diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:45:38 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:45:38 -0700 |
| commit | 521d3b41efaba15818cc487343360b93162f5eba (patch) | |
| tree | 70dd947d1114ca10ee4c3ae4ad2b1ceb2ba5d050 | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 14909-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 153699 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 14909-h/14909-h.htm | 8964 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 14909.txt | 8787 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 14909.zip | bin | 0 -> 146957 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
7 files changed, 17767 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/14909-h.zip b/14909-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..acf1afb --- /dev/null +++ b/14909-h.zip diff --git a/14909-h/14909-h.htm b/14909-h/14909-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3f785ec --- /dev/null +++ b/14909-h/14909-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8964 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Elsie's New Relations, by Martha Finley</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted grey;} + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + hr.full { width: 100%; } + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + pre {font-size: 8pt;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Elsie's New Relations, by Martha Finley</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Elsie's New Relations</p> +<p>Author: Martha Finley</p> +<p>Release Date: February 4, 2005 [eBook #14909]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S NEW RELATIONS***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (www.pgdp.net)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<h1>ELSIE'S</h1> +<h1>NEW RELATIONS</h1> + +<h2>What They Did and How They</h2> +<h2>Fared at Ion</h2> + + +<p class="center">A SEQUEL TO +<i>GRANDMOTHER ELSIE</i></p> + +<h3>By</h3> +<h2>MARTHA FINLEY</h2> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h6>A. L. Burt Company<br /> +Publishers<br /> +New York Chicago</h6> + +<h4>1911</h4> +<p> </p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h3>CONTENTS</h3> + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_I"><b>CHAPTER I.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_II"><b>CHAPTER II.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_III"><b>CHAPTER III.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><b>CHAPTER IV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_V"><b>CHAPTER V.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><b>CHAPTER VI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><b>CHAPTER VII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><b>CHAPTER VIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><b>CHAPTER IX.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_X"><b>CHAPTER X.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><b>CHAPTER XI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><b>CHAPTER XII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><b>CHAPTER XIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><b>CHAPTER XIV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><b>CHAPTER XV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><b>CHAPTER XVI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><b>CHAPTER XVII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><b>CHAPTER XVIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><b>CHAPTER XIX.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XX"><b>CHAPTER XX.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXI"><b>CHAPTER XXI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXII"><b>CHAPTER XXII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII"><b>CHAPTER XXIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV"><b>CHAPTER XXIV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'> <a href="#CHAPTER_XXV"><b>CHAPTER XXV.</b></a></td></tr> +</table> +</div> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h1>ELSIE'S NEW RELATIONS.</h1> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I" />CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"For wild, or calm, or far or near,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">I love thee still, thou glorious sea."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 21em;">—<i>Mrs. Hemans.</i></span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"I bless thee for kind looks and words</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 13em;">Shower'd on my path like dew,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">For all the love in those deep eyes,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 13em;">A gladness ever new."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 21em;">—<i>Mrs. Hemans.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>It is late in the afternoon of a delicious October day; the woods back of +the two cottages where the Dinsmores, Travillas and Raymonds have spent +the last three or four months are gorgeous with scarlet, crimson and gold; +the air from the sea is more delightful than ever, but the summer visitors +to the neighboring cottages and hotels have fled, and the beach is almost +deserted, as Edward and his child-wife wander slowly along it, hand in +hand, their attention divided between the splendors of a magnificent +sunset and the changing beauty of the sea; yonder away in the distance it +is pale gray; near at hand delicate green slowly changing to pink, each +wave crested with snowy foam, and anon they all turn to burnished gold.</p> + +<p>"Oh, how very beautiful!" cries Zoe, in an ecstasy of delight. "Edward, +did you ever see anything finer?"</p> + +<p>"Never! Let us go down this flight of steps and seat ourselves on the next +to the lowest. We will then be quite near the waves and yet out of danger +of being wet by them."</p> + +<p>He led her down as he spoke, seated her comfortably and himself by her +side with his arm around her.</p> + +<p>"I've grown very fond of the sea," she remarked. "I shall be sorry to +leave it. Will not you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes and no," he answered, doubtfully. "I, too, am fond of old ocean, but +eager to get to Ion and begin life in earnest. Isn't it time, seeing I +have been a married man for nearly five months? But why that sigh, love?"</p> + +<p>"O Edward, are you not sorry you are married? Are you not sometimes very +much ashamed of me?" she asked, her cheek burning hotly and the downcast +eyes filling with tears.</p> + +<p>"Ashamed of you, Zoe? Why, darling, you are my heart's best treasure," he +said, drawing her closer to his side, and touching his lips to her +forehead. "What has put so absurd an idea into your head?"</p> + +<p>"I know so little, so very little compared with your mother and sisters," +she sighed. "I'm finding it out more and more every day, as I hear them +talk among themselves and to other people."</p> + +<p>"But you are younger than any of them, a very great deal younger than +mamma, and will have time to catch up to them."</p> + +<p>"But I'm a married woman and so can't go to school any more. Ah," with +another and very heavy sigh, "I wish papa hadn't been quite so indulgent, +or that I'd had sense enough not to take advantage of it to the neglect of +my studies!"</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose it would hardly do to send you to school, even if I could +spare you—which I can't," he returned laughingly, "but there is a +possibility of studying at home, under a governess or tutor. What do you +say to offering yourself as a pupil to grandpa?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no! I'm sure he can be very stern upon occasion. I've seen it in +his eyes when I've made a foolish remark that he didn't approve, and I +should be too frightened to learn if he were my teacher."</p> + +<p>"Then some one else must be thought of," Edward said, with a look of +amusement. "How would I answer?"</p> + +<p>"You? Oh, splendidly!"</p> + +<p>"You are not afraid of me?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" she cried, with a merry laugh and a saucy look up into his +face.</p> + +<p>"And yet I'm the only person who has authority over you."</p> + +<p>"Authority, indeed!" with a little contemptuous sniff.</p> + +<p>"You promised to obey, you know."</p> + +<p>"Did I? Well, maybe so, but that's just a form that doesn't really mean +anything. Most any married woman will tell you that."</p> + +<p>"Do you consider the whole of your marriage vow an unmeaning form, Zoe?" +he asked, with sudden gravity and a look of doubt and pain in his eyes +that she could not bear to see.</p> + +<p>"No, no! I was only in jest," she said, dropping her eyes and blushing +deeply. "But really, Edward, you don't think, do you, that wives are to +obey like children?"</p> + +<p>"No, love, I don't; and I think in a true marriage the two are so entirely +one—so unselfishly desirous each to please the other—that there is +little or no clashing of wills. Thus far ours has seemed such to me. How +is it, do you think, little wife?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so, Edward," she said, laying her head on his shoulder, "I know +one thing—that there is nothing in this world I care so much for as to +please you and be all and everything to you."</p> + +<p>"And I can echo your words from my very heart, dearest," he said, +caressing her. "I hope you are at home and happy among your new +relatives."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, Edward, especially with mamma. She is the dearest, kindest +mother in the world; to me as much as to her own children, and oh, so wise +and good!"</p> + +<p>"You are not sorry now that you and I are not to live alone?" he queried, +with a pleased smile.</p> + +<p>"No, oh, no! I'm ever so glad that she is to keep house at Ion and all of +us to live together as one family."</p> + +<p>"Except Lester and Elsie," he corrected; "they will be with us for a short +time, then go to Fairview for the winter. And it will probably become +their home after that, as mamma will buy it, if Mr. Leland—Lester's +uncle, who owns the place—carries out his intention of removing to +California. His children have settled there, and, of course, the father +and mother want to be with them."</p> + +<p>The sun had set, and all the bright hues had faded from the sea, leaving +it a dull gray.</p> + +<p>"What a deserted spot this seems!" remarked Zoe, "and only the other day +it was gay with crowds of people. Nobody to be seen now but ourselves," +glancing up and down the coast as she spoke. "Ah, yes! yonder is someone +sitting on that piece of wreck."</p> + +<p>"It is Lulu Raymond," Edward said, following the direction of her glance. +"It is late for the child to be out so far from home; a full mile I should +say. I'll go and invite her to walk back with us."</p> + +<p>"No, you needn't," said Zoe, "for see, there is her father going to her. +But let us go home, for I must change my dress before tea."</p> + +<p>"And we want time to walk leisurely along," returned Edward, rising and +giving her his hand to help her up the steps.</p> + +<p>Lulu was reading, so absorbed in the story that she did not perceive her +father's approach, and as he accosted her with, "It is late for you to be +here alone, my child, you should have come in an hour ago," she gave a +great start, and involuntarily tried to hide her book.</p> + +<p>"What have you there? Evidently something you do not wish your father to +see," he said, bending down and taking it from her unwilling hand.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I don't wonder!" as he hurriedly turned over a few pages. "A dime +novel! Where did you get this, Lulu?"</p> + +<p>"It's Max's, papa, he lent it to me. O papa, what made you do that?" as +with an energetic fling the captain suddenly sent it far out into the sea. +"Max made me promise to take care of it and give it back to him, and +besides I wanted to finish the story."</p> + +<p>"Neither you nor Max shall ever read such poisonous stuff as that with my +knowledge and consent," replied the captain in stern accents.</p> + +<p>"Papa, I didn't think you'd be so unkind," grumbled Lulu, her face +expressing extreme vexation and disappointment, "or that you would throw +away other people's things."</p> + +<p>"Unkind, my child?" he said, sitting down beside her and taking her hand +in his. "Suppose you had gathered a quantity of beautiful, sweet-tasted +berries that I knew to be poisonous, and were about to eat them; would it +be unkind in me to snatch them out of your hand and throw them into the +sea?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; because it would kill me to eat them, but that book couldn't +kill me, or even make me sick."</p> + +<p>"No, not your body, but it would injure your soul, which is worth far +more. I'm afraid I have been too negligent in regard to the mental food of +my children," he went on after a slight pause, rather as if thinking aloud +than talking to Lulu, "and unfortunately I cannot take the oversight of it +constantly in the future. But remember, Lulu," he added firmly, "I wholly +forbid dime novels, and you are not to read anything without first +obtaining the approval of your father or one of those under whose +authority he has placed you."</p> + +<p>Lulu's face was full of sullen discontent and anger. "Papa," she said, "I +don't like to obey those people."</p> + +<p>"If you are wise, you will try to like what has to be," he said.</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't have to be if you would only say I needn't, papa."</p> + +<p>"I shall not say that, Lucilla," he answered with grave displeasure. "You +need guidance and control even more than most children of your age, and I +should not be doing my duty if I left you without them."</p> + +<p>"I don't like to obey people that are no relation to me!" she cried, +viciously kicking away a little heap of sand.</p> + +<p>"No, you don't even like to obey your father," he said with a sigh. "Max +and Gracie together do not give me half the anxiety that you do by your +wilful temper."</p> + +<p>"Why, can't I do as I please as well as grown people?" she asked in a more +subdued tone.</p> + +<p>"Even grown people have to obey," said her father. "I am now expecting +orders from the government, and must obey them when they come. I must obey +my superior officers, and the officers and men under me must obey me. So +must my children. God gave you to me and requires me to train you up in +His fear and service to the best of my ability. I should not be doing that +if I allowed you to read such hurtful trash as that I just took from +you."</p> + +<p>"It was Max's, papa, and I promised to give it back. What shall I say when +he asks me for it?"</p> + +<p>"Tell him to come to me about it."</p> + +<p>"Papa——"</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it?" he asked, as she paused and hesitated.</p> + +<p>"Please, papa, don't punish him. You never told him not to buy or read +such things, did you?"</p> + +<p>"No; and I think he would not have done so in defiance of a prohibition +from me. So I shall not punish him. But I am pleased that you should plead +for him. I am very glad that my children all love one another."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed we do, papa!" she said, "And we all love you, and you love +Max and Gracie very much, and——"</p> + +<p>"And Lulu also," he said, putting his arm about her and drawing her closer +to his side, as she paused with quivering lip and downcast eyes.</p> + +<p>"As much as you do Max and Gracie?" she asked brokenly, hiding her face on +his shoulder. "You said just now I was naughtier than both of them put +together."</p> + +<p>"Yet you are my own dear child, and it is precisely because I love you so +dearly that I am so distressed over your quick temper and wilfulness. I +fear that if not conquered they will cause great unhappiness to yourself +as well as to your friends. I want you to promise me, daughter, that you +will try to conquer them, asking God to help you."</p> + +<p>"I will, papa," she said, with unwonted humility; "but, oh, I wish you +were going to stay with us! It's easier to be good with you than with +anybody else."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, indeed, that I cannot," he said, rising and taking her hand. +"Come, we must go back to the house now."</p> + +<p>They moved along in silence for a little, then Lulu said, with an +affectionate look up into her father's face, "Papa, I do so like to walk +this way!"</p> + +<p>"How do you mean?" he asked, smiling kindly upon her.</p> + +<p>"With my hand in yours, papa. You know I haven't often had the chance."</p> + +<p>"No, my poor child," he sighed, "that is one of the deprivations to which +a seaman and his family have to submit."</p> + +<p>"Well," said the little girl, lifting his hand to her lips, "I'd rather +have you for my father than anybody else, for all that."</p> + +<p>At that he bent down and kissed her with a smile full of pleasure and +fatherly affection.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II" />CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<p class="center">"By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou + shalt be condemned." —<i>Matt.</i> 12:37.</p> + + +<p>As they drew near the house Max came to meet them.</p> + +<p>"I've been to the post-office since the mail came in, papa," he said, "and +there is no government letter for you yet. I'm so glad! I hope they're +going to let us keep you a good deal longer."</p> + +<p>"I'm not sorry to prolong my stay with wife and children," the captain +responded, "but cannot hope to be permitted to do so very much longer."</p> + +<p>"Grandpa Dinsmore has come back from taking Harold and Herbert to +college," pursued Max, "and we're all to take tea in there, Mamma Vi says; +because grandpa wants us all about him this first evening."</p> + +<p>"That is kind," said the captain, opening the gate and looking smilingly +at Violet, who, with little Grace, was waiting for him on the veranda. He +stopped there to speak with them, while Lulu hurried on into the house +and up to her own room, Max following.</p> + +<p>"Where's my book, Lu?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"O Max, I couldn't help it—but papa caught me reading it and took it away +from me. And he told me when you asked me for it I should send you to +him."</p> + +<p>Max's face expressed both vexation and alarm. "I sha'n't do that," he +said, "if I never get it. But was he very angry, Lu?"</p> + +<p>"No; and you needn't be afraid to go to him, for he won't punish you; I +asked him not to, and he said he wouldn't. But he threw the book into the +sea, and said neither you nor I should ever read such poisonous stuff with +his knowledge or consent."</p> + +<p>"Then, where would be the use of my going to him for it? I'll not say a +word about it."</p> + +<p>He went out, closed the door and stood irresolutely in the hall, debating +with himself whether to go up-stairs or down. Up-stairs in his room was +another dime novel which he had been reading that afternoon; he had not +quite finished it, and was eager to do so; he wanted very much to know how +the story ended, and had meant to read the few remaining pages now before +the call to tea. But his father's words, reported to him by Lulu, made it +disobedience.</p> + +<p>"It's a very little sin," whispered +the <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original is smudged 'tempter(smudge)having'">tempter; "as having</ins> read so much, +you might as well read the rest."</p> + +<p>"But it will be disobeying wilfully the kind father who forgave a heedless +act of disobedience not very long ago," said conscience; "the dear father +who must soon leave you to be gone no one knows how long, perhaps never to +come back."</p> + +<p>Just then the captain came quickly up the stairs. "Ah, Max, are you +there?" he said, in a cheery tone, then laying his hand affectionately on +the boy's shoulder. "Come in here with me, my son, I want to have a little +talk with you while I make my toilet."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Max, following him into the dressing-room.</p> + +<p>"What have you been reading to-day?" asked the captain, throwing off his +coat, pouring water into the basin from the pitcher, and beginning his +ablutions.</p> + +<p>Max hung his head in silence till the question was repeated, then +stammered out the title of the book, the perusal of which he was so +desirous to finish.</p> + +<p>"Where did you get it?" asked his father.</p> + +<p>"I bought it at a news-stand, papa."</p> + +<p>"You must not buy anything more of that kind, Max; you must not read any +such trash."</p> + +<p>"I will not again, papa; I should not this time if you had ever forbidden +me before."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't believe you would be guilty of wilful disobedience to any +positive command of your father," the captain said in a grave but kindly +tone; "and yet I think you suspected I would not approve, else why were +you so unwilling to tell me what you had been reading?"</p> + +<p>He was standing before the bureau now, hairbrush in hand, and as he spoke +he paused in his work, and gazed searchingly at his son.</p> + +<p>Max's face flushed hotly, and his eyes drooped for a moment, then looking +up into his father's face he said frankly, "Yes, papa, I believe I was +afraid you would take the book from me if you saw it. I deserve that you +should be angry with me for that and for lending one to Lu."</p> + +<p>"I am displeased with you on both accounts," the captain replied, "but I +shall overlook it this time, my son, hoping there will be no repetition of +either offence. Now go to your room, gather up all the doubtful reading +matter you have, and bring it here to me. I shall not go with you, but +trust to your honor to keep nothing back."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, papa, for trusting me!" cried Max, his countenance +brightening wonderfully, and he hastened away to do his father's bidding.</p> + +<p>"Just the dearest, kindest father that ever was!" he said to himself, as +he bounded up the stairs. "I'll never do anything again to vex him, if I +can help it."</p> + +<p>He was down again in a moment with two dime novels and a story-paper of +the same stamp.</p> + +<p>The captain had finished his toilet. Seating himself he took what Max had +brought, and glancing hastily over it, "How much of this trash have you +read, Max?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"The paper and most of one book, papa. I'll not read any more such, since +you've forbidden me; but they're very interesting, papa."</p> + +<p>"I dare say, to a boy of your age. But you don't think I would want to +deprive you of any innocent pleasure, Max?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; oh, no! But may I know why you won't let me read such stories?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; it is because they give false views of life, and thus lead to wrong +and foolish actions. Why, Max, some boys have been made burglars and +highwaymen by such stories. I want you to be a reader, but of good and +wholesome literature; books that will give you useful information and good +moral teachings; above all things, my son, I would have you a student of +the Bible, 'the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto +salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.' Do you read it often, +Max?"</p> + +<p>"Not very, papa. But you know I hear you read it every morning and +evening."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but I have sometimes been grieved to see that you paid very little +attention."</p> + +<p>Max colored at that. "Papa, I will try to do better," he said.</p> + +<p>"I hope you will," said his father. "You will enjoy the same religious +advantages at Ion, and, my boy, try to profit by them, remembering that we +shall have to render an account at last of the use or abuse of all our +privileges. I want you to promise me that you will read a few verses of +the Bible every day, and commit at least one to memory."</p> + +<p>"I will, papa. And what else shall I read? You will let me have some +story-books, won't you?" Max said, entreatingly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said his father, "I have no objection to stories of the right sort. +There are some very beautiful stories in the Bible; there are entertaining +stories in history; and there are fictitious stories that will do you good +and not harm. I shall take care in future that you have plenty of +wholesome mental food, so that you will have no excuse for craving such +stuff as this," he added, with a glance of disgust at what he held in his +hand. "It may go into the kitchen fire."</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Scrimp never burns the least little bit of paper, papa," said Max.</p> + +<p>"Indeed! Why not?" asked his father, with an amused smile.</p> + +<p>"She says it is wicked waste, because it is better than rags for the +paper-makers."</p> + +<p>"Ah! well, then, we will tear these into bits and let them go to the +paper-makers."</p> + +<p>Max was standing by his father's side. "Papa," he said, with a roguish +look into his father's face, "don't you think you would enjoy reading them +first?"</p> + +<p>The captain laughed. "No, my son," he said; "I have not the slightest +inclination to read them. Bring me that waste basket and you may help me +tear them up."</p> + +<p>They began the work of destruction, Max taking the paper, the captain the +book his son had been reading. Presently something in it attracted his +attention; he paused and glanced over several pages one after the other, +till Max began to think he had become interested in the story. But no; at +that instant he turned from it to him, and Max was half frightened at the +sternness of his look.</p> + +<p>"My son," he said, "I am astonished and deeply grieved that you could read +and enjoy anything like this, for it is full of profanity; and reading or +hearing such expressions is very likely to lead to the use of them. Max, +do you ever say such words?"</p> + +<p>Max trembled and grew red and pale by turns, but did not speak.</p> + +<p>"Answer me," was his father's stern command.</p> + +<p>"Not often, papa."</p> + +<p>The captain barely caught the low breathed words. "Not often? sometimes, +then?" he groaned, covering his face with his hand.</p> + +<p>"O papa, don't be so grieved! I'll never do it again," Max said in a +broken voice.</p> + +<p>The captain sighed deeply. "Max," he said, "dearly as I love my only son, +I would sooner lay him under the sod, knowing that his soul was in heaven, +than have him live to be a profane swearer. Bring me that Bible from the +table yonder."</p> + +<p>The boy obeyed.</p> + +<p>"Now turn to the twenty-fourth chapter of Leviticus, and read the +sixteenth verse."</p> + +<p>Max read in a trembling voice, "'And he that blasphemeth the name of the +Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall +certainly stone him; as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, +when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.'"</p> + +<p>"Now the twenty-third," said his father.</p> + +<p>"'And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth +him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones; and the +children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses.'"</p> + +<p>Max had some difficulty in finishing the verse, and at the end quite broke +down.</p> + +<p>"Papa," he sobbed, "I didn't know that was in the Bible. I never thought +about its being so dreadfully wicked to say bad words."</p> + +<p>"What do you now think a boy deserves who has done it again and again? say +as often as Max Raymond has?" asked his father.</p> + +<p>"I suppose to be stoned to death like that man. But nobody is ever put to +death for swearing nowadays?" the boy said, half inquiringly, not daring +to look at his father as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"No, Max, fortunately for you and many others. But suppose you were my +father and I a boy of your age, and that I had been swearing, what would +you think you ought to do about it?"</p> + +<p>"Give you a sound flogging," he answered, in a low, reluctant tone.</p> + +<p>"Well, Max, that is just what I shall have to do, if I ever know you to +use a profane word again," said his father, in a grave, sad tone. "I +should do it now, but for the hope that you are sorry enough for the past +to carefully avoid that sin in the future."</p> + +<p>"Indeed I will, papa," he said, very humbly.</p> + +<p>"And, Max," resumed his father, "you are never to make a companion of, or +go at all with anybody who uses such language, and never to read a book or +story that has in it anything of that kind. And you are not to say by +George or by anything. Our Saviour says, 'Let your communication be Yea, +yea, Nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.' My son, +have you asked God to forgive you for taking His holy name in vain?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then go at once to your room and do it."</p> + +<p>"I did, papa," Max said, when he came down again to find his father +waiting for him.</p> + +<p>"I trust the petition came from your heart, my son," was the grave but +kind rejoinder. "I must have a little more talk with you on this subject, +but not now, for it is time we followed the others into the next house, if +we would not keep Grandma Rose's tea waiting."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III" />CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<p class="center">"A kingdom is a nest of families, and a family is a small + kingdom." —<i>Tupper.</i></p> + + +<p>It was a bright and cheerful scene that greeted the eyes of Captain +Raymond and his son as they entered the parlor of the adjacent cottage.</p> + +<p>It was strictly a family gathering, yet the room was quite full. Mr. +Dinsmore was there with his wife, his daughter Elsie and her children, +Edward and Zoe, Elsie Leland with her husband and babe, Violet Raymond +with her husband's two little girls, Lulu and Grace, and lastly Rosie and +Walter.</p> + +<p>Everybody had a kindly greeting for the captain, and Violet's bright face +grew still brighter as she made room for him on the sofa by her side.</p> + +<p>"We were beginning to wonder what was keeping you," she said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'm afraid I am rather behind time," he returned. "I hope you have +not delayed your tea for me, Mrs. Dinsmore."</p> + +<p>"No; it is but just ready," she said. "Ah, there's the bell. Please, all +of you walk out."</p> + +<p>When the meal was over all returned to the parlor, where they spent the +next hour in desultory chat.</p> + +<p>Gracie claimed a seat on her father's knee. Lulu took possession of an +ottoman and pushed it up as close to his side as she could; then seating +herself on it leaned up against him.</p> + +<p>He smiled and stroked her hair, then glanced about the room in search of +Max.</p> + +<p>The boy was sitting silently in a corner, but reading an invitation in his +father's eyes, he rose and came to his other side.</p> + +<p>The ladies were talking of the purchases they wished to make in Boston, +New York or Philadelphia, on their homeward route.</p> + +<p>"I must get winter hats for Lulu and Gracie," said Violet.</p> + +<p>"I want a bird on mine, Mamma Vi," said Lulu; "a pretty one with gay +feathers."</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Lulu, that they skin the poor little birds alive in order to +preserve the brilliancy of their plumage?" Violet said with a troubled +look. "I will not wear them on that account, and as you are a kind-hearted +little girl, I think you will not wish to do so either."</p> + +<p>"But I do," persisted Lulu. "Of course I wouldn't have a bird killed on +purpose, but after they are killed I might just as well have one."</p> + +<p>"But do you not see," said Grandma Elsie, "that if every one would refuse +to buy them, the cruel business of killing them would soon cease? and that +it will go on as long as people continue to buy and wear them?"</p> + +<p>"I don't care, I want one," pouted Lulu. "Papa, can't I have it?"</p> + +<p>"No, you cannot," he said with grave displeasure. "I am sorry to see that +you can be so heartless. You can have just whatever Grandma Elsie and +Mamma Vi think best for you, and with that you must be content."</p> + +<p>Lulu was silenced, but for the rest of the evening her face wore an ugly +scowl.</p> + +<p>"My little girl is growing sleepy," the captain said presently to Gracie. +"Papa will carry you over home and put you to bed. Lulu, you may come +too."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to, papa, I——" she began; but he silenced her with a look.</p> + +<p>"Bid good-night to our friends and come," he said. "You also, Max."</p> + +<p>Max, though surprised at the order, obeyed with cheerful alacrity in +strong contrast to Lulu's sullen and reluctant compliance, which said as +plainly as words that she would rebel if she dared.</p> + +<p>"I don't see why papa makes us come away so soon," she grumbled to her +brother in an undertone, as they passed from one cottage to the other, +their father a little in advance.</p> + +<p>"He must have some good reason," said Max, "and I for one am willing +enough to obey him, seeing it's such a little while I'll have the chance."</p> + +<p>They had now reached the veranda of their own cottage.</p> + +<p>"Come in quickly out of this cold wind, children," their father said; then +as he closed the outer door after them, "Run into the parlor and get +thoroughly warm before going up to your rooms."</p> + +<p>He sat down by the stove with Grace on his knee, and bade the other two +draw up close to it and him, one on each side. And when they had done so, +"My three dear children," he said in tender tones, glancing from one to +another, "no words can tell how much I love you. Will you all think very +often of papa and follow him with your prayers when he is far away on the +sea?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes, papa!" they all said with tears in their eyes, while Gracie +put her small arms round his neck. Lulu rested her head on his shoulder, +and Max took a hand and pressed it in both of his.</p> + +<p>"Papa, you will think of us, too?" he said inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, my darlings; you will never be long out of my mind, and +nothing will make me happier than to hear that you are well and doing your +duty faithfully."</p> + +<p>"I shall try very hard, papa," Max said, with affectionate look and tone, +"if it is only to please you and make your heart glad."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, my son," his father replied, "but I hope a still stronger +motive will be that you may please God and honor Him. Never forget, my +children, that though your earthly father may be far away and know nothing +of your conduct, God's all-seeing eye is ever upon you."</p> + +<p>A half hour had passed very quickly and delightfully to the children, when +at length, seeing Gracie's eyelids begin to droop, their father said it +was time for him to carry her up to bed.</p> + +<p>"Shall we stay here till you come down again, papa?" asked Max.</p> + +<p>"No; you and Lulu may go to bed now."</p> + +<p>"Then good-night, papa."</p> + +<p>"No, you need not bid me good-night yet," the captain said. "I shall see +you both in your rooms before you are asleep."</p> + +<p>"Well, Lu, are you sorry now that papa made you come home so soon?" asked +Max, as they went up-stairs together.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! Haven't we had a nice time, Max? Oh, if only we could keep +papa all the time!"</p> + +<p>"I wish we could," said Max. "But we won't have so hard a time as we've +had for the last two years whenever he was away."</p> + +<p>They had reached the door of Lulu's room. "Max," she said, turning to him +as with a sudden thought, "what do you suppose papa is coming to our rooms +for?"</p> + +<p>"What do <i>you</i> suppose? have you done anything you ought to be punished +for?" asked Max, a little mischievously. "I thought you looked very cross +and rebellious about the hat and about having to come home so soon. I'm +very sure, from what I've heard of Grandpa Dinsmore's strictness, that if +you were his child you'd get a whipping for it."</p> + +<p>Lulu looked frightened.</p> + +<p>"But, Max, you don't think papa means to punish me for that, do you? He +has been so kind and pleasant since," she said, with a slight tremble in +her voice.</p> + +<p>"You'll find out when he comes," laughed Max. "Good-night," and he +hastened away to his own room.</p> + +<p>A guilty conscience made Lulu very uneasy as she hurried through her +preparations for bed, and as she heard her father's step approach the door +she grew quite frightened.</p> + +<p>He came in and closed it after him. Lulu was standing in her night-dress, +just ready for bed. He caught up a heavy shawl, wrapped it about her, and +seating himself lifted her to his knee.</p> + +<p>"Why, how you are trembling!" he exclaimed. "What is the matter?"</p> + +<p>"O papa! are you—are you going to punish me for being so naughty this +evening?" she asked, hanging her head while her cheeks grew red.</p> + +<p>"That was not my intention in coming in here," he said. "But, Lulu, your +wilfulness is a cause of great anxiety to me. I hardly know what to do +with you. I am very loath to burden our kind friends—Grandpa Dinsmore and +Grandma Elsie—with so rebellious and unmanageable a child, for it will be +painful to them to be severe with you, and yet I see that you will compel +them to it."</p> + +<p>"I won't be punished by anybody but you! Nobody else has a right!" burst +out Lulu.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my child, I have given them the right, and the only way for you to +escape punishment is not to deserve it. And if you prove too troublesome +for them, you are to be sent to a boarding-school, and that, you will +understand, involves separation from Max and Gracie, and life among total +strangers."</p> + +<p>"Papa, you wouldn't, you couldn't be so cruel!" she said, bursting into +tears and hiding her face on his breast.</p> + +<p>"I hope you will not be so cruel to yourself as to make it necessary," he +said. "I have fondly hoped you were improving, but your conduct to-night +shows me that you are still a self-willed, rebellious child."</p> + +<p>"Well, papa, I've wanted a bird on my hat for ever so long, and I believe +you would have let me have it, too, if Mamma Vi and Grandma Elsie hadn't +said that."</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't let you have it, if they were both in favor of it," he said +severely.</p> + +<p>"Why, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Because of the cruelty it would encourage. And now, Lucilla, I want you +to reflect how very kind it is in Grandpa Dinsmore and Grandma Elsie to be +willing to take my children in and share with them their own delightful +home. You have not the slightest claim upon their kindness, and very few +people in their case would have made such an offer. I really feel almost +ashamed to accept so much without being able to make some return, even if +I knew my children would all behave as dutifully and gratefully as +possible. And knowing how likely your conduct is to be the exact reverse +of that, I can hardly reconcile it to my conscience to let you go with +them to Ion. I am afraid I ought to place you in a boarding-school at +once, before I am ordered away."</p> + +<p>"O papa, don't!" she begged. "I'll try to behave better."</p> + +<p>"You must promise more than that," he said; "promise me that you will +yield to the authority of your mamma and her mother and grandfather as if +it were mine; obeying their orders and submitting to any punishment they +may see fit to inflict, just as if it were my act."</p> + +<p>"Papa, have you said they might punish me?" she asked, with a look of +wounded pride.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have full confidence in their wisdom and kindness. I know they +will not abuse the authority I give them, and I have told them they may +use any measures with my children that they would with their own in the +same circumstances. Are you ready to give the promise I require?"</p> + +<p>"Papa, it is too hard!"</p> + +<p>"The choice is between that and being sent to boarding-school."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's so hard!" she sobbed.</p> + +<p>"Not hard at all if you choose to be good," her father said. "In that case +you will have a delightful life at Ion. Do you make the promise?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," she said, as if the words were wrung from her, then hid her +face on his breast again and cried bitterly.</p> + +<p>"My little daughter, these are tears of pride and stubbornness," sighed +her father, passing his hand caressingly over her hair, "and you will +never be happy until those evil passions are cast out of your heart. They +are foes which you must fight and conquer by the help of Him who is mighty +to save, or they will cost you the loss of your soul. Any sin unrepented +of and unforsaken will drag you down to eternal death; for the Bible says, +'Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.'"</p> + +<p>"Papa," she said, "you are the only person God commands me to obey, and +I'm willing to do that."</p> + +<p>"No, it seems not, when my command is that you obey some one else. My +little girl, you need something that I cannot give you; and that is a +change of heart. Go to Jesus for it, daughter; ask Him to wash away all +your sins in His precious blood and to create in you a clean heart and +renew a right spirit within you. He is able and willing to do it, for He +says, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.' We will kneel +down and ask Him now."</p> + +<p>"Papa, I do love you so, I love you dearly, and I <i>will</i> try to be a +better girl," Lulu said, clasping her arms tightly about his neck, as, +having laid her in her bed, he bent down to kiss her good-night.</p> + +<p>"I hope so, my darling," he said; "nothing could make me happier than to +know you to be a truly good child, trying to live right that you may +please the dear Saviour who died that you might live."</p> + +<p>Max, lying in his bed, was just saying to himself, "I wonder what keeps +papa so long," when he heard his step on the stairs.</p> + +<p>"Are you awake, Max?" the captain asked, as he opened the door and came +in.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," was the cheerful response; "it's early, you know, papa, and +I'm not at all sleepy."</p> + +<p>"That is well, for I want a little talk with you," said his father, +sitting down on the side of the bed and taking Max's hand in his.</p> + +<p>The talk was on the sin of profanity. Max was told to repeat the third +commandment, then his father called his attention to the words, "The Lord +will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain."</p> + +<p>"It is a dreadful and dangerous sin, my son," he said; "a most foolish +sin, too, for there is absolutely nothing to be gained by it; and the +meanest of sins, for what can be meaner than to abuse Him to whom we owe +our being and every blessing we enjoy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa, and I—I've done it a good many times. Do you think God will +ever forgive me?" Max asked in trembling tones.</p> + +<p>"'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and +forsaketh them shall have mercy.' 'I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy +transgressions, for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins,'" +quoted the captain.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my son, if you are truly sorry for your sins because committed +against God, and confess them with the determination to forsake them, +asking forgiveness and help to overcome the evil of your nature, for +Jesus' sake, it will be granted you. 'The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, +cleanseth us from all sin.'"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV" />CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"No day discolored with domestic strife,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">No jealousy, but mutual truth believ'd,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Secure repose and kindness undeceiv'd."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 24.5em;">—<i>Dryden.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>They were a bright and cheery company in the other house. They had divided +into groups. Mrs. Elsie Travilla sat in a low rocking-chair, between her +father and his wife, with her little grandson on her lap. She doated on +the babe, and was often to be seen with it in her arms. She was now +calling her father's attention to its beauty, and talking of the time when +its mother was an infant, her own precious darling.</p> + +<p>On a sofa on the farther side of the room the two sisters, Elsie and +Violet, sat side by side, cosily chatting of things past and present, +while a little removed from them Lester, Edward and Zoe formed another +group.</p> + +<p>The two gentlemen were in animated conversation, to which Zoe was a silent +and absorbed listener, especially when her husband spoke; eagerly drinking +in every word that fell from his lips; her face glowing, her eyes +sparkling with proud delight.</p> + +<p>"Look at Zoe; Ned certainly has one devoted admirer," remarked Elsie, +regarding her young sister-in-law with a pleased yet half-amused smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Violet, "he is a perfect oracle in her esteem; and I believe +everything she does is right in his eyes; indeed, their mutual devotion is +a pretty thing to see. They are scarcely ever apart."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think your husband an oracle?" asked Elsie, with a quizzical +look.</p> + +<p>"So you have found that out already, have you?" laughed Violet. "Yes, I +do, but then he is wiser than our Ned, you know. Tell me now, don't you +admire him? don't you think him worthy of all honor?"</p> + +<p>"I do, indeed, and am proud to have him for a brother-in-law," Elsie said +with earnest sincerity; "but," she added with a smile, "I prefer Lester +for a husband."</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course, but Levis is the best of husbands—of fathers, too."</p> + +<p>"Rather more strict and stern than ours was, is he not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but not more so than necessary with a child of Lulu's peculiar +disposition."</p> + +<p>"Ah, Vi, I pity you for being a stepmother," Elsie said, with a +compassionate look at her sister.</p> + +<p>"You needn't," returned Violet quickly.</p> + +<p>"Lulu is the only one of the three that gives me any anxiety or trouble, +and to be Captain Raymond's wife more than compensates for that."</p> + +<p>"I suppose so. And Gracie is a dear little thing."</p> + +<p>"Yes, she's a darling. And Max is a noble fellow. I hope he will make just +such a man as his father. Don't you think he resembles the captain in +looks?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I notice he is very chivalrous in his manner toward his young +stepmother."</p> + +<p>"Yes," Violet said, with a happy smile, "and more or less to all ladies; +but especially those of this family. He is like his father in that. Zoe +is, I think, a particular favorite with him."</p> + +<p>Evidently Zoe had overheard the remark, for she turned in their direction +with a bright look and smile; then springing up came quickly toward them, +and taking possession of a low chair near at hand, "Was it Max you were +talking of, Violet?" she said. "Yes, indeed, I am fond of him. I think +he's a splendid boy. But what was wrong with him to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing, so far as I know," said Violet "Why do you think there was?"</p> + +<p>"Because he was so unusually quiet; and then his father took him away so +early. Ah, here comes the captain now," as the door opened and Captain +Raymond entered; "so I'll go away and let you have him to yourself."</p> + +<p>"You needn't," said Violet, but Zoe was already by Edward's side again.</p> + +<p>Elsie, too, rose and went to her mother to ask if she were not weary of +holding the babe.</p> + +<p>Violet looked up a little anxiously into her husband's face as she made +room for him on the sofa by her side. "Is anything wrong with the +children, Levis?" she asked in an undertone.</p> + +<p>"No, love," he said; "I took them away early that I might have a little +serious talk with the older two. You know I shall not long be afforded the +opportunity."</p> + +<p>"But you look troubled," she said, in tenderly sympathizing accents. "May +I not share your care or sorrow, whatever it is?"</p> + +<p>"I would rather share only joys and blessings with you, dearest, and keep +the cares and burdens to myself," he answered, smiling lovingly upon her, +and pressing with affectionate warmth the little hand she had placed in +his.</p> + +<p>"No, I can't consent to that," she said. "I consider it one of my precious +privileges to be allowed to share your burdens and anxieties. Won't you +tell me what troubles you?"</p> + +<p>"It is nothing new, little wife," he answered cheerfully; "but I am +doubting whether I do right to give your mother and grandfather so +troublesome a charge as Lulu. She is almost certain to be wilful and +rebellious occasionally, if not oftener."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Travilla had resigned the babe to its mother, and was now standing +near the sofa where the captain and Violet sat.</p> + +<p>"Mamma," said the latter, turning to her, "my husband is making himself +miserable with the fear that Lulu will prove too troublesome to you and +grandpa."</p> + +<p>"Please do not, captain," Elsie said brightly, accepting the easy-chair he +hastened to bring forward for her. "Why should I not have a little trouble +as well as other people? Lulu is an attractive child to me, very bright +and original, a little headstrong, perhaps, but I shall lay siege to her +heart and try to rule her through her affections."</p> + +<p>"I think that will be the better plan," he said, the look of care lifting +from his brow; "she is a warm-hearted child, and more easily led than +driven. But she is sometimes very impertinent, and I would by no means +have her indulged in that. I wish you would promise me never to let it +pass without punishment. She must be taught respect for authority and for +her superiors."</p> + +<p>Elsie's face had grown very grave while he was speaking. "What punishment +do you prescribe?" she asked. "The child is yours."</p> + +<p>"That should depend upon the heinousness of the offence," he replied. "I +can only say, please treat her exactly as if she were your own."</p> + +<p>Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore now joined them, and the question what studies the +children should pursue during the coming winter was discussed and settled. +Then the captain spoke of reading matter, asked advice in regard to +suitable books and periodicals, and begged his friends to have a careful +oversight of all the mental food of his children.</p> + +<p>"You could not intrust that matter to a more wise and capable person than +papa," Elsie said, with an affectionate, smiling look at her father. "I +well remember how strict he was with me in my childhood; novels were +coveted but forbidden sweets."</p> + +<p>"You must have been glad when you were old enough to read them, mamma," +remarked Zoe, joining the circle.</p> + +<p>"You read far too many, my little woman," said Mr. Dinsmore, pinching her +rosy cheek. "If I were Edward, I should curtail the supply, and try to +cultivate a taste for something better."</p> + +<p>"But I'm a married woman and sha'n't submit to being treated like a child, +grandpa," she said, with a little pout and a toss of her pretty head.</p> + +<p>"Not even by me?" asked Edward, leaning down over her as he stood behind +her chair.</p> + +<p>"No, not even by you," she returned saucily, looking up into his face with +laughing eyes. "I'm your wife, sir, not your child."</p> + +<p>"Both, I should say," laughed Edward. "I remember that I was considered a +mere child at your age. And whatever you are you belong to me, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and you to me just as much," she retorted, and at that there was a +general laugh.</p> + +<p>The captain had said nothing of the objectionable reading matter found in +his children's hands that day, but when alone with Violet in their own +room, he told her all about it, blaming himself severely for not having +been so watchful over them as he ought, and expressing his distress over +the discovery that Max had sometimes been guilty of profanity.</p> + +<p>"I do not know whether it has become a habit with him," he said, "but, my +dear, I beg of you to watch him closely when I am away, and if he is ever +known to offend in that way, see that he is properly punished."</p> + +<p>"But how, Levis?" she asked, with a troubled look. "I don't know what I +can do but talk seriously to him about the wickedness of it."</p> + +<p>"I hope you will do that, my dear. I have no doubt it would have an +excellent effect, for he loves and admires you greatly. But let him be +punished by being separated, for at least a week, from the rest of the +family, as unworthy to associate with them."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that would be very hard, very humiliating for a proud, sensitive, +affectionate boy like Max!" she exclaimed. "May we not be a little more +lenient toward him?" and she looked up pleadingly into her husband's face.</p> + +<p>"No," he said with decision; "but I strongly hope there will be no +occasion for such punishment, as he seems sincerely penitent and quite +determined not to offend in that way again. I really think my boy wants to +do right, but he is a heedless, thoughtless fellow, often going wrong from +mere carelessness and forgetfulness. But he must be taught to think and to +remember."</p> + +<p>"I wish he could have his father's constant care and control," sighed +Violet.</p> + +<p>"I wish he could indeed!" responded the captain; "but principally because +I fear he will prove a care and trouble to your grandfather and mother, +who, I am inclined to think, are more capable than I of giving him proper +training. I shall go away feeling easier in regard to my children's +welfare than I ever have before since they lost their mother."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad of that, Levis," Violet said, her eyes shining with +pleasure, "and I do believe they will have a happy life at Ion."</p> + +<p>"It will certainly be their own fault if they do not," he replied.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Rose Travilla was somewhat less amiable in disposition than her mother and +older sisters, and had been much disgusted with Lulu's exhibition of +temper that evening.</p> + +<p>Talking with her mother afterward in her dressing-room, "Mamma," she said, +"I wish you hadn't offered to let Lulu Raymond live with us at Ion. I +don't at all like the way she behaves, and I wish you and grandpa would +tell her father to send her off to boarding-school."</p> + +<p>"That is an unkind wish, Rose," said her mother. "Perhaps if you had had +the same treatment Lulu has been subjected to since her mother's death, +you might have shown as bad a temper as hers. Haven't you some pity for +the little girl, when you reflect that she is motherless?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think she could have a sweeter mother than our Vi," was the +unexpected rejoinder. "But she doesn't appreciate her in the least," Rose +went on, "but seems always on the watch against any effort on Vi's part to +control her."</p> + +<p>"She seems to be naturally impatient of control by whomsoever exerted," +Mrs. Travilla said, "but we will hope to see her improve in that respect, +and you must set her a good example, Rose.</p> + +<p>"And I want you to think how sad it would be for her to be parted from the +brother and sister she loves so dearly and sent away alone to +boarding-school. I shall never forget how alarmed and distressed I was +when your grandpa threatened me with one."</p> + +<p>"Did he, mamma?" asked Rosie, opening her eyes very wide with surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he was very much displeased with me at the time," her mother said +with a sigh. "But we will not talk about it; the recollection is very +painful to me."</p> + +<p>"No, mamma; but I cannot get over my astonishment, for I thought you were +never naughty, even when you were a little child."</p> + +<p>"Quite a mistake, Rosie; I had my naughty times as well as other +children," Mrs. Travilla said, smiling at Rosie's bewildered look. "But +now I want you to promise me, my child, that you will be kind and +forbearing toward poor little motherless Lulu."</p> + +<p>"Well, mamma, to please you I will; but I hope she won't try me too much +by impertinence to you or Violet. I don't think I can stand it if she +does.</p> + +<p>"Try to win her love, Rosie, and then you may be able to influence her +strongly for good."</p> + +<p>"I don't know how to begin, mamma."</p> + +<p>"Force your thoughts to dwell on the good points in her character, and +think compassionately of the respects in which she is less fortunate than +yourself, and you will soon find a feeling of love toward her springing up +in your heart; and love begets love. Do her some kindness, daughter, and +that will help you to love her and to gain her love."</p> + +<p>"Well, mamma, I shall try if only to please you. But do tell me, did +grandpa punish you very severely when you were naughty?"</p> + +<p>"His punishment was seldom anything more severe than the gentle rebuke, 'I +am not pleased with you,' but I think I felt it more than many a child +would a whipping; I did so dearly love my father that his displeasure was +terrible to me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know you and he love each other dearly yet, and he often says you +were a very good, conscientious little girl."</p> + +<p>"But to return to Lulu," said Mrs. Travilla, "I had thought she would be a +nice companion for you, and until this evening I have not seen her show +any naughty temper since the first week she was here."</p> + +<p>"No, mamma, she has been quite well-behaved, I believe, and perhaps she +will prove a pleasant companion. I am sorry for her, too, because she +hasn't a dear, wise, kind mother like mine," Rosie added, putting her +arms about her mother's neck, "and because the father, I am sure she loves +very much, must soon go away and leave her."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V" />CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 25em;">—<i>Shakespeare.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>The next morning the captain and Max were out together on the beach before +Violet and the little girls had left their rooms. The lad liked to be +alone with his father sometimes. He had always been proud and fond of him, +and the past few months of constant intercourse had greatly strengthened +the bonds of affection between them. The boy's heart was sore at thought +of the parting that must soon come, the captain's hardly less so. He +talked very kindly with his son, urging him to make the best use of his +time, talents and opportunities, and grow up to be a good, honorable and +useful man.</p> + +<p>"I want to be just such a man as you are, papa," Max said, with an +admiring, affectionate look up into his father's face, and slipping his +hand into his as he spoke.</p> + +<p>The captain clasped the hand lovingly in his, and held it fast.</p> + +<p>"I hope you will be a better and more talented man, my boy," he said, +"but always remember my most ardent wish is to see you a truly good man, a +Christian, serving God with all your powers."</p> + +<p>At this moment a voice behind them said, "Good-mornin', cap'n. I'se got a +lettah hyah for you, sah."</p> + +<p>"Ah, good-morning, Ben, and thank you for bringing it," said the captain, +turning round to receive it.</p> + +<p>"You's bery welcom, sah," responded Ben, touching his hat respectfully, +then walking away toward Mr. Dinsmore's cottage.</p> + +<p>"From Washington," the captain remarked, more to himself than to Max, as +he broke the seal.</p> + +<p>Max watched him while he read, then asked, a little tremulously, "Must you +go very soon, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Within three days, my boy. But we won't say anything about it until after +prayers, but let Mamma Vi and your sisters enjoy their breakfast in +peace."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Papa, I wish I was going with you!"</p> + +<p>"But think how your sisters would miss you, Max."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I suppose they would. I hadn't thought of that."</p> + +<p>"Besides, I want you to take my place to Mamma Vi as nearly as you can," +added his father, looking smilingly at him.</p> + +<p>"O papa, thank you!" cried the boy, his face growing bright with pleased +surprise. "I will try my very best and do all for her that I can."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it, my son. And now let us go in, for it must be +breakfast-time, I think."</p> + +<p>Lulu and Grace ran out to the veranda to meet them with a glad, +"Good-morning, papa," and holding up their faces for a kiss.</p> + +<p>It was bestowed heartily, as he stooped and gathered them in his arms, +saying in tender tones, "Good-morning, my dear little daughters."</p> + +<p>The breakfast bell was ringing, and they hastened to obey its summons. +They found Violet already in the dining-room, and looking sweet and fresh +as a rose, in a pretty, becoming morning dress.</p> + +<p>The captain chatted cheerfully with her and the children while he ate, +seeming to enjoy his beefsteak, muffins and coffee; but Max scarcely +spoke, and occasionally had some difficulty in swallowing his food because +of the lump that would rise in his throat at the thought of the parting +now drawing so near.</p> + +<p>Directly after breakfast came family worship. Then as Violet and her +husband stood together before the window looking out upon the sea, he +gave her his Washington letter to read.</p> + +<p>She glanced over it, while he put his arm about her waist.</p> + +<p>"O Levis, so soon!" she said tremulously, looking up at him with eyes full +of tears, then her head dropped upon his shoulder, and the tears began to +fall.</p> + +<p>He soothed her with caresses and low-breathed words of endearment; of +hope, too, that the separation might not be a long one.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Max?" whispered Lulu, "has papa got his orders?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and has to be off in less than three days," replied Max, in husky +tones, and hastily brushing away a tear.</p> + +<p>Lulu's eyes filled, but by a great effort she kept the tears from falling.</p> + +<p>The captain turned toward them. "We are going into the other house, +children," he said. "You can come with us if you wish."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," they said, and Grace ran to her father and put +her hand in his.</p> + +<p>They found the Dinsmore and Travilla family all assembled in the parlor, +discussing plans for the day, all of which were upset by the captain's +news.</p> + +<p>His ship lay in Boston harbor, and it was promptly decided that they would +all leave to-day for that city, only a few hours' distant.</p> + +<p>As the cottages had been rented furnished, and all had for days past held +themselves in readiness for sudden departure, this would afford ample time +for the necessary packing and other arrangements.</p> + +<p>All was presently bustle and activity in both houses. Zoe and Edward, with +no painful parting in prospect, made themselves very merry over their +packing. They were much like two children, and except when overcome by the +recollection of her recent bereavement, Zoe was as playful and frolicsome +as a kitten.</p> + +<p>"Can I help, Mamma Vi?" asked Lulu, following Violet into her +dressing-room.</p> + +<p>Vi considered a moment. "You are a dear child to want to help," she said, +smiling kindly upon the little girl. "I don't think you can pack your +trunk, but you can be of use here by handing me things out of the bureau +drawers and wardrobe. There are so many trunks to pack that I cannot think +of leaving Agnes to do it all."</p> + +<p>"My dear," said the captain, coming in at that moment, "you are not to do +anything but sit in that easy-chair and give directions. I flatter myself +that I am quite an expert in this line."</p> + +<p>"Can you fold ladies' dresses so that they will carry without rumpling?" +asked Violet, looking up at him with a saucy smile.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not. I can't say I ever tried that. Agnes may do that part of the +work, and I will attend to the rest."</p> + +<p>"And may I hand you the things, papa?" asked Lulu.</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter," he said, "I like to see you trying to be useful."</p> + +<p>They set to work, Violet looking on with interest. "Why, you are an +excellent packer, Levis," she remarked presently, "far better than I or +Agnes either."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he said, "I am very glad to be able to save you the +exertion."</p> + +<p>"And you do it so rapidly," she said. "It would have taken me twice as +long."</p> + +<p>"That is partly because I am much stronger, and partly the result of a +good deal of practice. And Lulu is quite a help," he added, with an +affectionate look at her.</p> + +<p>She flushed with pleasure. "Are you going to pack the other trunks, papa? +Max's and Grade's and mine? And may I help you with them?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, is my answer to both questions," he returned.</p> + +<p>"Where are Max and Gracie?" asked Violet.</p> + +<p>"I told Max to take his little sister to the beach, and take care of and +amuse her," the captain said in answer to the question.</p> + +<p>"Don't you want to be out at play, too, Lulu?" asked Violet. "I can help +your papa."</p> + +<p>"No, ma'am, thank you," the child answered in a quick, emphatic way. "I'd +a great deal rather be with papa to-day than playing."</p> + +<p>He gave her a pleased look and smile, and Violet said, "That is nice, +Lulu; I am very glad his children love him so."</p> + +<p>"Indeed we do, Mamma Vi! every one of us!" exclaimed Lulu. "Papa knows we +do. Don't you, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am quite sure of it," he said. "And that my wife is fond of me +also," with a smiling glance at her, "and altogether it makes me a very +happy man."</p> + +<p>"As you deserve to be," said Violet, gayly. "Please, sir, will you allow +me to fold my dresses?"</p> + +<p>"No, for here comes Agnes," as the maid entered the room, "who, I dare +say, can do it better. Come, Lulu, we will go now to your room."</p> + +<p>Violet stayed where she was to direct and assist Agnes, and Lulu was glad, +because she wanted to be alone with her father for a while.</p> + +<p>When her trunk was packed he turned to leave the room, but she detained +him. "Papa," she said, clinging to his hand, "I—I want to speak to you."</p> + +<p>He sat down and drew her to his side, putting an arm about her waist. +"Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked kindly, stroking the hair back from +her forehead with the other hand.</p> + +<p>"Papa, I—I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for——" she stammered, her +eyes drooping, her cheeks growing crimson.</p> + +<p>"Sorry for your former naughtiness and rebellion?" he asked gently, as she +paused, leaving her sentence unfinished.</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa, I couldn't bear to let you go away without telling you so +again."</p> + +<p>"Well, daughter, it was all forgiven long ago, and you have been a pretty +good girl most of the time since that first sad week."</p> + +<p>"Papa, I do want to be good," she said earnestly, "but somehow the badness +will get the better of me."</p> + +<p>"Yes; each one of us has an evil nature to fight against," he said, "and +it will get the better of us unless we are very determined and battle with +it, not in our own strength only, but crying mightily for assistance to +Him who has said, 'In me is thine help.'</p> + +<p>"We must watch and pray, my child. The Bible bids us keep our hearts with +all diligence, and set a watch at the door of our lips that we sin not +with our tongues. Also to pray without ceasing. We need to cry often to +God for help to overcome the evil that is in our own hearts, and the +snares of the world and the devil, 'who goeth about as a roaring lion +seeking whom he may devour.'"</p> + +<p>"Papa," she said, looking up into his face, "do you find it hard to be +good sometimes?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my child; I have the same battle to fight that you have, and I am +the more sorry for you because I know by experience how difficult it +sometimes is to do right."</p> + +<p>"And you have to help me by punishing me when I'm naughty, and making me +do as I ought?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and my battle is sometimes for patience with a naughty, disobedient +child."</p> + +<p>"I think you were very patient with me that time you kept me shut up so +long in this room," she said. "If I'd been in your place I'd have got a +good switch and whipped my little girl till I made her obey me at once."</p> + +<p>"Do you think that would have been the better plan?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I think you'd have had to 'most kill me before I'd have given +up, but if I'd been in your place I couldn't have had patience to wait."</p> + +<p>"You need to cultivate the grace of patience, then," he said gravely. "Now +come with me to Max's room, and let us see if we can pack up his goods and +chattels."</p> + +<p>"Papa, I almost think I could pack it myself after watching you pack all +these others."</p> + +<p>"Possibly; but I shall do it more quickly, with you to help in getting all +the things together."</p> + +<p>Every one was ready in due season for departure, and that night the two +cottages that for months past had been so full of light and life, were +dark, silent and deserted.</p> + +<p>Arriving in Boston, the whole party took rooms at one of the principal +hotels. There they spent the night, but the greater part of the next day +was passed on board the captain's vessel.</p> + +<p>The day after the parting came; a very hard one for him, his young wife +and children. Little feeble Gracie cried herself sick, and Violet found it +necessary to put aside the indulgence of her own grief in order to comfort +the nearly heart-broken child, who clung to her as she might have done to +her own mother.</p> + +<p>Max and Lulu made no loud lament, but their quiet, subdued manner and sad +countenances told of deep and sincere sorrow, and, in truth, they often +felt ready to join in Gracie's oft-repeated cry, "Oh, how can I do without +my dear, dear papa?"</p> + +<p>But they were with kind friends. Every one in the party showed them +sympathy, pretty presents were made them, and they were taken to see all +the sights of the city likely to interest them.</p> + +<p>Grandma Elsie particularly endeared herself to them at this time by her +motherly tenderness and care, treating them as if they were her own +children.</p> + +<p>Their father had given each two parting gifts, a handsome pocket Bible, +with the injunction to commit at least one verse to memory every day, and +a pretty purse with some spending money in it; for he knew they would +enjoy making purchases for themselves when visiting the city stores with +the older people.</p> + +<p>So they did; and Lulu, who was generous to a fault, had soon spent her all +in gifts for others; a lovely new doll for Gracie, some books for Max, a +bottle of perfumery for "Mamma Vi," and a toy for Walter.</p> + +<p>Violet was much pleased with the present to herself as an evidence of +growing affection. She received it with warm thanks and a loving embrace. +"My dear child, it was very kind in you to think of me!" she said. "It +makes me hope you have really given me a little place in your heart, +dear."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, Mamma Vi, indeed I have!" cried the little girl, returning the +embrace. "Surely we ought all to love you when you love our dear father so +much, and he loves you, too."</p> + +<p>"Certainly," said Max, who was standing by; "we couldn't help loving so +sweet and pretty a lady if she was nothing at all to us and we lived in +the same house with her, and how can we think she's any less nice and +sweet just because she's married to our father?"</p> + +<p>"And how can I help loving you because you are the children of my dear +husband?" responded Violet, taking the boy's hand and pressing it warmly +in hers.</p> + +<p>Some hours later Violet accidentally overheard part of a conversation +between her little sister Rose and Lulu.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Rosie was saying, "mamma gives me fifty cents a week for spending +money."</p> + +<p>"Ah, how nice!" exclaimed Lulu. "Papa often gives us some money, but not +regularly, and Max and I have often talked together about how much we +would like to have a regular allowance. I'd be delighted, even if it +wasn't more than ten cents."</p> + +<p>Violet had been wishing to give the children something, and trying to find +out what would be most acceptable, so was greatly pleased with the hint +given her by this little speech of Lulu's.</p> + +<p>The child came presently to her side to bid her good-night. Violet put an +arm around her, and kissing her affectionately, said, "Lulu, I have been +thinking you might like to have an allowance of pocket money, as Rosie +has. Would you?"</p> + +<p>"O Mamma Vi! I'd like it better than anything else I can think of!" cried +the little girl, her face sparkling with delight.</p> + +<p>"Then you shall have it and begin now," Violet said, taking out her purse +and putting two bright silver quarters into Lulu's hand.</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, mamma, how good and kind in you!" cried the child.</p> + +<p>"Max shall have the same," said Violet, "and Gracie half as much for the +present. When she is a little older it shall be doubled. Don't you want +the pleasure of telling Max, and taking this to him?" she asked, putting +another half dollar into Lulu's hand.</p> + +<p>"Oh yes, ma'am! Thank you very much!"</p> + +<p>Max was on the farther side of the room—a good-sized parlor of the hotel +where they were staying—very much absorbed in a story-book; Lulu +approached him softly, a gleeful smile on her lips and in her eyes, and +laid his half dollar on the open page.</p> + +<p>"What's that for?" he asked, looking round at her.</p> + +<p>"For you; and you're to have as much every week, Mamma Vi says."</p> + +<p>"O Lu! am I, really?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I too; and Gracie's to have a quarter."</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't it splendid!" he cried, and hurried to Violet to pour out his +thanks.</p> + +<p>Grandma Elsie, seated on the sofa by Violet's side, shared with her the +pleasure of witnessing the children's delight.</p> + +<p>Our friends had now spent several days in Boston, and the next morning +they left for Philadelphia, where they paid a short visit to relatives. +This was their last halt on the journey home to Ion.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI" />CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"—to the guiltless heart, where'er we roam,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">No scenes delight us like our much-loved home."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 23em;">—<i>Robert Hillhouse.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Elsie and her children had greatly enjoyed their summer at the North, but +now were filled with content and happiness at the thought of soon seeing +again their loved home at Ion, while Max and Lulu looked forward with +pleasing anticipations and eager curiosity to their first sight of it, +having heard various glowing descriptions of it from "Mamma Vi" and Rosie.</p> + +<p>Their father, too, had spoken of it as a home so delightful that they +ought to feel the liveliest gratitude for having been invited to share its +blessings.</p> + +<p>It was looking very beautiful, very inviting, on the arrival of our +travellers late in the afternoon of a warm, bright October day.</p> + +<p>The woods and the trees that bordered the avenue were in the height of +their autumn glory, the gardens gay with many flowers of the most varied +and brilliant hues, and the lengthening shadows slept on a still green +and velvety lawn.</p> + +<p>As their carriage turned into the avenue, Elsie bent an affectionate, +smiling look upon Max and Lulu, and taking a hand of each, said in +sweetest tones, "Welcome to your new home, my dears, and may it prove to +you a very, very happy one."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, ma'am," they both responded, Max adding, "I am very glad, +Grandma Elsie, that I am to live with you and Mamma Vi."</p> + +<p>"I, too," said Lulu; "and in such a pretty place. Oh, how lovely +everything does look!"</p> + +<p>The air was delightful, and doors and windows stood wide open. On the +veranda a welcoming group was gathered. Elsie's brother and sister—Horace +Dinsmore, Jr., of the Oaks, and Mrs. Rose Lacey from the Laurels—and her +cousins Calhoun and Arthur Conly; while a little in the rear of them were +the servants, all—from old Uncle Joe, now in his ninety-fifth year, down +to Betty, his ten-year-old great-granddaughter—showing faces full of +eager delight.</p> + +<p>They stood back respectfully till greetings had been exchanged between +relatives and friends, then pressed forward with their words of welcome, +sure of a shake of the hand and kind word from each member of the family.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore held little Gracie in his arms. She was much fatigued and +exhausted by the long journey.</p> + +<p>"Here is a patient for you, Arthur," he said, "and I am very glad you are +here to attend to her."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Violet, "her father charged me to put her in your care."</p> + +<p>"Then let her be put immediately to bed," said Arthur, after a moment's +scrutiny of the child. "Give her to me, uncle, and I will carry her +up-stairs."</p> + +<p>"To my room," added Violet.</p> + +<p>But the child shrunk from the stranger, and clung to Mr. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you, I will take her up myself," he said. "I am fully equal to +it," and he moved on through the hall and up the broad stairway, Violet +and the doctor following.</p> + +<p>The others presently scattered to their rooms to rid themselves of the +dust of travel and dress for the evening.</p> + +<p>"Well, little wife, is it nice to be at home again?" Edward asked, with a +smiling look at Zoe, as they entered their apartments.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed!" she cried, sending a swift glance around the neat and +tastefully furnished room, "especially such a home, and to be shared with +such nice people; one in particular who shall be nameless," she added, +with an arch look and smile.</p> + +<p>"One who hopes you will never tire of his company, as he never expects to +of yours," returned Edward, catching her in his arms and snatching a kiss +from her full red lips.</p> + +<p>"Now don't," she said, pushing him away, "just wait till I've washed the +dust from my face. Here come our trunks," as two of the men servants +brought them in, "and you must tell me what dress to put on."</p> + +<p>"You look so lovely in any and every one of the dozen or more that I have +small choice in the matter," laughed the young husband.</p> + +<p>"What gross flattery!" she exclaimed. "Well, then, I suppose I'll have to +choose for myself. But you mustn't complain if I do that some time when +you don't want me to."</p> + +<p>The two Elsies had lingered a little behind the others—the old servants +had so many words of welcome to say to them—the younger one in especial, +because she had been so far and so long away.</p> + +<p>And the babe must be handed about from one to another, kissed and blessed +and remarked upon as to his real or fancied resemblance to this or that +older member of the family.</p> + +<p>"It do 'pear pow'ful strange, Miss Elsie, dat you went away young lady and +come back wid husband and baby," remarked Aunt Dicey. "And it don't seem +but yistiday dat you was a little bit ob a gal."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have come back a great deal richer than I went," Elsie returned, +with a glance of mingled love and joy, first at her husband, then at her +infant son. "I have great reason to be thankful."</p> + +<p>At that moment Mrs. Travilla became aware that Max and Lulu were lingering +near, as if not knowing exactly what to do with themselves.</p> + +<p>"Ah, my dears," she said, turning to them with a kind and pleasant look, +"has no one attended to you? Come with me, and I will show you your +rooms."</p> + +<p>They followed her up the stairs, and each was shown into a very pleasant +room furnished tastefully and with every comfort and convenience.</p> + +<p>Lulu's had two doors, one opening into the hall, the other into her +mamma's bedroom.</p> + +<p>Elsie explained this, adding, "So, if you are in want of anything or +should feel frightened or lonely in the night, you can run right in to the +room where you will find your mamma and Gracie."</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am, that is very nice; and oh, what a pretty room! How kind and +good you are to me! and to my brother and sister, too!" cried Lulu, her +eyes shining with gratitude and pleasure.