sup- 
 pose ? " remarked Mrs. Dinsmore in a tone of 
 inquiry. 
 
 " Yes," said Mr. Lilburn. " Come as early 
 as you please, bringing all the little folks as 
 the guests of our bit laddie. We will have an 
 early supper for their s <kes, and after that the 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. Iu7 
 
 parents can carry them home and see them in 
 their nests as early as they Uke." 
 
 " And both parents and little folks may stay 
 as late as they like," added Annis with a smile. 
 
 " Yes," said her husband, " each and every 
 guest may feel free to do that." 
 
 "I hope you are not too busy to come, 
 Eosie ? " said Annis, turning to her. 
 
 " Thank you, no; I should not like to miss the 
 fun of attending little Ronald's birthday party," 
 returned Rosie in a sprightly tone, " and you 
 must be sure to bring him to the party I am to 
 have some weeks later." 
 
 " That, of course, will have to be as his father 
 and mother say," laughed Annis. 
 
 " Well, he shall not lack an invitation," said 
 Eosie. " I do not intend that any of my rela- 
 tives shall. By the way, I hope your nephew, 
 Cousin Donald Keith, will be able to get a fur- 
 lough, so that he can come. He has visited us 
 several times, here and at the seashore, and I 
 like him very much indeed." 
 
 " Yes, so do I," said Annis, " and I hope he 
 may be able to come. I should enjoy showing 
 him my new home and entertaining him there." 
 
108 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 "He will be in demand if he comes/' said 
 Captain Kaymond. " I shall want him as my 
 guest; for he and I are old attached friends." 
 
 "Ah, yes, I remember," said Annis. "No 
 doubt he will want to be with you a part of his 
 time." 
 
 " Yes," said Grandma Elsie; " and as we will 
 all want him we will have to divide the pleas- 
 ure of his visit among us — if he will allow it." 
 
 " I have always liked and admired Cousin 
 Donald," said Violet, " and often wondered that 
 he has remained single all these years." 
 
 " He has not happened to meet the right one 
 yet, I suppose, my dear," the captain said with 
 a smile. " Or, if he has met her, has failed to 
 secure her." 
 
 "And in doing so has caused her to miss 
 securing an excellent husband, I think," said 
 Violet. 
 
 "In which I certainly agree with you," 
 Annis said. "All my married nephews seem to 
 me to be admirable husbands. I hope, Elsie, 
 that Cyril Keith and his Isadore may be able 
 to come to the wedding." 
 
 " So do I," responded Mrs. Travilla heartily; 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 109 
 
 ^^ and if they fail to come you may be assured 
 it was not for lack of a warm invitation." 
 
 " I hope they and all the other cousins from 
 that region will come," remarked Mrs. Leland. 
 
 Just then the telephone bell rang. 
 
 "There! that is Cousin Arthur, I presume/' 
 said Edward Travilla, hastening to the 
 instrument. 
 
 His answering ring and " Hello ! " were 
 quickly replied to, and the next moment he 
 announced to the company, " It was Arthur. 
 He says all is right, and Rosie may send as warm 
 an invitation as possible. They will be only too 
 glad to receive the '■" ^ee Crolys as their guests." 
 
 " Oh, that is good! " cried Rosie. " Now I 
 shall be able to send my reply by to-morrow's 
 early mail." 
 
 "Yes, Cousin Arthur was very kindly 
 prompt; as indeed he always is," said her 
 mother. 
 
 "Quite true, mother," gaid Harold; "and 
 Herbert and I try to copy him in that, feeling 
 that it is very necessary in a physician to be 
 ready, able, and willing to answer a call for his 
 services with expedition." 
 
110 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 ^'That it is, laddie/^ responded Cousin 
 Ronald, " for a life sometimes depends on get- 
 ting quick help frae the doctor. The life of 
 a faithfu' medical mon is one of toil and self- 
 denial; a fact that has made me wonder that you 
 and your Cousin Herbert, here, chose it rather 
 than a vocation that wad be somewhat 
 easier." 
 
 " It is a hard life in some respects," Harold 
 answered; "but there is something very de- 
 lightful in having and using the ability to 
 relieve suffering, and surely one who professes 
 to be a follower of Christ should be seeking to 
 do good to others rather than courting his own 
 ease and enjoyment." 
 
 " Yes; copying the dear Master's own ex- 
 ample," returned the old gentleman with a 
 smile. " The dear Master who should be our 
 pattern in all things." 
 
 "Yes," said Herbert, low and feelingly, 
 " that is what we both sincerely desire to do.'' 
 
 It was still early when the callers bade good- 
 night and took their departure; the Lilburns 
 going first, then the Raymonds, and lastly the 
 Lelands. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. Ill 
 
 All met again the next day at Beechwood, 
 where they were joined by the other members 
 of the family connexion and had a very pleas- 
 ant afternoon, mostly taken up with sports 
 suited to the entertainment of the little ones — 
 three-year-old Eonald and his baby cousins. 
 
 The invitations had been sent out too late to 
 allow time for the purchase of many gifts, but 
 there were fruits and flowers, and some few 
 toys; among these last, animals which ventrilo- 
 quism caused apparently to say very amusing 
 things, to the surprise and merriment of the 
 little folks. 
 
 Then, when they began to tire of fun and 
 frolic, they were seated about a table under 
 the trees on the lawn, and regaled with tooth- 
 some viands, not too rich for their powers of 
 digestion. After that they were allowed to 
 sport upon the verandas and the grass, while 
 the elder people gathered about the table and 
 satisfied their appetites with somewhat richer 
 and more elaborate viands. 
 
 They had finished their meal and were 
 gathered in groups under the trees or on the 
 verandas, when the sound of a banjo caused a 
 
112 ELSIE AT SOME. 
 
 sudden hush of expectancy. Glances were sent 
 here and there in search of the musician, yet 
 no one was greatly surprised that he was not 
 visible. Several tunes were played; then fol- 
 lowed a song in the negro dialect, which made 
 everybody laugh. 
 
 That was the winding up of the entertain- 
 ment, and, as it was nearing the bedtime of the 
 little ones, all presently bade good-bye, with 
 truthful assurances of having greatly enjoyed 
 themselves, and returned to their homea. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The Woodburn carriage was quite full with 
 the captain and his entire family, excepting, of 
 course, his eldest son. Max, who was far away 
 on board a man-of-war. 
 
 "Well," said Violet, as they drove out of 
 Beechwood Avenue into the highway, " I have 
 enjoyed little Ronald's birthday party very 
 much, and hope you can all say the same." 
 
 " Oh, yes, mamma! I think we had good fun," 
 exclaimed Neddie. " To be sure Ronald is 
 only a baby boy — just about half as old as I am 
 — but he's a very dear little fellow; and then his 
 grandpa made a great deal of fun for us." 
 
 " Sometimes it was his papa who did it, I 
 think," said Elsie. 
 
 " Oh, yes! " said Ned. " Papa, why don't 
 you do such things for us sometimes? " 
 
 " Really, my son, I do not seem to have any 
 talent in that line," returned the captain with a 
 smile. " Your brother Max has, however, and 
 
 113 
 
114 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 I hope that, some of these days, he will come 
 home and make the fun for you that you are so 
 eager for." 
 
 " Oh, I'll be so glad! And will he teach me 
 how to do it, too ? " 
 
 " I hardly think he can," his father answered, 
 with an amused look; " at least, not till you are 
 a good deal older than you are now." 
 
 " Well, I'm getting older every day; mamma 
 tells me so when she wants me to behave like a 
 little gentleman." 
 
 " Which is always, Neddie boy," Tiolet said, 
 with an amused look. 
 
 " Yes, my son, both mamma and papa want 
 their little boy to be always a little gentleman 
 — kind, courteous, and thoughtful for others," 
 the captain said, softly patting the little hand 
 laid confidingly on his knee. 
 
 " Lu, do you know if Rosie sent off those im- 
 portant letters this morning?" asked Violet. 
 
 " Yes, she told me she did; also that she had 
 learned from Cousin Mary that Cousin Arthur 
 had written a warm invitation from himself 
 and his wife, and from her and Cousin Cal, and 
 sent it by the early morning mail. I presume 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 115 
 
 they will be received by the Crolys to-morrow 
 and that two or three days later the reply will 
 come." 
 
 " I think it can hardly fail to be an accept- 
 ance," said Violet. " I shall be glad of the 
 opportunity to make the acquaintance of Rosie's 
 future mother-in-law, — the father-in-law too, — 
 and I dare say Will is anxious to have them 
 know mamma, and perhaps the rest of us." 
 
 " And, having done so they will be all the 
 more pleased with the match," added the cap- 
 tain. ^^ By the way, my dear, we must keep 
 open house for the entertainment of family 
 connections when they are here to attend the 
 wedding." 
 
 " I am entirely willing," Violet answered 
 with a smile; " as well I may be when my hus- 
 band bears all the expense and does the plan- 
 ning, with the housekeeper's assistance, and she 
 directs the servants, who do all the work. 
 Really I do not know where a more fortunate 
 woman than I can be found." 
 
 " Nor I where a more appreciative wife could 
 be discovered," returned the captain, regard- 
 ing her with a smile of profound affection. 
 
116 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " I hope Captain Keith will be one of our 
 guests/' said Grace. " I liked him very much 
 when he visited us that time at the seashore. 
 Didn't you, Lu?" 
 
 As the question was asked the captain turned 
 a quick, inquiring look upon his eldest daugh- 
 ter, which, however, she did not seem to notice. 
 
 " Yes," she said rather indifferently, " T 
 liked him well enough; and I remember he was 
 pleasant and kind at West Point — showing us 
 about and explaining things. But even if he 
 hadn't been so kind and obliging I should be 
 glad to entertain him as papa's friend," she 
 added. " Were you boys together, father? " 
 
 " No," laughed the captain; " if I am not mis- 
 taken I am fully ten years older than Captain 
 Keith." 
 
 " Why, papa, I don't think you look like it. 
 And you are such great friends," exclaimed 
 Lucilla. 
 
 " Well, my child, people may be great friends 
 without being very near of an age," laughed 
 her father. " For instance, are not you and I 
 great friends? " 
 
 " Oh, we are lovers," she answered with a 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 117 
 
 bright smile up into his eyes. " But then we 
 are not of the same sex." 
 
 "And that, you think, makes a difference, 
 eh?" he laughed. "But Max and Ned seem 
 to love me nearly as well as my daughters do." 
 
 " Every bit as much, papa! " exclaimed Ned 
 earnestly. "I do, I'm sure." 
 
 " That is pleasant to hear, my boy," his 
 father said, smiling fondly upon the little fel- 
 low. " And I presume brother Max would say 
 the same if he were here. Ah, we have reached 
 home ": for at that moment the carriage 
 turned in at the great gates. 
 
 " Our own sweet, lovely home! " said Grace, 
 looking out upon the beautiful grounds with 
 shining eyes. " I am always glad to get back 
 to it, no matter where I have been." 
 
 " I too," said Lucilla; " unless my father is 
 somewhere else," she added, giving him a most 
 loving look. 
 
 " Ah, I wasn't thinking of being in it with- 
 out papa," said Grace. "I'd rather live in a 
 hovel with him than in a palace without 
 him." 
 
 " I don't doubt it, my darling," he returned. 
 
118 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 ^^ I am entirely sure of the love of both of you, 
 and of all my children." 
 
 "And of your wife, I hope," added Violet 
 in a sprightly tone. 
 
 " Yes, indeed, my love, or I should not be the 
 happy man I am," he responded; then, as the 
 carriage drew up before the entrance to the 
 mansion, he threw open the door, alighted, and 
 handed them out in turn. 
 
 " The children seem to be tired," remarked 
 Violet; " do you not think they might as well 
 go at once to their beds, my dear? " 
 
 " Yes," he said. " Grace also; for she looks 
 as weary as they." 
 
 " Thank you, papa," she said. " I am tired 
 enough to be glad to do so. But don't be anx- 
 ious," she added with a smile, as he gave her a 
 troubled look; " I am not at all sick; it is only 
 weariness." And she held up her face for a 
 kiss, which he gave heartily and with a look of 
 tenderest fatherly affection. 
 
 The two little ones claimed their turn; then 
 Violet and the three went upstairs, leaving the 
 captain and Lucilla alone together. 
 
 " Pidn't you say you had some letters to 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 119 
 
 write when you came home, papa? " she asked; 
 ^^ and can't I help you? " 
 
 " I say yes to both questions," he answered 
 pleasantly. ^^ Take off your hat and come with 
 me into the library. But perhaps you are too 
 tired/' he added hastily, as if just struck by the 
 thought. " If so, daughter, I would not have 
 you exert yourself to do the work now. It can 
 wait till to-morrow morning. Or, if I find 
 anything needing an immediate reply, I can 
 attend to it myself, without my little girl's 
 assistance." 
 
 " But I am not tired, papa, and I dearly 
 love to help you in any and every way that I 
 can," she answered, smiling up into his eyes. 
 
 " I do not doubt it in the least, my child," 
 he said, laying his hand on her head in tender, 
 fatherly fashion; " and you are a very great 
 help and comfort to me; so much so that I shall 
 be extremely loath ever to let anybody rob me 
 of my dear eldest daughter." 
 
 " I hardly think anybody wants to yet, papa," 
 she laughed; " nobody seems to set anything 
 like the value upon me that you do. So you 
 needn't bp in th^ le^st afraid of ever being 
 
120 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 robbed of this one of your treasures. Ah, papa! 
 it is so nice — such a happiness to have you es- 
 teem me a treasure, and to know that I belong 
 to you." 
 
 "A happiness to me as well as to you, dear 
 child," he said. " Well, we will look at the let- 
 ters and decide whether it is necessary to 
 answer any of them to-night." 
 
 They had entered the library and drawn near 
 the table while they talked. A pile of letters 
 lay upon it. He took them up and glanced 
 at the superscription upon each. 
 
 " Ah! here is one directed to you, daughter," 
 he said, " and from someone in this neighbor- 
 hood; for it is without a stamp." 
 
 "Probably from Maud or Sydney," she re- 
 marked. 
 
 ^' No," said her father, " the handwriting is 
 evidently that of a man. Well, you may open 
 it and se€ who the writer is," handing it to her 
 as he spoke. 
 
 " If you would rather I did not, papa, I do 
 not want to," she said, not offering to take it. 
 " Please read it first." 
 
 " r can trust you, daughter, and you have my 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 121 
 
 full permission to read it/' he said iii a kindly 
 indulgent tone. 
 
 " Thank you, papa; but I really prefer to 
 have you read it first/' she replied. 
 
 He smiled approval, broke the seal, and 
 glanced over the missive. 
 
 "It is from Chester Dinsmore/' he said; 
 "merely an invitation to you to go with him 
 to a boating party on the river, if your father 
 gives consent." 
 
 "Which I don't believe my father will/' 
 laughed Lucilla. 
 
 " And you are not anxious that he should? " 
 he queried with a smile. 
 
 " Not unless he is entirely willing to have me 
 go; and hardly even then, as he is not to be one 
 of the party." 
 
 " That is my own good little girl," he said, 
 putting an arm about her, di^awing her close 
 to his side, and kissing her several times. " I 
 am not willing to have you a young lady yet, — 
 as I think you know, — but I want to keep you 
 my own little girl for some time longer." 
 
 " I am very glad that you do, papa," she re- 
 turned, laying her head against his breast and 
 
12-2 EL8IE AT HOME. 
 
 putting her arms about his neck, " and I hope 
 you won't ever, ever grow tired of keeping me 
 for your own, altogether yours, with no part- 
 ner in the concern," she added with a low, glee- 
 ful laugh. 
 
 " You need have no fear that I will grow tired 
 of it until you do," he said with a smile, and re- 
 peating his caresses. " But when that time 
 comes do not hesitate to tell me: for, rest 
 assured, your happiness is very dear to your 
 father's heart. And if you would like to accept 
 this invitation, you may do so with my full 
 consent." 
 
 " Thank you, father dear, but I really do not 
 care to go; I should mucii prefer to keep the 
 engagement already made, for that day." 
 
 "Ah! what is that?" 
 
 " Now, papa, have you forgotten that you are 
 to take Mamma Vi, Gracie, and me into the 
 city to do some shopping? " 
 
 " Ah, yes; I had forgotten it for the moment. 
 But I dare say both your mamma and Grace 
 would be willing to defer that for a day or 
 two." 
 
 "But I wouldn't, because my father has 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 123 
 
 taught me not to break engagements without 
 very strong reasons; which I don't think I have 
 in this case." 
 
 He laughed a little at that. '^ Well, daugh- 
 ter," he said, " you shall do as you please about 
 it, and I am glad to see that you are so good 
 at remembering your father's instructions and 
 so ready to obey them." 
 
 " Thank you, sir. And now must I an- 
 swer Chester's note — or will you do it for 
 me?" 
 
 " That shall be just as you please, daughter. 
 Perhaps it would be as well for you to write 
 the answer; but, if you greatly prefer to have 
 me do so, I shall not refuse." 
 
 " May I do it on the typewriter? " 
 
 ^^ If you prefer it, I see no objection." 
 
 "I do prefer it; it is so much easier and 
 quicker than working with a pen," she said. 
 
 "Perhaps you would better wait until to- 
 morrow morning, however," he suggested; 
 " for, on thinking the matter over, you may find 
 that you prefer to accept the invitation after 
 all." 
 
 He was examining the rest of his mail, and 
 
124 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 she considered his proposition for a moment 
 before replying to it. 
 
 " Yes, papa/^ she said at length, " I will wait 
 a little — perhaps till to-morrow morning — be- 
 fore writing my answer. And now I will get 
 ready to write replies to those letters at your 
 dictation." 
 
 " Yes, daughter; fortunately there are but 
 few that call for a reply, and it need not be 
 long in any case." He laid down the letters 
 and took the cover from the machine as he 
 spoke, then supplied her with paper and en- 
 velopes, put a sheet into the machine, and began 
 dictating. They made quick work of it, and 
 had finished in about half an hour. 
 
 Violet joined them Just as Lulu took the 
 last sheet from the machine. 
 
 " Oh," she said, " I see you are busy; but I 
 will not interrupt." 
 
 '^ We are just done, my dear, and very glad 
 to have you with us," said her husband. 
 
 " Yes, Mamma Vi, this is the last letter papa 
 wants written for him, and you are just in 
 time to help me decide on a reply to^ one of 
 my own." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 125 
 
 " Willingly, if you wish it; but I should say 
 your father's advice would be worth far more 
 than mine," returned Violet in a sprightly 
 tone. " Levis, my dear, do you refuse to tell 
 her what to do or say? " 
 
 "I only advise her to follow her own incli- 
 nation — if she can find out what that is," he 
 answered, regarding Lucilla with a smile that 
 seemed a mixture of fatherly affection and 
 amusement. 
 
 " Yes, papa is so dear and kind he won't give 
 me any order at all, and I am so used to being 
 directed and controlled by him that it really 
 seems hard work to decide for myself," laughed 
 Lucilla. 
 
 "But what about? My curiosity is keenly 
 aroused," said Violet, glancing from one to the 
 other. 
 
 " An invitation for me to go boating and pic- 
 nicking day after to-morrow," returned Lucilla. 
 "You may read it," handing Chester's note 
 to Violet. " I have no very strong inclination 
 to accept, — especially as we are expecting to 
 take that day for our shopping expedition to 
 the city, — but papa seems to thinly I should 
 
126 ELSIE AT HOME, 
 
 hardly decline on that account. Still he leaves 
 me free to decline or accept as I please, and 
 though I have often wished he would, when he 
 wouldn't, this time I wish he wouldn't when he 
 will "; she ended with a hearty laugh. 
 
 "And I suppose your conclusion is that 
 fathers are sometimes very doubtful blessings,^' 
 the captain said, assuming a grave and troubled 
 air. 
 
 She gave him a startled look. " Oh, papa! 
 surely you are not in earnest? surely you know 
 that I was not ? " she exclaimed beseechingly. 
 
 He smiled and held out his hand. She 
 sprang to his side and he drew her to a seat 
 upon his knee. 
 
 " Yes, daughter, dear, I do," he said, caress- 
 ing her hair and cheek with his hand, " and I, 
 too, was but jesting; I am troubled with no 
 doubts of the sincere, ardent affection of my 
 eldest daughter." 
 
 " Yes," said Violet with a smile, " I think 
 she very nearly makes an idol of her father— 
 which is not surprising considering what a dear, 
 good father he is. Well, I have read the note, 
 Lu, and I think, if I were you, I would accept 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 127 
 
 the invitation. Don't you think, my dear, that 
 we might do the shopping to-morrow? " 
 
 ^^ Certainly, if it suits you, my love," he re- 
 plied. " I do not know why to-morrow would 
 not suit for that business as well as the next 
 day." 
 
 " And that leaves you free to accept Chester's 
 invitation, Lu." 
 
 " Yes, and I begin to feel as if I might en- 
 joy it right well if " 
 
 " If what, daughter? " her father asked, as 
 she paused, leaving her sentence unfinished. 
 
 " If I were perfectly sure you would not 
 rather I did not go, papa." 
 
 "I think I can trust you to behave well, 
 even out of my sight," he returned with a smile, 
 and in a jesting tone; "and though I still call 
 you my little girl, that is more as a term of en- 
 dearment than anything else; and I really think 
 you are large enough, old enough, and good 
 enough to be trusted, occasionally, out of my 
 sight^ — away from my side." 
 
 " Thank you, papa dear," she said, her eyes 
 shining; " it is a great pleasure to hear you say 
 that, and I certainly do intend to conduct my- 
 
128 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 self exactly as I think you would wish; so now 
 I will answer Chester's note with an acceptance 
 of his invitation/' she added^ leaving her 
 father's knee and seating herself before the 
 typewriter. " I'll make it short and submit it 
 to you, papa, for approval." 
 
 " About that, too, you may do exactly as you 
 please," he responded, stepping to her side and 
 putting the paper in for her, as when she was 
 about to write for him. 
 
 She made quick work, saying only what 
 seemed necessary, submitted it to her father's 
 and Violet^s verdict, which was altogether 
 favourable, then directed an envelope, placed 
 the note in it, and sealed it, saying, " There! it 
 is all ready to go early to-morrow morning, and 
 will be no hindrance to me in getting ready for 
 the shopping expedition." 
 
 " Which, perhaps, you will enjoy nearly as 
 much as the boating party," remarked Violet 
 in a jesting tone. 
 
 " Probably more," responded Lu cilia; " at 
 least if we are successful in finding very suit- 
 able and handsome wedding gifts for Eosie. 
 Father, how much may I spend on one?" 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 129 
 
 "I think not more than a hundred dollars." 
 
 " Oh! may I have so much as that for it? 
 You dear, good papa! " she exclaimed. 
 
 "I am well able to afford it," he returned 
 pleasantly, " and should be sorry to let my 
 daughters give other than valuable wedding 
 gifts to my wife's sister." 
 
 *' Thank you, my dear," said Violet with a 
 gratified look. "I have no doubt Rosie will 
 appreciate your and your daughter's kindness, 
 as she certainly ought to." 
 
 " Grandma Elsie has been very, very kind to 
 us," said Lucilla, and her father added: 
 
 " She has, indeed! I can never forget how 
 kindly she took my children in when I was un- 
 able to provide them with a good and happy 
 home." 
 
 ^^ Hark! I hear carriage wheels on the drive; 
 we are going to have callers," exclaimed Lu- 
 cilla, and, as she spoke, they all rose and went 
 out upon the veranda to receive their guests. 
 
 They proved to be Maud, Sydney, and Frank 
 Dinsmore, from the Oaks; and, when greet- 
 ings had been exchanged, they said their 
 errand was to speak of the boating party, and 
 
130 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 ask if Grace could go; also if Lucilla had re- 
 ceived Chester's invitation and meant to 
 accept it. Chester would have come himself 
 but had an unavoidable business engagement 
 for the evening. 
 
 " I have given Lucilla permission to go," the 
 captain replied, " but Grace is not strong 
 enough for the exertion she would be likely to 
 make without her father at hand to caution and 
 care for her." 
 
 " Oh, I am sorry! " said Maud. " I hoped 
 Gracie could go and would enjoy it. But I 
 am glad we may tell Chester that Lu can." 
 
 " I have written my acceptance of his kind 
 invitation," Lulu said, " and will send it in the 
 morning." 
 
 " Captain," said Frank, " if you will let Miss 
 Grace go I promise to take all possible care of 
 her. Won't it seem a trifle hard to her to have 
 to stay at home while her sister and the rest 
 of us are having such a good time? " 
 
 "I think not," the captain answered. "Grace 
 is the best and most dutiful of daughters, always 
 satisfied with her father's decisions; thinking he 
 knows what is best for her. Also ghe loves her 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 131 
 
 home and home pleasures; indeed thinks there 
 is no other place quite equal to home." 
 
 " It is a lovely place, that's a fact/' Frank re- 
 turned with a slight laugh, " but variety is the 
 spice of life, and possibly Miss Grace's health 
 might be better if she tried more of that 
 spice." 
 
 " I think that if you ask her you will learn 
 that a pleasant variety is not, and has not been, 
 lacking in her experience of life," was the cap- 
 tain's pleasant-toned rejoinder. 
 
 " I am sure of it," remarked Maud. " I 
 never knew anybody who seemed to me happier 
 or more light-hearted than Gracie. And, oh, 
 but she dotes upon her father! " 
 
 "As all his children do," said Lucilla, giv- 
 ing him a look of ardent affection. 
 
 " You will not keep my daughter out very 
 late ? " the captain said, addressing Frank in a 
 tone of inquiry. 
 
 " Fo, sir; we expect to get home before dark. 
 But if anything should happen to detain us 
 you need not be uneasy. We will take good 
 care of her and return her to you in safety." 
 
 "We are staying out rather late now our- 
 
132 t:L8tE AT HOME!. 
 
 selves, Frank, and I think should be starting for 
 home/' said Maud, rising and ^urning to Violet 
 to begin her adieus. 
 
 " Father/' said Lucilla, turning to him when 
 their callers had gone, " please don't let me go 
 at all if you expect to be the least bit anxious 
 about me. I would far rather stay at home 
 than cause you a moment's uneasiness." 
 
 " My dear child, I must allow you a little 
 liberty — let you out of my sight sometimes/' 
 he said with a smile. " But it pleases me that 
 you are so ready and willing to do whatever 
 you find most pleasing to your father/' he 
 added, pressing aifectionately the hand she had 
 put into his. 
 
 " Are you not afraid my father will make me 
 miserably conceited — giving me so much more 
 commendation than I deserve ? " she asked with 
 a roguish look and pleased laugh. 
 
 " I hope not; you will fall very much in my 
 estimation if you grow conceited and vain. I 
 do not think you that now; but, remember, love 
 is blind, and your father's love for you is very 
 great." 
 
 " Yes, you dear papa, I know that and it 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 133 
 
 makes me, oh, so happy," she said with joyous 
 look and tone. 
 
 " As I think you have reason to he, Lu," 
 A^iolet said, regarding her hushand and his 
 daughter with a smile of pleased sympathy. 
 
 " It is time for our evening service, and then 
 for my daughter to go to her hed and take her 
 beauty sleep," remarked the captain looking at 
 his watch. 
 
 ^^Yes, papa," laughed Lucilla, "I need all 
 of that kind of sleep that I can get." 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 '^Ah! so you are up,Gracie dear/' Liicilla said, 
 looking in the next morning at the communi- 
 cating door between their rooms. " I have 
 been down in the grounds with papa for the 
 last half hour, and he bade me come and tell 
 you to dress for a drive; for we are to go on 
 our shopping expedition to-day instead of to- 
 morrow." 
 
 *^ Are we? " exclaimed Grace. '^ To-day will 
 suit me as well as to-morrow; but why have papa 
 and mamma changed their plans?" 
 
 " It is all for my benefit/' laughed Lucilla. 
 '^ You must know that Chester Dinsmore has 
 been so good as to invite me to attend a boat 
 ride and picnic with him to-morrow, and, to my 
 surprise, papa gave me full permission to go." 
 
 ''That was very kind of him," remarked 
 Grace, " and I hope you will have a delightful 
 time." 
 
 134 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 135 
 
 " I don't know/' Lulu returned, with doubt- 
 ful tone and look. " I think I shall not half 
 enjoy it without you; and papa says you are too 
 feeble to go on such an expedition without 
 him; you would need him to take care of you 
 and see that you did not overexert yourself." 
 
 " Yes; and, of course, papa is right; he always 
 knows what is best for me and all of us." 
 
 " So I think, and I did not at all expect him 
 to say I could go. I wasn't very anxious that 
 he should, either; though I dare say it will be 
 very pleasant as the Dinsmore girls are going, 
 and, perhaps, Kosie Travilla too." 
 
 ^^ Oh, I think you will enjoy it! I hope so, 
 I am sure," exclaimed Grace, looking both 
 pleased and interested. " Now please tell me 
 what dress you are going to wear to the city to- 
 day, and advise me about mine." 
 
 " I hadn't thought about it, yet," said Lu- 
 cilla; " but there, I hear papa coming into our 
 sitting room. I'll run and ask him what he 
 would advise or direct about it. It is a matter 
 of great importance, you know "; and with that 
 she laughed merrily, turned about, and ran to 
 meet their father. 
 
136 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 He decided the knotty question, promptly 
 saying: " The gray dresses made for you both 
 a few weeks ago will be very suitable, I think." 
 Then he bade her help Grace and also change 
 her own dress, because they would make an 
 early start for the city, going very soon after 
 leaving the table. 
 
 " I am glad to hear that, papa," she re- 
 turned, " for a drive in the early morning air 
 is so pleasant. But I wish I had no occasion to 
 change my dress, because I fear that will take 
 up all the time of your morning call here on 
 Gracie and me." 
 
 " I think not, if you are prompt in your 
 movements," he said. " I shall sit here for 
 some little time reading the morning paper." 
 
 "Oh, I am glad of that! and perhaps, papa, 
 if you look over the advertisements you may 
 find something that will help us in the search 
 for the pretty things we want to buy." 
 
 " Very possibly," he replied. " I will look 
 them over at once." 
 
 " Thank you, sir. I'll do as you bid me and 
 be back again as soon as ever I can; for I don't 
 like to lose a minute of my father's morning 
 
^LStB AT JioMK 13t 
 
 call/' she said, giving him a bright, loving look, 
 then hurrying back to her sister. 
 
 " We'll have to make haste, Gracie," she said, 
 " if we don't want to miss altogether our morn- 
 ing chat with papa. We are to wear our new 
 gray dresses, he says." 
 
 " That suits me nicely, for I think them be- 
 coming, pretty, and suitable. Don't you? " 
 
 " Yes; I think nobody has better taste or 
 judgment about dress than our father." 
 
 " Just my opinion; and we may well think so, 
 considering how many lovely dresses and orna- 
 ments he has bought for us, selecting them 
 without the help or advice of anyone. There, 
 sister dear, your dress is on all right and I shall 
 make haste to change mine while you put the 
 finishing touches to your attire." 
 
 They joined their father in a few moments, 
 talked over the advertisements he had been ex- 
 amining and the question of the desirability of 
 this and that article as a wedding gift to Rosie, 
 but had reached no decision when the break- 
 fast bell rang. 
 
 "Well, daughters," the captain said, "we 
 will go down now to our breakfast and, while 
 
138 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 we are eating, talk the matter over with your 
 mamma. She probably knows better than we 
 what would be likely to please Rosie/' 
 
 " But we do not need to decide until we see 
 the things, do we, papa? " asked Lucilla. 
 
 " No, certainly not, and we may find some- 
 thing very handsome and suitable that we have 
 not thought of. I hope it will be a pleasure 
 to both of you to look over the pretty things 
 and make a selection." 
 
 " You dear father," Grace said, smiling up 
 into his eyes, " you are always thinking of some- 
 thing to give your children pleasure." 
 
 " Yes," he said, returning her smile, " per- 
 haps because it reacts upon myself, giving me a 
 great deal of pleasure." 
 
 They found Violet and the little ones already 
 in the breakfast room; morning greetings were 
 exchanged, then they seated themselves at the 
 table, the captain asked a blessing, and the 
 meal began. 
 
 They chatted pleasantly while eating, the 
 principal subject of discourse being their errand 
 to the city. Violet had not heard Rosie express 
 a desire for any particular thing, but thought 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 139 
 
 they would probably see something in the 
 stores that would strike them as handsome and 
 suitable. 
 
 "Is Elsie going with you to-day, papa? and 
 am I ? " asked Neddie. 
 
 " Yes, my son, if you want to go," the captain 
 replied. " And would you like to buy some 
 gifts for Aunt Rosie, too? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, yes indeed, papa! " cried both 
 children, Elsie adding : " But I have only a lit- 
 tle money. I'm afraid it won't be enough to 
 buy anything handsome enough for a wedding 
 present." 
 
 " Well," their father said reflectively, " you 
 have been good children, and I feel in- 
 clined to give you each a present of ten dollars, 
 which you may dispose of as you like." 
 
 " Oh, thank you, papa! " both cried delight- 
 edly, Ned adding: " I s'pose it's for us to buy 
 something for Aunt Rosie with; isn't it, papa? " 
 
 " If you want to use it for that you may; but 
 you are not compelled to do so; you can spend it 
 for someone else, or for yourself if you choose.'^ 
 
 " I'm going to spend mine for Aunt Rosie," 
 Elsie announced. " It was very nice and kind 
 
UO ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 in her to choose me for a flower girl at her 
 wedding, and I'd like to give her something 
 very pretty; something that she would like. 
 Mamma, you will help me to choose my present, 
 wonH you ? " 
 
 " With pleasure, daughter; and I am sure 
 your papa and sisters will help us in cfiir 
 selection. They all have good taste." 
 
 " And y'll all help me, too, won't you " asked 
 Ned. " I want to buy the prettiest thing I 
 can find for Aunt Rosie." 
 
 " Yes; you shall have all the advice you want, 
 my son," his father said. " And now, as you 
 have all finished eating, we will go to the 
 library and have family worship; then make 
 ourselves ready and set off upon our trip to the 
 city." 
 
 " I think we couldn't have selected a better 
 time for our expedition," Violet said as they 
 entered their carriage; " the air is bracing, the 
 w^eather delightful, and the roads are in excel- 
 lent order, are they not, my dear? " 
 
 " Yes," the captain answered, " we could ask 
 no improvement, and I think will travel rapidly 
 enough to reach the city in very good season." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. Ul 
 
 They did so and were successful in finding 
 what they esteemed beautiful gifts for the com- 
 ing bridal. And Rosie's pleasure on receiving 
 them was as great as they, the givers, had 
 hoped. She had many handsome and valuable 
 presents, but none seemed to gratify her more 
 than these from her Woodburn relatives and 
 friends. 
 
 " I like those gray dresses of yours, girls; they 
 are both pretty and becoming, and very suit- 
 able for such a trip as we have taken to-day," 
 remarked Violet as they rode homeward. 
 " You will wear yours to the picnic to-morrow, 
 I suppose, Lu?" 
 
 " If papa approves," answered Lueilla with a 
 laughing look at him. 
 
 " Entirely," he said; '^ though I shall not in- 
 sist if you prefer something else." 
 
 " That reminds me of some of my Nantucket 
 experiences of years ago," she remarked. ^' Do 
 you remember, papa, how I missed going to 
 the ' squantum ' wdth the rest of you because I 
 took off the suitable dress Mamma Vi had di- 
 rected me to wear, and donned some very 
 unsuitable finery? " 
 
142 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " Yes/' he replied, " that was an unhappy 
 time for both the rebellions little girl and her 
 father." 
 
 " Yes, papa; oh, I'm afraid I gave you many 
 a heartache in those days. I remember I 
 wanted very much to dress in white for the 
 clambake, some weeks after that, but yoa 
 wouldn't allow it. I was a very foolish little 
 girl, and now I am very glad I had a wise, kind 
 father to keep me in order." 
 
 " You were not rebellious about that second 
 disappointment," he said with a smile, " and in 
 the years that have passed since then you have 
 learned to be very submissive to your father's 
 wishes and directions." 
 
 " Yes, sir, because I have found out from ex- 
 perience that he is far wiser than I, and always 
 seeks my best interests." 
 
 " That is certainly what he wishes to do, 
 daughter; for the welfare of all his dear chil- 
 dren lies very near his heart." 
 
 " Yes, papa; you love us all, I know," little 
 Elsie said with a bright, glad look up into his 
 face. 
 
 " Of course papa does," said Neddie; " if he 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 143 
 
 didn^t he wouldn't give us money to spend, 
 and ever so many other nice things; or take us 
 to the city for such a good time as we have had 
 to-day." 
 
 " Yes, our dear papa is very good to us all," 
 said Grace. " We have had a delightful drive, 
 a fine time in the city, and now here we are at 
 our own lovely home again," she added as the 
 carriage turned in at the great gates. 
 
 " It is nearing tea time, daughters, and you 
 had better go at once to your rooms and make 
 yourselves neat for the evening," the captain 
 said as he helped Lucilla and Grace to alight. 
 
 "Yes, sir," they answered and hastened up 
 the broad stairway, following Violet and the 
 two little ones. 
 
 " Dere's a gemman in de parlour a-waitin' for 
 to see you, cap'in," said a servant, coming 
 leisurely in from the back veranda. 
 
 " Ah! has he been here long? " 
 
 "'Bout ten minutes, I reckon, sah." 
 
 The captain hastened into the parlour and 
 found Chester Dinsmore there. Cordial greet- 
 ings were exchanged, and Chester received a 
 warm invitation to stay to tea, which, however^ 
 
144 EL8IB AT HOME. 
 
 he declined, saying that he had a little profes- 
 sional work on hand which must be done that 
 evening if he was to take to-morrow for a holi- 
 day. " I came over, captain/' he added, " to 
 thank you for allowing me the privilege of tak- 
 ing your daughter. Miss Lucilla, to the picnie 
 to-morrow, and to ask if — if you would not 
 be so very kind as to remove your prohibition 
 of — of love-making on my part, and " 
 
 " No, Chester," the captain said in kindly 
 but grave accents, as the young man halted in 
 his -speech, "you surely forget that my objec- 
 tion was on account of my daughter's youth, 
 and that she is only a few months older now 
 than she was then. I do not want her to be- 
 gin to think of lovers for several years yet, and 
 am objecting to your suit for that reason only. 
 I show no greater favour in this matter to any- 
 one else. And you may feel that I am show- 
 ing confidence in you in permitting her to go 
 to to-morrow's picnic in your care." 
 
 " Yes, sir; thank you, sir. I shall not abuse 
 your confidence, and, though I find it hard not 
 to be permitted to speak and use my best efforts 
 to win the prize T so covet, it is some conso- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 145 
 
 lation that you treat other suitors in the same 
 way." 
 
 " Perhaps, too, that my daughter is equally 
 indifferent to them all," the captain remarked 
 with a smile. "And by the way, my young 
 friend, don't you suppose it may be a trifle hard 
 for Lucilla's father to resign the first place in 
 her heart to someone else ? " 
 
 " It is according to nature, sir," Chester said, 
 returning the smile. ^ You served Cousin 
 Elsie so when you stole Cousin Violet's heart; 
 and Cousin Elsie's husband had taken her from 
 her father. It has been the way almost ever 
 since the world began; so I suppose it is all 
 right." 
 
 " Yes; but a father has a right to say it shall 
 not begin too soon with his own daughter. 
 Wedlock brings cares and responsibilities that 
 should not be allowed to fall too soon upon 
 young shoulders, and it is my desire and pur- 
 pose to keep my dear young daughters free from 
 them until they reach years of maturity." 
 
 "Putting it so, captain, it does seem that 
 you are acting kindly by them, though I must 
 insist that it is hard on the lovers," Chester 
 
146 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 returned between a smile and a sigh. " But I 
 think you may trust your daughter with me 
 to-morrow without much fear that I will abuse 
 your confidence. And I am not at all sure that 
 I could gain anything by speaking. We are 
 good friends, — she and 1, — but I doubt if she 
 cares a cent for me any other way." 
 
 " As to that," the captain said in kindly tone 
 and with his pleasant smile, " I still have the 
 happiness of believing that, as yet, her father 
 holds the first place in her heart. I cannot 
 hope that it will be so always — perhaps I ought 
 not to wish it; but I do rejoice in the firm con- 
 viction that such is the fact at present." 
 
 " No one can blame you for that, sir," Ches- 
 ter said, rising to take leave, " but, ungenerous 
 as it sounds, I cannot help hoping that, one of 
 these days, I may be able to shift your posi- 
 tion to the second place, taking the first my- 
 self. It sounds dreadful selfish, but fathers 
 have to give way to lovers and husbands if the 
 human race is to continue. I hope to be here 
 in the morning, captain, a little after nine 
 o'clock, with a carriage, to take Miss Lu to the 
 wharf where the boat will be lying. I promise 
 
tJLSIE AT HOME. U1 
 
 to take the best of care of her, to do and say 
 nothing of which her father would disapprove, 
 and to bring her home safely. Providence per- 
 mitting, before dark." 
 
 "I have no doubt you will, Chester, and I 
 trust her — one of my choice treasures — to you 
 with confidence in your purpose to be the faith- 
 ful guardian of her safety, and perfectly trust- 
 worthy as regards the matter of which we have 
 been speaking," were the captain's parting 
 words to his young visitor as he saw him out to 
 the veranda. 
 
 " Thank you, sir; I hope to prove faithful to 
 the trust. Good-evening," Chester returned, 
 then sped away down the drive. 
 
 He thought it best, as did the captain also, 
 that Lucilla should be left in ignorance of his 
 call. 
 
 She came downstairs when the tea bell sum- 
 moned the family to partake of their evening 
 meal, and at its conclusion all gathered upon 
 the front veranda, as was their custom. 
 They had not been there very long when the 
 Fairview carriage was seen to turn in at the 
 great gates and come swiftly up the drive. As 
 
i48 bLSIE AT HOME. 
 
 it drew up before the entrance they perceived 
 with pleasure that it contained Mr. and Mrs. 
 Leland and Evelyn, Grandma Elsie, and Rosie. 
 A warm welcome was given them, all were com- 
 fortably seated — the young girls in a group to- 
 gether a little to one side of the older people — 
 and soon an animated chat was being carried on 
 by each party. 
 
 "Well, Lu," the captain presently over- 
 heard Eosie saying, " I suppose you are invited 
 to to-morrow's picnic; I heard you were to be 
 — you and Gracie both. Are you going? '' 
 
 " I believe I am," replied Lucilla. " I have 
 had an invitation, and papa has given me per- 
 mission to accept it; but he thinks Gracie is not 
 strong enough to go on such an excursion with- 
 out him along to take care of her." 
 
 " Yes, I suppose that is so," said Rosie. " I 
 am sorry, for I am going and I should like to 
 have Gracie's company. Rather than do with- 
 out it I would even take Brother Levis' too," 
 she added with a laugh and in a little louder 
 tone, turning a playful look upon him as she 
 spoke. 
 
 His quick ear had caught the words. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 149 
 
 " Can that be so. Sister Kosie/' he said with 
 assumed gravity. " Well, iinfortuDately, I can- 
 not go, as I have had no invitation. Also as I 
 have already declined the invitation for Grace, 
 she cannot go. But I trust she is not greatly 
 afflicted by this state of affairs." 
 
 ' " No, indeed, papa," responded Grace with a 
 contented little laugh. " It is very far from 
 being a trial to have to stay in this sweet home 
 with you and mamma, Elsie and Ned." 
 
 " I hardly supposed you would have time and 
 inclination to go, Eosie," said Lucilla. 
 
 " Oh, yes, indeed! " laughed Rosie. ^^ I think 
 it advisable to seize all the pleasures of single 
 blessedness while I can." 
 
 " But married folks can go to picnics." 
 
 " Yes, so they can — to some of them; but this 
 is only for the unmarried, who have gotten 
 it up." 
 
 ^^Did you have a hand in that?" asked 
 Lucilla. 
 
 " No; it was the work of our young gentle- 
 men friends — my brothers, cousins, and some 
 others." 
 
 ^^ Of course you have not yet heard from 
 
150 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 your friends, the Crolys ? " Lulu said inquir- 
 ingly- 
 
 ^^ No; there has not been time; unless they 
 had telegraphed; as, perhaps, they may, to 
 Cousin Arthur. Speak of angels! here he 
 comes! " she exclaimed, a.?, at that moment, a 
 gig turned in at the great gates and came on 
 rapidly toward the house. 
 
 Dr. Arthur Conly was in it, and, presently, 
 having reached the veranda steps, drew rein, 
 bade good-evening, and announced to his 
 cousins Elsie and Rosie that he had received a 
 telegram from the Crolys thanking him for his 
 invitation and saying that it was accepted and 
 they might be expected in a few days. 
 
 ^^Ah! that is good news, if it suits you all 
 at Roselands," said Grandma Elsie. 
 
 '^ As I think it does, cousin," returned the 
 doctor. ^^ At all events they all seemed 
 pleased; which I think is particularly kind in 
 Sister Mary and Cal." 
 
 " Yes," said Rosie, " and I hope and believe 
 the Crolys will prove so agreeable as guests, or 
 boarders, that they will never regret it." 
 
 " So do I," Arthur said; " also I think that 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 151 
 
 the Crolys will find us all so agreeable that they 
 will never regret it." 
 
 '* Won't you alight and take a seat among us, 
 doctor? " asked the captain hospitably. 
 
 ^^ Thank you; I should enjoy doing so, but 
 duty calls in another direction, a sick patient 
 needing prompt attention. Good-evening to 
 you all "; and, turning with the last words, he 
 drove away. 
 
 ^^ So, Eosie, you are likely soon to be able to 
 make the acquaintance of your future mother- 
 in-law," said Violet. " But you don't seem 
 alarmed at the prospect." 
 
 ^^ No; because I am not. From all Will has 
 told me I think she must be a lovely and lov- 
 able woman; as he thinks his future mother-in- 
 law is." 
 
 ^^ And as all to whom she bears that relation 
 can testify," remarked the captain with an 
 affectionate, appreciative glance at the sweet 
 face of Grandma Elsie. 
 
 " I, for one," said Mr. Leland heartily; " and 
 I feel entirely sure of Zoe, the only other one 
 to whom she bears that relationship." 
 
 ^^ You are all very kind, very ready to pass 
 
133 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 my imperfections by," responded Mrs. Travilla's 
 sweet voice. ^' And if I am a good mother, I 
 can assure you that it is at least partly as a 
 a consequence of having good sons and 
 daughters." 
 
 " May you always be able to say that, 
 mother," responded the captain heartily. " It 
 would be a sorry sort of man or woman who 
 could be any other than a good son or daughter 
 to you." 
 
 "Oh, Lu!" said Evelyn presently, "didn't 
 you tell me you were going into the city to- 
 morrow to do some shopping?" 
 
 " Yes; but we did it to-day, in order that I 
 might have to-morrow free for the picnic. We 
 all went to the city and had a very pleasant and 
 successful time." 
 
 " Shopping is apt to be very fatiguing work," 
 said Grandma Elsie. " I see Grace looks w^eary. 
 Dear chiM, if you feel like retiring, do not let 
 our presence hinder you for a moment." 
 
 " Thank you. Grandma Elsie; but I don't 
 like to miss a minute of your call," returned 
 Grace, exerting herself to speak in a lively 
 tone. 
 
ELSIE AT MOME. U^ 
 
 " Vd like to tell about what we bought," said 
 Ned, " but I suppose I must not." 
 
 " Better wait till you have the articles here to 
 show, my son," said kis father. 
 
 " Yes; we had to leave them to be marked; 
 but Aunt Eosie will see them some of these 
 days," said the little fellow. 
 
 " And she is very willing to wait till the right 
 time comes," Rosie said, putting an arm about 
 him and giving him a kiss; for he had gone to 
 her side. 
 
 *^ I'm afraid it will be a good while to wait," 
 he returned. " Papa was so kind, he gave us — 
 Elsie and me — each ten dollars to do what 
 we pleased with. Lu and Gracie had a good 
 deal more, 'cause they are older, you know, 
 and " 
 
 "There, that will do, Ned," laughed his 
 mother. " It is your bed time. Say good- 
 night to grandma and the rest, and Elsie and 
 you and I will run away for the present." 
 
 The callers did not stay very long after Vio- 
 let's return to the veranda, and soon after their 
 departure the captain held his evening serv- 
 ice and then advised Lucilla and Grace to re- 
 
154 ELSIE AT SOME. 
 
 tire at once, that the coming day might find 
 them fully rested and refreshed. 
 
 They obeyed with cheerful alacrity, and 
 arose the next morning feeling none the worse 
 for the exertion of the previous day. 
 
 Chester came promptly at the appointed 
 hour, found Lucilla ready for the excursion, 
 and they drove away in fine spirits. Chester 
 spared no pains to make himself agreeable to his 
 companion, but was careful not to do or say 
 anything of which her father could disapprove. 
 He brought her home again before dark, slightly 
 fatigued, but gay and lively, with much to tell 
 of the pleasant experiences of the day. 
 
 " Did Eosie go? " asked Grace. 
 
 " Yes, and was very merry; indeed, so we all 
 were. We were rowing about and fishing most 
 of the time." 
 
 " Both at once ? " queried her father with an 
 amused look. 
 
 " No, sir; we kept still enough while trying 
 to catch the fish, and we caught as many as we 
 could eat, then landed, made a fire, — the young 
 men did, I mean, — cooked the fish, made coffee, 
 and we had our dinner. We girls spread a 
 
ELSIE AT HOME, 155 
 
 tablecloth on the grass and got out the good 
 things in the baskets. They were in great 
 plenty, quite a variety, and all very good and 
 palatable. I think the air and rowing had 
 given us all fine appetites so that everybody ate 
 heartily and seemed to enjoy it." 
 
 '' And you were not sorry you went? " 
 
 " No, indeed! I am much obliged to you, 
 father, for letting me go,'' she added, turning to 
 him with a look of love and gratitude. 
 
 " You are very welcome, daughter," he said, 
 '^ and I am glad you enjoyed it. There is an 
 old saying that ^ all work and no play makes 
 Jack a dull boy,' and I think girl nature does 
 not differ in that respect." 
 
 " Oh, you dear papa! none of your children 
 are ever allowed to have all work and no play," 
 she exclaimed, giving him a look of ardent 
 affection. " You take a great deal of trouble 
 to give us pleasure; you always have." 
 
 " Yes, indeed," said Grace; " it seems to be 
 papa's greatest delight to give pleasure to his 
 wife and children. Don't you thing so, 
 mamma ? " 
 
 "Indeed I do," returned Violet heartily. 
 
156 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 ^'1 have never known a more generous or un- 
 selfish person than my husband and your 
 father.'^ 
 
 "And v/hat shall I say?'^ queried the cap- 
 tain. ^' That when I am the person under dis- 
 cussion no greater flatterers can be found than 
 my wife and older daughters?" 
 
 " Oh! we will excuse you from saying any- 
 thing on the subject^ sir/' laughed Violet. 
 
 " Now, what kind of a time did you all have 
 staying at home without me?'' asked Lucilla. 
 "I hope you have missed me a little." 
 
 " Of course we did/' replied Grace. 
 
 " Your father missed both his daughter and 
 his amanuensis/' said the captain. 
 
 " Oh! there were letters to be answered? " she 
 exclaimed. " Please let me do it now, papa? " 
 
 "No, dear child, I answered them myself; 
 and if I had not I should not let you work to- 
 night, after all the fatigue of the day." 
 
 " You are so kindly careful of me and all of 
 us, papa," she said with a grateful, loving look 
 into his eyes. " I am somewhat tired, but not 
 too much so to use the tjrpewriter, if you wanted 
 any work done on it. It is such a pleasure 
 
EL8IE AT HOME. Ul 
 
 to be of even a little service to my dear 
 father." 
 
 "And such a pleasure to your father to be 
 served by so dear and loving a daughter/' he 
 returned; " one so valuable to me that I cannot 
 consent to have her broken down with too much 
 of either work or pleasure. You must go to 
 bed presently and try to take a good night's rest 
 after the exertions of the day." 
 
 " I am ready to go whenever my father bids 
 me," she said in a cheerful tone; " and I want 
 to begin my night's sleep early enough to be 
 ready for my usual stroll with him about the 
 grounds before breakfast." 
 
 " Yes; I should be sorry to have to take that 
 without the pleasant company of my early bird 
 of a daughter/' he said. "I should miss her 
 sadly." 
 
 Lucilla's eyes shone. " Thank you, p'apa! it 
 is very nice in you to say that/' she said, " and 
 I dearly love those early walks with you." 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 In less than a week after the Crolys had sig- 
 nified their intention of accepting the invita- 
 tion to Eoselands the news of their safe arrival 
 was communicated to the family at Ion, and as 
 soon as the doctor thought Mrs. Croly suffi- 
 ciently rested to see visitors. Grandma Elsie and 
 Kosie called upon them there. 
 
 They were mutually pleased — Mrs Croly de- 
 lighted with the prospect of having so charming 
 a daughter as Eosie. 
 
 And now preparations for the wedding went 
 on rapidly, the bride-elect, and those who were 
 to he her attendants, being particularly inter- 
 ested in regard to their attire for the great oc- 
 casion, and keeping the dressmakers very busy 
 in fashioning their finery. 
 