</p> + +<p>"I am very glad to be able to do it," Elsie said, taking the little +girl's hand in one of hers and smoothing her hair caressingly with the +other—for Lulu had taken off her hat. "I want to be a mother to you, dear +child, and to your brother and sister, since my dear daughter is too young +for so great care and responsibility. I love you all, and I want you to +come freely to me with all your troubles and perplexities, your joys and +sorrows, just as my own children have always done. I want you to feel that +you have a right to do so, because I have invited you."</p> + +<p>She bent down and kissed Lulu's lips, and the little girl threw her arms +about her neck with impulsive warmth, saying, "Dear Grandma Elsie, I love +you and thank you ever so much! And I mean to try ever so hard to be +good," she added, with a blush and hanging her head shamefacedly. "I know +I'm often very naughty; papa said I gave him more anxiety than Max and +Gracie both put together; and I'm afraid I can't be good all the time, but +I do mean to try hard."</p> + +<p>"Well, dear, if you try with all your might, asking help from on high, you +will succeed at last," Elsie said. "And now I will leave you to wash and +dress. I see your trunk has been brought up and opened, so that you will +have no difficulty."</p> + +<p>With that she passed on into Violet's rooms to see how Gracie was. She +found her sleeping sweetly in Violet's bed, the latter bending over her +with a very tender, motherly look on her fair young face.</p> + +<p>"Is she not a darling, mamma?" she whispered, turning her head at the +sound of her mother's light footstep.</p> + +<p>"She is a very engaging child," replied Elsie. "I think we are all fond of +her, but you especially."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma, I love her for herself—her gentle, affectionate +disposition—but still more because she is my husband's child, his dear +baby girl, as he so often called her."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I can understand that," Elsie said, with a loving though rather sad +look and smile into Violet's azure eyes, "for I have often felt just so in +regard to my own children. What does Arthur say about her?"</p> + +<p>"That she is more in need of rest and sleep than anything else at present. +He will see her again to-morrow, and will probably be able then to give me +full directions in regard to her diet and so forth."</p> + +<p>"You will come down to supper? you will not think it necessary to stay +with her yourself?" Elsie said inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, mamma! I shall dress at once. I should not like to miss being +with you all," Violet answered, moving away from the bedside. "Ah!" with +sudden recollection, "I have been quite forgetting Max and Lulu."</p> + +<p>"I have seen them to their rooms," her mother said, "and now I must go and +attend to Rosie and Walter, and to my own toilet."</p> + +<p>"Dear mamma, thank you!" Violet said heartily.</p> + +<p>"My dear, I consider them quite as much my children, and therefore my +especial charge, as yours, perhaps a trifle more," Elsie returned with +sprightly look and tone as she left the room.</p> + +<p>Agnes was in attendance on her young mistress, and was presently sent to +ask if Lulu was in need of help, and to say that her mamma would like to +see her before she went down-stairs.</p> + +<p>"I don't need anything till I'm ready to have my sash tied," answered +Lulu, "and then I'll come in to Mamma Vi and you to have it done. She was +very good to send you, Agnes, and you to come."</p> + +<p>"La! chile, it's jus' my business to mind Miss Wilet," returned Agnes. +"An' she's good to eberybody, ob cose—always was."</p> + +<p>"What did you want to see me for, Mamma Vi?" asked Lulu, as she presently +entered her young stepmother's dressing-room.</p> + +<p>"Just to make sure that your hair and dress are all right, dear. You know +we have company to-night, and I am particularly anxious that my little +Lulu shall look her very best."</p> + +<p>The child's face flushed with pleasure. She liked to be well and +becomingly dressed, and it was gratifying to have Mamma Vi care that she +should be. Mrs. Scrimp was so different; she had never cared whether +Lulu's attire was tasteful and becoming or quite the reverse, but always +roused the child's indignation by telling her it was all sufficient if she +were only neat and clean.</p> + +<p>"Am I all right?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Pretty nearly; we will have you quite so in a minute," Violet answered. +"Tie her sash Agnes, and smooth down the folds of her dress."</p> + +<p>"Mamma Vi, is that strange lady any relation to you?" asked Lulu.</p> + +<p>"Yes, she is my aunt, mamma's sister."</p> + +<p>"She is pretty, but not nearly so pretty as Grandma Elsie."</p> + +<p>"No; I have always thought no one else could be half so beautiful as +mamma."</p> + +<p>"Why, Mamma Vi, you are yourself!" exclaimed Lulu in a tone of honest +sincerity that made Violet laugh.</p> + +<p>"That is just your notion, little girl," she said, giving the child a +kiss.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I have eyes and can see! besides, papa thinks so, too, and Max and +Gracie."</p> + +<p>"Yes, my dear husband! he loves me, and love is very blind," murmured Vi, +half to herself, with a sigh and a far-off look in the lovely azure eyes. +Her thoughts were following him over the deep, wide, treacherous sea.</p> + +<p>She stole on tiptoe into the next room for another peep at his sleeping +baby girl, Lulu going with her; then hearing the tea-bell, they went down +to the dining-room together.</p> + +<p>They gathered about the table, a large cheerful party, the travellers full +of satisfaction in being at home again, the others so glad to have them +there once more.</p> + +<p>Zoe was very merry and Rosie in almost wild spirits, but Max and Lulu, to +whom all was new and strange, were quite quiet and subdued, scarcely +speaking except when spoken to, "Mamma," Rosie said, when they had +adjourned to the parlor, "it's lovely out of doors, bright moonlight and +not a <ins title="Transcriber's Note: text is blank here">bit</ins> cold; mayn't I take Max and Lulu down to the lakelet?"</p> + +<p>"Do you think the evening air would be injurious to them, Arthur?" Mrs. +Travilla asked, turning to her cousin.</p> + +<p>"I think there is malaria in it, and would advise them to stay within +doors until after breakfast to-morrow morning," he answered, drawing Rose +to a seat upon his knee.</p> + +<p>"Then you'd better let us go," she said archly, "so you can have some +more patients. Don't you like to have plenty of patients?"</p> + +<p>"That's a leading question, little coz," he said laughingly, toying with +her curls. "When people are sick I like to have an opportunity to exercise +my skill in trying to relieve and cure them, but I hope I don't want them +made sick in order to furnish me with employment."</p> + +<p>"I want to show Lulu and Max the beauties of Ion, and don't know how to +wait till to-morrow," she said.</p> + +<p>"Then take them about from one room to another, and let them look out +through the windows upon its moonlit lawn, alleys, gardens and lakelet."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes! that will do!" she cried, leaving his knee in haste to +carry out his suggestion.</p> + +<p>Max and Lulu, nothing loath, accepted her invitation, and they ran in and +out, up stairs and down, the young strangers delighted with the views thus +obtained of their new home and its surroundings.</p> + +<p>Rosie said she hoped they would not be required to begin lessons +immediately, but would be allowed a few days in which to enjoy walks, +rides, drives, and boating.</p> + +<p>"I'll ask grandpa and mamma if we may," she added, as they re-entered the +parlor. She hastened to present her petition, and it was granted; the +children were told they should have a week in which to enjoy themselves +and recover from the fatigue of their journey, and would be expected to +show their appreciation of the indulgence by great industry afterward.</p> + +<p>Lulu was standing a little apart from the rest, gazing out of the window +upon the moonlit lawn, when a step drew near; then some one took her by +the arm, and in a twinkling she found herself seated upon a gentleman's +knee.</p> + +<p>Looking up into his face, she saw that it was Mr. Horace Dinsmore who had +thus taken possession of her.</p> + +<p>"Well, my little dark-eyed lassie," he said, "no one has thought it worth +while to introduce us, but we won't let that hinder our making +acquaintance. Do you know who I am?"</p> + +<p>"I heard Rosie call you Uncle Horace."</p> + +<p>"Then suppose you follow Rosie's example. If you are as good as you are +bonny, I shall be proud to claim you as my niece."</p> + +<p>"But I'm not," she said frankly. Then hastily correcting herself, "I don't +mean to say I'm bonny, but I'm not good. Aunt Beulah used to say I was the +worst child she ever saw."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! you are honest, at all events," he said, with a look of +amusement. "And who is Aunt Beulah?"</p> + +<p>"The person Gracie and I lived with before papa got married to Mamma Vi."</p> + +<p>"Ah! well I shall not regard her opinion, but wait and form one for +myself, and I shall certainly be much surprised if you don't turn out a +pattern good girl, now that you are to live with my sweet sister Elsie. In +the mean while, will it please you to call me Uncle Horace?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, since you ask me to," Lulu replied, looking much gratified.</p> + +<p>At this moment the door opened, and Mr. Lacey walked in. He had come for +his wife, and when he and the others had exchanged greetings, she rose to +make ready for departure.</p> + +<p>Calhoun Conly rose also, saying to his brother, "Well, Art, perhaps it +would be as well for us to go, too; our friends must be tired after their +long journey, and will want to get to bed early."</p> + +<p>"Suppose you all delay a little and unite with us in evening family +worship," said Mr. Dinsmore. "It is a good while since I have had all +three of my children present with me at such a service."</p> + +<p>All complied with his request, and immediately afterward took leave. Then +with an exchange of affectionate good-nights the family separated and +scattered to their rooms.</p> + +<p>Lulu was not quite ready for bed when Violet came in, and putting her arm +around her, asked, with a gentle kiss, "Do you feel strange and lonely in +this new place, little girl?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Mamma Vi! it seems such a nice home that I am very glad to be in +it."</p> + +<p>"That is right," Violet said, repeating her caress. "I hope you will sleep +well and wake refreshed. I shall leave the door open between your room and +mine, so that you need not feel timid, and can run right in to me whenever +you wish. Good-night, dear."</p> + +<p>"Good-night, Mamma Vi. Thank you for being so good to me, and to Gracie +and Max," Lulu said, clinging to her in an affectionate way.</p> + +<p>"My child," returned Violet, "how could I be anything else to the children +of my dear husband? Ah, I must go! Mamma calls me," she added, hurrying +away as a soft, sweet voice was heard coming from the adjoining room.</p> + +<p>Lulu finished undressing, said her prayers, and had just laid her head on +her pillow, when some one glided noiselessly to the bedside and a soft +hand passed caressingly over her hair.</p> + +<p>The child opened her eyes, which had already closed in sleep, and saw by +the moonlight a sweet and beautiful face bending lovingly over her.</p> + +<p>"Grandma Elsie," she murmured sleepily.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear. Rosie and Walter never like to go to sleep without a +good-night kiss from mamma, and you must have the same now, as you are to +be one of my dear children."</p> + +<p>Lulu, now wide awake, started up to put both arms round the neck of her +visitor. "Oh, I do love you!" she said, "and I'll try hard to be a good +child to you."</p> + +<p>"I believe it, dear," Elsie said, pressing the child to her heart. "Will +you join my children in their half-hour with mamma in her dressing-room +before breakfast? I shall be glad to have you, but you must do just as you +please about it."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, ma'am; I'll come," said Lulu.</p> + +<p>"That is right. Now lie down and go to sleep. You need a long night's +rest."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII" />CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Her fancy followed him through foaming wares</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">To distant shores."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 26em;">—<i>Cowper.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Violet in her night-dress and with her beautiful hair unbound and hanging +about her like a golden cloud, stood before her dressing-table, gazing +through a mist of unshed tears upon a miniature which she held in her +hand.</p> + +<p>"Ah, where are you now, love?" she sighed half aloud.</p> + +<p>Her mother's voice answered close at her side, in gentle, tender accents, +"In God's keeping, my darling. He is the God of the sea as well as of the +land."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma, and his God as well as mine," Violet responded, looking up +and smiling through her tears. "Ah, what comfort in both assurances, and +in the precious promise, 'Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in +all places whither thou goest.' It is his and it is mine."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dearest. I feel for you in your loneliness," her mother said, +putting her arms around her. "Elsie is very happy in her husband and +baby, Edward in his wife; they need me but little, comparatively, but you +and I must draw close together and be a comfort and support to each other; +shall we not, my love?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, dearest mamma. Oh, what a comfort and blessing you are to +me, and always have been! And I am happier and less lonely for having my +husband's children with me, especially my darling little Gracie. I feel +that in caring for her and nursing her back to health I shall be adding to +his happiness."</p> + +<p>"As no doubt you will," her mother said. "It will be a pleasure to me to +help you care for her, and the others also. Now, good-night, daughter; we +both ought to be in bed."</p> + +<p>Violet presently stretched herself beside the sleeping Gracie with a +murmured word of endearment drew the child closer to her, and in another +moment was sharing her slumbers.</p> + +<p>When she awoke the sun was shining, and the first object her eyes rested +upon was the little face by her side. The pallor and look of exhaustion it +had worn the night before were quite gone, a faint tinge of pink had even +stolen into the cheeks.</p> + +<p>Violet noted the change with a feeling of relief and thankfulness, and +raising herself upon her elbow, touched her lips lightly to the white +forehead.</p> + +<p>The child's eyes flew open and with a sweet engaging smile, she asked, +"Have you been lying beside me all night, mamma?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Gracie. You have had a long sleep, dear; do you feel quite rested?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma, I feel very well. This is such a nice soft bed, and I like to +sleep with you. May I always?"</p> + +<p>"For all winter, I think, dear. I like to have your papa's baby girl by my +side."</p> + +<p>"I'm very much obliged to him for finding me such a sweet, pretty new +mamma. I told him so one day," remarked the child innocently, putting an +arm about Vi's neck.</p> + +<p>"Did you?" Violet asked with an amused smile; "and what did he say?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing; he just smiled and hugged me tight and kissed me ever so many +times. Do you know what made him do that, mamma?"</p> + +<p>"Because he likes to have us love one another. And so we will, won't we, +dear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed! Mamma, I feel a little hungry."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad to hear it, for here comes Agnes with a glass of nice rich milk +for you. And when you have drunk it she will wash and dress you. We will +all have to hurry a little to be ready in good time for breakfast," she +added, springing from the bed and beginning her toilet. "Grandpa Dinsmore +never likes to have us late."</p> + +<p>"Miss Rosie and Miss Lulu's up and dressed and gone into Miss Elsie's +room, Miss Wilet," remarked Agnes, holding the tumbler she had brought to +Gracie's lips.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that is well," said Violet, with a pleased look. "Lulu has stolen a +march on us, Gracie."</p> + +<p>The week that followed their arrival at Ion was a delightful one to all, +especially the children, who had scarce anything to do but enjoy +themselves. The weather was all that could be desired, and they walked, +rode, drove, boated, fished, and went nutting.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore and Edward were every day more or less busied with the +affairs of the plantation, but some one of the older people could always +find time to be with the children, while Zoe never failed to make one of +the party, and seemed almost as much a child as any of the younger ones.</p> + +<p>Every nook on the plantation and in its neighborhood was explored, and +visits were paid to Fairview, the Laurels, the Pines, the Oaks, Roselands +and Ashlands; the dwellers at each place having first called upon the +family at Ion.</p> + +<p>Both Max and Lulu had long desired to learn to ride on horseback, and +great was their delight on learning that now this wish could be gratified.</p> + +<p>A pony was always at the service of each, and lessons in the art of +sitting and managing it were given them, now by Mr. Dinsmore and now by +Edward, who was a great admirer of his brother-in-law, Captain Raymond, +had become much attached to him, and took a very kindly interest in his +children.</p> + +<p>Gracie was given a share in all the pleasures for which she was considered +strong enough, and when not able to go with the others on their +expeditions, was well entertained at home with toys and books filled with +pictures and stories suited to her age.</p> + +<p>Both Elsie and Violet watched over the little girl with true motherly love +and care; she warmly returning the affection of both, but clinging +especially to Violet, her "pretty new mamma."</p> + +<p>Gracie was a docile little creature, and seemed very happy in her new +life. She was deeply interested in the riding lessons of her brother and +sister, and when, near the end of the week, Dr. Arthur, to whom she was +becoming much attached, set her on the back of a Shetland pony and led it +about the grounds for a few minutes, promising her longer rides as her +strength increased, she was almost speechless with happiness.</p> + +<p>With the second week lessons began for the children. Each task had its +appointed hour, and they were required to be as systematic, punctual and +well prepared for recitations as pupils in an ordinary school, but at the +same time great care was taken that neither mind nor body should be +overtaxed, and they enjoyed many liberties and indulgences which could not +have been granted elsewhere than at home.</p> + +<p>The mornings were spent by Rosie and Lulu in the school-room in study and +recitation, under the supervision of either "Grandma Elsie" or "Mamma Vi."</p> + +<p>Grace and Walter would be there also at the start, but their short and +easy tasks having been attended to, they might stay and amuse themselves +quietly, or if inclined for noisy sport, go to the nursery or play-room to +enjoy it there.</p> + +<p>Max conned his lessons alone in his own room, joining the others only when +the hour arrived for reciting to Mr. Dinsmore, who took sole charge of his +education, and of the two little girls, so far as concerned Latin and +arithmetic. Rosie and Max were together in both these studies, but +Lulu—because of being younger and not so far advanced—was alone in both, +much to her dissatisfaction, for she was by no means desirous to have Mr. +Dinsmore's attention concentrated upon herself for even a short space of +time.</p> + +<p>His keen dark eyes seemed to look her through and through, and though he +had never shown her any sternness, she was quite sure he could and would +if she gave him any occasion.</p> + +<p>But for that there was no necessity, his requirements being always +reasonable and only such as she was fully capable of meeting. She had a +good mind, quick discernment and retentive memory, and she was quite +resolved to be industrious and to keep her promise to her father to be a +good girl in every way. Also her ambition was aroused to attempt to +overtake her brother and Rosie.</p> + +<p>She was moderately fond of study, but had a decided repugnance to plain +sewing, therefore looked ill-pleased enough upon discovering that it was +to be numbered among her daily tasks.</p> + +<p>"I hate sewing!" she said with a scowl, "and when I'm old enough to do as +I please, I'll never touch a needle and thread."</p> + +<p>It was afternoon of their first school day, and the little girls had just +repaired to the school-room in obedience to directions given them on their +dismissal for the morning.</p> + +<p>All the ladies of the family were there, gathered cosily about the fire +and the table at which Grandma Elsie was busily cutting out garments that +seemed to be intended for a child, yet were of coarser, heavier material +than any of the family were accustomed to wearing.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you may change your mind by that time," she answered Lulu, with +pleasant tone and smile; "and I hope you will find it more agreeable now +than you expect. You are a kind-hearted little girl, I know, and when I +tell you these clothes are for a little Indian girl who needs them sadly, +I am quite sure you will be glad to help in making them."</p> + +<p>Lulu's brow cleared. "Yes, ma'am," she said with a little hesitation, "if +I could sew nicely, but I can't."</p> + +<p>"The more need to learn then, dear. Mamma Vi is basting a seam for you, +and will show you how to sew it."</p> + +<p>"And when we all get started there'll be some nice story read aloud, won't +there, mamma?" asked Rosie.</p> + +<p>"Yes; your sister Elsie will be the reader to-day, and the book Scott's +'Lady of the Lake.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, how nice!" cried Rosie in delight; "it's such a lovely book, and +sister Elsie's such a beautiful reader."</p> + +<p>"In my little sister's opinion," laughed Mrs. Leland.</p> + +<p>"And that of all present, I presume," said "Grandma Rose."</p> + +<p>"I am fortunate in having so appreciative an audience," returned Elsie +gayly.</p> + +<p>Lulu had accepted a mute invitation to take a seat by Violet's side.</p> + +<p>"Mamma Vi," she whispered with heightened color, "I can't sew as well as +Gracie, and I'm ashamed to have anybody see my poor work."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, dear, we won't show your first attempts, and you will find +this coarse, soft muslin easy to learn on," Violet answered in the same +low tone. "See, this is the way," taking a few stitches. "Your father told +me he wanted his dear little girls to learn every womanly accomplishment, +and I feel sure you will do your best to please him. Take pains, and you +may be able to send him some specimen of your work as a Christmas gift. +Would you not enjoy that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am, yes indeed!" returned the little girl, setting resolutely to +work.</p> + +<p>"Mamma," said Gracie, coming to Violet's other side, "mayn't I have some +work, too? I like sewing better than Lulu does. Aunt Beulah taught me to +overseam and to hem."</p> + +<p>"Then you may help us, little girlie," Violet said, kissing the little +fair cheek, "but must stop the minute you begin to feel fatigued; for I +must not let papa's baby girl wear out her small strength."</p> + +<p>Presently, all having been supplied with work, the reading began. Every +one seemed able to listen with enjoyment except Lulu, who bent over her +task with frowning face, making her needle go in and out with impatient +pushes and jerks.</p> + +<p>Violet watched the performance furtively for a few minutes, then gently +taking the work from her, said in a pleasant undertone, "You are getting +your stitches too long and too far apart, dear. We will take them out, and +you shall try again."</p> + +<p>"I can't do it right! I'll never succeed, if I try ever so hard!" muttered +Lulu, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you will," returned Violet with an encouraging smile. "Keep +trying, and you will be surprised to find how easy it will grow."</p> + +<p>The second attempt was quite an improvement upon the first, and under +Violet's pleased look and warm praise Lulu's ruffled temper smoothed down, +and the ugly frown left her face.</p> + +<p>In the mean while Gracie was handling her needle with the quiet ease of +one accustomed to its use, making tiny even stitches that quite surprised +her new mamma.</p> + +<p>With all her faults Lulu was incapable of envy or jealousy, especially +toward her dearly loved brother and sister, and when at the close of the +sewing hour Gracie's work was handed about from one to another, receiving +hearty commendation, no one was better pleased than Lulu.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it nice, Grandma Elsie?" she said, glancing at her little sister +with a flush of pride in her skill, "a great deal better than I can do, +though she's two years younger."</p> + +<p>"It's only because I couldn't run about and play like Lulu, and so I just +sat beside Aunt Beulah and learned to hem and back-stitch and run and +overseam," said Gracie. "But Lulu can do everything else better than I +can."</p> + +<p>"And she will soon equal you in that, I trust," said Violet, with an +affectionate glance from one to the other; "I am quite sure she will if +she continues to try as she has done to-day. And it makes my heart rejoice +to see how you love one another, dear children."</p> + +<p>"I think everybody loves Gracie, because she's hardly ever naughty," said +Lulu; "I wish I'd been made so."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII" />CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">My heart untravelled fondly turns to thee."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 24em;">—<i>Goldsmith.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>"How very pretty, Zoe!" said Violet, examining her young sister-in-law's +work, a piece of black satin upon which she was embroidering leaves and +flowers in bright-colored silks.</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't it!" cried Lulu, in delighted admiration. "Mamma Vi, I'd like +to learn that kind of sewing."</p> + +<p>"So you shall, dear, some day; but mamma's theory is that plain sewing +should be thoroughly mastered first. That has been her plan with all her +children, and Rosie has done scarcely any fancy work yet."</p> + +<p>"But mamma has promised to let me learn all I can about it this winter," +remarked Rosie, with much satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Mamma," Zoe said, with a blush, "I'm afraid I ought to join your +plain-sewing class. I should be really ashamed to exhibit any of my work +in that line."</p> + +<p>"Well, dear child, I shall be glad to receive you as a pupil if you +desire it," Elsie returned, giving her a motherly glance and smile.</p> + +<p>"Hark!" exclaimed Zoe, hastily gathering up her work, her cheeks rosy and +eyes sparkling with pleasure. "I hear Edward's step and voice," and she +tripped out of the room.</p> + +<p>"How fond she is of him!" Violet remarked, looking after her with a +pleased smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her mother, "it does my heart good to see how they love each +other. And I think we are all growing fond of Zoe."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, mamma!" came in chorus from her three daughters.</p> + +<p>"I'm sure we are; my husband and I as well as the rest," added Mrs. +Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"And, Vi," said Elsie Leland laughingly, "I really think mamma's new sons +are as highly appreciated in the family as her new daughter, and that all +three doat upon their new mother. Mamma, Lester says you are a pattern +mother-in-law, and I answer, 'Of course; mamma is a pattern in every +relation in life.'"</p> + +<p>"My child, don't allow yourself to become a flatterer," returned her +mother gravely.</p> + +<p>"Zoe, Zoe, where are you?" Edward was calling from below.</p> + +<p>"Here," she answered, running down to meet him. "I've been in the +school-room with mamma and the others," she added, as she gained his +side, and looking up brightly into his face as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"Ah," he said, bending down to kiss the ruby lips. "I thought you were to +be my pupil."</p> + +<p>"Oh, so I am! except in purely feminine accomplishments. See!" holding up +her work. "I've been busy with this. It was the sewing hour, and sister +Elsie read aloud to us while we worked."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes! I have been reader many a time while mamma and sisters plied the +needle."</p> + +<p>"How nice! you are such a beautiful reader! But she is almost as good."</p> + +<p>"Not only almost, but altogether," he returned gayly as he held open the +door of her boudoir for her to enter, then followed her in. "I've come now +to hear your recitations. I suppose you are quite prepared," he added, +drawing up a chair for her, and glancing at a pile of books lying on the +table.</p> + +<p>"No," she said, coloring and dropping her eyes with a slightly mortified +air. "I meant to be, but so many things happened to interfere. I had a +letter to write, then some ladies called, and then——"</p> + +<p>"Well?" he said interrogatively, as she paused, coloring still more +deeply.</p> + +<p>"I wanted to finish the book I was reading last night. I really couldn't +fix my thoughts on stupid lessons until I knew what became of the +heroine."</p> + +<p>Edward, standing by her side and looking down at her, shook his head +gravely. "Duties should be attended to first, Zoe, pleasures indulged in +afterward."</p> + +<p>"You are talking to me as if I were nothing but a child!" she cried +indignantly, her cheeks growing hot.</p> + +<p>"The dearest, most lovable child in the world," he said, bending down to +stroke her hair and look into her face with laughing eyes.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, I'm your wife. What did you marry me for if you considered me +such a child?" she cried with a half pout on her lip, but love-light in +the eyes lifted to his.</p> + +<p>"Because I loved you and wanted the right to take care of you, my bonny +belle," he said, repeating his caress.</p> + +<p>"And you do, the best care in the world, you dear boy!" she exclaimed +impulsively, throwing her arms about his neck. "And if it will please you, +I'll set to work at the lessons now."</p> + +<p>"Then do, love; I have letters to write, and we will sit here and work +side by side."</p> + +<p>Both worked diligently for an hour or more; they had a merry time over the +recitations, then drove together to the nearest village to post Edward's +letters and get the afternoon mail for Ion.</p> + +<p>Violet was made happy by a long letter from her husband.</p> + +<p>She had barely time to glance over it, learning when and where it was +written, and that he was well at the time of writing, when the tea-bell +rang.</p> + +<p>She slipped the precious missive into her pocket with a little sigh of +satisfaction, and joined the others at the table with a very bright and +happy face.</p> + +<p>She had not been the only fortunate one; her mother had cheering news from +Herbert and Harold, Mrs. Dinsmore some sprightly, gossipy letters from her +sisters Adelaide and May, whose contents furnished topics of lively +discourse, in which Violet took part.</p> + +<p>She had not mentioned her own letter, but at length Edward, noting the +brightness of her countenance, asked, "Good news from the captain, Vi?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, thank you," she said; "he was well and seemingly in excellent +spirits at the time of writing, though he says he misses wife and children +sorely."</p> + +<p>All three of his children turned toward her with eager, questioning looks, +Max and Lulu asking, "Didn't papa write to us, too?"</p> + +<p>"He sends you a message, dears," Violet said. "I have not really read the +letter yet, but shall do so after supper, and you shall all surely have +your share of it."</p> + +<p>On leaving the table they followed her to the door of her boudoir.</p> + +<p>"May we come in, Mamma Vi?" Max asked, with a wistful look.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," she answered in a pleasant tone, though longing to be quite +alone while giving her precious letter its first perusal; "I would have +you feel as free to come into my apartments as I always have felt to go +into mamma's. Sit down and make yourselves comfortable, dears, and you +shall hear presently what your papa says.</p> + +<p>"The letter was written on shipboard, brought into New York by another +vessel and there mailed to me."</p> + +<p>Max politely drew up a chair near the light for Violet, another for Lulu, +placed Gracie's own little rocker close to her mamma's side, then stood +behind it prepared to give close attention to the reading of his father's +letter.</p> + +<p>Violet omitted a little here and there—expressions of tender affection +for herself, or something else evidently intended for her eye alone. The +captain wrote delightful letters; at least they were such in the esteem of +his wife and children. This one provoked to both laughter and tears, he +had so amusing a way of relating trivial incidents, and some passages were +so tenderly affectionate.</p> + +<p>But something near the close brought an anxious, troubled look to Max's +face, a frown to Lulu's brow.</p> + +<p>It was this: "Tell Max and Lulu I wish each of them to keep a diary for my +inspection, writing down every evening what have been the doings and +happenings of the day as regards themselves—their studies, their +pleasures, their conduct also. Max telling of himself, Lulu of herself, +just as they would if sitting on my knee and answering the questions, +'What have you been busy about to-day? Have you been attentive to your +studies, respectful and obedient to those in charge of you? Have you tried +to do your duty toward God and man?'</p> + +<p>"They need not show any one at Ion what they write. I shall trust to their +truthfulness and honesty not to represent themselves as better than they +are, not to hide their faults from the father who cares to know of them, +only that he may help his dear children to live right and be happy. Ah, if +they but knew how I love them! and how it grieves and troubles me when +they go astray!"</p> + +<p>Max's face brightened at those closing sentences, Lulu's softened for a +moment, but then, as Violet folded the letter, "I don't want to!" she +burst out. "Why does papa say we must do such things?"</p> + +<p>"He tells you, dear; did you not notice?" said Violet. "He says he wishes +to know your faults in order to help you to correct them. And don't you +think it will help you to avoid wrongdoing? to resist temptation? the +remembrance that it must be confessed to your dear father and will grieve +him very much? Is it not kind in him to be willing to bear that pain for +the sake of doing you good?"</p> + +<p>Lulu did not answer, but Max said, "Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi! and oh, I hope +I'll never have to make his heart ache over my wrongdoings! But I don't +know how to keep a diary."</p> + +<p>"Nor I either," added Lulu.</p> + +<p>"But you can learn, dears," Violet said. "I will help you at the start. +You can each give a very good report of to-day's conduct, I am sure.</p> + +<p>"The keeping of a diary will be very improving to you in a literary way, +teaching you to express your thoughts readily in writing, and that, I +presume, is one thing your father has in view."</p> + +<p>"But it will be just like writing compositions; and that I always did +<i>hate</i>!" cried Lulu vehemently.</p> + +<p>"No, not exactly," said Max; "because you don't have to make up anything, +only to tell real happenings and doings that you haven't had time to +forget."</p> + +<p>"And I think you will soon find it making the writing of compositions +easier," remarked Violet, with an encouraging smile.</p> + +<p>"It'll be just the same as having to write a composition every day," +grumbled Lulu. "I wish papa wouldn't be so hard on us. I have to study +lessons a whole hour every evening, and then it'll take ever so long to +write that, and I shall not have a bit of time to play."</p> + +<p>"I wish I could write," little Gracie said, with a half sigh. "If I could, +I'd like to talk that way to papa."</p> + +<p>"You shall learn, darling," Violet said, caressing her with gentle +fondness. "Would you like to begin now?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, mamma!" cried the child eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Then bring me your slate, and I will set you a copy. Max and Lulu, would +you like to bring your writing-desks in here, and let me give you any help +you may need?"</p> + +<p>Both assented to the proposal with thanks, and were presently seated near +her, each with open desk, a fresh sheet of paper spread out upon it, and +pen in hand.</p> + +<p>"I think that until you are a little used to the business, it would be +well to compose first with a pencil, then copy in ink," remarked Violet. +"And here," taking it from a drawer in her writing-desk, as she spoke, +"is some printing paper which takes pencil mark much better than the more +highly glazed paper which we use ordinarily in writing letters."</p> + +<p>She gave each of them a pile of neatly cut sheets and a nicely sharpened +pencil.</p> + +<p>They thanked her, and Max set to work at once.</p> + +<p>Lulu sat playing with her pencil, her eyes on the carpet. "I don't know +how to begin!" she exclaimed presently in an impatient tone. "What shall I +say first, Mamma Vi?"</p> + +<p>"Write down the date and then—Suppose you dictate to me, if that will be +any easier."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, ma'am, I think it would till I get into the way of it," Lulu +said, handing over her paper and pencil with a sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>"Now," said Violet, encouragingly, "just imagine that you are sitting on +your papa's knee and answering the question, 'What have you been doing all +day?'"</p> + +<p>"As soon as I was dressed and ready for breakfast, I went to Grandma +Elsie's dressing-room, along with Rosie and the others, to say Bible +verses, and hear Grandma Elsie talk about them and pray. Will that do, +Mamma Vi?"</p> + +<p>"Very nicely, dear; it is just what your papa wants, I think."</p> + +<p>Lulu's brow cleared, and she went on stating briefly the doings of the now +closing day in the due order of their succession, Violet's pen nearly +keeping pace with her tongue.</p> + +<p>"And here we are—Max and Gracie and I—sitting with Mamma Vi in her +boudoir, and she is writing for me the words I tell her, and I'm to copy +them off to-morrow," was the concluding sentence of this first entry in +the little girl's diary.</p> + +<p>"Will you hear mine, Mamma Vi, and tell me if it will do?" asked Max; and +receiving permission read it aloud.</p> + +<p>"It is very good indeed, Max," Violet said; "a good and true report, and +well expressed. Now, if you and Lulu choose you may bring your books here +and study your lessons for to-morrow, and if you need help from me I shall +give it with pleasure."</p> + +<p>"But, Mamma Vi, it will be very dull for you to stay up here with us while +the rest of the grown-up people are having a nice time together in the +parlor," said Max.</p> + +<p>"You are very kindly thoughtful, Max," returned Violet, with a pleased +look, "but I don't care to go down-stairs for some time yet; Gracie begins +to look weary, so I shall help her to bed and then answer your father's +letter. Can't you imagine that I may prefer to talk to Mm for a little +rather than to any one else, even if only with pen, ink and paper?" she +added, with a charming blush and smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, indeed! for I know you're very fond of him. And I don't wonder, +for I think he's the very best and handsomest man in the world," cried Max +enthusiastically, and both Lulu and Gracie said, "So do I."</p> + +<p>"Then we are all agreed so far," laughed Vi. "Come, Gracie, darling, I +will be your maid to-night."</p> + +<p>"No, no! not my maid, but my dear, sweet, pretty mamma!" returned the +little one, throwing her arms around Violet's neck and kissing her with +ardent affection.</p> + +<p>Lulu had risen to go for her books, but paused to say with a slight effort +and heightened color, "Yes, Mamma Vi, you are sweet and pretty, and very, +very kind to us."</p> + +<p>The child was by no means devoid of gratitude, though her pride and +prejudice were hard to conquer. Expressions of gratitude and affection +toward their young stepmother were far less frequent from her than from +her brother and sister, but were perhaps all the more valued because of +their rarity.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, dear," returned Violet, happy tears glistening in her eyes; +"if I am, it is because I love you for both your own and your father's +sake."</p> + +<p>She knew his heart always rejoiced in every demonstration of affection +from his children toward her, and in the letter she presently began +writing she recounted all that had been shown her that evening, and also +others carefully treasured up in her memory for that purpose.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX" />CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"The sober comfort, all the peace which springs</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">From the large aggregate of little things,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">On these small cares of—daughter—wife—or friend,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">The almost sacred joys of home depend."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 26.5em;">—<i>Hannah More.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Mrs. Elsie Travilla and her family were greatly beloved in their own +neighborhood, and as there had been no opportunity hitherto for showing +attention to the three young married ladies, or any one of them, there was +quite an influx of callers for a week or two after the return to Ion, and +these calls were presently succeeded by a round of dinner and evening +parties given in their honor.</p> + +<p>The death of Mr. Love having occurred within the year, Zoe, of course, +declined all such invitations; and it was only occasionally that Edward +could be persuaded to go without her.</p> + +<p>Violet accepted when it would have been deemed impolite or unkind to +decline, but scarcely yet more than a bride, she felt a trifle forlorn +going into society without her husband, and much preferred the quiet and +seclusion of home.</p> + +<p>This was to the advantage of the children, Max and Lulu thereby gaining +much assistance with their evening studies, Gracie a great deal of +motherly care and petting.</p> + +<p>So the duty of representing the family at these social gatherings devolved +largely upon Lester and Elsie Leland, who laughingly declared themselves +martyrs to the social reputation of the family.</p> + +<p>"A very nice way to be martyred, I think," said Rosie. "I only wish they'd +have the politeness to include me in their invitations."</p> + +<p>"It would do you little good," remarked Mr. Dinsmore, "since you would not +be allowed to accept."</p> + +<p>"Are you quite sure, grandpa, that mamma wouldn't allow it?" she asked, +with an arch look up into his face.</p> + +<p>"Quite; since she never allows anything which I do not approve."</p> + +<p>"Well," Rosie said, seating herself upon his knee and putting an arm +around his neck, "I believe it isn't worth while to fret about it, since, +as I'm not invited, I couldn't go any how."</p> + +<p>"A sensible conclusion," he returned laughingly. "Fretting is an +unprofitable business at any time."</p> + +<p>"Ordinarily I should be very much of Rosie's opinion," Zoe said aside to +her husband, "for I was always fond of parties; but of course, just now I +couldn't take the least pleasure in them," and she hastily brushed away a +tear.</p> + +<p>"No, love, I'm sure you could not," he said, tenderly clasping the little +hand she had laid in his. "But the truest, purest happiness is found at +home. And," he added with a smile, "it is quite to the advantage of your +plans for study that society can claim so little of your time and strength +at present. You are doing so nicely that I am very proud of my pupil."</p> + +<p>She flushed with pleasure, but with a roguish smile, and shaking her +finger warningly at him, "Take care," she said, "don't let the husband be +lost in the tutor, or I shall——"</p> + +<p>"What? go over to grandpa?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no!" she cried, snatching her hand from his grasp, and lifting +both in mimic horror.</p> + +<p>"What are you two chatting so cosily about in that far-off corner?" asked +Mrs. Leland's cheery voice from the midst of the larger group at the +farther side of the room.</p> + +<p>"It's merely a little private confab between man and wife, in which the +public can have no interest," returned Edward.</p> + +<p>"Quite a mistake, so far as this part of the public is concerned," said +his mother, her soft brown eyes gazing lovingly upon them, "but we won't +pry into your secrets, only invite you to join our circle when you have +finished your private chat."</p> + +<p>For some weeks all went well with our friends at Ion; the family machinery +worked smoothly, with no jarring or jostling; everybody in good humor and +behaving kindly toward everybody else.</p> + +<p>Max and Lulu made good progress in their studies, and were able to give a +good report of each day in their diaries, which, of their own accord, they +brought each evening to Violet for her inspection.</p> + +<p>She reminded them that they were not required to do so; but they answered +that they preferred it; they wanted to know if she thought they were +representing themselves as better than they really were.</p> + +<p>She was glad to be able to answer with truth that she did not think so, +and that she could report them to their father as worthy of all praise in +regard to both conduct and diligence in study.</p> + +<p>"You have both been so pleasant tempered," she remarked in conclusion, +"Lulu neither grumbling nor so much as looking sour over her tasks, or +even the sewing lessons, which I know are particularly distasteful to her. +Dear child, you have been very good, and I know it will rejoice your +father's heart to hear it," she added, kissing the little girl's cheek.</p> + +<p>Lulu's face flushed and her eyes shone, Mrs. Scrimp had been always ready +to blame, never to praise, but with Mamma Vi it was just the other way. +She was almost blind to faults, but particularly keen-sighted where +virtues were concerned.</p> + +<p>Violet turned toward Max to find him regarding her with wistful, longing +looks.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it, Max, my dear boy?" she asked, half laughingly.</p> + +<p>"Don't be partial, Mamma Vi," he answered. "I do believe a boy likes a +kiss from a sweet, pretty lady that he has a right to care for, quite as +well as a girl does."</p> + +<p>"Then come and get it," she said, offering her lips. "Max, you may feel as +free always to ask for it as if I were your own mother or sister."</p> + +<p>Edward had, perhaps, the most trying pupil of all; she had done well at +first, but as the novelty of the undertaking wore off, lost her interest, +and now found so many excuses for not being prepared at the proper time +for recitation; and if he so much as looked grave over the failure, was so +hurt, and felt herself so ill-used, that an extra amount of coaxing and +petting became necessary to restore her to cheerfulness and good humor.</p> + +<p>He was growing very weary of it all, and at times felt tempted to cease +trying to improve the mind of his little wife; but no, he could not do +that if he would have her a fit companion for him intellectually as well +as in other respects, for though she had naturally a fine mind, its +cultivation had been sadly neglected.</p> + +<p>He opened his heart to his mother on the subject, entreating her advice +and assistance, but without finding fault with Zoe (Elsie would hardly +have listened for a moment to that), and she comforted him with words of +encouragement to persevere in his own efforts, and promises to aid him in +every way in her power.</p> + +<p>In pursuance of that object she put in Zoe's way, and recommended to her +notice, books that would be likely to interest and at the same time +instruct her. Also considered her needs, as well as those of her own +pupils, in making her selections for the afternoon readings in the +school-room.</p> + +<p>There was much gained by the child wife in these ways, and also from the +conversation of the highly educated and intelligent older members of the +family, of which she had now become a part.</p> + +<p>She was very desirous to become their equal in these respects, especially +for Edward's sake, but she was so much used to self-indulgence, so +unaccustomed to self-control, that her good resolutions were made only to +be broken till she herself was nearly ready to give up in despair.</p> + +<p>Elsie was alone in her own apartments one afternoon, an hour or more after +dismissing her pupils to their play, when Zoe came to her with flushed +cheeks, quivering lips, and eyes full of tears.</p> + +<p>"What is wrong with you, my dear little daughter?" Elsie asked in tender, +motherly tones, as she looked up into the troubled face.</p> + +<p>"O mamma, I don't know what to do! I wish you could help me!" cried Zoe, +dropping upon her knees at Elsie's feet, and hiding her face on her lap, +the tears falling fast now, mingled with sobs.</p> + +<p>"Only tell me what is wrong, dear, and you shall have all the help I can +give," Elsie said, smoothing the weeper's fair hair with soft, caressing +hand.</p> + +<p>"Edward is vexed with me," sobbed Zoe. "I know he is, though he didn't say +a word; but he looked so grave, and walked away without speaking."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he was not vexed with you, dear; it may have been merely that he +was deep in thought about something that had no connection with the little +wife, whom, as I very well know, he loves very dearly."</p> + +<p>"No, mamma, it wasn't that; he had come in to hear me recite, and I was so +interested in my fancy work that I'd forgotten to watch the time and +hadn't looked at the lessons. So I told him, and said I was sorry I +wasn't ready for him, and he didn't answer a word, but just looked at me +as grave as a judge, and turned round and walked out of the room."</p> + +<p>"Surely, my dear Zoe, Edward does not insist upon his little wife learning +lessons whether she is willing or not?" Elsie said inquiringly, and with a +gentle caress.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no, mamma! it has been my own choice, and I've no wish to give it +up; but somehow there is always something interfering with my studying. +Somebody calls, or I'm inclined for a ride, a drive or a walk, or I get +engaged in sewing or fancy work, or my music, or a story-book that's too +interesting to lay down till I reach the end. Mamma, I often wonder how it +is that you find time for all these things and many others beside."</p> + +<p>"Shall I tell you the secret of managing it, dear?" Elsie asked, with an +affectionate look and smile into the tear-stained face now uplifted to +hers.</p> + +<p>Zoe gave an eager assent, and Elsie went on:</p> + +<p>"It lies in doing things systematically, always putting duties first, +giving to each its set time, and letting the pleasures come in afterward. +If I were you, my dear, I should have a regular study hour, putting it +early in the day, before callers begin to come, and I should not allow it +to be lightly interfered with; no stitch should be taken in fancy work, +no novel opened, no story paper glanced at, until each lesson for the day +was fully prepared."</p> + +<p>Zoe's face had brightened very much as she listened.</p> + +<p>"O mamma, I see that that is just the way to do it!" she cried, clapping +her hands with glee, "and I'll begin at once. I'll think over all the +daily duties and make out a regular programme, and——"</p> + +<p>"Strive earnestly to carry it out, you would say, yet not in your own +strength alone," Elsie added, as Zoe paused, leaving her sentence +unfinished.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma," she responded in a more serious tone. "And now, I'll run +back to my room and try to be ready for Edward when he comes in again."</p> + +<p>She set herself to her tasks with unwonted determination to give her whole +mind to them. Edward came in at length, and was greeted with a bright look +and the announcement in a tone of great satisfaction, "I'm quite ready for +you now."</p> + +<p>"I've been thinking we might perhaps as well give it up, Zoe," he answered +gravely, "at least for the present, until you are done working upon those +very fascinating Christmas things."</p> + +<p>"Oh no, don't!" she said, flushing and looking ready to cry, "try me a +little longer, Ned; I've been talking with mamma, and I'm really going to +turn over a new leaf and do just as she advises."</p> + +<p>"Ah, if you have taken mamma into your counsels there is some hope," he +said in a tone of hearty approval. "But we will have to put off the +recitations until after tea. I must drive over to the Oaks to see Uncle +Horace about a business matter, and I just came up to ask you to go +along."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll be happy to!" she cried joyously, pushing the books aside and +starting to her feet, "and it won't take me a minute to don hat and +cloak."</p> + +<p>He caught her in his arms as she was rushing past him, and kissing her on +cheek and lips, asked in tender tones, "Have I made you unhappy this +afternoon, my love, my darling?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, for a little while; but I deserved it, Ned, and I don't mind it now +if—if only you love your foolish, careless little wife as well as ever in +spite of all her faults."</p> + +<p>"I love you dearly, dearly, my one own peculiar treasure," he responded, +with another caress of ardent affection, as he let her go.</p> + +<p>She was gay and happy as a bird during their drive, and full of enthusiasm +in regard to her new plan, explaining it to Edward, and asking his advice +about the best division of her time, how much should be allotted to this +duty and how much to that.</p> + +<p>"I mean to rise earlier," she said, "and if I can't get time in that way +for all I want to do, I'll shorten my rides and walks."</p> + +<p>"No," he said, "I'm not going to have your health sacrificed even to +mental improvement; and certainly not to fancy work; I shall insist on +plenty of rest and sleep and abundance of exercise in the open air for the +dear little woman I have taken charge of."</p> + +<p>"Then, sir, you're not to be cross if the studies are not attended to."</p> + +<p>"They will be if put before novels, fancy work, and other equally +unnecessary employments."</p> + +<p>"Well, I've said they shall be in future. O Ned," and she nestled closer +to his side, looking up lovingly into his face, "it's ever so nice to have +somebody to take care of me and love me as you do! How could I ever do +without papa, who always petted me so, if I hadn't you?"</p> + +<p>"I hope you may never find out. I hope I may be spared to take care of +you, as long as you need me, little wife," he said, pressing her closer to +his side.</p> + +<p>Rosie met them in the hall on their return to Ion.</p> + +<p>"It's most tea time, Zoe," she said; "I think you'll not have any too much +time for changing your dress."</p> + +<p>"Then I must needs make haste," returned Zoe, tripping up the stairs.</p> + +<p>Edward, who was taking off his overcoat, turned a rather surprised, +inquiring glance upon his little sister.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," she said laughingly, "I had a reason for hurrying her away, +because I want to tell you something. Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming. +Maybe he will be here by to-morrow. Mamma heard he wasn't well, and she +wrote and invited him to come and spend the winter with us, and she's just +had a letter saying he will come. Aren't you glad, Ned?"</p> + +<p>"I'm very well pleased, Rosie, but why shouldn't Zoe have heard your +announcement?"</p> + +<p>"Because I wanted to warn you first not to tell her or the Raymonds +something (you know what) that must be kept secret at first, if we want to +have some fun."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" he said, with a good-humored laugh. "Well, I think you may +trust me not to tell. But how about all the others? Walter, especially?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, he doesn't remember anything about it; and grandpa and mamma and all +the rest have promised not to tell."</p> + +<p>"And you are quite sure Rosie may be trusted not to let the secret slip +out unintentionally?" he asked, pinching her round rosy cheek.</p> + +<p>"I hope so," she said, laughing and running away.</p> + +<p>Opening the library door and seeing Lulu there curled up in the corner of +a sofa with a book, she stepped in, shutting the door behind her.</p> + +<p>Lulu looked up.</p> + +<p>"Shall I disturb you if I talk?" asked Rose.</p> + +<p>"I'm ready to listen," answered Lulu, half closing her book. "What have +you to say?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming, and I'm ever so glad, as you +would be, too, if you knew him."</p> + +<p>"I never heard of him," said Lulu. "Is he a boy? is he older than Max?"</p> + +<p>"I should think so!" cried Rosie, with a merry laugh. "He has grown-up +sons, and he looks a good deal older than grandpa."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! then why should I care about his coming!" exclaimed Lulu, in a tone +of mingled impatience and contempt.</p> + +<p>"Why, because he's very nice and kind to us children, and tells us the +loveliest stories about the brownies in Scotland and about Bruce and +Wallace and the black Douglass and Robin Hood and his merry men, and—oh, +I can't tell you what all!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that must be ever so nice!" cried Lulu, now as much pleased and +interested in the news of the expected arrival as Rosie could desire.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X" />CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>IN WHICH THE CHILDREN HAVE SOME FUN.</h3> + + +<p>In the uppermost story of the house at Ion was a large play-room furnished +with a great variety of toys and games—indeed almost everything that +could be thought of for the amusement of the young folks, from Walter up +to Max.</p> + +<p>But the greatest delight of the last named was in the deft handling of the +tools in an adjoining apartment, called the boys' work-room. There he +found abundance of material to work upon, holly scroll and fret saws, and +a well-stocked tool chest.</p> + +<p>Edward had given him a few lessons at the start, and now he had become so +expert as to be turning out some really beautiful pieces of carving, which +he intended to give to his friends at Christmas.</p> + +<p>Lulu, too, was learning scroll-sawing, and thought it far preferable to +any sort of needle-work; sometimes more enjoyable than playing with her +dolls.</p> + +<p>They were there together one afternoon, both very busy and chatting and +laughing as they worked.</p> + +<p>"Max," said Lulu, "I'm determined to learn to do scroll-sawing and carving +just as well as ever I can, and make lovely things! Maybe I can contrive +new patterns or designs, or whatever they call 'em, and after a while make +ever so much money, enough to pay for my clothes and everything, so that +papa won't have to spend any of his money on me."</p> + +<p>"Why, Lu!" exclaimed her brother, "do you think papa grudges the money he +spends on you, or any of us?"</p> + +<p>"No, I know he doesn't," she returned vehemently, "but can't you +understand that I'd like him to have more to spend on himself?"</p> + +<p>"Oh," said Max. "Well, that's right, I'm sure, and very thoughtful for a +little girl like you. I do think you're splendid in some ways, Lu."</p> + +<p>"And whether you make money by it or not, it will be a good thing to learn +to do this work well. Papa says, 'knowledge is power,' and the more things +we know how to do, the more independent and useful we will be."</p> + +<p>Just then the door opened, and Zoe, in riding hat and habit, put in her +head.</p> + +<p>"Max, I'm going to ride into the village," she said, "and Edward can't go +with me, as he intended. Will you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Aunt Zoe, of course, if you want me," answered the boy promptly, +stopping his saw and springing to his feet, for he was much gratified by +the invitation. "I'll get ready as fast as I can; 'twon't take over five +minutes."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. I'll wait for you in the parlor," said Zoe, "Lulu, would you +like to go, too?"</p> + +<p>"No, thank you, I had a ride this morning, and now I want to finish this."</p> + +<p>Max had left the room, and Zoe, drawing nearer to Lulu, exclaimed at the +beauty of her work.</p> + +<p>"Why, I never should have dreamed you could do it so well!" she said. "I +don't believe I could."</p> + +<p>Lulu's face flushed with pleasure, but she said modestly, "Perhaps you'd +find, if you should try, that you could do it better; you do everything +else better than I do."</p> + +<p>"Quite a mistake," returned Zoe, "though I ought to, as I'm so much older. +But there, I dare say Max is ready and waiting for me, so good-by."</p> + +<p>They met in the lower hall. "All ready, Max?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes—no; I must ask leave," and he ran into the parlor where the ladies +of the family were sitting.</p> + +<p>It was of Grandma Elsie he asked permission, and it was given at once.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, ma'am," he said. "Can I do anything for you in the town, +ladies?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Violet, "I have just broken a crochet needle. You may get me +one to replace it."</p> + +<p>She went on to give him directions about the size and where he would be +likely to find it; then taking some money from her purse, "This is sure to +be more than enough," she said, "but you may keep the change."</p> + +<p>"Mamma Vi, I don't want pay for doing an errand for you," returned the boy +coloring; "it is a great pleasure, it would be even if papa had not told +me to wait on you and do all I could to fill his place."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean it as pay, my dear boy," Violet answered, with a pleased +look, "but haven't I a right to make a little present now and then to the +children who call me mamma?"</p> + +<p>Max's face brightened.</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am, I suppose so," he said. "Thank you; I'll take it willingly +enough if it isn't pay, and I'm very proud to be trusted to buy something +for you."</p> + +<p>Edward was helping Zoe into the saddle as Max came hurrying out.</p> + +<p>"Take good care of her, Max," he said, "I'm trusting you and Tom there +with my chiefest treasure."</p> + +<p>"I'll do my best," Max said, mounting his pony, which Tom the colored boy +was holding.</p> + +<p>"Me, too, Marse Ed'ard, dere shan't nuffin hurt Miss Zoe," added the +latter, giving Max the bridle, then mounting a third horse and falling +behind the others as they cantered down the avenue.</p> + +<p>A little beyond the gate the family carriage passed them, Mr. Dinsmore and +a strange gentleman inside.</p> + +<p>"Company," remarked Zoe. "I wonder who he is, and if he's come to stay any +time? I think grandpa drove into the city in season to meet the afternoon +train."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know he did," said Max.</p> + +<p>Max had now learned to ride quite well, and felt himself very nearly a man +as he escorted Zoe to the village, and, arrived there, went with her from +store to store, executed Violet's commission, then having assisted Zoe +into the saddle remounted, and returned with her to Ion.</p> + +<p>It was very near the tea hour when they reached home. Zoe went directly to +her own apartments to change her dress, but Max, without even waiting to +take off his overcoat, hastened into the parlor to hand the crochet needle +to Violet.</p> + +<p>The ladies were all there, Rosie, too, and Mr. Dinsmore, and an elderly +gentleman, whom Max at once recognized as the one he had seen in the +carriage that afternoon.</p> + +<p>He shook hands very kindly with the boy as Mr. Dinsmore introduced them, +"Cousin Ronald this is Max Raymond—Mr. Lilburn, Max."</p> + +<p>"Ah ha, ah ha! um, h'm! ah ha! A fine-looking lad," Mr. Lilburn said, +still holding the boy's hand in a kindly grasp, and gazing with evident +interest into the bright young face. "I trust you and I are going to be +good friends, Max. I'm no so young myself as I once was, but I like the +company of the blithe young lads and lasses."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," said Max, coloring with pleasure. "Rosie says you tell +splendid stories about Wallace and the Bruce and Robin Hood and his merry +men; and I know I shall enjoy them ever so much."</p> + +<p>As he finished his sentence Max colored more deeply than before, at the +same time hastily thrusting his right hand deep into the pocket on that +side of his overcoat, for a peculiar sound like the cry of a young puppy +seemed to come from it at that instant, much to the boy's discomfiture and +astonishment.</p> + +<p>"What is that? What have you got there, Max?" asked little Walter, +pricking up his ears, while Violet asked with an amused look, "Have you +been making an investment in livestock, Max?"</p> + +<p>A query that seemed all the more natural and appropriate as the cluck of a +hen came from the pocket on the other side of the overcoat.</p> + +<p>Down went the left hand into that. "No, Mamma Vi, they're not in my +pockets," returned the boy, with a look of great bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"No, to be sure not," said Mr. Lilburn, and the hen clucked behind +Violet's chair and the pup's cry was heard coming from underneath a heap +of crocheting in Mrs. Dinsmore's lap, fairly startling her into uttering a +little cry of surprise and dismay and springing to her feet.</p> + +<p>Then everybody laughed, Rosie clapping her hands with delight, and Max +glanced from one to another more mystified than ever.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Max," said Violet, "it's plain you are not the culprit who +brought such unwelcome intruders here. Run up to your room now and make +yourself ready for tea."</p> + +<p>Max obeyed, but looking back from the doorway, asked, "Shall I send one of +the servants to turn out the hen and carry away the pup?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, we'll attend to it," said Mr. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"I'll find 'em. I can carry that pup out," said Walter, getting down from +his grandpa's knee and beginning a vigorous search for it, the older +people watching him with much amusement.</p> + +<p>At length, having satisfied himself that neither it nor the hen was in the +room, he concluded that they must be in Max's overcoat pockets, and told +him so the moment he returned.</p> + +<p>"No, they are not, unless some one has put them there since I went +up-stairs," said Max. "But I don't believe in them, Walter. I think they +were only make believe."</p> + +<p>"How make believe?" asked the little fellow in perplexity.</p> + +<p>"Ask Mr. Lilburn."</p> + +<p>"Come, explain yourself, young man," said that gentleman laughingly.</p> + +<p>"I've heard of ventriloquists, sir," said Max. "I don't know if you are +one, but as pup and hen could only be heard and not seen, I think it must +have been a ventriloquist's work."</p> + +<p>"But you don't know for certain," said Rosie, coming to his side, "and +please don't say anything to Zoe, or Lulu, or Gracie about it."</p> + +<p>"I won't," he said, as the door opened and the three entered, Zoe having +overtaken the two little girls on their way down-stairs after being +dressed for the evening by the careful and expert Agnes.</p> + +<p>"Mamma, do I look nice enough for your little girl?" asked Gracie, going +to Violet's side.</p> + +<p>"Very nice and sweet, my darling," was the whispered reply, accompanied by +a tender caress.</p> + +<p>Walter, hardly waiting until the necessary introductions were over, burst +out eagerly, "Zoe, do you know where that pup is?"</p> + +<p>"What pup?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I don't know his name."</p> + +<p>"Well, what about him?"</p> + +<p>"I thought he was in Max's pocket, but he wasn't, and neither was the +hen."</p> + +<p>The tea-bell rang at that instant, and Rosie, putting her lips to Walter's +ear, whispered, "Do keep quiet about it, and we'll have some fun."</p> + +<p>"Will we?" he asked with a look of mingled wonder and pleasure; "then I'll +keep quiet."</p> + +<p>All through the meal Walter was on the <i>qui vive</i> for the fun, but there +was none beyond a few jests and pleasantries which were by no means +unusual in their cheerful family circle.</p> + +<p>"There wasn't a bit of fun, Rosie," he complained to her after all had +returned to the parlor.</p> + +<p>"Wait a little," she answered, "perhaps it will come yet."</p> + +<p>"Before I have to go to bed?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so. Suppose you go and tell Cousin Ronald you want some fun. He +knows how to make it. But be sure to whisper it in his ear."</p> + +<p>Walter did as directed.</p> + +<p>"Wait a wee, bairnie, and see what will happen," Cousin Ronald answered in +an undertone, and with a low pleasant laugh as he lifted the little fellow +to his knee.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore sat near at hand, the ladies had gathered about the +centre-table with their work, while Lester Leland and Edward Travilla +hovered near their wives, the one with a newspaper, the other merely +watching the busy fingers of the fair workers and making jesting comments +upon what they were doing.</p> + +<p>But presently there was a sudden commotion in their midst, one after +another springing from her chair with a little startled cry and trying to +dodge what, from the sound, seemed to be an enormous bumble bee circling +round and round their heads and in and out among them. "Buzz! buzz! buzz!" +surely never bumble bee buzzed so loud before.</p> + +<p>"Oh, catch it! kill it, Edward!" cried Zoe, with a half frantic rush to +the farther side of the room. "Oh, here it comes after me! It's settling +on my hair! Oh!"</p> + +<p>"No, dear, it isn't, there is really nothing there," Edward said +soothingly, yet with a laugh, for a second thought had told him the real +cause of the disturbance.</p> + +<p>"I believe it's gone," she said, drawing a long breath of relief, as she +turned her head this way and that, "but where did it go to? and how +strange for one to be flying about this time of year!"</p> + +<p>The other ladies exchanging amused glances and smiles, were drawing round +the table again when a loud "cluck, cluck" came from beneath it.</p> + +<p>"Oh, there she is! there's the old hen Max brought!" cried Walter, +springing from Mr. Lilburn's knee to run to the table.</p> + +<p>Stooping down he peeped under it. "Why, no, she's not there!" he said in +wonder and disappointment. "Ah, yonder she is! behind that window +curtain," as "cluck, cluck cluck," came from a distant corner. "Max, Max, +catch her quick, 'fore she gets away!"</p> + +<p>Max ran and hastily drew aside the curtain.</p> + +<p>There was nothing there, as Walter, Lulu and Gracie, who had all rushed to +the spot, perceived with amazement.</p> + +<p>"Hark!" said Mr. Dinsmore, and as a death-like silence fell upon the room +the "cluck, cluck, cluck" was distinctly heard from the hall.</p> + +<p>Out rushed the children and searched its whole length, but without finding +the intruder.</p> + +<p>Back they came to report their failure. Then dogs, big and little, barked +and growled, now here, now there, little pigs squealed, cats meowed, and +mice squealed from the corners, under sofas and chairs, in the ladies' +laps, in the gentlemen's pockets, yet not one could be seen.</p> + +<p>For a while it made a great deal of sport, but at length little feeble +Gracie grew frightened and nervous, and running to "Mamma Vi" hid her head +in her lap with a burst of tears and sobs.</p> + +<p>That put an end to the fun and frolic, everybody sobered down instantly +and kept very quiet, while Grandpa Dinsmore carefully explained to the +little weeper that Cousin Ronald had made all the sounds which had so +excited and alarmed her, and that there was really nothing in the room +that could hurt or annoy her.</p> + +<p>She lifted her head at last, wiped away her tears, and with a laugh that +was half a sob, said, "I'll stop crying, then; but I'm afraid everybody +thinks I'm a great baby."</p> + +<p>"Oh no, dear!" said Grandma Elsie, "we all know that if our little girlie +is easily troubled, it is because she is not well and strong like the rest +of us."</p> + +<p>"And I must beg your pardon for frightening you so, my wee bit bonny +lassie," said Mr. Lilburn, stroking her hair. "I'll try to atone for it, +one o' these days, by telling you and the other bairns the finest stories +I know."</p> + +<p>The promise called forth from the young folks a chorus of thanks and +exclamations of delight, Walter adding, "Won't you please tell one now, +Cousin Ronald, to comfort Gracie?"</p> + +<p>"A very disinterested request, no doubt, my little son," Elsie said +laughingly, as she rose and took his hand to lead him from the room; "but +it is high time both you and Gracie were in your nests. So bid good-night, +and we will go."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI" />CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"At Christmas play, and make good cheer,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">For Christmas comes but once a year."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 23.5em;">—<i>Tusser.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>It was the day before Christmas.</p> + +<p>"When do our holidays begin, mamma?" asked Rosie, as she put her books +neatly away in her desk after the last morning recitation.</p> + +<p>"Now, my child; we will have no tasks this afternoon. Instead, I give my +five little folks an invitation to drive into the city with me. How many +will accept?"</p> + +<p>"I, thank you, ma'am," "and I," "and I," came in joyous tones from one and +another, for all were in the room, and not one indifferent to the delight +of a visit to the city, especially just at this time when the stores were +so full of pretty things. Besides, who could fail to enjoy a drive with +the kind, sweet lady some of them called mamma, others Grandma Elsie?</p> + +<p>"Then you may all be ready to start immediately after dinner," she said, +glancing around upon them with a benign smile.</p> + +<p>It was a still, bright day, mild for the season, no snow on the ground to +make a sleigh-ride possible, but the roads were good, they had fine +horses, plenty of wraps, and the ride in the softly-cushioned, +easy-rolling carriage, whose large plate-glass windows gave them a good +view of the country first, then of the streets and shop windows of the +city, was found very enjoyable.</p> + +<p>They were not afraid to jest, laugh, and be as merry as health, freedom +from care, youthful spirits, and pleasing anticipations for the morrow +inclined them to be.</p> + +<p>Most of the Christmas shopping had been done days before, but some orders +were left with grocers and confectioners, and Grandma Elsie treated +generously to bonbons.</p> + +<p>She allowed her children much greater latitude in such matters than her +father had permitted her in her early years.</p> + +<p>The Ion carriage had scarcely turned out of the avenue, on its way to the +city, when one of the parlors became the scene of great activity and +mirth. A large Christmas tree was brought in and set up by the men +servants; then Lester and his Elsie, Violet, Edward and Zoe proceeded to +trim it.</p> + +<p>That done they gave their attention to the adorning with evergreens the +walls of that and several other rooms, completing their labors and closing +the doors upon the tree some time before the return of the children.</p> + +<p>"We shall have scarcely more than time to dress for tea," Grandma Elsie +said, as the carriage drew up at the door; "so go directly to your rooms, +my dears. Are you very tired, little Gracie?"</p> + +<p>"No, ma'am, just a wee bit," said the child. "I'm getting so much +stronger, and we've had such a nice time, Grandma Elsie."</p> + +<p>"I'll carry you up-stairs, little missy," said Tom, the servant man, who +opened the door for them, picking her up as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Bring her in here, Tom," Violet said, speaking from the door of her +dressing-room. "And will you come in too, Lulu dear?"</p> + +<p>Violet was very careful never to give Lulu an order; her wishes when +addressing her were always expressed in the form of a request.</p> + +<p>Lulu complied at once, Tom stepping back for her to enter first.</p> + +<p>She was in high good-humor, having enjoyed her drive extremely.</p> + +<p>"Mamma Vi," she exclaimed, "we've had a splendid time! It's just +delightful to be taken out by Grandma Elsie."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have always found it so," said Violet. "And how has your papa's +baby girl enjoyed herself?" drawing Gracie toward her, as Tom set her +down, and taking off her hat.</p> + +<p>"Oh, ever so much! Mamma how beautiful you look! I wish papa was here to +see you."</p> + +<p>"That's just what I was thinking," said Lulu. "You <i>are</i> beautiful, Mamma +Vi, and then you always wear such very pretty and becoming things."</p> + +<p>"I am glad you approve my taste in dress," Violet said, laughing. "And +what do you think of those?" with a slight motion of her hand in the +direction of the bed.</p> + +<p>Both little girls turned to look, then with a little cry of surprise and +delight hastened to give a closer inspection to what they saw there—two +pretty dresses of soft, fine white cashmere, evidently intended for them, +each with sash and ribbons lying on it, Lulu's of rose pink, Gracie's a +delicate shade of blue.</p> + +<p>"O Mamma Vi! are they for us?" exclaimed Lulu.</p> + +<p>"They were bought and made expressly for my two dear little girls; for +them to wear to-night," said Violet. "Do they suit your taste, dears?"</p> + +<p>"They are just beautiful, my dear, sweet, pretty mamma," cried Gracie, +running to her and half smothering her with hugs and kisses.</p> + +<p>"There, pet, that will do," said Violet, laughing, as she returned a +hearty kiss, then gently disengaged the child's arms from her neck; "we +must make haste to array you in them before the tea-bell rings," and +taking Gracie's hand, she led her toward the bed.</p> + +<p>Lulu was standing there smoothing down the folds of her new dress, and +noting, with a thrill of pleasure, how prettily the rich sash and ribbons +contrasted with its creamy whiteness. "Mamma Vi," she said, looking up +into her young stepmother's face, her expression a mixture of penitence +and gratitude, "how good you and Grandma Elsie are to me! Indeed, +everybody here is good to me; though I—I'm so bad-tempered."</p> + +<p>"You have been very good of late, dear," Violet said, bending down to kiss +her forehead, "and it is a dear delight to me to do all I can to make my +husband's children happy."</p> + +<p>Agnes now came to Violet's assistance, and when the tea-bell rang, a few +minutes later, the two little girls were quite ready to descend with their +mamma to the supper-room.</p> + +<p>Grandma Elsie looked in on her way down, and Violet said, sportively, +"See, mamma, I have my dolls dressed."</p> + +<p>"Yes," Elsie returned, with a smile, "you were always fond of dressing +dolls," and, passing a hand over Gracie's curls and touching Lulu's cheek +caressingly with the other, "these are better worth it than any you have +had heretofore."</p> + +<p>"Grandma Elsie," said Lulu in her fearless, straightforward way, and +gazing with earnest, affectionate scrutiny into the fair face, "you don't +look as if you could be mother to Mamma Vi and Aunt Elsie and Uncle +Edward."</p> + +<p>"Why, my child?" laughed the lady addressed; "can't you see a +resemblance?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, ma'am! but you look so young, not so very much older than they +do."</p> + +<p>They were now passing through the upper hall. Walter had hold of his +mother's hand, and Rosie had just joined them.</p> + +<p>"That is true," she remarked, and I am so glad of it! I couldn't bear to +have my dear, beautiful mamma grow old, and wrinkled, and gray."</p> + +<p>"Yet it will have to be some day, Rosie, unless she is laid away out of +sight before the time comes for those changes," the mother answered with +gentle gravity.</p> + +<p>There were various exclamations of surprise and pleasure from the children +as they entered the supper-room. Its walls were beautifully trimmed with +evergreens, and bouquets of hot-house flowers adorned the table, filling +the air with delicious fragrance.