 Then, as the time drew near, relatives and 
 friends from a distance began to arrive. 
 
 To the great joy of Mrs. Calhoun Conly her 
 
 158 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 159 
 
 parents were among the firsts and their and her 
 near relatives from Indiana and Louisiana soon 
 followed; their coming giving great pleasure 
 to both her aunt Annis and herself, as well as 
 to the Ion family. Mrs Betty Norris and her 
 brother Dr. Robert Johnson, their half brother 
 Dr. Dick Percival, and his sister Mrs. Molly Em- 
 bury of Magnolia Hall, with her husband, were 
 among the later arrivals, and about the same 
 time came Captain Donald Keith, having suc- 
 ceeded in obtaining a furlough for several 
 weeks. 
 
 He, Dr. Percival, and several others of the 
 family relatives were at first domiciled at Wood- 
 burn, where they were made very welcome and 
 most hospitably entertained. Donald's was the 
 first anival, though only a day or so in advance 
 of the others. He and Captain Raymond met 
 with all the old cordiality, evidently glad to re- 
 new the comradeship of earlier days, while 
 Violet's greeting was warm and cousinly, and 
 that of the young girls such as they might be 
 reasonably expected to bestow upon a valued 
 friend and relative of the family. 
 
 Donald, hardly realising how many months 
 
160 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 and years had rolled by since his last sight of 
 them, was surprised at their growth in height 
 and beauty, and did not wonder at their father's 
 evident pride and delight in claiming them as 
 his own. 
 
 But for the few days between his coming 
 among them and the wedding there was little 
 opportunity for becoming intimately ac- 
 quainted, so greatly interested and occupied 
 with the preparations for it were they, and, in- 
 deed, all the family connection. He furtively 
 watched them, however, while Captain Ray- 
 mond, calling to mind a talk he had had with 
 Donald at West Point, some years before, in re- 
 gard to his eldest daughter, did the same by 
 him whenever the two were together in his 
 presence. He noted with pleasure that Lu- 
 cilla evidently cared for Captain Keith only as 
 a relative and friend of the family, never think- 
 ing of him as a lover or admirer of herself, or 
 likely to become one. 
 
 " She is still satisfied with her father's affec- 
 tion," was his pleasing thought. " She evi- 
 dently cares little or nothing for other men, and 
 I may hope to keep her altogether my own for 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 161 
 
 years to come; though there are some half dozen 
 or more young fellows who, as I plainly per- 
 ceive, are looking upon her with longing eyes." 
 
 That fact was evident to Violet, also, and she 
 jestingly referred to it at one time when, for a 
 few moments, they were alone together. 
 
 '' My dear," she said, " be watchful if you 
 would not be robbed of Lu, perhaps of Gracie, 
 also; for the dear girls are entirely too charming 
 for you to hope to escape an effort from some- 
 body to take them from you." 
 
 '^ I agree with you in that idea, but am not 
 alarmed," he said with a look of quiet confi- 
 dence, " believing that my daughters still love 
 their father better than any other man, and are 
 satisfied that he seeks their best good in refusing 
 to consider them as yet old enough to leave his 
 care and protection for that of anyone else." 
 
 ^' I am sure you are right," returned Violet, 
 " and very glad I am to think I shall not lose 
 their sweet companionship for years, if ever. 
 I feel, though, that it would be very selfish in 
 me to want them to miss entirely the great hap- 
 piness I have found in wedded life," she added 
 with a look of ardent affection into his eyes. 
 
162 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " But 1 fear there are not many husbands equal 
 to mine." 
 
 " I hope there are/' he said with a smile that 
 was very loving and tender, ^' and I am sure it 
 could not fail to be the case if there were many 
 wives as worthy of love and entire devotion as 
 is mine." 
 
 " Thank you," she said with a pleased smile. 
 " I cannot tell 3'ou how often I rejoice in the 
 thought of my husband's blindness to my many 
 faults." 
 
 " If there is any such blindness, my dear, I 
 am quite sure it is mutual," he returned with a 
 look of amusement, adding, " and we will try to 
 keep it up; won't we? " 
 
 "Yes, indeed," was her laughing rejoinder, 
 " and I hope Eosie and her Will may be 
 led to follow our good example in that respect." 
 
 " As I do," he rejoined; " and, knowing them 
 both as I do know them, I think there is every 
 prospect of it." 
 
 This talk was upon a side veranda where they 
 sat watching their two little ones at play to- 
 gether in the grounds. 
 
 " Papa! " cried Ned at this moment, run- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 163 
 
 ning toward them, " didn't you hear the tele- 
 phone bell? I thought I did." 
 
 " No, my son/' returned the captain; " and 
 if it is ringing, one of your sisters will answer it, 
 no doubt. They are both upstairs." 
 
 " It did ring, papa, and I answered it," said 
 Lucilla, stepping from the open doorway and 
 coming swiftly toward him. " Rosie was call- 
 ing to me that there is to be a rehearsal of to- 
 morrow's wedding ceremony, this evening, and 
 asking if we can come over and take our parts. 
 May w^e? Will you take us?" 
 
 " I say yes to both queries," was the pleasant- 
 toned reply. " I will order out the carriage 
 and we will all drive over directly after tea. I 
 have been told that our gentlemen guests are 
 all to spend the evening there or at Beechwood 
 or Roselands." 
 
 " Oh, I hke that! " exclaimed Lucilla. "And 
 now, our wedding dresses being entirely fin- 
 ished, Grace and I are going to try them on. 
 Will our father, Mamma Vi, Elsie, and Ned 
 come up presently and see what they think of 
 our appearance in them? " 
 
 " Of course we will," answered Violet. " I 
 
164 ELSIE AT HOME, 
 
 can speak for myself and the children, and have 
 not a doubt of Captain Raymond^s desire to see 
 how well the dainty gowns become his young- 
 lady daughters." 
 
 " He hardly considers them young ladies yet. 
 Mamma Vi," laughed Lulu. " And I am sure 
 I don't want him to, for I dearly love to have 
 him call me his own little girl," she concluded, 
 with a look of ardent filial love and respect into 
 her father's eyes. " I hope he will let me al- 
 ways be that to him." 
 
 " Always, while you wish it, daughter mine/' 
 he responded in low, tender tones, affection- 
 ately pressing the hand she had laid in his. 
 " Now go, array yourself in your finery, and we 
 will follow in a few moments," he added in a 
 little louder key, and she hastened to obey. 
 
 '^ Oh, mamma! " cried Elsie, who had drawn 
 near enough to overhear nearly all that had 
 been said, " mayn't I try my wedding dress on, 
 too? You know it is almost finished — all but 
 sewing on a few buttons, Alma said a while 
 ago." 
 
 "I have no objection," said Violet, rising. 
 " Come, and I will help you put it on." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 165 
 
 " Your wedding dress, Elsie ? you are not old 
 enoiigh to get married/' laughed Ned. " Is 
 she, papa? '' 
 
 '^No, indeed! very far from it," the captain 
 said. " Even her older sisters are much too 
 young for that; but they seem to so have named 
 their new gowns because of having had them 
 made expressly to be worn at the wedding." 
 
 " Yes, sir; I suppose that is what they mean. 
 Aunt Eosie's will be the only real wedding 
 dress, and I heard mamma say it was very hand- 
 some indeed. And I like my new suit you 
 bought me to wear to the wedding; and your 
 new one, too." 
 
 ^' I am glad you are satisfied," his father 
 said. " The dress of the ladies will be noticed 
 much more than yours or mine, but it is only 
 right that men and boys should take pains to 
 be neatly and suitably attired. Now I think 
 we may follow your mother and sisters and see 
 what they have to show us." 
 
 The dresses were pronounced by all beauti- 
 ful, perfect in regard to fit, trimming, and suit- 
 ability to the occasion on which they were to be 
 worn; very becoming, also, the captain remarked 
 
166 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 in an aside to his wife; a remark to which she 
 gave a hearty and unqualified assent. 
 
 "We'll wear these dresses to Ion to-night, 
 won't we, mamma? " asked Elsie. 
 
 " Oh, no, child! '' replied Violet; " the re- 
 hearsal will be gone through y\'ith in ordinary 
 attire, and these grand dresses kept perfectly 
 fresh for the wedding. Come, now, we must 
 make haste with the change, for the tea bell 
 will ring presently. It is well you took a good 
 nap this afternoon, for I fear you are likely to 
 be kept up late." 
 
 "Probably a little later than usual," said 
 their father, " though, as to-morrow is to be so 
 exciting a day, I intend to bring you all home 
 in pretty good season; that you may be able to 
 take such a night's rest as will give you the 
 needed strength to go through the trying 
 ordeal." 
 
 " There, papa," laughed Grace, " you talk 
 as if we were all going to be married." 
 
 " Dear me, but I am glad we are not! " ex- 
 claimed Lucilla, " and that I am not the one 
 that is.'^ 
 
 " Quite a lucid remark, my child," laughed 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 167 
 
 her father. " But now I will leave you to make 
 the necessary changes in your dress that you 
 may be ready for a drive on leaving the tea 
 table/' 
 
 They hastened to obey, helping each other 
 and laugliing and chatting merrily as they 
 worked. They were ready when the summons 
 to the tea table came, and, directly after leav- 
 ing it, all entered the family carriage and drove 
 to Ion, greatly enjoying the balmy air, the 
 easy motion over the smooth roads, and all 
 the sweet sights and sounds of lovely summer 
 time in the country. They never wearied of 
 those familiar things, daily blessings though 
 they were. 
 
 The sun w^as near its setting when they 
 reached Ion, where they found a gathering of 
 friends and relatives unusual in its size, though 
 not nearly so large as it would be on the com- 
 ing day, when the great event was to take 
 place. 
 
 Walter was one of the first to greet them, 
 having reached home that morning and been 
 ever since much excited over the situation of 
 affairs — the prospect of losing Rosie, his young- 
 
168 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 est and only single sister out of the home nest, 
 as a permanent resident there. 
 
 '' Glad to see you, Vi! " he exclaimed, seizing 
 his sister, Mrs. Raymond, in a warm emhrace. 
 " Glad to see you all — Brother Levis, Lu, 
 Gracie, and you little folks. Of course you 
 haven't forgotten Uncle AValter in the long 
 months since we parted in Paradise Valley?" 
 
 " No, indeed! " answered several voices. 
 
 " And we are all very glad to see you at home 
 among us again — I must not say little brother, 
 according to former custom, I suppose ? " added 
 Violet in merry accents; " for you have grown 
 into a fine young gentleman." 
 
 *' Thank you," he returned with a slightly 
 embarrassed laugh. ^^Well, I mean to try to 
 be, as well as to seem." 
 
 But others were crowding about, and in the 
 exchange of greetings, questions, and answers, 
 there were time and opportunity for no more. 
 
 There was a pleasant bustle, a good deal of 
 mirth and laughter, the young folks going about 
 from room to room to examine the tasteful 
 arrangements for the grand affair of the mor- 
 row — then, the last one of those selected to take 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 169 
 
 part in the ceremony having arrived, they went 
 through their rehear&al; so that even the little 
 flower girls might be perfect in their parts, 
 knowing just how and when to enter the room, 
 where to stand and what to do. 
 
 They were greatly interested and very anx- 
 ious to do all in the best possible manner, that 
 no one might be mortified by their failure and 
 led to regret that they had been chosen to per- 
 form that particular part. They succeeded 
 admirably, and were delighted with the praise 
 freely bestowed upon them by one and another 
 of the onlookers, including the guests and the 
 members of the different families present. 
 
 When all seemed perfect in their parts, which 
 no one found very difficult, some simple refresh- 
 ments were served, and presently after Captain 
 Eaymond and his family departed for Wood- 
 burn, Captain Donald Keith and Dr. Dick 
 Percival accompanying them. 
 
 It was something of a disappointment to 
 both these gentlemen that, very shortly after 
 arriving there. Captain Raymond advised his 
 daughters to retire, in order that they might 
 feel entirely rested and refreshed before enter- 
 
170 tlLSIE AT HOMJS. 
 
 ing upon the exciting pleasures and fatigues of 
 the coming day. 
 
 " I know it is the best plan for me, papa/' re- 
 turned Grace in cheerful tones, and began her 
 good-nights at once. 
 
 " For me too, since I want all the beauty 
 sleep I can get in preparation for to-morrow," 
 laughed Lucilla, " though of course it is by no 
 means so necessary for the bride's attendants 
 as for herself.'' 
 
 " Ah ! is that because they are so much hand- 
 somer to begin with?" 
 
 " Oh, papa! please refrain from asking such 
 hard questions!" was the response in tones of 
 mock entreaty; " hard because they seem to im- 
 ply a good deal of vanity in me. I was only 
 meaning that, of course, the bride's appearance 
 will attract the most attention." 
 
 "Ah! was that it? Well, my child, say 
 good-night and go; get to bed quickly, put 
 aside thoughts of to-morrow's gaieties, and in- 
 dulge in sleep so sound and refreshing that you 
 will be ready to give your father his usual com- 
 panionship in his early stroll about the 
 grounds." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. iVl 
 
 " I'll do my best to follow all those directions, 
 sir/' she said with a bright, pleased look. 
 '' Good-night, gentlemen," turning toward the 
 guests. " I hope you will both sleep well and 
 find to-morrow's festivities very enjoyable." 
 And with that she hastened away, leaving the 
 three gentlennen alone upon the veranda, for 
 Violet was seeing her little ones to bed. 
 
 "What a rich man you are, Kaymond! " 
 remarked Keith, half unconsciously sighing 
 slightly as he spoke. 
 
 "You are right," returned the captain 
 cheerily, "my wife and children being by far 
 the most valuable of my possessions. I only 
 wish that you and your friend here," glancing 
 at Dr. Percival as he spoke, " were equally 
 wealthy. But you are younger men, and may 
 hope to become as rich as I am by the time you 
 are my age." 
 
 " Hardly; so far as I am concerned, at least," 
 returned Keith drily; "seeing I am already 
 some ten or a dozen years older than you were 
 at the time of your first marriage, Raymond." 
 
 " Yet by no means too old to hope yet to be- 
 come in the near future a happy husband and 
 
172 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 father. I am at a loss to understand why you 
 have not found a mate before this." 
 
 " Ah, none so blind as those that won't see! " 
 returned Keith with a slight laugh; then 
 changed the subject of conversation by asking 
 a question in regard to the plans of the young 
 couple expecting to be united on the morrow. 
 
 Captain Raymond answered the query. A 
 moment's silence followed; then Keith, turning 
 to Dick, said: "I presume you and I are of 
 about the same age, doctor? " 
 
 " Quite likely; and confirmed bachelors, both 
 of us, it would seem," was the nonchalant re- 
 joinder, " I am some years older than Cousin 
 Vi." 
 
 " Not too old for reformation, however," re- 
 marked Captain Raymond pleasantly. "And 
 let me assure you that a wife — such as mine, for 
 instance — is a very great blessing; doubhng the 
 happiness of life." 
 
 " I don't doubt it, sir," said Dick; " but such 
 an one is not to be picked up every day." 
 
 " No, certainly not. I have always felt my- 
 self strangely fortunate in securing so great a 
 treasure." 
 
BL8IE AT HOME. 173 
 
 "As you well may," remarked Keith pleas- 
 antly; " yet your good fortune has been largely 
 owing to your undoubted worthiness of it, 
 Raymond." 
 
 " In which opinion I agree with you heartily, 
 Cousin Donald," responded Violet's sweet voice 
 close at hand, taking them by surprise, for, in 
 the earnestness of their talk they had not per- 
 ceived the sound of her light approaching foot- 
 steps. " I think there is nothing good which 
 is beyond my husband's deserts," she added as 
 all three rose hastily to hand her to a seat, Don- 
 ald saying: 
 
 " So you overheard me, Coz! Well, please 
 remember that it was I who brought you 
 two together. An act which seems to have 
 born abundance of good fruit in the happiness 
 of all concerned." 
 
 " I think it has," she said, her husband ad- 
 ding, "And for which I, at least, owe you a 
 deep debt of gratitude." 
 
 " And not you alone, my dear," said Violet; 
 " and in return I can wish him nothing better 
 than wedded happiness equal to our own." 
 
 " A wish in which I heartily unite with you," 
 said Captain Raymond. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 ' Captain Raymond and his eldest daughter 
 were out in the Woodburn grounds the next 
 morning at their usual early hour^ wandering 
 here and there along the shaded paths and 
 among the shrubs and flowers, noting their 
 growth in size and beauty, gathering blossoms, 
 and chatting together in their usual familiar 
 and affectionate manner; Lucilla expressing her 
 thoughts and feelings as freely and openly as 
 though her companion had been one of her 
 own age and sex. 
 
 " I am glad for Rosie/' she said when the talk 
 turned upon the subject of what was expected to 
 be the great event of the day, " she seems so 
 happy; though how she can be in the prospect 
 of leaving the dear home of her childhood and 
 the mother who loves her so fondly, I cannot 
 understand. Oh, father! I do think I can 
 never, never bear to go away from you! It 
 seems impossible that anyone else can ever be 
 
 174 
 
t!L8IE AT HOME. 175 
 
 half so dear to me, and I am so glad that you 
 want to keep me your own little girl for years 
 longer.'^ 
 
 " For all our life on earth, daughter, if you 
 are satisfied to have it so," he returned, be- 
 stowing upon her a look and smile of tenderest 
 fatherly affection. " You are still one of my 
 chief treasures, which I should be very loath to 
 bestow upon anyone else; dearer to me — as all 
 my children are — than tongue can tell." 
 
 " Yes, papa," she said, looking up into his 
 eyes with a joyous smile, " so you have told me 
 many, many times; but I love to hear it just as 
 if you had never said it before." 
 
 " As I do your expressions of ardent love for 
 me, daughter,^' he returned. " Very glad I am 
 that I am not the one who must to-day resign 
 to another the ownership of a daughter." 
 
 " I am sorry for Grandma Elsie," said Lu- 
 cilla; " but then I suppose she must feel rather 
 used to it — having given away two daughters 
 before." 
 
 "And having none left to be a care and 
 trouble, eh?" laughed her father. 
 
 " No, sir; having both near enough to be seen 
 
176 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 and enjoyed every day if she chooses. Don't 
 you hope that will be the way with you if you 
 have to give any of yours up to somebody 
 else?'' 
 
 " I certainly do/' he said. " I should be very 
 loath to consent to having any one of them car- 
 ried off to a distance. But let us not trouble 
 ourselves with anxious thought of what may lie 
 in the future. Remember the dear Master's 
 word, ^Sufficient unto the day is the evil 
 thereof.' " 
 
 " Yes, papa; and I remember your teaching 
 me that his ^ Take no thought/ means no anx- 
 iety, and that it tends greatly to one's happi- 
 ness to live one day at a time, just leaving all 
 the future in his hands." 
 
 " Yes, daughter; just as a little child leaves 
 its future and the supply of its daily wants in 
 the care of its parents." 
 
 " Such kind teaching, and easy to under- 
 stand when one has such a father as mine/' she 
 said, with a look of grateful love. 
 
 ^^I am thankful, indeed, daughter, if any- 
 thing in my treatment and teaching helps you 
 to a clearer understanding of how the Master 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. HI 
 
 would have you to act and feel/' he said in 
 tones that spoke full appreciation of her filial 
 affection. 
 
 " Ah! there is our mail/' he added, as a serv- 
 ant was seen carrying it toward the house; " so 
 we will go in now and see if it contains any- 
 thing important for you or me." 
 
 ^^And if there is anything you want an- 
 swered on the typewriter you will let me do it 
 at once, won't you, papa?" she asked, as they 
 quickened their footsteps, taking the direction 
 toward the house. 
 
 " If you have time, and wish to do so, 
 daughter." 
 
 " Yes, sir; I have hardly anything to do till 
 it is time for the drive to Ion." 
 
 "Unless you should find a letter, or more 
 than one, of your own, calling for a reply/' he 
 returned, smiling down into her bright, ani- 
 mated face. 
 
 " That is not very likely, considering how few 
 correspondents I have," she laughed. 
 
 They reached the veranda from one direction 
 as the servant entered it from another, and the 
 captain, taking the mail bag from him, walked 
 
178 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 on into the library, Lucilla following. He 
 emptied the contents of the bag upon the table, 
 and going rapidly over them, said: " Several 
 letters for our guests " (laying them aside as he 
 spoke), " one for your mamma; none for any of 
 my children, and only two business letters for 
 me. Well, daughter," glancing at the clock on 
 the mantel, "you may sit down to your type- 
 writer and answer these at my dictation; as I 
 see there will be time to do so before the ring- 
 ing of the breakfast bell. Ah, good-morning, 
 Keith! " as at that moment that gentleman 
 entered the room. " Here are letters which I 
 was just about to send up to you." 
 
 " Thank you," said Keith, taking them from 
 his host's outstretched hand. " I am glad to 
 have saved you the trouble. I hope you and 
 Miss Lucilla are both quite well ? " giving her 
 a bow and smile as he spoke. 
 
 "Entirely, thank you, and have just come 
 in from our usual early stroll together about 
 the grounds. I hope you rested well. Take 
 that easy-chair and don't let our presence in- 
 terfere with your enjoyment of your letters." 
 
 Keith declined that invitation, saying he felt 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 170 
 
 a strong inclination for a breath of the sweet 
 morning air before the summons to the break- 
 fast table should come; so would read his let- 
 ters upon the veranda, and, with them in his 
 hand, passed out of the room. 
 
 " I strongly suspect that was from a 
 polite disinclination to hinder us in our work, 
 papa," remarked Lucilla in a sprightly tone, 
 as her father uncovered the machine and made 
 all things ready for her work. 
 
 " Quite likely,'' he responded, " for I never 
 met anyone more truly polite and thoughtful 
 for others. He is a Christian man and acts 
 from Christian principles in all that he 
 does." 
 
 '' As his friend, my father, does," she said 
 with a look of filial reverence up into his face 
 as he stood by her side. 
 
 " And as I trust my daughter does and will 
 ever do," he returned with grave earnestness, 
 then began his dictation. 
 
 They made rapid work and had finished and 
 joined Keith upon the veranda before the ring- 
 ing of the breakfast bell summoned all to their 
 morning meal. 
 
180 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 *^Eosie has an ideal wedding da}^, I think/' 
 remarked Violet as she poured the coffee; " that 
 shower in the night having laid the dust in the 
 roads and made the air deliciously cool/^ 
 
 " Also refreshed vegetation/' added her hus- 
 band, " so that trees and shrubs and flowers are 
 as fresh and fragrant as possible." 
 
 " The sun shines brightly, too/' added 
 Grace, "reminding one of the old saying I 
 have so often heard quoted: '^ Happy is the 
 bride on whom the sun shines.' " 
 
 " It is pleasant to see it sliining, yet I do not 
 believe Eosie would hesitate a moment, or feel 
 the least anxiety about its effect upon her 
 future happiness, if the rain were pouring 
 down," said Lucilla; "because she has great con- 
 fidence in her bridegroom that is to be, and not 
 a particle of superstition in her nature." 
 
 " That is giving her high praise/' said Keith, 
 " for there are few who are entirely free from 
 it, though very many are hardly aware of its 
 hold upon them." 
 
 "You are quite con-ect, I think, sir," re- 
 marked Dr. Percival; " we are all apt to be 
 blind to our own feelings, and hardly conscious 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 181 
 
 that our prejudices and superstitions are such, 
 blind to our weakness — even more to the men- 
 tal than to the physical." 
 
 " Then how well it is that there is no occasion 
 for their exercise, or for battling with them 
 to-day," observed Violet in a sprightly tone; 
 " and though, of course, mamma and all of us 
 must, when Rosie is gone, miss our constant 
 sweet companionship with her, we ought not to 
 mourn, but rather rejoice that she is going into 
 a Christian family and gaining a devoted Chris- 
 tian for a life companion." 
 
 "Yes; that is indeed a cause for joy and 
 gratitude," said Keith. 
 
 " Father, will Mr. Croly be any relation to us 
 after he gets married to Aunt Rosie? " queried 
 Ned. 
 
 " Yes, my son; brother to your mamma and 
 me, and imcle to the rest of you." 
 
 " Meaning Neddie himself and Elsie, papa? " 
 Grace said half interrogatively and with an 
 amused little laugh. 
 
 "Ah, yes! he is certainly too young to be, 
 or wish to be, that to my older daughters," re- 
 turned her father with a look of amusement. 
 
182 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " No danger that he will want to claim that 
 relationship, Gracie/' laughed Lucilla. " Even 
 Walter does not, though I know you are a 
 particular favourite with him; but he, to 
 be sure, is still younger than Mr. Croly by some 
 years." 
 
 " It is at two o'clock Aunt Eosie is to be 
 married, then there will be the wedding feast, 
 and after that the bride and groom will go on 
 a journey," said Neddie, as if bestowing a piece 
 of valuable information upon his hearers. 
 
 " Yes," said Elsie, " but, as everybody knows 
 it, what's the use of telling it? " 
 
 " I thought perhaps Cousin Donald and 
 Cousin Dick didn't know it — at least, not all 
 of it," said Ned. 
 
 Then his father told him he had talked quite 
 enough, and must be quiet during the rest of 
 the meal. 
 
 " We who are to be the bride's attendants 
 should go over early, I think," remarked Lu- 
 cilla. " At least we, the older ones," she 
 added with a smiling glance at Elsie; " the lit- 
 tle flower girls will not be needed until some- 
 what later." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 183 
 
 "You may set your own time," her father 
 said. " I will send you and Grace over in the 
 family carriage, and it can return in full sea- 
 son for the use of anyone else who desires it. 
 We have a variety of horses and conveyances, 
 gentlemen, any or all of them at your service 
 at whatever hour you may appoint," he added, 
 turning to his guests. " There will be abun- 
 dance of time for a ride or drive for mere ex- 
 ercise or enjoyment, before donning your attire 
 for the grand occasion, if you wish to take it." 
 
 Both gentlemen accepted the offer with 
 thanks, and they proceeded to lay their plans 
 for a gallop together over some of the roads 
 with which Dick had been familiar in his child- 
 hood, but which would be new to Captain 
 Keith. They set out within an hour after 
 leaving the breakfast table, and not very long 
 afterward the young girls were on their way 
 to Ion. 
 
 They found the house beautifully decorated 
 with flowers from garden and conservatories, 
 especially the room in which the ceremony was 
 to take place. 
 