</p> + +<p>When the meal was over, all adjourned to the parlor usually occupied by +them when not entertaining company. This, too, they found trimmed with +evergreens, and while the children were looking about and commenting upon +the taste displayed in their arrangement, the folding doors communicating +with another parlor were suddenly thrown open, disclosing the grand +achievement of the afternoon—the beautiful Christmas tree—tall, +wide-spreading, glittering with lights and tinsel ornaments, gorgeous with +gay colors, and every branch loaded down with gifts.</p> + +<p>It was greeted with a burst of admiration and applause.</p> + +<p>"What a beauty!" cried Rosie and Lulu, clapping their hands.</p> + +<p>"And how large!" exclaimed Max, "three times as big as any I ever saw +before."</p> + +<p>Walter and Gracie were no less enthusiastic in their admiration. "May we +go close up, mamma?" asked the latter.</p> + +<p>"Yes, 'course we may," said Walter, seizing her hand, "we'll walk round it +and look hard at the things, but not touch 'em."</p> + +<p>Older people followed the lead of the little ones, and the tree was +thoroughly examined by many pairs of eyes, gazed at from every point of +view, and highly extolled, before the work of despoiling it was begun.</p> + +<p>The gifts were far too many to mention in detail. The older people seemed +much pleased with some easels, brackets, and picture-frames carved for +them by Max and Lulu, and with specimens of Zoe's and Rosie's handiwork in +another line; also with some little gems of art from the pencils or +brushes of Lester, Elsie, and Violet, while the children were made happy +with presents suited to the years and taste of each.</p> + +<p>Lulu was almost wild with delight over a set of pink coral, as nearly like +that she had lost by her misconduct some months before, as Grandma Elsie +had been able to find.</p> + +<p>Then there was a beautiful, thoroughly furnished work-box from Mamma Vi, +with "actually a gold thimble in it," to encourage her in learning to sew. +One for Gracie also exactly like it, except that Lulu's was lined with red +satin and Gracie's with blue. Each had beside a new doll with a neat +little trunk packed full of clothes made to fit it, and a box filled with +pretty things to make up into doll clothes.</p> + +<p>Max was greatly surprised and delighted by finding himself the possessor +of a watch, doubly valuable to him as his father's gift.</p> + +<p>The gold thimbles of the little girls were also from papa.</p> + +<p>They had a number of other presents, but these were what they valued most +highly.</p> + +<p>It took quite a good while to distribute the gifts and for each to examine +and admire all his own and those of his neighbors; then Gracie, tired with +excitement and the long drive of the afternoon, was ready to go to bed.</p> + +<p>Mamma Vi went with her, as was her custom, and Max and Lulu followed. They +had grown quite fond of Violet's half-sisterly, half-motherly talks with +them at the close of the day, and to her it was a source of deep joy and +thankfulness that she could perceive that she was influencing them—her +dear husband's tenderly loved offspring—for good.</p> + +<p>She warmly sympathized in their pleasure to-night, chatted with them about +what they had given and received, praising highly the picture-frame and +easel they had presented her—and in regard to the entries to be made in +each of their diaries.</p> + +<p>She left them in her boudoir busy with these when she returned to the +parlor.</p> + +<p>"O Max," said Lulu, "how different Mamma Vi is from Aunt Beulah."</p> + +<p>"Humph, I should think so," said Max, "must have been made of a different +kind o' dust. We weren't so well off and happy last Christmas eve, Lu."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! Gracie and I wanted a Christmas tree ever so much, and begged +and coaxed for one, even if it was but a wee bit of a thing; but she +wouldn't let us have it, said it was just nonsense and a wicked waste."</p> + +<p>"Just like her," remarked Max, in a tone of mingled aversion and contempt; +"but don't let's talk about her. I'd rather think of pleasanter subjects. +Wasn't it splendid in papa to give me this watch?" pulling it out and +gazing on it with pride and delight. "Isn't it a beauty?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and I'm as glad as I can be that you have it, Max," Lulu responded +affectionately. "And wasn't it good in him to give gold thimbles to Gracie +and me? I shall try very hard to learn to sew nicely, to show him I'm +grateful for it and all he does for me."</p> + +<p>"That's right, Lu; let's both do our best to improve all our +opportunities, so that we will make his heart glad. And we can do that in +another way, too."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"By loving Mamma Vi, and being as good to her as ever we know how."</p> + +<p>"I do mean to, for she is good and kind to us," said Lulu, in a frankly +cordial tone.</p> + +<p>"You were vexed at papa at first for marrying her," remarked Max, with a +roguish look; "but just suppose he'd taken Mrs. Scrimp instead."</p> + +<p>"O Max!" cried Lulu, her eyes flashing, "how can you talk so? You know +papa would never have thought of such a thing."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe he would, but Ann told me once she knew Mrs. Scrimp would +be glad enough to take him if he'd give her the chance. What would you +have done if he had?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, and it isn't worth while to consider," replied Lulu, with a +grown-up air she occasionally assumed, much to Max's amusement. "But my +writing's done, and I'm going to bed, for I'm tired and sleepy. So +good-night."</p> + +<p>"Good-night," returned Max. "I sha'n't be in a hurry to get to bed, for it +won't be worth while to get up early to catch other folks, as all the +things have been given to-night. I almost wish they had let us wait till +to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>Perhaps the remark was intended to throw Lulu off her guard; at all events +he was at her door with a "Merry Christmas," before any one else was +stirring but the servants.</p> + +<p>Lulu was awake, too, sitting up in bed and trying, in the dim light of the +early dawn, to undo a small paper parcel she had found on her pillow.</p> + +<p>Max had opened the door and given his greeting in a subdued tone that +there might be no danger of disturbing any sleeper in the vicinity.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Lulu, in a voice of suppressed eagerness, "the same to you! +Come in and see what Santa Claus has brought me."</p> + +<p>Max stepped in, closed the door, and tiptoeing to a window, raised the +blind and drew back the curtain.</p> + +<p>"O Max, Max; just see!" cried Lulu, as he turned toward her again.</p> + +<p>She had succeeded in her efforts, and was now holding up her hand in a way +to display to advantage a very pretty gold ring.</p> + +<p>"Yes; oh, I'm glad, Lu! And there's something else, isn't there?"</p> + +<p>"Money! a good deal, isn't it, Max?" she asked, holding out a crisp new +bank-note.</p> + +<p>"Five dollars," he answered, taking it to the light. "And I have just the +same; found it on my pillow, from papa; and s'pose yours is, too. A gold +pencil from Mamma Vi was there also."</p> + +<p>"Yes; from papa," she said, examining the writing on the back of the +envelope from which she had taken the note, "and the ring's from Mamma Vi. +She always finds out just what I want. I'd rather have had a ring than +almost anything else."</p> + +<p>"There, we have waked her and Gracie, I'm afraid," said Max, in a tone of +self-reproach, as the voices of the two were heard coming from the next +room.</p> + +<p>"Merry Christmas, Max and Lulu," both called out in cheery tones, and the +greeting was returned with added thanks to Violet for her gifts.</p> + +<p>"I have some, too," Gracie said; "a lovely picture-book and two kinds of +money. I think I'm the richest."</p> + +<p>She had received a one-dollar bill, crisp and new like the others, and a +quarter eagle in gold, and could not be convinced that the two did not +amount to more than Max's or Lulu's five-dollar note.</p> + +<p>The other members of the family had fared quite as well. The children had +a very merry day; the older people were quietly happy.</p> + +<p>There were fresh flowers on the graves in the family burial-ground, even +the dead had not been forgotten. Elsie Travilla had been early bending +over the lowly mound that covered all that was mortal of her heart's best +earthly treasure, and though the sweet face was calm and serene as was its +wont, bearing no traces of tears, the cheery words and bright smile came +readily in sympathy with the mirth of the younger ones; her father and +older children, noting the occasional far-off look in the soft brown eyes, +knew that her thoughts were ever and anon with the husband of her youth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII" />CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 24em;">"Oh! only those</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Whose souls have felt this one idolatry,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Can tell how precious is the slightest thing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Affection gives and hallows! A dead flower</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Will long be kept, remembrancer of looks</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">That made each leaf a treasure."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 22em;">—<i>Miss Landon.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>The whole family connection living in the neighborhood had dined at Ion +that Christmas day, and several had stayed to tea. But all had now gone, +the good-nights had been said among the members of the home circle, and +Elsie Travilla was alone in her own apartments.</p> + +<p>A little weary with the cares and excitement of the day, she was half +reclining on a sofa, in dressing-gown and slippers, her beautiful hair +unbound and rippling over her shoulders, beside her a jewel-box of ebony +inlaid with mother-of-pearl.</p> + +<p>It stood open, and the lamplight falling upon its contents was flashed +back from many a costly gem set in rings, brooches, lockets and chains of +gold.</p> + +<p>She took them up, one by one, gazing upon each for a minute or more with a +smile, a sigh, or a falling tear, ere she laid it almost tenderly back in +its place.</p> + +<p>So absorbed was she in the contemplation of these mementoes of the past +and the memories called up by them, that she did not hear an approaching +footstep, and deemed herself quite alone, till a hand was laid gently on +her head, and a voice said tenderly, "My darling!"</p> + +<p>"Dear papa!" she responded, glancing up into his face with tear-dimmed +eyes, as he stood at the back of her sofa, bending over her. "Let me give +you a chair," and she would have risen to do so, but he forced her gently +back.</p> + +<p>"No; lie still. I will help myself." And coming round in front of her, he +seated himself close at her side.</p> + +<p>"Why look at these, if it makes you sad, my child?" he asked, noticing her +occupation.</p> + +<p>"There is sometimes a sweetness in the tears called forth by pleasant +memories of loved ones gone before, papa," she said. "These anniversaries +will recall the dear husband who always remembered his little wife so +kindly upon each, and there is a melancholy pleasure in looking over his +Christmas gifts, I have them all here, beginning with this—the very +first. Do you remember it, papa? And this Christmas day when he gave it to +me? the first Christmas that you were with me."</p> + +<p>She was holding up a tiny gold thimble.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think I do," he said. "I certainly remember the day, the first +Christmas after my return from Europe, the first on which I heard myself +addressed as papa—the sweetest of child voices calling me that, and +wishing me a merry Christmas, as the dearest, loveliest of little girls +ran into my arms. Dear daughter, what a priceless treasure you have been +to me ever since!" he added, bending over her and softly smoothing her +hair. "It has always been a joy to call you mine."</p> + +<p>She caught his hand in hers and pressed it to her lips. "Yes, dear, dear +father! and to me to be so called. We loved one another very dearly then, +each was all the other had, and I think our mutual love has never been +less because of the other many tender ties God has given us since."</p> + +<p>"I am sure you are right, daughter, but at that time," he added with a +smile, "you were not willing to share your father's love with another; at +least with one other whom you suspected of trying to win it. Do you +remember how you slipped away to your bed without bidding your papa +good-night, and cried yourself to sleep?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, foolish child that I was!" she said, with a low musical laugh; "and +how you surprised me the next morning by your knowledge of my fears, and +then set them all at rest, like the dear, kind father that you were and +always have been."</p> + +<p>"No, not always," he sighed.</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa, always," she said with playful tenderness. "I will insist upon +that; because even when most severe with me, you did what at the time you +deemed your duty, and believed to be for my good."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is true, my dear, forgiving child! and yet I can never think of +the suffering you endured during the summer that succeeded the Christmas +we have been talking of, without keen remorse."</p> + +<p>"Yet, long before the next Christmas came I was happier than ever," she +said, looking up into his face with a smile full of filial love. "It was +the first in our own dear home at the Oaks, you remember, papa. You gave +me a lovely set of pearls—necklace and bracelets—and this," taking up a +pearl ring, "was Edward's gift. Mr. Travilla he was to me then, and no +thought of one day becoming his wife even so much as entered my head. But +years afterward he told me he had it in his mind even then; had already +resolved to wait till I grew up and win me for his wife if he could."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he told me after you were grown and he had offered himself, that it +had been love at first sight with him, little child that you were when he +first made your acquaintance. That surprised me, though less than the +discovery that you fancied one so many years your senior."</p> + +<p>"But so good, so noble, so lovable!" she said. "Surely, it was not half so +strange, papa, as that he should fancy a foolish young thing such as I was +then; not meaning that I am yet very greatly improved," she added, with a +half tearful smile.</p> + +<p>"I am fully satisfied with you just as you are," he said, bending down +over her and touching his lips two or three times to her forehead, "My +darling, my first-born and best-beloved child! no words can express the +love and tenderness I feel for you, or my pity for the grief which is +beyond my power to relieve."</p> + +<p>"Dear papa, your sympathy is very sweet," she said in tremulous tones, +"very, very sweet in itself, and it helps me to a fuller realization of +the depth of meaning in those sweet words, 'Like as a father pitieth his +children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.'"</p> + +<p>"You cannot be wholly miserable while that precious love and pity are +yours, my dear child, even if all earthly loves should be taken from you, +which may God forbid should ever happen."</p> + +<p>"No, papa; dearly as I loved my husband, I am happy in that divine love +still mine, though parted from him; and dearly as I love you and my +children, I know that were you all taken from me, I could still rejoice in +the love of Him who died for me, and who has said, 'I am with you alway, +even unto the end of the world.' 'I will never leave thee nor forsake +thee.' 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love.'"</p> + +<p>Silence fell between them for some moments, both seemingly wrapped in +thought; then Mr. Dinsmore said inquiringly, "You will go to Roselands +to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa, if you go, as I heard you say you intended, and nothing +happens to prevent. Rosie was particularly delighted with Cal's +invitation," she added, smiling up at him, "because I had been telling the +story of those Christmas holidays that we have been discussing, to her and +the other children, and naturally she wants to look upon the scene of all +those important events."</p> + +<p>"It will not be by any means her first visit to Roselands," he remarked in +a tone of surprise.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, sir! only the first after hearing of those interesting episodes +in her mother's life."</p> + +<p>"But the house is not the same."</p> + +<p>"No, sir; yet the hall and parlors, your rooms and mine are about where +and what they were in the old house."</p> + +<p>"Ah! well I hope Rosie will enjoy it. And that you may do so, I shall +leave you now, begging you to go at once to bed. Good-night, daughter."</p> + +<p>"Good-night, my dearest, best of fathers," she responded, putting her arms +round his neck as he stooped to give her a parting caress.</p> + +<p>Calhoun and Arthur Conly were now joint proprietors at Roselands. "Aunt +Maria," an old negress born and bred on the estate, was their housekeeper, +and managed so well that they found themselves as comfortable as in the +days of their mother's administration.</p> + +<p>They, with one younger sister and brother, were all of the once large +family now left to occupy the old home, and these younger two were there +now only for the Christmas holidays, and at their close would return to +distant boarding-schools. Ella, the sister, was eighteen; Ralph two years +younger.</p> + +<p>The house whence the mother and grandfather had been carried out to their +last long home but a few months before, could not be made the scene of +mirth and jollity, but to a day of quiet social intercourse with near and +dear relatives and friends none could object; so the family at Ion had +been invited to dine there the next day, and had accepted the invitation.</p> + +<p>Lulu had been greatly interested in Grandma Elsie's party of children as +it told of had been invited to Ion for these holidays; but she did not +covet such a father as Mr. Dinsmore; he was much too strict and severe, +she thought, with all his petting and caressing, and she would far rather +have her own papa. Still Grandma Elsie's lot, when a little girl, seemed +to her an enviable one, so beautiful and so rich, and with a nice old +mammy always ready to wait on and do everything for her; and she (Lulu) +was sure she wouldn't have minded much when such a father as Mr. Dinsmore +was vexed with her; he wouldn't have found it so easy to manage her; no +indeed! She almost thought she should enjoy trying her strength in a tilt +with him even now.</p> + +<p>Lulu was a rebel by nature, and ever found it difficult to combat the +inclination to defy authority and assert her entire independence of +control.</p> + +<p>But fortunately this inclination was in great measure counterbalanced by +the warmth of her affections. She was ready to love all who treated her +with justice and kindness, and her love for her father was intense. To +please him she would do or endure almost anything; that more than any +other influence had kept her on her good behavior all these weeks.</p> + +<p>She had sometimes rebelled inwardly, but there had been no greater +outward show of it than a frown or a pout, which soon vanished under the +kind and gentle treatment she received at the hands of Grandma Elsie and +Mamma Vi.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond would have been much gratified could he have seen how, not +only she, but all his children, were improving morally, mentally and +physically in the wholesome atmosphere of their new home.</p> + +<p>Gracie had gained largely in strength and vivacity, her cheeks were +rounder and rosier than when she came to Ion, her eyes brighter; and +though not yet equal to violent exercise, she could enjoy quiet plays, and +would often laugh right merrily.</p> + +<p>She had grown very fond of Dr. Conly, or Cousin Arthur as he told her to +call him, and he of his little patient. She was frequently hovering about +him during Christmas day; and received a special invitation to Roselands.</p> + +<p>"You and your mamma are to be my particular guests," he said, "and if you +fail to enjoy yourselves it shall be from no fault of mine."</p> + +<p>"We shall not fail," Violet said with confidence. "How could we with Cal +and yourself for our hosts?"</p> + +<p>The day proved propitious, all went and all enjoyed their visit, though to +the older ones there was at first a feeling of subdued sadness in +thinking of the old grandfather, whose chair was now vacant, and who had +been wont to greet their coming with words of cordial welcome.</p> + +<p>It was after dinner that Rose claimed her mother's promise.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Elsie, glancing dreamily about, "this parlor where we are all +sitting occupies the same part of the house, and is almost exactly like +the one where the scenes I told you of took place."</p> + +<p>"What scenes?" asked Dr. Conly, drawing near, with a look of interest.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore, too, turned to listen.</p> + +<p>"I have been telling the children about the Christmas holidays at +Roselands the first winter after my father's return from Europe," she +answered. "It was before you were born, Cousin Arthur, while your mother +was still a very young girl."</p> + +<p>"Mamma," asked Rosie, "where was grandpa sitting when you went to him and +confessed that you had let Carry Howard cut off one of your curls?"</p> + +<p>"Near yonder window. Do you remember it, papa?" she asked, looking +smilingly at him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think I have forgotten very little that ever passed between us. +You were a remarkably honest, conscientious child—would come and confess +wrong-doing that I should never have known or suspected, even when you +thought it likely I should punish you severely for it."</p> + +<p>"Now, mamma," said Rosie, "won't you go into the hall with us and show us +just where papa caught you, and kissed you, and gave you the gold thimble? +And then your room and grandpa's?"</p> + +<p>"Arthur, have we your permission to roam over the house?" Elsie asked, +turning to him.</p> + +<p>"Yes; provided you will let me go along, for I am as much interested as +the children."</p> + +<p>"Come, then," she said, rising and taking Walter's hand, Rosie, Lulu, and +Gracie keeping close to her, and Mr. Dinsmore and Arthur following.</p> + +<p>Pausing in the hall, she pointed out the precise spot where the little +scene had been enacted between herself and him who was afterward her +husband, telling the story between a smile and a tear, then moved on up +the stairs with her little procession.</p> + +<p>Opening a door, "This was my room," she said, "or rather my room was here +before the old house was burned down. It looks just the same, except that +the furniture is different."</p> + +<p>Then passing on to another, "This was papa's dressing-room. I have passed +many happy hours here, sitting by his side or on his knee. It was here I +opened the trunk full of finery and toys that he brought me a few days +before that Christmas.</p> + +<p>"Papa," turning smilingly to him, and pointing to a closed door on the +farther side of the room, "do you remember my imprisonment in that +closet?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he answered, with a remorseful look, "but don't speak of it. How +very ready I was to punish you for the most trifling fault."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, papa," she answered earnestly, "it was no such trifle, for I had +disobeyed a plain order not to ask a second time for permission to do what +you had once forbidden."</p> + +<p>"True; but I now see that a child so sensitive, conscientious and +affectionate as you were, would have been sufficiently punished by a mild +rebuke."</p> + +<p>"A year or two later you discovered and acted upon that," she said, with +an affectionate look up into his face. "But at this time you were a very +young father; and when I remember how you took me on your knee, by the +fire there, and warmed my hands and feet, petting and fondling me, and +what a nice evening I had with you afterward, I could almost wish to go +through it all again."</p> + +<p>"Hark! what was that?" exclaimed Rosie.</p> + +<p>Every one paused to listen.</p> + +<p>There was a sound of sobbing as of a child in sore distress, and it +seemed to come from the closet.</p> + +<p>"There's somebody shut up there now," Walter said in a loud, excited +whisper. "Grandpa, can't she be let out?"</p> + +<p>Arthur strode hastily across the room and threw the closet door wide open.</p> + +<p>There was no one there. They glanced at each other in surprise and +perplexity.</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha, ah, ha! um, h'm! ah, ah! the lassie's no there, eh?" said a voice +behind them, and turning quickly at the sound, whom should they see but +Mr. Lilburn standing in the open doorway leading to the hall.</p> + +<p>"But we know all about her now, sir," said Arthur with a laugh, in which +he was joined by every one present.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII" />CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Evil communications corrupt good manners."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 24.5em;">—1 <i>Cor</i>. 15:33.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>The one drawback upon Max's perfect enjoyment of his new home was the lack +of a companion of his own age and sex; the only boys in the family +connection, or among the near neighbors, were nearly grown to manhood or +very little fellows.</p> + +<p>Therefore, when Ralph Conly came home for the Christmas holidays, and +though four years older than himself, at once admitted him to a footing of +intimacy, Max was both pleased and flattered.</p> + +<p>Ralph's manner, to be sure, was more condescending than was altogether +agreeable, but that seemed not inexcusable, considering his superiority in +years and knowledge of the world.</p> + +<p>At Ion, Max played the part of host, taking Ralph up to his own bedroom to +show him his books and other treasures, to the boys' work-room, out to the +stables to see the horses, and about the grounds.</p> + +<p>To-day, at Roselands, it was Ralph's turn to entertain. He soon drew Max +away from the company in the parlors, showed him the horses and dogs, then +invited him to take a walk.</p> + +<p>It was near dinner time when they returned. After dinner he took him to +his room, and producing a pack of cards, invited him to play.</p> + +<p>"Cards!" exclaimed Max. "I don't know anything about playing with them, +and don't want to."</p> + +<p>"Why not? are you too pious?" Ralph asked with a sneer, tumbling them out +in a heap upon the table.</p> + +<p>"I've always been taught that men gamble with cards, and that gambling is +very wicked and disgraceful, quite as bad as getting drunk."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! you're a muff!"</p> + +<p>"I'd rather be a muff than a gambler, any day," returned Max with spirit.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw! 'tisn't gambling, unless you play for money, and I haven't asked +you to do that, and don't propose to. Come now, take a hand," urged Ralph +persuasively. "There isn't a bit more harm in it than in a game of ball."</p> + +<p>"But I don't know how," objected Max.</p> + +<p>"I'll teach you," said Ralph. "You'll soon learn and will find it good +sport."</p> + +<p>At length Max yielded, though not without some qualms of conscience which +he tried to quiet by saying to himself, "Papa never said I shouldn't play +in this way; only that gambling was very wicked, and I must never go where +it was done."</p> + +<p>"Have a cigar?" said Ralph, producing two, handing one to Max, and +proceeding to light the other. "You smoke, of course; every gentleman +does."</p> + +<p>Max never had, and did not care to, but was so foolish as to be ashamed to +refuse after that last remark of Ralph's; beside having seen his father +smoke a cigar occasionally, he thought there could be no harm in it.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, I don't care if I do," he said, and was soon puffing away as +if quite accustomed to it.</p> + +<p>But it was not many minutes before he began to feel sick and faint, then +to find himself trembling and growing giddy.</p> + +<p>He tried to conceal his sensations, and fought against them as long as +possible. But at length, finding he could endure it no longer, he threw +the stump of the cigar into the fire, and rising, said, "I—I feel sick. I +must get out into the air."</p> + +<p>He took a step forward, staggered, and would have fallen, if Ralph had not +jumped up and caught him.</p> + +<p>"Here, I'll help you to the bed and open the window," he said. "Never +smoked before? Well, don't be discouraged; I was deathly sick first time +myself."</p> + +<p>"I'm half blind and awfully sick," groaned Max, as he stretched himself on +the bed. "Does it last long? can a fellow get over it without taking any +medicine?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; you'll be all right after a little."</p> + +<p>But Max was not all right when a servant came to the door to say that he +was wanted down-stairs, as the party from Ion were about to return home.</p> + +<p>"Think you can get down with the help of my arm?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"Don't b'lieve he kin, Marse Ralph," remarked the servant, gazing +earnestly at Max. "What's de mattah wid de young gentleman? He's white as +de wall, and his eyes looks like glass."</p> + +<p>"Hush, Sam! you'll frighten him," whispered Ralph. "Run down and ask my +brother Arthur to come up. Don't let anybody else hear you."</p> + +<p>Max had tried to rise, but only to fall back again sicker than ever.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I'm sick, and how my heart beats!" he said. "I can't possibly sit +up, much less walk down-stairs. What will Mamma Vi and the rest say? I'm +afraid Grandpa Dinsmore will be very angry with me."</p> + +<p>"He hasn't any right to be," said Ralph; "'tisn't wicked to smoke. But +I'll tell Art not to let him know what made you sick."</p> + +<p>Just then the doctor came in. Sam had met him in the hall.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" he asked; "sick, Max? Ah, you've been smoking?" +sniffing the air of the room and glancing at the boy's pallid face.</p> + +<p>"Tell him it isn't dangerous. Art," laughed Ralph, "for I do believe he's +dreadfully scared."</p> + +<p>"No, I'm not!" protested Max indignantly, "but I'm sick, and giddy, and +half blind. I never smoked before, and didn't know it would sicken me so."</p> + +<p>"How many cigars have you smoked?" asked Arthur, taking hold of his wrist.</p> + +<p>"Only half a one," said Ralph; "he threw the rest of it in the fire."</p> + +<p>"The best place for it," said Arthur. "Don't be alarmed, my boy, the +sickness and all the other bad effects will pass off after a while; all +the sooner if you are breathing pure air. Ralph, open the door into the +hall and the one opposite. Then ring for Sam to kindle a fire in that +room."</p> + +<p>As he spoke he took Max in his arms, and, Ralph preceding them to open the +doors, carried him into an unoccupied bedroom, laid him on a couch, and +covered him up carefully to guard against his taking cold.</p> + +<p>"No need to ring for Sam; fire's laid all ready to kindle," remarked +Ralph, glancing at the open grate.</p> + +<p>He struck a match, and in another minute the flames were leaping up right +merrily.</p> + +<p>Meantime a report that Max was sick had reached the parlor, and Mr. +Dinsmore, his daughter, and granddaughter came up to express their +sympathy and see for themselves how serious the illness was. Their faces +were full of anxiety and concern till they learned the cause of the +sickness, when they evidently felt much relieved.</p> + +<p>"Dear boy, I'm sorry you are suffering," Violet said, leaning over him, +"but I hope you will never try it again."</p> + +<p>"Papa smokes," he said, "so I thought it was all right for me."</p> + +<p>"No," said Mr. Dinsmore; "a grown person may sometimes do safely what is +dangerous for a younger one. You have my sympathy this time, Max, but if +ever you make yourself sick in the same way again, I don't think I shall +pity you at all. He will hardly be able to go home to-day, Arthur?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; leave him here in my care. To-morrow he will probably be quite +recovered, and I will drive him over in my gig."</p> + +<p>"Would you like me to stay with you, Max?" Violet asked, laying her cool +hand on his forehead.</p> + +<p>"Or me?" asked her mother.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you, Grandma Elsie and Mamma Vi," he said. "You are both very +kind, but Walter and Gracie wouldn't know what to do without you; and I +shall do very well."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Ralph, "I'll help Art take care of him. I ought to, as I gave +him the cigar that sickened him so."</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies then bade good-by and went down-stairs, the +doctor accompanying them, leaving the two boys alone together.</p> + +<p>"Do you begin to get over it, old fellow?" asked Ralph.</p> + +<p>"No; I'm wretchedly sick," said Max. "I think I've had enough tobacco to +last me all my days."</p> + +<p>"O pshaw! it won't be half so bad next time, and pretty soon won't sicken +you at all."</p> + +<p>"But what should I gain to pay me for all the suffering?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it seems sort o' babyish not to smoke."</p> + +<p>"Does it? I've never seen Grandpa Dinsmore smoke, and I don't believe he +ever does, nor Uncle Edward, nor Uncle Horace either."</p> + +<p>"No, they don't, and Art doesn't, but they're all sort o' pious old +fogies," Ralph said, with a coarse laugh.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't talk so about my own relations, if I were you," returned Max, +in a tone of disgust.</p> + +<p>"Of course I shouldn't let anybody else say a word against them," said +Ralph.</p> + +<p>Arthur's entrance put an end to the conversation. He inquired of Max if +the sickness were abating; then sitting down beside him, "Boys," he said, +"I want to talk to you a little about this silly business of smoking and +chewing."</p> + +<p>"I've never chewed," said Max.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad to hear it, and I hope you never will, or smoke again either. +How would you like, Max, to have a cancer on your lip?"</p> + +<p>"Cancer, sir? I wouldn't choose to have one for anything in the world."</p> + +<p>"Then don't smoke, especially a short pipe, for it often causes cancer of +the lip. I cut one out of a man's lip the other day; and not long ago saw +a man die from one after months of agonizing pain. Tobacco contains a +great deal of virulent poison, and though some persons use it for many +years without much apparent injury, it costs many others loss of health +and even of life. It weakens the nerves and the action of the heart, and +is a fruitful source of dyspepsia."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! I don't believe it will ever hurt me," said Ralph.</p> + +<p>"I think it will," said Arthur; "you have not yet attained your growth, +and therefore are the more certain to be injured by its use.</p> + +<p>"Max, my boy, I admire your father greatly, particularly his magnificent +physique."</p> + +<p>Max flushed with pleasure.</p> + +<p>"Do you not wish to be like him in that? as tall and finely developed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; yes, indeed! I want to be like papa in everything!"</p> + +<p>"Then eschew tobacco, for it will stunt your growth!"</p> + +<p>"But papa smokes," repeated Max.</p> + +<p>"Now, but probably he did not until grown," said Arthur. "And very likely +he sometimes wishes he had never contracted the habit. Now I must leave +you for a time, as I have some other patients to visit."</p> + +<p>"I told you he was an old fogy," said Ralph, as the door closed on his +brother, adding with an oath, "I believe he wouldn't allow a fellow a bit +of pleasure if he could help it."</p> + +<p>Max started, and looked at Ralph with troubled eyes. "I didn't think you +would swear," he said. "If you do, I—I can't be intimate with you, +because my father won't allow it."</p> + +<p>"I don't often," said Ralph, looking ashamed, "I won't again in your +company."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV" />CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Be sure your sin will find you out."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 20.5em;">—<i>Num.</i> 32:33.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Gracie and Walter were in the play-room. They had been building +block-houses for an hour or more, when Gracie, saying, "I'm tired, Walter, +I'm going in yonder to see the things Max and Lulu are making," rose and +sauntered into the work-room.</p> + +<p>She watched the busy carvers for some minutes, then went down to Violet's +apartments in search of her.</p> + +<p>She found no one there but Agnes busied in putting away some clean +clothes, fresh from the iron.</p> + +<p>"Where's mamma?" asked the little girl.</p> + +<p>"In de drawin'-room, Miss Gracie. Comp'ny dar."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" sighed Gracie, "I just wanted her to talk to me."</p> + +<p>"'Spect you hab to wait till de comp'ny am gone," returned Agnes, picking +up her empty clothes-basket and leaving the room.</p> + +<p>Gracie wandered disconsolately about the rooms, wishing that the callers +would go and mamma come up. Presently she paused before the bureau in +Violet's dressing-room, and began fingering the pretty things on it.</p> + +<p>She was not usually a meddlesome child, but just now was tempted to +mischief from the lack of something else to interest and employ her.</p> + +<p>She handled the articles carefully, however, and did them no damage till +she came to a beautiful cut-glass bottle filled with a costly perfume of +which she was extravagantly fond.</p> + +<p>Violet had frequently given her a few drops on her handkerchief without +being asked, and never refused a request for it.</p> + +<p>Gracie, seized with a desire for it, took a clean handkerchief from a +drawer and helped herself, saying half aloud, by way of quieting her +conscience, "Mamma would give it to me if she was here, she always does, +and I'll be careful not to break the bottle."</p> + +<p>She was pouring from it as she spoke. Just at that instant she heard a +step in the hall without, and a sound as if a hand was laid on the +door-knob.</p> + +<p>It so startled her that the bottle slipped from her fingers, and striking +the bureau as it fell, lay in fragments at her feet; its contents were +spilled upon the carpet, and the air of the room was redolent of the +delicious perfume.</p> + +<p>Gracie, naturally a timid child, shrinking from everything like reproof or +punishment, stood aghast at the mischief she had wrought.</p> + +<p>"What will mamma say?" was her first thought. "Oh, I'm afraid she will be +so vexed with me that she'll never love me any more!" And the tears came +thick and fast, for mamma's love was very sweet to the little feeble +child, who had been so long without a mother's care and tenderness.</p> + +<p>Then arose the wish to hide her fault. Oh, if she could only replace the +bottle! but that was quite impossible. Perhaps, though, there might be a +way found to conceal the fact that she was the author of the mishap; she +did not want to have any one else blamed for her fault, but she would like +not to be suspected of it herself.</p> + +<p>A bright thought struck her. She had seen the cat jump on that bureau a +few days before and walk back and forth over it. If she (pussy) had been +left in the room alone there that afternoon she might have done the same +thing again, and knocked the bottle off upon the floor.</p> + +<p>It would be no great harm, the little girl reasoned, trying to stifle the +warnings and reproaches of conscience, if she should let pussy take the +blame.</p> + +<p>Mamma was kind, and wouldn't have pussy beaten, and pussy's feelings +wouldn't be hurt, either, by the suspicion.</p> + +<p>She hurried out in search of the cat, found her in the hall, pounced on +her, carried her into the dressing-room, and left her there with all the +doors shut, so that she could not escape, till some one going in would +find the bottle broken, and think the cat had done it.</p> + +<p>This accomplished, Gracie went back to the play-room and tried to forget +her wrong-doing in the interesting employment of dressing her dolls.</p> + +<p>Lulu presently left her carving and joined her. Max had gone for a ride.</p> + +<p>While chasing the cat Gracie had not perceived a little woolly head thrust +out of a door at the farther end of the hall, its keen black eyes closely +watching her movements.</p> + +<p>"He, he, he!" giggled the owner of the head, as Gracie secured pussy and +hurried into the dressing-room with her, "wondah what she done dat fer!"</p> + +<p>"What you talkin' 'bout, you sassy niggah?" asked Agnes, coming up behind +her on her way to Mrs. Raymond's apartments with another basket of clean +clothes, just as Gracie reappeared and hurried up the stairs to the story +above."</p> + +<p>"Why, Miss Gracie done come pounce on ole Tab while she paradin' down de +hall, and ketch her up an' tote her off into Miss Wilet's dressin'-room, +an's lef her dar wid de do' shut on her. What for you s'pose she done do +dat?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, go 'long! I don' b'lieve Miss Gracie didn't do no sich ting!" +returned Agnes.</p> + +<p>"She did den, I seed her," asserted the little maid positively. "Mebbe she +heerd de mices runnin' 'round an want ole Tab for to ketch 'em."</p> + +<p>"You go 'long and 'tend to yo' wuk. Bet, you lazy niggah," responded +Agnes, pushing past her. "Miss Wilet an Miss Gracie dey'll min' dere own +consarns widout none o' yo' help."</p> + +<p>The child made no reply, but stole on tiptoe after Agnes.</p> + +<p>Violet was coming up the front stairway, and reached the door of her +dressing-room, just in advance of the girl. Opening it she exclaimed at +the powerful perfume which greeted her nostrils, then catching sight of +the bottle lying in fragments on the floor.</p> + +<p>"Who can have done this?" she asked in a tone of surprise not wholly free +from displeasure.</p> + +<p>"De cat, mos' likely, Miss Wilet," said Agnes, setting down her basket and +glancing at puss who was stretched comfortably on the rug before the fire. +"I s'pect she's been running ober de bureau, like I see her do, mor'n +once 'fo' dis."</p> + +<p>"She looks very quiet now," remarked Violet, "and if she did the mischief +it was certainly not intentional. But don't leave her shut up here again, +Agnes."</p> + +<p>"She didn't do it, Agnes didn't," volunteered Betty, who had stolen in +after them; "it was Miss Gracie, Miss Wilet, I seed her ketch ole Tab out +in de hall dere, and put her in hyar, an' shut de do onto her, an' go off +up-stairs."</p> + +<p>A suspicion of the truth flashed into Violet's mind; but she put it +resolutely from her; she would not believe Gracie capable of slyness and +deceit.</p> + +<p>But she wanted the little girl, and sent Betty up with a message to that +effect, bidding her make haste, and as soon as she had attended to that +errand, brush up the broken glass and put it in the fire.</p> + +<p>Betty ran nimbly up to the play-room, and putting her head in at the door, +said with a grin, "Miss Gracie, yo' ma wants you down in de +dressin'-room."</p> + +<p>"What for?" asked Gracie, with a frightened look.</p> + +<p>"Dunno, s'pect you fin' out when you gits dar."</p> + +<p>"Betty, you're a saucy thing," said Lulu.</p> + +<p>"S'pect mebbe I is, Miss Lu," returned the little maid with a broader grin +than before, apparently considering the remark quite complimentary, while +she held the door open for Gracie to pass out.</p> + +<p>"Miss Gracie," she asked, as she followed Grace down the stairs, "what fo' +you shut ole Tab up in de dressin'-room? She's done gone an' broke Miss +Wilet's bottle what hab de stuff dat smell so nice, an' cose Miss Wilet +she don' like dat ar."</p> + +<p>"What makes you say I put her in there, Betty?" said Gracie.</p> + +<p>"Kase I seed you, he, he, he!"</p> + +<p>"Did you?" asked Gracie, looking still more alarmed than at the summons to +the dressing-room. "Don't tell mamma, Betty. I'll give you a penny and +help you make a frock for your doll if you won't."</p> + +<p>Betty's only answer was a broad grin and a chuckle as she sprang past +Gracie and opened the door for her.</p> + +<p>Violet, seated on the farther side of the room, looked up with her usual +sweet smile. "See, Gracie dear, I am making a lace collar for you, and I +want to try it on to see if it fits."</p> + +<p>"Now, Betty, get a dust-pan and brush and sweep up that glass. Don't leave +the least bit of it on the carpet, lest some one should tramp on it and +cut her foot."</p> + +<p>"Some one has broken that cut-glass perfume bottle you have always admired +so much, Gracie. Aren't you sorry?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am, mamma. I never touch your things when you're not here."</p> + +<p>The words were out almost before Grace knew she meant to speak them, and +she was terribly frightened and ashamed. She had never thought she would +be guilty of telling a lie. She hung her head, her cheeks aflame.</p> + +<p>Violet noted the child's confusion with a sorely troubled heart.</p> + +<p>"No, dear," she said very gently, "I did not suspect you, but if ever you +should meet with an accident, or yield to temptation to do some mischief, +I hope you will come and tell me about it at once. You need not fear that +I will be severe with you, for I love you very dearly, little Gracie."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it was the cat knocked it off the bureau, mamma," said the child, +speaking low and hesitatingly. "I've seen her jump up there several +times."</p> + +<p>"Yes; so have I, and she must not be left alone in here any more."</p> + +<p>Betty had finished her work and was sent away. Agnes, too, had left the +room, so that Violet and Gracie were quite alone.</p> + +<p>"Come, dear, I am quite ready to try this on." Violet said, holding up the +collar. "There, it fits very nicely," as she put it on the child and +gently smoothed it down over her shoulders. "But what is the matter, my +darling?" for tears were trembling on the long silken lashes that swept +Gracie's flushed cheeks.</p> + +<p>At the question they began to fall in streams, while the little bosom +heaved with sobs. She pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe +her eyes, and a strong whiff of perfume greeted Violet's nostrils, telling +a tale that sent a pang to her heart.</p> + +<p>Gracie was instantly conscious of it, as she, too, smelled the tell-tale +perfume, and stole a glance at her young stepmother's face.</p> + +<p>"O mamma!" she sobbed, covering her face with her hands, "I did pour a +little on my handkerchief 'cause I knew you always let me have it, but I +didn't mean to break the bottle; it just slipped out o' my hands and fell +and broke."</p> + +<p>Violet clasped her in her arms and wept bitterly over her.</p> + +<p>"Mamma, don't cry," sobbed the child, "I'll save up all my money till I +can buy you another bottle, just like that."</p> + +<p>"O Gracie, Gracie, it is not that!" Violet said, when emotion would let +her speak. "I valued the bottle as the gift of my dear dead father, but I +would rather have lost it a hundred times over than have my darling tell a +lie. It is so wicked, so wicked! God hates lying. He says, 'All liars +shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone.' +'He that speaketh lies shall not escape.' He says that Satan is the father +of lies, and that those who are guilty of lying are the children of that +wicked one.</p> + +<p>"Have you forgotten how God punished Gehazi for lying by making him a +leper, and struck Ananias and Sapphira dead for the same sin? O my +darling, my darling, it breaks my heart to think you have both acted and +spoken a falsehood!" she cried, clasping the child still closer to her +bosom and weeping over her afresh.</p> + +<p>Gracie, too, cried bitterly. "Mamma, mamma," she said, "will God never +forgive me? will He send me to that dreadful place?"</p> + +<p>"He will forgive you if you are truly sorry for your sin because it is +dishonoring and displeasing to Him, and if you ask Him to pardon you for +Jesus' sake; and He will take away the evil nature that leads you to +commit sin, giving you a new and good heart, and take you to heaven when +you die.</p> + +<p>"But no one can go to heaven who is not first made holy. The Bible bids us +follow 'holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.' And Jesus is a +Saviour from sin. 'Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His +people from their sins.' Shall we kneel down now and ask Him to save you +from yours?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma," sobbed the child.</p> + +<p>Violet's prayer was short and to the point. Then she held Gracie for some +time in her arms, while they mingled their tears together.</p> + +<p>At length, "Gracie dear," she said, "I believe God has heard our prayer +and forgiven you. I am sure He has if you are truly sorry in your heart +and asked with it, and not only with your lips, for forgiveness; but I +want you to stay here alone for an hour and think it all over quietly, I +mean about your wrongdoing and God's willingness to forgive for Jesus' +sake, and that we could not have been forgiven and saved from sin and hell +if the dear Saviour had not died for us the cruel death of the cross.</p> + +<p>"Oh, think what a dreadful thing sin must be that it could not be blotted +out except by Jesus suffering and dying in our stead! And think how great +was His love for us, when He was willing to lay down His own life that we +might live!"</p> + +<p>Then with a kiss of tender motherly love, she went out and left the child +alone.</p> + +<p>Gracie was sincerely penitent. She had always been taught that lying was a +dreadful sin, and had never before told a direct falsehood; but while in +her former home, Mrs. Scrimp's faulty management, joined to her own +natural timidity, had tempted her to occasional slyness and deceit, and +from these the descent to positive untruth was easy.</p> + +<p>Violet's faithful dealing, and even more her evident deep distress because +of the sin against God of which her darling had been guilty, had so +convinced the child of the heinousness of her conduct that she was sorely +distressed because of it, and on being left alone, knelt down again and +pleaded for pardon with many bitter tears and sobs.</p> + +<p>She had risen from her knees and was lying on a couch, still weeping, when +Lulu came into the room.</p> + +<p>"Why, Gracie, what is the matter?" she asked, running to the couch and +bending over her little sister in tender concern.</p> + +<p>"Don't ask me, Lulu, I don't want to tell you," sobbed Gracie, turning +away her blushing, tear-stained face.</p> + +<p>"Mamma Vi has been scolding or punishing you for some little naughtiness, +I suppose," said Lulu, frowning.</p> + +<p>"No, she hasn't!" cried Gracie indignantly; then hastily correcting +herself, "except that she said she wanted me to stay here alone for a +while. So you must go and leave me."</p> + +<p>"I won't till you tell me what it was all about. What did you do? or was +it something you didn't do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want to tell you, 'cause you wouldn't ever do such a wicked +thing, and you—you'd despise me if you knew I'd done it," sobbed Gracie.</p> + +<p>"No, I wouldn't. You are better than I am. Papa said I was worse than you +and Max both put together. So you needn't mind my knowing."</p> + +<p>"I meddled and broke mamma's pretty bottle that her dead father gave her; +but she didn't scold me for that; not a bit; but—but 'cause I tried to +put the blame on puss, and—and said I—I never touched her things when +she wasn't here."</p> + +<p>"O Gracie, that <i>was</i> wicked! to say what wasn't true! I think papa would +have whipped you, for I've heard him say if there was anything he would +punish severely in one of his children, it was falsehood. But don't cry +so. I'm sure you're sorry and won't ever do it again."</p> + +<p>"No, no! never, never! Mamma hugged me up in her arms and cried hard +'cause I'd been so wicked. And she asked Jesus to forgive me and make me +good, so I shouldn't have to go to that dreadful place. Now go away, Lu, +'cause she said I must stay alone."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will; but stop crying or you'll be sick," Lulu said, kissing +Gracie, then left the room and went to her own to make herself neat before +going down to join the family at tea.</p> + +<p>Her thoughts were busy with Gracie and her trouble while she brushed her +hair, washed her hands, and changed her dress. "Poor, little weak thing, +she was frightened into it, of course, for it's the very first time she +ever told an untruth. I suppose Mamma Vi must have looked very cross about +the broken bottle; and she needn't, I'm sure, for she has plenty of money +to buy more. Such a shame! but I just knew she wouldn't always be kind to +us."</p> + +<p>Thus Lulu worked herself up into a passion, quite forgetting, in her +unreasonable anger, how very mild was the punishment Violet had decreed to +Gracie (if indeed it was meant as such at all); so much less severe than +the one she herself had said their father would have been likely to +administer.</p> + +<p>Max was riding without companion or attendant. He had taken the direction +of the village, but not with any thought of going there until, as he +reached its outskirts, it occurred to him that he was nearly out of wood +for carving, and that this would be a good opportunity for laying in a +supply.</p> + +<p>The only difficulty was that he had not asked leave before starting, and +it was well understood that he was not at liberty to go +anywhere—visiting or shopping—without permission.</p> + +<p>"How provoking!" he exclaimed half aloud. "I haven't time to go back and +ask leave, and a long storm may set in before to-morrow, and so my work be +stopped for two or three days. I'll just go on, for what's the difference, +anyhow? I'm almost there, and I know I'd have got leave if I'd only +thought of asking."</p> + +<p>So on he went, made his purchase, and set off home with it.</p> + +<p>He was rather late: a storm seemed brewing, and as he rode up the avenue +Violet was at the window looking out a little anxiously for him.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore, hearing her relieved exclamation, "Ah, there he is!" came to +her side as Max was in the act of dismounting.</p> + +<p>"The boy has evidently been into the town making a purchase," he said. +"Had he permission from you or any one, Violet?"</p> + +<p>"Not from me, grandpa," she answered with reluctance.</p> + +<p>"Did you give him leave, Elsie?" he asked, turning to his daughter. "Or +you, wife?"</p> + +<p>Both answered in the negative, and with a very stern countenance Mr. +Dinsmore went out to the hall to meet the delinquent.</p> + +<p>"Where have you been, Max?" he asked, in no honeyed accents.</p> + +<p>"For a ride, sir," returned the lad respectfully.</p> + +<p>"Not merely for a ride," Mr. Dinsmore said, pointing to the package in the +boy's hand; "you did not pick that up by the roadside. Where have you +been?"</p> + +<p>"I stopped at Turner's just long enough to buy this wood that I shall need +for carving to-morrow. I should have asked leave, but forgot to do so."</p> + +<p>"Then you should have come home and left the errand for another day. You +were well aware that in going without permission you were breaking rules. +You will go immediately to your room and stay there until this time +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"I think you're very hard on a fellow," muttered Max, flushing with +mortification and anger as he turned to obey.</p> + +<p>Lulu, coming down the stairs, had heard and seen it all. She stood still +for a moment at the foot of the stairway, giving Mr. Dinsmore a look that, +had it been a dagger, would have stabbed him to the heart, but which he +did not see; then, just as the tea-bell rang, turned and began the ascent +again.</p> + +<p>"Why are you going back, Lulu? did you not hear the supper bell?" asked +Mr. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," she answered, facing him again with flashing eyes, "but if my +brother is not to go to the table neither will I."</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well," he said; "you certainly do not deserve a seat there after +such a speech as that. Go to your own room and stay there until you find +yourself in a more amiable and respectful mood."</p> + +<p>It was exactly what she had intended to do, but because he ordered it, it +instantly became the thing she did not want to do.</p> + +<p>However, she went into her room, and closing the door after her, not too +gently, said aloud with a stamp of her foot, "Hateful old tyrant!" then +walked on into Violet's dressing-room, where her sister still was.</p> + +<p>Gracie had lain down upon a sofa and wept herself to sleep, but the supper +bell had waked her, and she was crying again. Catching sight of Lulu's +flushed, angry face, she asked what was the matter.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could go away from these people and never, never come back +again!" cried Lulu in her vehement way.</p> + +<p>"I don't," said Gracie. "I love mamma and Grandma Elsie, and Grandma Rose, +and Grandpa Dinsmore, too, and——"</p> + +<p>"I hate him! I'd like to beat him! the old tyrant!" interrupted Lulu, in a +burst of passion.</p> + +<p>"O Lu! I'm sure he's been kind to us; they're all kind to us when we're +good," expostulated Grace. "But what has happened to make you so angry, +and why aren't you eating your supper with the rest?"</p> + +<p>"Do you think I'd go and sit at the table with them when they won't have +you and Max there, too?"</p> + +<p>"What about Max? did he do something wrong, too?"</p> + +<p>"No; it wasn't anything wicked; he just bought some wood for his carving +with some of his own money."</p> + +<p>"But maybe he went without leave?" Gracie said, half inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that was it; he forgot to ask. A very little thing to punish him +for, I'm sure; but Mr. Dinsmore (I sha'n't call him grandpa) says he must +stay in his own room till this time to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Why," said Gracie, "that's worse than mamma's punishment to me for—for +doing such a wicked, wicked thing!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, she's not such a cruel tyrant. He'd have beaten you black and blue. +I hope she won't tell him about it."</p> + +<p>A terrified look came into Gracie's eyes, and she burst out crying again.</p> + +<p>"O Gracie, don't!" Lulu entreated, kneeling down beside the sofa and +clasping her arms about her. "I didn't mean to frighten you so. Of +course, Mamma Vi won't; if she meant to she'd have done it before now, and +you'd have heard from him, too."</p> + +<p>A step came along the hall, the door opened, and Agnes appeared bearing a +large silver waiter.</p> + +<p>"Ise brung yo' suppah, chillens," she said, setting it down on a table.</p> + +<p>Then lifting a stand and placing it near Gracie's couch, she presently had +it covered with a snowy cloth and a dainty little meal arranged upon it: +broiled chicken, stewed oysters, delicate rolls, hot buttered muffins and +waffles, canned peaches with sugar and rich cream, sponge cake, nice and +fresh, and abundance of rich sweet milk.</p> + +<p>The little girls viewed these dainties with great satisfaction, and +suddenly discovered that they were very hungry.</p> + +<p>Agnes set up a chair for each, saw them begin their meal, then left the +room, saying she would be back again directly with more hot cakes.</p> + +<p>"There, Gracie, you needn't be the least bit afraid you're to be punished +any more," remarked Lulu. "They'd never have sent us such a supper as this +if they wanted to punish us."</p> + +<p>"Do you want to run away from them now?" asked Gracie. "Do you think +Grandpa Dinsmore is so very, very cross to us?"</p> + +<p>"He's too hard on Max," returned Lulu, "though not so hard as he used to +be on Grandma Elsie when she was his own little girl; and perhaps papa +would be just as hard as he is with Max."</p> + +<p>"But 'tisn't 'cause they like to make us sorry, except for being naughty, +so that we'll grow up good, you know," said Grace. "I'm sure our dear papa +loves us, every one, and wouldn't ever make us sorry except just to make +us good. And you know we can't be happy here, or go to heaven when we die, +if we're not good."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know," said Lulu; "I'm not a bit happy when I'm angry and +stubborn, but for all that I can't help it."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV" />CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Happy in this, she is not yet so old</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">But she may learn."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 20.5em;">—<i>Shakespeare.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Violet, meeting her grandfather on the way to the supper-room, gave him an +anxious, troubled inquiring look, which he answered by a brief statement, +given in an undertone, of what had just passed between himself and Max and +Lulu.</p> + +<p>"All of them!" sighed the young stepmother to herself, "all three of them +at once! Ah me!"</p> + +<p>Though Mr. Dinsmore had spoken low, both his daughter and Zoe had heard +nearly all he said, and as they sat down to the table the one looked +grieved and distressed, the other angry.</p> + +<p>During the meal Zoe never once addressed Mr. Dinsmore, and when he spoke +to her she answered as briefly as possible, and not in a very pleasant or +respectful tone.</p> + +<p>Edward noticed it, and looked at her in displeased surprise; then, +becoming aware of the absence of the Raymonds, asked, "Where are Max, +Lulu, and Gracie?"</p> + +<p>He had not heard the story of their disgrace, having come to the +supper-room a little later than the others, and directly from his own.</p> + +<p>For a moment the question, addressed to no one in particular, remained +unanswered; then Mr. Dinsmore said, "Max and Lulu are in disgrace. I know +nothing about Gracie, but presume she is not feeling well enough to come +down."</p> + +<p>Zoe darted an angry glance at him.</p> + +<p>Violet looked slightly relieved. She had not spoken at all of Gracie's +wrongdoing, and did not want any one to know of it.</p> + +<p>"I may send the children their supper, grandpa?" she said inquiringly, +with a pleading look.</p> + +<p>"Do just as you please about it," he answered. "Of course I would not have +growing children go fasting for any length of time; certainly not all +night, for that would be to the injury of their health; and I leave it to +you to decide how luxurious their meal shall be."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, grandpa," she said, and at once gave the requisite order.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Max had obeyed the order to go to his room in almost as angry +and rebellious a mood as Lulu's own. He shut the door, threw down his +package, tore off his overcoat and stamped about the floor for a minute +or two, fuming and raging.</p> + +<p>"I say it's just shameful! abominable treatment! I'm tired being treated +like a baby, and I won't stand it! The idea of being shut up here for +twenty-four hours for such a trifle! Oh, dear!" he added, dropping into a +chair, "I'm as hungry as a bear. I wonder if he doesn't mean to let me +have any supper? I don't believe Mamma Vi would approve of his starving me +altogether; no, nor Grandma Elsie, either; I hope they'll manage to give +me something to eat before bedtime. If they don't, I believe I'll try to +bribe Tom when he comes to see to the fire."</p> + +<p>It was not long before he heard Tom's step on the stairs, then his knock +on the door.</p> + +<p>"Come in," he answered, in cheerful tones; then, as he caught sight of a +waiter full of good things, such as his sisters were supping upon, +"Hurrah! Tom, you're a brick! But who sent it?"</p> + +<p>"Miss Wilet; and she says if dars not nuff ob it to satisfy yo' appetite, +you's to ring for mo'."</p> + +<p>"All right; tell Mamma Vi I'm much obliged," said Max.</p> + +<p>"Very good prison fare," he added to himself, as he fell to work, Tom +having withdrawn, "I've good reason to be fond of Mamma Vi, and as she's +fond of her grandfather, I s'pose I'll have to forgive him for her sake," +he concluded, quite restored to good humor, and laughing gleefully at his +own jest.</p> + +<p>"O Lulu," exclaimed Gracie, struck with a sudden recollection, and laying +down the spoon with which she was eating her oysters, "you know I was to +stay alone. You oughtn't to have come in here."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! your time was up a good while ago," returned Lulu, "and Mamma Vi +must have expected me to come in here to eat supper along with you. I hope +she has sent as good a one to poor Maxie."</p> + +<p>Violet went directly from the supper-room to her own apartments, where she +found the two little girls quietly talking together, while Agnes gathered +up the remainder of their repast and carried it and the dishes away.</p> + +<p>"I hope you enjoyed your supper, dears," she said.</p> + +<p>They both said they had, and thanked her for it.</p> + +<p>"And I didn't deserve it, mamma," added Gracie, her tears beginning to +fall again; "but oh, I'm sorry, very sorry! Please, mamma, forgive me."</p> + +<p>"I have entirely forgiven the sin against me, darling," whispered Violet, +folding her close to her heart, "and I trust God has forgiven your far +greater sin against Him. Now do not cry any more, or you will make +yourself sick, and that would make me very sad."</p> + +<p>Lulu was sitting near fighting a battle with pride and passion, in which +ere-long she came off conqueror.</p> + +<p>"Mamma Vi," she said with determination, "I didn't deserve it either, and +I'm sorry, too, for being angry at your grandfather and saucy to him."</p> + +<p>"Dear child," said Violet, drawing her to her side and kissing her with +affectionate warmth, "how glad I am to hear you say that. May I repeat +your words to grandpa as a message from you?"</p> + +<p>Again Lulu had a struggle with herself, and perhaps it was only the +thought that this was the easiest way to make an apology, which would +probably be required of her sooner or later, that helped her to conquer.</p> + +<p>Her entry in her diary in regard to the occurrence was, "I was a little +saucy to Grandpa Dinsmore because he was hard on Max for just a little bit +of a trifle, but I've said I'm sorry, and it's all right now."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Edward and his grandfather having a business matter to talk over together, +repaired to the library on leaving the table, and Zoe, instead of going, +as usual, to the parlor with the others, went to her own rooms.</p> + +<p>She had seen Violet, who was a little in advance of her, going into hers, +and only waiting to take a little package from a closet, she ran lightly +up to Max's door, tapped gently on it, then in her eagerness, opened it +slightly, with a whispered, "It's only I, Max. May I come in?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed," he answered, springing forward to admit her and hand her a +chair. "How good in you to come, Aunt Zoe!"</p> + +<p>"No, I did it to please myself. You know you've always been a favorite +with me, Max, and I want to know what this is all about."</p> + +<p>Max told her.</p> + +<p>"It's a perfect shame!" she exclaimed indignantly. "I can't see the least +bit of harm in your going to the store and buying what you did. You +weren't even wasting the pocket money that you had a right to spend as you +pleased. Grandpa Dinsmore is a—a—rather tyrannical, I think."</p> + +<p>"It does seem hard to have so little liberty," Max said, discontentedly, +"but I don't know that he's any more strict, after all, than papa."</p> + +<p>"Well, I must run away now," said Zoe, jumping up. "Here's something to +sweeten your imprisonment," putting a box of confectionery into his hand. +"Good-by," and she tripped away.</p> + +<p>She met her husband in the hall upon which their rooms opened. "Where have +you been?" he asked coldly, and with a suspicious look.</p> + +<p>"That's my affair," she returned, flushing, and with a saucy little toss +of her pretty head.</p> + +<p>He gave her a glance of mingled surprise and displeasure. "What has come +over you, Zoe?" he asked. "Can't you give a civil answer to a simple +question?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I can, Mr. Travilla, but I think it's a pretty story if I'm to +be called to account as to where I go even about the house."</p> + +<p>"Nothing but a guilty conscience could have made you look at my question +in that light," he said, leaning against the mantel and looking down +severely at her as she stood before him, for they were now in her boudoir. +"I presume you have been in Max's room, condoling with and encouraging him +in his defiance of grandpa's authority; and let me tell you, I won't allow +it."</p> + +<p>"It makes no difference whether you allow it or not," she said, turning +away with a contemptuous sniff. "I'm my own mistress."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to defy my authority, Zoe?" he asked, with suppressed anger.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do. I'll do anything in the world for love and coaxing, but I +won't be driven. I'm your wife, sir, not your slave."</p> + +<p>"I have no desire to enslave you, Zoe," he said, his tone softening, "but +you are so young, so very young for a married woman, that you surely ought +to be willing to submit to a little loving guidance and control."</p> + +<p>"I didn't perceive much love in the attempt you made just now," she said, +seating herself and opening a book.</p> + +<p>He watched her for a moment. She seemed absorbed in reading, and he could +not see that the downcast eyes were too full of tears to distinguish one +letter from another.</p> + +<p>He left the room without another word, and hardly had the door closed on +him when she flung the book from her, ran into the dressing-room, and +throwing herself on a couch, cried as if her heart would break.</p> + +<p>"He's all I have, all I have!" she moaned, "and he's beginning to be cruel +to me! Oh, what shall I do! what shall I do! Papa, papa, why did you die +and leave your darling all alone in this cold world?"</p> + +<p>She hoped Edward would come back presently, say he was sorry for his +brutal behavior, and try to make his peace with her by coaxing and +petting; but he did not, and after a while she gave up expecting him, +undressed, went to bed and cried herself to sleep, feeling that she was a +sadly ill-used wife.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Edward had returned to the library for a time, then gone into +the family parlor, hoping and half expecting to find Zoe there with the +rest; but the first glance showed him that she was not in the room.</p> + +<p>He made no remark about it, but sitting down beside his mother, tried to +interest himself in the evening paper handed him by his grandfather.</p> + +<p>"What have you done with your wife, young man?" asked his sister Elsie +sportively. "We have seen nothing of her since supper."</p> + +<p>"I left her in her room," he answered in a tone in which there seemed a +shade of annoyance.</p> + +<p>"Have you locked her up there for bad behavior?" asked Rosie, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Why, what do you mean, Rosie?" he returned, giving the child a half-angry +glance, and coloring deeply.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I was only funning, of course, Ned. So you needn't look so vexed +about it; that's the very way to excite suspicion that you have done +something to her," and Rosie laughed gleefully.</p> + +<p>But to the surprise of mother and sisters, Edward's brow darkened, and he +made no reply.</p> + +<p>"Rosie," said Violet, lightly, "you are an incorrigible tease. Let the +poor boy alone, can't you?"</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mrs. Raymond," he said, with a forced laugh, "but I wouldn't +have Rosie deprived of her sport."</p> + +<p>"I hope," remarked Mrs. Travilla, with a kindly though grave look at her +youngest daughter, "that my Rosie does not find it sport to inflict +annoyance upon others."</p> + +<p>"No, mamma, not by any means, but how could I suppose my wise oldest +brother would care for such a trifle?" returned the little girl in a +sprightly tone.</p> + +<p>"My dear," said her mother, "it is the little things—little pleasures, +little vexations—that far more than the great make up the sum total of +our happiness or misery in this life."</p> + +<p>Edward was very silent during the rest of the evening, and his mother, +watching him furtively and putting that and that together, felt sure that +something had gone wrong between him and his young wife.</p> + +<p>When the good-nights had been said and the family had scattered to their +rooms, he lingered behind, and his mother, who had left the room, +perceiving it, returned to find him standing on the hearth, gazing moodily +into the fire.</p> + +<p>She went to him, and laying her hand gently on his shoulder. "My dear +boy," she said, in her sweet low tones, "I cannot help seeing that +something has gone wrong with you; I don't ask what it is, but you have +your mother's sympathy in every trouble."</p> + +<p>"It is unfortunately something you would not want me to repeat even to +you, my best and dearest of mothers, but your assurance of sympathy is +sweet and comforting, nevertheless," he said, taking her in his arms with +a look and manner so like his father's, that tears sprang unbidden to her +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Ah," he said presently, with a sigh that betrayed more than he was aware +of, "my father was a happy man in having such a woman for his wife!"</p> + +<p>"A good husband makes a good wife, my boy," she returned, gazing +searchingly yet tenderly into his eyes; "and I think no woman with any +heart at all could have failed to be such to him."</p> + +<p>"I am not worthy to be his son," he murmured, the hot blood mounting to +his very hair.</p> + +<p>There was a moment or more of silence, then she said, softly caressing his +hair and cheek as she spoke, "Edward, my son, be very patient, very +gentle, forbearing and loving toward the orphan child, the care of whom +you assumed of your own free will, the little wife you have promised to +love and cherish to life's end."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mother, I have tried very earnestly to be all that to her—but she +is such a child that she needs guidance and control, and I cannot let her +show disrespect to you or my grandfather."</p> + +<p>"She has always been both dutiful and affectionate to me, Ned, and I have +never known her to say a disrespectful word to or about your grandfather."</p> + +<p>"Did you not notice the looks she gave him at the table, to-night? the +tone in which she replied when he spoke to her?"</p> + +<p>"I tried not to do so," she said with a smile. "I learned when my first +children were young that it was the part of wisdom to be sometimes blind +to venial faults. Not," she added more gravely, "that I would ever put +disrespect to my father in that category, but we must not make too much of +a little girlish petulance, especially when excited by a generous sympathy +with the troubles of another."</p> + +<p>The cloud lifted from his brow. "How kind in you to say it, mother dear! +kind to her and to me. Yes, she is very fond of Max, quite as if he were a +younger brother, and it is very natural that she should sympathize with +him when in disgrace."</p> + +<p>"And having been so petted and indulged by her father, allowed to have her +own way in almost everything, and seldom, if ever, called to account for +her doings, comings and goings, she can hardly fail to think my father's +rule strict and severe."</p> + +<p>"True," Edward responded with a sigh, "and grandpa is a strict +disciplinarian, yet so kind and affectionate with it all that one cannot +help loving him."</p> + +<p>"So I think. And now, good-night, my dear son. I must go; and perhaps your +little wife is looking and longing for your coming. She is very fond and +proud of her young husband," and with a motherly kiss and smile she left +him.</p> + +<p>Edward paced the floor for several minutes with thoughtful air, then went +up-stairs to Zoe's boudoir.</p> + +<p>She was not there or in the dressing-room. He took up a lamp and went on +into the adjoining bedroom. Shading the light with his hand, he drew near +the bed with noiseless step.</p> + +<p>She lay there sleeping, tears on her eyelashes and her pillow wet with +them. His heart smote him at the sight. She looked such a mere child and +so sweet and innocent that he could hardly refrain from imprinting a kiss +upon the round rosy cheek and the full red lips.</p> + +<p>And he longed for a reconciliation, but it seemed cruel to wake her, so it +should be the first thing in the morning, he said to himself.</p> + +<p>He set the lamp down in a distant part of the room, and prepared for rest.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>Max had spent the evening over his books and diary. His entry in that was +a brief statement of his delinquency, its punishment, and his resolve to +be more obedient in future.</p> + +<p>He had just wiped his pen and put it away, when Grandma Elsie came for a +little motherly talk with him, as she often did at bedtime.</p> + +<p>He received her with a mortified, embarrassed air, but her kind, gentle +manner quickly restored his self-possession.</p> + +<p>"I was sorry, indeed," she said, "to hear that our boy Max had become a +breaker of rules, and so caused us the loss of his society at the table +and in the parlor."</p> + +<p>"I thought the loss was all on my side. Grandma Elsie," he returned with a +bright, pleased look. "I didn't suppose anybody would miss me +unpleasantly."</p> + +<p>"Ah, you were quite mistaken in that; we are all fond of you, Max."</p> + +<p>"Not Grandpa Dinsmore, I'm sure," he said, dropping his eyes and frowning.</p> + +<p>"Why, Max, what else could induce him to give you a home here and be at +the trouble of teaching you every day?"</p> + +<p>"I thought it was you who gave me a home, Grandma Elsie," Max said in a +softened tone, and with an affectionate look at her.</p> + +<p>"This is my house," she said, "but my father is the head of the family, +and without his approval I should never have asked you and your sisters +here, much as I desire your happiness, and fond of you as I certainly am."</p> + +<p>"You are very, very good to us!" he exclaimed with warmth; "you do so much +for us! I wish I could do something for you!"</p> + +<p>"Do you, my dear boy?" she said, smiling and softly patting his hand, +which she had taken in hers; "then be respectful and obedient to my +father. And to your mamma—my dear daughter. Nothing else could give me so +much pleasure."</p> + +<p>"I love Mamma Vi!" exclaimed Max. 'I'm sure there couldn't be a sweeter +lady. And I like Grandpa Dinsmore, too, but—don't you think now he's very +strict and ready to punish a fellow for a mere trifle, Grandma Elsie?"</p> + +<p>"I dare say it seems but a trifle to you for a boy of your age to go into +town and do an errand for himself without asking leave," she replied, "but +that might lead to much worse things; the boy might take to loitering +about the town and fall into bad company and so be led into I know not +what wickedness. For that reason parents and guardians should know all +about a boy's comings and goings."</p> + +<p>"That's so, Grandma Elsie," Max said reflectively. "I don't mean to get +into bad company ever, but papa says I'm a heedless fellow, so perhaps I +might do it before I thought. I'll try to keep to rules after this."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, for both your own sake and ours," she said; then with a +motherly kiss bade him good-night.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI" />CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"O jealousy! thou merciless destroyer,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">More cruel than the grave! what ravages</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Does thy wild war make in the noblest bosoms!"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 27em;">—<i>Mullet.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Edward stretched himself beside Zoe, but not to sleep for hours, for ever +and anon she drew a sobbing breath that went to his very heart.</p> + +<p>"Poor little thing!" he sighed, "I must have acted like a brute to grieve +her so deeply, I should not have undertaken the care of a child who I knew +had been spoiled by unlimited petting and indulgence, if I could not be +more forbearing and tender with her. If, instead of a show of authority, I +had tried reasoning and coaxing, doubtless the result would have been very +different, and she would have been saved all this. I am ashamed of myself! +Grandpa might possibly have acted so toward a wife, but my father never, I +am sure."</p> + +<p>He was really very fond of his little wife, loving her with a protecting +love as something peculiarly his own, to be guided and moulded to suit his +ideas and wishes, so that she might eventually become the perfectly +congenial companion, capable of understanding and sympathizing in all his +views and feelings, which he desired, but found that she was not yet.</p> + +<p>He began to fear she might never attain to that; that perhaps his sudden +marriage was a mistake that would ruin the happiness of both for life.</p> + +<p>Tormented thus, he turned restlessly on his pillow with many a groan and +sigh, nor closed an eye in sleep till long past midnight.</p> + +<p>He was sleeping very soundly when, about sunrise, Zoe opened her eyes.</p> + +<p>She lay still for a moment listening to his breathing, while memory +recalled what had passed between them previous to her retiring.</p> + +<p>"And there he lies and sleeps just as soundly as if he hadn't been playing +the tyrant to the woman he promised to love and cherish to life's end," +she said to herself, with a flash of anger and scorn in her eyes. "Well, I +don't mean to be here when he wakes; I'll keep out of his way till he's +had his breakfast; for they say men are always savage on an empty +stomach."</p> + +<p>She slipped cautiously out of the bed, stole quietly into the next room, +made her toilet, arraying herself in riding habit and hat, went +down-stairs, ordered her pony saddled and brought to the door, and was +presently galloping away down the avenue.</p> + +<p>Edward had requested her never to go alone, always to take a servant as an +attendant, even if she had one of the children with her, and especially if +she had not; but she disregarded his wishes in this instance, partly from +a spirit of defiance, partly because she much preferred a solitary ride, +and could not see that there was any danger in it.</p> + +<p>It was a bright spring morning, the air just cold enough to be +delightfully bracing; men were at work in the fields, orchards were full +of bloom and fragrance, forest trees leafing out, and springing grass and +flowers making the roadsides lovely.</p> + +<p>Zoe's spirits rose with every mile she travelled, the perfume of flowers, +the songs of birds, and all the sweet sights and sounds of nature that +greeted eye, and ear, and every sense, filled her with joy. How could she, +so young and full of life and health, be unhappy in so beautiful a world?</p> + +<p>So keen was her enjoyment that she rode farther than she had intended. +Time passed so quickly that, on looking at her watch, she was surprised to +find that she would hardly be able, even at a gallop, to reach Ion by the +breakfast hour.</p> + +<p>She was a little disturbed at that, for everybody was expected to be +punctual at meals. Grandpa Dinsmore was particular about it, and she did +not wish to give Edward fresh cause for displeasure.</p> + +<p>As she galloped swiftly up the avenue, she was surprised to see him pacing +the veranda to and fro, watch in hand, while his horse stood near ready +saddled and bridled.</p> + +<p>As she drew rein close by the veranda steps, Edward hastily returned his +watch to its fob, sprang forward, and lifted her from the saddle.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning, little wife," he said with an affectionate kiss as he set +her down, yet still keeping his arm about her. "I was not so kind as I +might, or should have been last night, but you will not lay it up against +your husband, love?"</p> + +<p>"No, of course not, Ned," she returned, looking up into his face flushed +and happy, that so loving an apology had been given her in place of the +reproof she expected; "and you won't hate me because I was cross when you +were?"</p> + +<p>"Hate you, love! No, never! I shall love you as long as we both live. But +I must say good-by. I am summoned away on important business, and shall +have hardly time to catch the next train."</p> + +<p>"You might have told me last night," she pouted, as with another kiss he +took his arm from her waist and turned to leave her.</p> + +<p>"I did not receive the summons till half an hour ago," he answered, +hastily mounting his steed.</p> + +<p>"When will you come back?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I hope to be with you by tea-time, this evening. Au revoir, darling."</p> + +<p>He threw her a kiss and was gone, galloping so rapidly away that in a +minute or two he was out of sight; all the more speedily to her because +her eyes were blinded with tears as she stood motionless, gazing after +him.</p> + +<p>It was their first parting, and there came over her a feeling that, should +he never come back, the world would be a desert, nothing left worth living +for.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, dear child, it is for only a few hours, if all goes well," +said a kind sweet voice at her side.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma, but—oh, I wish he never had to go away without me! And why +couldn't I have gone with him this time?" she sobbed, beginning to feel +herself quite aggrieved, though the idea of going with Edward had but just +occurred to her.</p> + +<p>"Well, dear, there really was not time to arrange that," Elsie said, +embracing her with motherly affection. "But come now and get some +breakfast. You must be hungry after your ride."</p> + +<p>"Is Grandpa vexed because I was not here in season?" Zoe asked, following +her mother-in-law on her way to the breakfast-room.</p> + +<p>"He has not shown any vexation," Elsie answered lightly; "and you are not +much behind time; they are all still at the table. Edward took his +breakfast early in order to catch his train."</p> + +<p>Zoe's apprehensions were relieved immediately on entering the +breakfast-room, as Mr. Dinsmore and all the others greeted her with the +usual pleasant "Good-morning."</p> + +<p>Reconciled to her husband and smiled upon by all the rest of the family, +she grew quite happy.</p> + +<p>In saying she was not to be driven, but would do anything for love and +coaxing, she had spoken truly; and now her great desire was to do +something to please Edward.</p> + +<p>She had been rather remiss in her studies of late, and though he had +administered no reproof, she knew that he felt discouraged over it. She +determined to surprise him on his return with carefully prepared lessons.</p> + +<p>After giving due attention to them, she spent hours at the piano learning +a song he admired and had lately bought for her, saying he thought it +suited to her voice, and wanted to hear her play and sing it.</p> + +<p>"What a dear, industrious little woman," Elsie said, meeting her in the +hall as she left the music-room, and bestowing upon her a motherly smile +and caress. "I know whom you are trying so hard to please, and if he does +not show appreciation of your efforts, I shall think him unworthy of so +good a little wife."</p> + +<p>Zoe colored with pleasure. "O mamma," she said, "though I have been cross +and wilful sometimes, I would do anything in the world to please my +husband when he is loving and kind to me. But do you know, I can't bear to +be driven. I won't; if anybody tries it with me, it just rouses all that +is evil in me."</p> + +<p>"Well, dear, I don't think any one in this house wants to drive you," +Elsie said, repeating her caress, "not even your husband; though he is, +perhaps, a trifle masterful by nature. You and he will need to take the +two bears into your counsels," she added sportively.</p> + +<p>"Two bears, mamma?" and Zoe looked up in surprise and perplexity.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear; bear and forbear, as the poet sings—</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"'The kindest and the happiest pair</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Will find occasion to forbear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And something every day they live</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">To pity and perhaps forgive.'"</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Zoe went slowly up to her own rooms and sat down to meditate upon her +mother-in-law's words.</p> + +<p>"'Bear and forbear.' Well, when Edward reproves me as if he were my father +instead of my husband, and talks about what he will and won't allow, I +must bear with him, I suppose; and when I want to answer back that I'm my +own mistress and not under his control, I must forbear and deny myself the +pleasure. Hard for me to do, but then it isn't to be all on one side; and +if he will only forbear lecturing me in the beginning, all will go right.</p> + +<p>"I mean to tell him so. If he wants me to be very good, he should set me +the example. Good! when he scolds me again, I'll just remind him that +example is better than precept.</p> + +<p>"No, I won't either; I'll forbear. Ned is good to me, and I don't want to +provoke him. I mean to be a good little wife to him, and I know he wants +to be the best of husbands to me.</p> + +<p>"Oh, how kind and good he was to me when papa died, and I hadn't another +friend in the world! how he took me to his heart and comforted and loved +me! I must never make him wish he hadn't. I'll do everything I can to +prove that I'm not ungrateful for all his love and kindness."</p> + +<p>Tears sprang to her eyes, and she was seized with a longing desire for his +presence, for an opportunity to pour out her love and gratitude, and have +him clasp her to his heart with tenderest caresses, as was his wont.</p> + +<p>She glanced at the clock. Oh joy! he might, he probably would, return in +an hour or perhaps a trifle sooner.</p> + +<p>She sprang up and began her toilet for the evening, paying close attention +to his taste in the arrangement of her hair and the selection of her dress +and ornaments.</p> + +<p>"I want to look just as beautiful in his sight as I possibly can, that he +may be pleased with me and love me better than ever," was the thought in +her heart. "I am his own wife, and who has a better right to his love than +I? Dear Ned! I hope we'll never quarrel, but always keep the two bears +with us in our home."</p> + +<p>Her labors completed, she turned herself about before the pier-glass, +mentally pronounced her attire faultless from the knot of ribbon in her +hair to the dainty boots on the shapely little feet, and her cheek flushed +with pleasure as the mirror told her that face and form were even prettier +than the dress and ornaments that formed a fit setting to their charms.</p> + +<p>The hour was almost up. She glanced from the window to see if he were yet +in sight.</p> + +<p>He was not, but she wanted a walk, so would go to meet him; he would +dismount at sight of her, and they would walk home together.</p> + +<p>Tying on a garden hat and throwing a light shawl about her shoulders, she +hastened down-stairs and out into the grounds.</p> + +<p>She had walked more than half the length of the avenue, when she saw the +family carriage turning in at the gates, Edward riding beside it.</p> + +<p>The flutter of a veil from its window caused her to change her plans. He +was not returning alone, but bringing lady visitors; therefore, she would +not go to meet him.</p> + +<p>And no one had told her visitors were expected. She felt aggrieved, and +somehow, unreasonable as she knew it to be, she was angry at Edward's look +of interest and pleasure as he leaned from the saddle in a listening +attitude, as if hearkening to the talk of some one within the carriage.</p> + +<p>Zoe had stepped behind a clump of bushes, whose leafy screen hid her from +the view of the approaching party, while through its interstices she could +see them very plainly.</p> + +<p>As they drew nearer, she saw that the carriage contained two young, +pretty, ladylike girls, one of whom was talking to Edward with much +animation and earnestness, he listening with evident interest and +amusement.</p> + +<p>When the carriage had passed her, Zoe glided away through the shrubbery, +gained the house by a circuitous route and a side entrance, and her own +rooms by a back stairway.</p> + +<p>She fully expected to find Edward there, but he was not.</p> + +<p>"Where can he be?" she asked herself half aloud, then sat down and waited +for him—not very patiently.</p> + +<p>After some little time, which, to Zoe's impatience, seemed very long, she +heard the opening and shutting of a door, then the voices of Mr. Dinsmore, +his daughter, and Edward in conversation, as they came down the hall +together.</p> + +<p>"He has been to see his mother first," she pouted. "I think a man ought +always to put his wife first." And turning her back to the door, she took +up a book and made a pretence of being deeply interested in its perusal.</p> + +<p>Edward's step, however, passed on into the dressing-room, and as she heard +him moving about there, she grew more and more vexed. It seemed that he +was in no great haste to greet her after this their first day's +separation; he could put it off, not only for a visit to his mother in her +private apartments, but also until he had gone through the somewhat +lengthened duties of the toilet.</p> + +<p>Well, she would show him that she, too, could wait—could be as cool and +indifferent as himself. She assumed a graceful attitude in an easy-chair, +her pretty little feet upon a velvet-cushioned stool, and with her book +lying in her lap listened intently to every sound coming from the +adjoining room.</p> + +<p>At last she heard his step approach the door, then his hand upon the knob, +when she instantly took up her book and fixed her eyes upon its open page, +as though unconscious of everything but what was printed there, yet really +not taking in the meaning of a single word.</p> + +<p>Edward came in, came close to her side. Still she neither moved nor lifted +her eyes. But she could not control her color, and he saw through her +pretences.</p> + +<p>He knelt down beside her chair, bent his head and looked up into her face +with laughing eyes.</p> + +<p>"What can it be that so interests my little wife that she does not even +know that her husband has come home, after this their first day of +separation? Have you no kiss of welcome for him, little woman?"</p> + +<p>The book was thrust hastily aside, and in an instant her arms were about +his neck, her lips pressed again and again to his.</p> + +<p>"O Ned, I do love you!" she said softly, "but I began to think you didn't +care for me—going to see mamma first, and then waiting to dress."</p> + +<p>"Mamma and grandpa were concerned in the business that took me away +to-day, and I owed them a prompt report upon it; yet I looked in here +first for my wife, but couldn't find her; then I asked for her, and was +told that she had been seen going out for a walk. So I thought I would +dress and be ready for her when she came in."</p> + +<p>"Was that it?" she asked, looking a little ashamed. "But," regarding him +with critical eyes, "you'd better always let me help with your dressing; +your cravat isn't tied nicely, and your hair doesn't look half so well as +when I brush it for you."</p> + +<p>"Can't you set matters straight, then?" he asked, releasing her from the +close embrace in which he had held her for the last few minutes.</p> + +<p>"Yes; just keep still as you are, and I'll re-tie the cravat."</p> + +<p>He held still, enjoying, as he always did, having her deft fingers at work +about him, and gazing the while into the pretty face, with eyes full of +loving admiration.</p> + +<p>"There!" she said at length, leaning back a little to take in the full +effect, "I don't believe that can be improved upon."</p> + +<p>"Much obliged," he said, getting up from his knees. "Now, what next?"</p> + +<p>"Your hair, of course," she answered, jumping up and leading the way into +the dressing-room. "Sit down," arming herself with comb and brush, "you +know I'm not tall enough to reach your head while you're standing up."</p> + +<p>He obeyed, asking, "What have you been doing to-day?"</p> + +<p>"What a question!" she returned, laughing; "of course, I'd take my +pleasure when my lord and master was away."</p> + +<p>"Don't call me that, dear," he said in a tone of gentle, half remorseful +expostulation.</p> + +<p>"Why not? doesn't the Bible say Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord?"</p> + +<p>"But it doesn't say master, and besides, these are very different times."</p> + +<p>"We seem to have changed sides on that subject," she said, with a merry +little laugh, as she laid the brush away, and standing behind his chair, +put her arms around his neck and laid her cheek to his.</p> + +<p>He drew her round to a seat upon his knee. "Darling, I don't mean to play +the tyrant, and am quite ashamed of some things I said last night."</p> + +<p>"Then you won't say them any more, will you? I was really afraid you were +turning into a horrid tyrant. Oh, you haven't told me who the visitors are +who came in the carriage with you!"</p> + +<p>"The daughter and niece of an old friend of my father's, Miss Fanny Deane +and Miss Susie Fleming."</p> + +<p>"How long are they likely to stay?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; probably two or three weeks."</p> + +<p>"You asked what I'd been doing. Studying hard part of the time, that I +might please this old tutor of mine," giving him another tug. "Will you be +pleased to hear me recite now?"</p> + +<p>"There would not be time before tea, dear," he said, consulting his watch; +"so we will put it off till later in the evening. Come down to the +drawing-room with me and let me introduce you to the ladies."</p> + +<p>"Very well; but first tell me if my toilet satisfies you."</p> + +<p>He gave her a scrutinizing glance. "Entirely; you are as lovely as a +fairy," he said, with a proud, fond smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you flatterer!" she returned with a pleased laugh, and slipping her +hand into his.</p> + +<p>"Your wife!" exclaimed both ladies when the introduction was over. "She +looks so young!"</p> + +<p>"So <i>very</i> young that I should have taken her for a school-girl," added +Miss Deane, with a condescending smile that enraged Zoe.</p> + +<p>"And I take you for an old maid of twenty-five," was her mental retort. "I +dare say you'd be glad enough to be as young as I am, and to have such a +handsome husband." But she merely made a demure little courtesy and +withdrew to a seat beside her mother-in-law on the farther side of the +room, her heightened color and flashing eyes alone telling how indignant +she felt.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, dear, you are growing older every day," Elsie said in a +soothing undertone, "and are just the right age for Edward. We all think +that, and I that you are a dear little daughter for me."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, dear mamma," whispered Zoe. "I think it was very rude and +unkind to liken me to a school-girl. I believe it was just because she +envies me my youth and my husband."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so," Elsie said, with difficulty restraining a smile, "but we +will try to be charitable and think the remark was not unkindly meant."</p> + +<p>Edward took Miss Deane in to supper, which was presently announced. Zoe +did not like that, as Elsie perceived with some concern.</p> + +<p>The young lady had very fine conversational powers and was very fond of +displaying them; she soon obtained and held the attention of all the older +people at the table, and Zoe felt herself more and more aggrieved. Edward +was positively careless of her wants, leaving her to be waited upon by the +servants.</p> + +<p>When they returned to the drawing-room he seated himself beside Miss Deane +again, and the flow of talk recommenced, he continuing a delighted +listener.</p> + +<p>Zoe feigned not to notice or care, but it was a very transparent pretence. +Edward had devoted himself so almost exclusively to her ever since their +marriage, that she could scarce endure to have it otherwise.</p> + +<p>She could not refrain from watching him furtively and trying to catch his +every look, word and tone.</p> + +<p>After a little she stole quietly from the room and went up to her own.</p> + +<p>"He will miss me presently," she thought, "remember about the lessons, and +come up to hear them, and I'll have him all to myself for at least a +little while."</p> + +<p>He did not come, but at length Rosie looked in to say, "Won't you come +down to the music-room, Zoe? Miss Fleming is going to play for us, and she +is said to be quite a wonderful performer."</p> + +<p>Zoe accepted the invitation; she was fond of music, and it wasn't Miss +Fleming who had robbed her of Edward. Yet, when she saw him standing +beside her, a rapt and delighted listener, and assiduously turning her +music, she began to almost hate her, too.</p> + +<p>The advent of these two strangers seemed to have rendered ineffectual all +the efforts she had put forth that day to gratify her husband; of what +use was it that she had so carefully prepared the lessons he would not +trouble himself to hear? or that she had spent hours of patient practice +at the piano in learning the song she was given no opportunity to play and +sing?</p> + +<p>But womanly pride was awaking within her, and she made a tolerably +successful effort to control and hide her feelings.</p> + +<p>When at length she found herself alone with Edward in their own +apartments, she moved silently about making her preparations for retiring, +seeming to have nothing to say.</p> + +<p>He burst into enthusiastic praises of the talents of their guests—the +conversational gift of the one, the musical genius of the other.</p> + +<p>Zoe, standing before the mirror, brushing out her soft shining tresses, +made no response.</p> + +<p>"Why are you so silent, little woman?" Edward asked presently.</p> + +<p>"Because I have nothing to say that you would want to hear."</p> + +<p>"Nothing that I would want to hear? why, I am fond of the very sound of +your voice. But what's the matter?" for he had come to her side, and +perceived with surprise and concern that her eyes were full of tears.</p> + +<p>"Oh, nothing! except that I'd looked forward to a delightful evening with +my husband, after being parted from him all day, and didn't get it."</p> + +<p>"My dear Zoe," he said, "I owe you an apology! I actually forgot all about +those lessons."</p> + +<p>"And me, too," she said bitterly. "My musical and conversational gifts +sink into utter insignificance beside those of these newcomers."</p> + +<p>"Jealousy is a very mean and wicked passion, Zoe; I don't like to see you +indulging it," he said, turning away from her. "I am, of course, expected +to pay some attention to my mother's guests, and you will have to put up +with it."</p> + +<p>"You are always right and I am always wrong," she said, half choking with +indignation; "but if you are always to do as <i>you</i> please, I shall do as +<i>I</i> please."</p> + +<p>"In regard to what?" he asked coldly.</p> + +<p>"Everything!" she answered in a defiant tone.</p> + +<p>Edward strode angrily into the next room; but five minutes sufficed to +subdue his passion, and in tender tones he called softly to his wife, +"Zoe, love, will you please come here for a moment?"</p> + +<p>She started with surprise at the kindness of his tones, her heart leaped +for joy, and she ran to him, smiling through her tears.</p> + +<p>He had seated himself in a large easy-chair. "Come, darling," he said, +drawing her to a seat upon his knee. Then with his arm about her waist, +"Zoe, love, we are husband and wife, whom nothing but death can ever +separate. Let us be kind to one another, kind and forbearing, so that when +one is taken the other will have no cause for self-reproach."</p> + +<p>"O Ned, don't talk of that," she sobbed with her arms about his neck, her +cheek laid to his. "I'm sure it would kill me to lose you. You are all I +have in the wide world."</p> + +<p>"So I am, you poor little dear," he said, softly smoothing her hair, "and +I ought to be always kind to you. But, indeed, Zoe, you have no need to be +jealous of any other woman. I may like to talk with them and listen to +their music, but when I want some one to love and pet, my heart turns to +my own little wife."</p> + +<p>"It was very foolish!" she said, penitently, "but I did so want you to +myself to-night, and I'd worked so busily all day learning the lessons and +that song you brought me, thinking to please you."</p> + +<p>"Did you, dear? well, it was too bad in me to neglect you so, and even to +forget to give you this, which I bought expressly for my dear little wife, +while in the city to-day."</p> + +<p>He took her hand as he spoke, and slipped a ring upon her finger.</p> + +<p>"O Ned, thank you!" she exclaimed, lifting to his a face full of delight. +"It's very pretty, and so good in you to remember to bring me something."</p> + +<p>"Then shall we kiss and be friends, and try not to quarrel any more?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; oh yes!" she said, offering her lips.</p> + +<p>"I must have that song to-morrow," he said, caressing her again and again.</p> + +<p>"No, no! I can't think of singing before such a performer as Miss +Fleming."</p> + +<p>"But you are an early bird, and she and Miss Deane will probably be late. +Can't you sing and play for me before they are down in the morning?"</p> + +<p>"Well, perhaps," she answered coquettishly. "And the lessons? will you +hear them, too, before breakfast?"</p> + +<p>"If you wish it, dear."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII" />CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<p class="center">"The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: + therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with."<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">—<i>Proverbs</i> 17:14.</span></p> + + +<p>Zoe went to bed that night and rose again the next morning a happy little +woman.</p> + +<p>The song was sung, the performance eliciting warm praise from the solitary +listener.</p> + +<p>Then they had a delightful ride together, all before breakfast, and she +brought to the table such dancing eyes and rosy cheeks that Mr. Lilburn +could not refrain from complimenting her upon them, while the rest of the +older people smiled in approval.</p> + +<p>"She looks younger than ever," remarked Miss Deane, sweetly. "It is quite +impossible to realize that she is married."</p> + +<p>"It is altogether possible for me to realize that she is my own dear +little wife," said Edward, regarding Zoe with loving, admiring eyes. "A +piece of personal property I would not part with for untold gold," he +added with a happy laugh.</p> + +<p>"And we all think our Zoe is quite old for so young a husband," said +Elsie, bestowing upon the two a glance of smiling, motherly affection.</p> + +<p>It was a busy season with Edward, and he was compelled to leave the +entertainment of the guests through the day to his mother and other +members of the family.</p> + +<p>Zoe excused herself from any share in that work on the plea that she was +too young to be companionable to the ladies, spent some hours in diligent +study, then walked out with the children.</p> + +<p>"I have two sets of lessons ready for you," was her greeting to Edward, +when he came in late in the afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Have you, dear?" he returned, taking the easy-chair she drew forward for +him. "Then let me hear them. You must have been an industrious little +woman to-day."</p> + +<p>"Tolerably; but you know one set was ready for you yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes; you were industrious then, also. And I dare say it is rather +stupid work studying alone."</p> + +<p>"Not when one has such a nice teacher," she answered sportively. "Praise +from your lips is sweeter than it ever was from any other but papa's," she +added, tears trembling in her eyes.</p> + +<p>He was glad to be able, on the conclusion of the recitation, to give it +without stint.</p> + +<p>She flushed with pleasure, and helping herself to a seat upon his knee, +thanked him with a hug and kiss.</p> + +<p>"Easter holidays begin next week," he remarked, putting an arm about her +and returning her caress; "do you wish to give up your studies during that +time?"</p> + +<p>"No," she said; "I've wasted too much time during the past few weeks, and +I'd rather take my holidays in the very warm weather."</p> + +<p>"That is what mamma's and grandpa's pupils are to do," he said. "They are +invited to both the Oaks and the Laurels in May and June, to spend some +weeks at each place. And you are included in both invitations."</p> + +<p>"I shall not go unless you do," she said with decision. "Parted from my +husband for weeks? No, indeed! I can hardly stand it for a single day," +she added, laying her cheek to his.</p> + +<p>"Nor I, little wife," he said, passing his hand softly over her hair. "Do +you feel equal to a ride this afternoon?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes; of course! shall I get ready at once?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, do, dearie. There is to be a party of us—grandpa, mamma, and Miss +Fleming, Miss Deane, you and I."</p> + +<p>Zoe's brow clouded. "Riding three abreast, I suppose. But why did you ask +Miss Deane? She'll spoil all my enjoyment."</p> + +<p>"Don't let her; I must show some attention to her as a guest in the house, +and really felt obliged to invite her. We are to call at Fairview, and see +how Lester and Elsie get on with their housekeeping. Now, do promise me +that you will be a good, sensible little woman, and not indulge in +jealousy."</p> + +<p>"To please you I'll do the very best I can. I told you I would do anything +for love and coaxing," she answered in a sprightly tone, with her arm +still about his neck, her eyes gazing fondly into his.</p> + +<p>He drew her closer. "I'll try always to remember and practice upon that," +he said, "Now, darling, don that very becoming hat and habit you wore this +morning."</p> + +<p>Miss Deane was an accomplished coquette, whose greatest delight was to +prove her power over every man who came in her way, whether married or +single, and perceiving Zoe's dislike to her, and jealousy of any attention +paid her by Edward, she took a malicious pleasure in drawing him to her +side whenever opportunity offered, and keeping him there as long as +possible.</p> + +<p>Edward, with a heart entirely true to his young wife, endeavored to resist +the fascinations of the siren and avoid her when politeness would permit; +and Zoe struggled against her inclination to jealousy, yet Miss Deane +succeeded in the course of a few days in bringing about a slight coldness +between them.</p> + +<p>They did not actually quarrel, but there was a cessation of loving looks +and endearing words and names. It was simply Zoe and Edward now instead of +dearest and love and darling, while they rather avoided than sought each +other's society.</p> + +<p>Edward was too busy to walk or ride with his wife, and Max and Ralph +Conly, at home now for the Easter holidays and self-invited to Ion, became +the almost constant sharers of her outdoor exercise.</p> + +<p>Edward saw it with displeasure, for Ralph was no favorite with him. When +things had gone on in that way for several days, he ventured upon a mild +remonstrance, telling Zoe he would rather she would not make a familiar +associate of Ralph.</p> + +<p>"If I am debarred from my husband's society, I'm not to be blamed for +taking what I can get," she answered coldly.</p> + +<p>"I don't blame you for what is past, Zoe," he said, "but request that in +future you will not have more to do with Ralph than is quite necessary."</p> + +<p>Zoe was in a defiant mood. She walked away without making any reply, and +an hour later Edward met her riding out with Ralph by her side. Max was +not with them, as it was during his study hours, and they had not even an +attendant.</p> + +<p>They had been laughing and chatting gayly, but at sight of Edward a sudden +silence fell on them.</p> + +<p>Zoe's head drooped and her cheeks flushed hotly as she perceived the dark +frown on her husband's brow. She expected some cutting word of rebuke, but +he simply wheeled his horse about, placing himself on her other side, so +that she was between him and Ralph, and rode on with them.</p> + +<p>Not a word was spoken until they drew rein at their own door, when Edward, +dismounting, lifted his wife from her pony, and as he set her down, said, +"I will be obliged to you, Zoe, if you will now prepare your lessons for +to-day."</p> + +<p>Zoe had already begun to repent of her open disregard of his wishes, for +during the silent ride memory had been busy with the many expressions of +love and tenderness he had lavished upon her in their short married life, +and if there had been the least bit of either in his tones now, she would +have whispered in his ear that she was sorry and would not so offend +again; but the cold, stern accents made the request sound like a command, +and roused again the spirit of opposition that had almost died out.</p> + +<p>She shook off his detaining hand, and walked away in silence, with head +erect and cheeks burning with indignation.</p> + +<p>Ralph had not heard Edward's low-spoken words, but looking after Zoe, as +she disappeared within the doorway, "Seems to me you're a bit of a tyrant, +Ned," he remarked with a coarse, disagreeable laugh.</p> + +<p>"I am not aware of having shown any evidence of being such," Edward +returned rather haughtily, as he remounted. Then, turning his horse's +head, he rode rapidly away.</p> + +<p>Zoe went to her boudoir, gave vent to her anger in a hearty fit of crying, +then set to work at the lessons with a sincere desire to please the +husband she really loved with all her heart.</p> + +<p>"I've been forgetting the two bears," she said to herself, "but I'll try +again, and when that hateful Miss Deane goes away, everything will be +right again. I know Ned has to be polite to her; and it's very silly in me +to get vexed when he talks to her; but I can't help it, because he's my +all."</p> + +<p>She finished her tasks, dressed herself for dinner with care and taste, +and when she heard his step on the stairs ran to the door to meet him.</p> + +<p>Her face was bright and eager, but changed at sight of his cold, +forbidding looks.</p> + +<p>"I am ready for you," she said timidly, shrinking away from him.</p> + +<p>"Very well, bring your books," he said with, she thought, the air of a +schoolmaster toward a pupil in disgrace, and seating himself as he spoke.</p> + +<p>She brought them, keeping her eyes cast down to hide the tell-tale tears. +She controlled her emotion in another moment, and went through the +recitations very creditably to herself.</p> + +<p>He made no comment upon that, though usually he would have bestowed warm +praise, but simply appointed the tasks for the next day, rose and left the +room.</p> + +<p>Zoe looked after him with a swelling heart, wiped away a tear or two, and +assuming an air of indifference, went down to the parlor to join the rest +of the family.</p> + +<p>"Where's Ned?" asked Rosie. "You two used never to be seen apart; but of +late——"</p> + +<p>The sentence was suddenly broken off because of a warning look from her +mamma.</p> + +<p>"Don't you know, little girl," said Miss Deane in a soft, purring tone, +"that nobody expects married people to remain lovers always?"</p> + +<p>"It is what they should do," Elsie said with gentle decision. "It was so +with my husband and myself, and I trust will be with all my children."</p> + +<p>"Allow me to advise you to deliver Ned a lecture on the subject, cousin," +laughed Ralph.</p> + +<p>"He doesn't need it," Zoe exclaimed with spirit, turning on Ralph with +flashing eyes.</p> + +<p>"Oh," he said, with a loud guffaw, "I should have remembered that any one +taking the part of an abused wife is sure to have her wrath turned upon +himself."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by that, sir? I am <i>not</i> an abused wife," said Zoe, +tears springing to her eyes; "there never was a kinder, tenderer husband +than mine, and I know he loves me dearly."</p> + +<p>"He does, indeed, dear; we none of us doubt that in the least; and so you +can well afford to let Ralph enjoy his forlorn joke," remarked Mrs. +Dinsmore, with an indignant, reproving look at the latter, who colored +under it, and relapsed into silence.</p> + +<p>The weather was delightful, and the children having been given a half +holiday, spent the afternoon in the grounds. Zoe forsook the company of +the older people for theirs, and joined in their sports, for she was still +child-like in her tastes.</p> + +<p>She was as active as a boy, and before her marriage had taken keen delight +in climbing rocks and trees. The apple-trees in the orchard were in full +bloom, and taking a fancy to adorn herself with their blossoms, she +climbed up among the branches of one of the tallest, in order, as she +said, to "take her pick and choice," Rosie, Lulu, Gracie and Walter +standing near and watching her with eager interest.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Zoe, take care!" Rosie called to her, "that branch doesn't look +strong, and you might fall and hurt yourself badly."</p> + +<p>"Don't you be afraid. I can take care of myself," she returned with a +light laugh.</p> + +<p>But another voice spoke close at hand, fairly startling her, it was so +unexpected. "Zoe, what mad prank is this? Let me help you down at once."</p> + +<p>"There's no need for you to trouble yourself, I am quite able to get down +without assistance, when I'm ready," she replied, putting a strong +emphasis upon the last words.</p> + +<p>"No; it is too dangerous," and he held up his arms with an imperative, +"Come!"</p> + +<p>"How you do order me about," she muttered, half under her breath, and more +than half inclined to rebel.</p> + +<p>But no; the children were looking and listening, and must not be allowed +to suspect any unpleasantness between herself and her husband.</p> + +<p>She dropped into his arms, he set her upon her feet, drew her hand within +his arm, and walked away with her.</p> + +<p>"I do not approve of tree-climbing for a married woman, Zoe," he said, +when they were out of ear-shot of the children; "at least, not for my +wife; and I must request you not to try it again."</p> + +<p>"It's a pity I didn't know how much my liberty would be curtailed by +getting married," she returned bitterly.</p> + +<p>"And I am exceedingly sorry it is out of my power to restore your liberty +to you, since it seems that would add to your happiness."</p> + +<p>At that she hastily withdrew her hand from his arm and walked quickly away +from him, taking the direction of the house.</p> + +<p>Leaning against a tree, his arms folded, his face pale and stern, he +looked after her with a heart full of keenest anguish. She had never been +dearer to him than at this moment, but alas, she seemed to have lost her +love for him, and what a life of miserable dissension they were likely to +lead, repenting at leisure their foolishly hasty marriage!</p> + +<p>And she was half frantic with pain and passion. He was tired of her +already—before they had been married a year—he did not love her any +longer and would be glad to be rid of her. Oh, what should she do! would +that she could fly to the ends of the earth that he might be relieved of +her hated presence.</p> + +<p>And yet—oh, how could she ever endure constant absence from him? She +loved him so dearly, so dearly!</p> + +<p>She hurried on past the house, down the whole length of the avenue and +back again, the hot tears all the time streaming over her cheeks. Then she +hastily wiped them away, went to her rooms, bathed her eyes, and dressed +carefully for tea.</p> + +<p>Womanly pride had come to her aid; she must hide her wounds from all, +especially from Edward himself and "that detestable Miss Deane." She would +pretend to be happy, very happy, and no one should guess how terribly her +heart was aching.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII" />CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Where lives the man that has not tried</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">How mirth can into folly glide,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">And folly into sin!"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 24em;">—<i>Scott.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Ralph Conly was not a favorite with any of his Ion relatives, because they +knew his principles were not altogether such as they could approve, nor +indeed his practice either; yet they had no idea how bad a youth he was, +else intimacy between him and Max would have been forbidden.</p> + +<p>All unsuspected by the older people, he was exerting a very demoralizing +influence over the younger boy. Every afternoon they sought out some +private spot and had a game of cards, and little by little Ralph had +introduced gambling into the game, till now the stakes were high in +proportion to the means of the players.</p> + +<p>On this particular afternoon they had taken possession of a summer-house +in a retired part of the grounds, and were deep in play.</p> + +<p>Ralph at first let Max win, the stakes being small; then raising them +higher, he won again and again, till he had stripped Max of all his +pocket money and his watch.</p> + +<p>Max felt himself ruined, and broke out in passionate exclamations of grief +and despair, coupled with accusations of cheating, which were, indeed, +well founded.</p> + +<p>Ralph grew furious and swore horrible oaths, and Max answered with a +repetition of his accusation, concluding with an oath, the first he had +uttered since his father's serious talk with him on the exceeding +sinfulness and black ingratitude of profanity.</p> + +<p>All that had passed then, the passages of Scripture telling of the +punishment of the swearer under the Levitical law, flashed back upon him +as the words left his lips, and covering his face with his hands he +groaned in anguish of spirit at thought of his fearful sin.</p> + +<p>Then Mr. Dinsmore's voice, speaking in sternest accents, startled them +both. "Ralph, is this the kind of boy you are? a gambler and profane +swearer? And you, too, Max? Do you mean to break your poor father's heart +and some day bring down his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave? Go at +once to your room, sir. And you, Ralph, return immediately to Roselands. I +cannot expose my grandchildren to the corrupting influence of such a +character as yours."</p> + +<p>The mandate was obeyed promptly and in silence by both, Ralph not daring +to gather up his plunder, or even his cards from the table where they lay.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore took possession of both, and followed Max to the house. In +the heat of their altercation the lads had raised their voices to a high +pitch, and he, happening to be at no great distance, and hastening to the +spot to learn the cause of the disturbance, had come upon them in time to +hear the last sentence uttered by each, and had taken in the whole +situation at a glance.</p> + +<p>He went directly to his daughter's dressing-room, and sent for Violet to +join them there.</p> + +<p>Both ladies were greatly distressed by the tale he had to tell.</p> + +<p>"Oh," sobbed Violet, "it will break my husband's heart to learn that his +only son has taken to such evil courses! And to think that it was a +relative of our own who led him into it!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," sighed Mr. Dinsmore, "I blame myself for not being more watchful; +though I had no idea that Ralph had acquired such vices."</p> + +<p>"I cannot have you blame yourself, papa," Elsie said, with tender look and +tone, "I am sure it was no fault of yours. And I cannot believe the dear +boy has become a confirmed swearer or gambler in so short a time. He is a +warm-hearted fellow, and has a tender conscience. We will hope by divine +aid to reclaim him speedily."</p> + +<p>"Dear mamma, thank you!" exclaimed Violet, smiling through her tears. +"What you say of Max is quite true, and I have no doubt that he is at this +very moment greatly distressed because of his sin."</p> + +<p>"I trust it may be so," said Mr. Dinsmore. "But now the question is, what +is to be done with him? I wish his father were here to prescribe the +course to be taken."</p> + +<p>"Oh, he has already done so!" cried Violet, bursting into tears again. "He +said if Max should ever be guilty of profanity he was to be confined to +his own room for a week, and forbidden all intercourse with the rest of +the family as unworthy to associate with them. I begged him not to compel +us to be so severe, but he was inexorable."</p> + +<p>"Then we have no discretionary power, no choice but to carry out his +directions," Mr. Dinsmore said, feeling rather relieved that the decision +was not left with him. "I shall go now and tell Max what his sentence is, +and from whom it comes.</p> + +<p>"And, unfortunately, it will be necessary, in order to carry it out, to +inform the other members of the family, who might otherwise hold +communication with him.</p> + +<p>"That task I leave to you, Elsie and Violet."</p> + +<p>He left the room, and Violet, after a little sorrowful converse with her +mother, went to her own, and with many tears told Lulu and Gracie what had +occurred, and what was, by their father's direction, to be Max's +punishment.</p> + +<p>Both little sisters were shocked and grieved, very sorry for Max, for it +seemed to them quite terrible to be shut up in one room for a whole week, +while to be out of doors was so delightful; but even Lulu had nothing to +say against their father's decree, especially after Violet had explained +that he had made it in his great love for Max, wanting to cure him of +vices that would make him wretched in this life and the next.</p> + +<p>Rosie was still more shocked and scarcely less sorry than Lulu and Gracie, +for she had been taught to look upon swearing and gambling as very great +sins, and yet she liked Max very much indeed, and pitied him for the +disgrace and punishment he had brought upon himself.</p> + +<p>It was she who told Zoe, seeking her in her dressing-room, where she was +making her toilet for the evening.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Rosie, how dreadful!" exclaimed Zoe. "I never could have believed it +of Max! but it is all because of the bad influence of that wicked Ralph. +I see now why Edward disapproves of him so thoroughly that he didn't like +me to ride with him. But I do think Captain Raymond is a very severe +father. A whole week in the house this lovely weather! How can the poor +boy ever stand it!</p> + +<p>"And nobody to speak a kind word to him, either. I don't think they ought +to be so hard on him, for I dare say he is grieving himself sick over it +now, for he isn't a bad boy."</p> + +<p>"No," said Rosie, "I don't think he is; I like Max very much, but of +course his father's orders have to be carried out, and for that reason we +are all forbidden to go near him, and we have no choice but to obey."</p> + +<p>"Forbidden, indeed!" thought Zoe to herself. "I for one shall do as I +please about it."</p> + +<p>"Zoe, how pretty you are! that dress is very becoming!" exclaimed Rosie, +suddenly changing the subject.</p> + +<p>"Am I? But I can't compare with Miss Deane in either beauty or +conversational powers," returned Zoe, the concluding words spoken with +some bitterness.</p> + +<p>"Can't you? just ask Ned about it," laughed Rosie. "I verily believe he +thinks you the sweetest thing he ever set eyes on. There, I hear him +coming, and must run away, for I know he always wants you all to himself +here; and besides, I have to dress."</p> + +<p>She ran gayly away, passing her brother on the threshold.</p> + +<p>Zoe was busying herself at a bureau drawer, apparently searching for +something, and did not look toward him or speak. In another moment she had +found what she wanted, closed the drawer, and passed into her boudoir.</p> + +<p>Edward had been standing silently watching her, love and anger struggling +for the mastery in his breast. If she had only turned to him with a word, +or even a look of regret for the past, and desire for reconciliation, he +would have taken her to his heart again as fully and tenderly as ever. He +was longing to do so, but too proud to make the first advances when he +felt himself the aggrieved one.</p> + +<p>"All would be right between them but for Zoe's silly jealousy and pride. +Why could she not trust him and submit willingly to his guidance and +control while she was still so young and inexperienced—such a mere child +as to be quite incapable of judging for herself in any matter of +importance? In fact, he felt it his duty to guide and control her till she +should grow older and wiser."</p> + +<p>Such were his thoughts as he went through the duties of the toilet, while +Zoe sat at the window of her boudoir gazing out over the smoothly shaven +lawn with its stately trees, lovely in their fresh spring attire, to the +green fields and woods beyond, yet scarcely taking in the beauty of the +landscape, so full of tears were her eyes, so full her heart of anger, +grief, and pain.</p> + +<p>She had not looked at her husband as he stood silently near her a moment +ago, but felt that he was gazing with anger and sternness upon her.</p> + +<p>"If he had only said one kind word to me," she whispered to herself, "I +would have told him I was sorry for my silly speech this afternoon, and +oh, so happy to be his own little wife, if—if only he hasn't quit loving +me."</p> + +<p>She hastily wiped her eyes and endeavored to assume an air of cheerfulness +and indifference, as she heard his step approaching.</p> + +<p>"Are you ready to go down now, Zoe?" he asked in a freezing tone.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she answered, turning to follow him as he led the way to the door.</p> + +<p>There seemed to be a tacit understanding between them that their +disagreements and coldness toward each other were to be concealed from all +the rest of the world; in the old happy days they had always gone down +together to the drawing-room or the tea-table, therefore would do so +still.</p> + +<p>Also, they studiously guarded their words and looks in the presence of any +third person.</p> + +<p>Yet Elsie, the tender mother, with eyes sharpened by affection, had +already perceived that all was not right. She had noted Zoe's disturbed +look when Edward seemed specially interested in Miss Deane's talk or Miss +Fleming's music, and had silently determined not to ask them to prolong +their stay at Ion.</p> + +<p>The supper-bell rang as Edward and Zoe descended the stairs together, and +they obeyed its summons without going into the drawing-room.</p> + +<p>Violet's place at the table was vacant as well as that of Max, and Lulu +and Gracie bore the traces of tears about their eyes.</p> + +<p>These things reminded Zoe of Max's trouble, forgotten for a time in her +own, and she thought pityingly of him in his imprisonment, wondered if he +would be put upon prison fare, and determined to find out, and if he were, +to try to procure him something better.</p> + +<p>She made an errand to her own rooms soon after leaving the table, went to +his door and knocked softly.</p> + +<p>"Who's there?" he asked in a voice half choked with sobs.</p> + +<p>"It is I, Maxie," she said in an undertone at the keyhole, "Zoe, you know. +I want to say I'm ever so sorry for you, and always ready to do anything I +can to help you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he said, "but I mustn't see anybody, so can't open the door; +and, indeed," with a heavy sob, "I'm not fit company for you or any of +the rest."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are, you're as good as I am. But why can't you open the door? +are you locked in?"</p> + +<p>"No; but—papa said I—I must stay by myself for a week if—if I did what +I have done to-day. So please don't stay any longer, though it was ever so +good in you to come."</p> + +<p>"Good-by, then," and she moved away.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX" />CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"High minds of native pride and force</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Most deeply feel thy pangs, remorse!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Fear of their scourge mean villains have;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Thou art the torture of the brave."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 25em;">—<i>Scott.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Max sat before his writing-table, his folded arms upon it, and his face +hidden upon them. He was in sore distress of mind. How he had fallen +before temptation! into what depths of disgrace and sin! sin that in olden +times would have been punished with death, even as the horrible crime of +murder, and that must still be as hateful as ever in the sight of an +unchangeable God.</p> + +<p>And not only that sin, of which he had thought he had so truly and deeply +repented, but another which he had always been taught was a very low and +degrading vice. Oh, could there be forgiveness for him?</p> + +<p>And how would his dear honored father feel when the sad story should reach +his ears? would it indeed break his heart as Grandpa Dinsmore had said? +The boy's own heart was overwhelmed with grief, dismay, and remorse as he +asked himself these torturing questions.</p> + +<p>The door opened, but so softly that the sound was lost in his bitter +sobbing, then a hand rested lightly, tenderly upon his bowed head, and a +gentle, pitying voice said, "My poor, dear boy, my heart bleeds for you."</p> + +<p>"O Grandma Elsie!" he burst out, "can you say that to such a wicked fellow +as I am?"</p> + +<p>"Did not Jesus weep with compassion over the sinners of Jerusalem, many of +whom were even then plotting His death? And, Maxie, He pities you in your +fallen estate, and is ready to forgive you the moment you turn to Him with +grief and hatred of your sin and an earnest desire to forsake it, and to +give yourself to His service."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I do, I do hate it!" he cried out with vehemence. "I didn't mean ever +to swear any more, and I feel as if I'd rather cut off my right hand than +to do it again! But oh, how can I ask Him to forgive me, when He did once, +and I've gone and done the same wicked thing again, just as if I hadn't +been really sorry at all, though I was sure I was! Grandma Elsie, what +shall I do?"</p> + +<p>"'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; +let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our +God, for He will abundantly pardon.'</p> + +<p>"'He is the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and +abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving +iniquity and transgression and sin.'</p> + +<p>"'His name is Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.' He +says, 'Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.' 'O Israel, +thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.'</p> + +<p>"'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though +they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'</p> + +<p>"'I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake, +and will not remember thy sins.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, He is very good to say that!" sobbed the penitent boy. "But won't you +ask Him to forgive me, Grandma Elsie?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Max, but you must pray, too, for yourself; confess your sins to Him, +and ask Him to blot them out and remember them no more against you, +because Jesus has suffered their penalty in your stead. Shall we kneel +down now and ask Him?"</p> + +<p>She stayed with him some time longer, talking in tender, motherly fashion; +not extenuating his guilt, but speaking of the blood that cleanseth from +all sin, the love and tender compassion of Jesus, His willingness and +ability to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.</p> + +<p>Warning him, too, of the danger from evil associates and from indulgence +in the vice of gambling.</p> + +<p>Then she told him he was not too young to begin to lead a Christian life, +and urged him to do so without a moment's delay.</p> + +<p>"I think I do want to be a Christian, Grandma Elsie," he said, "if I only +knew just how."</p> + +<p>"It is to leave the service of Satan for that of the Lord Jesus Christ," +she said. "It is to give yourself body and soul, at once and forever, to +Jesus, trusting in Him alone for salvation from sin and eternal death.</p> + +<p>"'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,' 'Look unto +me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.'</p> + +<p>"Just take the first step, and He will help you on all the way, one step +at a time, till you reach the gates of the celestial city. 'This God is +our God forever and ever, He will be our guide even unto death.'</p> + +<p>"Just speak to the Lord Jesus, dear Max, as if you could see Him standing +before you while you knelt at His feet; say to Him as the leper did, +'Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.' Tell Him how full you are +of the dreadful leprosy of sin, how unable to heal yourself, and beseech +Him to do the work for you, to wash you and make you clean and cover you +with the robe of His righteousness; give yourself to Him, asking Him to +accept the worthless gift and make you entirely and forever His own."</p> + +<p>She rose to leave him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, do stay a little longer!" he pleaded, clinging to her hand. "Tell me, +do you think Mamma Vi will ever love me any more? that she will ever kiss +me again?" he sobbed.</p> + +<p>"I am sure she will, Max," Elsie answered in moved tones; "she has not +ceased to love you, and I think will come and speak a word to you now, if +you wish it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, so much! only—only I'm dreadfully ashamed to look her in the face. +And—O Grandma Elsie, do you think it will break my father's heart when he +hears it all?"</p> + +<p>"It will make him very sad indeed, I have no doubt, Max," she answered, +gently, "but if he hears, too, that you have truly repented and given your +heart to God, he cannot fail to be greatly comforted. Tell him the whole +truth, my dear boy, don't try to conceal anything from him."</p> + +<p>"It's what I mean to do, Grandma Elsie," he said with a heavy sigh, +"though I'd rather take the worst kind of a flogging. And that's what I'd +get if he was here, for he told me so."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad you love your father so well, Max, and that your sorrow is +more for grieving him, and especially for having dishonored and displeased +God, than for the unpleasant consequences to yourself; it gives me great +hope that you will never be guilty of such conduct again.</p> + +<p>"Now, I shall go and send your mamma to you; she is in her own rooms, for +she has been too much distressed over her dear boy's sad fall to join the +others at the table or in the drawing-room. She loves you very dearly, +Max."</p> + +<p>"It's very good of her," he said in trembling tones, "and oh, I'm ever so +sorry to have grieved her so!"</p> + +<p>Violet was greatly comforted by her mother's report of her interview with +Max, because both saw in his conduct and words the evidence of sincere +repentance toward God, giving them strong hope of his future avoidance of +the sins of profanity and gambling.</p> + +<p>She went to him presently, put her arms about him, kissed him, wept with +him, and like her mother pointed him to the Saviour, telling of His +willingness to forgive every truly penitent soul.</p> + +<p>"O Mamma Vi," he sobbed, "I thought I was that before, when papa showed me +what an awful sin swearing was, and I didn't think I could ever do it +again; but I got dreadfully angry with Ralph because he cheated me out of +everything—all my money and my watch that I've always thought so much of, +you know—and the wicked words slipped out before I knew it; they just +seemed to speak themselves."</p> + +<p>"Ah, dear Max, that is one of the dreadful consequences of allowing +ourselves to fall into such wicked ways; it is the power of habit which +grows upon us till we are bound by it as with an iron chain.</p> + +<p>"The Bible says, 'His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he +shall be holden with the cords of his sins.' So the longer any one lives +in sin, the harder it is for him to break away from it—to repent and be +converted and saved. Therefore, I beseech you to come to Jesus now; God's +time is always now."</p> + +<p>"Mamma Vi, I think I have," he said low and humbly; "I tried to do it with +my heart, when Grandma Elsie was praying for me."</p> + +<p>"O Max, dear Max, I am very glad!" she returned with tears of joy in her +eyes. "And your father will rejoice almost as the angels do in heaven when +a sinner repents and is saved."</p> + +<p>"It's a dreadful task to have to write down all about this afternoon for +him to read," sighed the boy.</p> + +<p>"But you will do it, Max? will you tell him the whole truth like a brave +boy?" queried Violet anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am, I will. Oh, I wish he were here! so I could just tell him, +and have it all over in a few minutes. But now it will be so long that +I'll have to wait to hear what he has to say about it."</p> + +<p>Violet expressed her sympathy, joining very heartily in his wish for his +father's presence, then left him to his task.</p> + +<p>"Seems to me it's a little like marching up to the cannon's mouth," Max +said to himself, as he took out his writing materials and dipped his pen +in the ink, "but it's got to be done, and I'll have it over."</p> + +<p>He cogitated a moment, then began. "Dear papa, I've been doing very wrong +for 'most a week—letting a fellow teach me to play cards and gamble; we +didn't play for money or anything but fun at first, but afterward we did; +and I lost all the money I had, and, worse still, the nice watch you sent +me.</p> + +<p>"But the very worst is to come. You would never believe I could be so +terribly wicked after all you said to me, and I wouldn't have believed it +myself, and oh, I don't like to tell you, for I'm afraid it will almost +break your heart, papa, to know you have such a wicked boy for your only +son!</p> + +<p>"But I have to tell you, because you know you said I must tell you +everything bad I did.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was sure the fellow had cheated, and I got very mad, and called +him a cheat and a thief. Then he got mad and swore horrible oaths at me, +and called me a liar, and that made me madder than ever, and—O papa, how +can I write it for you to see? I swore at him."</p> + +<p>The boy's tears were dropping upon the paper. He dashed them hastily away, +and went on writing.</p> + +<p>"I am dreadfully, dreadfully sorry, papa! I think I was never so sorry for +anything in all my life, because—because it was so wicked and ungrateful +to God. I've asked Him to forgive me for Jesus' sake, and Grandma Elsie +has asked Him for me, too, and Mamma Vi told me she had been praying for +me. And I've tried to give myself to the dear Saviour, and I hope I'll be +His servant all the rest of my life.</p> + +<p>"I think He has forgiven me, and will you forgive me, too, papa? I'm to +stay alone here in my room for a week. Mamma Vi says you said that was the +way I should be punished, if I ever did that wicked thing again, and it +isn't a bit worse than I deserve."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX" />CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"There are that raise up strife and contention."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 26.5em;">—<i>Hab.</i> 1:3.</span><br /> +<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Only by pride cometh contention."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 25.5em;">—<i>Prov.</i> 13:10.</span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>While Zoe was at Max's door, something took Edward to their rooms. He was +there but a moment—just long enough to pick up the article he wanted—and +hurrying down the hall again, caught the sound of her voice as he reached +the head of the stairway.</p> + +<p>For an instant he stood still, debating with himself whether to interfere +or not; then deciding in the negative, passed on down the stairs more +angry with her than ever.</p> + +<p>She was defying riot only his authority, but also that of his grandfather +and mother, and interfering with their management of the children +committed to their care by their own father. Truly, he feared he had made +a sad mistake in putting such a child into a woman's position, where she +felt herself entitled to rights, for whose proper exercise she had not yet +sufficient judgment or self-control.</p> + +<p>As he entered the drawing-room, Miss Deane, who was seated at a table +looking over a portfolio of drawings and engravings, called him to her +side.</p> + +<p>"You have visited these places, Mr. Travilla," she said, "and I want the +benefit of your explanations, and your opinion whether the pictures are +true to nature. They are European views, I see."</p> + +<p>Of course he could not, without great rudeness, refuse to take a seat by +her side and give her the information she requested.</p> + +<p>So it happened that when Zoe came in presently after, her anger was +intensely aroused by seeing her husband and Miss Deane seated at a distant +table, apart from the rest of the occupants of the room, laughing and +talking with their heads very close together over an engraving.</p> + +<p>Edward lifted his just in time to catch her look of mingled amazement, +scorn, and indignation. He flushed hotly, and remembering what he had just +overheard up-stairs, and what had passed between them in the +apple-orchard, gave her an angry glance in return.</p> + +<p>She drew her slight, girlish figure up to its full height, and turning +away, crossed the room toward a sofa where Mrs. Dinsmore and a bachelor +gentleman of the neighborhood sat conversing together.</p> + +<p>A sudden impulse seized her as Mr. Larned rose and took her hand in +greeting, Mrs. Dinsmore being called from the room at the same moment by a +servant, who said that some one was waiting in the hall to speak to her.</p> + +<p>"I'll pay Edward back in his own coin," Zoe said to herself, and Mr. +Larned was surprised at the great cordiality and winning sweetness of her +manner as she took the vacated seat by his side, then at the spirit and +vivacity with which she rattled away to him, now on this theme, now on +that.</p> + +<p>Excitement lent an unwonted glow to her cheek and brilliancy and sparkle +to her always beautiful eyes.</p> + +<p>Edward, watching her furtively, with darkening brow, thought he had never +seen her so pretty and fascinating, and never had her low soft laugh, as +now and again it reached his ear, sounded so silvery sweet and musical, +yet it jarred on his nerves, and he would fain have stopped it.</p> + +<p>He hoped momentarily that Mr. Larned would go, but he sat on and on the +whole evening, Zoe entertaining him all the while.</p> + +<p>Other members of the family came in, but though he rose to greet them, he +immediately resumed his seat, and she kept hers, even in spite of the +frowning looks her husband gave her from time to time, but which she +feigned not to see.</p> + +<p>At length, his mother perceiving with pain what was going on, managed to +release him from Miss Deane, and he at once took a seat on his wife's +other side, and joined in the talk.</p> + +<p>Zoe had but little to say after that, and Mr. Larned presently took his +departure.</p> + +<p>That was a signal for the good-nights, and all scattered to their rooms.</p> + +<p>Zoe's heart quaked as the door of her boudoir closed upon her, shutting +her in alone with her irate husband.</p> + +<p>She knew that he was angry, more angry with her than he had ever been +before, and though in her thoughts she tried to put all the blame on him, +conscience told her that she was by no means blameless.</p> + +<p>He locked the door, then turned toward her. She glanced up at him half +defiantly, half timidly. His look was very stern and cold.</p> + +<p>She turned away with a pout and a slight shrug of her pretty shoulders.</p> + +<p>"It seems your smiles are for Miss Deane, while your black looks are +reserved for your wife," she said.</p> + +<p>"I have no interest in Miss Deane," he replied; "it is nothing to me how +she behaves, but my wife's conduct is a matter of vital importance; and +let me tell you, Zoe, I will have no more such exhibitions as you made of +yourself to-night with either Mr. Larned or any other man. I won't allow +it. There are some things a man won't put up with. You must and shall show +some respect to my wishes in regard to this."</p> + +<p>"Orders, you'd better say," she muttered.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, orders, if you prefer it."</p> + +<p>She was very angry, and withal a good deal frightened.</p> + +<p>"Exhibitions indeed!" she cried, sinking into a chair, for she was +trembling from head to foot. "What did I do? Why had you any more right to +laugh and talk with another woman than I with another man?"</p> + +<p>"Laughing and talking may be well enough; but it was more than that; you +were actually flirting."</p> + +<p>"You call it that just because you are jealous. And if I was, it was your +fault—setting me the example by flirting with Miss Deane."</p> + +<p>"I did nothing of the kind," he returned haughtily. "I sat beside her +against my will, simply because she requested me to go over those sketches +and engravings with her. I couldn't in common politeness refuse."</p> + +<p>"Well, I didn't know that; and you needn't scold me for following your +example."</p> + +<p>"I tell you I did not set you the example; and I advise you to beware how +you behave so again. Also how you interfere in the discipline grandpa and +mamma see proper to use toward Max and his sisters, as you did to-night."</p> + +<p>"So you have been acting the spy upon your wife!" she interrupted in +scornful indignation.</p> + +<p>"No; I overheard you quite accidentally. It is the second time you have +done that thing, and I warn you to let it be the last."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! Why don't you say at once that you'll beat me if I don't obey all +your tyrannical orders?"</p> + +<p>"Because it wouldn't be true; should I ever so far forget myself as to +lift my hand against my wife, I could never again lay claim to the name of +gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps, then, you will lock me up?" she sneered.</p> + +<p>"Possibly I may, if you make it necessary," he said coldly.</p> + +<p>"Lock me up, indeed! I'd like to see you try it!" she cried, starting up +with flashing eyes, and stamping her foot in a sort of fury of +indignation.</p> + +<p>Then rushing into the adjoining room, she tore off her ornaments and +dress, pulled down her hair, her cheeks burning, her eyes hot and dry.</p> + +<p>But by the time she had assumed her night-dress the first fury of passion +had spent itself, and scalding tears were raining down her cheeks.</p> + +<p>She threw herself on the bed, sobbing convulsively. "Oh, I never, never +thought he would treat me so! and he wouldn't dare if papa was alive; but +he knows I've nobody to defend me—nobody in the wide world, and he can +abuse me as much as he pleases. But I think it's very mean for a big +strong man to be cruel to a little weak woman."</p> + +<p>Then as her anger cooled still more, "But I have done and said provoking +things to-day as well as he," she acknowledged to herself. "I suppose if +I'd been in his place I'd have got mad, too, and scolded and threatened my +wife. Well, if he'd only come and kiss me and coax me a little, I'd say I +was sorry and didn't intend to vex him, so any more."</p> + +<p>She hushed her sobs and listened. She could hear him moving about in the +dressing-room.</p> + +<p>"Edward!" she called in soft, tremulous tones.</p> + +<p>No answer.</p> + +<p>She waited a moment, then called a little louder, "Ned!"</p> + +<p>There was no reply, and she turned over on her pillow, and cried herself +to sleep.</p> + +<p>When she woke all was darkness and silence.</p> + +<p>She felt half frightened.</p> + +<p>"Edward," she said softly, and put out her hand to feel for him.</p> + +<p>He was not there. She sprang from the bed and groped her way into the +dressing-room.</p> + +<p>There the moon shone in, and by its light she perceived the form of her +husband stretched upon a couch, while the sound of his breathing told her +that he slept.</p> + +<p>She crept back to her bed, and lay down upon it with such a sense of utter +loneliness as she had never known before.</p> + +<p>"Oh," she moaned to herself, "he hates me, he hates me! he wouldn't even +lie down beside me! he will never love me any more."</p> + +<p>She wept a long while, but at last fell into a profound sleep.</p> + +<p>When she next awoke day had dawned, but it was earlier than their usual +hour for rising.</p> + +<p>The first object that met her gaze was Edward's untouched pillow, and the +sight instantly brought back the events of the previous day and night.</p> + +<p>Her first emotion was resentment toward her husband, but better thoughts +succeeded. She loved him dearly, and for the sake of peace she would +humble herself a little. She would go and wake him with a kiss, and say +she was sorry to have vexed him, and if he'd only be kind and not order +her, she wouldn't do so any more.</p> + +<p>She slipped out of bed, stole noiselessly to the door of the +dressing-room, and looked in.</p> + +<p>He was not there, and the room was in great disorder, closet and wardrobe +doors and bureau drawers open and things scattered here and there, as if +he had made a hasty selection of garments, tossing aside such as he did +not want.</p> + +<p>As Zoe gazed about in wonder and surprise, the sound of wheels caught her +ear.</p> + +<p>She ran to a window overlooking a side entrance, and dropped on her knees +before it to look and listen without danger of being seen.</p> + +<p>There stood the family carriage. Edward was in the act of handing Miss +Fleming into it; Miss Deane followed, and he stepped in after her, only +pausing a moment with his foot upon the step to turn and answer a question +from his mother.</p> + +<p>"How long do you expect to be gone, Edward?" Elsie asked.</p> + +<p>"Probably a week or ten days, mother," he replied. "Good-by," and in +another instant the carriage rolled away.</p> + +<p>Zoe felt stunned, bewildered, as she knelt there leaning her head against +the window frame and watched it till it was out of sight.</p> + +<p>"Gone!" she said aloud; "gone without one word of good-by to me, without +telling me he was going, without saying he was sorry for his cruel words +last night, and with Miss Deane. Oh, I know now that he hates me and will +never, never love me again!"</p> + +<p>Bitter, scalding tears streamed from her eyes. She rose presently and +began mechanically picking up and putting away his clothes, then made her +usual neat toilet, stopping every now and then to wipe away her tears, for +she was crying all the time.</p> + +<p>The breakfast bell rang at the accustomed hour, but she could not bear the +thought of going down and showing her tear-swollen eyes at the table. +Besides, she did not feel hungry; she thought she would never want to eat +again.</p> + +<p>After a little, opening the door in answer to a rap, she found Agnes +standing there with a delightful breakfast on a silver waiter—hot coffee, +delicate rolls and muffins, tender beefsteak, and omelet.</p> + +<p>"Good-mornin', Miss Zoe," said the girl, walking in and setting her burden +down on a stand. "Miss Elsie she tole me for to fotch up dis yere. She +tink, Miss Elsie do, dat p'raps you'd rather eat yo' breakfus up yere dis +mornin'."</p> + +<p>"Yes, so I would, Agnes, though I'm not very hungry. Tell mamma she's very +kind, and I'm much obliged."</p> + +<p>"Ya'as, Miss Zoe," and Agnes courtesied and withdrew.</p> + +<p>Zoe took a sip of the coffee, tasted the omelet, found a coming appetite, +and went on to make a tolerably hearty meal, growing more cheerful and +hopeful as she ate.</p> + +<p>But grief overcame her again as she went about the solitary rooms; it +seemed as if her husband's presence lingered everywhere, and yet as if he +were dead and buried, and she never to see him more.</p> + +<p>Not quite a year had elapsed since her father's death, and the scenes of +that day and night and many succeeding ones came vividly before her; the +utter forlornness of her condition, alone in a strange land with a dying +parent, with no earthly comforter at hand, no friend or helper in all the +wide world, and how Edward then flew to her assistance, how kindly he +ministered to her dying father, how tenderly he took her in his arms, +whispering words of love and sympathy, and asking her to become his wife +and give him the right to protect and care for her.</p> + +<p>And how he had lavished favors and endearments upon her all these months; +how patiently he had borne with petulance and frequent disregard of his +known wishes, nor ever once reminded her that she owed her home and every +earthly blessing to him.</p> + +<p>How he had sympathized with her in her bursts of grief for her father, +soothing her with tenderest caresses and assurances of the bliss of the +departed, and reminding her of the blessed hope of reunion in the better +land.</p> + +<p>After all this, she surely might have borne a little from him—a trifling +neglect or reproof, a slight exertion of authority, especially as she +could not deny that she was very young and foolish to be left to her own +guidance.</p> + +<p>And perhaps he had a right to claim her obedience, for she knew that she +had promised to give it.</p> + +<p>She found she loved him with a depth and passion she had not been aware +of. But he had gone away without a good-by to her, in anger, and with Miss +Deane. He would never have done that if there had been a spark of love +left in his heart.</p> + +<p>Where and how was he going to spend that week or ten days? At the house of +Miss Deane's parents, sitting beside her, hearing her talk and enjoying +it, though he knew his little wife at home must be breaking her heart +because of his absence?</p> + +<p>Was he doing this instead of carrying out his half threat of locking her +up? Did he know that this was a punishment ten times worse?</p> + +<p>But if he wasn't going to love her any more, if he was tired of her and +wanted to be rid of her, how could she ever bear to stay and be a burden +and constant annoyance to him?</p> + +<p>Elsie, coming up a little later, found her in her boudoir crying very +bitterly.</p> + +<p>"Dear child, my dear little daughter," she said, taking her in her kind +arms, "don't grieve so; a week or even ten days will soon roll round, and +Edward will be with you again."</p> + +<p>"O mamma, it is a long, long while!" she sobbed. "You know we've never +been parted for a whole day since we were married, and he's all I have."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, I know; and I felt sure you were crying up here and didn't +want to show your tell-tale face at the table, so I sent your breakfast +up. I hope you paid it proper attention—did not treat it with neglect?" +she added sportively.</p> + +<p>"It tasted very good, mamma, and you were very kind," Zoe said.</p> + +<p>She longed to ask where and on what errand Edward had gone, but did not +want to expose her ignorance of his plans.</p> + +<p>"I did not know the ladies were going to-day," she remarked.</p> + +<p>"It was very sudden," was the reply; "a telegram received this morning +summoned them home because of the alarming illness of Miss Deane's father, +and as Edward had business to attend to that would make it necessary for +him to take a train leaving only an hour later than theirs, he thought it +best to see them on their way as far as our city. He could not do more, as +their destination and his lie in exactly opposite directions."</p> + +<p>Though Edward had kept his own counsel, the kind mother had her +suspicions, and was anxious to relieve Zoe's mind as far as lay in her +power.</p> + +<p>Zoe's brightening countenance and sigh of relief showed her that her +efforts were not altogether in vain.</p> + +<p>"I think Edward was sorry to leave his little wife for so long," she went +on. "He committed her to my care. What will you do with yourself this +morning, dear, while I am busy with the children in the school-room?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, mamma; perhaps learn some lessons. Edward would wish me to +attend to my studies while he is away, and I want to please him."</p> + +<p>"I haven't a doubt of that, dear. I know there is very strong love between +you, and the knowledge makes me very happy."</p> + +<p>"Mamma," said Zoe, "may I ask you a question?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, dear, as many as you please."</p> + +<p>"Did you obey your husband?"</p> + +<p>Elsie looked surprise, almost startled; the query seemed to throw new +light on the state of affairs between Edward and his young wife; but she +answered promptly in her own sweet, gentle tones. "My dear, I often wished +he would only give me the opportunity; it would have been so great a +pleasure to give up my wishes for one I loved so dearly."</p> + +<p>"Then he never ordered you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, once—very soon after our marriage—he laid his commands upon me to +cease calling him Mr. Travilla and say Edward," Elsie said, with a dreamy +smile and a far-away look in her soft brown eyes.</p> + +<p>"He was very much older than I, and knowing him from very early childhood, +as a grown-up gentleman and my father's friend, I had been used to calling +him Mr. Travilla, and could hardly feel it respectful to drop the title.</p> + +<p>"The only other order he ever gave me was not to exert myself to lift my +little Elsie before I had recovered my strength after her birth. He was +very tenderly careful of his little wife, as he delighted to call her."</p> + +<p>"I wish I had known him," said Zoe. "Is my husband much like him?"</p> + +<p>"More in looks than disposition. I sometimes think he resembles my father +more than his own in the latter regard.</p> + +<p>"Yes," thought Zoe, "that's where he gets his disposition to domineer over +me and order me about. I always knew Grandpa Dinsmore was of that sort."