 Ji^verybody seemed in a state of subdued ex- 
 
184 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 citement, Eosie half gay, half sad, her eyes fill- 
 ing whenever she turned them upon her 
 mother — the dear mother who had so loved and 
 cherished her all the days of her life with such 
 unselfish devotion as no other earthly creature 
 could know; how could she endure the thought 
 of the impending separation? She could not; 
 she could only strive to forget it, and keep her 
 mind filled with the important step now just 
 ahout to be taken, for she had already gone too 
 far to retreat even were she sure that she wished 
 to do so. The mother was scarcely less 
 affected, but with her greater experience of life 
 was better able to control and conceal her feel- 
 ings. And so were the others who, though 
 pleased with the match, still felt that this was 
 the breaking up of some very tender ties; they 
 would not allow their thoughts to dwell upon 
 that, but would occupy them with the mirth 
 and gaiety of the present. 
 
 But to Mrs. Croly, who had so far recovered 
 under Dr. Conly's skilful treatment that she 
 was able to be present, it was all joy: she had 
 always wanted a daughter, and now was 
 gaining one after her own heart; for Kosie 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 185 
 
 seemed to her all that was good, beautiful, and 
 in every way attractive. And then in respect 
 to family, fortune, everything that could be 
 thought of, she was all that could be desired. 
 The elder Mr. Croly, too, was entirely satis- 
 fied with the match, and already felt a paternal 
 interest in the young girl just entering his 
 family. In fact upon both sides there was per- 
 fect satisfaction with the match. 
 
 Everything went well; there was no bustle or 
 confusion; minister and guests were all there 
 in due season; bride, groom, and attendants, in- 
 cluding the little flower girls, performed their 
 parts without mistake or discomposure. Kisses, 
 congratulations, and good wishes followed; then 
 the wedding feast was partaken of leisurely and 
 with mirth and jollity, the bridal dress was 
 exchanged for a beautiful travelling suit, the 
 farewells were spoken, with cheery remind- 
 ers that the separation was to be but temporary, 
 the bride expecting soon to rejoin the dear 
 home circle. That thought was a very com- 
 forting one to her, and, though tears had fallen 
 at the parting from her loved ones, — especially 
 her mother, — they soon ceased their flow under 
 
186 JEL8IE AT HOME. 
 
 the tenderly affectionate caresses and endear- 
 ments of him who was henceforward to be to 
 her the nearest and dearest of all earthly loved 
 ones, and her face grew radiant with happiness 
 as he had hoped to see it on their bridal day. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Neakly all the guests — relatives and dear 
 friends — remained for some hours after the de- 
 parture of the bride and groom, some convers- 
 ing together upon the veranda, some wandering 
 in couples or little companies about the grounds 
 or sitting in the shade of the beautiful trees on 
 the lawn. 
 
 Most of the young people, especially those 
 of them who had been attendants of the bride 
 and groom, gathered about Grandma Elsie — 
 for they all loved her, and everyone felt that 
 she had particular need of some pleasant dis- 
 traction of thought just at that time, to prevent 
 her from dwelling upon the partial loss of her 
 youngest daughter. 
 
 Walter was, of course, one of the group, and 
 he presently plunged into lively accounts of his 
 college-boy experiences, very interesting and 
 amusing to him and presumably so to others, 
 as, in fact, they were to most if not all of 
 
 187 
 
188 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 his auditors^, his older brothers among the 
 rest; for it seemed to carry them back, in at 
 least a measure, to their o^vti Freshman days, 
 with all their trials and triumphs, their pleas- 
 ures and annoyances. 
 
 " Did anybody do anything very bad to you, 
 Walter?" asked Grace. 
 
 " No; not very," he replied; " hazing has 
 been almost abolished, and what is still done is 
 by no means unendurable. 
 
 "Oh! I must tell you of a bit of fun we had 
 only the other day. On the porch of one of 
 our boarding houses a countryman had set down 
 a basket of eggs — about twenty dozen I was 
 told — that he had brought in for customers; 
 and there they stood, looking as tempting as 
 possible, especially to wild young college boys, 
 some of whom, coming there when recitations 
 were over and the dinner hour approaching, saw 
 them and were immediately smitten with a 
 desire to handle, if not to taste them. One fel- 
 low snatched up an agg and threw it at an- 
 other; it struck him, broke, and bespattered his 
 clothes. He, naturally, retaliated in kind, and 
 other fellows followed their example, the fun 
 
tJLSIE AT HOME. 189 
 
 growing fast and furious, till every Qgg the bas- 
 ket had contained was gone, and porch, stu- 
 dents, and their clothing were a sight to 
 behold." 
 
 " And what did the farmer say when he came 
 back for his basket and found it empty?" 
 asked Lucilla. 
 
 " He was very angry, but those who had 
 broken the eggs paid him his full price, and he 
 went off tolerably well satisfied, though he 
 growled that he was compelled to disappoint 
 his customers. 
 
 " The boarding house keeper was angry, too, 
 but stopped scolding when told that the mis- 
 chief should be repaired at the expense of those 
 who had caused it." 
 
 " The clothes of those engaged in the row 
 must have been in a pretty bad condition," re- 
 marked Harold. 
 
 " Yes, of course; and they had some fine 
 tailors' bills to pay before they were again 
 presentable." 
 
 " A shameful waste of good food provided 
 by our Heavenly Father, that someone's hunger 
 might be satisfied," remai'ked Grandma Elsie 
 
190 ELSt^ AT BOMB: 
 
 gravely. " Surely the young men engaged in 
 it must have forgotten the teaching of our 
 Saviour when he said, ^ Gather up the frag- 
 ments that remain, that nothing be lost/ " 
 
 " Mamma! I had forgotten that," exclaimed 
 Walter, blushing vividly. 
 
 " A poor excuse, my son," she replied. 
 " ' Remember all the commandments of the 
 Lord, and do them.' Those are his own 
 words given to Moses to speak unto the Chil- 
 dren of Israel. Jesus was and is God; there- 
 fore what he commanded is the command of 
 God. And since he had just proved liis ability 
 to create abundance of food, his command to 
 avoid waste must have been given for the bene- 
 fit of his hearers; and can you think he would 
 have approved of the waste of good, nourishing 
 food of which you have just been telling? " 
 
 " Xo, mother; I am convinced that it was not 
 right; that it was, in fact, wicked waste. I 
 must own that I had a share in it; but I prom- 
 ise you I will never be guilty of the like again. 
 It does seem very wrong when one thinks of the 
 multitudes of people in different parts of the 
 world who are actually starving." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 191 
 
 "Yes, I hope you will be more thoughtful 
 in future' — will use your influence against such 
 objectionable sport; surely bright young men 
 and boys should be capable of finding or making 
 better or less blameworthy fun. You may feel 
 assured, however, that your mother is interested 
 in all that interests you. So if you have any- 
 thing more to tell of your college experiences 
 we will be glad to hear it." 
 
 " You found the Sophs rather domineering, 
 didn't you," asked Herbert. 
 
 " About as much so as they dared to be, I 
 should say," laughed Walter. " For instance, 
 they won't let the Freshes wear white duck 
 trousers till some time in May. Nor will they 
 allow them to wear the colours gold and 
 black till just at the close of their Freshman 
 year." 
 
 "Well, that is tyranny!" exclaimed Lucilla, 
 " and if I were a Freshman I wouldn't stand 
 it." 
 
 " Ah! but if you didn't you might have some- 
 thing worse to stand," laughed Walter. Then 
 he went on, " I must tell you about the cane 
 spree. They have it at the time of the first 
 
192 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 full moon. The players are three men from 
 each class — one light-weight, one middle, 
 and one heavy-weight. The students of all 
 classes gather in a circle around them to 
 watch the sport. First the light-weights try a 
 tussle for the cane; then the middles, and lastly 
 the heavys. It is not so much strength as skill 
 that wins, and the victors keep their canes as 
 trophies, and are proud to show them for the 
 rest of their lives." 
 
 " Well, really,'' laughed Maud Dinsmore, " it 
 does not strike me as anything worth taking 
 particular pride in." 
 
 " Mayhap that is because you are only a girl, 
 Maud," remarked Chester teasingly. 
 
 " Yes," she returned sportively, " if I were 
 only a boy I might be as silly as the others." 
 
 " Does it strike you as very silly, Gracie ? " 
 asked Walter. 
 
 " Well, no; not for boys," she returned doubt- 
 fully, " but rather so for a man. There 
 are so many other things in which — at least it 
 seems to me — it would be better worth while to 
 excel." 
 
 "Yes; so there are," he agreed with a 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 193 
 
 thoughtful look. " And yet an occasional bit 
 of sport is a good thing even for a man." 
 
 " That is very true," said Harold; " and cer- 
 tainly as true for brain-workers as for any who 
 toil with their hands." 
 
 "Doesn't it seem pleasant to be at home 
 again, Walter? " asked Grace. 
 
 " Yes, indeed! " he exclaimed. " There is 
 no place like home — especially home with 
 mother in it." 
 
 " Or with father in it," added Grace as, at 
 that moment. Captain Kaymond joined the 
 circle. 
 
 " Such a father as ours," said Lucilla, looking 
 up at him with a smile of proud, fond affection. 
 He returned it, accepted an offered seat, and 
 asked Walter if he had been entertaining the 
 company with tales of college doings and ex- 
 periences. 
 
 " Yes, sir," returned the lad. " I suppose it 
 is the usual thing for a Freshman to do on 
 coming home at the end of his year." 
 
 " Quite; his head being pretty full of them," 
 was the playful rejoinder. " Well, little — no, 
 young brother — I hope the old tutor has not 
 
194 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 been entirely forgotten in admiration and af- 
 fection for the new ? " 
 
 " No> sir; no, indeed ! and never will be/' re- 
 turned Walter, speaking with an energy and 
 earnestness that brought a smile to the captain's 
 lips and eyes. " I. shall show myself strangely 
 ungrateful if I ever forgot the patience and 
 kindness with which my oldest brother in- 
 structed me; and all for no reward at all." 
 
 " Ah! there you are mistaken/' said Captain 
 Raymond pleasantly. " It was reward enough 
 to know that I was helping to fit you for future 
 usefulness. I hope, my boy, you will live to 
 be an honour to your mother and a blessing to 
 the world." 
 
 " I hope so, sir; it is my ardent wish/' Wal- 
 ter said low and earnestly, giving his mother 
 a most loving look as he spoke. 
 
 " And if you trust not in your own strength, 
 but look constantly to God for help, you will 
 succeed, my son," she responded in low, moved 
 tones. 
 
 Just at that moment there were several ad- 
 ditions to their group, among them Captain 
 Keith and Dr. Percival, and the talk turned 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 196 
 
 upon plans for the next few days, and after 
 that for the summer. Most of the relatives 
 from a distance would linger in that neighbour- 
 hood for a week or more, and entertainments 
 of one kind and another would be given by 
 those residents there. The Oaks, The Laurels, 
 Fairview, Woodburn, Roselands, and Beech- 
 wood would have their turns. After that must 
 come the inevitable breaking up and scattering 
 of guests to their own homes or some summer 
 resort, while most of the dwellers in that re- 
 gion would go northward in search of a cooler 
 climate in which to pass the heated term. But 
 it was not deemed necessary to settle it all now; 
 only to arrange on which day ea*-' estate would 
 be the scene of entertainment. It took a good 
 deal of consultation, mingled with merry jests 
 and happy laughter, to settle all that. Then 
 there was a general leave taking and scattering 
 to their homes — temporary or settled. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The wedding had been on Wednesday. On 
 Thursday all gathered, by invitation, at the 
 Oaks, where Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore gave them 
 a royal entertainment. On Friday the same 
 thing was repeated at The Laurels, on Saturday 
 at Fairview, and on the following Monday all 
 were to assemble at Woodburn. 
 
 Being a Christian, Sabbath keeping connec- 
 tion, no one thought for a moment of profaning 
 the Lord's day by frivolity and merry making. 
 Those who were able attended church in the 
 morning; in the afternoon the Ion and Wood- 
 burn people taught their Sunday-school classes 
 as usual, and afterward held a Bible class among 
 themselves at Woodburn, that being the point 
 nearest to the schoolhouse on the Woodburn 
 place, at which they had just concluded the 
 exercises for the day. 
 
 Dr. and Mrs. Landreth and her brother, the 
 
 196 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 197 
 
 Eev. Cyril Keith were^ just at that time, among 
 the guests of Captain and Mrs. Eaymond, and, 
 by the request of the little compan}^ the min- 
 ister lead the exercises. 
 
 Turning over the leaves of his Bible, " The 
 thought strikes me," he said, " that perhaps 
 godliness would be as good a subject for to- 
 day's consideration as we could find. ^ Godli- 
 ness with contentment is great gain,' the 
 apostle tells us. It is a duty and the part of 
 wisdom to be contented with what God our 
 heavenly Father has seen fit to give us of the 
 good things of this life; for there is no happi- 
 ness to be found in discontent, murmuring, and 
 repining; envying those who seem to us to have 
 a larger share than ours of the riches and pleas- 
 ures of earth. ' We brought nothing into this 
 world, and it is certain we can cany nothing 
 out. And, having food and raiment, let us be 
 therewith content." Happiness does not de- 
 pend upon the amount of our earthly posses- 
 sions. ' Trust in the Lord and do good, so 
 slialt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou 
 shalt be fed.' That promise alone should be 
 enough to make one contented and happy, 
 
198 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 even though possessed of but very little of this 
 world's goods. Indeed, why should we care to 
 have much of that which may at any moment 
 fall from our grasp? Let us rather seek the 
 true riches which endure unto eternal life. Let 
 us follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, 
 love, patience, meekness. May ours be ^ the 
 path of the just which is as the shining light 
 that shineth more and more unto the perfect 
 day.' 
 
 " But I consented, not to the preaching of a 
 sermon, but only to the leading of the exer- 
 cises in which all are privileged and desired to 
 take a part. Let us have the reading or quot- 
 ing of texts bearing upon the subject of 
 godliness." 
 
 Then, from their open Bibles they read in 
 turn, the older people selecting for themselves, 
 the younger searching out references given 
 them by their leader. 
 
 " Papa," asked Neddie, when there was a 
 pause in the reading, "what is godliness? 
 Does it mean the same as being a Christian?" 
 
 " Yes, my son." 
 
 " And to be a Christian is to love Jesus and 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 199 
 
 try to be like him and serve him everywhere 
 and all the time ? " 
 
 " Yes; a real, true Christian is one who fol- 
 lows Christ, striving to be like him in every 
 way and to keep all his commands." 
 
 " I think I do want to, papa. Please tell me 
 more about it." 
 
 '' We must study the Bible to learn all about 
 Christ Jesus — how he lived in this world, what 
 he did, and what he did not do, what sort of 
 spirit he showed — and strive to have the same 
 spirit ourselves; for the Bible tells us ^ If any 
 man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of 
 his.' Jesus said, ^ I must be about my Father's 
 business,' and if God is our Father we too will 
 be about his business." 
 
 '^ But how, papa? I don't understand it." 
 
 " Jesus came to save souls; and we must try 
 to save them by leading them to him; first by 
 serving him ourselves, then by persuading 
 others to do the same — telling them of all his 
 great goodness and mercy, his loving kindness, 
 and how he suffered and bled and died that 
 sinners might be saved — even those who hated 
 and persecuted him. How strange it is that 
 
200 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 we do not love him more and serve him 
 better! " 
 
 *^ And how enduring is that love — the love 
 of Christ/^ added Grandma Elsie. " His own 
 word is^ ^ Yea, I have loved thee with an ever- 
 lasting love: therefore with loving kindness 
 have I drawn thee.' " 
 
 ^^ And he laid down his life for us/' said Mrs. 
 Landreth. '^ And he himself said, ^ Greater 
 love hath no man than this, that a man lay 
 down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends 
 if ye do whatsoever I command you.' " 
 
 " Yes, that is the test," said Mr Dinsmore; 
 " we have no right to consider ourselves his 
 disciples unless we are striving earnestly to 
 keep all his commandments. He himself said, 
 ' Either make the tree good and his fruit 
 good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his 
 fruit corrupt: for a tree is known by his 
 fruit.' " 
 
 " Yes; if we love our Father we will strive 
 earnestly to keep his commandments and not 
 feel them to be grievous. A loving child is an 
 obedient one," said Mr. Keith. " ' For this is 
 the love of God, that we keep his command- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 201 
 
 nients: and his commandments are not 
 grievous.' " 
 
 " ' God commendeth his love toward iis^ in 
 that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for 
 us/ " quoted his son Donald. " In his love 
 and in his pity he redeemed us.'' 
 
 Then there was a moment's pause, presently 
 broken by Mr. Dinsmore starting the hymn 
 " Love divine, all love excelling," in which the 
 other voices promptly joined. 
 
 That closed the exercises for that time, and 
 those who had come merely to take part in 
 them bade good-bye for that day with the expec- 
 tation of returning on the following one. And 
 those who remained behind scattered to their 
 rooms until the summons of the tea bell 
 brought them together again about the table, 
 to partake of their evening meal; after which 
 they repaired to the veranda and spent in con- 
 versation and music, suited to its sacredness, the 
 closing hours of that Lord's day. 
 
 Captain Eaymond and his wdfe lingered for a 
 little upon the veranda after their guests had 
 gone to their rooms. They sat side b}^ side^ — 
 he with his arm about her waist, her hand fast 
 
202 BL8IE AT HOME. 
 
 clasped in his^ while her head rested upon his 
 shoulder and her eyes looked up lovingly into 
 his face. 
 
 " My dear/' she said softly and with a beau- 
 tiful smile, " I am so happy. I love you so, so 
 devotedly, and am so sure that your love for 
 me is equally strong." 
 
 " I think it is, my darling — light of my eyes 
 and core of my heart," he responded low and 
 feelingly. " You are to me the dearest, sweet- 
 est, loveliest of earthly creatures. I can never 
 cease wondering at my great good fortune in 
 securing such a treasure for my own. I am 
 rich, rich in love. My children are all very 
 near and dear to me, and I know and feel that 
 I am to them, but you — ah, I think you are 
 dearer than all five of them put together! " 
 
 " Ah," she said with a joyous smile, " those 
 are sweet, sweet words io me! And yet they 
 make me feel almost as if I had robbed them — 
 your children. They all love you so dearly, as 
 you have said, and set so high a value upon 
 your love to them." 
 
 " And it is very great : none the less because 
 my love for you is still greater. You, my dear 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 203 
 
 wife, are my second self — ^bone of my bone 
 and flesh of my flesh.' It is right that our 
 mutual love should exceed all other earthly 
 loves." 
 
 " Yes; and yet I fear it would make Lu — 
 perhaps Gracie also — unhappy to know that you 
 have greater love for anyone else than for 
 them." 
 
 " I think they do know it, and also that it is 
 right that it should be so. And I presume they 
 will both some day love someone else better 
 than their father. I cannot blame them if 
 they do." 
 
 " Perhaps the love differs more in kind than 
 degree," Violet said presently. 
 
 " Yes; there is something in that," he re- 
 turned; '^yet it is not altogether that which 
 satisfies me. We are all bidden to love one 
 another. ^ Husbands, love your wives, even as 
 Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself 
 for it. . . So ought men. to love their wives 
 as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife 
 loveth himself. . . Let every one of you in 
 particular so love his wife even as himself.' " 
 
 He paused and Violet finished the quotation. 
 
204 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 '^ ^ And the wife see that she reverence her 
 husband/ Ah^ it is easy for me to do that 
 with such a husband as mine," she added. 
 " Also, I remember that in Paul's epistle to 
 Titus there is a passage, where the aged women 
 are bidden to teach the younger ones to be 
 sober, to love their husbands, to love their 
 children. And in the next verse to be obedi- 
 ent to their husbands. I think I have kept 
 that command as far as I could ^vithout getting 
 any orders from mine," she concluded, smiling 
 up into his eyes. 
 
 ^^ Yes, indeed, dearest," he said, returning 
 the smile and drawing her closer to his side with 
 a fond gesture, " where one's slightest wish is 
 promptly and eagerly complied with a command 
 would be altogether superfluous. And though I 
 consider it wise and right — yes, an unquestion- 
 able duty to exact prompt, cheerful obedience 
 from my children, I do not think I should ask it 
 of my wife. The women of the apostle's day 
 w^ere not the educated, self-reliant ones of the 
 present time; therefore our wives are hardly to 
 be expected to conform themselves strictly to 
 the rules he lays down for them. But if hus- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 205 
 
 band and wife love each other as they ought, — 
 as 3^011 and I do, for instance, — any friction be- 
 tween them will be a thing of rare occurrence." 
 
 " And when, if ever, there is any," said Vio- 
 let, " I think the wife should be the one to give 
 way — unless she feels that to yield to the 
 wishes of her husband would be a breach of the 
 moral law; but in that case she must remember 
 the answer of Peter to the high priest, ' We 
 ought to obey God rather than men/ " 
 
 " Yes," he said; " and when a parent com- 
 mands something which is plainly contrary to 
 God's command, — lying or stealing for instance, 
 — it is the child's duty to refuse to obey. 
 There are parents, alas! who do train their chil- 
 dren to vice and crime, and when that is the 
 case they, the children, must remember and 
 act upon the teaching of the apostle, *^ We ought 
 to obey God rather than men.' " 
 
 " How I pity children who are placed in 
 such circumstances," sighed Violet. " Oh, I 
 often think what a cause for gratitude I have 
 in the fact that my parents were earnest Chris- 
 tians, and brought me and all their children 
 up in the fear of God; also that my children 
 
206 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 have an earnest, devoted Christian for their 
 father." 
 
 " And for their mother, my sweet wife/' he 
 added with emotion. 
 
 Neither spoke again for some moments. It 
 was Violet who broke the silence. 
 
 " My dear/' she said, " I wonder if you have 
 noticed, as I have, that my cousin Donald 
 greatly admires our Lu." 
 
 ^^ Ah! has he told you so, my love? " queried 
 the captain, a touch of regret and anxiety in his 
 tone. 
 
 "Oh, no!" laughed Violet; "but he looks 
 at her with evidently admiring eyes, listens 
 eagerly to anything and everything she says, 
 and especially to her playing and singing; which 
 are certainly worth hearing. He greatly ad- 
 mires her drawings and paintings, too, some of 
 which I was showing him the other day; also 
 her evident devotion to her father, and readi- 
 ness to assist and make herself useful to him in 
 every possible way." 
 
 " Yes," sighed the captain, " her father would 
 hardly know what to do without her. Yet, of 
 course, I should be far from willing to stand in 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 20Y 
 
 the way of my child's happiness. However, I 
 hope and believe that her father is still nearer 
 and dearer to her than any other human crea- 
 ture. She has often assured me that such was 
 the fact; not waiting to be questioned, but tell- 
 ing the story of her love as something in which 
 we could both rejoice, and which she was sure 
 was reciprocal. As it certainly is. I love her 
 very dearly; though not more than I do each of 
 the others. Indeed, it gives me a heartache to 
 think I shall ever be called to part with any one 
 of them." 
 
 ^^ Not very soon, I hope," said Violet. " You 
 have frequently told me you did not intend to 
 let either of your daughters marry for years to 
 come." 
 
 " No, I do not; and as I dread the pain, for 
 both them and myself, which would be caused 
 by the necessity for refusing to let them follow 
 their inclinations in such a matter, I sincerely 
 hope no one will succeed in winning their 
 affections for years to come." 
 
 " Then if I am right about Donald and he 
 asks your permission to make an offer to Lu, 
 you will forbid him to do so?" 
 
208 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 At first the captain's only reply was an 
 •amused sort of smile. Then he said: "I must 
 tell you of a talk Donald and I had, some years 
 ago, at West Point. You perhaps remember 
 that I took Max and Lulu there, and found 
 Donald already at the hotel, and we spent a few 
 days together, the children with us nearly all 
 the time. One night I sent them early to bed, 
 and, afterward, spent an hour or more talking 
 with my friend alone on the piazza. In that 
 talk he expressed a great admiration for my 
 little girl, and — half in jest, half in earnest 
 • — asked leave to try to win her when she 
 should reach a proper age. I told him cer- 
 tainly not for at least six years. It is five 
 now." 
 
 " Then he ought to wait at least another 
 year," remarked Violet, who had listened with 
 keen interest to her husband's little story. 
 
 '^ Yes; and I hope he will feel that obliga- 
 tion and refrain, for the present at least, from 
 courting her. And, though I should be sorry 
 for my friend's disappointment, I cannot 
 help hoping that he has not won, and will not 
 win, my daughter's heart. I want to become 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 209 
 
 neither his father^ nor my daughter's cousin," 
 he added with a shght laugh. 
 
 " Why, yes, to be sure ! I had not thought 
 about those relationsliips," exclaimed Violet, 
 joining in his mirth. " But," she added, 
 " Donald is so distant a relative of mine that, 
 if that were the only objection, it need not, I 
 think, stand in the way." 
 
 " No, perhaps not. A greater objection to 
 me, so far as I am concerned, would be the 
 fact that, if married to an army officer, my 
 daughter would be kept at a distance from me 
 nearly all the time." 
 
 " i^ nd to me, as well as to you, that would 
 be an almost insurmountable objection; for Lu 
 and I are now the closest and dearest of friends 
 — bosom companions. I should hardly know 
 what to do without her — the dear, sweet girl! " 
 
 '• Ah! it makes me very happy to hear and 
 know that," he said with a glad smile, adding, 
 '•'it is hardly news; for I have seen for a good 
 while that you were very fond of each other." 
 
 " Yes; we are like sisters. I should miss Lu 
 almost more than I shall Rosie, as we are to- 
 gether so much more constantly. Oh, I don't 
 
210 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 like to think of it! and I sincerely hope it may 
 be years before she learns to love any other man 
 well enough to be willing to leave her sweet 
 home under her father's roof." 
 
 " A hope in which I join with all my heart/' 
 said her husband; " and one that I trust Donald 
 is not going to ask me to resign." 
 
 ^^ If he does, just remind him of the exact 
 terms of the answer you gave him at West 
 Point/' returned Violet in playful tones. " But 
 now I think it is time for us to retire; do not 
 you ? " releasing herself from his embrace and 
 rising to her feet as she spoke. 
 
 " Yes/' he said, " I would not have my wife 
 miss her beauty sleep." 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 LuciLLA was in bed but not asleep. She had 
 retired to her room when the guests went to 
 theirs, and without a formal good-night to her 
 father, trusting to his coming to her there for 
 a few moment's chat, as he almost always did. 
 But he had not come, and she felt sorely dis- 
 appointed. It was a beautiful, luxuriously 
 furnished room, this bed chamber of hers — the 
 view from its windows, a lovely one of care- 
 fully kept grounds, cultivated fields, woods, and 
 streams; all looking their loveliest just now as 
 seen by the silver light of the moon, which 
 shone in upon her through rich lace curtains, 
 gently wafted to and fro by the summer breeze, 
 as it came in laden with the sweet scent of 
 flowers from the ga^rden below. 
 
 " What a sweet, lovely home I have! Oh, 
 how much to be thankful for! good health, kind 
 friends, and such a dear father! " she said half 
 aloud; " but I want a good-night kiss and a 
 
 211 
 
212 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 word or two of fatherly affection, and it does 
 seem as if I canH go to sleep without it. Oh, 
 dear! can it be that he is displeased with me 
 about anything? I am not conscious of having 
 done anything he would disapprove." 
 
 " Nor have you, so far as I know, daughter 
 mine," said a pleasant voice close at her side, 
 vrhile a hand was laid tenderly on her head. 
 
 '^ Oh, papa! " she cried joyously, starting up 
 to a sitting posture as she spoke. " I did not 
 know you were there — did not hear you come 
 in; but 1 am so glad you have come! " 
 
 " Are you ? " he asked, seating himself on the 
 side of the bed and drawing her into his arms. 
 " Well, daughter, it is only for a moment, to 
 bid you good-night, as usual, and see that you 
 are in need of nothing. Tell me, are all your 
 A\^ants supplied ? " 
 
 " Yes, sir; now that I have my father here 
 to give me his good-night kiss and blessing. 
 Ah! papa dear, I do not know how I could ever 
 live away from you again. I am so glad you 
 no longer have to go sailing away over the 
 ocean, leaving your cliildren behind." 
 
 *' I am glad of it, too," he returned, " but I 
 
EL8IE AT HOME. 213 
 
 sometimes fear that the day may come when my 
 dear eldest daughter will want to leave me for 
 a home with someone else." 
 
 " Indeed, father dear, you need not have the 
 slightest fear of that," she said, laying her head 
 against his breast with a low, happy laugh. " I 
 am sure there isn't in the wide world any other 
 man whom I could love half so well as I do 
 you. I am just as glad to belong to you now as 
 ever I was." 
 
 " And don't want me to give you away? " 
 
 "No, no, indeed!" she cried with energy. 
 " Oh, papa! you surely are not thinking of such 
 a thing? You have said, over and over again, 
 that you would not, — at least not for years yet, 
 — even if I wanted you to." 
 
 "And I say the same now; so don't be wanting 
 me to," he returned in jesting tone, and laying 
 her down upon her pillow as he spoke. " Now 
 go to sleep at once, that you may be ready to 
 rise at your usual early hour and join your 
 father in the morning stroll about the grounds. 
 ^ The Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord 
 make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious 
 unto thee; the Ijord lift up his countenance 
 
214 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 upon thee, and give thee peace/ " he added in 
 tender, solemn tones, his hand resting upon her 
 head as he spoke. 
 
 Then, with a good-night kiss upon her lips, 
 he left her, and contented and happy she 
 speedily passed into the land of dreams. 
 
 The captain, passing through Grace's room 
 to his own, paused for a moment at her bed- 
 side, bent over her, and kissed the sweet lips; 
 but she slept on, unconscious of the caress. 
 
 He found Violet still awake, repeated to her 
 his little talk w4th Lucilla, and added, with 
 evident satisfaction, ^' I feel convinced that, as 
 yet, no one has made any impression upon her 
 heart, that I, her father, still hold the fort 
 there." 
 
 " Yes; I have hardly a doubt of it," returned 
 , Violet; " and it may be many a long day before 
 she is deluded into thinking there is any other 
 man who begins to compare to him; something 
 that I have known for years was not the case," 
 she concluded with a happy laugh. 
 
 The sun was hardly above the horizon when 
 Lucilla awoke; but she sprang up hastily, with 
 the thought that her father would soon be out 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 215 
 
 in the grounds, and she wanted to be with him. 
 There would be a great deal to attend to in 
 preparation for their expected guests, and per- 
 haps she could be of some assistance; at all 
 events she would like to see all that was going 
 on, and give her opinion on any doubtful 
 subject. 
 
 So she lost no time about attending to the 
 duties of the hour and place, spending a little 
 time upon her knees, asking for the watch- 
 ful care of her Heavenly Father through all the 
 day, that she might be kept from folly and sin, 
 and have strength and wisdom to do every duty 
 and meet every trial, and beseeching his bless- 
 ing upon all her dear ones, not forgetting the 
 dear brother so far away from home and kin- 
 dred. Then she made a rapid but careful 
 toilet, and hastened, with light, swift footsteps, 
 down the broad stairway and out upon the ver- 
 anda, where she found her father in consulta- 
 tion with Christine, the housekeeper. 
 
 Blithe good-mornings were exchanged, Chris- 
 tine went back into the house, and father 
 and daughter walked out together into the 
 grounds. 
 
216 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 Preparations were going on for the entertain- 
 ment of the expected guests, old and young, and 
 Lucilla was not only permitted, but invited to 
 give her opinion in regard to them all, and any 
 suggestions that might occur to her; which she 
 did frankly and fully, and with the result that 
 more than one of them Avas adopted; for her 
 father wished to please her and had great con- 
 fidence in her opinion of such matters. There 
 were croquet and tennis grounds, swings in the 
 shade of the trees in the grove; inviting-looking 
 seats there, and in other suitable places; there 
 were shaded walks and winding paths through 
 the woods; indeed, every sort of arrangement 
 for recreation and pleasure that could be 
 thought of and prepared for in the allotted 
 space. 
 
 Captain Raymond and his daughter walked 
 about inspecting everything, until they had 
 gone over the whole place, giving all needed 
 directions to the workmen who were busied 
 here and there with some alterations the cap- 
 tain had decided upon the previous day, then 
 returned to the house, for it was nearing break- 
 fast time, 
 
MSIE AT HOM^. 21^ 
 
 They found Violet, Grace, and the two 
 younger children on the veranda. Morning 
 greetings were exchanged, then Lucilla hurried 
 to her rooms to make some changes in her 
 dress and was coming down again when the 
 breakfast bell rang. 
 
 It was a cheerful, even merry, party that 
 gathered about the table to partake of the meal, 
 an excellent one; for the captain and Violet 
 were most hospitable entertainers. 
 
 The talk ran principally upon the sports that 
 would enliven and entertain the company dur- 
 ing the day; suggestions from any and every one 
 being in order; and, by the time the meal was 
 concluded, all felt that they had every prospect 
 of a most enjoyable holiday. 
 
 " The weather could not be more propitious 
 than it is," remarked Captain Keith. " You 
 began your enjoyment of it early. Miss Lu/' 
 turning to Lucilla. " I happened to be at my 
 window and saw you and your father out in the 
 grounds." 
 
 " Yes," she said, " papa and I usually do take 
 a stroll about them before breakfast. He is 
 always an early riser. I inherit the taste for 
 
218 ELStE AT HOME. 
 
 it from him and, being in excellent health, can 
 indulge it without injury." 
 
 " Which is something to be thankful for," he 
 said with a smile. 
 
 "Yes, indeed!" she returned heartily. 
 " Health and strength are the greatest of 
 earthly blessings. I would not part w^ith them 
 for any amount of money." 
 
 " No; money cannot buy health and strength, 
 though they may give one the ability to earn 
 money. You, however, have a father able and 
 willing to furnish all you may need of it." 
 
 " Yes," said the captain in his pleasant way, 
 " but that daughter of mine likes to make her- 
 self useful to me, and does so to such an ex- 
 tent that I really think she earns all she gets." 
 
 " Oh, no, papa, not half! " exclaimed Lu- 
 cilla, blushing with pleasure nevertheless. 
 " And that reminds me that I have not asked 
 about your mail this morning. Are there some 
 letters to be answered on the typewriter? " 
 
 " I have been as forgetful as yourself, 
 daughter," her father answered with a slight 
 laugh. " Scip " (to a servant in waiting), " is 
 the mail bag on the library table? " 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 219 
 
 " I think so, sah. Shall I fotch it hyar? " 
 
 *^ Yes; bring it here to me." 
 
 It was brought, opened, and found to contain 
 letters for family and guests, besides newspapers 
 and magazines. 
 
 They were speedily distributed to the owners, 
 read, — some of them aloud, — and their con- 
 tents talked over. 
 
 Then all adjourned to the library for the 
 morning service of prayer, praise, and reading 
 of the Scriptures, after which they scattered 
 about the house and grounds. 
 
 Captain Eaymond's share of the mail had 
 included some business letters, and he called 
 upon Lucilla to use her typewriter in prepar- 
 ing his replies, which she did promptly and 
 cheerfully. < 
 
 " Thank you, daughter," he said when they 
 had finished, " you and your typewriter make 
 my correspondence far less burdensome than it 
 would be otherwise." 
 
 " I am so glad, papa! so glad that I can be 
 of at least a little help to you," she said joy- 
 ously. ^^ It is such a privilege, and such a 
 pleasure! " 
 
220 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 "Dear child!" he said in response. Then, 
 as the sound of wheels on the drive without 
 came to their ears, " Ah! our guests are begin- 
 ning to arrive, and we must go out and bid 
 them welcome." 
 
 Several carriage loads were already there, and 
 others quickly followed till, in a very short 
 time, all the expected relatives were present. 
 
 Then mirih and jollity ruled the hour, all — 
 old and young — seeming in gayest spirits and 
 ready to join in any amusement that might be 
 proposed. Mr. and Mrs. Croly were among the 
 guests. She had gained so materially in health 
 and strength that she was able — resting in an 
 easy-chair upon the veranda — to watch the 
 sports of the younger and healthier ones with 
 interest and enjoyment; and to converse with 
 one and another as they came in turn to chat 
 with her for a time. At length, finding her- 
 self alone with Grandma Elsie for a while, she 
 turned to her, saying in a sprightly way: 
 
 " I am getting so much better under the skil- 
 ful treatment of Dr. Conly that I ventured on 
 quite a drive this morning, and we went to look 
 at a little place, some ten or more acres in ex- 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 221 
 
 tent, about which your son Doctor Harold was 
 telhng us 3^esterday. It is on the river bank, 
 tlie lawn sloping down to the water, and it is 
 hardly farther from Ion than this place. It is 
 for sale. The house is small, but pretty, and 
 could easily be added to, and so made as large 
 as one might wish." 
 
 " Eiverside is the name of the estate ? " Mrs. 
 Tra villa said inquiringly. 
 
 " Yes; a pretty one we both — Mr. Croly and 
 I — think, and we have about decided to buy it 
 and enlarge and beautify the dwelling for our 
 children, — our son and your daughter, — if you 
 think that would please dear Eosie.'^ 
 
 " I think it could not fail to do so," Mrs. 
 Travilla replied, her eyes sparkling with pleas- 
 ure. *'• It will be a great pleasure to me to have 
 our children so near, and I was thinking of 
 making the purchase for them myself. It was 
 only this morning I learned that the place was 
 for sale." 
 
 "Ah!" laughed Mrs. Croly, "don't try to 
 get ahead of us. We want the place ourselves, 
 and it won't hurt the young folks to wait for 
 it till we are gone; especially as we intend it 
 
222 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 to be as much a home for them immediately as 
 if they were sole proprietors." 
 
 " And they will enjoy it all the more for 
 having their kind parents with them/' was Mrs. 
 Travilla's pleased response. 
 
 Then they fell to talking of alterations and 
 additions to the dwelling, and plans for fur- 
 nishing and decorating it and the grounds. 
 
 " I am very glad indeed that you and your 
 husband have decided to settle in this neigh- 
 bourhood/' said Mrs. Tra villa; "glad that we 
 are to have the pleasure of your society, and 
 that Rosie's married home will not be at a 
 distance from that of her childhood. I have 
 been very fortunate in being able thus far to 
 keep all my children near me." 
 
 " Yes, I think so; and I do not wonder that 
 they and you wish to keep together. I feel 
 just so in regard to my one. Ah! who are 
 those two ladies approaching on the drive- 
 Avay?" 
 
 " One I call mamma/' Mrs. Travilla said with 
 a smile; " she is my father's second wife, and 
 has been my dear mother since I was a little 
 girl of ten. The other is Aunt Adelaide, a 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 223 
 
 half sister of my father, who married a brother 
 of Mamma Eose — Mr. Edward Allison of 
 Philadelphia." 
 
 "Ah, yes! I recognize Mrs. Dinsmore, now 
 that they have drawn nearer, and Mrs. Allison 
 as someone to whom I have been introduced; 
 but I have met so many strangers in the last 
 few days that I suppose I may be excused for 
 not remembering her name and connection with 
 you and our Rosie," she concluded with a smile, 
 adding, "You will excuse me, I know, for claim- 
 ing Eosie as mine as well as yours, because it 
 is so sweet to me to have a daughter at long 
 last." 
 
 " I am very glad you feel it so," Mrs. Tra- 
 villa returned with a sweet, sympathising look 
 and smile, " and I hope my Eosie will prove to 
 you the sweet and lovable daughter that she 
 has always been to me." 
 
 Just at that moment the other ladies joined 
 them, and the four entered into a lively con- 
 versation, talking of Eiverside and the im- 
 provements needed there, what a lovely home it 
 would make for the Crolys, how pleasant it 
 would be to have them so near, and how de- 
 
224 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 lightful for Eosie that thus she would escape 
 the dreaded separation from her mother. 
 
 '^ Yes," said Mrs. Croly, " I cannot tell you 
 how glad I was to learn of this beautiful place, 
 so near to Ion, for sale; for I felt badly over the 
 thought that we were robbing Mrs. Travilla of 
 the companionship of so sweet a daughter. Be- 
 sides I am anxious to remain in this neighbour- 
 hood, that I may continue under the care of 
 Dr. Conly; for he has helped me more than any 
 other physician I ever tried." 
 
 That remark seemed gratifying to all three 
 of her listeners, and Mrs. Dinsmore said: "We 
 are glad to hear it; for Dr. Conly is dear to us 
 all, as relative, friend, and physician." 
 
 " He has a lovely young wife," was Mrs. 
 Croly's next remark; " and a darling baby 
 boy of whom they are both very proud and 
 fond." 
 
 " Yes," said Mrs. Travilla, " it does one good 
 to see how happy they are in the possession of 
 it and of each other. Arthur remained sin- 
 gle for years; I think to provide, or assist in 
 providing, for his mother, sisters, and younger 
 brothers, but he seems to be reaping his reward 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 225 
 
 now in having a wife who is a great comfort 
 and blessing to him." 
 
 '^ She is that, indeed! " said Mrs. AlHson 
 emphatically. "Ah! speak of angels — here 
 they come! " as Dr. Conly and his young wife 
 were seen approaching, followed by a nurse car- 
 rying the infant. 
 
 In another minute they had joined the group 
 on the veranda, where the doctor speedily en- 
 sconced his wife in an easy-chair, placed him- 
 self in another by her side, and taking the baby 
 from the nurse, held it up with a look of 
 fatherly pride, asking the older ladies, " Isn't 
 tliis a pretty fine specimen of babyhood, con- 
 sidering that he is my son ? " 
 
 '^Yes, indeed!" laughed Mrs. Allison, "it 
 is singular that so poor a specimen of manhood 
 as my nephew, Arthur Conly, should have so 
 fine a son. But he may have got his good looks 
 from his mother; though I do not perceive that 
 she has lost any." 
 
 " Now, Aunt Adelaide, after that you will 
 do well to take care not to fall ill and get into 
 the doctor's hands," laughed Marian. 
 
 " My dear," said the doctor, " can you sup- 
 
226 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 pose I object to having my wife praised? or my 
 son, even at his father's expense ? " 
 
 " No, I know you do not," she returned. " I 
 verily believe you would sacrifice everything for 
 him except his mother." 
 
 " Did he let you take part in any of the 
 games? " asked Adelaide. 
 
 ^^Oh, I didn't ask to!" said Marian. "I 
 have grown so lazy that I thought it more fun 
 to watch the others." 
 
 " Captain Kaymond and Violet seem to be 
 enjoying tennis as much as any of the rest," 
 remarked Mrs. Dinsmore, who was watching 
 the game with keen interest. 
 
 " Yes," said Dr. Conly, " all — old and young 
 — seem very happy and interested in their 
 various sports; and I think are gaining health 
 and strength from the vigorous exercise in this 
 pure air." 
 
 Most of the company were engaged in 
 games of one kind or another, but some few 
 were wandering about in the alleys of the 
 garden or wood, or sitting on the grass or some 
 rustic bench, chatting sociably, as cousins and 
 connections might be expected to do. Dr. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 227 
 
 Dick Percival and Maud Dinsmore were among 
 the latter. They had had a game of tennis and 
 were now refreshing themselves with a saunter 
 through the wood. 
 
 " I admire this place^ — Woodburn/' said 
 Maud. " Captain Raymond has, I think, made 
 a sort of earthly paradise of it; though for that 
 matter one might say pretty much the same of 
 The Oaks, Ion, and several of the other family 
 estates." 
 
 " Yes; including those down in Louisiana," 
 returned Dick — " Viamede, Magnolia Hall, and 
 a few others. By the way, you have never been 
 down there, have you?" 
 
 " No, never; but I am hoping that Cousin 
 Elsie will invite me one of these days." 
 
 " Suppose you don't wait for that, but ac- 
 cept an invitation from me," suggested Dick, 
 giving her a very lover-like look and smile. 
 
 "From you?" she exclaimed, her tone ex- 
 pressing surprise and a little bewilderment, 
 " are you staying there ? " 
 
 "At Viamede? No, not now. I have 
 bought a plantation not very far from there, 
 and am trying to make it equal in beauty to 
 
228 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 Viamede. It will, of course, take some time to 
 accomplish that; but, to me, Torriswood seems 
 even now a very winso-me place. And if I had 
 my cousin Maud installed there, as mistress, I 
 should be one of the happiest of men." 
 
 " Oh! you want me to become your house- 
 keeper? " 
 
 " Yes; housekeeper, homekeeper, heartkeeper 
 — everything! Oh, Maud darling! can't you 
 understand that I love you and want you for 
 my wife, my best, nearest, and dearest friend, 
 my heart's idol? I love you in a way that I 
 never loved anyone else. Can't you love me 
 in the same way — as something nearer and 
 dearer than a mere cousin? " 
 
 Maud was blushing, trembling — wholly 
 taken by surprise and hardly knowing whether 
 to be glad or sorry. " Oh, Dick! how can 
 you?" she stammered. "We are cousins, )^ou 
 know, and — and cousins ought not to — to 
 marry. I have often heard Cousin Arthur 
 say so." 
 
 " Not first cousins, nor second, but w^e are 
 neither; we are far enough removed to be en- 
 tirely safe so far as that is concerned. So 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 229 
 
 dearest, you need net hesitate on that account, 
 if you feel that you can love me well enough to 
 be happy as my wife. Can you? If you can- 
 not now, I may b€ able to teach you to by 
 clever courting. But I need a wife' — I do in- 
 deed; and I don't know how to wait. Don't 
 make me wait. Can't you give me your love — 
 at least a little of it?" 
 
 " Oh, Dick! do you really care so much for 
 me and my love — really love me in that way ? " 
 she asked low and tremulously, her eyes full of 
 happy tears. " I never thought of such a thing 
 before; but — but I do believe I can — I do love 
 you better than any other of my cousins; better 
 than — than anybody else in the world." 
 
 " Ah ! dearest, you have made me very, very 
 happy," he said joyously; " happier than I 
 ever was in my life before, and I shall go home 
 far richer than I came." 
 
 As he spoke he drew her to a rustic seat in 
 a nook so concealed by the trees and shrubbery 
 and the winding of the path that they were en- 
 tirely hidden from view, and, putting an arm 
 about her he held her close with silent caresses 
 that seemed very sweet to her; for she had been 
 
230 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 an orphan for 3^ears, and often hungry for love 
 greater than that of brother or sister. 
 
 " Maud, dear/' he said presently, " we have 
 given ourselves to each other, and why should 
 we delay the final step? I do not want to go 
 back to my home alone; will you not go with 
 me? It would make me the happiest of men." 
 
 *^ But' — but you are going very soon, I under- 
 stood — in a few days." 
 
 " Yes; it would hardly do for me to wait 
 longer than that; but what is the use of wait- 
 ing? We know each other now as thoroughly 
 as we ever can till we live together as man and 
 wife." 
 
 " But I should have no time to prepare my 
 wardrobe " 
 
 ^^ It is good enough, and can be easily added 
 to when you are Mrs. Percival," he said with a 
 low, gleeful laugh. " I am ready to take you, 
 my darling, if you were without a single change 
 of raiment. I do not think you know it, 
 dearest, but I am no longer the poor relation 
 I used to be. I have had a large practise, 
 worked hard, and made some very fortunate 
 investments^ so that I can truly say that I am 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 231 
 
 a fairly wealthy man. Ah, do give yourself 
 into my keeping at once. I am h&artily tired 
 of my lonely bachelor life, and it will be great 
 joy to me if I can go back, not to it, but to that 
 of a happy married man. IIow a dear little 
 wife — such as my cousin Maud would make — 
 would brighten and make cheery that lonely 
 home. Can you find it in your heart to refuse 
 me the favour I ask, sweet one ? " 
 
 " I do not like to refuse you anything, dear 
 Dick," she returned; "but it is all so sudden 
 and unexpected; do let me have a little time 
 to think it over and — and consult my friends 
 and yours." 
 
 "Ah, well! I will try to wait patiently," he 
 sighed; " wait, hoping you will grant my re- 
 quest." 
 
 " Oh, Dick, dear Dick! I really do feel like 
 doing anything in the world that I can to make 
 you happy. I will do- whatever you wish, no 
 matter what other people may say. Only," she 
 added, as if with sudden recollection, " I sup- 
 pose we must ask Uncle Dinsmore's consent." 
 
 " Yes; but I have no fear that it will be with- 
 held. He and I are no strangers to each other; 
 
232 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 he is my uncle, too, you know, and was my 
 guardian while I was young enough to need 
 one. I think he will be pleased that we are 
 going into partnership, — you and I, — and will 
 agree with me that the sooner we begin the 
 better." 
 
 " Provided that allows me time to get prop- 
 erly ready," she supplemented with an arch 
 look and smile. 
 
 " What preparation do you need ? " he asked. 
 ^' I am more than willing to take you just as 
 you are. You look perfectly charming in that 
 dress, and, for a wedding dress, the one you 
 wore as bridesmaid to Cousin Rosie seems to 
 me entirely suitable. Indeed, my darling, you 
 look bewitchingly pretty in any and every thing 
 you put on." 
 
 ^^ Oh, you flatterer! " she laughed. " I can't 
 expect other people to see with your eyes; but, 
 after all, the principal thing is to please you. 
 That will be my business for the rest of my 
 life, I suppose," she added, giving him a look of 
 ardent affection. 
 
 " And mine to please you, dearest. Shall we 
 not follow Rosie's good example in making no 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 233 
 
 secret of our engagement; at least so far as our 
 own people here assembled are concerned? 
 Will you let me take you back to the house now 
 and introduce you there as my promised wife? " 
 
 " Do just as you please about it. Cousin 
 Dick," she said. " You are older and wiser 
 than I." 
 
 " I certainly am older," he said laughingly as 
 they rose, and he gave her his arm; " but if T 
 am wiser in some respects, you doubtless are in 
 some others. Perhaps we will find out all 
 about that when we get to housekeeping 
 together." 
 
 Mr. Dinsmore had joined the group on the 
 veranda. Mr. Lilburn and Annis, Captain 
 Eaymond and Violet were there, too, and some 
 others of the married people, among them Mr. 
 Horace Dinsmore, Jr., of The Oaks, and his 
 wife, as Dick and Maud came up the steps to- 
 gether. He led her directly to his uncle. 
 
 " We have come for your blessing, sir. Cousin 
 Maud and I," he said in clear, distinct tones. 
 " Will you give her to me? She is willing that 
 you should, and I promise to do all in my power 
 to provide for her and make her happy." 
 
234 tJLSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " Why, children, this is a surprise — but a 
 pleasant one/' exclaimed Mr. Dinsmore. 
 " Yes, I give 3^ou my blessing and wish you 
 many happy years together." 
 
 Then the others crowded about with excla- 
 mations of surprise and pleasure, congratula- 
 tions, good wishes, and questions. " How long 
 had they been lovers." " Did they expect to 
 marry very soon ? " 
 
 " Yes, almost immediately," Dick answered 
 to that last. " What was there to wait for? 
 They were old enough to know their own 
 minds, he was well able to support a wife, and 
 had a home ready for her. It needed some im- 
 provements to be sure, but they could be made 
 all the better with Maud there to give her 
 opinion and advice." 
 
 " But she must have time to prepare her 
 trousseau," said young Mrs. Dinsmore. 
 
 " I have just been coaxing her out of that 
 notion," laughed Dick, regarding his promised 
 wife vv^ith admiring eyes. " I want her, and 
 the wedding finery can be attended to some- 
 what later. I don't think anything could be 
 prettier or more becoming than the dress she 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 235 
 
 wore at Cousin Rosie's wedding, and why can't 
 she be married in that? " 
 
 ^^ Why, it would do, I suppose!" exclaimed 
 Mrs. Dinsmore. " It is very pretty and becom- 
 ing, and, with a bridal veil added, would make 
 a suitable and handsome wedding dress." 
 
 " A wedding dress? Who is going to be mar- 
 ried now?" cried a girlish voice, and Sydney 
 and Walter were seen coming up the steps. All 
 turned at the sound of her voice, and Dick 
 answered : 
 
 " Your sister and I, Cousin Syd. Are you 
 willing to take me for a brother ? " 
 
 " You! " she exclaimed, "you. Cousin Dick? 
 Why, I never dreamed of such a thing! But 
 I have no objection; no, not the least in the 
 world — except that you'll be taking my sister 
 away from me; I don't like that at all." 
 
 " No, Coz, that is altogether a mistake ' 
 Dick hastened to say. " I don't want to sepa - 
 rate you and Maud, and you have only to come 
 along with us to escape that. You will find 
 plenty of room and a warm welcome at Torris- 
 wood." 
 
 " Thaiik you," she said; " but it's so sudden 
 
236 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 I can't realise it at all yet. When did you 
 make up yonr minds to get married? " 
 
 " Half an hour ago, perhaps; I forgot to look 
 at my watch to take exact note of the time." 
 
 ^^ Oh ! is that the way you do when you are 
 taking note of a patient's pulse, or the time for 
 administering a dose of medicine?" 
 
 But Dick was saved the trouble of replying, 
 as relatives, older and younger, came crowding 
 up to learn what was going on. 
 
 Chester and Frank were as much surprised as 
 Sydney had been, but by no means displeased. 
 They liked Dick as a cousin and had no ob- 
 jection to accepting him as a brother-in-law. 
 The newly affianced had no frowns or objections 
 to meet; everybody seemed pleased and inter- 
 ested, and the only queries were as to when 
 and where the marriage should take place. 
 
 " It should be at The Oaks, of course," said 
 young Mr. Dinsmore. " That is her home, and 
 has been for years." 
 
 "And it was there mamma was married," 
 said Violet, " and Maud might stand in the 
 very same place." 
 
 " Yes, I should be glad to have her do so," 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 237 
 
 said Mrs. Tra villa; " and she and Dick need ask 
 nothing more than that their marriage may 
 prove as happy a one as mine." 
 
 ^' Yes, Cousin Elsie, I agree with you in that/' 
 said Maud. " I will be married at The Oaks, if 
 Dick is satisfied to have it so." 
 
 " Entirely," he said; " and now it remains 
 only to fix upon the day and hour." 
 
 That question seemed more difficult to settle 
 than the other; but Dick finally had his way, 
 and the morning of the day on wdiich he was 
 to start for the far South was fixed upon as 
 the time for the ceremony. The other rela- 
 tives from a distance would delay their depart- 
 ure long enough to be present, the older Mr. 
 Cyril Keith was chosen as the officiating 
 minister, and everyone seemed satisfied with all 
 the arrangements. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 It had been a very enjoyable, but an excit- 
 ing day; the httle ones were weary with their 
 sports, and all the guests, except those who 
 were making Woodburn their temporary home, 
 departed shortly after an early tea, and directly 
 after the evening service of prayer and praise 
 the ladies of the family retired to their rooms. 
 At length Captains Raymond and Keith found 
 themselves alone together upon the veranda. 
 
 " Raymond,^' said the younger man, breaking 
 a pause in their talk, " I have a great favour to 
 ask of 3^ou." 
 
 "Ah! what is it, Keith? Surely you do not 
 need to be told that it would give me pleasure 
 to do you any favour in my power." 
 
 " Ah, I fear you hardly realise how much you 
 are promising. Do you remember the talk we 
 had some years ago at West Point?" 
 
 " Yes; but do you remember that the subject 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 239 
 
 was not to be referred to — at least the question 
 you asked not to be repeated — for six years, 
 and that it is now only five ? " 
 
 ^^ Yes; but one year cannot make much differ- 
 ence, and it is highly probable that I may not 
 be able to get here next year. Am I asking 
 too much in begging you to let me speak now — 
 before T go ? Understand I am not asking leave 
 to take her — your beautiful, charming daughter 
 — away from you now, but only to tell the story 
 of my love; for it has come to that, that I am 
 deeply in love with her; only to tell the story 
 and try to win a return of my affection and a 
 promise that, at some future day, I may claim 
 her for my own." 
 
 " I would rather not, Keith; she is only a 
 child," Captain Raymond replied in moved 
 tones. " But since you are so urgent, and are 
 so old and valued a friend, I don't like to re- 
 fuse you. You may speak to her; but with the 
 clear understanding, remember, that I will on 
 no account allow her to marry for some time to 
 come; I do not want to allow it before she is 
 twenty-four or five." 
 
 " Thank you," said Keith heartily; " that will 
 
240 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 be a long time to wait, but she is well worth 
 waiting for. But do you think I have any 
 reason to hope to win her — that she likes me in 
 the very least?" 
 
 " I am certain she has no dislike to you; that 
 she feels kindly toward you as a relative and 
 friend of the family; but I tell you candidly 
 that I am well-nigh convinced that she has 
 never thought of looking upon you as a lover; 
 and it is a great happiness to me to be able to 
 believe that she still loves her father better 
 than any other man living." 
 
 "Still it is possible you may be mistaken/' 
 Keith rejoined after a moment's discouraged 
 silence, " and since I have your permission, I 
 shall try what clever courting will do for 
 me." 
 
 A momentary silence followed, broken by 
 Captain Raymond. " I fear I am a foolish, 
 fond father, Keith. I have a very strong 
 friendship for you, and there is no man to whom 
 I would sooner trust my daughter's happiness, 
 but yet I cannot wish you success in winning 
 her; because, being in the army, )^ou would 
 necessarily take her to a distance from her 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 241 
 
 home and me. But, as I liave said, you may 
 try, though with the full understanding that 
 not for some years to come will I resign my 
 custody of her. She is my own dear child, and, 
 in my esteem, still much too young to leave my 
 fostering care and assume the duties and re- 
 sponsibilities of wifehood and motherhood." 
 
 " I don't blame you, Raymond, and shall not 
 try to persuade her to go against her father's 
 wishes in regard to the time of assuming the 
 cares and duties you speak of," said Keith, 
 heaving an involuntary sigh at thought of the 
 years of bachelorhood still evidently in store for 
 him. "I only wish I were sure of her even 
 after serving seven years, as Jacob did for 
 Eachel." 
 
 " Well, I shall not cheat you as Laban did 
 poor Jacob," returned Captain Raymond pleas- 
 antly. " By the way. Cousins Dick and Maud 
 made quick work of their courting, and the 
 marriage is to follow very speedily. In most 
 cases such speedy work would be risky enough, 
 but they know all about ench other — at least 
 so far as a couple may before the knot is tied 
 which makes them one flesh. I think very 
 
242 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 highly of both^ and hope it is going to be a most 
 happy marriage." 
 
 " I hope it may, indeed/' said Keith. ^' Maud 
 will be hurried with her preparations; more so 
 than most ladies would like, I presume." 
 
 " Yes; but really it will be just as well, I 
 think, under all the circumstances. To-mor- 
 row we are all to spend one half the day at 
 Eoselands, the other at Pine Grove; the next 
 day we go to Beechwood; then Thursday we 
 are to have the wedding at The Oaks, and that 
 night, or the next morning, most of the friends 
 from a distance contemplate starting for their 
 homes." 
 
 " Yes, I among the rest," said Keith. 
 
 '^ I need hardly say, for surely you cannot 
 doubt it, that I should be glad to have you re- 
 main longer with us if Uncle Sam would per- 
 mit it," said Captain Kaymond with cordial 
 hospitality. 
 
 " Thank you," returned Keith, " but that is 
 more than I could expect even were there time 
 to ask it, which there is not." Then, rising, 
 '^ It strikes me that it is high time to be mak- 
 ing ready for bed. Good-night, Eaymond, my 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 243 
 
 good friend; sweet sleep and pleasant dreams to 
 you/^ and, with the last word, he held out his 
 hand. 
 
 Captain Raymond grasped it heartily, saying, 
 " Good-night, Keith; I wish you the same. May 
 He who never slumbers nor sleeps have us all 
 in his kind care and keeping." 
 
 In the principal event of the past day — the 
 engagement of Dick Percival and Maud Dins- 
 more — and the talk of other days and events 
 which ensued, Mrs. Elsie Travilla's thoughts 
 had been carried back to the happy time of her 
 own betrothal and marriage to the one whom 
 she had so loved as friend, lover, and husband. 
 She seemed to see him again as he was then, to 
 hear his low breathed words of tenderest aifec- 
 tion, and her tears fell fast at the thought that 
 never again in this life should their sweet music 
 fall upon her ear. 
 
 But well she knew that the separation was 
 only temporary; that they should meet again in 
 the better land, where sickness, sorrow, and 
 death can never enter, meet never more to 
 part. 
 
 She was alone in her boudoir, and, wiping 
 
244 ELStE AT HOME. 
 
 away her tears, she knelt down in prayer, ask- 
 ing for strength to hear patiently and suhmis- 
 sively the loss that was at times so grievous, and 
 craving God's hlessing upon the young relatives 
 so soon to take upon them the marriage vows. 
 Nor did she forget her own daughter so recently 
 united to the man of her choice, or any other of 
 her dear ones. Her heart swelled with joy and 
 gratitude as she thought of them all, healthy, 
 happy, and in comfortable circumstances; her 
 dear old father and his lovely wife still spared 
 to her, and the dear grandchildren who seemed 
 to renew to her the youthful days of her own 
 children, the fathers and mothers of these. 
 
 Her thoughts were still full of motherly and 
 grandmotherly cares and joys as she laid her 
 head upon her pillow and passed into the land 
 of dreams. 
 
 When she awoke again it was to find the sun 
 shining and the air full of the breath of flowers 
 and the morning songs of the little birds in the 
 tree tops just beyond her windows. She rose 
 and knelt beside her bed, while her heart sent 
 up its song of gratitude and praise, its petitions 
 for grace and strength according to her day, 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 245 
 
 asking the same for her dear ones also, and that 
 she and they might be kept from accident, folly, 
 and sin. 
 
 As she made her toilet her thoughts again re- 
 ferred to Maud and her present needs, which 
 could not well be supplied for lack of time. 
 
 " Can I not help the dear girl in some way ? ' ' 
 she asked herself. 
 
 Then a sudden thought came to her and she 
 hastened to a large closet, unlocked a trunk 
 standing there, and took from it a package care- 
 fully wrapped in a large towel. Carrying it to 
 a sofa in her boudoir she unpinned it and 
 brought to light a dress of richest white satin, 
 having an overskirt of point lace, and, beside it, 
 a veil of the same costly material. 
 
 " As beautiful as ever," she sighed softly to 
 herself. " An 1 the dress would, I think, fit 
 Maud, with little or no alteration. It would 
 be something of a trial to part with them per- 
 manently, but surely I can spare them to Maud 
 for a few hours. It would give her pleasure, 
 for she would look lovely in them, and every 
 woman wants to look her very best at her 
 bridal." 
 
246 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 But the breakfast bell was ringing, and^ put- 
 ting them carefully back in the trunk and re- 
 locking it_, she hastened doAvn to the dining 
 room. 
 
 There were a number of guests in the house, 
 among them the Emburys of Magnolia Hall, 
 and, naturally, the talk at the table ran princi- 
 pally upon the approaching marriage of Molly's 
 brother, Dr. Percival. 
 
 " I am much pleased," she said; " Maud will 
 make a dear little sister for me, and I hope will 
 find me a good and kind one to her. And if 
 Sydney goes along she will be about as good 
 as another. Perhaps Bob and she will get up 
 another match, and then she will be my sister. 
 I wish Bob could have come along with the rest 
 of us." 
 
 " Yes, I wish he could," said ]Mrs. Travilla. 
 '^'He must take his turn at another time, leav- 
 ing Dick to look after the patients." 
 
 " I think Maud feels a trifle disappointed that 
 she has no time to get up a grand wedding 
 dress," Molly ran on, "but the one she wore 
 as Rosie's bridesmaid is very pretty and becom- 
 ing. Still it is not white; and I heard her say 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 247 
 
 that she had always been determined to be mar- 
 ried in white, if she married at all." 
 
 " Oh, well," said Mr. Embury, " the getting 
 married is the chief thing, and, after it is all 
 over, it won't matter much whether it was done 
 in w^hite or some other colour. I presume 
 most folks w^ould think it better to be married 
 even in black than not at all." 
 
 " I think that depends very much upon what 
 sort of husband one gets," laughed Zoe. "I 
 got married without any bridal finery; but it 
 was a very fortunate thing for me after all," 
 giving her husband a proudly affectionate 
 glance. 
 
 " Yes," he said with a smile, " and I wouldn't 
 exchange the wife I got in that way for the 
 most exquisitely attired bride in Christendom." 
 
 Mrs. Travilla kept her own counsel in re- 
 gard to her plans for Maud's relief, until break- 
 fast and family worship were over; but then 
 invited Molly to her boudoir, brought out the 
 dress and veil she had been looking at, and dis- 
 closed her plan for Maud. 
 
 Molly was delighted. 
 
 " Oh, cousin, how good in you! " she crjed. 
 
248 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 "I think Maud will be wild with joy to be so 
 nicely brought out of her difficulty. For the 
 dress is splendid, and, as you say, hardly out of 
 the present fashion in its make-up. And the 
 veil is just too lovely for anything! Fully as 
 handsome as Kosie's was, and I thought it the 
 very handsomest I had ever seen.'^ 
 
 ^' Then I shall telephone at once to The 
 Oaks," Mrs. Travilla said, and, passing out and 
 down to the hall below, she did so. Calling for 
 Maud, she asked her to come over to Ion at 
 once as she wished to consult her on an im- 
 portant matter requiring prompt decision; but 
 she would not detain her long. 
 
 Much wondering, Maud replied that she 
 would be there in a few minutes; the carriage 
 being at the door, and Mr. Dinsmore offering 
 to drive her over immediately. 
 
 Mrs. Travilla gave orders to a servant that on 
 Miss Dinsmore's arrival she should be brought 
 directly to her boudoir; Mr. Dinsmore might 
 come also, if he wished; and presently both 
 appeared. 
 
 They were warmly greeted by Mrs. Travilla 
 and Mrs. Embury, who was still with her. 
 
1]L8IE AT HOME. 249 
 
 " I have something to show you, Maud, and 
 an offer to make," Elsie said with a smile, lead- 
 ing the young girl forward and pointing to the 
 dress and veil disposed about an easy-chair in 
 a way to exhibit them in all their beauty. 
 
 " Oh! " cried Maud, " how lovely! how lovely! 
 I never saw them before. Whose were they? 
 Where did they come from. Cousin Elsie? " 
 
 " I wore them when — when I was married," 
 Elsie answered in low, sad tones; " they have 
 not been used since, but I will leflid them to 
 you, dear Maud, if you would like to use them 
 for your bridal." 
 
 " Oh, Cousin Elsie! wouldn't I? How good, 
 how good in you! I am too hurried to buy any- 
 thing, and that lace is far beyond my purse if 
 I had any amount of time." 
 
 " Then I am glad I thought of offering you 
 the use of these. But now I think it would be 
 well for you to try on the dress and see what — 
 if any — alteration it needs. We will go into 
 my dressing room, and I will be your tire- 
 woman," she added, gathering up the dress as 
 she spoke, while Mrs. Embury took the veil. 
 
 The three passed into the dressing room, 
 
250 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 leaving Mr. Dinsmore sole occupant of the 
 boudoir^ he taking up a book to amuse himself 
 with while they were gone. 
 
 Only a few minutes had passed when they 
 returned;, Maud looking very bridelike in the 
 dainty satin and the veil. 
 
 " Bravo, cousin! You look every inch a 
 bride, and a lovely one at that! " he exclaimed. 
 " I advise you by all means to accept my sister's 
 offer. You could not do better.'' 
 
 " I could hardly w^ant to do better/' said 
 Maud. " Yes, Cousin Elsie, I accept it with a 
 world of thanks. Oh, I never dreamed of hav- 
 ing anything so lovely to wear for my bridal 
 dress! And I need not care that the finery 
 does not really belong to me, for you know the 
 
 old saying: 
 
 " ' Something borrowed, 
 SomethiDg blue, 
 Something old and 
 Something uew.' 
 
 I'll borrow these, put a bow of blue ribbon on 
 my under waist, and — ah! the dress and this 
 lovely lace, veil and all, will be enough of some- 
 thing old! " she concluded with a light, gleeful 
 laugh. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 251 
 
 "Dear child, don't be superstitious!" Mrs. 
 Tra villa said with a rather sad sort of smile, 
 putting an ann round her and giving her a 
 tender kiss. " I hope and trust you will be very 
 happy with dear Dick, for he is a noble fellow; 
 but it will depend more upon yourself — upon 
 your being a true, good, and loving wife — than 
 on what you wear when you give yourself to 
 him, or at any other time." 
 
 " Yes, I know, dear cousin," said Maud, re- 
 turning the caress; " that was only my jest. I 
 wouldn't be afraid to marry Dick in any kind 
 of dress, or willing to marry anybody else in 
 any kind of one. I didn't know that I was in 
 love with him till he proposed, but now I feel 
 that it would be impossible to love anybody 
 else; almost impossible to live without him and 
 his love." 
 
 " I am glad, very glad to hear it," Elsie said, 
 " and I hope and expect that you will make a 
 very happy couple — sharing each other's cares, 
 toils, and troubles, as well as the joys and bless- 
 ings of life." 
 
 " Yes, cousin dear; if we don't it shall not be 
 my fault," Maud returned with emotion. " I 
 
252 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 do really want to be everything to Dick and 
 make his life as bright and as happy as I can; 
 and I know that is just how he feels toward me^ 
 dear fellow! " 
 
 "That's right, Maud/' said Mr. Dinsmore 
 heartily, " and I think you and Dick have every 
 prospect of making a happy couple. Well/' 
 rising as he spoke, " I am going down to have 
 a little chat with father and mother, then must 
 hasten home to attend to some matters about 
 work to be done on the plantation. I suppose 
 you and your package will be ready to be taken 
 along, Maud?" 
 
 " Yes; if Cousin Elsie is willing to trust the 
 handsome thing in my care now/' Maud replied, 
 looking inquiringly at Mrs. Travilla. 
 
 " Quite willing; for I know you will be care- 
 ful of them," Mrs. Travilla replied with her 
 own sweet smile. " I will fold them up and 
 get the package ready while you resume the 
 dress in which you came," she added as her 
 brother left the room. 
 
 " Maud," said Mrs. Embury, " if I were you 
 I should keep this thing a secret from every- 
 body but your sister and Cousin Sue, until your 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 253 
 
 appearance in all the glory of this satin and 
 lace at the time of the marriage ceremony. 
 Think of the surprise and pleasure your unex- 
 pected grandeur in it will cause." 
 
 " But what if the stunning surprise should 
 have a bad effect upon somebody/' laughed 
 Maud. "I think I'll risk it, however. Oh, 
 Cousin Elsie! I do not know how to thank you 
 for this great kindness! " she added with tears 
 of joy and gratitude in her eyes. 
 
 " Then don't try, Maud, dear," Mrs. Travilla 
 returned with a bright, sweet look into the 
 young girl's face. " The happiness I can see 
 that it gives you is even a greater reward than 
 the trifling Idndness deserves. And how for- 
 tunate it is that the dress fits so perfectly — as if 
 it had just been made for you." 
 
 A few moments later Maud and Mr. Dins- 
 more were on their way back to The Oaks. 
 They found Mrs. Sue Dinsmore and Sydney on 
 the veranda, waiting in eager curiosity to learn 
 on what business Maud had been wanted at 
 Ion. 
 
 ^^ To receive and bring home this package," 
 returned Maud gaily to their excited question- 
 
254 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 ing. " Come with me up to my room^, and I 
 will display to you its contents. You come, 
 too. Cousin Horace, that you may witness their 
 surprise and dismay. There, don't say you 
 haven't time, for it needn't take you five 
 minutes." 
 
 ^^ Well, perhaps I can spare that many," he 
 returned laughingly, following the three as they 
 tripped up the stairway. 
 
 Maud made quick work of opening the 
 package and displaying its contents to their 
 view. 
 
 "Oh, oh, how beautiful! how lovely! per- 
 fectly exquisite! " were the excited exclamations 
 of Mrs. Dinsmore and Sydney. " Whose are 
 they? where did they come from?" 
 
 " They are Cousin Elsie's wedding dress and 
 veil," replied Maud. " And she lends them to 
 me to he married in. But it is to be a secret. 
 Nobody is to know anything about it till I ap- 
 pear with them on — when I am to add the 
 name of Percival to those I already bear," she 
 concluded in a tone that seemed to indicate that 
 she was jesting to hide an inclination to in- 
 dulge in tears. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 265 
 
 '' I highly approve," said Mrs. Dinsmore. 
 '' The things — dress and veil — are beautiful, 
 and will make our bride look bewitchingly 
 lovely; I strongly approve, too, of the plan of 
 keeping the matter a close secret until the bride 
 enters the room on the bridegroom's arm. But 
 does the dress fit you, Maud?" 
 
 " Perfectly; as if it had just been made for 
 me ! " exclaimed Maud in tones of delight. " Oh, 
 I do feel so glad, and so thankful to dear Cousin 
 Elsie! I fear it must be somewhat trying to her 
 feelings to see me wear it; but she is not one to 
 hesitate for that when she has an opportunity 
 to do a kindness. She is a good Christian if 
 ever there was one." 
 
 "Indeed she is!" exclaimed Mrs. Dinsmore 
 and Sydney in a breath. 
 
 Mr. Dinsmore had already left the room. 
 
 " But now, girls, we must bestir ourselves and 
 make ready for the day," added Mrs. Dinsmore. 
 " You know the morning is to be spent by the 
 wliole connection at Pinegrove, and the after- 
 noon at Eoselands. It won't take you long to 
 get ready, will it? " 
 
 " No, only a few minutes," both answered. 
 
256 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 and she hurried away to complete her own 
 preparations. 
 
 " Oh, Maud, dear! " said Sydney, taking up 
 the bridal veil and gazing admiringly upon it, 
 " I am so glad Cousin Elsie has lent you this 
 bit of loveliness, and that beautiful dress to be 
 married in. You will look Just bewitching; 
 and how proud Dick will be of his bride. I 
 wish he was here now to see these charming 
 things. Do you mean to tell him about them 
 and show them to him beforehand ? " 
 
 ^' I don't know; I really haven't thought 
 about it yet," Maud answered. " But we must 
 make haste, now, and not keep Cousin Horace 
 and Sue waiting.'^ 
 
CHAPTEE XYII. 
 
 At Woodburn Captain Raymond and his 
 eldest daughter had had their usual early ramble 
 together about the grounds; then, coming in, 
 had found a large mail, containing a number of 
 business letters for him, awaiting them. 
 
 '^ I hope they are such as I can answei^ for 
 you on the typewriter, papa," Lucilla s^id 
 cheerfully. 
 
 " Yes," he replied; " if you have time and in- 
 chnation to do so." 
 
 " Always time to work for my father," she 
 said, giving him a bright, sweet smile, as she 
 seated herself before the machine. 
 
 " Then we will do it at once," he said, return- 
 ing the smile as lie uncovered the machine and 
 put the paper in place for her. " ^ Business be- 
 fore pleasure ' is a good rule, and my dear, help- 
 ful daughter makes it an easier one for me to 
 follow than it would be without her assistance." 
 
 357 
 
258 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " I am so glad it does^ papa; so glad I am of 
 some use to you/' she returned, blushing with 
 pleasure as she spoke. 
 
 " I know 3^ou are, daughter dear, else I should 
 not call upon 3^ou for these services," he said 
 heartily; then, glancing over a letter he had 
 just opened, he began dictating. 
 
 He had not said anything to her about the 
 talk he and Donald Keith had had the night be- 
 fore, nor did he intend to. So sure of the 
 result was he that it did not seem at all nec- 
 essary, and he thought the knowledge of what 
 was before her would only cause her embarrass- 
 ment and discomfort. He did not know what 
 opportunity Keith might seize, and it seemed 
 better to leave her in ignorance of his inten- 
 tions. 
 
 "Is that all, father?'' she asked presently, 
 when several letters had been written. 
 
 " Yes, daughter," he replied; " and now we 
 can feel free for the day. I hope it wMl be a 
 pleasant one to you." 
 
 "I expect it to be, papa," she returned; 
 '^ Pinegrove is a beautiful place, and the How- 
 ards are delightful people. No relation to me, 
 
iSLStE AT BOMiJ. ^5^ 
 
 but tolerably near cousins to Mamma Vi, you 
 know." 
 
 " Yes; Mrs. Howard being half sister to her 
 grandfather/' he said with an amused look. 
 " They can hardly be called near relatives^, but 
 are very estimable people, and I think the half 
 day may be passed very pleasantly with them 
 and the visiting relatives." 
 
 " I like Flora Howard. Papa, don't you 
 think she might make a nice wife for Captain 
 Keith, if only they should take a fancy to each 
 other?" 
 
 " I hadn't thought of it. She is rather young 
 — not much older than my daughter Lulu, I 
 judge; so had better not be thinking of mar- 
 riage for years to come." 
 
 ^^ Yes, sir; but a good many girls do, you 
 know; girls that haven't such a dear, good 
 father as mine to make them feel that 
 they never want to leave him for anybody 
 else." 
 
 " You are sure you don't want to leave 
 yours?" he asked with a searching, though 
 smiling look into her face. 
 
 " Oh, papa, you can't doubt it, I am sure! " 
 
'2G0 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 sho exclaimed, giving him a look of ardent 
 affection. 
 
 ^^ No, I do not/' he returned; " I am very 
 sure — since you have told me so at least a dozen 
 times — that my dear eldest daughter loves me 
 better than she does any other man living, and 
 wants me to keep her all my own for years to 
 come." 
 
 '^ Yes, indeed, papa," she said with a happy 
 laugh, " that is just what I. want you to do." 
 
 " Then we entirely agree. There is the 
 breakfast bell, and I hope my daughter feels 
 ready to obey its summons." 
 
 ^^ Yes, sir; it is a welcome sound." 
 
 It was a bright and cheerful party that pres- 
 ently gathered about the table, and a lively con- 
 versation was carried on while they partook of 
 the tempting viands. The new home about to 
 be prepared for Rosie, its present condition, the 
 beauty of the situation, the grounds, the build- 
 ing, and the improvements to be made by altera- 
 tions and additions, were themes dilated upon 
 for a time; then the approaching marriage of 
 Dick and Maud came under discussion, and the 
 questions were broached whether she would 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 261 
 
 wear tlie dress she had worn as Kosie's brides- 
 maid, and whether she would have the same 
 attendants. 
 
 ''I hope she will/' little Elsie said. "I'd 
 like to be flower girl again, and my dress is all 
 ready, so that it wouldn't make any trouble or 
 expense." 
 
 " That is very thoughtful in you, little 
 sister," laughed Lucilla. 
 
 " I am really sorry there is no time or oppor- 
 tunity to buy presents for Maud," remarked 
 Violet in a regretful tone. 
 
 "Yes, it seems a pity," said Captain Ray- 
 mond; " but perhaps they can be sent on to 
 her later. If people will marry in haste they 
 will have to take the consequences. I hope 
 that in this case one of them will not be re- 
 penting at leisure." 
 
 " I don't believe it will," said Violet. 
 " They are of the same kith and kin, and know 
 pretty much all about each other." 
 
 " Keith," said Captain Raymond, " send your 
 plate up again; I see it is almost empty." 
 
 " Thank you, no; I want to save some appe- 
 tite for the later breakfast that I am told I 
 
262 ELSIE AT IIOMS. 
 
 must share with the rest of you at Pinegrove. 
 Our good friends there might feel hurt should 
 I do it scant justice.'^ 
 
 "How soon do we go, papa?" asked Grace. 
 
 " As soon after prayers as the ladies are 
 dressed and ready." 
 
 " The little girls and boys too, papa? " asked 
 Ned somewhat anxiously. ^' Elsie and I are 
 to go, aren't we ? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, my son, and I hope will have a 
 very pleasant time. I am glad I can trust you 
 to be good, well-behaved children." 
 
 Donald Keith was on the watch for an oppor- 
 tunity to tell to Lucilla the story of his love, 
 but none offered. The}^ drove to Pinegrove, 
 and after\vard to Roselands, in the same car- 
 riage, but it had a number of other occupants, 
 and the conversation was general. But, fortu- 
 nately for Lucilla, she had no suspicion of his 
 designs upon her, so was entirely at her ease 
 with him. 
 
 The Pinegrove party was a success, every- 
 body enjoying it fully; the very young in play- 
 ing games, the older ones strolling about the 
 grounds, chatting, laughing, singing. 
 
ELSIE AT UOME. 263 
 
 The breakfast, quite a grand affair, was 
 served about noon, and some two hours after 
 it was over they all left the grove for Roselands. 
 
 Little had been said at Pinegrove about the 
 approaching marriage, but it came under dis- 
 cussion at Roselands, and to the extreme satis- 
 faction of the two little Elsies it was decided 
 that the}^ should act as flower girls, as they 
 had at Rosie's wedding. The same bridesmaids 
 and maid of honour were chosen also; w4th the 
 understanding that they should all wear the 
 same dresses worn as Rosie's attendants. 
 
 " And, of course, you will wear yours, Maud,'^ 
 said Laura Howard. " It is lovely and very be- 
 coming, and the shade so delicate that I should 
 think it would do almost, if not quite, as well 
 as if it were white." 
 
 " It is very pretty, and as becoming as any I 
 own," Maud said with a slight smile. " I 
 haven't time to buy another, and, if one's bride- 
 groom is all right, it doesn't really matter 
 whether the wedding dress is perfectly white 
 or not." 
 
 " Certainly not," laughed Dick. " I should 
 rather by far marry the right woman in a black 
 
264 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 calico than the wrong one in the handsomest 
 of white satins; even with Brussels or point 
 lace on it in abundance." 
 
 " Well, then, I may feel entirely easy," 
 Maud said, echoing his laugh, " for I shall cer- 
 tainly be better and more appropriately attired 
 than in a black dress, or calico of any colour." 
 
 " Of course 3^ou will," said Grace, " I think 
 that dress of yours is lovely and extremely be- 
 coming. On one need be ashamed of such a 
 wedding dress as that." 
 
 " And I am determined that she shall have a 
 lovely wedding," said Mrs. Sue Dinsmore; " as 
 much like what I have been told Sister Elsie's 
 was as possible. The house shall be trimmed 
 with abundance of flowers, and the bride and 
 groom shall stand in the veiy same spot that 
 their predecessors did; and I dare say the re- 
 freshments will be pretty nearly a reproduction 
 of what were served that evening; as nearly as 
 I can manage it, at all events." 
 
 " It really won't matter if there are some 
 added luxuries, my dear," her husband re- 
 marked in a jesting tone, and with a twinkle of 
 fun in his eve. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 265 
 
 " N"o, I presume not; it will be better to err on 
 that side than on the other/' she returned de- 
 murely. " I mean, however, to make up to 
 poor Maud for the lack of a new wedding dress; 
 at least so far as I can." 
 
 '^ As I do/' said Mrs. Travilla, smiling kindly 
 upon the expectant bride. 
 
 " And it is only the pressure of Dick's haste 
 — the lack of time for it — that keeps her 
 brothers from providing her with as handsome 
 a wedding outfit as could be desired/' remarked 
 Chester, looking slightly annoyed and hurt. 
 
 " Yes, Chester, we all know that," a chorus of 
 voices exclaimed, his Uncle Dinsmore adding: 
 *' And as we are all relatives or connections, 
 it really matters very little. Dick may be 
 thankful — and I don't in the least doubt that 
 he is — to get Maud, without considering how 
 she is attired, or of what her wardrobe 
 consists." 
 
 " I say amen to that, uncle," smiled Dick, 
 '^ and shall only enjoy speedily supplying any- 
 thing lacking in her wardrobe. I'll be glad, in- 
 deed, to have the right." 
 
 " Very good in you, Dick; but it isn't the 
 
^66 ELSIE AT noME\ 
 
 bridegroom's place to supply the trousseau/' 
 said Chester, only half mollified. " And there 
 is no occasion, seeing her brothers are able to 
 do it, and willing, to say nothing of her own 
 means." 
 
 " Oh, Ches, don't be vexed," said Maud. 
 " It will all be right; I have a very good ward- 
 robe, and don't mean to let Dick buy anything 
 for me this long while." 
 
 At which Dick laughed meaningly, as much 
 as to say: "In regard to that I shall do as I 
 please or think best." 
 
 Chester was somewhat out of sorts; he did 
 not like to have his sister hurried into marriage 
 without a trousseau, and he had noticed some- 
 thing that displeased him still more in Captain 
 Keith's manner toward Lucilla Eaymond. It 
 v/as hard, very hard, he tl ought, that her father 
 would not allow him to tell her the story of 
 his love. He would have been still more indig- 
 nant had he known that Keith was allowed that 
 privilege. 
 
 As for Keith, he was looking out for an op- 
 portunity to avail himself of the father's per- 
 mission; not very hopefully, but still not in 
 
EL8IE AT HOME. 267 
 
 entire despair; thinking that clever courting 
 might perhaps win her in the end. And he 
 felt that she was worth much effort and long 
 waiting for. 
 
 The afternoon passed quickly and the party 
 broke up early, partly because of the necessary 
 preparations for to-morrow's wedding. The 
 Oaks familv;, having the most of that to attend 
 to, were the first to leave, and the others soon 
 followed. 
 
CHAPTEE XVIII. 
 
 Ever since gaining her father's permission 
 to tell Liicilla the story of his love, Captain 
 Keith had been watching for a favourable op- 
 portunity to do so, but thus far without avail. 
 
 "Now," he thought, as they drove on the 
 homeward way from Eoselands to Woodburn, 
 " I must try to get a few moments alone with 
 her this evening.'' 
 
 He did not succeed, however; there were still 
 several guests besides himself, and Lucilla 
 seemed to be always in request for conversation, 
 or taking part in some game. And directly 
 after the evening sendee she slipped away to 
 her own apartments and was seen no more that 
 night. 
 
 In the morning it was equally impossible to 
 catch her alone for even a moment, so busy and 
 excited were all vdth regard to what was to be 
 the great event of the day. 
 
 The ladies began their toilets soon after 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 269 
 
 breakfast and were not seen again until about 
 to enter the carriages which were to carry them 
 to The Oaks; this time Keith had not even the 
 pleasure of being in the same vehicle witli 
 Lucilla. 
 
 Then, arrived at their destination, the young 
 gilds vanished from his sight, going into tlie 
 dressing room appointed for their use in rob- 
 ing tliemselves for the ceremony. 
 
 Lucilla and Grace were to be bridesmaids, — 
 Laura Howard, also, — and Sydney maid of 
 honour. 
 
 Only a few minutes before their arrival Dick 
 had been admitted to the room where his bride 
 sat arrayed in her wedding attire^ — the beauti- 
 ful dress and veil provided by the kindness of 
 her Cousin Elsie. 
 
 " Oh, my darling! '^ he exclaimed in aston- 
 ishment, " how lovely you are and how beau- 
 tifully dressed. This is not the dress you spoke 
 of wearing, — this rich white satin, — and the 
 veil. Why, Rosie's own were not handsomer! ^' 
 
 " No, I think not," said Maud, smiling at his 
 pleasure. " They are dear Cousin Elsie's own 
 wedding garments, kindly lent to me because I 
 
270 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 had no time to procure such for myself; and 
 I was willing — yes^ very glad to borrow them, 
 because they are so lovely and becoming, and 
 because, you know, it is said to be good luck 
 to have something old to wear, as well as 
 something new. I hope my bridegroom ap- 
 proves ? " 
 
 " He could not do anything else, seeing how 
 lovely his bride looks in them," Dick replied, 
 putting an arm about her and holding her close 
 with more than one tender caress. Then, hold- 
 ing her off a little for another and closer in- 
 spection, " Oh, Maud, darling, how lovely you 
 are ! " he exclaimed. " I feel a rich and happy 
 man to think you are all my own, my very own. 
 Dearest, it shall not be my fault if you do not 
 find yourself a happy woman in the sweet, new 
 home to which I am about to take you." 
 
 " Dick, dear Dick, I do not doubt that I 
 shall be happy," she said softl}^ lifting to his 
 eyes that were full of happy tears; "if I am 
 not, I am sure it will be no fault of yours." 
 
 But footsteps were heard approaching and he 
 took his arm from her waist and stood beside 
 her with her hand in his. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 271 
 
 The door opened and the bridesmaids and 
 groomsmen filed in. Then there were excla- 
 mations of surprise and delight. 
 
 "Oh, Maud, how lovely! how lovely! 
 When and where did you get that beautiful 
 dress and veil? We all thought you were to 
 be married in your bridesmaid dress that you 
 wore at Eosie's wedding." 
 
 " And you like this one better ? and the veil 
 that goes with it? " Maud returned with a joy- 
 ous blush and smile. 
 
 " Oh, yes, yes, certainly; it is far handsomer, 
 and so becoming! But how did you get it up 
 so quickly? " 
 
 " I didn't. It was dear Cousin Elsie's wed- 
 ding dress, and she has lent it to me to be mar- 
 ried in. It was just like her — always so kind 
 and thoughtful of others." 
 
 " That is true, indeed! " said Lucilla; " I do 
 think that in all this world there is not a kinder 
 person than dear Grandma Elsie." 
 
 Just then the little flower girls appeared in 
 the doorway and uttered their exclamations of 
 surprise and delight at the beauty of the bride's 
 attire. Their mothers were just behind them. 
 
272 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 and Violet seemed as much surprised and 
 pleased as the cliildren. She recognized the 
 dress and veil — which she had seen a number 
 of times in the course of her life^, and was well 
 content that her mother had seen fit to lend 
 them to Maud for this important time when she 
 could not provide such luxuries for herself. 
 
 ^^ The dress fits you wonderfully well, Maud; 
 and both it and the veil are very becoming," 
 Violet said. " I am glad mamma had them, 
 and thought of producing them for this 
 occasion." 
 
 "Yes, it was very, very kind in Cousin 
 Elsie," returned the bride, blushing with 
 pleasure. 
 
 " And you are all ready to go down now, are 
 you not? " asked Mrs. Dinsmore. " Everybody 
 is here and waiting for the ceremony to begin. 
 The appointed hour has come, too, and here is 
 the minister," as the Eev. Mr. Keith appeared 
 in the doorway. 
 
 At that the little procession formed at once 
 and passed down the broad stairway, through 
 the flower-bedecked hall, and into the large 
 parlour where the guests were gathered. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 273 
 
 All went well; the ceremony was short but 
 impressive, the congratulations were warm and 
 sincere, and the wedding breakfast that fol- 
 lowed a grand affair. Soon after it was over 
 the bride changed her wedding dress for a neat 
 and pretty travelling one. Then she and her 
 new-made husband bade good-bye, entered a 
 carriage, and started for a train that was to 
 carry them on their homeward way. 
 
 Most of the other relatives from a distance 
 left for their homes during the afternoon or 
 evening. Captain Keith had announced his in- 
 tention to leave that night by a later train. 
 He was to start from Woodburn, so he bade 
 adieu to all the friends but that family, then 
 went home with his friend. Captain Kaymond. 
 
 After a late dinner there, he found and seized 
 the opportunity he had so long been waiting 
 for. Lucilla was sitting alone upon the ver- 
 anda, with a book in her hand, but not reading, 
 for ]ier eyes were not on it. She seemed to 
 be thinking intently of something else. But 
 when Captain Keith took a seat by her side she 
 welcomed him with a pleasant smile. 
 
 " So you leave us to-night/' she said, " I 
 
274 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 hope you have enjoyed your visit well enough 
 to feel a trifle sorry to go." 
 
 " I have enjoyed my visit greatly/' he said 
 in reply,, " and I should like to prolong it; but 
 it will not do to play all the time. It seems 
 lonely, too, to have to go away taking no one 
 with me. To go as Cousin Dick did this after- 
 noon, with a dear young wife, would not be a 
 hardship; but to go alone is rather dismal. 
 Don't you think it must be ? " 
 
 " Yes; I have never tried it, but I should 
 think it was. When mamma died and papa had 
 to go away on his ship — oh, you don't know how 
 hard it was to part with him — I still had my 
 brother Max and dear Grade. I had them both 
 until a good while after papa came home to 
 stay; so I have never been all alone." 
 
 " And I sincerely hope you never may be," he 
 said. "- But do you never feel as if you would 
 like to have a life companion, such as Maud 
 was given to day ? " 
 
 " A husband, do you mean? No, indeed! for 
 then I should be obliged to leave my dear 
 father — the best man in the world, the dearest, 
 kindest^ most loving father to me," 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 215 
 
 " He is all that, I am sure/' said Keith; " but, 
 perhaps, some day you may find that you can 
 love another even better than you love him." 
 
 She shook her head dissentingly. 
 
 " I can hardly believe it possible. It seems 
 to me that it would just break my heart to have 
 to leave my father or to be separated from him 
 in any way." 
 
 Keith sighed drearily. " Miss Raymond/' 
 he said, " I love you, I love you devotedly, and 
 if — if you have not given your affection to an- 
 other, perhaps in time you may find it possible 
 to return my love. Will 3^gu not let me hope 
 for that?" 
 
 " Oh, don't! " she said, half rising to leave 
 him, her face scarlet with blushes. ^' I don't 
 know anything about love, — that kind of love, 
 — and my father has forbidden me to listen to 
 such things and " 
 
 " But he would let you this time, for he gave 
 me permission to speak to you and — and tell 
 you of my love." 
 
 " That is very strange; I don't understand 
 it/' she said, sinking back into her chair with a 
 look of perplexity and distress on her face. 
 
276 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " Ah/' brightening a little, " I think papa knew 
 there was no danger that I would be willing 
 to leave him for anybody else." 
 
 " Yes; I suppose that was it/' sighed Keith, 
 and, at that moment, there came an interrup- 
 tion, very welcome to Lucilla, in the form of 
 little Ned looking for papa. And the next mo- 
 ment papa himself, to find Captain Keith and 
 hand him a letter; a servant having just brought 
 the afternoon mail. Then Lucilla slipped away 
 to her own room, where she stayed until sum- 
 moned to the dining room by the tea bell. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 It was a pleasant surprise to Lucilla to find 
 Grandma Elsie and Walter there, and to learn 
 that they had come to stay several days. So it 
 was easy to avoid being left alone with Captain 
 Keith, and there was no more private talk be- 
 tween them. When the carriage drove up to 
 take him to his train she was on the veranda 
 with the others, and he shook hands with her 
 in her turn, saying, " Good-bye, Miss Lu. I 
 shall hope to hear from your father that you 
 are well and happy." 
 
 " Thank you; good-bye, and I wish you a safe 
 journey," she said in reply, but without lifting 
 her eyes to his face. 
 
 Just as she was ready for bed her father 
 came to her room to bid her good-night as he 
 so often did. 
 
 Taking her in his arms and looking search- 
 ingly into her eyes, " Is there anything wrong 
 
 377 
 
278 ELSIE AT HOMR 
 
 with you — anything troubling you, daughter?" 
 he asked tenderly. 
 
 " Yes, papa," she said, colouring and drop- 
 ping her eyes. " Oh, why did you let Captain 
 Keith talk to me of — of love, when you have so 
 often told me I was much too young to even 
 think of such things." 
 
 " Well, dear child," he said, " I knew it would 
 be risking little or nothing, as I was certain T 
 had too large a place in your heart to leave any 
 room for him, but it seemed the only way to 
 thoroughly convince him of that was to let him 
 try to push himself in there. And he did 
 try?" 
 
 "Yes, papa; and when I told him you had 
 forbidden me to listen to such things, he said 
 you had given him leave to speak about it to me; 
 and that surprised me more than his speaking. 
 You didn't want me to say yes, father ? " 
 
 "No, daughter; no, indeed! I should not 
 have let him speak if I had not been very sure 
 that my dear child loved me too well to leave 
 me for him or anybody else." 
 
 " Oh, I am so glad! " she exclaimed with a 
 sigh of relief and laying her head down on his 
 
BL8IE AT HOME. 279 
 
 breast, ^^ though I couldn't believe that my 
 dear father wanted to be rid of me, or felt will- 
 ing that I should love anybody else better than 
 I love him." 
 
 " No, dear daughter, you need never be afraid 
 of that. Bat, now, good-night. Go at once to 
 your bed, for you are looking very weary." 
 
 She obeyed, slept sweetly and peacefully till 
 her usual hour for rising, and, as was her usual 
 custom, joined her father in a stroll about the 
 grounds before the breakfast hour. 
 
 " How would you and Grace like to have your 
 friends Eva and Sydney here for a few days, 
 daughter? " he asked as they paced along side 
 by side. 
 
 " Oh, I think it would be very pleasant, 
 papa! " she answered in a joyous tone. " I 
 know Gracie v/ould like it, and I think Sydney 
 would, too. Eva always does. I believe she 
 loves you almost as well as if you were her 
 father as well as ours." 
 
 " Ah ! that is pleasant news for me," he said 
 with a smile. " I am fond of her, too, though, 
 of course, not with just the fondness I feel for 
 my own children." 
 
280 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " Oh, I am glad you don't! I shouldn't want 
 you to love her as well as you do me. Will you 
 invite the girls, papa?" 
 
 " Yes; we will call to them through the tele- 
 phone after breakfast.'^ 
 
 They did so, there was a joyful acceptance 
 from each, and before the dinner hour they 
 had both arrived. Sydney had not gone with 
 Maud and Dick. It had been decided before 
 the wedding that it would be better for her to 
 remain in a more northern region till fall, then 
 go South to make her home with her sister. 
 
 " I was glad of your invitation, captain," she 
 said when he helped her out of the carriage, 
 " for I was finding it dreadfully lonesome with- 
 out my sister." 
 
 " Ah ! so I suspected, as did my wife, and we 
 thought it might relieve your loneliness a little 
 to spend a few days here with us." 
 
 " Yes; it was so kind," she responded, " so 
 very kind! And you are here, too, Cousin 
 Elsie, and Walter! Oh, I am sure we are going 
 to have a fine time." 
 
 " Yes, indeed, I always do have the best of 
 times here," said Evelyn; ^^ especially when 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 281 
 
 Grandma Elsie and Walter add their attrac- 
 tions to those of the Woodbum folks." 
 
 '^ We will all try to make it as delightful as 
 we can/' said Grace. " Papa has kindly ex- 
 cused Lu and me from lessons while you stay; 
 so we can busy ourselves with fancy work or 
 anything we like, when we are not driving or 
 walking; and we have some new books and 
 periodicals that one can read aloud while the 
 rest are doing fancy work or whatever they 
 please. We can play games, too, so I think we 
 will not lack for amusement." 
 
 ^' No, we never do, here," said Eva. 
 
 And they did not; time passed swiftly and 
 pleasantly in the round of occupations and 
 amusements suggested by Grace. Friday and 
 Saturday soon slipped by, and Sunday came, 
 bringing its sacred duties and pleasures — re- 
 ligious services at home, at church, then the 
 Sunday schools, and after that the home Bible 
 class, which all found so pleasant. They 
 gathered upon the veranda, each with a Bible in 
 hand; for even little Ned could now read flu- 
 ently, and generally find the references for 
 himself. 
 
S82 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 " Will you not lead us to-day, mother? " 
 asked the captain when all were seated. 
 
 " No," she said with her pleasant smile, " I 
 very much prefer to have that burden borne by 
 my son-in-law, Captain Eaymond." 
 
 "And you wish him to select the subject? " 
 
 " Yes; he cannot fail to fix upon a good and 
 interesting one." 
 
 " And how is it with you, my love ? " he 
 asked, turning to Violet. 
 
 " Suppose we take thanksgiving as our sub- 
 ject," she said; " we all have so much, so very 
 much, to be thankful for." 
 
 "Indeed we have!" he returned emphati- 
 cally, " and I think no better subject could be 
 found. Neddie, my boy, can you tell papa 
 something you have to be thankful for? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, papa! eyes to see with, ears to hear 
 with, hands and feet, and that I can use them 
 all; for I saw a boy the other day that can't 
 walk at all, though he has feet, but must lie 
 on a bed or sit in a chair all the time; while 
 I can walk, and run, and jump whenever 
 I want to." 
 
 " Yes, those are all great blessings," his 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 283 
 
 father said. ^' And now, Elsie, can you think 
 of some others? " 
 
 " Oh, so many, papa! more than I can 
 count," the Utile girl answered earnestly. " A 
 dear, kind father and mother, and grandma 
 among them; and, oh, so many dear relations 
 besides; 'specially my sisters and brothers. 
 And I am so glad I was born in this Christian 
 land and taught about God and the dear 
 Saviour; and have a Bible to read, and know 
 that I may pray to God, and that he will hear 
 me and help me to be good — to love and serve 
 him. But, oh! I can't name all my blessings, 
 papa, they are so very, very many." 
 
 " That is very true, daughter," he replied; 
 ^' and we can all say the same; our blessings are 
 more than we can count. But the best of all 
 is the gift of God's dear son. ^ God so loved 
 the world, that he gave his only begotten son, 
 that whosoever believeth in him should not 
 perish, but have everlasting life.' * Thanks be 
 unto God for his unspeakable gift.' ^ I will 
 sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will 
 sing praise to my God while I have being.' So 
 says the Psalmist, and surely we can all echo 
 
284 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 his words from our very hearts. Mother, yon 
 seem to have selected a passage. Will you 
 please read it? " 
 
 " Yes," she said; " here in Corinthians where 
 the apostle is speaking of the sting of death and 
 the victory over the grave, he cries exultingly, 
 ^ But thanks be to God, which givetli us the 
 victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Then 
 he goes on, ' Therefore my beloved brethren be 
 ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding 
 in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye 
 know that your labour is not in vain in the 
 Lord.' " 
 
 " Yes; and let us all heed that exhortation," 
 said the captain. "Evelyn, you seem to have 
 a text ready. Will you please read it ? " 
 
 " These words of Jesus," she said, " ^ I will 
 not leave you comfortless; I will come to you,' 
 are they not words to be thankful for? " 
 
 " They are, indeed! " he said. " What can 
 be more comforting than the presence of the 
 Master? His presence and his love. ' He that 
 hath my commandments and keepeth them, he 
 it is that loveth me : and he that loveth me shall 
 be loved of my Father, and I will love him, 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 285 
 
 and will manifest myself to him? ' Ah! what 
 is there more worthy to be thankful for than 
 the love of Christ! But when should we give 
 thanks, Walter?" 
 
 " Always, sir. Here in Ephesians I read, 
 ' Giving thanks always for all things unto God 
 the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ/ Again in first Thessalonians, ^ We give 
 thanks to God always for you all, making men- 
 tion of you in our prayers.' '' 
 
 Then Sydney, Lucilla, and Grace read in 
 turn: 
 
 *^ ^ Unto thee, God, do we give thanks, unto 
 thee do we give thanks; for that thy name is 
 near thy wondrous works declare.' " 
 
 ^' ' And let the peace of God rule in your 
 hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; 
 and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ 
 dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and 
 admonishing one another in psalms and hymns 
 and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your 
 hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in 
 word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord 
 Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by 
 him.' " 
 
286 ELSIE AT ROME. 
 
 " ' Continue in prayer and watch in the same 
 with thanksgiving.' '' 
 
 They read, in turn, again and again, finding 
 the Bible full of exhortations to thanksgiving, 
 then joined in singing hymns of praise — not 
 with their voices onl}^, but with joy, and thank- 
 fulness in their hearts because of the good gifts 
 of God, both temporal and spiritual, to them all. 
 
 So closed the Sabbath day, and after it fol- 
 lowed a night of sweet sleep and peaceful rest. 
 
 At the breakfast table the next morning 
 Walter asked : " Where are we going to spend 
 our summer? Isn't it time to be thinking 
 about it?" 
 
 The question seemed to be addressed to no 
 one in particular. There was a moment's 
 silence; then the captain said: 
 
 " Suppose you give us your ideas and wishes 
 on that subject, Walter." 
 
 '' Well, I haven't much choice, sir; there are 
 so many places that are about equally agreeable 
 to me. Anywhere with mother and the rest of 
 you." 
 
 " Then what place would you prefer, 
 mother? " asked the captain. 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 287 
 
 ^^It is a question I have hardly considered 
 yet/' she replied. " Perhaps it might be well 
 to hold a family council on the subject." 
 
 " May I offer a suggestion ? " asked Evelyn 
 modestly, blushing as she spoke. 
 
 ^' Certainly, my dear," said Mrs. Travilla. 
 
 " We will be glad to hear it," said the 
 captain. 
 
 ^^ Then it is that all who think they would 
 find it agreeable will spend at least a week or 
 two with me in my cottage on the Hudson. It 
 was rented for a time, but is vacant now, and 
 I want very much to be in it for a while, yet 
 certainly not alone." 
 
 ^' It is most kind in you to invite us, Evelyn, 
 dear," said Mrs. Travilla, " but our party would 
 much more than fill it." 
 
 ^^ Unless we should go in relays," laughed 
 Violet; " perhaps it might be managed in 
 that way, if Eva is very desirous to have us 
 there." 
 
 ^^And perhaps there are hotels in the 
 vicinity where most of us could be accommo- 
 dated," said the captain. " We are much 
 obliged for your invitation, Eva, and will con- 
 
288 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 sider the question and talk it over with the 
 others who may choose to be of cur party." 
 
 " Oh, I think it would be fun to go there! " 
 exclaimed Sydney. " If I can have my way, I'll 
 pay you a little visit there, and pas.s the rest of 
 the time at the seashore." 
 
 "That is what I should like to do/' said 
 Lucilla. 
 
 "And I also/' added Grace; "if papa and 
 mamma approve, and would be with us in both 
 places." 
 
 " Of course I meant that/' Lucilla hastened 
 to say; " we would not half enjoy ourselves 
 without them; and the children," she added, 
 glancing at Elsie and Ned. 
 
 " It seems to me we're getting pretty big to 
 be called that," said Ned a little scornfully. 
 " I'll be a man one of these days." 
 
 " Not quite that yet, little brother," laughed 
 Lucilla. 
 
 The talk in regard to the summer's excursion 
 was renewed after family worship, as they all 
 sat together upon the veranda. Various places 
 were talked of, various plans discussed, but 
 nothing could be fully decided upon without 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 289 
 
 consultation with the other near relatives who 
 might decide to be of the party. 
 
 "Hello! here comes Doctor Herbert/^ ex- 
 claimed Walter, as a doctor's gig turned in at 
 the great gates and came driving rapidly up to 
 the house. 
 
 " What is it. Doc? " springing up and hasten- 
 ing down the steps as the gig halted before 
 them. 
 
 " A letter for mother/' answered Herbert, 
 handing it to Walter as he spoke. " Grood- 
 morning, mother, and all of you. You are 
 looking well and have no need of a doctor, I 
 suppose? " 
 
 " Yes, we want a call from that one," said 
 Violet. " Come in, won't you, if it is for only 
 five minutes?" 
 
 *^Well, yes; since you are so urgent and I 
 know of no urgent call for my services else- 
 where," answered Herbert, suiting the action to 
 the word. 
 
 ^"Good-morning, my son," was his mother's 
 smiling salutation, as he bent down to give her 
 an affectionate caress. " I suppose you want to 
 hear what Bosie has to say. I will just glance 
 
290 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 over her letter, then read aloud whatever I 
 think she would deem suitable for you all to 
 hear/' 
 
 It was a pleasant, cheerful letter; all seemed 
 to be going right with the young couple, they 
 very happy in each other. They were at 
 Niagara Falls, expecting soon to leave there for 
 some place on the Hudson, and afterward to 
 visit the seashore; but their plans were not yet 
 definitely arranged; nor would they be until 
 Will's parents and Rosie's home friends, intend- 
 ing to go North for the summer, were heard 
 from in regard to their plans and purposes. 
 
 " Well," said Herbert, when the reading of 
 the letter was concluded, " I think we will have 
 to hold a family council, taking in the Crolys, 
 and decide those momentous questions. Eight 
 quickly, too, for the weather is growing very 
 warm, and if you all stay here our firm may 
 have to© much to do." 
 
 " I think you are right, doctor," said the cap- 
 tain, " and lest you and Harold and Arthur 
 should be overworked, I intend to see that that 
 council is held promptly." 
 
 " Well, captain, suppose we appoint this even- 
 
EL8IE AT HOME. 291 
 
 ing as the time, and Roselands as the place, as 
 the Crolys are there, and not so able as the rest 
 of us to go about from place to place." 
 
 " That s©ems a very good plan," said his 
 mother, "but I think it will not be necessary 
 for us all to attend. I prefer to leave the de- 
 cision with the gentlemen of our party. Can 
 you go, Herbert? " 
 
 " To the family council, mother? Oh, yes! " 
 
 " That is well," she said with a smile, " but 
 I meant can you go North with us? " 
 
 " For a part of the time, I think; we three 
 doctors can doubtless take turns in having a 
 vacation." 
 
 " You ought to, I think," said Violet. 
 " Doctors certainly need rest as much, or more, 
 than most other people." 
 
 "Yes, they do, indeed!" said the captain; 
 " they are, as a rule, very much overworked, I 
 think." 
 
 " Some of them hardly so much as they 
 might like to be," laughed Herbert. " You 
 will be coming home soon, mother? " turning 
 to her. 
 
 " Yes; probably to-morrow," she answered. 
 
292 ELSIE AT HOME. 
 
 He chatted a little longer, then drove away. 
 The young people presently went off into the 
 grounds, leaving Grandma Elsie, Violet, and 
 the captain still sitting in the veranda, they 
 busied with their fancy work, he looking over 
 the morning paper. 
 
 "If you find anything very interesting, my 
 dear, mamma and I will be glad to hear it," 
 said Violet. 
 
 " Yes," he said, " and here is something in- 
 teresting, though far from being pleasant news. 
 Davis, one of the burglars whom Lucilla caught, 
 has escaped from prison; gone no one knows 
 where, and may be even now lurking in this 
 neighbourhood. I must watch over my daugh- 
 ter or he may attempt to do her some harm. 
 At the time of the trial he seemed to feel very 
 revengeful toward her." 
 
 "Oh, that is dreadful!" cried Violet. 
 "Indeed we must be watchful over poor dear 
 Lu. You will not tell her, Levis? " 
 
 " I think I shall," he said reflectively; " she 
 will need to be careful about venturing to a dis- 
 tance from the house, even within the grounds, 
 without a protector; therefore I must warn her 
 
ELSIE AT SOME. 2d$ 
 
 and forbid her to run any unnecessary risk. 
 I hope it may not be long before the fellow will 
 be caught and returned to his prison." 
 
 "And I think it might be well for us to 
 hasten our departure for the North for her 
 safety/' said Violet. " She would be safer 
 there, would she not?" 
 
 " Probably," he replied, " and we will make 
 haste to be off on that account." 
 
 " Yes; I think you should, by all means," said 
 her mother. " Anything that I can do to 
 assist your preparations, Vi, will be gladly 
 done." 
 
 "I will set to work at once," exclaimed 
 Violet. 
 
 " And I shall call my daughters in at once 
 and set them about their preparations," said the 
 captain, throwing aside his paper and starting 
 even as he spoke. 
 
 The young people were much surprised by his 
 summons and directions to his daughters, but 
 he did not go into a lengthened explanation; 
 merely said that he had decided to start 
 northward in a day or two, and necessary prepa- 
 rations must be made as promptly as possible. 
 
294 ELSIE AT HOMS. 
 
 His daughters were accustomed to rendering 
 prompt and unquestioning obedience to their 
 father's commands^ and did so now, though 
 much wondering at this sudden move. 
 
 Some hours L^ter he called Lucilla aside and 
 told her the whole story. She turned pale for 
 a moment, then, lifting fearless eyes to his, 
 " Father/' she said, ^' don't be uneasy about me. 
 I will trust in the Lord and not be afraid; I will 
 trust in his care and yours, and I shall be safe. 
 I am thinking of those sweet verses in the 
 thirty-seventh Psalm, ^ But the salvation of the 
 righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in 
 the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help 
 them and deliver them: he shall deliver them 
 from the wicked, and save them, because they 
 trust in him.' " 
 
 " YcvS, dear child, trust in him and you will 
 be safe," returned the captain with emotion. 
 "I shall not go over to Eoselands this evening, 
 as I had intended, but will talk through the 
 telephone to the friends gathered there to dis- 
 cuss the questions when we shall start for the 
 North and in what spots locate ourselves for 
 the summer." 
 
ELSIE AT HOME. 295 
 
 He did so, and before they were throiigli 
 with their conference it was decided that he, 
 with his family, Evelyn, Sydney, Grandma 
 Elsie, Walter, and all the Lelands should at 
 once pack up, and in two days start for Eva's 
 cottage on the Hudson. 
 
 Little preparation was needed but the pack- 
 ing of trunks; all were ready at the set time, 
 started away in good healtli and spirits, and, 
 travelling by rail, soon reached their destina- 
 tion; where we will leave them for the present. 
 
 THE END. 
 
Good Books for the Young 
 
 MARTHA FINLEY 
 
 Elsie Dinsmore. By Martha Finley. With Illustrations by 
 H. C. Christy. Large 8vo, cloth, . . . $1.50 
 
 It is high time that an adequately illustrated edition of this 
 famous book for the young were offered to the public. The pub- 
 lishers have chosen wisely in se^lectlng as an Illustrator Mr. H. C. 
 Christy. His art is a very delicate one and peculiarly adapted 
 to the depicting of the young. The book is large and thoroughly 
 well made, and ought to become widely popular as a presenta- 
 tion book for the young. 
 
 Elsie at Home. By Martha Finley. Similar in general style 
 to the previous *' Elsie " books. i6mo, cloth, . $1-25 
 
 MissFinley's young readers will be delighted to learn that a 
 new volume has come from her pen. It relates further experi- 
 ences of " Elsie '' and her family. This was the work that was 
 announced for publication last year, but, owing to the author's 
 ill health, its publication was deferred until this autumn. 
 
 The Elsie Books. Each one volume, i2mo, cloth, . $1.25 
 
 In sets, boxed, twenty-one volumes, . . . 26.25 
 
 1. Elsie Dinsmore. (Also Phe- 13. Elsie's Friends at Wood- 
 
 nix edition, i6mo, cloth.) burn 
 
 2. Elsie's Girlhood 14. Christmas with Grandma 
 
 3. Elsie's Holidays in Roselands Elsie 
 
 4. Elsie's Womanhood 15. Elsie and the Raymonds 
 
 5. Elsie's Motherhood 16. Elsie's Yachting with the 
 
 6. Elsie's Children Raymonds 
 
 7. Elsie's Widowhood 17. Elsie's Vacation 
 
 8. Grandmother Elsie 18. Elsie at Viamede 
 
 9. Elsie's New Relations 19. Elsie at Ion 
 
 10. Elsie at Nantucket 20. Elsie at the World's Fair 
 
 11. The Two Elsies 21. Elsie's Journey on Inland 
 
 12. Elsie's Kith and Kin Waters 
 
 Wherever children read at all, in America, the Elsie books 
 are known. Their popularity is among the encouraging signs of 
 the day as showing a strong sympathy, on the part of younger 
 readers, with the good and the self-sacriiicing and the kind. 
 
 The Mildred Books- A companion Series to the Elsie Books. 
 
 Each one vol., i6mo, cloth, . . . . . $1.25 
 
 In sets, boxed, seven vols., . . . . . 8.75 
 
 1. Mildred Keith 5. Mildred at Home 
 
 2. Mildred at Roselands 6. Mildred's Boys and Girls 
 
 3. Mildred's Married Life 7. Mildred's New Daughter 
 
 4. Mildred and Elsie 
 
MARTHA FlNLEY—CoHihtued. 
 
 The Finley Library. Each one vol., i6mo, cloth, . $1.25 
 
 The set, seven vols, in a box, ..... 8.75 
 
 1. Cassella. A Tale of the Waldenses. 
 
 2 Our Fred ; or. Seminary Life at Thurston. 
 
 3. An Old-Fashioned Boy. 
 
 4. Wanted, a Pedigree. 
 
 6. The Thorn in the Nest. 
 
 6. Signing the Contract, and What it Ooff 
 
 7. The Tragedy of Wild Eiver Valley 
 
 RAFFORD PYKE 
 
 The Adventures of Mabel. By Rafford Pyke. For children 
 of five and six. With many illustrations by Melanie Elisa- 
 beth Norton. Large 8vo, probably, . . . $1.75 
 
 These are simple stories told in such a way as reallj^to inter- 
 est children of live or six years of age, and not written over their 
 heads, as are so many of the so-called children's stories of to-day. 
 The author has told them again and again to his own child, and 
 as they charmed her, we believe they will delight most little girls 
 of her age. The illustrations are drawn to please the children — 
 not simply to deporate the book. Under the pseudonym of Raf- 
 ford Pyke is concealed the identity of a widely known scholar, 
 editor, and critic. 
 
 WILLIS J, ABBOT 
 
 Naval History of the United States. By Willis J. Abbot. 
 With many illustrations by H. W. McVicar and W. C. Jack- 
 son. This is a new edition with large additions, and a new 
 arrangement of the three BLUE JACKET BOOKS. It now 
 forms one large 8vo volume of over icxk) pages, and is fully 
 revised and brought down to date. Price, . . 13-75 
 
 Among the most entertaining and instructive books that 
 could possibly be put in the hands of an American boy. 
 
 HANS ANDERSEN 
 
 Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales. Being a new edition of some of 
 his best known fairy tales. Handsomely bound, two vol- 
 umes in one. Fully illustrated by Gaskin. 8vo, cloth, $2.00 
 
 A thoroughly satisfactory edition of these classic fairy tales. 
 
A CHlLD^S STORY 
 
 Brownie- A Story told from a Child's Point of View. With 
 numerous illustEations. i2mo, cloth, probably . $1.25 
 
 A charming story about rather than for children. 
 
 AMANDA M, DOUGLAS 
 Children at Sherburne House. By Amanda M. Douglas. i2mo, 
 
 cloth, ........ $i.i;o 
 
 Miss Douglas has been urged to continue the his,tory of the 
 Sherburne family, and will have a new book ready in'tlie autumn 
 which will carry the heroine a little further in the story of her 
 life. Miss Douglas' books for the young show no sign of abating 
 in popularity. 
 
 Nan. A Sequel to "A Little Girl in Old New York." By 
 Amanda M. Douglas. Illustrated. i2mo, cloth, . $1.50 
 
 This story, by the very popular author of the Sherburne 
 books, recounts the experiences of a little girl who, fifty years 
 ago, came from a farm in Yonkers to visit the great metropolis. 
 The narrative reflects, with wonderful truth and vivacity, the life 
 manners, and customs of the time, as seen through the eyes of a 
 young girl. It is, in a sense, the continuation of the work pub- 
 lished last year, entitled " A Little Girl in Old New York." 
 
 By the same author': 
 
 Sherburne House. A novel. i2mo, cloth, . . . $1.50 
 Lyndell Sherburne. A sequel to " Sherburne House." 
 
 i2mo, cloth, . . . . . . . 1.50 
 
 The Sherburne Cousins. i2rao, cloth, . . . 1.50 
 
 The Sherburne Eoniance. i2mo, cloth, . . . 1*50 
 
 The Mistress of Sherburne. lamo, cloth, . . . 1.50 
 
 A Little Girl in Old New York. i2mo, cloth, . . 1.50 
 
 BEATRICE HARRADEN 
 
 The Children's Christmas Book. By Beatrice Harraden, 
 author of " Ships that Pass in the Night," "Hilda Strafford," 
 etc. Illustrated. Cloth, probably . . . $1.50 
 
 An announcement of interest to admirers of Miss Harraden, 
 and of juvenile literature in general, is to the effect that she has 
 completed a book of stories for children. It will be fully illus- 
 trated a^d should be among the most popular books to be pub- 
 lished in this class of literature. 
 
ELIZABETH STUART PHELPS 
 
 Gypay's Year at the Golden Crescent. By Elizabeth Stuart 
 Phelps, author of "A Singular Life," etc. A new and illus- 
 trated edition. Uniform with the previous volumes of the 
 same series. Fully illustrated. Large i2mo, cloth, $1.50 
 
 Mrs. Phelps' success as a writer of juvenile stories is often 
 lost sight of, in view of her better-known novels for elders, 
 but there are no better books for boys and girls than " The 
 Gypsy " books. They are sound, wholesome, and true to 
 life, and once introduced into a family are sure to be read and 
 reread until worn out. 
 
 The volumes already reissued in this new and modernized 
 illustrated edition have been so well received that a fourth vol- 
 ume will be added to the series in the autumn, completing the 
 series. 
 
 Other Volumes in the Gypsy Series : 
 
 G3rp8y Breyntou- With between thirty and forty illustrations. 
 
 Large i2mo, cloth, ...... $1.50 
 
 Gypsy's Cousin Joy. With fifty illustrations. Large i2mo, 
 
 cloth, ........ 2.40 
 
 Gypsy's Sowing and Reaping. With many illustrations. 
 
 Large i2mo, cloth, ...... 1.50 
 
 GEORGE E. FARROW 
 
 The Missing Prince. By G. E. Farrow, author of "The Wally- 
 
 pug of Why." Fully illustrated by Harry Furniss and Dorothy 
 Furniss. In handsome cloth binding, gilt top, . $1.50 
 
 Mr. G. E. Farrow has already acquired a considerable repu- 
 tation for his fancifully conceived stories for children, and all 
 those who remember "The Wallypug of Why " will eagerly wel- 
 come the appearance of a new story from his pen, Judged on its 
 own merits, "The Missing Prince" is an admirable piece of 
 work. Always graceful and fanciful, and sparkling with mirth 
 and humor, the story of " Boys' " marvelous adventure is sure to 
 delight the children. The versatility of Mr. Farrow's imagina- 
 tion shows no sign of falling off, and we can safely prophesy a 
 wide circle of delighted readers for " The Missing Prince." 
 
 By the same author: 
 
 The Wallypug of Why. With sixty-five illustrations. 8vo, 
 cloth, ........ $1.50 
 
ELIZABETH W. CHAMPNEY 
 
 Witch Winnie in Venice. By Elizabeth W. Champney. 
 
 With many illustrations. Large i2mo, cloth, . . $1.50 
 
 Witch Winnie, so well known to a host of young readers, will 
 continue in this volume her travels and studies abroad. There 
 is probably no city in Europe which Mrs. Champney's readers 
 would so much like to have described as Venice, and we are sure 
 this will be a popular volume in this well-known series. 
 
 Other Witch Winnie .Books. Each i vol. Illustrated. Large 
 i2mo, ........ $1.50 
 
 1. Witch Winnie 5. Witch Winnie at Shinnecock 
 
 2. Witch Winnie's Mystery 6. Witeh Winnie at Versailles 
 
 3. Witch Winnie's Studio 7. Witch Winnie in Holland 
 
 4. Witch Winnie in Paris 
 
 The Witch Winnie books have delighted a host of girl readers, 
 and are destined to be known to a still larger number. They are 
 illustrated by American artists and by engravings from photo- 
 graphs, and handsomely printed, and are models of fine book- 
 making. 
 
 Pierre and His Poodle. By Elizabeth W. Champney. With 
 numerous illustrations, i6mo, cloth, . . . $1.00 
 
 A companion volume to " Paddy O'Leary and His Learned 
 Pig," published some while since. The book is of a most amus- 
 ing nature, and should make a good present for the young. 
 
 Similar to the above : 
 
 Paddy O'Leary and His Learned Pig. With numerous illustra- 
 tions by F. D. Steele. i6mo, cloth, . . . f i.oo 
 
 BARBARA YECHTON 
 
 Derick. By Barbara Yechton. Illustrated. Large lamo, 
 cloth, ........ I1.50 
 
 This is a new work by Barbara Yechton, whose stories for 
 the young in "The Churchman " and other periodicals have won 
 for her an enviable position in the ranks of successful writers of 
 "juveniles." The tone of Miss Yechton's books is always vigor- 
 ous and full of fun, and they have repeatedly been recom- 
 mended by parents for their healthy influence upon children. 
 
 By the same author: 
 **W©Ten." Large i2mo, cloth, .... $1.50 
 
THE POPULAR PHENIX SERIES. 
 
 New Volumes: 
 A Doctor of the Old School. By Ian Maclaren. 
 A Daughter of Fife. By Amelia E. Barr. 
 He Fell in Love with His Wife. By E. P. Roe. 
 Peg Woffington. By Charles Reade. 
 Slain by the Doones. By R. D. Blackmore. 
 Between Two Loves. By Amelia E. Barr. 
 
 Previously Published: 
 Opening a Chestnut Eurr. By E. P. Roe. 
 Barriers Burned Away. By E. P. Roe. 
 The Bow of Orange Ribbon- By Amelia E. Barr. 
 Jan Vedder's Wife. By Amelia E. Barr, 
 Elsie Dinsmore. By Martha Finley. 
 The Abbe Constantin. By Ludovic Halevy, 
 A Young Girl's Wooing. By E. P. Roe. 
 An Original Belle. By E. P. Roe. 
 A Border Shepherdess. By Amelia E. Barr. 
 The Great War Syndicate. By Frank R. Stockton. 
 The Stories of Three Biwrglars. By Frank R. vStockton. 
 Christie Johnstone. By Charles Reade. 
 
 The Chronicle of the Schonberg-Cotta Family. By iNlrs. Charles. 
 Cycling for Health and Pleasure. By Luther R. Porter. 
 
 CHOSEN STORIES 
 
 Ten capital stories for boys and girls issued in attractive style, 
 uniform with " Favorite Stories." Ornamented with ink and 
 silver. 
 
 The set, ten vols., . . . . . . . $5.00 
 
 Daisy Ward's Work The Russell Family 
 
 Fred Lawrence Minnie Carleton 
 
 Lucy Lee Philip Brantley's Life Work 
 
 An Orphan's Triumphs The Deaf Shoemaker 
 
 Amy Carr Uncle John's Flower-Gatherers 
 
AMELIA E, BARR 
 
 Each one vol., 121110, cloth, ..... $1.25 
 
 1. Jan Vedder's Wife 15. A Sister to Esau 
 
 2. A Daughter of Fife 16. Love for an Hour is Love 
 
 3. The Botw of Orange Ribbon Forever 
 
 4. The Squire of Sandal-side 17. Christopher, and Other 
 
 5. A Border Shepherdess Stories 
 
 6. Paul and Christina 18. The Hallam Succession 
 
 7. Master of His Fate ig. The Lost Silver of Briffault 
 
 8. Remember the Alamo 20. Cluny MacPherson 
 
 g. The Lastof the MacallistO'rs 21. A Singer from the Sea 
 
 10. Between Two Loves 22. The Lone House 
 
 11. Feet of Clay 23. Scottish Sketches 
 
 12. The Household of McNeil 24. Bernicia 
 
 13. Friend Olivia 25. A Knight of the Nets 
 
 14. She Loved a Sailor 26. The King's Highway 
 
 Mrs. Barr has attained a popularity' little short of that which 
 was achieved by E. P. Roe. Her best novels are here offered 
 with a certainty that they will be very much appreciated. " The 
 Bow of Orange Ribbon " presents one of the best pictures of New 
 York Colonial Life in the period just preceding the Revolution 
 that is to be found in current literature. 
 
 BIBLE STEPS 
 
 Bible Steps for Little Pilgrims. With numerous illustrations. 
 Small 4to, cloth, ...... $1.25 
 
 HESBA STRETTON 
 
 In sets, boxed, nine vols., ..... $4.5o 
 
 1. "Bhe King's Servants. 
 
 2. Lost Gip. 
 
 3. Cassy. 
 
 4. Max Kromer- A Story of the Siege of Strasburg. 
 
 5. Nelly's Dark Days. 
 
 6. Her Only Son, and Michel Lorio's Cross. 
 
 7- The "Wonderful Life. A Life of Christ for Young and Un- 
 
 learned Readers. 
 
 8- Brought Home. A Powerful Temperance Story. 
 9. The Crew of the Dolphin. 
 
POPULAR STORIES 
 
 The following stories by well-known authors have thus far been 
 
 issued in the series : 
 In sets, boxed, ten vols., ..... $6.00 
 
 1. Morning Clouds. By Mrs. Stanley Leathes. 
 
 2. Little Boots. By Jennie Harrison. 
 
 3. Marcella of Kome. By Frances Eastwood. 
 
 4. The Little Brown Girl. By Esme Stuart. 
 
 5. The Cumberstone Contest- By the author of "Battles 
 
 Worth Fighting." 
 
 6. Geoffrey the Lollard. By Frances Eastwood. 
 
 7. The Clifford Household. By j. F. Moore. 
 
 8. The Old Back-Room. By Jennie Harrison. 
 
 9. Captain Christie's Granddaughter. By Mrs. Lamb. 
 10- Mists of the Valley. By Agnes Giberne. 
 
 SELECTED STORIES 
 
 Ten capital stories for boys and girls, in attractive binding, uni- 
 form with " Favorite Stories " and "Chosen Stories." 
 The set, boxed, ten vols., ..... I5.00 
 
 Character Sketches Syrian Home Life 
 
 Glenarvon Geneva's vShield 
 
 The Brewer's Family One Year at Boarding School 
 
 The Deserters The Kempstons 
 
 Henry Willard Women of the Arabs 
 
 CHARLES NORDHOFF 
 
 Sailor Life Series- W'ith numerous illustrations by William H. 
 Walker, and original cover design. Each one vol., i2mo, 
 cloth, ........ $1.25 
 
 In sets, boxed, three vols., ..... 3.75 
 
 1. Man-of-War Life 3. Whaling and Fishing. 
 
 2. The Merchant Vessel 
 
 A record of personal experience ; there are few more pleas- 
 ing writers for the young. He spent years of his life on the 
 man-of-war, the merchant vessel, the whaler, and knows by 
 personal experience every scene of which he writes. 
 
FAVORITE STORIES 
 
 The set, ten vols., ....... $5.00 
 
 The Finland Family Robert the Cabin Boy 
 
 The Pastor of the Desert Peter and Polly 
 
 A Winter in Spitzbergen Letters from Egypt 
 
 A Double Story For Conscience' Sake 
 
 Agnes Warrington's Mistake Sunlight through the Mist. 
 
 WILLIS J. ABBOT'S BATTLEFIELD SERIES 
 
 A complete Military History of the War of the Rebellion. Fully 
 illustrated by W. C. Jackson, with original color designs. 
 Large 8vo, cloth, per volume, $2.00. Three volumes in a box. 
 
 Battlefields of '61. Battlefields and Victory. 
 
 Battlefields and Campfires. 
 
 THE HISTORY, TRAVEL, AND ADVENTURE 
 LIBRARY 
 
 Large, handsome 8vo volumes, most of them profusely illustrated, 
 in uniform size, but bound in a variety of designs and colors, 
 per vol., . . ..... $1.50 
 
 1. Ban Away from the Dutch. 
 
 2. The Wild Tribes of the Soudan. 
 
 3. Mosby's War Eeminiscences. 
 
 4. Golden Days of '49. A Tale of the California Diggings. By 
 
 KIRKE MUNROE. 
 
 5. A Fisher Girl of France. By Ferdinand Calmettes. 
 
 6. Wannetta the Sioux. By Warren K. Moorehead. 
 
 7. Dr. Dod's School. By James L. Ford. 
 
 8. Tunis. The Land and the People. By the CHEVALIER DE 
 
 Hesse- Wartegg. 
 
 9. Italy. By John S. C. Abbott. 
 
 10. Russia. By John S. C. Abbott. 
 
 11. Austria. By John S. C. Abbott. 
 
 12. Prussia. By John S. C. Abbott. 
 
 13. Turkey. By Edson L. Clark. 
 
 14. Eg3rpt. By J. C. McCoAN. 
 
 15. Germany. By S. Baring-Gould. 
 
CHARLES F. HOLDER 
 
 Yotmg Folks' Story Book of Natural History. By Charles F. 
 Holder. Fully illustrated. Quarto, . ■ . . $1.50 
 
 Mr. Holder is the author of many successful works dealing 
 with natural history, and he is to-day perhaps the most popular 
 writer on this branch of science for the young. The illustrations 
 are characteristic, and planned with a view to supplementing the 
 text. The work, though interesting reading, is, nevertheless, 
 very instructive. 
 
 THE JUMBO SERIES 
 
 Very large, handsome, octavo volumes. Very fully illustrated 
 and most attractively bound in full cloth, about seven hun- 
 dred pages, ....... $2.00 
 
 Colonial Days. By Richard Markham. 
 
 Heroes of Chivalry. The Life of Chevalier Bayard, and Chronicle 
 of the Cid. 
 
 Sailor Life on a Man of War. By Charles Nordhoff. 
 
 HALF-HOUR SERIES 
 
 A series of short sketches, profusely illustrated, at a very mod- 
 erate price, and may be safely included in the smallest 
 library. Each one vol., i6mo, cloth, . . . $ .75 
 
 The set, boxed, four vols., ..... 3.00 
 
 Half Hours in the Far North Half Hours in the Great Deep 
 Half Hours in the Tiny World Half Hours in the Far East 
 
 DODD, MEAD & COMPANY 
 
 PUBLISHERS 
 i5t Fifth Avenue New York Gty 
 
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