</p> + +<p>Aloud she said, with a watery smile, "And my Edward has been very tenderly +careful of me."</p> + +<p>"And always will be, I trust," said his mother, smiling more cheerily. "If +he does not prove so, he is less like my father than I think. Mamma will +tell you, I am sure, that she has been the happiest of wives."</p> + +<p>"I suppose it depends a good deal upon the two dispositions how a couple +get on together," remarked Zoe, sagely. "But, mamma, do you think the man +should always rule and have his way in everything?"</p> + +<p>"I think a wife's best plan, if she desires to have her own way, is always +to be or to seem ready to give up to her husband. Don't deny or oppose +their claim to authority, and they are not likely to care to exert it."</p> + +<p>"If I were only as wise and good as you, mamma!" murmured Zoe with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"Ah, dear, I am not at all good; and as to the wisdom, I trust it will +come to you with years; there is an old saying that we cannot expect to +find gray heads on green shoulders."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI" />CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"And if division come, it soon is past,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Too sharp, too strange an agony to last.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">And like some river's bright, abundant tide,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Which art or accident had forc'd aside,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">The well-springs of affection gushing o'er,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Back to their natural channels flow once more."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 25.5em;">—<i>Mrs. Norton.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Left alone, Zoe sat meditating on her mother-in-law's advice.</p> + +<p>"Oh," she said to herself, "if I could only know that my husband's love +isn't gone forever, I could take comfort in planning to carry it out; but +oh, if he hadn't quite left off caring for me, how could he threaten me +so, and then go away without making up, without saying good-by, even if he +didn't kiss me? I couldn't have gone away from him so for one day, and he +expects to be away for ten. Ten days! such a long, long while!" and her +tears fell like rain.</p> + +<p>She wiped them away, after a little, opened her books and tried to study, +but she could not fix her mind upon the subject; her thoughts would wander +from it to Edward travelling farther and farther from her, and the tears +kept dropping on the page.</p> + +<p>She gave it up and tried to sew, but could mot see to take her stitches or +thread her needle for the blinding tears.</p> + +<p>She put on her hat and a veil to hide her tear-stained face and swollen +eyes, stole quietly down-stairs and out into the grounds, where she +wandered about solitary and sad.</p> + +<p>Everywhere she missed Edward; she could think of nothing but him and his +displeasure, and her heart was filled with sad forebodings for the future. +Would he ever, ever love and be kind to her again?</p> + +<p>After a while she crept back to her apartments, taking care to avoid +meeting any one.</p> + +<p>But Elsie was there looking for her. The children's lesson hours were +over, they were going for a drive, and hoped Zoe would go along.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, mamma, but I do not care to go to-day," Zoe answered in a +choking voice, and turned away to hide her tears.</p> + +<p>"My dear child, my dear, foolish little girl!" Elsie said, putting her +arms around her, "why should you grieve so? Ned will soon be at home +again, if all goes well. He is not very far away, and if you should be +taken ill, or need him very much for any reason, a telegram would bring +him to you in a few hours."</p> + +<p>"But he went away without kissing me good-by; he didn't kiss me last night +or this morning." The words were on the tip of Zoe's tongue, but she held +them back, and answered only with fresh tears and sobs.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid you are not well, dear," Elsie said. "What can I do for you?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing, thank you, mamma. I didn't sleep quite so well as usual last +night, and my head aches. I'll lie down and try to get a nap."</p> + +<p>"Do, dear, and I hope it will relieve the poor head. As you are a healthy +little body, I presume the pain has been brought on merely by loss of +sleep and crying. I think Edward must not leave you for so long a time +again. Would you like mamma to stay with you, darling?" she asked, with a +motherly caress.</p> + +<p>Zoe declined the offer; she would be more likely to sleep if quite alone; +and Elsie withdrew after seeing her comfortably established upon the bed.</p> + +<p>"Strange," she said to herself as she passed on through the upper hall and +down the broad staircase into the lower one, "it can hardly be that +Edward's absence alone can distress her so greatly. I fear there is some +misunderstanding between them. I think I must telegraph for Edward if she +continues so inconsolable. His wife's health and happiness are of far more +consequence than any business matter. But I shall consult papa first, of +course."</p> + +<p>She went into the library, found him sitting there, and laid the case +before him.</p> + +<p>He shared her fear that all was not right between the young couple, and +remarked that, unfortunately, Edward had too much of his grandfather's +sternness and disposition to domineer.</p> + +<p>"I don't like to hear you depreciate yourself, papa," Elsie said. "Edward +may have that disposition without having got it from you. And I am sure +mamma would indignantly repel the insinuation that you were ever a +domineering husband."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so; my daughter was the safety-valve in my case. Well, daughter, +my advice is, wait till to-morrow at all events. I must say she doesn't +seem to me one of the kind to submit tamely to oppression. I did not like +her behavior last evening, and it may be that she needs the lesson her +husband seems to be giving her. He certainly has been affectionate enough +in the past to make it reasonable to suppose he is not abusing her now."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I could never think he would do that!" exclaimed his mother, "and I +believe in my heart he would hurry home at once if he knew how she is +fretting over his absence."</p> + +<p>It was near the dinner hour when Elsie returned from her drive, and +stealing on tiptoe into Zoe's bedroom she found her fast asleep. Her +eyelashes were still wet, and she looked flushed and feverish.</p> + +<p>Elsie gazed at her in tender pity and some little anxiety; the face was so +young and child-like, and even in sleep wore a grieved expression that +touched the kind mother heart.</p> + +<p>"Poor little orphan!" she sighed to herself, "she must feel very lonely +and forlorn in her husband's absence, especially if things have gone wrong +between them. How could I ever have borne a word or look of displeasure +from my husband! I hope she is not going to be ill."</p> + +<p>"Is Zoe not coming down?" Mr. Dinsmore asked as the family gathered about +the dinner-table.</p> + +<p>"I found her sleeping, papa, and thought it best not to wake her;" Elsie +answered. "I think she does not look quite well, and that sleep will do +her more good than anything else."</p> + +<p>Zoe slept most of the afternoon, woke apparently more cheerful, and ate +with seeming enjoyment the delicate lunch presently brought her by Elsie's +orders; but she steadily declined to join the family at tea or in the +parlor.</p> + +<p>She would much rather stay where she was for the rest of the day, she +said, as she felt dull and her head still ached a little.</p> + +<p>Every one felt concerned about, and disposed to be as kind to her as +possible. Mrs. Dinsmore, Elsie, Violet, and Rosie all came in in the +course of the afternoon and evening to ask how she did, and express the +hope that she would soon be quite well again, and to try to cheer her up.</p> + +<p>They offered her companionship through the night; any one of them would +willingly sleep with her; but she said she was not timid and would prefer +to remain alone.</p> + +<p>"Well, dear, I should feel a trifle easier not to have you alone," Elsie +said, as she bade her good-night, "but we will not force our company upon +you. None of us lock our doors at night, and my rooms are not far away; +don't hesitate to wake me, if you feel uneasy or want anything in the +night."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, dear mamma," returned Zoe, putting her arms about her mother's +neck; "you are so good and kind! such a dear mother to me! I will do as +you say; if I feel at all timid in the night I shall run to your rooms and +creep into bed with you."</p> + +<p>So they all left her, and the house grew silent and still.</p> + +<p>It was the first night since her marriage that her husband had not been +with her, and she missed him more than ever. Besides, through the day she +had been buoyed up in a measure by the hope that he would send her a +note, a telegram, or some sort of message.</p> + +<p>He had not done so, and the conviction that she had quite alienated him +from her grew stronger and stronger.</p> + +<p>Again she indulged in bitter weeping, wetting her pillow with her tears as +she vainly courted sleep.</p> + +<p>"He hates me now, I know he does, and will never love me again," she +repeated to herself. "I wish I didn't love him so. Ho said he was sorry he +couldn't give me my liberty, but I don't want it; but he wants to be rid +of me, or he would never have said that; and how unhappy he must be, and +will be all his life, tied to a wife he hates.</p> + +<p>"I won't stay here to be a burden and torment to him!" she cried, starting +up with sudden determination and energy. "I love him so dearly that I'll +deliver him from that, even though it will break my heart; for oh, how +<i>can</i> I live without him!"</p> + +<p>She considered a moment, and (foolish child) thought it would be an act of +noble self-sacrifice, and also very romantic, to run away and die of a +broken heart, in order to relieve her husband of the burden and torment +she chose to imagine that he considered her.</p> + +<p>A folly that was partly the effect of too much reading of sensational +novels, partly of physical ailment, for she was really feverish and ill.</p> + +<p>She did not pause to decide where she would go, or to reflect how she +could support herself. Were not all places alike away from the one she so +dearly loved? and as to support she had a little money, and would not be +likely to live long enough to need more.</p> + +<p>Perhaps Edward would search for her from a sense of duty—she knew he was +very conscientious—but she would manage so that he would never be able to +find her; she would go under an assumed name; she would call herself Miss, +and no one would suspect her of being a married woman running away from +her husband. Ah, it was not altogether a disadvantage to be and look so +young!</p> + +<p>And when she should find herself dying, or so near it that there would not +be time to send for Edward, she would tell some one who she really was, +and ask that a letter should be written to him telling of her death, so +that he would know he wus free to marry again.</p> + +<p>Marry again! The thought of that shook her resolution for a moment. It was +torture to imagine the love and caresses that had been hers lavished upon +another woman.</p> + +<p>But, perhaps, after his unhappy experience of married life, he would +choose to live single the rest of his days. He had his mother and sisters +to love, and could be happy without a wife.</p> + +<p>Besides, she had read somewhere that though love was everything to a +woman, men were different and could do quite well without it.</p> + +<p>She went into the dressing-room, turned up the night lamp, and looked at +her watch.</p> + +<p>It was one o'clock. At two a stage passed northward along a road on the +farther side of Fairview. She could easily make her few preparations in +half an hour, walk to the nearest point on the route of the stage in time +to stop it and get in, then while journeying on, decide what her next step +should be.</p> + +<p>She packed a hand-bag with such things as she deemed most essential, +arrayed herself in a plain, dark woollen dress, with hat, veil, and gloves +to match, threw a shawl over her arm, and was just turning to go, when a +thought struck her.</p> + +<p>"I ought to leave a note, of course; they always do."</p> + +<p>Sitting down at her writing-desk, she directed an envelope to her husband, +then wrote on a card:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I am going away never to come back. Don't look for me, for it + will be quite useless, as I shall manage so that you can never + trace me. It breaks my heart to leave you, my dear dear + husband, for I love you better than life, but I know I have lost + your love, and I want to rid you of the burden and annoyance of + a hated wife. So, farewell forever in this world, and nay you be + very happy all your days.</p></div> + + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"ZOE."</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Her tears fell fast as she wrote; she had to wipe them away again and +again, and the card was so blotted and blistered by them that some of the +words were scarcely legible, but there was not time to write another; so +she put it in the envelope and laid it on the toilet table, where it would +be sure to catch his eye.</p> + +<p>Then taking up her shawl and satchel, she sent one tearful farewell glance +around the room, and stole noiselessly down-stairs and out of the house by +a side door. It caught her dress in closing, but she was unaware of that +for a moment, as she stood still on the step, remembering with a sudden +pang, that was more than half regret, that the deed was done beyond +recall, for the dead-latch was down, and she had no key with which to +effect an entrance; she must go on now, whether she would or not.</p> + +<p>She took a step forward, and found she was last; she could neither go on +nor retreat. Oh, dreadful to be caught there and her scheme at the same +time baffled and revealed!</p> + +<p>All at once she saw it in a new light. "Oh, how angry, how very angry +Edward would be! What would he do and say to her? Certainly, she had given +him sufficient reason to deem it necessary to lock her up; for what right +had she to go away to stay without his knowledge and consent? she who had +taken a solemn vow—in the presence of her dying father, too—to love, +honor and obey him as long as they both should live. Oh, it would be too +disgraceful to be caught so!"</p> + +<p>She exerted all her strength in the effort to wrench herself free, even at +the cost of tearing the dress and being obliged to travel with it +unrepaired; but in vain; the material was too strong to give way, and she +sank down on the step in a state of pitiable fright and despair.</p> + +<p>She heard the clock in the hall strike two. Even the servants would not be +stirring before five; so she had at least three hours to sit there alone +and exposed to danger from tramps, thieves, and burglars, if any should +happen to come about.</p> + +<p>And oh, the miserable prospect before her when this trying vigil should be +over. How grieved mamma would be! dear mamma, whom she loved with true +daughterly affection; how stern and angry Grandpa Dinsmore, how astonished +and displeased all the others; how wicked and supremely silly they would +think her.</p> + +<p>Perhaps she could bribe the servants to keep her secret (her dress, her +travelling bag and the early hour would reveal something of its nature), +and gain her rooms again without being seen by any of the family; but then +her life would be one of constant terror of discovery.</p> + +<p>Should she try that course, or the more straightforward one of not +attempting any concealment?</p> + +<p>She was still debating this question in her mind, when her heart almost +flew into her mouth at the sound of a man's step approaching on the gravel +walk. It drew nearer, nearer, came close to her side, and with a cry of +terror she fell in a little heap on the doorstep in a dead faint.</p> + +<p>He uttered a low exclamation of astonishment, stooped over her, and +pushing aside her veil so that the moonlight shone full upon her face, +"Zoe!" he said, "is it possible! What can have brought you here at this +hour of the night?"</p> + +<p>He paused for an answer, but none came; then bending lower and perceiving +that she was quite unconscious, also fast, he took a key from his pocket +and opened the door.</p> + +<p>He bent over her again, taking note of her dress and the travelling bag by +her side.</p> + +<p>"Running away, evidently! could any one have conceived the possibility of +her doing so crazy a thing!" he muttered, as he took her in his arms.</p> + +<p>Then a dark thought crossed his mind, but he put it determinately from +him.</p> + +<p>"No; I will not, cannot think it! She is pure, guileless, and innocent as +an infant."</p> + +<p>He stooped again, picked up the bag, closed the door softly, and carried +her up-stairs—treading with caution lest a stumble or the sound of his +footsteps should arouse some one and lead to the discovery of what was +going on; yet with as great celerity as consistent with that caution, +fearing consciousness might return too soon for the preservation of the +secrecy he desired.</p> + +<p>But it did not; she was still insensible when he laid her down on a couch +in her boudoir.</p> + +<p>He took off her hat and veil, threw them aside, loosened her dress, opened +a window to give her air, then went into the dressing-room for the night +lamp usually kept burning there.</p> + +<p>As he turned it up, his eye fell upon Zoe's note.</p> + +<p>He knew her handwriting instantly.</p> + +<p>"Here is the explanation," was the thought that flashed into his mind, and +snatching it up, he tore open the envelope, held the card near the light +and read what her fingers had traced scarcely an hour ago.</p> + +<p>His eyes filled as he read, and two great drops fell as he laid it down.</p> + +<p>He picked up the lamp and hastened back to her.</p> + +<p>As he drew near she opened her eyes, sent one frightened glance round the +room and up into his pale, troubled face, then covering hers with her +hands, burst into hysterical weeping.</p> + +<p>He set down the lamp, knelt by her sofa and gathered her in his arms, +resting her head against his breast.</p> + +<p>"Zoe, my little Zoe, my own dear wife!" he said in faltering accents, +"have I really been so cruel that you despair of my love? Why, my darling, +no greater calamity than your loss could possibly befall me. I love you +dearly, dearly! better far than I did when I asked you to be mine—when we +gave ourselves to each other."</p> + +<p>"Oh, is it true? do you really love me yet in spite of all my jealousy and +wilfulness, and—and—oh, I have been very bad and ungrateful and +troublesome!" she sobbed, clinging about his neck.</p> + +<p>"And I have been too dictatorial and stern," he said, kissing her again +and again. "I have not had the patience I ought to have had with my little +girl-wife, have not been so forbearing and kind as I meant to be."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, you have been very patient and forbearing," she returned, "and +would never have been cross to me if I hadn't provoked you beyond +endurance. I have been very bad to you, dear Ned, but if you'll keep me +and love me I'll try to behave better."</p> + +<p>"I'll do both," he said, holding her closer and repeating his caresses.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so glad, so glad!" she cried, with the tears running over her +cheeks, "so glad I have to weep for joy. And I've been breaking my heart +since you went away and left me in anger and without one word of good-by."</p> + +<p>"My poor darling, it was too cruel," he sighed; "but I found I could not +stand it any more than you, so had to come back to make it up with you. +And I frightened you terribly down there at the door, did I not?"</p> + +<p>"O Ned," she murmured, hiding her blushing face on his breast, "how very +good you are to be so loving and kind when you have a right to be angry +and stern with me. You haven't even asked me what I was doing down there +in the night."</p> + +<p>"Your note explained that," he said in moved tones, thinking how great +must have been the distress that led to such an act, "and I fear I am as +deserving of reproof as yourself."</p> + +<p>"Then you will forgive me?" she asked humbly. "I thought I had a right to +go away, thinking it would make you happier, but now I know I hadn't, +because I had promised myself to you for all my life."</p> + +<p>"No; neither of us has a right to forsake the other (we 'are no more twain +but one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let no man put +asunder'); we are husband and wife for as long as we both shall live, and +must dwell together in mutual love and forbearance. We will exchange +forgiveness, dearest, for we have both been to blame, and I forgive your +attempt of to-night on condition that you promise me never, never to do +such a thing again."</p> + +<p>"I promise," she said, "and," imploringly, "O Ned, won't you keep my +secret? I couldn't bear to have it known even in the family."</p> + +<p>"No more could I, love," he answered; "and oh, but I am thankful that you +were caught by the door and so prevented from carrying out your purpose!"</p> + +<p>"So am I, and that it was my own dear husband, and not a burglar, as I +feared, who found me there."</p> + +<p>"Ah, was that the cause of your fright?" he asked, with a look of relief +and pleasure. "I thought it was your terror of your husband's wrath that +caused your faint. But, darling, you are looking weary and actually ill. +You must go to bed at once."</p> + +<p>"I'll obey you, this time and always," she answered, looking up fondly +into his face. "I am convinced now that I am only a foolish child in need +of guidance and control, and who should provide them but you? I could +hardly stand it from anybody else—unless mamma—but I'm sure that in +future it will be a pleasure to take it from my own dear husband if—if +only——" she paused, blushing and hiding her face on his breast.</p> + +<p>"If what, love?"</p> + +<p>"If only instead of 'You must and shall,' you will say kindly, 'I want you +to do it to please me, Zoe.'"</p> + +<p>"Sweet one," he answered, holding her to his heart, "I do fully intend +that it shall be always love and coaxing after this."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII" />CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"Our love, it ne'er was reckoned,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">Yet good it is and true;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">It's half the world to me, dear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">It's all the world to you."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 21em;">—<i>Hood.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Edward was a trifle late in obeying the call to breakfast. He found the +rest of the family already seated at the table, and great was the surprise +created by his entrance.</p> + +<p>"Why, how's this? hae we all been sleepin' a week or ten days?" exclaimed +Mr. Lilburn. "The lad was to hae been absent that length o' time, and I +thought it was but yesterday he went; yet here he is!"</p> + +<p>"This is an unexpected pleasure, my dear boy," was his mother's greeting.</p> + +<p>The others said "Good-morning," and all smilingly awaited an explanation.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning to you all," returned Edward, taking his seat. "Of course I +have not had time to attend to the business matter that took me away; but +the fact is, I found I could not do without my wife, so came back after +her."</p> + +<p>"Where is she now?" asked his mother.</p> + +<p>"I left her still in bed and asleep. I came home by the stage, found her +awake—indeed, I think she said she had not slept at all—and kept her +awake for some time talking——"</p> + +<p>"So much to say after so lengthened a separation?" laughingly interrupted +his grandfather.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, a good deal," Edward answered, coloring slightly. "So she has +to make it up now, and I would not wake her."</p> + +<p>"Quite right," said his mother. "Her breakfast shall be sent up whenever +she is ready for it."</p> + +<p>"I'm very glad you've come, Ned," remarked Rosie, "for Zoe nearly cried +her eyes out yesterday, grieving after you. 'Twouldn't be I that would +fret so after any man living—unless it might be grandpa," with a +coquettish, laughing look at him.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, my dear," he said.</p> + +<p>"Ah, lassie, that's a' because your time hasna come yet," remarked Mr. +Lilburn. "When it does, you'll be as lovelorn and foolish as the rest."</p> + +<p>"Granting that it is foolish for a woman to love her husband," put in Mrs. +Dinsmore, sportively.</p> + +<p>"A heresy never to be countenanced here," said her spouse; "the husbands +and wives of this family expect to give and receive no small amount of +that commodity. Do you set off again this morning, Ned?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; not before to-morrow; not then unless Zoe is ready to go with +me."</p> + +<p>"Quite right, my boy, your wife's health and happiness are, as your mother +remarked to me yesterday, of more consequence than any mere business +matter."</p> + +<p>On leaving the table Edward followed his mother out to the veranda.</p> + +<p>"Can I have a word in private with you, mamma?" he asked, and she thought +his look was troubled.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," she said. "I hope nothing is wrong with our little Zoe?"</p> + +<p>"It is of her—and myself I want to speak. I feel impelled to make a +confession to you, mother dear, that I would not willingly to any one +else. Perhaps you have suspected," he added, coloring with mortification, +"that all was not right between us when I left yesterday. She would not +have fretted so over my mere absence of a few days, but I had scolded and +threatened her the night before, and went away without any reconciliation +or even a good-by. In fact, she was asleep when I left the rooms, and knew +nothing of my going."</p> + +<p>"O Edward!" exclaimed his listener in a low, pained tone.</p> + +<p>"I am bitterly ashamed of my conduct, mother," he said with emotion, "but +we have made it up and are both very happy again in each other's love. She +was very humble over her part of the quarrel, poor little thing! and we +mean to live in peace and love the rest of our lives, God helping us," he +added reverently.</p> + +<p>"I trust so, my dear boy," Elsie said, "for whether you live in peace or +contention, will make all the difference of happiness or misery in your +lives. It would have quite broken my heart had your father ever scolded or +threatened me."</p> + +<p>"But you, mamma, were a woman when you married, old enough and wise enough +to guide and control yourself."</p> + +<p>"I was older than Zoe is, it is true; but do not be dictatorial, Edward; +if you must rule, do it by love and persuasion; you will find it the +easiest and happiest way for you both."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mother, I am convinced of it; but unfortunately for my poor little +wife, I have not my father's gentleness and easy temper. Will you come up +with me now and take a look at her? I fear she is not quite well—her +cheeks are so flushed and her hands so hot. I shall never forgive myself +if I have made her ill."</p> + +<p>"I sincerely hope you are not to be visited with so severe a punishment as +that," his mother said. "But come, let us go to her at once."</p> + +<p>They found her still sleeping, but not profoundly; her face was +unnaturally flushed, and wore a troubled expression, while her breathing +seemed labored.</p> + +<p>As they stood anxiously regarding her, she woke with a sharp cry of +distress and anguish, then catching sight of her husband bending over her, +her face grew radiant, and throwing her arms about his neck, "O Ned, dear +Ned!" she cried, "are you here? and do you love me yet?"</p> + +<p>"Dearly, dearly, my darling," he said, holding her close. "What has +troubled you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, such a dreadful dream! I thought I was all alone in a desert and +couldn't find you anywhere."</p> + +<p>"But 'drames always go by conthraries, my dear,'" he quoted sportively. +Then more seriously, "Are you quite well, love?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"A little dull and a trifle headachy," she answered, smiling up at him, +"but I think a cup of coffee and a drive with my husband in the sweet +morning air will cure me."</p> + +<p>"You shall have both with the least possible delay."</p> + +<p>"What time is it? Have you been to breakfast?"</p> + +<p>"It's about nine, and I have taken breakfast. I think you must have some +before exerting yourself to dress."</p> + +<p>"Just as you say; it's nice to have you tell me what to do," she said, +nestling closer in his arms. "I can't think why I should ever have +disliked it."</p> + +<p>"I presume it was all the fault of my tone and manner, sometimes of my +words, too," he said, passing his hand caressingly over her hair and +cheek. "I'm afraid I've been decidedly bearish on several occasions; but I +trust I shall have the grace to treat my wife with politeness and +consideration after this."</p> + +<p>Elsie, who had left the room on Zoe's awaking, now came in and bidding her +an affectionate good-morning, said she had ordered her breakfast to be +brought up at once, adding, "I hope you will do it justice, my dear."</p> + +<p>"I'll see that she does, mamma," Edward answered for her, in sportive +tone; "she has made such fair promises of submission, obedience, and all +that, that she'll hardly dare refuse to do anything I bid her."</p> + +<p>"I haven't been very good about it lately, mamma," Zoe said, looking half +tearfully, half smilingly from one to the other, "but Ned's forgiven me, +and now I feel as you say you did—that it's a real pleasure to give up my +wishes to one I love so very dearly, and who is, I know, very much wiser +than I."</p> + +<p>"That is right, dear," Elsie said tenderly, "and I trust he will show +himself worthy of all your love and confidence."</p> + +<p>The two now comported themselves like a pair of lovers, as indeed they had +done through all their brief married life, except the last few days.</p> + +<p>Edward exerted himself for the entertainment of his little wife during +their drive, and was very tender and careful of her.</p> + +<p>On their return, he bade her lie down on the sofa in her boudoir and rest, +averring that she looked languid and unlike herself.</p> + +<p>"To please you," she said, obeying the mandate with a smiling glance up +into his face.</p> + +<p>"That's a good child!" he responded, sitting down beside her and smoothing +her hair with fond, caressing hand. "Now, what shall I do to please you?"</p> + +<p>"Stay here, close beside me, and hold my hand, and talk to me."</p> + +<p>"Very well," he answered, closing his fingers over the hand she put into +his, then lifting it to his lips. "How your face has changed, love, since +that frightened look you gave me when I came in with the lamp last night."</p> + +<p>"How frightened and ashamed I was, Ned!" she exclaimed, tears springing to +her eyes; "I felt that you had a right to beat me if you wanted to, and I +shouldn't have said a word if you'd done it."</p> + +<p>"But you couldn't have feared that?" he said, with a pained look, and +coloring deeply.</p> + +<p>"No, oh, <i>no, indeed</i>! I know you would <i>never</i> do that, but I dreaded +what you might say, and did not at all expect you would be so kind and +forgiving and loving to me.</p> + +<p>"But how was I brought up here? I knew nothing from the instant you were +at my side on the door-step till I saw you coming in with the lamp."</p> + +<p>"In your husband's arms."</p> + +<p>"What a heavy load for you to carry!" she said, looking at him with +concern.</p> + +<p>"No, not at all; I did it with perfect ease, except for the darkness and +the fear that you might recover consciousness on the way and scream out +with affright before you discovered who your captor was."</p> + +<p>"My husband, my dear, kind husband!" she murmured, softly stroking his +face as he bent over her to press a kiss upon her forehead.</p> + +<p>"My darling little wife," he returned.</p> + +<p>Then after a moment's silent exchange of caresses,</p> + +<p>"Would you mind telling me where you were going and what you intended to +do?" he asked with a half smile.</p> + +<p>"I have no right to refuse, if you require a full confession," she said, +half playfully, half tearfully, and blushing deeply.</p> + +<p>"I don't require it, but should like to have it, nevertheless; for I +confess my curiosity is piqued," he said with an amused, yet tender look +and tone.</p> + +<p>"There isn't really very much to tell," she sighed, "only that because I +was dreadfully unhappy and had worked myself up to believing that I was a +hated wife, a burden and annoyance to my husband, I thought it would be an +act of noble self-sacrifice to run away, and—O Ned, please don't laugh at +me!"</p> + +<p>"I am not laughing, love," he said in soothing, half-tremulous tones, +taking her in his arms and holding her close, as he had done the night +before. "How could I laugh at you for being willing to sacrifice +everything for me? But that's not all?"</p> + +<p>"Not quite. It came to me like a flash about the stage passing so near at +two o'clock in the morning, and that I could get away then without being +seen, and after I was in it make up my mind where I would get out."</p> + +<p>"And how did you expect to support yourself?"</p> + +<p>"There was some money in my purse—you never let it get empty, Ned—and—I +thought I wouldn't need any very long."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't? why not?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I was sure, <i>sure</i> I couldn't live long without you," she cried, +hugging him close and ending with a burst of tears and sobs.</p> + +<p>"You dear, dear little thing!" he said with emotion, and tightening his +clasp of her slight form; "after I had been so cruel to you, too!"</p> + +<p>"No, you weren't, except in going away without making up and saying +good-by."</p> + +<p>"It's very generous in you to say it, darling. But how large was this sum +of money that you expected to last as long as you needed any?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I didn't stop to count it. You can do that, if you want to. +I suppose the purse is in my satchel."</p> + +<p>He brought the satchel—still unpacked—took out the purse and examined +its contents.</p> + +<p>"Barely ten dollars," he said. "It would have lasted but a few days, and, +my darling, what would have become of you then?"</p> + +<p>He bent over her in grave tenderness.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, Ned," she replied; "I suppose I'd have had to look for +employment."</p> + +<p>"To think of you, my little, delicate, petted darling, looking for +employment by which to earn your daily bread!" he exclaimed with emotion. +"It is plain you know nothing of the hardships and difficulties you would +have had to encounter. I shudder to think of it all. But I should never +have let it come to that."</p> + +<p>"Would you have looked for me, Ned?"</p> + +<p>"I should have begun the search the instant I heard of your flight, nor +ever have known a moment's rest till I found you!" he exclaimed with +energy. "But as I came in the stage you purposed to take, I should have +met and brought you back, if that fortunate mishap had not taken place."</p> + +<p>Then she told him of her thoughts, feelings, and painful anticipations +while held fast in the relentless grasp of the door, finishing with, "Oh, +I never could have dreamed that it would all end so well, so happily for +me!"</p> + +<p>"And yet, dear one, I do not think you at all realize how painful—not to +say dreadful—would have been the consequences to you, to me, and, indeed, +to all the family, if you had succeeded in carrying out what I must call +your crazy scheme."</p> + +<p>She looked up at him in alarmed inquiry, and he went on, "'Madame Rumor, +with her thousand tongues,' would have had many a tale to tell of the +cruel abuse to which you had been subjected by your husband and his +family—so cruel that you were compelled to run away in the night, taking +advantage of the temporary absence of your tyrannical husband; while——"</p> + +<p>"O Ned, dear Ned, I never thought of that!" she exclaimed, interrupting +him with a burst of tears and sobs. "I wouldn't for the world have +wrought harm to you or any of them."</p> + +<p>"No, love, I know you wouldn't. I believe your motives were altogether +kind and self-sacrificing," he said soothingly; "and you yourself would +have been the greatest sufferer; the world judges hardly—how hardly my +little girl-wife has no idea; wicked people would have found wicked +motives to which to impute your act and caused a stain upon your fair fame +that might never have been removed.</p> + +<p>"But there, there, love, do not cry any more over it; happily, the whole +thing is a secret between us two, and we may now dismiss the disagreeable +subject forever.</p> + +<p>"But shall we not promise each other that we will never part in anger, +even when the separation may not be for an hour? or ever lie down to sleep +at night unreconciled, if there has been the slightest misunderstanding or +coldness between us?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes, I promise!" she cried eagerly; "but, oh, dear Ned, I hope +we will never, never have any more coldness or quarrelling between us, +never say a cross word to each other."</p> + +<p>"And I join you, dearest, in both wish and promise."</p> + +<p>"I am growing very babyish," she said presently with a wistful look up +into his face; "I can hardly bear to think of being parted from you for a +day; and I suppose you'll have to be going off again to attend to that +business affair?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, as soon as I see that my wife is quite well enough to undertake the +journey; for I'm not going again without her."</p> + +<p>"Oh, will you take me with you, Ned?" she cried joyfully. "How very good +in you."</p> + +<p>"Good to myself, little woman," he said, smiling down at her; "it will +turn a tiresome business trip into a pleasure excursion. I have always +found my enjoyment doubled by the companionship of my better half."</p> + +<p>"I call that rank heresy," she said laughing, "<i>you're</i> the better half as +well as the bigger. I wish I were worthy of such a good husband," she +added earnestly and with a look of loving admiration. "I'm very proud of +you, my dear—so good and wise and handsome as you are!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, hush, hush! such fulsome flattery," he returned, coloring and +laughing. "Let me see; this is Friday, so near the end of the week that I +do not care to leave home till next week. We will say Tuesday morning +next, if that will suit you, love?"</p> + +<p>"Nicely," she answered. "Oh, I'm so glad you have promised to take me with +you!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII" />CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>LULU.</h3> + + +<p>Before two days had passed Zoe was quite herself again, and as full of +delight at the prospect of going away for a little trip as any child could +have been. She wore so bright a face, was so merry and frolicsome, that it +was a pleasure to watch her, especially when with her husband, and not +aware that any other eye was upon her.</p> + +<p>His face, too, beamed with happiness.</p> + +<p>Elsie's eyes resting upon them would sometimes fill with tears—half of +joy in their felicity, half of sorrowful yet tender reminiscence. In his +present mood Edward was very like his father in looks, in speech, in +manner.</p> + +<p>Tuesday morning came, bringing with it delightful weather; Edward had +decided to take a later train than when starting before, because he would +not have Zoe roused too soon from sleep.</p> + +<p>They took breakfast with the family at the usual hour, an open barouche +waiting for them at the door; then with a gay good-by to all set out upon +their journey, driving to the nearest station, and there taking the cars.</p> + +<p>"I wish I was going, too!" sighed Lulu, as she and Rosie stood looking +after the barouche.</p> + +<p>"Mamma would have let us drive over to the station with them," said Rose; +"Edward asked if we might, but Ben had some errands to do in town, and +couldn't bring us back in time for lessons."</p> + +<p>"Lessons! I'm sick and tired of them!" grumbled Lulu. "Other children had +holidays last week, but we had to go right on studying."</p> + +<p>"But we are to take ours in a week or two, visiting at the Oaks and the +Laurels, perhaps two weeks at each place, and I'm sure that will be nicer +than to have had Easter holidays at home."</p> + +<p>"There, it's out of sight," said Lulu. "I'd like to be Aunt Zoe, just +starting off on a journey. Let's take a run down the avenue, Rosie."</p> + +<p>"I would, but I must look over my Latin lesson, or I may not be ready for +grandpa."</p> + +<p>With the last words she turned and went into the house.</p> + +<p>Lulu knew that she was not ready for Mr. Dinsmore either, but she was in +no mood for study, and the grounds looked so inviting that she yielded to +the temptation to take a ramble instead.</p> + +<p>Max, from his window, saw her wandering about among the shrubs and flowers +and longed to join her. He was bearing his punishment in a very good +spirit, making no complaint, spending his time in study, reading, writing +and carving.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore came to him to hear his recitations, and was always able to +commend them as excellent. He treated the boy in a kind, fatherly manner, +talking to him of his sin and the way to obtain forgiveness and +deliverance from it, very much as Elsie and Violet had.</p> + +<p>Yet he did not harp continually upon that, but dwelt often upon other +themes, trying so to treat the lad that his self-respect might be +restored.</p> + +<p>Max appreciated the kindness shown him, and was strengthened in his good +resolutions. He was privately very much troubled about his losses, +particularly that of the watch, supposing it to be in Ralph's possession, +for Mr. Dinsmore had said nothing to him on the subject.</p> + +<p>Being very fond of his sisters, Max felt the separation from them no small +part of his punishment; he followed Lulu's movements this morning with +wistful eyes.</p> + +<p>She looked up, and seeing his rather pale, sad face at the window, drew +nearer and called softly to him, "Max, how are you? I'm so sorry for +you."</p> + +<p>He only shook his head and turned away.</p> + +<p>Then Mr. Dinsmore's voice spoke sternly from a lower window, "Lulu, you +are disobeying orders. Go into the house and to the school-room +immediately. You ought to have been there fully a quarter of an hour ago."</p> + +<p>Lulu was a little frightened, and obeyed at once.</p> + +<p>"You are late, Lulu. You must try to be more punctual in future," Elsie +said in a tone of mild rebuke, as the little girl sat down at her desk.</p> + +<p>"I don't care if I am," she muttered, insolently.</p> + +<p>Rose darted at her a look of angry astonishment, Gracie looked shocked, +and little Walter said, "It's very, <i>very</i> naughty to speak so to my +mamma."</p> + +<p>But Elsie did not seem to have heard; her face still wore its usual sweet, +placid expression. Lulu thought she had not heard, but found out her +mistake when she went forward to recite. She was told in a gentle, quiet +tone, "You are not my pupil, to-day, Lulu," and returned to her seat +overwhelmed with embarrassment and anger.</p> + +<p>No further notice was taken of her by any one excerpt Gracie, who now and +then stole a troubled, half-pitying look at her, until Mr Dinsmore came +to hear the Latin lessons.</p> + +<p>Lulu had sat idly at her desk nursing her anger and discontent, her eyes +on the book open before her, but her thoughts elsewhere, so was not +prepared for him.</p> + +<p>She was frightened, but tried to hide it, made an attempt to answer the +first question put to her, but broke down in confusion.</p> + +<p>He asked another; she was unable to answer it; and with a frown he said, +"I perceive that you know nothing about your lesson to-day. Why have you +not learned it?"</p> + +<p>"Because I didn't want to," muttered the delinquent.</p> + +<p>Rosie opened her eyes wide in astonishment. She would never have dared to +answer her grandfather in that manner.</p> + +<p>"Take your book and learn it now," he said in his sternest tone.</p> + +<p>Lulu did not venture to disobey, for she was really very much afraid of +Mr. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>He heard Rosie's lesson, assigned her task for the next day, and both left +the room. The others had gone about the time Mr. Dinsmore came in, so Lulu +was left alone.</p> + +<p>She thought it best to give her mind to the lesson, and in half an hour +felt that she was fully prepared with it.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Dinsmore did not come back, and she dared not leave the room, +though very impatient to do so.</p> + +<p>The dinner bell rang, and still he had not come.</p> + +<p>Lulu was hungry and began to fear that she was to be made to fast; but at +length a servant brought her a good, substantial, though plain dinner, set +it before her, and silently withdrew.</p> + +<p>"It's not half as good as they've got," Lulu remarked half aloud to +herself, discontentedly eying her fare, "but it's better than nothing."</p> + +<p>With that philosophical reflection she fell to work, and speedily emptied +the dishes.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore came to her shortly after, heard the lesson, gave her a +little serious talk and dismissed her.</p> + +<p>Feeling that she owed an apology to Grandma Elsie, but still too stubborn +and proud to make it, Lulu was ashamed to join the others, so went off +alone into the grounds. She was not Grandma Elsie's pupil, she understood, +until the morning's impertinence had been atoned for.</p> + +<p>It was against rules to go beyond the boundary of the grounds without +permission; yet after wandering through them for a while, she did so, and +entering a shady, pleasant road, walked on without any settled purpose, +till she reached a neighboring plantation where lived some little girls +with whom she had a slight acquaintance.</p> + +<p>They were playing croquet on the lawn, and espying Lulu at the gate, +invited her to come in and join them.</p> + +<p>She did so, became much interested in the sport, and forgot to go home +until the lengthening shadows warned her that it must be very near the tea +hour at Ion.</p> + +<p>She then bade a hasty good-by and retraced her steps with great expedition +and in no tranquil state of mind. In truth, she was a good deal alarmed as +she thought of the possible consequences to herself of her bold disregard +of rules.</p> + +<p>She arrived at Ion heated and out of breach, and, as a glance at the hall +clock told her, fully fifteen minutes late.</p> + +<p>Hair and dress were in some disorder, but not thinking of that, in her +haste and perturbation, she went directly to the supper-room, where the +family were in the midst of their meal.</p> + +<p>They all seemed busily engaged with it or in conversation, and she hoped +to slip unobserved into her seat.</p> + +<p>But to her consternation she perceived, as she drew near, that neither +plate nor chair seemed to have been set for her; every place was +occupied.</p> + +<p>At the same instant Mr. Dinsmore, turning a stern look upon her, remarked, +"We have no place here for the rebellious and insubordinate, therefore I +have ordered your plate removed; and while you continue to belong to that +class, you will take your meals in your own room."</p> + +<p>He dismissed her with a wave of the hand as he spoke, and, filled with +anger and chagrin, she turned and flew from the room, never stopping till +she had gained her own and slammed the door behind her.</p> + +<p>"Before Mr. Lilburn and everybody!" she exclaimed aloud, stamping her foot +in impotent rage.</p> + +<p>Then catching sight of her figure in the glass, she stood still and gazed, +her cheeks reddening more and more with mortification. Hair and dress were +tumbled, the latter slightly soiled with the dust of the road, as were her +boots also, and the frill about her neck was crushed and partly tucked in.</p> + +<p>She set to work with energy to make herself neat, and had scarcely +completed the task when her supper was brought in. It consisted of +abundance of rich sweet milk, fruit, and the nicest of bread and butter.</p> + +<p>She ate heartily; then as Agnes carried away the tray, seated herself by +the window with her elbows on the sill, her chin in her hands, and half +involuntarily took a mental review of the day.</p> + +<p>The retrospect was not agreeable.</p> + +<p>"And I'll have to tell papa all about it in my diary," she groaned to +herself. "No, I sha'n't; what's the use? it'll just make him feel badly. +But he said I must, and he trusted me, he <i>trusted</i> me to tell the truth +and the whole truth, and I can't deceive him; I can't hide anything after +that."</p> + +<p>With a heavy sigh she took her writing-desk, set it on the sill to catch +the fading light, and wrote:</p> + +<p>"It has been a bad day with me. I didn't look over my lessons before +school, as I ought to have done, but went out in the grounds instead. +While I was there, I broke a rule. Grandpa Dinsmore reproved me and called +me in. I went up to the school-room. Grandma Elsie said I was late and +must be more punctual, and I gave her a saucy answer. She wouldn't hear my +lessons, and I was cross and wouldn't study, and wasn't ready for Grandpa +Dinsmore, and was saucy to him. So I had to stay up there in the +school-room and learn my lesson over and eat my dinner there by myself.</p> + +<p>"After that, when he let me out, I took a long walk and played croquet +with some other girls—all without leave.</p> + +<p>"They were eating supper when I got back, and I went in without making +myself neat, and my plate and chair had been taken away, and I was sent up +here to take my supper and stay till I'm ready to behave better."</p> + +<p>She read over what she had written.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a bad report! How sad it will make papa feel when he reads it!" +she thought, tears springing to her eyes.</p> + +<p>She pushed the desk aside and leaned on the sill again, her face hidden in +her hands. Her father's words about the kindness and generosity of Mr. +Dinsmore and his daughter in offering to share their home with his +children, came to her recollection, and all the favors received at the +hands of these kindest of friends passed in review before her. Could her +own mother have been kinder than Grandma Elsie? and she had repaid her +this day with ingratitude, disobedience and impertinence. How despicably +mean!</p> + +<p>Tears of shame and penitence began to fall from her eyes, and soon she was +sobbing aloud.</p> + +<p>Violet heard her from the next room, and came to her side.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Lulu, dear? are you sorry for your misconduct?" she asked in +gentle, affectionate tones, smoothing the child's hair with her soft white +hand as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mamma Vi," sobbed the little girl. "Won't you please tell Grandma +Elsie I'm sorry I was saucy and disobedient to her this morning?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, I will. And—have you not a message for grandpa also?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I'm sorry I was naughty and impertinent to him, and for breaking his +rules, too. Do you think they'll forgive me, Mamma Vi, and try me again?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure they will," Violet said. "And will you not ask God's +forgiveness, also, dear child?"</p> + +<p>"I do mean to," Lulu said. "And I've told papa all about it. I wish he +didn't have to know, because it will make him very sorry."</p> + +<p>"Yes," sighed Violet, "it grieves him very much when his dear children do +wrong. I hope, dear Lulu, that thought will help you to be good in future. +Still more, that you will learn to hate and forsake sin because it is +dishonoring and displeasing to God, because it grieves the dear Saviour +who loves you and died to redeem you."</p> + +<p>Forgiveness was readily accorded by both Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter, +and Lulu went to bed comparatively happy after a short visit and kind +motherly talk from Grandma Elsie.</p> + +<p>Two days later Max was released from his imprisonment. He more than half +dreaded to make his appearance below stairs, thinking every one would +view him askance, but was agreeably surprised by being greeted on every +hand with the utmost kindness and cordiality.</p> + +<p>On the following Monday he and the other children were sent to the Oaks to +make the promised visit.</p> + +<p>Gracie alone needed some persuasion to induce her to go of her own free +will, and that only because mamma was not going. Gracie was not at all +sure that she could live two whole weeks without her dear mamma.</p> + +<p>Just before they started, Mr. Dinsmore made Max very happy by the +restoration of his money and watch. He added an admonition against +gambling, and Max replied with an earnest promise never to touch a card +again.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV" />CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>A CHAPTER OF SURPRISES.</h3> + + +<p>Edward and Zoe decided upon a little pleasure trip in addition to the +business one, and, in consequence, were absent from home for over a +fortnight. On their return, Elsie met them on the threshold with the +warmest and most loving of welcomes.</p> + +<p>"How well and happy you both look, my dear children!" she said, glancing +from one to the other, her face full of proud, fond, motherly affection.</p> + +<p>"As we are, mother dear," Edward responded. "Glad to see you so, also. How +is Vi?"</p> + +<p>"Doing nicely."</p> + +<p>"Vi! Is she sick?" asked Zoe, her tone expressing both surprise and +concern.</p> + +<p>"Yes," Elsie said, leading the way down the hall and up the stairs. Then +as they reached the upper hall, "Come this way, my dears, I have something +to show you."</p> + +<p>She led them to the nursery; to the side of a dainty crib; and pushing +aside its curtains of lace, brought to view a little downy head and pink +face nestling cosily upon the soft pillow within.</p> + +<p>Zoe uttered an exclamation of astonishment and delight. "Why, mamma, where +did you get it? Oh, the little lovely darling!" and down she went on her +knees by the side of the crib, to make a closer inspection. "O Ned, just +look! did you ever see anything half so dear and sweet?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, with a meaning, laughing look into her sparkling face. "I +see something at this moment that to my eyes is dearer and sweeter still. +What does Vi think of it, mamma?" turning to his mother.</p> + +<p>"She is very proud and happy," Elsie answered with a smile. "I believe Zoe +has expressed her views exactly."</p> + +<p>"It's Vi's, is it?" said Zoe. "Come, Ned, do look at it. You ought to care +a little about your——"</p> + +<p>She broke off with an inquiring glance up into her mother's face.</p> + +<p>"Niece," supplied Elsie, "my first granddaughter."</p> + +<p>"Another Elsie, I suppose," Edward remarked, bending down to examine the +little creature with an air of increasing interest.</p> + +<p>"Her father must be heard from before the name can be decided upon," his +mother answered. "Vi wishes it named for me, but I should prefer to have +another Violet."</p> + +<p>"I incline to think Captain Raymond will agree with her," said Edward.</p> + +<p>"I never saw so young a baby," remarked Zoe. "How old is she, mamma?"</p> + +<p>"A week to-day."</p> + +<p>"I'm tempted to break the tenth commandment," said Zoe, leaning over the +babe and touching her lips to its velvet cheek. "I used to be very fond of +dolls, and a live one would be so nice. I almost wish it was mine."</p> + +<p>"Don't forget that you would be only half owner if it was," said Edward +laughing. "But come now, my dear, it is time we were attending to the +duties of the toilet. The tea-bell will ring directly."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll always want to share everything I have with you," she said. +"Mamma," rising and putting her hand into her husband's, "we've had <i>such</i> +a nice time! Ned has been <i>so</i> good and kind to me!"</p> + +<p>"And she has been the best and dearest of little wives," he said, +returning the look of fond affection she had bent upon him, "so we could +not fail to enjoy ourselves hugely."</p> + +<p>"I am rejoiced to hear it," Elsie said, looking after them with glad tears +in her eyes as they left the room together.</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>The children were enjoying themselves greatly at the Oaks. Horace +Dinsmore, Jr., and his young wife made a very pleasant host and hostess. +Horace's reminiscences of his own childhood and his sister Elsie's +girlhood in this, her old home, were very interesting, not to Rosie and +Walter only, but to the others.</p> + +<p>They were shown her suite of rooms, the exact spot in the drawing-room +where she stood during the ceremony that united her to Mr. Travilla, and +the arbor—still called Elsie's arbor—where he offered himself and was +accepted.</p> + +<p>They had an equally pleasant visit at the Laurels, whither they went +directly from the Oaks, Gracie wondering why she was not permitted to go +to see mamma first for a while, and grieving over it for a time.</p> + +<p>They were not told what had taken place in their absence, until the day of +their return to Ion.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Dinsmore had driven over for them, and after an hour's chat with her +daughter, Mrs. Lacey, sent for the children, who were amusing themselves +in the grounds.</p> + +<p>"O grandma, good-morning! Did you come to take us home?" cried Rosie, as +she came running in, put her arms about Mrs. Dinsmore's neck, and held up +her face for a kiss.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear child, and to bring you some news. Good-morning, Max, Lulu, +Gracie, Walter—all of you—there's a little stranger at Ion."</p> + +<p>"A little stranger!" was the simultaneous exclamation from all five, Max +adding, "What sort?" and Rosie, "Where from?"</p> + +<p>"A very sweet, pretty little creature, I think; a little girl from 'No +Man's Land,'" was the smiling reply. "A new little sister for you, Max, +Lulu, and Gracie, a niece for Rosie and Walter."</p> + +<p>Max looked pleased, though slightly puzzled, too; Gracie's eyes shone, and +the pink flush deepened on her cheeks, as she asked delightedly, "Is it a +baby? Mamma's baby?" but Lulu frowned and was silent.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is your mamma's baby," replied Grandma Rose. "Would you like to +go home and see it?"</p> + +<p>All answered in the affirmative, except Lulu, who said nothing, and then +hurried from the room to make ready.</p> + +<p>"O Lu, aren't you glad?" exclaimed Gracie, as they put on their hats.</p> + +<p>"No!" snapped Lulu, "what is there to be glad about? It'll steal all +papa's love away from us; Mamma Vi's, too, of course, if she ever had +any."</p> + +<p>Gracie was shocked, "Lulu!" she said, just ready to cry, "how can you say +such things? I just know nothing will ever make papa quit loving us. Can't +he love us and the new baby too? and can't mamma?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you'll see!" returned Lulu wisely.</p> + +<p>There was no time for anything more; the good-bys were said, they were +helped into the Ion carriage, waiting at the door, and driven rapidly +homeward.</p> + +<p>During the drive Grandma Rose noticed that while the other children were +merry and talkative, Lulu was silent and sullen, and Gracie apparently +just ready to burst into tears.</p> + +<p>She more than half suspected what the trouble was, but thought best to +seem not to see that anything was amiss.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter were on the veranda waiting to welcome the +little party on their arrival, and Rosie and Walter were well content to +stay with their mother for a little, while the others passed on up to +Violet's rooms.</p> + +<p>They found her in her boudoir, seated in an easy-chair, beside a window +overlooking the avenue, and with her baby on her lap.</p> + +<p>She was looking very young, very sweet and beautiful, happy, too, though a +shade of anxiety crossed her features as the children came in.</p> + +<p>"How are you, dears? I am very glad to see you again," she said, smiling +sweetly and holding out her pretty white hand.</p> + +<p>Gracie sprang forward with a little joyful cry. "O mamma, my dear, sweet, +pretty mamma! I am so glad to get back to you!" and threw her arms about +Violet's neck.</p> + +<p>Violet's arm was instantly around the child's waist; she kissed her +tenderly two or three times, then said, looking down at the sleeping babe, +"This is your little sister, Gracie."</p> + +<p>"Oh, the darling, wee, pretty pet!" exclaimed Gracie, bending over it. +"Mamma, I'm so glad, if—if——" She stopped in confusion, while Lulu, +standing back a little, threw an angry glance at her.</p> + +<p>"If what, dear?" asked Violet.</p> + +<p>"If you and papa will love me and all of us just as well," stammered the +little girl, growing very red, and her eyes filling with tears.</p> + +<p>"Dear child," Violet said, drawing her to her side with another tender +caress, "you need not doubt it for a moment."</p> + +<p>"Why, Gracie, what could have put such a notion into your head?'" said +Max. "Mamma Vi, may I kiss you and it, too?" with an affectionate glance +at her, then a gaze of smiling curiosity at the babe.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, you may, Max," Violet answered, offering her lips.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad she's come, and I expect to love her dearly," he remarked, when +he had touched his lips softly to the babe's cheek, "though I'd rather +she'd been a boy, as I have two sisters already and no brother at all."</p> + +<p>"Haven't you a kiss for me, Lulu, dear?" Violet asked half entreatingly, +"and a welcome for your little sister?"</p> + +<p>Lulu silently and half reluctantly kissed both, then turned and walked out +of the room.</p> + +<p>Violet looked after her with a slight sigh, but at that moment her own +little brother and sister created a diversion by running in with a glad +greeting for her and the new baby.</p> + +<p>Their delight was rather noisily expressed, and no one of the little group +either heard or saw a carriage drive up the avenue to the main entrance.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were on the watch for it (they had been +exchanging meaning, happy glances all the morning), and ready with the +warmest of greetings for the tall, handsome, noble looking man who hastily +alighted from it and ran up the veranda steps.</p> + +<p>"Dear mother!" he said, grasping Mrs. Travilla's hand, then giving her a +filial kiss.</p> + +<p>"We are very glad to see you, captain," she said. "Your telegram this +morning was a delightful surprise."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it was, indeed, to all of us who knew of its coming," said Mr. +Dinsmore, shaking hands in his turn.</p> + +<p>"My wife! how is she? and the children? are they all well?" asked the +gentleman half breathlessly.</p> + +<p>"All well," was the answer. "We told Violet you had reported yourself in +Washington, and she will not be overcome at sight of you. You will find +her in her own rooms."</p> + +<p>He hurried thither, met Gracie at the head of the stairs, and caught her +in his arms with an exclamation of astonishment and delight.</p> + +<p>"Can this be my baby girl? this plump, rosy little darling?"</p> + +<p>"Papa!" she cried, throwing her arms about his neck and hugging him +tightly, while he kissed her again and again with ardent affection, "oh, +have you come? No, I'm your own little Gracie, but not the baby girl now, +for there's a little one on mamma's lap. Come, and I'll show you."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" he exclaimed, letting her lead him on. "I had not heard, have not +had a letter for three or four weeks."</p> + +<p>They were at the door. Gracie threw it open. Rose was holding the babe. +Violet looked up, started to her feet with a cry of joy, and in an instant +was in her husband's arms, weeping for very gladness.</p> + +<p>For several moments they were conscious of nothing but the joy of the +reunion; then with a sudden recollection she withdrew herself from his +arms, took her babe, and laid it in them.</p> + +<p>"Another darling," he said gazing tenderly upon it, "another dear little +daughter! My love, how rich we are!"</p> + +<p>He kissed it, gave it to the waiting nurse, and turned to his wife again.</p> + +<p>"Let me help you to the sofa, love," he said.</p> + +<p>"Lie down for a little. I fear this excitement will exhaust and injure +you."</p> + +<p>She let him have his way. He sat down by her side, held her hand, and bent +over her in loving anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Are you quite well?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Very well indeed," she said, looking up fondly into his face, "and, oh, +<i>so</i> happy now that you are here, my dear, dear husband!"</p> + +<p>Gracie crept to his side and leaned lovingly against him.</p> + +<p>"My little darling," he said, putting his arm round her and turning to +give her a kiss. "But where are Max and Lulu?"</p> + +<p>"Up in the boys' work-room, papa," she answered. "They don't know you've +come."</p> + +<p>"Then I must enlighten their ignorance," he said gayly. "Excuse me a +moment, my love. Take care of mamma for me while I'm gone, Gracie," and +rising hastily he left the room.</p> + +<p>Max and Lulu were busily engaged looking over designs and materials for +their work, and discussing their comparative merits. So deeply interested +were they that they took no note of approaching footsteps till they halted +in the doorway, then turning their heads they saw their father standing +there, regarding them with a proud, fond fatherly smile.</p> + +<p>"Papa! O papa!" they both cried out joyfully, and ran into his +outstretched arms.</p> + +<p>"My dear, dear children!" he said, holding them close, and caressing first +one, then the other.</p> + +<p>He sat down with one on each knee, an arm around each, and for some +minutes there was a delightful interchange of demonstrations of affection.</p> + +<p>"Now you see, Lu, that papa does love us as well as ever," Max said, in a +tone of mingled triumph and satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Did she doubt it?" asked the captain in surprise, and gazing searchingly +into her face.</p> + +<p>She blushed and hung her head.</p> + +<p>"She thought the new baby would steal all your love," said Max.</p> + +<p>"Silly child!" said her father, drawing her closer and giving her another +kiss. "Do you think my heart is so small that it can hold love enough for +but a limited number? Did I love Max less when you came? or you less when +our Heavenly Father gave Gracie to us? No, daughter; I can love the +newcomer without any abatement of my affection for you."</p> + +<p>"Papa, I'm sorry I said it. I won't talk so any more; and I mean to love +the baby very much," she murmured with her arm about his neck, her cheek +laid to his.</p> + +<p>"I hope so," he said; "it would give me a very sad heart to know that you +did not love your little sister.</p> + +<p>"Well, Max, my son, what is it?"</p> + +<p>The boy was hanging his head and his face had suddenly grown scarlet, +"Papa, I—I—Did you get my letter and diary I sent you last month?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and Lulu's also," the captain said, with a sigh and a glance from +one to the other, his face growing very grave. "I think my children would +often be deterred from wrongdoing by the thought of the pain it will cause +their father, if they could at all realize how sore it is. It almost broke +my heart, Max, to learn that you had again been guilty of the dreadful sin +of profanity, and had learned to gamble also; yet I was greatly comforted +by the assurance that you were truly penitent, and hoped you had given +your heart to God.</p> + +<p>"My boy, and my little girl, there is nothing else I so earnestly desire +for you as that you may be His true and faithful servants all your days, +His in time and eternity."</p> + +<p>A solemn silence fell on the little group, and for several minutes no one +spoke.</p> + +<p>Lulu was crying softly, and there were tears in Max's eyes, while the +father held both in a close embrace.</p> + +<p>At length Lulu murmured, "I am sorry for all my naughtiness, papa, and do +mean to try very hard to be good."</p> + +<p>"I, too," said Max, struggling with his emotion, "and if you think I +deserve (oh, I know I do), and, papa, if you think you ought to——"</p> + +<p>"You have had your punishment, my son," the captain said in a moved tone. +"I consider it all sufficient. And now we will go down to Mamma Vi and +Gracie. I want you all together, that I may enjoy you all at once and as +much as possible for the short time that I can be with you.</p> + +<p>"But before we go, I have a word more to say: there is one thing about you +both that greatly comforts and encourages me, my darlings; that is your +truthfulness, your perfect openness with me and willingness to +acknowledge your faults."</p> + +<p>Those concluding words brought a flush of joy and love to each young face +as they were lifted to his. He gave a hearty kiss to Lulu, then to Max, +and led them from the room, a very happy pair.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV" />CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"One sacred oath has tied</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Our loves; one destiny our life shall guide,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Nor wild, nor deep, our common way divide."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 28em;">—<i>Prior.</i></span><br /> +</p> + + +<p>Edward sat at the open window of his wife's boudoir enjoying the beauties +of the landscape—the verdant lawn and shrubberies, the smiling fields and +wooded hills beyond—the sweet morning breeze and the matin songs of the +birds, while Zoe in the adjoining room put the finishing touches to her +toilet.</p> + +<p>She came to him presently, very simply dressed in white, looking sweet and +fresh as a rose just washed with dew, and seated herself upon his knee.</p> + +<p>"Darling!" he said, low and tenderly, putting his arm about her slender +waist and imprinting a kiss upon the rosy cheek.</p> + +<p>"My dear, dear husband! what could I ever do without you; how desolate I +should be this day, if I hadn't you to love and care for me!" she said +with a sob, stealing an arm around his neck and laying her cheek to his. +"You know—you cannot have forgotten—that it is just one year to-day +since dear papa died."</p> + +<p>"Think what a blessed year it has been to him, love; think what a happy +meeting with him in that blessed land you may look forward to. There, +death-divided friends will meet never to part again, free from sin and +sorrow, pain and care, and to be 'forever with the Lord.'</p> + +<p>"No; I have not forgotten what this day one year ago took from you, or +what it gave to me—my heart's best treasure."</p> + +<p>He drew her closer, and again touched his lips to her cheek.</p> + +<p>Smiling through her tears, she offered her lips.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm very, very happy!" she said. "It has been a happy year in spite +of my grief for my dear, dear father, except when—O Ned, we won't ever be +cross to one another again, will we?"</p> + +<p>"I trust not, my darling," he said. "It is too sharp a pain to be at +variance with one's other half," he added, with playful tenderness. "Is it +not, love!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, indeed it is!" she cried.</p> + +<p>"See! this is to prove to you that I have not forgotten what a treasure I +secured a year ago," he said, reaching for an open jewel case that stood +on a table near at hand, and laying it in her lap.</p> + +<p>"Pearls! Oh, how lovely! the most magnificent set I ever saw. Many, many +thanks, dear Ned!" she exclaimed in delight. "I shall wear them this +evening in honor of the day.</p> + +<p>"But what shall I give you? I'm afraid I have nothing but—what I gave you +a year ago—myself."</p> + +<p>"The most priceless treasure earth can afford!" he responded, clasping her +close to his heart.</p> + +<p>"And your love," she said softly, her arm stealing round his neck again, +her shining eyes gazing fondly into his, "is more to me than all its gold +and jewels."</p> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S NEW RELATIONS***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 14909-h.txt or 14909-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/9/0/14909">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/9/0/14909</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution.</p> + + + +<pre> +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +<a href="https://gutenberg.org/license">https://gutenberg.org/license)</a>. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: +https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">https://www.gutenberg.org</a> + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a> + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/14909.txt b/14909.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e1f770b --- /dev/null +++ b/14909.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8787 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Elsie's New Relations, by Martha Finley + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Elsie's New Relations + +Author: Martha Finley + +Release Date: February 4, 2005 [eBook #14909] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S NEW RELATIONS*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg +Online Distributed Proofreading Team (www.pgdp.net) + + + +ELSIE'S NEW RELATIONS + +What They Did and How They Fared at Ion + +A Sequel to _Grandmother Elsie_ + +by + +MARTHA FINLEY + +A. L. Burt Company +Publishers +New York Chicago + +1911 + + + + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + "For wild, or calm, or far or near, + I love thee still, thou glorious sea." + --Mrs. Hemans. + + "I bless thee for kind looks and words + Shower'd on my path like dew, + For all the love in those deep eyes, + A gladness ever new." + --Mrs. Hemans. + + +It is late in the afternoon of a delicious October day; the woods back of +the two cottages where the Dinsmores, Travillas and Raymonds have spent +the last three or four months are gorgeous with scarlet, crimson and gold; +the air from the sea is more delightful than ever, but the summer visitors +to the neighboring cottages and hotels have fled, and the beach is almost +deserted, as Edward and his child-wife wander slowly along it, hand in +hand, their attention divided between the splendors of a magnificent +sunset and the changing beauty of the sea; yonder away in the distance it +is pale gray; near at hand delicate green slowly changing to pink, each +wave crested with snowy foam, and anon they all turn to burnished gold. + +"Oh, how very beautiful!" cries Zoe, in an ecstasy of delight. "Edward, +did you ever see anything finer?" + +"Never! Let us go down this flight of steps and seat ourselves on the next +to the lowest. We will then be quite near the waves and yet out of danger +of being wet by them." + +He led her down as he spoke, seated her comfortably and himself by her +side with his arm around her. + +"I've grown very fond of the sea," she remarked. "I shall be sorry to +leave it. Will not you?" + +"Yes and no," he answered, doubtfully. "I, too, am fond of old ocean, but +eager to get to Ion and begin life in earnest. Isn't it time, seeing I +have been a married man for nearly five months? But why that sigh, love?" + +"O Edward, are you not sorry you are married? Are you not sometimes very +much ashamed of me?" she asked, her cheek burning hotly and the downcast +eyes filling with tears. + +"Ashamed of you, Zoe? Why, darling, you are my heart's best treasure," he +said, drawing her closer to his side, and touching his lips to her +forehead. "What has put so absurd an idea into your head?" + +"I know so little, so very little compared with your mother and sisters," +she sighed. "I'm finding it out more and more every day, as I hear them +talk among themselves and to other people." + +"But you are younger than any of them, a very great deal younger than +mamma, and will have time to catch up to them." + +"But I'm a married woman and so can't go to school any more. Ah," with +another and very heavy sigh, "I wish papa hadn't been quite so indulgent, +or that I'd had sense enough not to take advantage of it to the neglect of +my studies!" + +"No, I suppose it would hardly do to send you to school, even if I could +spare you--which I can't," he returned laughingly, "but there is a +possibility of studying at home, under a governess or tutor. What do you +say to offering yourself as a pupil to grandpa?" + +"Oh, no, no! I'm sure he can be very stern upon occasion. I've seen it in +his eyes when I've made a foolish remark that he didn't approve, and I +should be too frightened to learn if he were my teacher." + +"Then some one else must be thought of," Edward said, with a look of +amusement. "How would I answer?" + +"You? Oh, splendidly!" + +"You are not afraid of me?" + +"No, indeed!" she cried, with a merry laugh and a saucy look up into his +face. + +"And yet I'm the only person who has authority over you." + +"Authority, indeed!" with a little contemptuous sniff. + +"You promised to obey, you know." + +"Did I? Well, maybe so, but that's just a form that doesn't really mean +anything. Most any married woman will tell you that." + +"Do you consider the whole of your marriage vow an unmeaning form, Zoe?" +he asked, with sudden gravity and a look of doubt and pain in his eyes +that she could not bear to see. + +"No, no! I was only in jest," she said, dropping her eyes and blushing +deeply. "But really, Edward, you don't think, do you, that wives are to +obey like children?" + +"No, love, I don't; and I think in a true marriage the two are so entirely +one--so unselfishly desirous each to please the other--that there is +little or no clashing of wills. Thus far ours has seemed such to me. How +is it, do you think, little wife?" + +"I hope so, Edward," she said, laying her head on his shoulder, "I know +one thing--that there is nothing in this world I care so much for as to +please you and be all and everything to you." + +"And I can echo your words from my very heart, dearest," he said, +caressing her. "I hope you are at home and happy among your new +relatives." + +"Yes, indeed, Edward, especially with mamma. She is the dearest, kindest +mother in the world; to me as much as to her own children, and oh, so wise +and good!" + +"You are not sorry now that you and I are not to live alone?" he queried, +with a pleased smile. + +"No, oh, no! I'm ever so glad that she is to keep house at Ion and all of +us to live together as one family." + +"Except Lester and Elsie," he corrected; "they will be with us for a short +time, then go to Fairview for the winter. And it will probably become +their home after that, as mamma will buy it, if Mr. Leland--Lester's +uncle, who owns the place--carries out his intention of removing to +California. His children have settled there, and, of course, the father +and mother want to be with them." + +The sun had set, and all the bright hues had faded from the sea, leaving +it a dull gray. + +"What a deserted spot this seems!" remarked Zoe, "and only the other day +it was gay with crowds of people. Nobody to be seen now but ourselves," +glancing up and down the coast as she spoke. "Ah, yes! yonder is someone +sitting on that piece of wreck." + +"It is Lulu Raymond," Edward said, following the direction of her glance. +"It is late for the child to be out so far from home; a full mile I should +say. I'll go and invite her to walk back with us." + +"No, you needn't," said Zoe, "for see, there is her father going to her. +But let us go home, for I must change my dress before tea." + +"And we want time to walk leisurely along," returned Edward, rising and +giving her his hand to help her up the steps. + +Lulu was reading, so absorbed in the story that she did not perceive her +father's approach, and as he accosted her with, "It is late for you to be +here alone, my child, you should have come in an hour ago," she gave a +great start, and involuntarily tried to hide her book. + +"What have you there? Evidently something you do not wish your father to +see," he said, bending down and taking it from her unwilling hand. + +"Ah, I don't wonder!" as he hurriedly turned over a few pages. "A dime +novel! Where did you get this, Lulu?" + +"It's Max's, papa, he lent it to me. O papa, what made you do that?" as +with an energetic fling the captain suddenly sent it far out into the sea. +"Max made me promise to take care of it and give it back to him, and +besides I wanted to finish the story." + +"Neither you nor Max shall ever read such poisonous stuff as that with my +knowledge and consent," replied the captain in stern accents. + +"Papa, I didn't think you'd be so unkind," grumbled Lulu, her face +expressing extreme vexation and disappointment, "or that you would throw +away other people's things." + +"Unkind, my child?" he said, sitting down beside her and taking her hand +in his. "Suppose you had gathered a quantity of beautiful, sweet-tasted +berries that I knew to be poisonous, and were about to eat them; would it +be unkind in me to snatch them out of your hand and throw them into the +sea?" + +"No, sir; because it would kill me to eat them, but that book couldn't +kill me, or even make me sick." + +"No, not your body, but it would injure your soul, which is worth far +more. I'm afraid I have been too negligent in regard to the mental food of +my children," he went on after a slight pause, rather as if thinking aloud +than talking to Lulu, "and unfortunately I cannot take the oversight of it +constantly in the future. But remember, Lulu," he added firmly, "I wholly +forbid dime novels, and you are not to read anything without first +obtaining the approval of your father or one of those under whose +authority he has placed you." + +Lulu's face was full of sullen discontent and anger. "Papa," she said, "I +don't like to obey those people." + +"If you are wise, you will try to like what has to be," he said. + +"It wouldn't have to be if you would only say I needn't, papa." + +"I shall not say that, Lucilla," he answered with grave displeasure. "You +need guidance and control even more than most children of your age, and I +should not be doing my duty if I left you without them." + +"I don't like to obey people that are no relation to me!" she cried, +viciously kicking away a little heap of sand. + +"No, you don't even like to obey your father," he said with a sigh. "Max +and Gracie together do not give me half the anxiety that you do by your +wilful temper." + +"Why, can't I do as I please as well as grown people?" she asked in a more +subdued tone. + +"Even grown people have to obey," said her father. "I am now expecting +orders from the government, and must obey them when they come. I must obey +my superior officers, and the officers and men under me must obey me. So +must my children. God gave you to me and requires me to train you up in +His fear and service to the best of my ability. I should not be doing that +if I allowed you to read such hurtful trash as that I just took from +you." + +"It was Max's, papa, and I promised to give it back. What shall I say when +he asks me for it?" + +"Tell him to come to me about it." + +"Papa----" + +"Well, what is it?" he asked, as she paused and hesitated. + +"Please, papa, don't punish him. You never told him not to buy or read +such things, did you?" + +"No; and I think he would not have done so in defiance of a prohibition +from me. So I shall not punish him. But I am pleased that you should plead +for him. I am very glad that my children all love one another." + +"Yes, indeed we do, papa!" she said, "And we all love you, and you love +Max and Gracie very much, and----" + +"And Lulu also," he said, putting his arm about her and drawing her closer +to his side, as she paused with quivering lip and downcast eyes. + +"As much as you do Max and Gracie?" she asked brokenly, hiding her face on +his shoulder. "You said just now I was naughtier than both of them put +together." + +"Yet you are my own dear child, and it is precisely because I love you so +dearly that I am so distressed over your quick temper and wilfulness. I +fear that if not conquered they will cause great unhappiness to yourself +as well as to your friends. I want you to promise me, daughter, that you +will try to conquer them, asking God to help you." + +"I will, papa," she said, with unwonted humility; "but, oh, I wish you +were going to stay with us! It's easier to be good with you than with +anybody else." + +"I am sorry, indeed, that I cannot," he said, rising and taking her hand. +"Come, we must go back to the house now." + +They moved along in silence for a little, then Lulu said, with an +affectionate look up into her father's face, "Papa, I do so like to walk +this way!" + +"How do you mean?" he asked, smiling kindly upon her. + +"With my hand in yours, papa. You know I haven't often had the chance." + +"No, my poor child," he sighed, "that is one of the deprivations to which +a seaman and his family have to submit." + +"Well," said the little girl, lifting his hand to her lips, "I'd rather +have you for my father than anybody else, for all that." + +At that he bent down and kissed her with a smile full of pleasure and +fatherly affection. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou + shalt be condemned."--_Matt._ 12:37. + + +As they drew near the house Max came to meet them. + +"I've been to the post-office since the mail came in, papa," he said, "and +there is no government letter for you yet. I'm so glad! I hope they're +going to let us keep you a good deal longer." + +"I'm not sorry to prolong my stay with wife and children," the captain +responded, "but cannot hope to be permitted to do so very much longer." + +"Grandpa Dinsmore has come back from taking Harold and Herbert to +college," pursued Max, "and we're all to take tea in there, Mamma Vi says; +because grandpa wants us all about him this first evening." + +"That is kind," said the captain, opening the gate and looking smilingly +at Violet, who, with little Grace, was waiting for him on the veranda. He +stopped there to speak with them, while Lulu hurried on into the house +and up to her own room, Max following. + +"Where's my book, Lu?" he asked. + +"O Max, I couldn't help it--but papa caught me reading it and took it away +from me. And he told me when you asked me for it I should send you to +him." + +Max's face expressed both vexation and alarm. "I sha'n't do that," he +said, "if I never get it. But was he very angry, Lu?" + +"No; and you needn't be afraid to go to him, for he won't punish you; I +asked him not to, and he said he wouldn't. But he threw the book into the +sea, and said neither you nor I should ever read such poisonous stuff with +his knowledge or consent." + +"Then, where would be the use of my going to him for it? I'll not say a +word about it." + +He went out, closed the door and stood irresolutely in the hall, debating +with himself whether to go up-stairs or down. Up-stairs in his room was +another dime novel which he had been reading that afternoon; he had not +quite finished it, and was eager to do so; he wanted very much to know how +the story ended, and had meant to read the few remaining pages now before +the call to tea. But his father's words, reported to him by Lulu, made it +disobedience. + +"It's a very little sin," whispered the tempter; "as having read so much, +you might as well read the rest." + +"But it will be disobeying wilfully the kind father who forgave a heedless +act of disobedience not very long ago," said conscience; "the dear father +who must soon leave you to be gone no one knows how long, perhaps never to +come back." + +Just then the captain came quickly up the stairs. "Ah, Max, are you +there?" he said, in a cheery tone, then laying his hand affectionately on +the boy's shoulder. "Come in here with me, my son, I want to have a little +talk with you while I make my toilet." + +"Yes, sir," said Max, following him into the dressing-room. + +"What have you been reading to-day?" asked the captain, throwing off his +coat, pouring water into the basin from the pitcher, and beginning his +ablutions. + +Max hung his head in silence till the question was repeated, then +stammered out the title of the book, the perusal of which he was so +desirous to finish. + +"Where did you get it?" asked his father. + +"I bought it at a news-stand, papa." + +"You must not buy anything more of that kind, Max; you must not read any +such trash." + +"I will not again, papa; I should not this time if you had ever forbidden +me before." + +"No, I don't believe you would be guilty of wilful disobedience to any +positive command of your father," the captain said in a grave but kindly +tone; "and yet I think you suspected I would not approve, else why were +you so unwilling to tell me what you had been reading?" + +He was standing before the bureau now, hairbrush in hand, and as he spoke +he paused in his work, and gazed searchingly at his son. + +Max's face flushed hotly, and his eyes drooped for a moment, then looking +up into his father's face he said frankly, "Yes, papa, I believe I was +afraid you would take the book from me if you saw it. I deserve that you +should be angry with me for that and for lending one to Lu." + +"I am displeased with you on both accounts," the captain replied, "but I +shall overlook it this time, my son, hoping there will be no repetition of +either offence. Now go to your room, gather up all the doubtful reading +matter you have, and bring it here to me. I shall not go with you, but +trust to your honor to keep nothing back." + +"Oh, thank you, papa, for trusting me!" cried Max, his countenance +brightening wonderfully, and he hastened away to do his father's bidding. + +"Just the dearest, kindest father that ever was!" he said to himself, as +he bounded up the stairs. "I'll never do anything again to vex him, if I +can help it." + +He was down again in a moment with two dime novels and a story-paper of +the same stamp. + +The captain had finished his toilet. Seating himself he took what Max had +brought, and glancing hastily over it, "How much of this trash have you +read, Max?" he asked. + +"The paper and most of one book, papa. I'll not read any more such, since +you've forbidden me; but they're very interesting, papa." + +"I dare say, to a boy of your age. But you don't think I would want to +deprive you of any innocent pleasure, Max?" + +"No, sir; oh, no! But may I know why you won't let me read such stories?" + +"Yes; it is because they give false views of life, and thus lead to wrong +and foolish actions. Why, Max, some boys have been made burglars and +highwaymen by such stories. I want you to be a reader, but of good and +wholesome literature; books that will give you useful information and good +moral teachings; above all things, my son, I would have you a student of +the Bible, 'the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto +salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.' Do you read it often, +Max?" + +"Not very, papa. But you know I hear you read it every morning and +evening." + +"Yes; but I have sometimes been grieved to see that you paid very little +attention." + +Max colored at that. "Papa, I will try to do better," he said. + +"I hope you will," said his father. "You will enjoy the same religious +advantages at Ion, and, my boy, try to profit by them, remembering that we +shall have to render an account at last of the use or abuse of all our +privileges. I want you to promise me that you will read a few verses of +the Bible every day, and commit at least one to memory." + +"I will, papa. And what else shall I read? You will let me have some +story-books, won't you?" Max said, entreatingly. + +"Yes," said his father, "I have no objection to stories of the right sort. +There are some very beautiful stories in the Bible; there are entertaining +stories in history; and there are fictitious stories that will do you good +and not harm. I shall take care in future that you have plenty of +wholesome mental food, so that you will have no excuse for craving such +stuff as this," he added, with a glance of disgust at what he held in his +hand. "It may go into the kitchen fire." + +"Mrs. Scrimp never burns the least little bit of paper, papa," said Max. + +"Indeed! Why not?" asked his father, with an amused smile. + +"She says it is wicked waste, because it is better than rags for the +paper-makers." + +"Ah! well, then, we will tear these into bits and let them go to the +paper-makers." + +Max was standing by his father's side. "Papa," he said, with a roguish +look into his father's face, "don't you think you would enjoy reading them +first?" + +The captain laughed. "No, my son," he said; "I have not the slightest +inclination to read them. Bring me that waste basket and you may help me +tear them up." + +They began the work of destruction, Max taking the paper, the captain the +book his son had been reading. Presently something in it attracted his +attention; he paused and glanced over several pages one after the other, +till Max began to think he had become interested in the story. But no; at +that instant he turned from it to him, and Max was half frightened at the +sternness of his look. + +"My son," he said, "I am astonished and deeply grieved that you could read +and enjoy anything like this, for it is full of profanity; and reading or +hearing such expressions is very likely to lead to the use of them. Max, +do you ever say such words?" + +Max trembled and grew red and pale by turns, but did not speak. + +"Answer me," was his father's stern command. + +"Not often, papa." + +The captain barely caught the low breathed words. "Not often? sometimes, +then?" he groaned, covering his face with his hand. + +"O papa, don't be so grieved! I'll never do it again," Max said in a +broken voice. + +The captain sighed deeply. "Max," he said, "dearly as I love my only son, +I would sooner lay him under the sod, knowing that his soul was in heaven, +than have him live to be a profane swearer. Bring me that Bible from the +table yonder." + +The boy obeyed. + +"Now turn to the twenty-fourth chapter of Leviticus, and read the +sixteenth verse." + +Max read in a trembling voice, "'And he that blasphemeth the name of the +Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall +certainly stone him; as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, +when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.'" + +"Now the twenty-third," said his father. + +"'And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth +him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones; and the +children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses.'" + +Max had some difficulty in finishing the verse, and at the end quite broke +down. + +"Papa," he sobbed, "I didn't know that was in the Bible. I never thought +about its being so dreadfully wicked to say bad words." + +"What do you now think a boy deserves who has done it again and again? say +as often as Max Raymond has?" asked his father. + +"I suppose to be stoned to death like that man. But nobody is ever put to +death for swearing nowadays?" the boy said, half inquiringly, not daring +to look at his father as he spoke. + +"No, Max, fortunately for you and many others. But suppose you were my +father and I a boy of your age, and that I had been swearing, what would +you think you ought to do about it?" + +"Give you a sound flogging," he answered, in a low, reluctant tone. + +"Well, Max, that is just what I shall have to do, if I ever know you to +use a profane word again," said his father, in a grave, sad tone. "I +should do it now, but for the hope that you are sorry enough for the past +to carefully avoid that sin in the future." + +"Indeed I will, papa," he said, very humbly. + +"And, Max," resumed his father, "you are never to make a companion of, or +go at all with anybody who uses such language, and never to read a book or +story that has in it anything of that kind. And you are not to say by +George or by anything. Our Saviour says, 'Let your communication be Yea, +yea, Nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.' My son, +have you asked God to forgive you for taking His holy name in vain?" + +"No, sir." + +"Then go at once to your room and do it." + +"I did, papa," Max said, when he came down again to find his father +waiting for him. + +"I trust the petition came from your heart, my son," was the grave but +kind rejoinder. "I must have a little more talk with you on this subject, +but not now, for it is time we followed the others into the next house, if +we would not keep Grandma Rose's tea waiting." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + "A kingdom is a nest of families, and a family is a small + kingdom."--Tupper. + + +It was a bright and cheerful scene that greeted the eyes of Captain +Raymond and his son as they entered the parlor of the adjacent cottage. + +It was strictly a family gathering, yet the room was quite full. Mr. +Dinsmore was there with his wife, his daughter Elsie and her children, +Edward and Zoe, Elsie Leland with her husband and babe, Violet Raymond +with her husband's two little girls, Lulu and Grace, and lastly Rosie and +Walter. + +Everybody had a kindly greeting for the captain, and Violet's bright face +grew still brighter as she made room for him on the sofa by her side. + +"We were beginning to wonder what was keeping you," she said. + +"Yes, I'm afraid I am rather behind time," he returned. "I hope you have +not delayed your tea for me, Mrs. Dinsmore." + +"No; it is but just ready," she said. "Ah, there's the bell. Please, all +of you walk out." + +When the meal was over all returned to the parlor, where they spent the +next hour in desultory chat. + +Gracie claimed a seat on her father's knee. Lulu took possession of an +ottoman and pushed it up as close to his side as she could; then seating +herself on it leaned up against him. + +He smiled and stroked her hair, then glanced about the room in search of +Max. + +The boy was sitting silently in a corner, but reading an invitation in his +father's eyes, he rose and came to his other side. + +The ladies were talking of the purchases they wished to make in Boston, +New York or Philadelphia, on their homeward route. + +"I must get winter hats for Lulu and Gracie," said Violet. + +"I want a bird on mine, Mamma Vi," said Lulu; "a pretty one with gay +feathers." + +"Do you know, Lulu, that they skin the poor little birds alive in order to +preserve the brilliancy of their plumage?" Violet said with a troubled +look. "I will not wear them on that account, and as you are a kind-hearted +little girl, I think you will not wish to do so either." + +"But I do," persisted Lulu. "Of course I wouldn't have a bird killed on +purpose, but after they are killed I might just as well have one." + +"But do you not see," said Grandma Elsie, "that if every one would refuse +to buy them, the cruel business of killing them would soon cease? and that +it will go on as long as people continue to buy and wear them?" + +"I don't care, I want one," pouted Lulu. "Papa, can't I have it?" + +"No, you cannot," he said with grave displeasure. "I am sorry to see that +you can be so heartless. You can have just whatever Grandma Elsie and +Mamma Vi think best for you, and with that you must be content." + +Lulu was silenced, but for the rest of the evening her face wore an ugly +scowl. + +"My little girl is growing sleepy," the captain said presently to Gracie. +"Papa will carry you over home and put you to bed. Lulu, you may come +too." + +"I don't want to, papa, I----" she began; but he silenced her with a look. + +"Bid good-night to our friends and come," he said. "You also, Max." + +Max, though surprised at the order, obeyed with cheerful alacrity in +strong contrast to Lulu's sullen and reluctant compliance, which said as +plainly as words that she would rebel if she dared. + +"I don't see why papa makes us come away so soon," she grumbled to her +brother in an undertone, as they passed from one cottage to the other, +their father a little in advance. + +"He must have some good reason," said Max, "and I for one am willing +enough to obey him, seeing it's such a little while I'll have the chance." + +They had now reached the veranda of their own cottage. + +"Come in quickly out of this cold wind, children," their father said; then +as he closed the outer door after them, "Run into the parlor and get +thoroughly warm before going up to your rooms." + +He sat down by the stove with Grace on his knee, and bade the other two +draw up close to it and him, one on each side. And when they had done so, +"My three dear children," he said in tender tones, glancing from one to +another, "no words can tell how much I love you. Will you all think very +often of papa and follow him with your prayers when he is far away on the +sea?" + +"Oh, yes, yes, papa!" they all said with tears in their eyes, while Gracie +put her small arms round his neck. Lulu rested her head on his shoulder, +and Max took a hand and pressed it in both of his. + +"Papa, you will think of us, too?" he said inquiringly. + +"Yes, indeed, my darlings; you will never be long out of my mind, and +nothing will make me happier than to hear that you are well and doing your +duty faithfully." + +"I shall try very hard, papa," Max said, with affectionate look and tone, +"if it is only to please you and make your heart glad." + +"Thank you, my son," his father replied, "but I hope a still stronger +motive will be that you may please God and honor Him. Never forget, my +children, that though your earthly father may be far away and know nothing +of your conduct, God's all-seeing eye is ever upon you." + +A half hour had passed very quickly and delightfully to the children, when +at length, seeing Gracie's eyelids begin to droop, their father said it +was time for him to carry her up to bed. + +"Shall we stay here till you come down again, papa?" asked Max. + +"No; you and Lulu may go to bed now." + +"Then good-night, papa." + +"No, you need not bid me good-night yet," the captain said. "I shall see +you both in your rooms before you are asleep." + +"Well, Lu, are you sorry now that papa made you come home so soon?" asked +Max, as they went up-stairs together. + +"No, indeed! Haven't we had a nice time, Max? Oh, if only we could keep +papa all the time!" + +"I wish we could," said Max. "But we won't have so hard a time as we've +had for the last two years whenever he was away." + +They had reached the door of Lulu's room. "Max," she said, turning to him +as with a sudden thought, "what do you suppose papa is coming to our rooms +for?" + +"What do _you_ suppose? have you done anything you ought to be punished +for?" asked Max, a little mischievously. "I thought you looked very cross +and rebellious about the hat and about having to come home so soon. I'm +very sure, from what I've heard of Grandpa Dinsmore's strictness, that if +you were his child you'd get a whipping for it." + +Lulu looked frightened. + +"But, Max, you don't think papa means to punish me for that, do you? He +has been so kind and pleasant since," she said, with a slight tremble in +her voice. + +"You'll find out when he comes," laughed Max. "Good-night," and he +hastened away to his own room. + +A guilty conscience made Lulu very uneasy as she hurried through her +preparations for bed, and as she heard her father's step approach the door +she grew quite frightened. + +He came in and closed it after him. Lulu was standing in her night-dress, +just ready for bed. He caught up a heavy shawl, wrapped it about her, and +seating himself lifted her to his knee. + +"Why, how you are trembling!" he exclaimed. "What is the matter?" + +"O papa! are you--are you going to punish me for being so naughty this +evening?" she asked, hanging her head while her cheeks grew red. + +"That was not my intention in coming in here," he said. "But, Lulu, your +wilfulness is a cause of great anxiety to me. I hardly know what to do +with you. I am very loath to burden our kind friends--Grandpa Dinsmore and +Grandma Elsie--with so rebellious and unmanageable a child, for it will be +painful to them to be severe with you, and yet I see that you will compel +them to it." + +"I won't be punished by anybody but you! Nobody else has a right!" burst +out Lulu. + +"Yes, my child, I have given them the right, and the only way for you to +escape punishment is not to deserve it. And if you prove too troublesome +for them, you are to be sent to a boarding-school, and that, you will +understand, involves separation from Max and Gracie, and life among total +strangers." + +"Papa, you wouldn't, you couldn't be so cruel!" she said, bursting into +tears and hiding her face on his breast. + +"I hope you will not be so cruel to yourself as to make it necessary," he +said. "I have fondly hoped you were improving, but your conduct to-night +shows me that you are still a self-willed, rebellious child." + +"Well, papa, I've wanted a bird on my hat for ever so long, and I believe +you would have let me have it, too, if Mamma Vi and Grandma Elsie hadn't +said that." + +"I shouldn't let you have it, if they were both in favor of it," he said +severely. + +"Why, papa?" + +"Because of the cruelty it would encourage. And now, Lucilla, I want you +to reflect how very kind it is in Grandpa Dinsmore and Grandma Elsie to be +willing to take my children in and share with them their own delightful +home. You have not the slightest claim upon their kindness, and very few +people in their case would have made such an offer. I really feel almost +ashamed to accept so much without being able to make some return, even if +I knew my children would all behave as dutifully and gratefully as +possible. And knowing how likely your conduct is to be the exact reverse +of that, I can hardly reconcile it to my conscience to let you go with +them to Ion. I am afraid I ought to place you in a boarding-school at +once, before I am ordered away." + +"O papa, don't!" she begged. "I'll try to behave better." + +"You must promise more than that," he said; "promise me that you will +yield to the authority of your mamma and her mother and grandfather as if +it were mine; obeying their orders and submitting to any punishment they +may see fit to inflict, just as if it were my act." + +"Papa, have you said they might punish me?" she asked, with a look of +wounded pride. + +"Yes; I have full confidence in their wisdom and kindness. I know they +will not abuse the authority I give them, and I have told them they may +use any measures with my children that they would with their own in the +same circumstances. Are you ready to give the promise I require?" + +"Papa, it is too hard!" + +"The choice is between that and being sent to boarding-school." + +"Oh, it's so hard!" she sobbed. + +"Not hard at all if you choose to be good," her father said. "In that case +you will have a delightful life at Ion. Do you make the promise?" + +"Yes, sir," she said, as if the words were wrung from her, then hid her +face on his breast again and cried bitterly. + +"My little daughter, these are tears of pride and stubbornness," sighed +her father, passing his hand caressingly over her hair, "and you will +never be happy until those evil passions are cast out of your heart. They +are foes which you must fight and conquer by the help of Him who is mighty +to save, or they will cost you the loss of your soul. Any sin unrepented +of and unforsaken will drag you down to eternal death; for the Bible says, +'Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.'" + +"Papa," she said, "you are the only person God commands me to obey, and +I'm willing to do that." + +"No, it seems not, when my command is that you obey some one else. My +little girl, you need something that I cannot give you; and that is a +change of heart. Go to Jesus for it, daughter; ask Him to wash away all +your sins in His precious blood and to create in you a clean heart and +renew a right spirit within you. He is able and willing to do it, for He +says, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.' We will kneel +down and ask Him now." + +"Papa, I do love you so, I love you dearly, and I _will_ try to be a +better girl," Lulu said, clasping her arms tightly about his neck, as, +having laid her in her bed, he bent down to kiss her good-night. + +"I hope so, my darling," he said; "nothing could make me happier than to +know you to be a truly good child, trying to live right that you may +please the dear Saviour who died that you might live." + +Max, lying in his bed, was just saying to himself, "I wonder what keeps +papa so long," when he heard his step on the stairs. + +"Are you awake, Max?" the captain asked, as he opened the door and came +in. + +"Yes, sir," was the cheerful response; "it's early, you know, papa, and +I'm not at all sleepy." + +"That is well, for I want a little talk with you," said his father, +sitting down on the side of the bed and taking Max's hand in his. + +The talk was on the sin of profanity. Max was told to repeat the third +commandment, then his father called his attention to the words, "The Lord +will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain." + +"It is a dreadful and dangerous sin, my son," he said; "a most foolish +sin, too, for there is absolutely nothing to be gained by it; and the +meanest of sins, for what can be meaner than to abuse Him to whom we owe +our being and every blessing we enjoy?" + +"Yes, papa, and I--I've done it a good many times. Do you think God will +ever forgive me?" Max asked in trembling tones. + +"'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and +forsaketh them shall have mercy.' 'I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy +transgressions, for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins,'" +quoted the captain. + +"Yes, my son, if you are truly sorry for your sins because committed +against God, and confess them with the determination to forsake them, +asking forgiveness and help to overcome the evil of your nature, for +Jesus' sake, it will be granted you. 'The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, +cleanseth us from all sin.'" + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + "No day discolored with domestic strife, + No jealousy, but mutual truth believ'd, + Secure repose and kindness undeceiv'd." + --Dryden. + + +They were a bright and cheery company in the other house. They had divided +into groups. Mrs. Elsie Travilla sat in a low rocking-chair, between her +father and his wife, with her little grandson on her lap. She doated on +the babe, and was often to be seen with it in her arms. She was now +calling her father's attention to its beauty, and talking of the time when +its mother was an infant, her own precious darling. + +On a sofa on the farther side of the room the two sisters, Elsie and +Violet, sat side by side, cosily chatting of things past and present, +while a little removed from them Lester, Edward and Zoe formed another +group. + +The two gentlemen were in animated conversation, to which Zoe was a silent +and absorbed listener, especially when her husband spoke; eagerly drinking +in every word that fell from his lips; her face glowing, her eyes +sparkling with proud delight. + +"Look at Zoe; Ned certainly has one devoted admirer," remarked Elsie, +regarding her young sister-in-law with a pleased yet half-amused smile. + +"Yes," said Violet, "he is a perfect oracle in her esteem; and I believe +everything she does is right in his eyes; indeed, their mutual devotion is +a pretty thing to see. They are scarcely ever apart." + +"Don't you think your husband an oracle?" asked Elsie, with a quizzical +look. + +"So you have found that out already, have you?" laughed Violet. "Yes, I +do, but then he is wiser than our Ned, you know. Tell me now, don't you +admire him? don't you think him worthy of all honor?" + +"I do, indeed, and am proud to have him for a brother-in-law," Elsie said +with earnest sincerity; "but," she added with a smile, "I prefer Lester +for a husband." + +"Yes, of course, but Levis is the best of husbands--of fathers, too." + +"Rather more strict and stern than ours was, is he not?" + +"Yes, but not more so than necessary with a child of Lulu's peculiar +disposition." + +"Ah, Vi, I pity you for being a stepmother," Elsie said, with a +compassionate look at her sister. + +"You needn't," returned Violet quickly. + +"Lulu is the only one of the three that gives me any anxiety or trouble, +and to be Captain Raymond's wife more than compensates for that." + +"I suppose so. And Gracie is a dear little thing." + +"Yes, she's a darling. And Max is a noble fellow. I hope he will make just +such a man as his father. Don't you think he resembles the captain in +looks?" + +"Yes, and I notice he is very chivalrous in his manner toward his young +stepmother." + +"Yes," Violet said, with a happy smile, "and more or less to all ladies; +but especially those of this family. He is like his father in that. Zoe +is, I think, a particular favorite with him." + +Evidently Zoe had overheard the remark, for she turned in their direction +with a bright look and smile; then springing up came quickly toward them, +and taking possession of a low chair near at hand, "Was it Max you were +talking of, Violet?" she said. "Yes, indeed, I am fond of him. I think +he's a splendid boy. But what was wrong with him to-night?" + +"Nothing, so far as I know," said Violet "Why do you think there was?" + +"Because he was so unusually quiet; and then his father took him away so +early. Ah, here comes the captain now," as the door opened and Captain +Raymond entered; "so I'll go away and let you have him to yourself." + +"You needn't," said Violet, but Zoe was already by Edward's side again. + +Elsie, too, rose and went to her mother to ask if she were not weary of +holding the babe. + +Violet looked up a little anxiously into her husband's face as she made +room for him on the sofa by her side. "Is anything wrong with the +children, Levis?" she asked in an undertone. + +"No, love," he said; "I took them away early that I might have a little +serious talk with the older two. You know I shall not long be afforded the +opportunity." + +"But you look troubled," she said, in tenderly sympathizing accents. "May +I not share your care or sorrow, whatever it is?" + +"I would rather share only joys and blessings with you, dearest, and keep +the cares and burdens to myself," he answered, smiling lovingly upon her, +and pressing with affectionate warmth the little hand she had placed in +his. + +"No, I can't consent to that," she said. "I consider it one of my precious +privileges to be allowed to share your burdens and anxieties. Won't you +tell me what troubles you?" + +"It is nothing new, little wife," he answered cheerfully; "but I am +doubting whether I do right to give your mother and grandfather so +troublesome a charge as Lulu. She is almost certain to be wilful and +rebellious occasionally, if not oftener." + +Mrs. Travilla had resigned the babe to its mother, and was now standing +near the sofa where the captain and Violet sat. + +"Mamma," said the latter, turning to her, "my husband is making himself +miserable with the fear that Lulu will prove too troublesome to you and +grandpa." + +"Please do not, captain," Elsie said brightly, accepting the easy-chair he +hastened to bring forward for her. "Why should I not have a little trouble +as well as other people? Lulu is an attractive child to me, very bright +and original, a little headstrong, perhaps, but I shall lay siege to her +heart and try to rule her through her affections." + +"I think that will be the better plan," he said, the look of care lifting +from his brow; "she is a warm-hearted child, and more easily led than +driven. But she is sometimes very impertinent, and I would by no means +have her indulged in that. I wish you would promise me never to let it +pass without punishment. She must be taught respect for authority and for +her superiors." + +Elsie's face had grown very grave while he was speaking. "What punishment +do you prescribe?" she asked. "The child is yours." + +"That should depend upon the heinousness of the offence," he replied. "I +can only say, please treat her exactly as if she were your own." + +Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore now joined them, and the question what studies the +children should pursue during the coming winter was discussed and settled. +Then the captain spoke of reading matter, asked advice in regard to +suitable books and periodicals, and begged his friends to have a careful +oversight of all the mental food of his children. + +"You could not intrust that matter to a more wise and capable person than +papa," Elsie said, with an affectionate, smiling look at her father. "I +well remember how strict he was with me in my childhood; novels were +coveted but forbidden sweets." + +"You must have been glad when you were old enough to read them, mamma," +remarked Zoe, joining the circle. + +"You read far too many, my little woman," said Mr. Dinsmore, pinching her +rosy cheek. "If I were Edward, I should curtail the supply, and try to +cultivate a taste for something better." + +"But I'm a married woman and sha'n't submit to being treated like a child, +grandpa," she said, with a little pout and a toss of her pretty head. + +"Not even by me?" asked Edward, leaning down over her as he stood behind +her chair. + +"No, not even by you," she returned saucily, looking up into his face with +laughing eyes. "I'm your wife, sir, not your child." + +"Both, I should say," laughed Edward. "I remember that I was considered a +mere child at your age. And whatever you are you belong to me, don't you?" + +"Yes; and you to me just as much," she retorted, and at that there was a +general laugh. + +The captain had said nothing of the objectionable reading matter found in +his children's hands that day, but when alone with Violet in their own +room, he told her all about it, blaming himself severely for not having +been so watchful over them as he ought, and expressing his distress over +the discovery that Max had sometimes been guilty of profanity. + +"I do not know whether it has become a habit with him," he said, "but, my +dear, I beg of you to watch him closely when I am away, and if he is ever +known to offend in that way, see that he is properly punished." + +"But how, Levis?" she asked, with a troubled look. "I don't know what I +can do but talk seriously to him about the wickedness of it." + +"I hope you will do that, my dear. I have no doubt it would have an +excellent effect, for he loves and admires you greatly. But let him be +punished by being separated, for at least a week, from the rest of the +family, as unworthy to associate with them." + +"Oh, that would be very hard, very humiliating for a proud, sensitive, +affectionate boy like Max!" she exclaimed. "May we not be a little more +lenient toward him?" and she looked up pleadingly into her husband's face. + +"No," he said with decision; "but I strongly hope there will be no +occasion for such punishment, as he seems sincerely penitent and quite +determined not to offend in that way again. I really think my boy wants to +do right, but he is a heedless, thoughtless fellow, often going wrong from +mere carelessness and forgetfulness. But he must be taught to think and to +remember." + +"I wish he could have his father's constant care and control," sighed +Violet. + +"I wish he could indeed!" responded the captain; "but principally because +I fear he will prove a care and trouble to your grandfather and mother, +who, I am inclined to think, are more capable than I of giving him proper +training. I shall go away feeling easier in regard to my children's +welfare than I ever have before since they lost their mother." + +"I am very glad of that, Levis," Violet said, her eyes shining with +pleasure, "and I do believe they will have a happy life at Ion." + +"It will certainly be their own fault if they do not," he replied. + + * * * * * + +Rose Travilla was somewhat less amiable in disposition than her mother and +older sisters, and had been much disgusted with Lulu's exhibition of +temper that evening. + +Talking with her mother afterward in her dressing-room, "Mamma," she said, +"I wish you hadn't offered to let Lulu Raymond live with us at Ion. I +don't at all like the way she behaves, and I wish you and grandpa would +tell her father to send her off to boarding-school." + +"That is an unkind wish, Rose," said her mother. "Perhaps if you had had +the same treatment Lulu has been subjected to since her mother's death, +you might have shown as bad a temper as hers. Haven't you some pity for +the little girl, when you reflect that she is motherless?" + +"I don't think she could have a sweeter mother than our Vi," was the +unexpected rejoinder. "But she doesn't appreciate her in the least," Rose +went on, "but seems always on the watch against any effort on Vi's part to +control her." + +"She seems to be naturally impatient of control by whomsoever exerted," +Mrs. Travilla said, "but we will hope to see her improve in that respect, +and you must set her a good example, Rose. + +"And I want you to think how sad it would be for her to be parted from the +brother and sister she loves so dearly and sent away alone to +boarding-school. I shall never forget how alarmed and distressed I was +when your grandpa threatened me with one." + +"Did he, mamma?" asked Rosie, opening her eyes very wide with surprise. + +"Yes, he was very much displeased with me at the time," her mother said +with a sigh. "But we will not talk about it; the recollection is very +painful to me." + +"No, mamma; but I cannot get over my astonishment, for I thought you were +never naughty, even when you were a little child." + +"Quite a mistake, Rosie; I had my naughty times as well as other +children," Mrs. Travilla said, smiling at Rosie's bewildered look. "But +now I want you to promise me, my child, that you will be kind and +forbearing toward poor little motherless Lulu." + +"Well, mamma, to please you I will; but I hope she won't try me too much +by impertinence to you or Violet. I don't think I can stand it if she +does. + +"Try to win her love, Rosie, and then you may be able to influence her +strongly for good." + +"I don't know how to begin, mamma." + +"Force your thoughts to dwell on the good points in her character, and +think compassionately of the respects in which she is less fortunate than +yourself, and you will soon find a feeling of love toward her springing up +in your heart; and love begets love. Do her some kindness, daughter, and +that will help you to love her and to gain her love." + +"Well, mamma, I shall try if only to please you. But do tell me, did +grandpa punish you very severely when you were naughty?" + +"His punishment was seldom anything more severe than the gentle rebuke, 'I +am not pleased with you,' but I think I felt it more than many a child +would a whipping; I did so dearly love my father that his displeasure was +terrible to me." + +"Yes, I know you and he love each other dearly yet, and he often says you +were a very good, conscientious little girl." + +"But to return to Lulu," said Mrs. Travilla, "I had thought she would be a +nice companion for you, and until this evening I have not seen her show +any naughty temper since the first week she was here." + +"No, mamma, she has been quite well-behaved, I believe, and perhaps she +will prove a pleasant companion. I am sorry for her, too, because she +hasn't a dear, wise, kind mother like mine," Rosie added, putting her +arms about her mother's neck, "and because the father, I am sure she loves +very much, must soon go away and leave her." + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + "Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again." + --Shakespeare. + + +The next morning the captain and Max were out together on the beach before +Violet and the little girls had left their rooms. The lad liked to be +alone with his father sometimes. He had always been proud and fond of him, +and the past few months of constant intercourse had greatly strengthened +the bonds of affection between them. The boy's heart was sore at thought +of the parting that must soon come, the captain's hardly less so. He +talked very kindly with his son, urging him to make the best use of his +time, talents and opportunities, and grow up to be a good, honorable and +useful man. + +"I want to be just such a man as you are, papa," Max said, with an +admiring, affectionate look up into his father's face, and slipping his +hand into his as he spoke. + +The captain clasped the hand lovingly in his, and held it fast. + +"I hope you will be a better and more talented man, my boy," he said, +"but always remember my most ardent wish is to see you a truly good man, a +Christian, serving God with all your powers." + +At this moment a voice behind them said, "Good-mornin', cap'n. I'se got a +lettah hyah for you, sah." + +"Ah, good-morning, Ben, and thank you for bringing it," said the captain, +turning round to receive it. + +"You's bery welcom, sah," responded Ben, touching his hat respectfully, +then walking away toward Mr. Dinsmore's cottage. + +"From Washington," the captain remarked, more to himself than to Max, as +he broke the seal. + +Max watched him while he read, then asked, a little tremulously, "Must you +go very soon, papa?" + +"Within three days, my boy. But we won't say anything about it until after +prayers, but let Mamma Vi and your sisters enjoy their breakfast in +peace." + +"Yes, sir. Papa, I wish I was going with you!" + +"But think how your sisters would miss you, Max." + +"Yes, sir, I suppose they would. I hadn't thought of that." + +"Besides, I want you to take my place to Mamma Vi as nearly as you can," +added his father, looking smilingly at him. + +"O papa, thank you!" cried the boy, his face growing bright with pleased +surprise. "I will try my very best and do all for her that I can." + +"I don't doubt it, my son. And now let us go in, for it must be +breakfast-time, I think." + +Lulu and Grace ran out to the veranda to meet them with a glad, +"Good-morning, papa," and holding up their faces for a kiss. + +It was bestowed heartily, as he stooped and gathered them in his arms, +saying in tender tones, "Good-morning, my dear little daughters." + +The breakfast bell was ringing, and they hastened to obey its summons. +They found Violet already in the dining-room, and looking sweet and fresh +as a rose, in a pretty, becoming morning dress. + +The captain chatted cheerfully with her and the children while he ate, +seeming to enjoy his beefsteak, muffins and coffee; but Max scarcely +spoke, and occasionally had some difficulty in swallowing his food because +of the lump that would rise in his throat at the thought of the parting +now drawing so near. + +Directly after breakfast came family worship. Then as Violet and her +husband stood together before the window looking out upon the sea, he +gave her his Washington letter to read. + +She glanced over it, while he put his arm about her waist. + +"O Levis, so soon!" she said tremulously, looking up at him with eyes full +of tears, then her head dropped upon his shoulder, and the tears began to +fall. + +He soothed her with caresses and low-breathed words of endearment; of +hope, too, that the separation might not be a long one. + +"What is it, Max?" whispered Lulu, "has papa got his orders?" + +"Yes; and has to be off in less than three days," replied Max, in husky +tones, and hastily brushing away a tear. + +Lulu's eyes filled, but by a great effort she kept the tears from falling. + +The captain turned toward them. "We are going into the other house, +children," he said. "You can come with us if you wish." + +"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," they said, and Grace ran to her father and put +her hand in his. + +They found the Dinsmore and Travilla family all assembled in the parlor, +discussing plans for the day, all of which were upset by the captain's +news. + +His ship lay in Boston harbor, and it was promptly decided that they would +all leave to-day for that city, only a few hours' distant. + +As the cottages had been rented furnished, and all had for days past held +themselves in readiness for sudden departure, this would afford ample time +for the necessary packing and other arrangements. + +All was presently bustle and activity in both houses. Zoe and Edward, with +no painful parting in prospect, made themselves very merry over their +packing. They were much like two children, and except when overcome by the +recollection of her recent bereavement, Zoe was as playful and frolicsome +as a kitten. + +"Can I help, Mamma Vi?" asked Lulu, following Violet into her +dressing-room. + +Vi considered a moment. "You are a dear child to want to help," she said, +smiling kindly upon the little girl. "I don't think you can pack your +trunk, but you can be of use here by handing me things out of the bureau +drawers and wardrobe. There are so many trunks to pack that I cannot think +of leaving Agnes to do it all." + +"My dear," said the captain, coming in at that moment, "you are not to do +anything but sit in that easy-chair and give directions. I flatter myself +that I am quite an expert in this line." + +"Can you fold ladies' dresses so that they will carry without rumpling?" +asked Violet, looking up at him with a saucy smile. + +"Perhaps not. I can't say I ever tried that. Agnes may do that part of the +work, and I will attend to the rest." + +"And may I hand you the things, papa?" asked Lulu. + +"Yes, daughter," he said, "I like to see you trying to be useful." + +They set to work, Violet looking on with interest. "Why, you are an +excellent packer, Levis," she remarked presently, "far better than I or +Agnes either." + +"Thank you," he said, "I am very glad to be able to save you the +exertion." + +"And you do it so rapidly," she said. "It would have taken me twice as +long." + +"That is partly because I am much stronger, and partly the result of a +good deal of practice. And Lulu is quite a help," he added, with an +affectionate look at her. + +She flushed with pleasure. "Are you going to pack the other trunks, papa? +Max's and Grade's and mine? And may I help you with them?" she asked. + +"Yes, is my answer to both questions," he returned. + +"Where are Max and Gracie?" asked Violet. + +"I told Max to take his little sister to the beach, and take care of and +amuse her," the captain said in answer to the question. + +"Don't you want to be out at play, too, Lulu?" asked Violet. "I can help +your papa." + +"No, ma'am, thank you," the child answered in a quick, emphatic way. "I'd +a great deal rather be with papa to-day than playing." + +He gave her a pleased look and smile, and Violet said, "That is nice, +Lulu; I am very glad his children love him so." + +"Indeed we do, Mamma Vi! every one of us!" exclaimed Lulu. "Papa knows we +do. Don't you, papa?" + +"Yes, I am quite sure of it," he said. "And that my wife is fond of me +also," with a smiling glance at her, "and altogether it makes me a very +happy man." + +"As you deserve to be," said Violet, gayly. "Please, sir, will you allow +me to fold my dresses?" + +"No, for here comes Agnes," as the maid entered the room, "who, I dare +say, can do it better. Come, Lulu, we will go now to your room." + +Violet stayed where she was to direct and assist Agnes, and Lulu was glad, +because she wanted to be alone with her father for a while. + +When her trunk was packed he turned to leave the room, but she detained +him. "Papa," she said, clinging to his hand, "I--I want to speak to you." + +He sat down and drew her to his side, putting an arm about her waist. +"Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked kindly, stroking the hair back from +her forehead with the other hand. + +"Papa, I--I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for----" she stammered, her +eyes drooping, her cheeks growing crimson. + +"Sorry for your former naughtiness and rebellion?" he asked gently, as she +paused, leaving her sentence unfinished. + +"Yes, papa, I couldn't bear to let you go away without telling you so +again." + +"Well, daughter, it was all forgiven long ago, and you have been a pretty +good girl most of the time since that first sad week." + +"Papa, I do want to be good," she said earnestly, "but somehow the badness +will get the better of me." + +"Yes; each one of us has an evil nature to fight against," he said, "and +it will get the better of us unless we are very determined and battle with +it, not in our own strength only, but crying mightily for assistance to +Him who has said, 'In me is thine help.' + +"We must watch and pray, my child. The Bible bids us keep our hearts with +all diligence, and set a watch at the door of our lips that we sin not +with our tongues. Also to pray without ceasing. We need to cry often to +God for help to overcome the evil that is in our own hearts, and the +snares of the world and the devil, 'who goeth about as a roaring lion +seeking whom he may devour.'" + +"Papa," she said, looking up into his face, "do you find it hard to be +good sometimes?" + +"Yes, my child; I have the same battle to fight that you have, and I am +the more sorry for you because I know by experience how difficult it +sometimes is to do right." + +"And you have to help me by punishing me when I'm naughty, and making me +do as I ought?" + +"Yes, and my battle is sometimes for patience with a naughty, disobedient +child." + +"I think you were very patient with me that time you kept me shut up so +long in this room," she said. "If I'd been in your place I'd have got a +good switch and whipped my little girl till I made her obey me at once." + +"Do you think that would have been the better plan?" + +"No, sir. I think you'd have had to 'most kill me before I'd have given +up, but if I'd been in your place I couldn't have had patience to wait." + +"You need to cultivate the grace of patience, then," he said gravely. "Now +come with me to Max's room, and let us see if we can pack up his goods and +chattels." + +"Papa, I almost think I could pack it myself after watching you pack all +these others." + +"Possibly; but I shall do it more quickly, with you to help in getting all +the things together." + +Every one was ready in due season for departure, and that night the two +cottages that for months past had been so full of light and life, were +dark, silent and deserted. + +Arriving in Boston, the whole party took rooms at one of the principal +hotels. There they spent the night, but the greater part of the next day +was passed on board the captain's vessel. + +The day after the parting came; a very hard one for him, his young wife +and children. Little feeble Gracie cried herself sick, and Violet found it +necessary to put aside the indulgence of her own grief in order to comfort +the nearly heart-broken child, who clung to her as she might have done to +her own mother. + +Max and Lulu made no loud lament, but their quiet, subdued manner and sad +countenances told of deep and sincere sorrow, and, in truth, they often +felt ready to join in Gracie's oft-repeated cry, "Oh, how can I do without +my dear, dear papa?" + +But they were with kind friends. Every one in the party showed them +sympathy, pretty presents were made them, and they were taken to see all +the sights of the city likely to interest them. + +Grandma Elsie particularly endeared herself to them at this time by her +motherly tenderness and care, treating them as if they were her own +children. + +Their father had given each two parting gifts, a handsome pocket Bible, +with the injunction to commit at least one verse to memory every day, and +a pretty purse with some spending money in it; for he knew they would +enjoy making purchases for themselves when visiting the city stores with +the older people. + +So they did; and Lulu, who was generous to a fault, had soon spent her all +in gifts for others; a lovely new doll for Gracie, some books for Max, a +bottle of perfumery for "Mamma Vi," and a toy for Walter. + +Violet was much pleased with the present to herself as an evidence of +growing affection. She received it with warm thanks and a loving embrace. +"My dear child, it was very kind in you to think of me!" she said. "It +makes me hope you have really given me a little place in your heart, +dear." + +"Oh, yes, Mamma Vi, indeed I have!" cried the little girl, returning the +embrace. "Surely we ought all to love you when you love our dear father so +much, and he loves you, too." + +"Certainly," said Max, who was standing by; "we couldn't help loving so +sweet and pretty a lady if she was nothing at all to us and we lived in +the same house with her, and how can we think she's any less nice and +sweet just because she's married to our father?" + +"And how can I help loving you because you are the children of my dear +husband?" responded Violet, taking the boy's hand and pressing it warmly +in hers. + +Some hours later Violet accidentally overheard part of a conversation +between her little sister Rose and Lulu. + +"Yes," Rosie was saying, "mamma gives me fifty cents a week for spending +money." + +"Ah, how nice!" exclaimed Lulu. "Papa often gives us some money, but not +regularly, and Max and I have often talked together about how much we +would like to have a regular allowance. I'd be delighted, even if it +wasn't more than ten cents." + +Violet had been wishing to give the children something, and trying to find +out what would be most acceptable, so was greatly pleased with the hint +given her by this little speech of Lulu's. + +The child came presently to her side to bid her good-night. Violet put an +arm around her, and kissing her affectionately, said, "Lulu, I have been +thinking you might like to have an allowance of pocket money, as Rosie +has. Would you?" + +"O Mamma Vi! I'd like it better than anything else I can think of!" cried +the little girl, her face sparkling with delight. + +"Then you shall have it and begin now," Violet said, taking out her purse +and putting two bright silver quarters into Lulu's hand. + +"Oh, thank you, mamma, how good and kind in you!" cried the child. + +"Max shall have the same," said Violet, "and Gracie half as much for the +present. When she is a little older it shall be doubled. Don't you want +the pleasure of telling Max, and taking this to him?" she asked, putting +another half dollar into Lulu's hand. + +"Oh yes, ma'am! Thank you very much!" + +Max was on the farther side of the room--a good-sized parlor of the hotel +where they were staying--very much absorbed in a story-book; Lulu +approached him softly, a gleeful smile on her lips and in her eyes, and +laid his half dollar on the open page. + +"What's that for?" he asked, looking round at her. + +"For you; and you're to have as much every week, Mamma Vi says." + +"O Lu! am I, really?" + +"Yes; I too; and Gracie's to have a quarter." + +"Oh, isn't it splendid!" he cried, and hurried to Violet to pour out his +thanks. + +Grandma Elsie, seated on the sofa by Violet's side, shared with her the +pleasure of witnessing the children's delight. + +Our friends had now spent several days in Boston, and the next morning +they left for Philadelphia, where they paid a short visit to relatives. +This was their last halt on the journey home to Ion. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + "--to the guiltless heart, where'er we roam, + No scenes delight us like our much-loved home." + --Robert Hillhouse. + + +Elsie and her children had greatly enjoyed their summer at the North, but +now were filled with content and happiness at the thought of soon seeing +again their loved home at Ion, while Max and Lulu looked forward with +pleasing anticipations and eager curiosity to their first sight of it, +having heard various glowing descriptions of it from "Mamma Vi" and Rosie. + +Their father, too, had spoken of it as a home so delightful that they +ought to feel the liveliest gratitude for having been invited to share its +blessings. + +It was looking very beautiful, very inviting, on the arrival of our +travellers late in the afternoon of a warm, bright October day. + +The woods and the trees that bordered the avenue were in the height of +their autumn glory, the gardens gay with many flowers of the most varied +and brilliant hues, and the lengthening shadows slept on a still green +and velvety lawn. + +As their carriage turned into the avenue, Elsie bent an affectionate, +smiling look upon Max and Lulu, and taking a hand of each, said in +sweetest tones, "Welcome to your new home, my dears, and may it prove to +you a very, very happy one." + +"Thank you, ma'am," they both responded, Max adding, "I am very glad, +Grandma Elsie, that I am to live with you and Mamma Vi." + +"I, too," said Lulu; "and in such a pretty place. Oh, how lovely +everything does look!" + +The air was delightful, and doors and windows stood wide open. On the +veranda a welcoming group was gathered. Elsie's brother and sister--Horace +Dinsmore, Jr., of the Oaks, and Mrs. Rose Lacey from the Laurels--and her +cousins Calhoun and Arthur Conly; while a little in the rear of them were +the servants, all--from old Uncle Joe, now in his ninety-fifth year, down +to Betty, his ten-year-old great-granddaughter--showing faces full of +eager delight. + +They stood back respectfully till greetings had been exchanged between +relatives and friends, then pressed forward with their words of welcome, +sure of a shake of the hand and kind word from each member of the family. + +Mr. Dinsmore held little Gracie in his arms. She was much fatigued and +exhausted by the long journey. + +"Here is a patient for you, Arthur," he said, "and I am very glad you are +here to attend to her." + +"Yes," said Violet, "her father charged me to put her in your care." + +"Then let her be put immediately to bed," said Arthur, after a moment's +scrutiny of the child. "Give her to me, uncle, and I will carry her +up-stairs." + +"To my room," added Violet. + +But the child shrunk from the stranger, and clung to Mr. Dinsmore. + +"No, thank you, I will take her up myself," he said. "I am fully equal to +it," and he moved on through the hall and up the broad stairway, Violet +and the doctor following. + +The others presently scattered to their rooms to rid themselves of the +dust of travel and dress for the evening. + +"Well, little wife, is it nice to be at home again?" Edward asked, with a +smiling look at Zoe, as they entered their apartments. + +"Yes, indeed!" she cried, sending a swift glance around the neat and +tastefully furnished room, "especially such a home, and to be shared with +such nice people; one in particular who shall be nameless," she added, +with an arch look and smile. + +"One who hopes you will never tire of his company, as he never expects to +of yours," returned Edward, catching her in his arms and snatching a kiss +from her full red lips. + +"Now don't," she said, pushing him away, "just wait till I've washed the +dust from my face. Here come our trunks," as two of the men servants +brought them in, "and you must tell me what dress to put on." + +"You look so lovely in any and every one of the dozen or more that I have +small choice in the matter," laughed the young husband. + +"What gross flattery!" she exclaimed. "Well, then, I suppose I'll have to +choose for myself. But you mustn't complain if I do that some time when +you don't want me to." + +The two Elsies had lingered a little behind the others--the old servants +had so many words of welcome to say to them--the younger one in especial, +because she had been so far and so long away. + +And the babe must be handed about from one to another, kissed and blessed +and remarked upon as to his real or fancied resemblance to this or that +older member of the family. + +"It do 'pear pow'ful strange, Miss Elsie, dat you went away young lady and +come back wid husband and baby," remarked Aunt Dicey. "And it don't seem +but yistiday dat you was a little bit ob a gal." + +"Yes, I have come back a great deal richer than I went," Elsie returned, +with a glance of mingled love and joy, first at her husband, then at her +infant son. "I have great reason to be thankful." + +At that moment Mrs. Travilla became aware that Max and Lulu were lingering +near, as if not knowing exactly what to do with themselves. + +"Ah, my dears," she said, turning to them with a kind and pleasant look, +"has no one attended to you? Come with me, and I will show you your +rooms." + +They followed her up the stairs, and each was shown into a very pleasant +room furnished tastefully and with every comfort and convenience. + +Lulu's had two doors, one opening into the hall, the other into her +mamma's bedroom. + +Elsie explained this, adding, "So, if you are in want of anything or +should feel frightened or lonely in the night, you can run right in to the +room where you will find your mamma and Gracie." + +"Yes, ma'am, that is very nice; and oh, what a pretty room! How kind and +good you are to me! and to my brother and sister, too!" cried Lulu, her +eyes shining with gratitude and pleasure. + +"I am very glad to be able to do it," Elsie said, taking the little +girl's hand in one of hers and smoothing her hair caressingly with the +other--for Lulu had taken off her hat. "I want to be a mother to you, dear +child, and to your brother and sister, since my dear daughter is too young +for so great care and responsibility. I love you all, and I want you to +come freely to me with all your troubles and perplexities, your joys and +sorrows, just as my own children have always done. I want you to feel that +you have a right to do so, because I have invited you." + +She bent down and kissed Lulu's lips, and the little girl threw her arms +about her neck with impulsive warmth, saying, "Dear Grandma Elsie, I love +you and thank you ever so much! And I mean to try ever so hard to be +good," she added, with a blush and hanging her head shamefacedly. "I know +I'm often very naughty; papa said I gave him more anxiety than Max and +Gracie both put together; and I'm afraid I can't be good all the time, but +I do mean to try hard." + +"Well, dear, if you try with all your might, asking help from on high, you +will succeed at last," Elsie said. "And now I will leave you to wash and +dress. I see your trunk has been brought up and opened, so that you will +have no difficulty." + +With that she passed on into Violet's rooms to see how Gracie was. She +found her sleeping sweetly in Violet's bed, the latter bending over her +with a very tender, motherly look on her fair young face. + +"Is she not a darling, mamma?" she whispered, turning her head at the +sound of her mother's light footstep. + +"She is a very engaging child," replied Elsie. "I think we are all fond of +her, but you especially." + +"Yes, mamma, I love her for herself--her gentle, affectionate +disposition--but still more because she is my husband's child, his dear +baby girl, as he so often called her." + +"Ah, I can understand that," Elsie said, with a loving though rather sad +look and smile into Violet's azure eyes, "for I have often felt just so in +regard to my own children. What does Arthur say about her?" + +"That she is more in need of rest and sleep than anything else at present. +He will see her again to-morrow, and will probably be able then to give me +full directions in regard to her diet and so forth." + +"You will come down to supper? you will not think it necessary to stay +with her yourself?" Elsie said inquiringly. + +"Oh, no, mamma! I shall dress at once. I should not like to miss being +with you all," Violet answered, moving away from the bedside. "Ah!" with +sudden recollection, "I have been quite forgetting Max and Lulu." + +"I have seen them to their rooms," her mother said, "and now I must go and +attend to Rosie and Walter, and to my own toilet." + +"Dear mamma, thank you!" Violet said heartily. + +"My dear, I consider them quite as much my children, and therefore my +especial charge, as yours, perhaps a trifle more," Elsie returned with +sprightly look and tone as she left the room. + +Agnes was in attendance on her young mistress, and was presently sent to +ask if Lulu was in need of help, and to say that her mamma would like to +see her before she went down-stairs. + +"I don't need anything till I'm ready to have my sash tied," answered +Lulu, "and then I'll come in to Mamma Vi and you to have it done. She was +very good to send you, Agnes, and you to come." + +"La! chile, it's jus' my business to mind Miss Wilet," returned Agnes. +"An' she's good to eberybody, ob cose--always was." + +"What did you want to see me for, Mamma Vi?" asked Lulu, as she presently +entered her young stepmother's dressing-room. + +"Just to make sure that your hair and dress are all right, dear. You know +we have company to-night, and I am particularly anxious that my little +Lulu shall look her very best." + +The child's face flushed with pleasure. She liked to be well and +becomingly dressed, and it was gratifying to have Mamma Vi care that she +should be. Mrs. Scrimp was so different; she had never cared whether +Lulu's attire was tasteful and becoming or quite the reverse, but always +roused the child's indignation by telling her it was all sufficient if she +were only neat and clean. + +"Am I all right?" she asked. + +"Pretty nearly; we will have you quite so in a minute," Violet answered. +"Tie her sash Agnes, and smooth down the folds of her dress." + +"Mamma Vi, is that strange lady any relation to you?" asked Lulu. + +"Yes, she is my aunt, mamma's sister." + +"She is pretty, but not nearly so pretty as Grandma Elsie." + +"No; I have always thought no one else could be half so beautiful as +mamma." + +"Why, Mamma Vi, you are yourself!" exclaimed Lulu in a tone of honest +sincerity that made Violet laugh. + +"That is just your notion, little girl," she said, giving the child a +kiss. + +"Oh, I have eyes and can see! besides, papa thinks so, too, and Max and +Gracie." + +"Yes, my dear husband! he loves me, and love is very blind," murmured Vi, +half to herself, with a sigh and a far-off look in the lovely azure eyes. +Her thoughts were following him over the deep, wide, treacherous sea. + +She stole on tiptoe into the next room for another peep at his sleeping +baby girl, Lulu going with her; then hearing the tea-bell, they went down +to the dining-room together. + +They gathered about the table, a large cheerful party, the travellers full +of satisfaction in being at home again, the others so glad to have them +there once more. + +Zoe was very merry and Rosie in almost wild spirits, but Max and Lulu, to +whom all was new and strange, were quite quiet and subdued, scarcely +speaking except when spoken to, "Mamma," Rosie said, when they had +adjourned to the parlor, "it's lovely out of doors, bright moonlight and +not a bit cold; mayn't I take Max and Lulu down to the lakelet?" + +"Do you think the evening air would be injurious to them, Arthur?" Mrs. +Travilla asked, turning to her cousin. + +"I think there is malaria in it, and would advise them to stay within +doors until after breakfast to-morrow morning," he answered, drawing Rose +to a seat upon his knee. + +"Then you'd better let us go," she said archly, "so you can have some +more patients. Don't you like to have plenty of patients?" + +"That's a leading question, little coz," he said laughingly, toying with +her curls. "When people are sick I like to have an opportunity to exercise +my skill in trying to relieve and cure them, but I hope I don't want them +made sick in order to furnish me with employment." + +"I want to show Lulu and Max the beauties of Ion, and don't know how to +wait till to-morrow," she said. + +"Then take them about from one room to another, and let them look out +through the windows upon its moonlit lawn, alleys, gardens and lakelet." + +"Oh, yes, yes! that will do!" she cried, leaving his knee in haste to +carry out his suggestion. + +Max and Lulu, nothing loath, accepted her invitation, and they ran in and +out, up stairs and down, the young strangers delighted with the views thus +obtained of their new home and its surroundings. + +Rosie said she hoped they would not be required to begin lessons +immediately, but would be allowed a few days in which to enjoy walks, +rides, drives, and boating. + +"I'll ask grandpa and mamma if we may," she added, as they re-entered the +parlor. She hastened to present her petition, and it was granted; the +children were told they should have a week in which to enjoy themselves +and recover from the fatigue of their journey, and would be expected to +show their appreciation of the indulgence by great industry afterward. + +Lulu was standing a little apart from the rest, gazing out of the window +upon the moonlit lawn, when a step drew near; then some one took her by +the arm, and in a twinkling she found herself seated upon a gentleman's +knee. + +Looking up into his face, she saw that it was Mr. Horace Dinsmore who had +thus taken possession of her. + +"Well, my little dark-eyed lassie," he said, "no one has thought it worth +while to introduce us, but we won't let that hinder our making +acquaintance. Do you know who I am?" + +"I heard Rosie call you Uncle Horace." + +"Then suppose you follow Rosie's example. If you are as good as you are +bonny, I shall be proud to claim you as my niece." + +"But I'm not," she said frankly. Then hastily correcting herself, "I don't +mean to say I'm bonny, but I'm not good. Aunt Beulah used to say I was the +worst child she ever saw." + +"Indeed! you are honest, at all events," he said, with a look of +amusement. "And who is Aunt Beulah?" + +"The person Gracie and I lived with before papa got married to Mamma Vi." + +"Ah! well I shall not regard her opinion, but wait and form one for +myself, and I shall certainly be much surprised if you don't turn out a +pattern good girl, now that you are to live with my sweet sister Elsie. In +the mean while, will it please you to call me Uncle Horace?" + +"Yes, sir, since you ask me to," Lulu replied, looking much gratified. + +At this moment the door opened, and Mr. Lacey walked in. He had come for +his wife, and when he and the others had exchanged greetings, she rose to +make ready for departure. + +Calhoun Conly rose also, saying to his brother, "Well, Art, perhaps it +would be as well for us to go, too; our friends must be tired after their +long journey, and will want to get to bed early." + +"Suppose you all delay a little and unite with us in evening family +worship," said Mr. Dinsmore. "It is a good while since I have had all +three of my children present with me at such a service." + +All complied with his request, and immediately afterward took leave. Then +with an exchange of affectionate good-nights the family separated and +scattered to their rooms. + +Lulu was not quite ready for bed when Violet came in, and putting her arm +around her, asked, with a gentle kiss, "Do you feel strange and lonely in +this new place, little girl?" + +"Oh, no, Mamma Vi! it seems such a nice home that I am very glad to be in +it." + +"That is right," Violet said, repeating her caress. "I hope you will sleep +well and wake refreshed. I shall leave the door open between your room and +mine, so that you need not feel timid, and can run right in to me whenever +you wish. Good-night, dear." + +"Good-night, Mamma Vi. Thank you for being so good to me, and to Gracie +and Max," Lulu said, clinging to her in an affectionate way. + +"My child," returned Violet, "how could I be anything else to the children +of my dear husband? Ah, I must go! Mamma calls me," she added, hurrying +away as a soft, sweet voice was heard coming from the adjoining room. + +Lulu finished undressing, said her prayers, and had just laid her head on +her pillow, when some one glided noiselessly to the bedside and a soft +hand passed caressingly over her hair. + +The child opened her eyes, which had already closed in sleep, and saw by +the moonlight a sweet and beautiful face bending lovingly over her. + +"Grandma Elsie," she murmured sleepily. + +"Yes, dear. Rosie and Walter never like to go to sleep without a +good-night kiss from mamma, and you must have the same now, as you are to +be one of my dear children." + +Lulu, now wide awake, started up to put both arms round the neck of her +visitor. "Oh, I do love you!" she said, "and I'll try hard to be a good +child to you." + +"I believe it, dear," Elsie said, pressing the child to her heart. "Will +you join my children in their half-hour with mamma in her dressing-room +before breakfast? I shall be glad to have you, but you must do just as you +please about it." + +"Thank you, ma'am; I'll come," said Lulu. + +"That is right. Now lie down and go to sleep. You need a long night's +rest." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + "Her fancy followed him through foaming wares + To distant shores." + --Cowper. + + +Violet in her night-dress and with her beautiful hair unbound and hanging +about her like a golden cloud, stood before her dressing-table, gazing +through a mist of unshed tears upon a miniature which she held in her +hand. + +"Ah, where are you now, love?" she sighed half aloud. + +Her mother's voice answered close at her side, in gentle, tender accents, +"In God's keeping, my darling. He is the God of the sea as well as of the +land." + +"Yes, mamma, and his God as well as mine," Violet responded, looking up +and smiling through her tears. "Ah, what comfort in both assurances, and +in the precious promise, 'Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in +all places whither thou goest.' It is his and it is mine." + +"Yes, dearest. I feel for you in your loneliness," her mother said, +putting her arms around her. "Elsie is very happy in her husband and +baby, Edward in his wife; they need me but little, comparatively, but you +and I must draw close together and be a comfort and support to each other; +shall we not, my love?" + +"Yes, indeed, dearest mamma. Oh, what a comfort and blessing you are to +me, and always have been! And I am happier and less lonely for having my +husband's children with me, especially my darling little Gracie. I feel +that in caring for her and nursing her back to health I shall be adding to +his happiness." + +"As no doubt you will," her mother said. "It will be a pleasure to me to +help you care for her, and the others also. Now, good-night, daughter; we +both ought to be in bed." + +Violet presently stretched herself beside the sleeping Gracie with a +murmured word of endearment drew the child closer to her, and in another +moment was sharing her slumbers. + +When she awoke the sun was shining, and the first object her eyes rested +upon was the little face by her side. The pallor and look of exhaustion it +had worn the night before were quite gone, a faint tinge of pink had even +stolen into the cheeks. + +Violet noted the change with a feeling of relief and thankfulness, and +raising herself upon her elbow, touched her lips lightly to the white +forehead. + +The child's eyes flew open and with a sweet engaging smile, she asked, +"Have you been lying beside me all night, mamma?" + +"Yes, Gracie. You have had a long sleep, dear; do you feel quite rested?" + +"Yes, mamma, I feel very well. This is such a nice soft bed, and I like to +sleep with you. May I always?" + +"For all winter, I think, dear. I like to have your papa's baby girl by my +side." + +"I'm very much obliged to him for finding me such a sweet, pretty new +mamma. I told him so one day," remarked the child innocently, putting an +arm about Vi's neck. + +"Did you?" Violet asked with an amused smile; "and what did he say?" + +"Nothing; he just smiled and hugged me tight and kissed me ever so many +times. Do you know what made him do that, mamma?" + +"Because he likes to have us love one another. And so we will, won't we, +dear?" + +"Yes, indeed! Mamma, I feel a little hungry." + +"I'm glad to hear it, for here comes Agnes with a glass of nice rich milk +for you. And when you have drunk it she will wash and dress you. We will +all have to hurry a little to be ready in good time for breakfast," she +added, springing from the bed and beginning her toilet. "Grandpa Dinsmore +never likes to have us late." + +"Miss Rosie and Miss Lulu's up and dressed and gone into Miss Elsie's +room, Miss Wilet," remarked Agnes, holding the tumbler she had brought to +Gracie's lips. + +"Ah, that is well," said Violet, with a pleased look. "Lulu has stolen a +march on us, Gracie." + +The week that followed their arrival at Ion was a delightful one to all, +especially the children, who had scarce anything to do but enjoy +themselves. The weather was all that could be desired, and they walked, +rode, drove, boated, fished, and went nutting. + +Mr. Dinsmore and Edward were every day more or less busied with the +affairs of the plantation, but some one of the older people could always +find time to be with the children, while Zoe never failed to make one of +the party, and seemed almost as much a child as any of the younger ones. + +Every nook on the plantation and in its neighborhood was explored, and +visits were paid to Fairview, the Laurels, the Pines, the Oaks, Roselands +and Ashlands; the dwellers at each place having first called upon the +family at Ion. + +Both Max and Lulu had long desired to learn to ride on horseback, and +great was their delight on learning that now this wish could be gratified. + +A pony was always at the service of each, and lessons in the art of +sitting and managing it were given them, now by Mr. Dinsmore and now by +Edward, who was a great admirer of his brother-in-law, Captain Raymond, +had become much attached to him, and took a very kindly interest in his +children. + +Gracie was given a share in all the pleasures for which she was considered +strong enough, and when not able to go with the others on their +expeditions, was well entertained at home with toys and books filled with +pictures and stories suited to her age. + +Both Elsie and Violet watched over the little girl with true motherly love +and care; she warmly returning the affection of both, but clinging +especially to Violet, her "pretty new mamma." + +Gracie was a docile little creature, and seemed very happy in her new +life. She was deeply interested in the riding lessons of her brother and +sister, and when, near the end of the week, Dr. Arthur, to whom she was +becoming much attached, set her on the back of a Shetland pony and led it +about the grounds for a few minutes, promising her longer rides as her +strength increased, she was almost speechless with happiness. + +With the second week lessons began for the children. Each task had its +appointed hour, and they were required to be as systematic, punctual and +well prepared for recitations as pupils in an ordinary school, but at the +same time great care was taken that neither mind nor body should be +overtaxed, and they enjoyed many liberties and indulgences which could not +have been granted elsewhere than at home. + +The mornings were spent by Rosie and Lulu in the school-room in study and +recitation, under the supervision of either "Grandma Elsie" or "Mamma Vi." + +Grace and Walter would be there also at the start, but their short and +easy tasks having been attended to, they might stay and amuse themselves +quietly, or if inclined for noisy sport, go to the nursery or play-room to +enjoy it there. + +Max conned his lessons alone in his own room, joining the others only when +the hour arrived for reciting to Mr. Dinsmore, who took sole charge of his +education, and of the two little girls, so far as concerned Latin and +arithmetic. Rosie and Max were together in both these studies, but +Lulu--because of being younger and not so far advanced--was alone in both, +much to her dissatisfaction, for she was by no means desirous to have Mr. +Dinsmore's attention concentrated upon herself for even a short space of +time. + +His keen dark eyes seemed to look her through and through, and though he +had never shown her any sternness, she was quite sure he could and would +if she gave him any occasion. + +But for that there was no necessity, his requirements being always +reasonable and only such as she was fully capable of meeting. She had a +good mind, quick discernment and retentive memory, and she was quite +resolved to be industrious and to keep her promise to her father to be a +good girl in every way. Also her ambition was aroused to attempt to +overtake her brother and Rosie. + +She was moderately fond of study, but had a decided repugnance to plain +sewing, therefore looked ill-pleased enough upon discovering that it was +to be numbered among her daily tasks. + +"I hate sewing!" she said with a scowl, "and when I'm old enough to do as +I please, I'll never touch a needle and thread." + +It was afternoon of their first school day, and the little girls had just +repaired to the school-room in obedience to directions given them on their +dismissal for the morning. + +All the ladies of the family were there, gathered cosily about the fire +and the table at which Grandma Elsie was busily cutting out garments that +seemed to be intended for a child, yet were of coarser, heavier material +than any of the family were accustomed to wearing. + +"Perhaps you may change your mind by that time," she answered Lulu, with +pleasant tone and smile; "and I hope you will find it more agreeable now +than you expect. You are a kind-hearted little girl, I know, and when I +tell you these clothes are for a little Indian girl who needs them sadly, +I am quite sure you will be glad to help in making them." + +Lulu's brow cleared. "Yes, ma'am," she said with a little hesitation, "if +I could sew nicely, but I can't." + +"The more need to learn then, dear. Mamma Vi is basting a seam for you, +and will show you how to sew it." + +"And when we all get started there'll be some nice story read aloud, won't +there, mamma?" asked Rosie. + +"Yes; your sister Elsie will be the reader to-day, and the book Scott's +'Lady of the Lake.'" + +"Oh, how nice!" cried Rosie in delight; "it's such a lovely book, and +sister Elsie's such a beautiful reader." + +"In my little sister's opinion," laughed Mrs. Leland. + +"And that of all present, I presume," said "Grandma Rose." + +"I am fortunate in having so appreciative an audience," returned Elsie +gayly. + +Lulu had accepted a mute invitation to take a seat by Violet's side. + +"Mamma Vi," she whispered with heightened color, "I can't sew as well as +Gracie, and I'm ashamed to have anybody see my poor work." + +"Never mind, dear, we won't show your first attempts, and you will find +this coarse, soft muslin easy to learn on," Violet answered in the same +low tone. "See, this is the way," taking a few stitches. "Your father told +me he wanted his dear little girls to learn every womanly accomplishment, +and I feel sure you will do your best to please him. Take pains, and you +may be able to send him some specimen of your work as a Christmas gift. +Would you not enjoy that?" + +"Yes, ma'am, yes indeed!" returned the little girl, setting resolutely to +work. + +"Mamma," said Gracie, coming to Violet's other side, "mayn't I have some +work, too? I like sewing better than Lulu does. Aunt Beulah taught me to +overseam and to hem." + +"Then you may help us, little girlie," Violet said, kissing the little +fair cheek, "but must stop the minute you begin to feel fatigued; for I +must not let papa's baby girl wear out her small strength." + +Presently, all having been supplied with work, the reading began. Every +one seemed able to listen with enjoyment except Lulu, who bent over her +task with frowning face, making her needle go in and out with impatient +pushes and jerks. + +Violet watched the performance furtively for a few minutes, then gently +taking the work from her, said in a pleasant undertone, "You are getting +your stitches too long and too far apart, dear. We will take them out, and +you shall try again." + +"I can't do it right! I'll never succeed, if I try ever so hard!" muttered +Lulu, impatiently. + +"Oh, yes, you will," returned Violet with an encouraging smile. "Keep +trying, and you will be surprised to find how easy it will grow." + +The second attempt was quite an improvement upon the first, and under +Violet's pleased look and warm praise Lulu's ruffled temper smoothed down, +and the ugly frown left her face. + +In the mean while Gracie was handling her needle with the quiet ease of +one accustomed to its use, making tiny even stitches that quite surprised +her new mamma. + +With all her faults Lulu was incapable of envy or jealousy, especially +toward her dearly loved brother and sister, and when at the close of the +sewing hour Gracie's work was handed about from one to another, receiving +hearty commendation, no one was better pleased than Lulu. + +"Isn't it nice, Grandma Elsie?" she said, glancing at her little sister +with a flush of pride in her skill, "a great deal better than I can do, +though she's two years younger." + +"It's only because I couldn't run about and play like Lulu, and so I just +sat beside Aunt Beulah and learned to hem and back-stitch and run and +overseam," said Gracie. "But Lulu can do everything else better than I +can." + +"And she will soon equal you in that, I trust," said Violet, with an +affectionate glance from one to the other; "I am quite sure she will if +she continues to try as she has done to-day. And it makes my heart rejoice +to see how you love one another, dear children." + +"I think everybody loves Gracie, because she's hardly ever naughty," said +Lulu; "I wish I'd been made so." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + "Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see, + My heart untravelled fondly turns to thee." + --Goldsmith. + + +"How very pretty, Zoe!" said Violet, examining her young sister-in-law's +work, a piece of black satin upon which she was embroidering leaves and +flowers in bright-colored silks. + +"Oh, isn't it!" cried Lulu, in delighted admiration. "Mamma Vi, I'd like +to learn that kind of sewing." + +"So you shall, dear, some day; but mamma's theory is that plain sewing +should be thoroughly mastered first. That has been her plan with all her +children, and Rosie has done scarcely any fancy work yet." + +"But mamma has promised to let me learn all I can about it this winter," +remarked Rosie, with much satisfaction. + +"Mamma," Zoe said, with a blush, "I'm afraid I ought to join your +plain-sewing class. I should be really ashamed to exhibit any of my work +in that line." + +"Well, dear child, I shall be glad to receive you as a pupil if you +desire it," Elsie returned, giving her a motherly glance and smile. + +"Hark!" exclaimed Zoe, hastily gathering up her work, her cheeks rosy and +eyes sparkling with pleasure. "I hear Edward's step and voice," and she +tripped out of the room. + +"How fond she is of him!" Violet remarked, looking after her with a +pleased smile. + +"Yes," said her mother, "it does my heart good to see how they love each +other. And I think we are all growing fond of Zoe." + +"Yes, indeed, mamma!" came in chorus from her three daughters. + +"I'm sure we are; my husband and I as well as the rest," added Mrs. +Dinsmore. + +"And, Vi," said Elsie Leland laughingly, "I really think mamma's new sons +are as highly appreciated in the family as her new daughter, and that all +three doat upon their new mother. Mamma, Lester says you are a pattern +mother-in-law, and I answer, 'Of course; mamma is a pattern in every +relation in life.'" + +"My child, don't allow yourself to become a flatterer," returned her +mother gravely. + +"Zoe, Zoe, where are you?" Edward was calling from below. + +"Here," she answered, running down to meet him. "I've been in the +school-room with mamma and the others," she added, as she gained his +side, and looking up brightly into his face as she spoke. + +"Ah," he said, bending down to kiss the ruby lips. "I thought you were to +be my pupil." + +"Oh, so I am! except in purely feminine accomplishments. See!" holding up +her work. "I've been busy with this. It was the sewing hour, and sister +Elsie read aloud to us while we worked." + +"Ah, yes! I have been reader many a time while mamma and sisters plied the +needle." + +"How nice! you are such a beautiful reader! But she is almost as good." + +"Not only almost, but altogether," he returned gayly as he held open the +door of her boudoir for her to enter, then followed her in. "I've come now +to hear your recitations. I suppose you are quite prepared," he added, +drawing up a chair for her, and glancing at a pile of books lying on the +table. + +"No," she said, coloring and dropping her eyes with a slightly mortified +air. "I meant to be, but so many things happened to interfere. I had a +letter to write, then some ladies called, and then----" + +"Well?" he said interrogatively, as she paused, coloring still more +deeply. + +"I wanted to finish the book I was reading last night. I really couldn't +fix my thoughts on stupid lessons until I knew what became of the +heroine." + +Edward, standing by her side and looking down at her, shook his head +gravely. "Duties should be attended to first, Zoe, pleasures indulged in +afterward." + +"You are talking to me as if I were nothing but a child!" she cried +indignantly, her cheeks growing hot. + +"The dearest, most lovable child in the world," he said, bending down to +stroke her hair and look into her face with laughing eyes. + +"No, sir, I'm your wife. What did you marry me for if you considered me +such a child?" she cried with a half pout on her lip, but love-light in +the eyes lifted to his. + +"Because I loved you and wanted the right to take care of you, my bonny +belle," he said, repeating his caress. + +"And you do, the best care in the world, you dear boy!" she exclaimed +impulsively, throwing her arms about his neck. "And if it will please you, +I'll set to work at the lessons now." + +"Then do, love; I have letters to write, and we will sit here and work +side by side." + +Both worked diligently for an hour or more; they had a merry time over the +recitations, then drove together to the nearest village to post Edward's +letters and get the afternoon mail for Ion. + +Violet was made happy by a long letter from her husband. + +She had barely time to glance over it, learning when and where it was +written, and that he was well at the time of writing, when the tea-bell +rang. + +She slipped the precious missive into her pocket with a little sigh of +satisfaction, and joined the others at the table with a very bright and +happy face. + +She had not been the only fortunate one; her mother had cheering news from +Herbert and Harold, Mrs. Dinsmore some sprightly, gossipy letters from her +sisters Adelaide and May, whose contents furnished topics of lively +discourse, in which Violet took part. + +She had not mentioned her own letter, but at length Edward, noting the +brightness of her countenance, asked, "Good news from the captain, Vi?" + +"Yes, thank you," she said; "he was well and seemingly in excellent +spirits at the time of writing, though he says he misses wife and children +sorely." + +All three of his children turned toward her with eager, questioning looks, +Max and Lulu asking, "Didn't papa write to us, too?" + +"He sends you a message, dears," Violet said. "I have not really read the +letter yet, but shall do so after supper, and you shall all surely have +your share of it." + +On leaving the table they followed her to the door of her boudoir. + +"May we come in, Mamma Vi?" Max asked, with a wistful look. + +"Certainly," she answered in a pleasant tone, though longing to be quite +alone while giving her precious letter its first perusal; "I would have +you feel as free to come into my apartments as I always have felt to go +into mamma's. Sit down and make yourselves comfortable, dears, and you +shall hear presently what your papa says. + +"The letter was written on shipboard, brought into New York by another +vessel and there mailed to me." + +Max politely drew up a chair near the light for Violet, another for Lulu, +placed Gracie's own little rocker close to her mamma's side, then stood +behind it prepared to give close attention to the reading of his father's +letter. + +Violet omitted a little here and there--expressions of tender affection +for herself, or something else evidently intended for her eye alone. The +captain wrote delightful letters; at least they were such in the esteem of +his wife and children. This one provoked to both laughter and tears, he +had so amusing a way of relating trivial incidents, and some passages were +so tenderly affectionate. + +But something near the close brought an anxious, troubled look to Max's +face, a frown to Lulu's brow. + +It was this: "Tell Max and Lulu I wish each of them to keep a diary for my +inspection, writing down every evening what have been the doings and +happenings of the day as regards themselves--their studies, their +pleasures, their conduct also. Max telling of himself, Lulu of herself, +just as they would if sitting on my knee and answering the questions, +'What have you been busy about to-day? Have you been attentive to your +studies, respectful and obedient to those in charge of you? Have you tried +to do your duty toward God and man?' + +"They need not show any one at Ion what they write. I shall trust to their +truthfulness and honesty not to represent themselves as better than they +are, not to hide their faults from the father who cares to know of them, +only that he may help his dear children to live right and be happy. Ah, if +they but knew how I love them! and how it grieves and troubles me when +they go astray!" + +Max's face brightened at those closing sentences, Lulu's softened for a +moment, but then, as Violet folded the letter, "I don't want to!" she +burst out. "Why does papa say we must do such things?" + +"He tells you, dear; did you not notice?" said Violet. "He says he wishes +to know your faults in order to help you to correct them. And don't you +think it will help you to avoid wrongdoing? to resist temptation? the +remembrance that it must be confessed to your dear father and will grieve +him very much? Is it not kind in him to be willing to bear that pain for +the sake of doing you good?" + +Lulu did not answer, but Max said, "Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi! and oh, I hope +I'll never have to make his heart ache over my wrongdoings! But I don't +know how to keep a diary." + +"Nor I either," added Lulu. + +"But you can learn, dears," Violet said. "I will help you at the start. +You can each give a very good report of to-day's conduct, I am sure. + +"The keeping of a diary will be very improving to you in a literary way, +teaching you to express your thoughts readily in writing, and that, I +presume, is one thing your father has in view." + +"But it will be just like writing compositions; and that I always did +_hate_!" cried Lulu vehemently. + +"No, not exactly," said Max; "because you don't have to make up anything, +only to tell real happenings and doings that you haven't had time to +forget." + +"And I think you will soon find it making the writing of compositions +easier," remarked Violet, with an encouraging smile. + +"It'll be just the same as having to write a composition every day," +grumbled Lulu. "I wish papa wouldn't be so hard on us. I have to study +lessons a whole hour every evening, and then it'll take ever so long to +write that, and I shall not have a bit of time to play." + +"I wish I could write," little Gracie said, with a half sigh. "If I could, +I'd like to talk that way to papa." + +"You shall learn, darling," Violet said, caressing her with gentle +fondness. "Would you like to begin now?" + +"Oh, yes, mamma!" cried the child eagerly. + +"Then bring me your slate, and I will set you a copy. Max and Lulu, would +you like to bring your writing-desks in here, and let me give you any help +you may need?" + +Both assented to the proposal with thanks, and were presently seated near +her, each with open desk, a fresh sheet of paper spread out upon it, and +pen in hand. + +"I think that until you are a little used to the business, it would be +well to compose first with a pencil, then copy in ink," remarked Violet. +"And here," taking it from a drawer in her writing-desk, as she spoke, +"is some printing paper which takes pencil mark much better than the more +highly glazed paper which we use ordinarily in writing letters." + +She gave each of them a pile of neatly cut sheets and a nicely sharpened +pencil. + +They thanked her, and Max set to work at once. + +Lulu sat playing with her pencil, her eyes on the carpet. "I don't know +how to begin!" she exclaimed presently in an impatient tone. "What shall I +say first, Mamma Vi?" + +"Write down the date and then--Suppose you dictate to me, if that will be +any easier." + +"Thank you, ma'am, I think it would till I get into the way of it," Lulu +said, handing over her paper and pencil with a sigh of relief. + +"Now," said Violet, encouragingly, "just imagine that you are sitting on +your papa's knee and answering the question, 'What have you been doing all +day?'" + +"As soon as I was dressed and ready for breakfast, I went to Grandma +Elsie's dressing-room, along with Rosie and the others, to say Bible +verses, and hear Grandma Elsie talk about them and pray. Will that do, +Mamma Vi?" + +"Very nicely, dear; it is just what your papa wants, I think." + +Lulu's brow cleared, and she went on stating briefly the doings of the now +closing day in the due order of their succession, Violet's pen nearly +keeping pace with her tongue. + +"And here we are--Max and Gracie and I--sitting with Mamma Vi in her +boudoir, and she is writing for me the words I tell her, and I'm to copy +them off to-morrow," was the concluding sentence of this first entry in +the little girl's diary. + +"Will you hear mine, Mamma Vi, and tell me if it will do?" asked Max; and +receiving permission read it aloud. + +"It is very good indeed, Max," Violet said; "a good and true report, and +well expressed. Now, if you and Lulu choose you may bring your books here +and study your lessons for to-morrow, and if you need help from me I shall +give it with pleasure." + +"But, Mamma Vi, it will be very dull for you to stay up here with us while +the rest of the grown-up people are having a nice time together in the +parlor," said Max. + +"You are very kindly thoughtful, Max," returned Violet, with a pleased +look, "but I don't care to go down-stairs for some time yet; Gracie begins +to look weary, so I shall help her to bed and then answer your father's +letter. Can't you imagine that I may prefer to talk to Mm for a little +rather than to any one else, even if only with pen, ink and paper?" she +added, with a charming blush and smile. + +"Oh, yes, indeed! for I know you're very fond of him. And I don't wonder, +for I think he's the very best and handsomest man in the world," cried Max +enthusiastically, and both Lulu and Gracie said, "So do I." + +"Then we are all agreed so far," laughed Vi. "Come, Gracie, darling, I +will be your maid to-night." + +"No, no! not my maid, but my dear, sweet, pretty mamma!" returned the +little one, throwing her arms around Violet's neck and kissing her with +ardent affection. + +Lulu had risen to go for her books, but paused to say with a slight effort +and heightened color, "Yes, Mamma Vi, you are sweet and pretty, and very, +very kind to us." + +The child was by no means devoid of gratitude, though her pride and +prejudice were hard to conquer. Expressions of gratitude and affection +toward their young stepmother were far less frequent from her than from +her brother and sister, but were perhaps all the more valued because of +their rarity. + +"Thank you, dear," returned Violet, happy tears glistening in her eyes; +"if I am, it is because I love you for both your own and your father's +sake." + +She knew his heart always rejoiced in every demonstration of affection +from his children toward her, and in the letter she presently began +writing she recounted all that had been shown her that evening, and also +others carefully treasured up in her memory for that purpose. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + "The sober comfort, all the peace which springs + From the large aggregate of little things, + On these small cares of--daughter--wife--or friend, + The almost sacred joys of home depend." + --Hannah More. + + +Mrs. Elsie Travilla and her family were greatly beloved in their own +neighborhood, and as there had been no opportunity hitherto for showing +attention to the three young married ladies, or any one of them, there was +quite an influx of callers for a week or two after the return to Ion, and +these calls were presently succeeded by a round of dinner and evening +parties given in their honor. + +The death of Mr. Love having occurred within the year, Zoe, of course, +declined all such invitations; and it was only occasionally that Edward +could be persuaded to go without her. + +Violet accepted when it would have been deemed impolite or unkind to +decline, but scarcely yet more than a bride, she felt a trifle forlorn +going into society without her husband, and much preferred the quiet and +seclusion of home. + +This was to the advantage of the children, Max and Lulu thereby gaining +much assistance with their evening studies, Gracie a great deal of +motherly care and petting. + +So the duty of representing the family at these social gatherings devolved +largely upon Lester and Elsie Leland, who laughingly declared themselves +martyrs to the social reputation of the family. + +"A very nice way to be martyred, I think," said Rosie. "I only wish they'd +have the politeness to include me in their invitations." + +"It would do you little good," remarked Mr. Dinsmore, "since you would not +be allowed to accept." + +"Are you quite sure, grandpa, that mamma wouldn't allow it?" she asked, +with an arch look up into his face. + +"Quite; since she never allows anything which I do not approve." + +"Well," Rosie said, seating herself upon his knee and putting an arm +around his neck, "I believe it isn't worth while to fret about it, since, +as I'm not invited, I couldn't go any how." + +"A sensible conclusion," he returned laughingly. "Fretting is an +unprofitable business at any time." + +"Ordinarily I should be very much of Rosie's opinion," Zoe said aside to +her husband, "for I was always fond of parties; but of course, just now I +couldn't take the least pleasure in them," and she hastily brushed away a +tear. + +"No, love, I'm sure you could not," he said, tenderly clasping the little +hand she had laid in his. "But the truest, purest happiness is found at +home. And," he added with a smile, "it is quite to the advantage of your +plans for study that society can claim so little of your time and strength +at present. You are doing so nicely that I am very proud of my pupil." + +She flushed with pleasure, but with a roguish smile, and shaking her +finger warningly at him, "Take care," she said, "don't let the husband be +lost in the tutor, or I shall----" + +"What? go over to grandpa?" + +"Oh, no, no!" she cried, snatching her hand from his grasp, and lifting +both in mimic horror. + +"What are you two chatting so cosily about in that far-off corner?" asked +Mrs. Leland's cheery voice from the midst of the larger group at the +farther side of the room. + +"It's merely a little private confab between man and wife, in which the +public can have no interest," returned Edward. + +"Quite a mistake, so far as this part of the public is concerned," said +his mother, her soft brown eyes gazing lovingly upon them, "but we won't +pry into your secrets, only invite you to join our circle when you have +finished your private chat." + +For some weeks all went well with our friends at Ion; the family machinery +worked smoothly, with no jarring or jostling; everybody in good humor and +behaving kindly toward everybody else. + +Max and Lulu made good progress in their studies, and were able to give a +good report of each day in their diaries, which, of their own accord, they +brought each evening to Violet for her inspection. + +She reminded them that they were not required to do so; but they answered +that they preferred it; they wanted to know if she thought they were +representing themselves as better than they really were. + +She was glad to be able to answer with truth that she did not think so, +and that she could report them to their father as worthy of all praise in +regard to both conduct and diligence in study. + +"You have both been so pleasant tempered," she remarked in conclusion, +"Lulu neither grumbling nor so much as looking sour over her tasks, or +even the sewing lessons, which I know are particularly distasteful to her. +Dear child, you have been very good, and I know it will rejoice your +father's heart to hear it," she added, kissing the little girl's cheek. + +Lulu's face flushed and her eyes shone, Mrs. Scrimp had been always ready +to blame, never to praise, but with Mamma Vi it was just the other way. +She was almost blind to faults, but particularly keen-sighted where +virtues were concerned. + +Violet turned toward Max to find him regarding her with wistful, longing +looks. + +"Well, what is it, Max, my dear boy?" she asked, half laughingly. + +"Don't be partial, Mamma Vi," he answered. "I do believe a boy likes a +kiss from a sweet, pretty lady that he has a right to care for, quite as +well as a girl does." + +"Then come and get it," she said, offering her lips. "Max, you may feel as +free always to ask for it as if I were your own mother or sister." + +Edward had, perhaps, the most trying pupil of all; she had done well at +first, but as the novelty of the undertaking wore off, lost her interest, +and now found so many excuses for not being prepared at the proper time +for recitation; and if he so much as looked grave over the failure, was so +hurt, and felt herself so ill-used, that an extra amount of coaxing and +petting became necessary to restore her to cheerfulness and good humor. + +He was growing very weary of it all, and at times felt tempted to cease +trying to improve the mind of his little wife; but no, he could not do +that if he would have her a fit companion for him intellectually as well +as in other respects, for though she had naturally a fine mind, its +cultivation had been sadly neglected. + +He opened his heart to his mother on the subject, entreating her advice +and assistance, but without finding fault with Zoe (Elsie would hardly +have listened for a moment to that), and she comforted him with words of +encouragement to persevere in his own efforts, and promises to aid him in +every way in her power. + +In pursuance of that object she put in Zoe's way, and recommended to her +notice, books that would be likely to interest and at the same time +instruct her. Also considered her needs, as well as those of her own +pupils, in making her selections for the afternoon readings in the +school-room. + +There was much gained by the child wife in these ways, and also from the +conversation of the highly educated and intelligent older members of the +family, of which she had now become a part. + +She was very desirous to become their equal in these respects, especially +for Edward's sake, but she was so much used to self-indulgence, so +unaccustomed to self-control, that her good resolutions were made only to +be broken till she herself was nearly ready to give up in despair. + +Elsie was alone in her own apartments one afternoon, an hour or more after +dismissing her pupils to their play, when Zoe came to her with flushed +cheeks, quivering lips, and eyes full of tears. + +"What is wrong with you, my dear little daughter?" Elsie asked in tender, +motherly tones, as she looked up into the troubled face. + +"O mamma, I don't know what to do! I wish you could help me!" cried Zoe, +dropping upon her knees at Elsie's feet, and hiding her face on her lap, +the tears falling fast now, mingled with sobs. + +"Only tell me what is wrong, dear, and you shall have all the help I can +give," Elsie said, smoothing the weeper's fair hair with soft, caressing +hand. + +"Edward is vexed with me," sobbed Zoe. "I know he is, though he didn't say +a word; but he looked so grave, and walked away without speaking." + +"Perhaps he was not vexed with you, dear; it may have been merely that he +was deep in thought about something that had no connection with the little +wife, whom, as I very well know, he loves very dearly." + +"No, mamma, it wasn't that; he had come in to hear me recite, and I was so +interested in my fancy work that I'd forgotten to watch the time and +hadn't looked at the lessons. So I told him, and said I was sorry I +wasn't ready for him, and he didn't answer a word, but just looked at me +as grave as a judge, and turned round and walked out of the room." + +"Surely, my dear Zoe, Edward does not insist upon his little wife learning +lessons whether she is willing or not?" Elsie said inquiringly, and with a +gentle caress. + +"Oh, no, no, mamma! it has been my own choice, and I've no wish to give it +up; but somehow there is always something interfering with my studying. +Somebody calls, or I'm inclined for a ride, a drive or a walk, or I get +engaged in sewing or fancy work, or my music, or a story-book that's too +interesting to lay down till I reach the end. Mamma, I often wonder how it +is that you find time for all these things and many others beside." + +"Shall I tell you the secret of managing it, dear?" Elsie asked, with an +affectionate look and smile into the tear-stained face now uplifted to +hers. + +Zoe gave an eager assent, and Elsie went on: + +"It lies in doing things systematically, always putting duties first, +giving to each its set time, and letting the pleasures come in afterward. +If I were you, my dear, I should have a regular study hour, putting it +early in the day, before callers begin to come, and I should not allow it +to be lightly interfered with; no stitch should be taken in fancy work, +no novel opened, no story paper glanced at, until each lesson for the day +was fully prepared." + +Zoe's face had brightened very much as she listened. + +"O mamma, I see that that is just the way to do it!" she cried, clapping +her hands with glee, "and I'll begin at once. I'll think over all the +daily duties and make out a regular programme, and----" + +"Strive earnestly to carry it out, you would say, yet not in your own +strength alone," Elsie added, as Zoe paused, leaving her sentence +unfinished. + +"Yes, mamma," she responded in a more serious tone. "And now, I'll run +back to my room and try to be ready for Edward when he comes in again." + +She set herself to her tasks with unwonted determination to give her whole +mind to them. Edward came in at length, and was greeted with a bright look +and the announcement in a tone of great satisfaction, "I'm quite ready for +you now." + +"I've been thinking we might perhaps as well give it up, Zoe," he answered +gravely, "at least for the present, until you are done working upon those +very fascinating Christmas things." + +"Oh no, don't!" she said, flushing and looking ready to cry, "try me a +little longer, Ned; I've been talking with mamma, and I'm really going to +turn over a new leaf and do just as she advises." + +"Ah, if you have taken mamma into your counsels there is some hope," he +said in a tone of hearty approval. "But we will have to put off the +recitations until after tea. I must drive over to the Oaks to see Uncle +Horace about a business matter, and I just came up to ask you to go +along." + +"Oh, I'll be happy to!" she cried joyously, pushing the books aside and +starting to her feet, "and it won't take me a minute to don hat and +cloak." + +He caught her in his arms as she was rushing past him, and kissing her on +cheek and lips, asked in tender tones, "Have I made you unhappy this +afternoon, my love, my darling?" + +"Yes, for a little while; but I deserved it, Ned, and I don't mind it now +if--if only you love your foolish, careless little wife as well as ever in +spite of all her faults." + +"I love you dearly, dearly, my one own peculiar treasure," he responded, +with another caress of ardent affection, as he let her go. + +She was gay and happy as a bird during their drive, and full of enthusiasm +in regard to her new plan, explaining it to Edward, and asking his advice +about the best division of her time, how much should be allotted to this +duty and how much to that. + +"I mean to rise earlier," she said, "and if I can't get time in that way +for all I want to do, I'll shorten my rides and walks." + +"No," he said, "I'm not going to have your health sacrificed even to +mental improvement; and certainly not to fancy work; I shall insist on +plenty of rest and sleep and abundance of exercise in the open air for the +dear little woman I have taken charge of." + +"Then, sir, you're not to be cross if the studies are not attended to." + +"They will be if put before novels, fancy work, and other equally +unnecessary employments." + +"Well, I've said they shall be in future. O Ned," and she nestled closer +to his side, looking up lovingly into his face, "it's ever so nice to have +somebody to take care of me and love me as you do! How could I ever do +without papa, who always petted me so, if I hadn't you?" + +"I hope you may never find out. I hope I may be spared to take care of +you, as long as you need me, little wife," he said, pressing her closer to +his side. + +Rosie met them in the hall on their return to Ion. + +"It's most tea time, Zoe," she said; "I think you'll not have any too much +time for changing your dress." + +"Then I must needs make haste," returned Zoe, tripping up the stairs. + +Edward, who was taking off his overcoat, turned a rather surprised, +inquiring glance upon his little sister. + +"Oh, yes," she said laughingly, "I had a reason for hurrying her away, +because I want to tell you something. Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming. +Maybe he will be here by to-morrow. Mamma heard he wasn't well, and she +wrote and invited him to come and spend the winter with us, and she's just +had a letter saying he will come. Aren't you glad, Ned?" + +"I'm very well pleased, Rosie, but why shouldn't Zoe have heard your +announcement?" + +"Because I wanted to warn you first not to tell her or the Raymonds +something (you know what) that must be kept secret at first, if we want to +have some fun." + +"Oh, yes!" he said, with a good-humored laugh. "Well, I think you may +trust me not to tell. But how about all the others? Walter, especially?" + +"Oh, he doesn't remember anything about it; and grandpa and mamma and all +the rest have promised not to tell." + +"And you are quite sure Rosie may be trusted not to let the secret slip +out unintentionally?" he asked, pinching her round rosy cheek. + +"I hope so," she said, laughing and running away. + +Opening the library door and seeing Lulu there curled up in the corner of +a sofa with a book, she stepped in, shutting the door behind her. + +Lulu looked up. + +"Shall I disturb you if I talk?" asked Rose. + +"I'm ready to listen," answered Lulu, half closing her book. "What have +you to say?" + +"Oh, that Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming, and I'm ever so glad, as you +would be, too, if you knew him." + +"I never heard of him," said Lulu. "Is he a boy? is he older than Max?" + +"I should think so!" cried Rosie, with a merry laugh. "He has grown-up +sons, and he looks a good deal older than grandpa." + +"Pooh! then why should I care about his coming!" exclaimed Lulu, in a tone +of mingled impatience and contempt. + +"Why, because he's very nice and kind to us children, and tells us the +loveliest stories about the brownies in Scotland and about Bruce and +Wallace and the black Douglass and Robin Hood and his merry men, and--oh, +I can't tell you what all!" + +"Oh, that must be ever so nice!" cried Lulu, now as much pleased and +interested in the news of the expected arrival as Rosie could desire. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +IN WHICH THE CHILDREN HAVE SOME FUN. + + +In the uppermost story of the house at Ion was a large play-room furnished +with a great variety of toys and games--indeed almost everything that +could be thought of for the amusement of the young folks, from Walter up +to Max. + +But the greatest delight of the last named was in the deft handling of the +tools in an adjoining apartment, called the boys' work-room. There he +found abundance of material to work upon, holly scroll and fret saws, and +a well-stocked tool chest. + +Edward had given him a few lessons at the start, and now he had become so +expert as to be turning out some really beautiful pieces of carving, which +he intended to give to his friends at Christmas. + +Lulu, too, was learning scroll-sawing, and thought it far preferable to +any sort of needle-work; sometimes more enjoyable than playing with her +dolls. + +They were there together one afternoon, both very busy and chatting and +laughing as they worked. + +"Max," said Lulu, "I'm determined to learn to do scroll-sawing and carving +just as well as ever I can, and make lovely things! Maybe I can contrive +new patterns or designs, or whatever they call 'em, and after a while make +ever so much money, enough to pay for my clothes and everything, so that +papa won't have to spend any of his money on me." + +"Why, Lu!" exclaimed her brother, "do you think papa grudges the money he +spends on you, or any of us?" + +"No, I know he doesn't," she returned vehemently, "but can't you +understand that I'd like him to have more to spend on himself?" + +"Oh," said Max. "Well, that's right, I'm sure, and very thoughtful for a +little girl like you. I do think you're splendid in some ways, Lu." + +"And whether you make money by it or not, it will be a good thing to learn +to do this work well. Papa says, 'knowledge is power,' and the more things +we know how to do, the more independent and useful we will be." + +Just then the door opened, and Zoe, in riding hat and habit, put in her +head. + +"Max, I'm going to ride into the village," she said, "and Edward can't go +with me, as he intended. Will you?" + +"Yes, Aunt Zoe, of course, if you want me," answered the boy promptly, +stopping his saw and springing to his feet, for he was much gratified by +the invitation. "I'll get ready as fast as I can; 'twon't take over five +minutes." + +"Thank you. I'll wait for you in the parlor," said Zoe, "Lulu, would you +like to go, too?" + +"No, thank you, I had a ride this morning, and now I want to finish this." + +Max had left the room, and Zoe, drawing nearer to Lulu, exclaimed at the +beauty of her work. + +"Why, I never should have dreamed you could do it so well!" she said. "I +don't believe I could." + +Lulu's face flushed with pleasure, but she said modestly, "Perhaps you'd +find, if you should try, that you could do it better; you do everything +else better than I do." + +"Quite a mistake," returned Zoe, "though I ought to, as I'm so much older. +But there, I dare say Max is ready and waiting for me, so good-by." + +They met in the lower hall. "All ready, Max?" she asked. + +"Yes--no; I must ask leave," and he ran into the parlor where the ladies +of the family were sitting. + +It was of Grandma Elsie he asked permission, and it was given at once. + +"Thank you, ma'am," he said. "Can I do anything for you in the town, +ladies?" + +"Yes," said Violet, "I have just broken a crochet needle. You may get me +one to replace it." + +She went on to give him directions about the size and where he would be +likely to find it; then taking some money from her purse, "This is sure to +be more than enough," she said, "but you may keep the change." + +"Mamma Vi, I don't want pay for doing an errand for you," returned the boy +coloring; "it is a great pleasure, it would be even if papa had not told +me to wait on you and do all I could to fill his place." + +"I don't mean it as pay, my dear boy," Violet answered, with a pleased +look, "but haven't I a right to make a little present now and then to the +children who call me mamma?" + +Max's face brightened. + +"Yes, ma'am, I suppose so," he said. "Thank you; I'll take it willingly +enough if it isn't pay, and I'm very proud to be trusted to buy something +for you." + +Edward was helping Zoe into the saddle as Max came hurrying out. + +"Take good care of her, Max," he said, "I'm trusting you and Tom there +with my chiefest treasure." + +"I'll do my best," Max said, mounting his pony, which Tom the colored boy +was holding. + +"Me, too, Marse Ed'ard, dere shan't nuffin hurt Miss Zoe," added the +latter, giving Max the bridle, then mounting a third horse and falling +behind the others as they cantered down the avenue. + +A little beyond the gate the family carriage passed them, Mr. Dinsmore and +a strange gentleman inside. + +"Company," remarked Zoe. "I wonder who he is, and if he's come to stay any +time? I think grandpa drove into the city in season to meet the afternoon +train." + +"Yes, I know he did," said Max. + +Max had now learned to ride quite well, and felt himself very nearly a man +as he escorted Zoe to the village, and, arrived there, went with her from +store to store, executed Violet's commission, then having assisted Zoe +into the saddle remounted, and returned with her to Ion. + +It was very near the tea hour when they reached home. Zoe went directly to +her own apartments to change her dress, but Max, without even waiting to +take off his overcoat, hastened into the parlor to hand the crochet needle +to Violet. + +The ladies were all there, Rosie, too, and Mr. Dinsmore, and an elderly +gentleman, whom Max at once recognized as the one he had seen in the +carriage that afternoon. + +He shook hands very kindly with the boy as Mr. Dinsmore introduced them, +"Cousin Ronald this is Max Raymond--Mr. Lilburn, Max." + +"Ah ha, ah ha! um, h'm! ah ha! A fine-looking lad," Mr. Lilburn said, +still holding the boy's hand in a kindly grasp, and gazing with evident +interest into the bright young face. "I trust you and I are going to be +good friends, Max. I'm no so young myself as I once was, but I like the +company of the blithe young lads and lasses." + +"Thank you, sir," said Max, coloring with pleasure. "Rosie says you tell +splendid stories about Wallace and the Bruce and Robin Hood and his merry +men; and I know I shall enjoy them ever so much." + +As he finished his sentence Max colored more deeply than before, at the +same time hastily thrusting his right hand deep into the pocket on that +side of his overcoat, for a peculiar sound like the cry of a young puppy +seemed to come from it at that instant, much to the boy's discomfiture and +astonishment. + +"What is that? What have you got there, Max?" asked little Walter, +pricking up his ears, while Violet asked with an amused look, "Have you +been making an investment in livestock, Max?" + +A query that seemed all the more natural and appropriate as the cluck of a +hen came from the pocket on the other side of the overcoat. + +Down went the left hand into that. "No, Mamma Vi, they're not in my +pockets," returned the boy, with a look of great bewilderment. + +"No, to be sure not," said Mr. Lilburn, and the hen clucked behind +Violet's chair and the pup's cry was heard coming from underneath a heap +of crocheting in Mrs. Dinsmore's lap, fairly startling her into uttering a +little cry of surprise and dismay and springing to her feet. + +Then everybody laughed, Rosie clapping her hands with delight, and Max +glanced from one to another more mystified than ever. + +"Never mind, Max," said Violet, "it's plain you are not the culprit who +brought such unwelcome intruders here. Run up to your room now and make +yourself ready for tea." + +Max obeyed, but looking back from the doorway, asked, "Shall I send one of +the servants to turn out the hen and carry away the pup?" + +"Never mind, we'll attend to it," said Mr. Dinsmore. + +"I'll find 'em. I can carry that pup out," said Walter, getting down from +his grandpa's knee and beginning a vigorous search for it, the older +people watching him with much amusement. + +At length, having satisfied himself that neither it nor the hen was in the +room, he concluded that they must be in Max's overcoat pockets, and told +him so the moment he returned. + +"No, they are not, unless some one has put them there since I went +up-stairs," said Max. "But I don't believe in them, Walter. I think they +were only make believe." + +"How make believe?" asked the little fellow in perplexity. + +"Ask Mr. Lilburn." + +"Come, explain yourself, young man," said that gentleman laughingly. + +"I've heard of ventriloquists, sir," said Max. "I don't know if you are +one, but as pup and hen could only be heard and not seen, I think it must +have been a ventriloquist's work." + +"But you don't know for certain," said Rosie, coming to his side, "and +please don't say anything to Zoe, or Lulu, or Gracie about it." + +"I won't," he said, as the door opened and the three entered, Zoe having +overtaken the two little girls on their way down-stairs after being +dressed for the evening by the careful and expert Agnes. + +"Mamma, do I look nice enough for your little girl?" asked Gracie, going +to Violet's side. + +"Very nice and sweet, my darling," was the whispered reply, accompanied by +a tender caress. + +Walter, hardly waiting until the necessary introductions were over, burst +out eagerly, "Zoe, do you know where that pup is?" + +"What pup?" she asked. + +"I don't know his name." + +"Well, what about him?" + +"I thought he was in Max's pocket, but he wasn't, and neither was the +hen." + +The tea-bell rang at that instant, and Rosie, putting her lips to Walter's +ear, whispered, "Do keep quiet about it, and we'll have some fun." + +"Will we?" he asked with a look of mingled wonder and pleasure; "then I'll +keep quiet." + +All through the meal Walter was on the _qui vive_ for the fun, but there +was none beyond a few jests and pleasantries which were by no means +unusual in their cheerful family circle. + +"There wasn't a bit of fun, Rosie," he complained to her after all had +returned to the parlor. + +"Wait a little," she answered, "perhaps it will come yet." + +"Before I have to go to bed?" + +"I hope so. Suppose you go and tell Cousin Ronald you want some fun. He +knows how to make it. But be sure to whisper it in his ear." + +Walter did as directed. + +"Wait a wee, bairnie, and see what will happen," Cousin Ronald answered in +an undertone, and with a low pleasant laugh as he lifted the little fellow +to his knee. + +Mr. Dinsmore sat near at hand, the ladies had gathered about the +centre-table with their work, while Lester Leland and Edward Travilla +hovered near their wives, the one with a newspaper, the other merely +watching the busy fingers of the fair workers and making jesting comments +upon what they were doing. + +But presently there was a sudden commotion in their midst, one after +another springing from her chair with a little startled cry and trying to +dodge what, from the sound, seemed to be an enormous bumble bee circling +round and round their heads and in and out among them. "Buzz! buzz! buzz!" +surely never bumble bee buzzed so loud before. + +"Oh, catch it! kill it, Edward!" cried Zoe, with a half frantic rush to +the farther side of the room. "Oh, here it comes after me! It's settling +on my hair! Oh!" + +"No, dear, it isn't, there is really nothing there," Edward said +soothingly, yet with a laugh, for a second thought had told him the real +cause of the disturbance. + +"I believe it's gone," she said, drawing a long breath of relief, as she +turned her head this way and that, "but where did it go to? and how +strange for one to be flying about this time of year!" + +The other ladies exchanging amused glances and smiles, were drawing round +the table again when a loud "cluck, cluck" came from beneath it. + +"Oh, there she is! there's the old hen Max brought!" cried Walter, +springing from Mr. Lilburn's knee to run to the table. + +Stooping down he peeped under it. "Why, no, she's not there!" he said in +wonder and disappointment. "Ah, yonder she is! behind that window +curtain," as "cluck, cluck cluck," came from a distant corner. "Max, Max, +catch her quick, 'fore she gets away!" + +Max ran and hastily drew aside the curtain. + +There was nothing there, as Walter, Lulu and Gracie, who had all rushed to +the spot, perceived with amazement. + +"Hark!" said Mr. Dinsmore, and as a death-like silence fell upon the room +the "cluck, cluck, cluck" was distinctly heard from the hall. + +Out rushed the children and searched its whole length, but without finding +the intruder. + +Back they came to report their failure. Then dogs, big and little, barked +and growled, now here, now there, little pigs squealed, cats meowed, and +mice squealed from the corners, under sofas and chairs, in the ladies' +laps, in the gentlemen's pockets, yet not one could be seen. + +For a while it made a great deal of sport, but at length little feeble +Gracie grew frightened and nervous, and running to "Mamma Vi" hid her head +in her lap with a burst of tears and sobs. + +That put an end to the fun and frolic, everybody sobered down instantly +and kept very quiet, while Grandpa Dinsmore carefully explained to the +little weeper that Cousin Ronald had made all the sounds which had so +excited and alarmed her, and that there was really nothing in the room +that could hurt or annoy her. + +She lifted her head at last, wiped away her tears, and with a laugh that +was half a sob, said, "I'll stop crying, then; but I'm afraid everybody +thinks I'm a great baby." + +"Oh no, dear!" said Grandma Elsie, "we all know that if our little girlie +is easily troubled, it is because she is not well and strong like the rest +of us." + +"And I must beg your pardon for frightening you so, my wee bit bonny +lassie," said Mr. Lilburn, stroking her hair. "I'll try to atone for it, +one o' these days, by telling you and the other bairns the finest stories +I know." + +The promise called forth from the young folks a chorus of thanks and +exclamations of delight, Walter adding, "Won't you please tell one now, +Cousin Ronald, to comfort Gracie?" + +"A very disinterested request, no doubt, my little son," Elsie said +laughingly, as she rose and took his hand to lead him from the room; "but +it is high time both you and Gracie were in your nests. So bid good-night, +and we will go." + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + "At Christmas play, and make good cheer, + For Christmas comes but once a year." + --Tusser. + + +It was the day before Christmas. + +"When do our holidays begin, mamma?" asked Rosie, as she put her books +neatly away in her desk after the last morning recitation. + +"Now, my child; we will have no tasks this afternoon. Instead, I give my +five little folks an invitation to drive into the city with me. How many +will accept?" + +"I, thank you, ma'am," "and I," "and I," came in joyous tones from one and +another, for all were in the room, and not one indifferent to the delight +of a visit to the city, especially just at this time when the stores were +so full of pretty things. Besides, who could fail to enjoy a drive with +the kind, sweet lady some of them called mamma, others Grandma Elsie? + +"Then you may all be ready to start immediately after dinner," she said, +glancing around upon them with a benign smile. + +It was a still, bright day, mild for the season, no snow on the ground to +make a sleigh-ride possible, but the roads were good, they had fine +horses, plenty of wraps, and the ride in the softly-cushioned, +easy-rolling carriage, whose large plate-glass windows gave them a good +view of the country first, then of the streets and shop windows of the +city, was found very enjoyable. + +They were not afraid to jest, laugh, and be as merry as health, freedom +from care, youthful spirits, and pleasing anticipations for the morrow +inclined them to be. + +Most of the Christmas shopping had been done days before, but some orders +were left with grocers and confectioners, and Grandma Elsie treated +generously to bonbons. + +She allowed her children much greater latitude in such matters than her +father had permitted her in her early years. + +The Ion carriage had scarcely turned out of the avenue, on its way to the +city, when one of the parlors became the scene of great activity and +mirth. A large Christmas tree was brought in and set up by the men +servants; then Lester and his Elsie, Violet, Edward and Zoe proceeded to +trim it. + +That done they gave their attention to the adorning with evergreens the +walls of that and several other rooms, completing their labors and closing +the doors upon the tree some time before the return of the children. + +"We shall have scarcely more than time to dress for tea," Grandma Elsie +said, as the carriage drew up at the door; "so go directly to your rooms, +my dears. Are you very tired, little Gracie?" + +"No, ma'am, just a wee bit," said the child. "I'm getting so much +stronger, and we've had such a nice time, Grandma Elsie." + +"I'll carry you up-stairs, little missy," said Tom, the servant man, who +opened the door for them, picking her up as he spoke. + +"Bring her in here, Tom," Violet said, speaking from the door of her +dressing-room. "And will you come in too, Lulu dear?" + +Violet was very careful never to give Lulu an order; her wishes when +addressing her were always expressed in the form of a request. + +Lulu complied at once, Tom stepping back for her to enter first. + +She was in high good-humor, having enjoyed her drive extremely. + +"Mamma Vi," she exclaimed, "we've had a splendid time! It's just +delightful to be taken out by Grandma Elsie." + +"Yes; I have always found it so," said Violet. "And how has your papa's +baby girl enjoyed herself?" drawing Gracie toward her, as Tom set her +down, and taking off her hat. + +"Oh, ever so much! Mamma how beautiful you look! I wish papa was here to +see you." + +"That's just what I was thinking," said Lulu. "You _are_ beautiful, Mamma +Vi, and then you always wear such very pretty and becoming things." + +"I am glad you approve my taste in dress," Violet said, laughing. "And +what do you think of those?" with a slight motion of her hand in the +direction of the bed. + +Both little girls turned to look, then with a little cry of surprise and +delight hastened to give a closer inspection to what they saw there--two +pretty dresses of soft, fine white cashmere, evidently intended for them, +each with sash and ribbons lying on it, Lulu's of rose pink, Gracie's a +delicate shade of blue. + +"O Mamma Vi! are they for us?" exclaimed Lulu. + +"They were bought and made expressly for my two dear little girls; for +them to wear to-night," said Violet. "Do they suit your taste, dears?" + +"They are just beautiful, my dear, sweet, pretty mamma," cried Gracie, +running to her and half smothering her with hugs and kisses. + +"There, pet, that will do," said Violet, laughing, as she returned a +hearty kiss, then gently disengaged the child's arms from her neck; "we +must make haste to array you in them before the tea-bell rings," and +taking Gracie's hand, she led her toward the bed. + +Lulu was standing there smoothing down the folds of her new dress, and +noting, with a thrill of pleasure, how prettily the rich sash and ribbons +contrasted with its creamy whiteness. "Mamma Vi," she said, looking up +into her young stepmother's face, her expression a mixture of penitence +and gratitude, "how good you and Grandma Elsie are to me! Indeed, +everybody here is good to me; though I--I'm so bad-tempered." + +"You have been very good of late, dear," Violet said, bending down to kiss +her forehead, "and it is a dear delight to me to do all I can to make my +husband's children happy." + +Agnes now came to Violet's assistance, and when the tea-bell rang, a few +minutes later, the two little girls were quite ready to descend with their +mamma to the supper-room. + +Grandma Elsie looked in on her way down, and Violet said, sportively, +"See, mamma, I have my dolls dressed." + +"Yes," Elsie returned, with a smile, "you were always fond of dressing +dolls," and, passing a hand over Gracie's curls and touching Lulu's cheek +caressingly with the other, "these are better worth it than any you have +had heretofore." + +"Grandma Elsie," said Lulu in her fearless, straightforward way, and +gazing with earnest, affectionate scrutiny into the fair face, "you don't +look as if you could be mother to Mamma Vi and Aunt Elsie and Uncle +Edward." + +"Why, my child?" laughed the lady addressed; "can't you see a +resemblance?" + +"Oh, yes, ma'am! but you look so young, not so very much older than they +do." + +They were now passing through the upper hall. Walter had hold of his +mother's hand, and Rosie had just joined them. + +"That is true," she remarked, and I am so glad of it! I couldn't bear to +have my dear, beautiful mamma grow old, and wrinkled, and gray." + +"Yet it will have to be some day, Rosie, unless she is laid away out of +sight before the time comes for those changes," the mother answered with +gentle gravity. + +There were various exclamations of surprise and pleasure from the children +as they entered the supper-room. Its walls were beautifully trimmed with +evergreens, and bouquets of hot-house flowers adorned the table, filling +the air with delicious fragrance. + +When the meal was over, all adjourned to the parlor usually occupied by +them when not entertaining company. This, too, they found trimmed with +evergreens, and while the children were looking about and commenting upon +the taste displayed in their arrangement, the folding doors communicating +with another parlor were suddenly thrown open, disclosing the grand +achievement of the afternoon--the beautiful Christmas tree--tall, +wide-spreading, glittering with lights and tinsel ornaments, gorgeous with +gay colors, and every branch loaded down with gifts. + +It was greeted with a burst of admiration and applause. + +"What a beauty!" cried Rosie and Lulu, clapping their hands. + +"And how large!" exclaimed Max, "three times as big as any I ever saw +before." + +Walter and Gracie were no less enthusiastic in their admiration. "May we +go close up, mamma?" asked the latter. + +"Yes, 'course we may," said Walter, seizing her hand, "we'll walk round it +and look hard at the things, but not touch 'em." + +Older people followed the lead of the little ones, and the tree was +thoroughly examined by many pairs of eyes, gazed at from every point of +view, and highly extolled, before the work of despoiling it was begun. + +The gifts were far too many to mention in detail. The older people seemed +much pleased with some easels, brackets, and picture-frames carved for +them by Max and Lulu, and with specimens of Zoe's and Rosie's handiwork in +another line; also with some little gems of art from the pencils or +brushes of Lester, Elsie, and Violet, while the children were made happy +with presents suited to the years and taste of each. + +Lulu was almost wild with delight over a set of pink coral, as nearly like +that she had lost by her misconduct some months before, as Grandma Elsie +had been able to find. + +Then there was a beautiful, thoroughly furnished work-box from Mamma Vi, +with "actually a gold thimble in it," to encourage her in learning to sew. +One for Gracie also exactly like it, except that Lulu's was lined with red +satin and Gracie's with blue. Each had beside a new doll with a neat +little trunk packed full of clothes made to fit it, and a box filled with +pretty things to make up into doll clothes. + +Max was greatly surprised and delighted by finding himself the possessor +of a watch, doubly valuable to him as his father's gift. + +The gold thimbles of the little girls were also from papa. + +They had a number of other presents, but these were what they valued most +highly. + +It took quite a good while to distribute the gifts and for each to examine +and admire all his own and those of his neighbors; then Gracie, tired with +excitement and the long drive of the afternoon, was ready to go to bed. + +Mamma Vi went with her, as was her custom, and Max and Lulu followed. They +had grown quite fond of Violet's half-sisterly, half-motherly talks with +them at the close of the day, and to her it was a source of deep joy and +thankfulness that she could perceive that she was influencing them--her +dear husband's tenderly loved offspring--for good. + +She warmly sympathized in their pleasure to-night, chatted with them about +what they had given and received, praising highly the picture-frame and +easel they had presented her--and in regard to the entries to be made in +each of their diaries. + +She left them in her boudoir busy with these when she returned to the +parlor. + +"O Max," said Lulu, "how different Mamma Vi is from Aunt Beulah." + +"Humph, I should think so," said Max, "must have been made of a different +kind o' dust. We weren't so well off and happy last Christmas eve, Lu." + +"No, indeed! Gracie and I wanted a Christmas tree ever so much, and begged +and coaxed for one, even if it was but a wee bit of a thing; but she +wouldn't let us have it, said it was just nonsense and a wicked waste." + +"Just like her," remarked Max, in a tone of mingled aversion and contempt; +"but don't let's talk about her. I'd rather think of pleasanter subjects. +Wasn't it splendid in papa to give me this watch?" pulling it out and +gazing on it with pride and delight. "Isn't it a beauty?" + +"Yes; and I'm as glad as I can be that you have it, Max," Lulu responded +affectionately. "And wasn't it good in him to give gold thimbles to Gracie +and me? I shall try very hard to learn to sew nicely, to show him I'm +grateful for it and all he does for me." + +"That's right, Lu; let's both do our best to improve all our +opportunities, so that we will make his heart glad. And we can do that in +another way, too." + +"How?" + +"By loving Mamma Vi, and being as good to her as ever we know how." + +"I do mean to, for she is good and kind to us," said Lulu, in a frankly +cordial tone. + +"You were vexed at papa at first for marrying her," remarked Max, with a +roguish look; "but just suppose he'd taken Mrs. Scrimp instead." + +"O Max!" cried Lulu, her eyes flashing, "how can you talk so? You know +papa would never have thought of such a thing." + +"I don't believe he would, but Ann told me once she knew Mrs. Scrimp would +be glad enough to take him if he'd give her the chance. What would you +have done if he had?" + +"I don't know, and it isn't worth while to consider," replied Lulu, with a +grown-up air she occasionally assumed, much to Max's amusement. "But my +writing's done, and I'm going to bed, for I'm tired and sleepy. So +good-night." + +"Good-night," returned Max. "I sha'n't be in a hurry to get to bed, for it +won't be worth while to get up early to catch other folks, as all the +things have been given to-night. I almost wish they had let us wait till +to-morrow morning." + +Perhaps the remark was intended to throw Lulu off her guard; at all events +he was at her door with a "Merry Christmas," before any one else was +stirring but the servants. + +Lulu was awake, too, sitting up in bed and trying, in the dim light of the +early dawn, to undo a small paper parcel she had found on her pillow. + +Max had opened the door and given his greeting in a subdued tone that +there might be no danger of disturbing any sleeper in the vicinity. + +"Oh!" cried Lulu, in a voice of suppressed eagerness, "the same to you! +Come in and see what Santa Claus has brought me." + +Max stepped in, closed the door, and tiptoeing to a window, raised the +blind and drew back the curtain. + +"O Max, Max; just see!" cried Lulu, as he turned toward her again. + +She had succeeded in her efforts, and was now holding up her hand in a way +to display to advantage a very pretty gold ring. + +"Yes; oh, I'm glad, Lu! And there's something else, isn't there?" + +"Money! a good deal, isn't it, Max?" she asked, holding out a crisp new +bank-note. + +"Five dollars," he answered, taking it to the light. "And I have just the +same; found it on my pillow, from papa; and s'pose yours is, too. A gold +pencil from Mamma Vi was there also." + +"Yes; from papa," she said, examining the writing on the back of the +envelope from which she had taken the note, "and the ring's from Mamma Vi. +She always finds out just what I want. I'd rather have had a ring than +almost anything else." + +"There, we have waked her and Gracie, I'm afraid," said Max, in a tone of +self-reproach, as the voices of the two were heard coming from the next +room. + +"Merry Christmas, Max and Lulu," both called out in cheery tones, and the +greeting was returned with added thanks to Violet for her gifts. + +"I have some, too," Gracie said; "a lovely picture-book and two kinds of +money. I think I'm the richest." + +She had received a one-dollar bill, crisp and new like the others, and a +quarter eagle in gold, and could not be convinced that the two did not +amount to more than Max's or Lulu's five-dollar note. + +The other members of the family had fared quite as well. The children had +a very merry day; the older people were quietly happy. + +There were fresh flowers on the graves in the family burial-ground, even +the dead had not been forgotten. Elsie Travilla had been early bending +over the lowly mound that covered all that was mortal of her heart's best +earthly treasure, and though the sweet face was calm and serene as was its +wont, bearing no traces of tears, the cheery words and bright smile came +readily in sympathy with the mirth of the younger ones; her father and +older children, noting the occasional far-off look in the soft brown eyes, +knew that her thoughts were ever and anon with the husband of her youth. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + "Oh! only those + Whose souls have felt this one idolatry, + Can tell how precious is the slightest thing + Affection gives and hallows! A dead flower + Will long be kept, remembrancer of looks + That made each leaf a treasure." + --Miss Landon. + + +The whole family connection living in the neighborhood had dined at Ion +that Christmas day, and several had stayed to tea. But all had now gone, +the good-nights had been said among the members of the home circle, and +Elsie Travilla was alone in her own apartments. + +A little weary with the cares and excitement of the day, she was half +reclining on a sofa, in dressing-gown and slippers, her beautiful hair +unbound and rippling over her shoulders, beside her a jewel-box of ebony +inlaid with mother-of-pearl. + +It stood open, and the lamplight falling upon its contents was flashed +back from many a costly gem set in rings, brooches, lockets and chains of +gold. + +She took them up, one by one, gazing upon each for a minute or more with a +smile, a sigh, or a falling tear, ere she laid it almost tenderly back in +its place. + +So absorbed was she in the contemplation of these mementoes of the past +and the memories called up by them, that she did not hear an approaching +footstep, and deemed herself quite alone, till a hand was laid gently on +her head, and a voice said tenderly, "My darling!" + +"Dear papa!" she responded, glancing up into his face with tear-dimmed +eyes, as he stood at the back of her sofa, bending over her. "Let me give +you a chair," and she would have risen to do so, but he forced her gently +back. + +"No; lie still. I will help myself." And coming round in front of her, he +seated himself close at her side. + +"Why look at these, if it makes you sad, my child?" he asked, noticing her +occupation. + +"There is sometimes a sweetness in the tears called forth by pleasant +memories of loved ones gone before, papa," she said. "These anniversaries +will recall the dear husband who always remembered his little wife so +kindly upon each, and there is a melancholy pleasure in looking over his +Christmas gifts, I have them all here, beginning with this--the very +first. Do you remember it, papa? And this Christmas day when he gave it to +me? the first Christmas that you were with me." + +She was holding up a tiny gold thimble. + +"Yes, I think I do," he said. "I certainly remember the day, the first +Christmas after my return from Europe, the first on which I heard myself +addressed as papa--the sweetest of child voices calling me that, and +wishing me a merry Christmas, as the dearest, loveliest of little girls +ran into my arms. Dear daughter, what a priceless treasure you have been +to me ever since!" he added, bending over her and softly smoothing her +hair. "It has always been a joy to call you mine." + +She caught his hand in hers and pressed it to her lips. "Yes, dear, dear +father! and to me to be so called. We loved one another very dearly then, +each was all the other had, and I think our mutual love has never been +less because of the other many tender ties God has given us since." + +"I am sure you are right, daughter, but at that time," he added with a +smile, "you were not willing to share your father's love with another; at +least with one other whom you suspected of trying to win it. Do you +remember how you slipped away to your bed without bidding your papa +good-night, and cried yourself to sleep?" + +"Yes, foolish child that I was!" she said, with a low musical laugh; "and +how you surprised me the next morning by your knowledge of my fears, and +then set them all at rest, like the dear, kind father that you were and +always have been." + +"No, not always," he sighed. + +"Yes, papa, always," she said with playful tenderness. "I will insist upon +that; because even when most severe with me, you did what at the time you +deemed your duty, and believed to be for my good." + +"Yes, that is true, my dear, forgiving child! and yet I can never think of +the suffering you endured during the summer that succeeded the Christmas +we have been talking of, without keen remorse." + +"Yet, long before the next Christmas came I was happier than ever," she +said, looking up into his face with a smile full of filial love. "It was +the first in our own dear home at the Oaks, you remember, papa. You gave +me a lovely set of pearls--necklace and bracelets--and this," taking up a +pearl ring, "was Edward's gift. Mr. Travilla he was to me then, and no +thought of one day becoming his wife even so much as entered my head. But +years afterward he told me he had it in his mind even then; had already +resolved to wait till I grew up and win me for his wife if he could." + +"Yes, he told me after you were grown and he had offered himself, that it +had been love at first sight with him, little child that you were when he +first made your acquaintance. That surprised me, though less than the +discovery that you fancied one so many years your senior." + +"But so good, so noble, so lovable!" she said. "Surely, it was not half so +strange, papa, as that he should fancy a foolish young thing such as I was +then; not meaning that I am yet very greatly improved," she added, with a +half tearful smile. + +"I am fully satisfied with you just as you are," he said, bending down +over her and touching his lips two or three times to her forehead, "My +darling, my first-born and best-beloved child! no words can express the +love and tenderness I feel for you, or my pity for the grief which is +beyond my power to relieve." + +"Dear papa, your sympathy is very sweet," she said in tremulous tones, +"very, very sweet in itself, and it helps me to a fuller realization of +the depth of meaning in those sweet words, 'Like as a father pitieth his +children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.'" + +"You cannot be wholly miserable while that precious love and pity are +yours, my dear child, even if all earthly loves should be taken from you, +which may God forbid should ever happen." + +"No, papa; dearly as I loved my husband, I am happy in that divine love +still mine, though parted from him; and dearly as I love you and my +children, I know that were you all taken from me, I could still rejoice in +the love of Him who died for me, and who has said, 'I am with you alway, +even unto the end of the world.' 'I will never leave thee nor forsake +thee.' 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love.'" + +Silence fell between them for some moments, both seemingly wrapped in +thought; then Mr. Dinsmore said inquiringly, "You will go to Roselands +to-morrow?" + +"Yes, papa, if you go, as I heard you say you intended, and nothing +happens to prevent. Rosie was particularly delighted with Cal's +invitation," she added, smiling up at him, "because I had been telling the +story of those Christmas holidays that we have been discussing, to her and +the other children, and naturally she wants to look upon the scene of all +those important events." + +"It will not be by any means her first visit to Roselands," he remarked in +a tone of surprise. + +"Oh, no, sir! only the first after hearing of those interesting episodes +in her mother's life." + +"But the house is not the same." + +"No, sir; yet the hall and parlors, your rooms and mine are about where +and what they were in the old house." + +"Ah! well I hope Rosie will enjoy it. And that you may do so, I shall +leave you now, begging you to go at once to bed. Good-night, daughter." + +"Good-night, my dearest, best of fathers," she responded, putting her arms +round his neck as he stooped to give her a parting caress. + +Calhoun and Arthur Conly were now joint proprietors at Roselands. "Aunt +Maria," an old negress born and bred on the estate, was their housekeeper, +and managed so well that they found themselves as comfortable as in the +days of their mother's administration. + +They, with one younger sister and brother, were all of the once large +family now left to occupy the old home, and these younger two were there +now only for the Christmas holidays, and at their close would return to +distant boarding-schools. Ella, the sister, was eighteen; Ralph two years +younger. + +The house whence the mother and grandfather had been carried out to their +last long home but a few months before, could not be made the scene of +mirth and jollity, but to a day of quiet social intercourse with near and +dear relatives and friends none could object; so the family at Ion had +been invited to dine there the next day, and had accepted the invitation. + +Lulu had been greatly interested in Grandma Elsie's party of children as +it told of had been invited to Ion for these holidays; but she did not +covet such a father as Mr. Dinsmore; he was much too strict and severe, +she thought, with all his petting and caressing, and she would far rather +have her own papa. Still Grandma Elsie's lot, when a little girl, seemed +to her an enviable one, so beautiful and so rich, and with a nice old +mammy always ready to wait on and do everything for her; and she (Lulu) +was sure she wouldn't have minded much when such a father as Mr. Dinsmore +was vexed with her; he wouldn't have found it so easy to manage her; no +indeed! She almost thought she should enjoy trying her strength in a tilt +with him even now. + +Lulu was a rebel by nature, and ever found it difficult to combat the +inclination to defy authority and assert her entire independence of +control. + +But fortunately this inclination was in great measure counterbalanced by +the warmth of her affections. She was ready to love all who treated her +with justice and kindness, and her love for her father was intense. To +please him she would do or endure almost anything; that more than any +other influence had kept her on her good behavior all these weeks. + +She had sometimes rebelled inwardly, but there had been no greater +outward show of it than a frown or a pout, which soon vanished under the +kind and gentle treatment she received at the hands of Grandma Elsie and +Mamma Vi. + +Captain Raymond would have been much gratified could he have seen how, not +only she, but all his children, were improving morally, mentally and +physically in the wholesome atmosphere of their new home. + +Gracie had gained largely in strength and vivacity, her cheeks were +rounder and rosier than when she came to Ion, her eyes brighter; and +though not yet equal to violent exercise, she could enjoy quiet plays, and +would often laugh right merrily. + +She had grown very fond of Dr. Conly, or Cousin Arthur as he told her to +call him, and he of his little patient. She was frequently hovering about +him during Christmas day; and received a special invitation to Roselands. + +"You and your mamma are to be my particular guests," he said, "and if you +fail to enjoy yourselves it shall be from no fault of mine." + +"We shall not fail," Violet said with confidence. "How could we with Cal +and yourself for our hosts?" + +The day proved propitious, all went and all enjoyed their visit, though to +the older ones there was at first a feeling of subdued sadness in +thinking of the old grandfather, whose chair was now vacant, and who had +been wont to greet their coming with words of cordial welcome. + +It was after dinner that Rose claimed her mother's promise. + +"Well," said Elsie, glancing dreamily about, "this parlor where we are all +sitting occupies the same part of the house, and is almost exactly like +the one where the scenes I told you of took place." + +"What scenes?" asked Dr. Conly, drawing near, with a look of interest. + +Mr. Dinsmore, too, turned to listen. + +"I have been telling the children about the Christmas holidays at +Roselands the first winter after my father's return from Europe," she +answered. "It was before you were born, Cousin Arthur, while your mother +was still a very young girl." + +"Mamma," asked Rosie, "where was grandpa sitting when you went to him and +confessed that you had let Carry Howard cut off one of your curls?" + +"Near yonder window. Do you remember it, papa?" she asked, looking +smilingly at him. + +"Yes, I think I have forgotten very little that ever passed between us. +You were a remarkably honest, conscientious child--would come and confess +wrong-doing that I should never have known or suspected, even when you +thought it likely I should punish you severely for it." + +"Now, mamma," said Rosie, "won't you go into the hall with us and show us +just where papa caught you, and kissed you, and gave you the gold thimble? +And then your room and grandpa's?" + +"Arthur, have we your permission to roam over the house?" Elsie asked, +turning to him. + +"Yes; provided you will let me go along, for I am as much interested as +the children." + +"Come, then," she said, rising and taking Walter's hand, Rosie, Lulu, and +Gracie keeping close to her, and Mr. Dinsmore and Arthur following. + +Pausing in the hall, she pointed out the precise spot where the little +scene had been enacted between herself and him who was afterward her +husband, telling the story between a smile and a tear, then moved on up +the stairs with her little procession. + +Opening a door, "This was my room," she said, "or rather my room was here +before the old house was burned down. It looks just the same, except that +the furniture is different." + +Then passing on to another, "This was papa's dressing-room. I have passed +many happy hours here, sitting by his side or on his knee. It was here I +opened the trunk full of finery and toys that he brought me a few days +before that Christmas. + +"Papa," turning smilingly to him, and pointing to a closed door on the +farther side of the room, "do you remember my imprisonment in that +closet?" + +"Yes," he answered, with a remorseful look, "but don't speak of it. How +very ready I was to punish you for the most trifling fault." + +"Indeed, papa," she answered earnestly, "it was no such trifle, for I had +disobeyed a plain order not to ask a second time for permission to do what +you had once forbidden." + +"True; but I now see that a child so sensitive, conscientious and +affectionate as you were, would have been sufficiently punished by a mild +rebuke." + +"A year or two later you discovered and acted upon that," she said, with +an affectionate look up into his face. "But at this time you were a very +young father; and when I remember how you took me on your knee, by the +fire there, and warmed my hands and feet, petting and fondling me, and +what a nice evening I had with you afterward, I could almost wish to go +through it all again." + +"Hark! what was that?" exclaimed Rosie. + +Every one paused to listen. + +There was a sound of sobbing as of a child in sore distress, and it +seemed to come from the closet. + +"There's somebody shut up there now," Walter said in a loud, excited +whisper. "Grandpa, can't she be let out?" + +Arthur strode hastily across the room and threw the closet door wide open. + +There was no one there. They glanced at each other in surprise and +perplexity. + +"Ah, ha, ah, ha! um, h'm! ah, ah! the lassie's no there, eh?" said a voice +behind them, and turning quickly at the sound, whom should they see but +Mr. Lilburn standing in the open doorway leading to the hall. + +"But we know all about her now, sir," said Arthur with a laugh, in which +he was joined by every one present. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + "Evil communications corrupt good manners." + --1 _Cor._ 15:33. + + +The one drawback upon Max's perfect enjoyment of his new home was the lack +of a companion of his own age and sex; the only boys in the family +connection, or among the near neighbors, were nearly grown to manhood or +very little fellows. + +Therefore, when Ralph Conly came home for the Christmas holidays, and +though four years older than himself, at once admitted him to a footing of +intimacy, Max was both pleased and flattered. + +Ralph's manner, to be sure, was more condescending than was altogether +agreeable, but that seemed not inexcusable, considering his superiority in +years and knowledge of the world. + +At Ion, Max played the part of host, taking Ralph up to his own bedroom to +show him his books and other treasures, to the boys' work-room, out to the +stables to see the horses, and about the grounds. + +To-day, at Roselands, it was Ralph's turn to entertain. He soon drew Max +away from the company in the parlors, showed him the horses and dogs, then +invited him to take a walk. + +It was near dinner time when they returned. After dinner he took him to +his room, and producing a pack of cards, invited him to play. + +"Cards!" exclaimed Max. "I don't know anything about playing with them, +and don't want to." + +"Why not? are you too pious?" Ralph asked with a sneer, tumbling them out +in a heap upon the table. + +"I've always been taught that men gamble with cards, and that gambling is +very wicked and disgraceful, quite as bad as getting drunk." + +"Pooh! you're a muff!" + +"I'd rather be a muff than a gambler, any day," returned Max with spirit. + +"Pshaw! 'tisn't gambling, unless you play for money, and I haven't asked +you to do that, and don't propose to. Come now, take a hand," urged Ralph +persuasively. "There isn't a bit more harm in it than in a game of ball." + +"But I don't know how," objected Max. + +"I'll teach you," said Ralph. "You'll soon learn and will find it good +sport." + +At length Max yielded, though not without some qualms of conscience which +he tried to quiet by saying to himself, "Papa never said I shouldn't play +in this way; only that gambling was very wicked, and I must never go where +it was done." + +"Have a cigar?" said Ralph, producing two, handing one to Max, and +proceeding to light the other. "You smoke, of course; every gentleman +does." + +Max never had, and did not care to, but was so foolish as to be ashamed to +refuse after that last remark of Ralph's; beside having seen his father +smoke a cigar occasionally, he thought there could be no harm in it. + +"Thank you, I don't care if I do," he said, and was soon puffing away as +if quite accustomed to it. + +But it was not many minutes before he began to feel sick and faint, then +to find himself trembling and growing giddy. + +He tried to conceal his sensations, and fought against them as long as +possible. But at length, finding he could endure it no longer, he threw +the stump of the cigar into the fire, and rising, said, "I--I feel sick. I +must get out into the air." + +He took a step forward, staggered, and would have fallen, if Ralph had not +jumped up and caught him. + +"Here, I'll help you to the bed and open the window," he said. "Never +smoked before? Well, don't be discouraged; I was deathly sick first time +myself." + +"I'm half blind and awfully sick," groaned Max, as he stretched himself on +the bed. "Does it last long? can a fellow get over it without taking any +medicine?" + +"Oh, yes; you'll be all right after a little." + +But Max was not all right when a servant came to the door to say that he +was wanted down-stairs, as the party from Ion were about to return home. + +"Think you can get down with the help of my arm?" asked Ralph. + +"Don't b'lieve he kin, Marse Ralph," remarked the servant, gazing +earnestly at Max. "What's de mattah wid de young gentleman? He's white as +de wall, and his eyes looks like glass." + +"Hush, Sam! you'll frighten him," whispered Ralph. "Run down and ask my +brother Arthur to come up. Don't let anybody else hear you." + +Max had tried to rise, but only to fall back again sicker than ever. + +"Oh, but I'm sick, and how my heart beats!" he said. "I can't possibly sit +up, much less walk down-stairs. What will Mamma Vi and the rest say? I'm +afraid Grandpa Dinsmore will be very angry with me." + +"He hasn't any right to be," said Ralph; "'tisn't wicked to smoke. But +I'll tell Art not to let him know what made you sick." + +Just then the doctor came in. Sam had met him in the hall. + +"What's the matter?" he asked; "sick, Max? Ah, you've been smoking?" +sniffing the air of the room and glancing at the boy's pallid face. + +"Tell him it isn't dangerous. Art," laughed Ralph, "for I do believe he's +dreadfully scared." + +"No, I'm not!" protested Max indignantly, "but I'm sick, and giddy, and +half blind. I never smoked before, and didn't know it would sicken me so." + +"How many cigars have you smoked?" asked Arthur, taking hold of his wrist. + +"Only half a one," said Ralph; "he threw the rest of it in the fire." + +"The best place for it," said Arthur. "Don't be alarmed, my boy, the +sickness and all the other bad effects will pass off after a while; all +the sooner if you are breathing pure air. Ralph, open the door into the +hall and the one opposite. Then ring for Sam to kindle a fire in that +room." + +As he spoke he took Max in his arms, and, Ralph preceding them to open the +doors, carried him into an unoccupied bedroom, laid him on a couch, and +covered him up carefully to guard against his taking cold. + +"No need to ring for Sam; fire's laid all ready to kindle," remarked +Ralph, glancing at the open grate. + +He struck a match, and in another minute the flames were leaping up right +merrily. + +Meantime a report that Max was sick had reached the parlor, and Mr. +Dinsmore, his daughter, and granddaughter came up to express their +sympathy and see for themselves how serious the illness was. Their faces +were full of anxiety and concern till they learned the cause of the +sickness, when they evidently felt much relieved. + +"Dear boy, I'm sorry you are suffering," Violet said, leaning over him, +"but I hope you will never try it again." + +"Papa smokes," he said, "so I thought it was all right for me." + +"No," said Mr. Dinsmore; "a grown person may sometimes do safely what is +dangerous for a younger one. You have my sympathy this time, Max, but if +ever you make yourself sick in the same way again, I don't think I shall +pity you at all. He will hardly be able to go home to-day, Arthur?" + +"No, sir; leave him here in my care. To-morrow he will probably be quite +recovered, and I will drive him over in my gig." + +"Would you like me to stay with you, Max?" Violet asked, laying her cool +hand on his forehead. + +"Or me?" asked her mother. + +"No, thank you, Grandma Elsie and Mamma Vi," he said. "You are both very +kind, but Walter and Gracie wouldn't know what to do without you; and I +shall do very well." + +"Yes," said Ralph, "I'll help Art take care of him. I ought to, as I gave +him the cigar that sickened him so." + +Mr. Dinsmore and the ladies then bade good-by and went down-stairs, the +doctor accompanying them, leaving the two boys alone together. + +"Do you begin to get over it, old fellow?" asked Ralph. + +"No; I'm wretchedly sick," said Max. "I think I've had enough tobacco to +last me all my days." + +"O pshaw! it won't be half so bad next time, and pretty soon won't sicken +you at all." + +"But what should I gain to pay me for all the suffering?" + +"Well, it seems sort o' babyish not to smoke." + +"Does it? I've never seen Grandpa Dinsmore smoke, and I don't believe he +ever does, nor Uncle Edward, nor Uncle Horace either." + +"No, they don't, and Art doesn't, but they're all sort o' pious old +fogies," Ralph said, with a coarse laugh. + +"I wouldn't talk so about my own relations, if I were you," returned Max, +in a tone of disgust. + +"Of course I shouldn't let anybody else say a word against them," said +Ralph. + +Arthur's entrance put an end to the conversation. He inquired of Max if +the sickness were abating; then sitting down beside him, "Boys," he said, +"I want to talk to you a little about this silly business of smoking and +chewing." + +"I've never chewed," said Max. + +"I'm glad to hear it, and I hope you never will, or smoke again either. +How would you like, Max, to have a cancer on your lip?" + +"Cancer, sir? I wouldn't choose to have one for anything in the world." + +"Then don't smoke, especially a short pipe, for it often causes cancer of +the lip. I cut one out of a man's lip the other day; and not long ago saw +a man die from one after months of agonizing pain. Tobacco contains a +great deal of virulent poison, and though some persons use it for many +years without much apparent injury, it costs many others loss of health +and even of life. It weakens the nerves and the action of the heart, and +is a fruitful source of dyspepsia." + +"Pooh! I don't believe it will ever hurt me," said Ralph. + +"I think it will," said Arthur; "you have not yet attained your growth, +and therefore are the more certain to be injured by its use. + +"Max, my boy, I admire your father greatly, particularly his magnificent +physique." + +Max flushed with pleasure. + +"Do you not wish to be like him in that? as tall and finely developed?" + +"Yes, sir; yes, indeed! I want to be like papa in everything!" + +"Then eschew tobacco, for it will stunt your growth!" + +"But papa smokes," repeated Max. + +"Now, but probably he did not until grown," said Arthur. "And very likely +he sometimes wishes he had never contracted the habit. Now I must leave +you for a time, as I have some other patients to visit." + +"I told you he was an old fogy," said Ralph, as the door closed on his +brother, adding with an oath, "I believe he wouldn't allow a fellow a bit +of pleasure if he could help it." + +Max started, and looked at Ralph with troubled eyes. "I didn't think you +would swear," he said. "If you do, I--I can't be intimate with you, +because my father won't allow it." + +"I don't often," said Ralph, looking ashamed, "I won't again in your +company." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + "Be sure your sin will find you out." + --_Num._ 32:33. + + +Gracie and Walter were in the play-room. They had been building +block-houses for an hour or more, when Gracie, saying, "I'm tired, Walter, +I'm going in yonder to see the things Max and Lulu are making," rose and +sauntered into the work-room. + +She watched the busy carvers for some minutes, then went down to Violet's +apartments in search of her. + +She found no one there but Agnes busied in putting away some clean +clothes, fresh from the iron. + +"Where's mamma?" asked the little girl. + +"In de drawin'-room, Miss Gracie. Comp'ny dar." + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Gracie, "I just wanted her to talk to me." + +"'Spect you hab to wait till de comp'ny am gone," returned Agnes, picking +up her empty clothes-basket and leaving the room. + +Gracie wandered disconsolately about the rooms, wishing that the callers +would go and mamma come up. Presently she paused before the bureau in +Violet's dressing-room, and began fingering the pretty things on it. + +She was not usually a meddlesome child, but just now was tempted to +mischief from the lack of something else to interest and employ her. + +She handled the articles carefully, however, and did them no damage till +she came to a beautiful cut-glass bottle filled with a costly perfume of +which she was extravagantly fond. + +Violet had frequently given her a few drops on her handkerchief without +being asked, and never refused a request for it. + +Gracie, seized with a desire for it, took a clean handkerchief from a +drawer and helped herself, saying half aloud, by way of quieting her +conscience, "Mamma would give it to me if she was here, she always does, +and I'll be careful not to break the bottle." + +She was pouring from it as she spoke. Just at that instant she heard a +step in the hall without, and a sound as if a hand was laid on the +door-knob. + +It so startled her that the bottle slipped from her fingers, and striking +the bureau as it fell, lay in fragments at her feet; its contents were +spilled upon the carpet, and the air of the room was redolent of the +delicious perfume. + +Gracie, naturally a timid child, shrinking from everything like reproof or +punishment, stood aghast at the mischief she had wrought. + +"What will mamma say?" was her first thought. "Oh, I'm afraid she will be +so vexed with me that she'll never love me any more!" And the tears came +thick and fast, for mamma's love was very sweet to the little feeble +child, who had been so long without a mother's care and tenderness. + +Then arose the wish to hide her fault. Oh, if she could only replace the +bottle! but that was quite impossible. Perhaps, though, there might be a +way found to conceal the fact that she was the author of the mishap; she +did not want to have any one else blamed for her fault, but she would like +not to be suspected of it herself. + +A bright thought struck her. She had seen the cat jump on that bureau a +few days before and walk back and forth over it. If she (pussy) had been +left in the room alone there that afternoon she might have done the same +thing again, and knocked the bottle off upon the floor. + +It would be no great harm, the little girl reasoned, trying to stifle the +warnings and reproaches of conscience, if she should let pussy take the +blame. + +Mamma was kind, and wouldn't have pussy beaten, and pussy's feelings +wouldn't be hurt, either, by the suspicion. + +She hurried out in search of the cat, found her in the hall, pounced on +her, carried her into the dressing-room, and left her there with all the +doors shut, so that she could not escape, till some one going in would +find the bottle broken, and think the cat had done it. + +This accomplished, Gracie went back to the play-room and tried to forget +her wrong-doing in the interesting employment of dressing her dolls. + +Lulu presently left her carving and joined her. Max had gone for a ride. + +While chasing the cat Gracie had not perceived a little woolly head thrust +out of a door at the farther end of the hall, its keen black eyes closely +watching her movements. + +"He, he, he!" giggled the owner of the head, as Gracie secured pussy and +hurried into the dressing-room with her, "wondah what she done dat fer!" + +"What you talkin' 'bout, you sassy niggah?" asked Agnes, coming up behind +her on her way to Mrs. Raymond's apartments with another basket of clean +clothes, just as Gracie reappeared and hurried up the stairs to the story +above." + +"Why, Miss Gracie done come pounce on ole Tab while she paradin' down de +hall, and ketch her up an' tote her off into Miss Wilet's dressin'-room, +an's lef her dar wid de do' shut on her. What for you s'pose she done do +dat?" + +"Oh, go 'long! I don' b'lieve Miss Gracie didn't do no sich ting!" +returned Agnes. + +"She did den, I seed her," asserted the little maid positively. "Mebbe she +heerd de mices runnin' 'round an want ole Tab for to ketch 'em." + +"You go 'long and 'tend to yo' wuk. Bet, you lazy niggah," responded +Agnes, pushing past her. "Miss Wilet an Miss Gracie dey'll min' dere own +consarns widout none o' yo' help." + +The child made no reply, but stole on tiptoe after Agnes. + +Violet was coming up the front stairway, and reached the door of her +dressing-room, just in advance of the girl. Opening it she exclaimed at +the powerful perfume which greeted her nostrils, then catching sight of +the bottle lying in fragments on the floor. + +"Who can have done this?" she asked in a tone of surprise not wholly free +from displeasure. + +"De cat, mos' likely, Miss Wilet," said Agnes, setting down her basket and +glancing at puss who was stretched comfortably on the rug before the fire. +"I s'pect she's been running ober de bureau, like I see her do, mor'n +once 'fo' dis." + +"She looks very quiet now," remarked Violet, "and if she did the mischief +it was certainly not intentional. But don't leave her shut up here again, +Agnes." + +"She didn't do it, Agnes didn't," volunteered Betty, who had stolen in +after them; "it was Miss Gracie, Miss Wilet, I seed her ketch ole Tab out +in de hall dere, and put her in hyar, an' shut de do onto her, an' go off +up-stairs." + +A suspicion of the truth flashed into Violet's mind; but she put it +resolutely from her; she would not believe Gracie capable of slyness and +deceit. + +But she wanted the little girl, and sent Betty up with a message to that +effect, bidding her make haste, and as soon as she had attended to that +errand, brush up the broken glass and put it in the fire. + +Betty ran nimbly up to the play-room, and putting her head in at the door, +said with a grin, "Miss Gracie, yo' ma wants you down in de +dressin'-room." + +"What for?" asked Gracie, with a frightened look. + +"Dunno, s'pect you fin' out when you gits dar." + +"Betty, you're a saucy thing," said Lulu. + +"S'pect mebbe I is, Miss Lu," returned the little maid with a broader grin +than before, apparently considering the remark quite complimentary, while +she held the door open for Gracie to pass out. + +"Miss Gracie," she asked, as she followed Grace down the stairs, "what fo' +you shut ole Tab up in de dressin'-room? She's done gone an' broke Miss +Wilet's bottle what hab de stuff dat smell so nice, an' cose Miss Wilet +she don' like dat ar." + +"What makes you say I put her in there, Betty?" said Gracie. + +"Kase I seed you, he, he, he!" + +"Did you?" asked Gracie, looking still more alarmed than at the summons to +the dressing-room. "Don't tell mamma, Betty. I'll give you a penny and +help you make a frock for your doll if you won't." + +Betty's only answer was a broad grin and a chuckle as she sprang past +Gracie and opened the door for her. + +Violet, seated on the farther side of the room, looked up with her usual +sweet smile. "See, Gracie dear, I am making a lace collar for you, and I +want to try it on to see if it fits." + +"Now, Betty, get a dust-pan and brush and sweep up that glass. Don't leave +the least bit of it on the carpet, lest some one should tramp on it and +cut her foot." + +"Some one has broken that cut-glass perfume bottle you have always admired +so much, Gracie. Aren't you sorry?" + +"Yes, I am, mamma. I never touch your things when you're not here." + +The words were out almost before Grace knew she meant to speak them, and +she was terribly frightened and ashamed. She had never thought she would +be guilty of telling a lie. She hung her head, her cheeks aflame. + +Violet noted the child's confusion with a sorely troubled heart. + +"No, dear," she said very gently, "I did not suspect you, but if ever you +should meet with an accident, or yield to temptation to do some mischief, +I hope you will come and tell me about it at once. You need not fear that +I will be severe with you, for I love you very dearly, little Gracie." + +"Perhaps it was the cat knocked it off the bureau, mamma," said the child, +speaking low and hesitatingly. "I've seen her jump up there several +times." + +"Yes; so have I, and she must not be left alone in here any more." + +Betty had finished her work and was sent away. Agnes, too, had left the +room, so that Violet and Gracie were quite alone. + +"Come, dear, I am quite ready to try this on." Violet said, holding up the +collar. "There, it fits very nicely," as she put it on the child and +gently smoothed it down over her shoulders. "But what is the matter, my +darling?" for tears were trembling on the long silken lashes that swept +Gracie's flushed cheeks. + +At the question they began to fall in streams, while the little bosom +heaved with sobs. She pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe +her eyes, and a strong whiff of perfume greeted Violet's nostrils, telling +a tale that sent a pang to her heart. + +Gracie was instantly conscious of it, as she, too, smelled the tell-tale +perfume, and stole a glance at her young stepmother's face. + +"O mamma!" she sobbed, covering her face with her hands, "I did pour a +little on my handkerchief 'cause I knew you always let me have it, but I +didn't mean to break the bottle; it just slipped out o' my hands and fell +and broke." + +Violet clasped her in her arms and wept bitterly over her. + +"Mamma, don't cry," sobbed the child, "I'll save up all my money till I +can buy you another bottle, just like that." + +"O Gracie, Gracie, it is not that!" Violet said, when emotion would let +her speak. "I valued the bottle as the gift of my dear dead father, but I +would rather have lost it a hundred times over than have my darling tell a +lie. It is so wicked, so wicked! God hates lying. He says, 'All liars +shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone.' +'He that speaketh lies shall not escape.' He says that Satan is the father +of lies, and that those who are guilty of lying are the children of that +wicked one. + +"Have you forgotten how God punished Gehazi for lying by making him a +leper, and struck Ananias and Sapphira dead for the same sin? O my +darling, my darling, it breaks my heart to think you have both acted and +spoken a falsehood!" she cried, clasping the child still closer to her +bosom and weeping over her afresh. + +Gracie, too, cried bitterly. "Mamma, mamma," she said, "will God never +forgive me? will He send me to that dreadful place?" + +"He will forgive you if you are truly sorry for your sin because it is +dishonoring and displeasing to Him, and if you ask Him to pardon you for +Jesus' sake; and He will take away the evil nature that leads you to +commit sin, giving you a new and good heart, and take you to heaven when +you die. + +"But no one can go to heaven who is not first made holy. The Bible bids us +follow 'holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.' And Jesus is a +Saviour from sin. 'Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His +people from their sins.' Shall we kneel down now and ask Him to save you +from yours?" + +"Yes, mamma," sobbed the child. + +Violet's prayer was short and to the point. Then she held Gracie for some +time in her arms, while they mingled their tears together. + +At length, "Gracie dear," she said, "I believe God has heard our prayer +and forgiven you. I am sure He has if you are truly sorry in your heart +and asked with it, and not only with your lips, for forgiveness; but I +want you to stay here alone for an hour and think it all over quietly, I +mean about your wrongdoing and God's willingness to forgive for Jesus' +sake, and that we could not have been forgiven and saved from sin and hell +if the dear Saviour had not died for us the cruel death of the cross. + +"Oh, think what a dreadful thing sin must be that it could not be blotted +out except by Jesus suffering and dying in our stead! And think how great +was His love for us, when He was willing to lay down His own life that we +might live!" + +Then with a kiss of tender motherly love, she went out and left the child +alone. + +Gracie was sincerely penitent. She had always been taught that lying was a +dreadful sin, and had never before told a direct falsehood; but while in +her former home, Mrs. Scrimp's faulty management, joined to her own +natural timidity, had tempted her to occasional slyness and deceit, and +from these the descent to positive untruth was easy. + +Violet's faithful dealing, and even more her evident deep distress because +of the sin against God of which her darling had been guilty, had so +convinced the child of the heinousness of her conduct that she was sorely +distressed because of it, and on being left alone, knelt down again and +pleaded for pardon with many bitter tears and sobs. + +She had risen from her knees and was lying on a couch, still weeping, when +Lulu came into the room. + +"Why, Gracie, what is the matter?" she asked, running to the couch and +bending over her little sister in tender concern. + +"Don't ask me, Lulu, I don't want to tell you," sobbed Gracie, turning +away her blushing, tear-stained face. + +"Mamma Vi has been scolding or punishing you for some little naughtiness, +I suppose," said Lulu, frowning. + +"No, she hasn't!" cried Gracie indignantly; then hastily correcting +herself, "except that she said she wanted me to stay here alone for a +while. So you must go and leave me." + +"I won't till you tell me what it was all about. What did you do? or was +it something you didn't do?" + +"I don't want to tell you, 'cause you wouldn't ever do such a wicked +thing, and you--you'd despise me if you knew I'd done it," sobbed Gracie. + +"No, I wouldn't. You are better than I am. Papa said I was worse than you +and Max both put together. So you needn't mind my knowing." + +"I meddled and broke mamma's pretty bottle that her dead father gave her; +but she didn't scold me for that; not a bit; but--but 'cause I tried to +put the blame on puss, and--and said I--I never touched her things when +she wasn't here." + +"O Gracie, that _was_ wicked! to say what wasn't true! I think papa would +have whipped you, for I've heard him say if there was anything he would +punish severely in one of his children, it was falsehood. But don't cry +so. I'm sure you're sorry and won't ever do it again." + +"No, no! never, never! Mamma hugged me up in her arms and cried hard +'cause I'd been so wicked. And she asked Jesus to forgive me and make me +good, so I shouldn't have to go to that dreadful place. Now go away, Lu, +'cause she said I must stay alone." + +"Yes, I will; but stop crying or you'll be sick," Lulu said, kissing +Gracie, then left the room and went to her own to make herself neat before +going down to join the family at tea. + +Her thoughts were busy with Gracie and her trouble while she brushed her +hair, washed her hands, and changed her dress. "Poor, little weak thing, +she was frightened into it, of course, for it's the very first time she +ever told an untruth. I suppose Mamma Vi must have looked very cross about +the broken bottle; and she needn't, I'm sure, for she has plenty of money +to buy more. Such a shame! but I just knew she wouldn't always be kind to +us." + +Thus Lulu worked herself up into a passion, quite forgetting, in her +unreasonable anger, how very mild was the punishment Violet had decreed to +Gracie (if indeed it was meant as such at all); so much less severe than +the one she herself had said their father would have been likely to +administer. + +Max was riding without companion or attendant. He had taken the direction +of the village, but not with any thought of going there until, as he +reached its outskirts, it occurred to him that he was nearly out of wood +for carving, and that this would be a good opportunity for laying in a +supply. + +The only difficulty was that he had not asked leave before starting, and +it was well understood that he was not at liberty to go +anywhere--visiting or shopping--without permission. + +"How provoking!" he exclaimed half aloud. "I haven't time to go back and +ask leave, and a long storm may set in before to-morrow, and so my work be +stopped for two or three days. I'll just go on, for what's the difference, +anyhow? I'm almost there, and I know I'd have got leave if I'd only +thought of asking." + +So on he went, made his purchase, and set off home with it. + +He was rather late: a storm seemed brewing, and as he rode up the avenue +Violet was at the window looking out a little anxiously for him. + +Mr. Dinsmore, hearing her relieved exclamation, "Ah, there he is!" came to +her side as Max was in the act of dismounting. + +"The boy has evidently been into the town making a purchase," he said. +"Had he permission from you or any one, Violet?" + +"Not from me, grandpa," she answered with reluctance. + +"Did you give him leave, Elsie?" he asked, turning to his daughter. "Or +you, wife?" + +Both answered in the negative, and with a very stern countenance Mr. +Dinsmore went out to the hall to meet the delinquent. + +"Where have you been, Max?" he asked, in no honeyed accents. + +"For a ride, sir," returned the lad respectfully. + +"Not merely for a ride," Mr. Dinsmore said, pointing to the package in the +boy's hand; "you did not pick that up by the roadside. Where have you +been?" + +"I stopped at Turner's just long enough to buy this wood that I shall need +for carving to-morrow. I should have asked leave, but forgot to do so." + +"Then you should have come home and left the errand for another day. You +were well aware that in going without permission you were breaking rules. +You will go immediately to your room and stay there until this time +to-morrow." + +"I think you're very hard on a fellow," muttered Max, flushing with +mortification and anger as he turned to obey. + +Lulu, coming down the stairs, had heard and seen it all. She stood still +for a moment at the foot of the stairway, giving Mr. Dinsmore a look that, +had it been a dagger, would have stabbed him to the heart, but which he +did not see; then, just as the tea-bell rang, turned and began the ascent +again. + +"Why are you going back, Lulu? did you not hear the supper bell?" asked +Mr. Dinsmore. + +"Yes, sir," she answered, facing him again with flashing eyes, "but if my +brother is not to go to the table neither will I." + +"Oh, very well," he said; "you certainly do not deserve a seat there after +such a speech as that. Go to your own room and stay there until you find +yourself in a more amiable and respectful mood." + +It was exactly what she had intended to do, but because he ordered it, it +instantly became the thing she did not want to do. + +However, she went into her room, and closing the door after her, not too +gently, said aloud with a stamp of her foot, "Hateful old tyrant!" then +walked on into Violet's dressing-room, where her sister still was. + +Gracie had lain down upon a sofa and wept herself to sleep, but the supper +bell had waked her, and she was crying again. Catching sight of Lulu's +flushed, angry face, she asked what was the matter. + +"I wish we could go away from these people and never, never come back +again!" cried Lulu in her vehement way. + +"I don't," said Gracie. "I love mamma and Grandma Elsie, and Grandma Rose, +and Grandpa Dinsmore, too, and----" + +"I hate him! I'd like to beat him! the old tyrant!" interrupted Lulu, in a +burst of passion. + +"O Lu! I'm sure he's been kind to us; they're all kind to us when we're +good," expostulated Grace. "But what has happened to make you so angry, +and why aren't you eating your supper with the rest?" + +"Do you think I'd go and sit at the table with them when they won't have +you and Max there, too?" + +"What about Max? did he do something wrong, too?" + +"No; it wasn't anything wicked; he just bought some wood for his carving +with some of his own money." + +"But maybe he went without leave?" Gracie said, half inquiringly. + +"Yes, that was it; he forgot to ask. A very little thing to punish him +for, I'm sure; but Mr. Dinsmore (I sha'n't call him grandpa) says he must +stay in his own room till this time to-morrow." + +"Why," said Gracie, "that's worse than mamma's punishment to me for--for +doing such a wicked, wicked thing!" + +"Yes, she's not such a cruel tyrant. He'd have beaten you black and blue. +I hope she won't tell him about it." + +A terrified look came into Gracie's eyes, and she burst out crying again. + +"O Gracie, don't!" Lulu entreated, kneeling down beside the sofa and +clasping her arms about her. "I didn't mean to frighten you so. Of +course, Mamma Vi won't; if she meant to she'd have done it before now, and +you'd have heard from him, too." + +A step came along the hall, the door opened, and Agnes appeared bearing a +large silver waiter. + +"Ise brung yo' suppah, chillens," she said, setting it down on a table. + +Then lifting a stand and placing it near Gracie's couch, she presently had +it covered with a snowy cloth and a dainty little meal arranged upon it: +broiled chicken, stewed oysters, delicate rolls, hot buttered muffins and +waffles, canned peaches with sugar and rich cream, sponge cake, nice and +fresh, and abundance of rich sweet milk. + +The little girls viewed these dainties with great satisfaction, and +suddenly discovered that they were very hungry. + +Agnes set up a chair for each, saw them begin their meal, then left the +room, saying she would be back again directly with more hot cakes. + +"There, Gracie, you needn't be the least bit afraid you're to be punished +any more," remarked Lulu. "They'd never have sent us such a supper as this +if they wanted to punish us." + +"Do you want to run away from them now?" asked Gracie. "Do you think +Grandpa Dinsmore is so very, very cross to us?" + +"He's too hard on Max," returned Lulu, "though not so hard as he used to +be on Grandma Elsie when she was his own little girl; and perhaps papa +would be just as hard as he is with Max." + +"But 'tisn't 'cause they like to make us sorry, except for being naughty, +so that we'll grow up good, you know," said Grace. "I'm sure our dear papa +loves us, every one, and wouldn't ever make us sorry except just to make +us good. And you know we can't be happy here, or go to heaven when we die, +if we're not good." + +"Yes, I know," said Lulu; "I'm not a bit happy when I'm angry and +stubborn, but for all that I can't help it." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + "Happy in this, she is not yet so old + But she may learn." + --Shakespeare. + + +Violet, meeting her grandfather on the way to the supper-room, gave him an +anxious, troubled inquiring look, which he answered by a brief statement, +given in an undertone, of what had just passed between himself and Max and +Lulu. + +"All of them!" sighed the young stepmother to herself, "all three of them +at once! Ah me!" + +Though Mr. Dinsmore had spoken low, both his daughter and Zoe had heard +nearly all he said, and as they sat down to the table the one looked +grieved and distressed, the other angry. + +During the meal Zoe never once addressed Mr. Dinsmore, and when he spoke +to her she answered as briefly as possible, and not in a very pleasant or +respectful tone. + +Edward noticed it, and looked at her in displeased surprise; then, +becoming aware of the absence of the Raymonds, asked, "Where are Max, +Lulu, and Gracie?" + +He had not heard the story of their disgrace, having come to the +supper-room a little later than the others, and directly from his own. + +For a moment the question, addressed to no one in particular, remained +unanswered; then Mr. Dinsmore said, "Max and Lulu are in disgrace. I know +nothing about Gracie, but presume she is not feeling well enough to come +down." + +Zoe darted an angry glance at him. + +Violet looked slightly relieved. She had not spoken at all of Gracie's +wrongdoing, and did not want any one to know of it. + +"I may send the children their supper, grandpa?" she said inquiringly, +with a pleading look. + +"Do just as you please about it," he answered. "Of course I would not have +growing children go fasting for any length of time; certainly not all +night, for that would be to the injury of their health; and I leave it to +you to decide how luxurious their meal shall be." + +"Thank you, grandpa," she said, and at once gave the requisite order. + +Meanwhile Max had obeyed the order to go to his room in almost as angry +and rebellious a mood as Lulu's own. He shut the door, threw down his +package, tore off his overcoat and stamped about the floor for a minute +or two, fuming and raging. + +"I say it's just shameful! abominable treatment! I'm tired being treated +like a baby, and I won't stand it! The idea of being shut up here for +twenty-four hours for such a trifle! Oh, dear!" he added, dropping into a +chair, "I'm as hungry as a bear. I wonder if he doesn't mean to let me +have any supper? I don't believe Mamma Vi would approve of his starving me +altogether; no, nor Grandma Elsie, either; I hope they'll manage to give +me something to eat before bedtime. If they don't, I believe I'll try to +bribe Tom when he comes to see to the fire." + +It was not long before he heard Tom's step on the stairs, then his knock +on the door. + +"Come in," he answered, in cheerful tones; then, as he caught sight of a +waiter full of good things, such as his sisters were supping upon, +"Hurrah! Tom, you're a brick! But who sent it?" + +"Miss Wilet; and she says if dars not nuff ob it to satisfy yo' appetite, +you's to ring for mo'." + +"All right; tell Mamma Vi I'm much obliged," said Max. + +"Very good prison fare," he added to himself, as he fell to work, Tom +having withdrawn, "I've good reason to be fond of Mamma Vi, and as she's +fond of her grandfather, I s'pose I'll have to forgive him for her sake," +he concluded, quite restored to good humor, and laughing gleefully at his +own jest. + +"O Lulu," exclaimed Gracie, struck with a sudden recollection, and laying +down the spoon with which she was eating her oysters, "you know I was to +stay alone. You oughtn't to have come in here." + +"Pooh! your time was up a good while ago," returned Lulu, "and Mamma Vi +must have expected me to come in here to eat supper along with you. I hope +she has sent as good a one to poor Maxie." + +Violet went directly from the supper-room to her own apartments, where she +found the two little girls quietly talking together, while Agnes gathered +up the remainder of their repast and carried it and the dishes away. + +"I hope you enjoyed your supper, dears," she said. + +They both said they had, and thanked her for it. + +"And I didn't deserve it, mamma," added Gracie, her tears beginning to +fall again; "but oh, I'm sorry, very sorry! Please, mamma, forgive me." + +"I have entirely forgiven the sin against me, darling," whispered Violet, +folding her close to her heart, "and I trust God has forgiven your far +greater sin against Him. Now do not cry any more, or you will make +yourself sick, and that would make me very sad." + +Lulu was sitting near fighting a battle with pride and passion, in which +ere-long she came off conqueror. + +"Mamma Vi," she said with determination, "I didn't deserve it either, and +I'm sorry, too, for being angry at your grandfather and saucy to him." + +"Dear child," said Violet, drawing her to her side and kissing her with +affectionate warmth, "how glad I am to hear you say that. May I repeat +your words to grandpa as a message from you?" + +Again Lulu had a struggle with herself, and perhaps it was only the +thought that this was the easiest way to make an apology, which would +probably be required of her sooner or later, that helped her to conquer. + +Her entry in her diary in regard to the occurrence was, "I was a little +saucy to Grandpa Dinsmore because he was hard on Max for just a little bit +of a trifle, but I've said I'm sorry, and it's all right now." + + * * * * * + +Edward and his grandfather having a business matter to talk over together, +repaired to the library on leaving the table, and Zoe, instead of going, +as usual, to the parlor with the others, went to her own rooms. + +She had seen Violet, who was a little in advance of her, going into hers, +and only waiting to take a little package from a closet, she ran lightly +up to Max's door, tapped gently on it, then in her eagerness, opened it +slightly, with a whispered, "It's only I, Max. May I come in?" + +"Yes, indeed," he answered, springing forward to admit her and hand her a +chair. "How good in you to come, Aunt Zoe!" + +"No, I did it to please myself. You know you've always been a favorite +with me, Max, and I want to know what this is all about." + +Max told her. + +"It's a perfect shame!" she exclaimed indignantly. "I can't see the least +bit of harm in your going to the store and buying what you did. You +weren't even wasting the pocket money that you had a right to spend as you +pleased. Grandpa Dinsmore is a--a--rather tyrannical, I think." + +"It does seem hard to have so little liberty," Max said, discontentedly, +"but I don't know that he's any more strict, after all, than papa." + +"Well, I must run away now," said Zoe, jumping up. "Here's something to +sweeten your imprisonment," putting a box of confectionery into his hand. +"Good-by," and she tripped away. + +She met her husband in the hall upon which their rooms opened. "Where have +you been?" he asked coldly, and with a suspicious look. + +"That's my affair," she returned, flushing, and with a saucy little toss +of her pretty head. + +He gave her a glance of mingled surprise and displeasure. "What has come +over you, Zoe?" he asked. "Can't you give a civil answer to a simple +question?" + +"Of course I can, Mr. Travilla, but I think it's a pretty story if I'm to +be called to account as to where I go even about the house." + +"Nothing but a guilty conscience could have made you look at my question +in that light," he said, leaning against the mantel and looking down +severely at her as she stood before him, for they were now in her boudoir. +"I presume you have been in Max's room, condoling with and encouraging him +in his defiance of grandpa's authority; and let me tell you, I won't allow +it." + +"It makes no difference whether you allow it or not," she said, turning +away with a contemptuous sniff. "I'm my own mistress." + +"Do you mean to defy my authority, Zoe?" he asked, with suppressed anger. + +"Yes, I do. I'll do anything in the world for love and coaxing, but I +won't be driven. I'm your wife, sir, not your slave." + +"I have no desire to enslave you, Zoe," he said, his tone softening, "but +you are so young, so very young for a married woman, that you surely ought +to be willing to submit to a little loving guidance and control." + +"I didn't perceive much love in the attempt you made just now," she said, +seating herself and opening a book. + +He watched her for a moment. She seemed absorbed in reading, and he could +not see that the downcast eyes were too full of tears to distinguish one +letter from another. + +He left the room without another word, and hardly had the door closed on +him when she flung the book from her, ran into the dressing-room, and +throwing herself on a couch, cried as if her heart would break. + +"He's all I have, all I have!" she moaned, "and he's beginning to be cruel +to me! Oh, what shall I do! what shall I do! Papa, papa, why did you die +and leave your darling all alone in this cold world?" + +She hoped Edward would come back presently, say he was sorry for his +brutal behavior, and try to make his peace with her by coaxing and +petting; but he did not, and after a while she gave up expecting him, +undressed, went to bed and cried herself to sleep, feeling that she was a +sadly ill-used wife. + +Meanwhile Edward had returned to the library for a time, then gone into +the family parlor, hoping and half expecting to find Zoe there with the +rest; but the first glance showed him that she was not in the room. + +He made no remark about it, but sitting down beside his mother, tried to +interest himself in the evening paper handed him by his grandfather. + +"What have you done with your wife, young man?" asked his sister Elsie +sportively. "We have seen nothing of her since supper." + +"I left her in her room," he answered in a tone in which there seemed a +shade of annoyance. + +"Have you locked her up there for bad behavior?" asked Rosie, laughing. + +"Why, what do you mean, Rosie?" he returned, giving the child a half-angry +glance, and coloring deeply. + +"Oh, I was only funning, of course, Ned. So you needn't look so vexed +about it; that's the very way to excite suspicion that you have done +something to her," and Rosie laughed gleefully. + +But to the surprise of mother and sisters, Edward's brow darkened, and he +made no reply. + +"Rosie," said Violet, lightly, "you are an incorrigible tease. Let the +poor boy alone, can't you?" + +"Thank you, Mrs. Raymond," he said, with a forced laugh, "but I wouldn't +have Rosie deprived of her sport." + +"I hope," remarked Mrs. Travilla, with a kindly though grave look at her +youngest daughter, "that my Rosie does not find it sport to inflict +annoyance upon others." + +"No, mamma, not by any means, but how could I suppose my wise oldest +brother would care for such a trifle?" returned the little girl in a +sprightly tone. + +"My dear," said her mother, "it is the little things--little pleasures, +little vexations--that far more than the great make up the sum total of +our happiness or misery in this life." + +Edward was very silent during the rest of the evening, and his mother, +watching him furtively and putting that and that together, felt sure that +something had gone wrong between him and his young wife. + +When the good-nights had been said and the family had scattered to their +rooms, he lingered behind, and his mother, who had left the room, +perceiving it, returned to find him standing on the hearth, gazing moodily +into the fire. + +She went to him, and laying her hand gently on his shoulder. "My dear +boy," she said, in her sweet low tones, "I cannot help seeing that +something has gone wrong with you; I don't ask what it is, but you have +your mother's sympathy in every trouble." + +"It is unfortunately something you would not want me to repeat even to +you, my best and dearest of mothers, but your assurance of sympathy is +sweet and comforting, nevertheless," he said, taking her in his arms with +a look and manner so like his father's, that tears sprang unbidden to her +eyes. + +"Ah," he said presently, with a sigh that betrayed more than he was aware +of, "my father was a happy man in having such a woman for his wife!" + +"A good husband makes a good wife, my boy," she returned, gazing +searchingly yet tenderly into his eyes; "and I think no woman with any +heart at all could have failed to be such to him." + +"I am not worthy to be his son," he murmured, the hot blood mounting to +his very hair. + +There was a moment or more of silence, then she said, softly caressing his +hair and cheek as she spoke, "Edward, my son, be very patient, very +gentle, forbearing and loving toward the orphan child, the care of whom +you assumed of your own free will, the little wife you have promised to +love and cherish to life's end." + +"Yes, mother, I have tried very earnestly to be all that to her--but she +is such a child that she needs guidance and control, and I cannot let her +show disrespect to you or my grandfather." + +"She has always been both dutiful and affectionate to me, Ned, and I have +never known her to say a disrespectful word to or about your grandfather." + +"Did you not notice the looks she gave him at the table, to-night? the +tone in which she replied when he spoke to her?" + +"I tried not to do so," she said with a smile. "I learned when my first +children were young that it was the part of wisdom to be sometimes blind +to venial faults. Not," she added more gravely, "that I would ever put +disrespect to my father in that category, but we must not make too much of +a little girlish petulance, especially when excited by a generous sympathy +with the troubles of another." + +The cloud lifted from his brow. "How kind in you to say it, mother dear! +kind to her and to me. Yes, she is very fond of Max, quite as if he were a +younger brother, and it is very natural that she should sympathize with +him when in disgrace." + +"And having been so petted and indulged by her father, allowed to have her +own way in almost everything, and seldom, if ever, called to account for +her doings, comings and goings, she can hardly fail to think my father's +rule strict and severe." + +"True," Edward responded with a sigh, "and grandpa is a strict +disciplinarian, yet so kind and affectionate with it all that one cannot +help loving him." + +"So I think. And now, good-night, my dear son. I must go; and perhaps your +little wife is looking and longing for your coming. She is very fond and +proud of her young husband," and with a motherly kiss and smile she left +him. + +Edward paced the floor for several minutes with thoughtful air, then went +up-stairs to Zoe's boudoir. + +She was not there or in the dressing-room. He took up a lamp and went on +into the adjoining bedroom. Shading the light with his hand, he drew near +the bed with noiseless step. + +She lay there sleeping, tears on her eyelashes and her pillow wet with +them. His heart smote him at the sight. She looked such a mere child and +so sweet and innocent that he could hardly refrain from imprinting a kiss +upon the round rosy cheek and the full red lips. + +And he longed for a reconciliation, but it seemed cruel to wake her, so it +should be the first thing in the morning, he said to himself. + +He set the lamp down in a distant part of the room, and prepared for rest. + + * * * * * + +Max had spent the evening over his books and diary. His entry in that was +a brief statement of his delinquency, its punishment, and his resolve to +be more obedient in future. + +He had just wiped his pen and put it away, when Grandma Elsie came for a +little motherly talk with him, as she often did at bedtime. + +He received her with a mortified, embarrassed air, but her kind, gentle +manner quickly restored his self-possession. + +"I was sorry, indeed," she said, "to hear that our boy Max had become a +breaker of rules, and so caused us the loss of his society at the table +and in the parlor." + +"I thought the loss was all on my side. Grandma Elsie," he returned with a +bright, pleased look. "I didn't suppose anybody would miss me +unpleasantly." + +"Ah, you were quite mistaken in that; we are all fond of you, Max." + +"Not Grandpa Dinsmore, I'm sure," he said, dropping his eyes and frowning. + +"Why, Max, what else could induce him to give you a home here and be at +the trouble of teaching you every day?" + +"I thought it was you who gave me a home, Grandma Elsie," Max said in a +softened tone, and with an affectionate look at her. + +"This is my house," she said, "but my father is the head of the family, +and without his approval I should never have asked you and your sisters +here, much as I desire your happiness, and fond of you as I certainly am." + +"You are very, very good to us!" he exclaimed with warmth; "you do so much +for us! I wish I could do something for you!" + +"Do you, my dear boy?" she said, smiling and softly patting his hand, +which she had taken in hers; "then be respectful and obedient to my +father. And to your mamma--my dear daughter. Nothing else could give me so +much pleasure." + +"I love Mamma Vi!" exclaimed Max. 'I'm sure there couldn't be a sweeter +lady. And I like Grandpa Dinsmore, too, but--don't you think now he's very +strict and ready to punish a fellow for a mere trifle, Grandma Elsie?" + +"I dare say it seems but a trifle to you for a boy of your age to go into +town and do an errand for himself without asking leave," she replied, "but +that might lead to much worse things; the boy might take to loitering +about the town and fall into bad company and so be led into I know not +what wickedness. For that reason parents and guardians should know all +about a boy's comings and goings." + +"That's so, Grandma Elsie," Max said reflectively. "I don't mean to get +into bad company ever, but papa says I'm a heedless fellow, so perhaps I +might do it before I thought. I'll try to keep to rules after this." + +"I hope so, for both your own sake and ours," she said; then with a +motherly kiss bade him good-night. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + "O jealousy! thou merciless destroyer, + More cruel than the grave! what ravages + Does thy wild war make in the noblest bosoms!" + --Mullet. + + +Edward stretched himself beside Zoe, but not to sleep for hours, for ever +and anon she drew a sobbing breath that went to his very heart. + +"Poor little thing!" he sighed, "I must have acted like a brute to grieve +her so deeply, I should not have undertaken the care of a child who I knew +had been spoiled by unlimited petting and indulgence, if I could not be +more forbearing and tender with her. If, instead of a show of authority, I +had tried reasoning and coaxing, doubtless the result would have been very +different, and she would have been saved all this. I am ashamed of myself! +Grandpa might possibly have acted so toward a wife, but my father never, I +am sure." + +He was really very fond of his little wife, loving her with a protecting +love as something peculiarly his own, to be guided and moulded to suit his +ideas and wishes, so that she might eventually become the perfectly +congenial companion, capable of understanding and sympathizing in all his +views and feelings, which he desired, but found that she was not yet. + +He began to fear she might never attain to that; that perhaps his sudden +marriage was a mistake that would ruin the happiness of both for life. + +Tormented thus, he turned restlessly on his pillow with many a groan and +sigh, nor closed an eye in sleep till long past midnight. + +He was sleeping very soundly when, about sunrise, Zoe opened her eyes. + +She lay still for a moment listening to his breathing, while memory +recalled what had passed between them previous to her retiring. + +"And there he lies and sleeps just as soundly as if he hadn't been playing +the tyrant to the woman he promised to love and cherish to life's end," +she said to herself, with a flash of anger and scorn in her eyes. "Well, I +don't mean to be here when he wakes; I'll keep out of his way till he's +had his breakfast; for they say men are always savage on an empty +stomach." + +She slipped cautiously out of the bed, stole quietly into the next room, +made her toilet, arraying herself in riding habit and hat, went +down-stairs, ordered her pony saddled and brought to the door, and was +presently galloping away down the avenue. + +Edward had requested her never to go alone, always to take a servant as an +attendant, even if she had one of the children with her, and especially if +she had not; but she disregarded his wishes in this instance, partly from +a spirit of defiance, partly because she much preferred a solitary ride, +and could not see that there was any danger in it. + +It was a bright spring morning, the air just cold enough to be +delightfully bracing; men were at work in the fields, orchards were full +of bloom and fragrance, forest trees leafing out, and springing grass and +flowers making the roadsides lovely. + +Zoe's spirits rose with every mile she travelled, the perfume of flowers, +the songs of birds, and all the sweet sights and sounds of nature that +greeted eye, and ear, and every sense, filled her with joy. How could she, +so young and full of life and health, be unhappy in so beautiful a world? + +So keen was her enjoyment that she rode farther than she had intended. +Time passed so quickly that, on looking at her watch, she was surprised to +find that she would hardly be able, even at a gallop, to reach Ion by the +breakfast hour. + +She was a little disturbed at that, for everybody was expected to be +punctual at meals. Grandpa Dinsmore was particular about it, and she did +not wish to give Edward fresh cause for displeasure. + +As she galloped swiftly up the avenue, she was surprised to see him pacing +the veranda to and fro, watch in hand, while his horse stood near ready +saddled and bridled. + +As she drew rein close by the veranda steps, Edward hastily returned his +watch to its fob, sprang forward, and lifted her from the saddle. + +"Good-morning, little wife," he said with an affectionate kiss as he set +her down, yet still keeping his arm about her. "I was not so kind as I +might, or should have been last night, but you will not lay it up against +your husband, love?" + +"No, of course not, Ned," she returned, looking up into his face flushed +and happy, that so loving an apology had been given her in place of the +reproof she expected; "and you won't hate me because I was cross when you +were?" + +"Hate you, love! No, never! I shall love you as long as we both live. But +I must say good-by. I am summoned away on important business, and shall +have hardly time to catch the next train." + +"You might have told me last night," she pouted, as with another kiss he +took his arm from her waist and turned to leave her. + +"I did not receive the summons till half an hour ago," he answered, +hastily mounting his steed. + +"When will you come back?" she asked. + +"I hope to be with you by tea-time, this evening. Au revoir, darling." + +He threw her a kiss and was gone, galloping so rapidly away that in a +minute or two he was out of sight; all the more speedily to her because +her eyes were blinded with tears as she stood motionless, gazing after +him. + +It was their first parting, and there came over her a feeling that, should +he never come back, the world would be a desert, nothing left worth living +for. + +"Never mind, dear child, it is for only a few hours, if all goes well," +said a kind sweet voice at her side. + +"Yes, mamma, but--oh, I wish he never had to go away without me! And why +couldn't I have gone with him this time?" she sobbed, beginning to feel +herself quite aggrieved, though the idea of going with Edward had but just +occurred to her. + +"Well, dear, there really was not time to arrange that," Elsie said, +embracing her with motherly affection. "But come now and get some +breakfast. You must be hungry after your ride." + +"Is Grandpa vexed because I was not here in season?" Zoe asked, following +her mother-in-law on her way to the breakfast-room. + +"He has not shown any vexation," Elsie answered lightly; "and you are not +much behind time; they are all still at the table. Edward took his +breakfast early in order to catch his train." + +Zoe's apprehensions were relieved immediately on entering the +breakfast-room, as Mr. Dinsmore and all the others greeted her with the +usual pleasant "Good-morning." + +Reconciled to her husband and smiled upon by all the rest of the family, +she grew quite happy. + +In saying she was not to be driven, but would do anything for love and +coaxing, she had spoken truly; and now her great desire was to do +something to please Edward. + +She had been rather remiss in her studies of late, and though he had +administered no reproof, she knew that he felt discouraged over it. She +determined to surprise him on his return with carefully prepared lessons. + +After giving due attention to them, she spent hours at the piano learning +a song he admired and had lately bought for her, saying he thought it +suited to her voice, and wanted to hear her play and sing it. + +"What a dear, industrious little woman," Elsie said, meeting her in the +hall as she left the music-room, and bestowing upon her a motherly smile +and caress. "I know whom you are trying so hard to please, and if he does +not show appreciation of your efforts, I shall think him unworthy of so +good a little wife." + +Zoe colored with pleasure. "O mamma," she said, "though I have been cross +and wilful sometimes, I would do anything in the world to please my +husband when he is loving and kind to me. But do you know, I can't bear to +be driven. I won't; if anybody tries it with me, it just rouses all that +is evil in me." + +"Well, dear, I don't think any one in this house wants to drive you," +Elsie said, repeating her caress, "not even your husband; though he is, +perhaps, a trifle masterful by nature. You and he will need to take the +two bears into your counsels," she added sportively. + +"Two bears, mamma?" and Zoe looked up in surprise and perplexity. + +"Yes, dear; bear and forbear, as the poet sings-- + + "'The kindest and the happiest pair + Will find occasion to forbear, + And something every day they live + To pity and perhaps forgive.'" + +Zoe went slowly up to her own rooms and sat down to meditate upon her +mother-in-law's words. + +"'Bear and forbear.' Well, when Edward reproves me as if he were my father +instead of my husband, and talks about what he will and won't allow, I +must bear with him, I suppose; and when I want to answer back that I'm my +own mistress and not under his control, I must forbear and deny myself the +pleasure. Hard for me to do, but then it isn't to be all on one side; and +if he will only forbear lecturing me in the beginning, all will go right. + +"I mean to tell him so. If he wants me to be very good, he should set me +the example. Good! when he scolds me again, I'll just remind him that +example is better than precept. + +"No, I won't either; I'll forbear. Ned is good to me, and I don't want to +provoke him. I mean to be a good little wife to him, and I know he wants +to be the best of husbands to me. + +"Oh, how kind and good he was to me when papa died, and I hadn't another +friend in the world! how he took me to his heart and comforted and loved +me! I must never make him wish he hadn't. I'll do everything I can to +prove that I'm not ungrateful for all his love and kindness." + +Tears sprang to her eyes, and she was seized with a longing desire for his +presence, for an opportunity to pour out her love and gratitude, and have +him clasp her to his heart with tenderest caresses, as was his wont. + +She glanced at the clock. Oh joy! he might, he probably would, return in +an hour or perhaps a trifle sooner. + +She sprang up and began her toilet for the evening, paying close attention +to his taste in the arrangement of her hair and the selection of her dress +and ornaments. + +"I want to look just as beautiful in his sight as I possibly can, that he +may be pleased with me and love me better than ever," was the thought in +her heart. "I am his own wife, and who has a better right to his love than +I? Dear Ned! I hope we'll never quarrel, but always keep the two bears +with us in our home." + +Her labors completed, she turned herself about before the pier-glass, +mentally pronounced her attire faultless from the knot of ribbon in her +hair to the dainty boots on the shapely little feet, and her cheek flushed +with pleasure as the mirror told her that face and form were even prettier +than the dress and ornaments that formed a fit setting to their charms. + +The hour was almost up. She glanced from the window to see if he were yet +in sight. + +He was not, but she wanted a walk, so would go to meet him; he would +dismount at sight of her, and they would walk home together. + +Tying on a garden hat and throwing a light shawl about her shoulders, she +hastened down-stairs and out into the grounds. + +She had walked more than half the length of the avenue, when she saw the +family carriage turning in at the gates, Edward riding beside it. + +The flutter of a veil from its window caused her to change her plans. He +was not returning alone, but bringing lady visitors; therefore, she would +not go to meet him. + +And no one had told her visitors were expected. She felt aggrieved, and +somehow, unreasonable as she knew it to be, she was angry at Edward's look +of interest and pleasure as he leaned from the saddle in a listening +attitude, as if hearkening to the talk of some one within the carriage. + +Zoe had stepped behind a clump of bushes, whose leafy screen hid her from +the view of the approaching party, while through its interstices she could +see them very plainly. + +As they drew nearer, she saw that the carriage contained two young, +pretty, ladylike girls, one of whom was talking to Edward with much +animation and earnestness, he listening with evident interest and +amusement. + +When the carriage had passed her, Zoe glided away through the shrubbery, +gained the house by a circuitous route and a side entrance, and her own +rooms by a back stairway. + +She fully expected to find Edward there, but he was not. + +"Where can he be?" she asked herself half aloud, then sat down and waited +for him--not very patiently. + +After some little time, which, to Zoe's impatience, seemed very long, she +heard the opening and shutting of a door, then the voices of Mr. Dinsmore, +his daughter, and Edward in conversation, as they came down the hall +together. + +"He has been to see his mother first," she pouted. "I think a man ought +always to put his wife first." And turning her back to the door, she took +up a book and made a pretence of being deeply interested in its perusal. + +Edward's step, however, passed on into the dressing-room, and as she heard +him moving about there, she grew more and more vexed. It seemed that he +was in no great haste to greet her after this their first day's +separation; he could put it off, not only for a visit to his mother in her +private apartments, but also until he had gone through the somewhat +lengthened duties of the toilet. + +Well, she would show him that she, too, could wait--could be as cool and +indifferent as himself. She assumed a graceful attitude in an easy-chair, +her pretty little feet upon a velvet-cushioned stool, and with her book +lying in her lap listened intently to every sound coming from the +adjoining room. + +At last she heard his step approach the door, then his hand upon the knob, +when she instantly took up her book and fixed her eyes upon its open page, +as though unconscious of everything but what was printed there, yet really +not taking in the meaning of a single word. + +Edward came in, came close to her side. Still she neither moved nor lifted +her eyes. But she could not control her color, and he saw through her +pretences. + +He knelt down beside her chair, bent his head and looked up into her face +with laughing eyes. + +"What can it be that so interests my little wife that she does not even +know that her husband has come home, after this their first day of +separation? Have you no kiss of welcome for him, little woman?" + +The book was thrust hastily aside, and in an instant her arms were about +his neck, her lips pressed again and again to his. + +"O Ned, I do love you!" she said softly, "but I began to think you didn't +care for me--going to see mamma first, and then waiting to dress." + +"Mamma and grandpa were concerned in the business that took me away +to-day, and I owed them a prompt report upon it; yet I looked in here +first for my wife, but couldn't find her; then I asked for her, and was +told that she had been seen going out for a walk. So I thought I would +dress and be ready for her when she came in." + +"Was that it?" she asked, looking a little ashamed. "But," regarding him +with critical eyes, "you'd better always let me help with your dressing; +your cravat isn't tied nicely, and your hair doesn't look half so well as +when I brush it for you." + +"Can't you set matters straight, then?" he asked, releasing her from the +close embrace in which he had held her for the last few minutes. + +"Yes; just keep still as you are, and I'll re-tie the cravat." + +He held still, enjoying, as he always did, having her deft fingers at work +about him, and gazing the while into the pretty face, with eyes full of +loving admiration. + +"There!" she said at length, leaning back a little to take in the full +effect, "I don't believe that can be improved upon." + +"Much obliged," he said, getting up from his knees. "Now, what next?" + +"Your hair, of course," she answered, jumping up and leading the way into +the dressing-room. "Sit down," arming herself with comb and brush, "you +know I'm not tall enough to reach your head while you're standing up." + +He obeyed, asking, "What have you been doing to-day?" + +"What a question!" she returned, laughing; "of course, I'd take my +pleasure when my lord and master was away." + +"Don't call me that, dear," he said in a tone of gentle, half remorseful +expostulation. + +"Why not? doesn't the Bible say Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord?" + +"But it doesn't say master, and besides, these are very different times." + +"We seem to have changed sides on that subject," she said, with a merry +little laugh, as she laid the brush away, and standing behind his chair, +put her arms around his neck and laid her cheek to his. + +He drew her round to a seat upon his knee. "Darling, I don't mean to play +the tyrant, and am quite ashamed of some things I said last night." + +"Then you won't say them any more, will you? I was really afraid you were +turning into a horrid tyrant. Oh, you haven't told me who the visitors are +who came in the carriage with you!" + +"The daughter and niece of an old friend of my father's, Miss Fanny Deane +and Miss Susie Fleming." + +"How long are they likely to stay?" + +"I don't know; probably two or three weeks." + +"You asked what I'd been doing. Studying hard part of the time, that I +might please this old tutor of mine," giving him another tug. "Will you be +pleased to hear me recite now?" + +"There would not be time before tea, dear," he said, consulting his watch; +"so we will put it off till later in the evening. Come down to the +drawing-room with me and let me introduce you to the ladies." + +"Very well; but first tell me if my toilet satisfies you." + +He gave her a scrutinizing glance. "Entirely; you are as lovely as a +fairy," he said, with a proud, fond smile. + +"Oh, you flatterer!" she returned with a pleased laugh, and slipping her +hand into his. + +"Your wife!" exclaimed both ladies when the introduction was over. "She +looks so young!" + +"So _very_ young that I should have taken her for a school-girl," added +Miss Deane, with a condescending smile that enraged Zoe. + +"And I take you for an old maid of twenty-five," was her mental retort. "I +dare say you'd be glad enough to be as young as I am, and to have such a +handsome husband." But she merely made a demure little courtesy and +withdrew to a seat beside her mother-in-law on the farther side of the +room, her heightened color and flashing eyes alone telling how indignant +she felt. + +"Never mind, dear, you are growing older every day," Elsie said in a +soothing undertone, "and are just the right age for Edward. We all think +that, and I that you are a dear little daughter for me." + +"Thank you, dear mamma," whispered Zoe. "I think it was very rude and +unkind to liken me to a school-girl. I believe it was just because she +envies me my youth and my husband." + +"Perhaps so," Elsie said, with difficulty restraining a smile, "but we +will try to be charitable and think the remark was not unkindly meant." + +Edward took Miss Deane in to supper, which was presently announced. Zoe +did not like that, as Elsie perceived with some concern. + +The young lady had very fine conversational powers and was very fond of +displaying them; she soon obtained and held the attention of all the older +people at the table, and Zoe felt herself more and more aggrieved. Edward +was positively careless of her wants, leaving her to be waited upon by the +servants. + +When they returned to the drawing-room he seated himself beside Miss Deane +again, and the flow of talk recommenced, he continuing a delighted +listener. + +Zoe feigned not to notice or care, but it was a very transparent pretence. +Edward had devoted himself so almost exclusively to her ever since their +marriage, that she could scarce endure to have it otherwise. + +She could not refrain from watching him furtively and trying to catch his +every look, word and tone. + +After a little she stole quietly from the room and went up to her own. + +"He will miss me presently," she thought, "remember about the lessons, and +come up to hear them, and I'll have him all to myself for at least a +little while." + +He did not come, but at length Rosie looked in to say, "Won't you come +down to the music-room, Zoe? Miss Fleming is going to play for us, and she +is said to be quite a wonderful performer." + +Zoe accepted the invitation; she was fond of music, and it wasn't Miss +Fleming who had robbed her of Edward. Yet, when she saw him standing +beside her, a rapt and delighted listener, and assiduously turning her +music, she began to almost hate her, too. + +The advent of these two strangers seemed to have rendered ineffectual all +the efforts she had put forth that day to gratify her husband; of what +use was it that she had so carefully prepared the lessons he would not +trouble himself to hear? or that she had spent hours of patient practice +at the piano in learning the song she was given no opportunity to play and +sing? + +But womanly pride was awaking within her, and she made a tolerably +successful effort to control and hide her feelings. + +When at length she found herself alone with Edward in their own +apartments, she moved silently about making her preparations for retiring, +seeming to have nothing to say. + +He burst into enthusiastic praises of the talents of their guests--the +conversational gift of the one, the musical genius of the other. + +Zoe, standing before the mirror, brushing out her soft shining tresses, +made no response. + +"Why are you so silent, little woman?" Edward asked presently. + +"Because I have nothing to say that you would want to hear." + +"Nothing that I would want to hear? why, I am fond of the very sound of +your voice. But what's the matter?" for he had come to her side, and +perceived with surprise and concern that her eyes were full of tears. + +"Oh, nothing! except that I'd looked forward to a delightful evening with +my husband, after being parted from him all day, and didn't get it." + +"My dear Zoe," he said, "I owe you an apology! I actually forgot all about +those lessons." + +"And me, too," she said bitterly. "My musical and conversational gifts +sink into utter insignificance beside those of these newcomers." + +"Jealousy is a very mean and wicked passion, Zoe; I don't like to see you +indulging it," he said, turning away from her. "I am, of course, expected +to pay some attention to my mother's guests, and you will have to put up +with it." + +"You are always right and I am always wrong," she said, half choking with +indignation; "but if you are always to do as _you_ please, I shall do as +_I_ please." + +"In regard to what?" he asked coldly. + +"Everything!" she answered in a defiant tone. + +Edward strode angrily into the next room; but five minutes sufficed to +subdue his passion, and in tender tones he called softly to his wife, +"Zoe, love, will you please come here for a moment?" + +She started with surprise at the kindness of his tones, her heart leaped +for joy, and she ran to him, smiling through her tears. + +He had seated himself in a large easy-chair. "Come, darling," he said, +drawing her to a seat upon his knee. Then with his arm about her waist, +"Zoe, love, we are husband and wife, whom nothing but death can ever +separate. Let us be kind to one another, kind and forbearing, so that when +one is taken the other will have no cause for self-reproach." + +"O Ned, don't talk of that," she sobbed with her arms about his neck, her +cheek laid to his. "I'm sure it would kill me to lose you. You are all I +have in the wide world." + +"So I am, you poor little dear," he said, softly smoothing her hair, "and +I ought to be always kind to you. But, indeed, Zoe, you have no need to be +jealous of any other woman. I may like to talk with them and listen to +their music, but when I want some one to love and pet, my heart turns to +my own little wife." + +"It was very foolish!" she said, penitently, "but I did so want you to +myself to-night, and I'd worked so busily all day learning the lessons and +that song you brought me, thinking to please you." + +"Did you, dear? well, it was too bad in me to neglect you so, and even to +forget to give you this, which I bought expressly for my dear little wife, +while in the city to-day." + +He took her hand as he spoke, and slipped a ring upon her finger. + +"O Ned, thank you!" she exclaimed, lifting to his a face full of delight. +"It's very pretty, and so good in you to remember to bring me something." + +"Then shall we kiss and be friends, and try not to quarrel any more?" + +"Yes; oh yes!" she said, offering her lips. + +"I must have that song to-morrow," he said, caressing her again and again. + +"No, no! I can't think of singing before such a performer as Miss +Fleming." + +"But you are an early bird, and she and Miss Deane will probably be late. +Can't you sing and play for me before they are down in the morning?" + +"Well, perhaps," she answered coquettishly. "And the lessons? will you +hear them, too, before breakfast?" + +"If you wish it, dear." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: + therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with." + + --_Proverbs_ 17:14. + + +Zoe went to bed that night and rose again the next morning a happy little +woman. + +The song was sung, the performance eliciting warm praise from the solitary +listener. + +Then they had a delightful ride together, all before breakfast, and she +brought to the table such dancing eyes and rosy cheeks that Mr. Lilburn +could not refrain from complimenting her upon them, while the rest of the +older people smiled in approval. + +"She looks younger than ever," remarked Miss Deane, sweetly. "It is quite +impossible to realize that she is married." + +"It is altogether possible for me to realize that she is my own dear +little wife," said Edward, regarding Zoe with loving, admiring eyes. "A +piece of personal property I would not part with for untold gold," he +added with a happy laugh. + +"And we all think our Zoe is quite old for so young a husband," said +Elsie, bestowing upon the two a glance of smiling, motherly affection. + +It was a busy season with Edward, and he was compelled to leave the +entertainment of the guests through the day to his mother and other +members of the family. + +Zoe excused herself from any share in that work on the plea that she was +too young to be companionable to the ladies, spent some hours in diligent +study, then walked out with the children. + +"I have two sets of lessons ready for you," was her greeting to Edward, +when he came in late in the afternoon. + +"Have you, dear?" he returned, taking the easy-chair she drew forward for +him. "Then let me hear them. You must have been an industrious little +woman to-day." + +"Tolerably; but you know one set was ready for you yesterday." + +"Ah, yes; you were industrious then, also. And I dare say it is rather +stupid work studying alone." + +"Not when one has such a nice teacher," she answered sportively. "Praise +from your lips is sweeter than it ever was from any other but papa's," she +added, tears trembling in her eyes. + +He was glad to be able, on the conclusion of the recitation, to give it +without stint. + +She flushed with pleasure, and helping herself to a seat upon his knee, +thanked him with a hug and kiss. + +"Easter holidays begin next week," he remarked, putting an arm about her +and returning her caress; "do you wish to give up your studies during that +time?" + +"No," she said; "I've wasted too much time during the past few weeks, and +I'd rather take my holidays in the very warm weather." + +"That is what mamma's and grandpa's pupils are to do," he said. "They are +invited to both the Oaks and the Laurels in May and June, to spend some +weeks at each place. And you are included in both invitations." + +"I shall not go unless you do," she said with decision. "Parted from my +husband for weeks? No, indeed! I can hardly stand it for a single day," +she added, laying her cheek to his. + +"Nor I, little wife," he said, passing his hand softly over her hair. "Do +you feel equal to a ride this afternoon?" + +"Why, yes; of course! shall I get ready at once?" + +"Yes, do, dearie. There is to be a party of us--grandpa, mamma, and Miss +Fleming, Miss Deane, you and I." + +Zoe's brow clouded. "Riding three abreast, I suppose. But why did you ask +Miss Deane? She'll spoil all my enjoyment." + +"Don't let her; I must show some attention to her as a guest in the house, +and really felt obliged to invite her. We are to call at Fairview, and see +how Lester and Elsie get on with their housekeeping. Now, do promise me +that you will be a good, sensible little woman, and not indulge in +jealousy." + +"To please you I'll do the very best I can. I told you I would do anything +for love and coaxing," she answered in a sprightly tone, with her arm +still about his neck, her eyes gazing fondly into his. + +He drew her closer. "I'll try always to remember and practice upon that," +he said, "Now, darling, don that very becoming hat and habit you wore this +morning." + +Miss Deane was an accomplished coquette, whose greatest delight was to +prove her power over every man who came in her way, whether married or +single, and perceiving Zoe's dislike to her, and jealousy of any attention +paid her by Edward, she took a malicious pleasure in drawing him to her +side whenever opportunity offered, and keeping him there as long as +possible. + +Edward, with a heart entirely true to his young wife, endeavored to resist +the fascinations of the siren and avoid her when politeness would permit; +and Zoe struggled against her inclination to jealousy, yet Miss Deane +succeeded in the course of a few days in bringing about a slight coldness +between them. + +They did not actually quarrel, but there was a cessation of loving looks +and endearing words and names. It was simply Zoe and Edward now instead of +dearest and love and darling, while they rather avoided than sought each +other's society. + +Edward was too busy to walk or ride with his wife, and Max and Ralph +Conly, at home now for the Easter holidays and self-invited to Ion, became +the almost constant sharers of her outdoor exercise. + +Edward saw it with displeasure, for Ralph was no favorite with him. When +things had gone on in that way for several days, he ventured upon a mild +remonstrance, telling Zoe he would rather she would not make a familiar +associate of Ralph. + +"If I am debarred from my husband's society, I'm not to be blamed for +taking what I can get," she answered coldly. + +"I don't blame you for what is past, Zoe," he said, "but request that in +future you will not have more to do with Ralph than is quite necessary." + +Zoe was in a defiant mood. She walked away without making any reply, and +an hour later Edward met her riding out with Ralph by her side. Max was +not with them, as it was during his study hours, and they had not even an +attendant. + +They had been laughing and chatting gayly, but at sight of Edward a sudden +silence fell on them. + +Zoe's head drooped and her cheeks flushed hotly as she perceived the dark +frown on her husband's brow. She expected some cutting word of rebuke, but +he simply wheeled his horse about, placing himself on her other side, so +that she was between him and Ralph, and rode on with them. + +Not a word was spoken until they drew rein at their own door, when Edward, +dismounting, lifted his wife from her pony, and as he set her down, said, +"I will be obliged to you, Zoe, if you will now prepare your lessons for +to-day." + +Zoe had already begun to repent of her open disregard of his wishes, for +during the silent ride memory had been busy with the many expressions of +love and tenderness he had lavished upon her in their short married life, +and if there had been the least bit of either in his tones now, she would +have whispered in his ear that she was sorry and would not so offend +again; but the cold, stern accents made the request sound like a command, +and roused again the spirit of opposition that had almost died out. + +She shook off his detaining hand, and walked away in silence, with head +erect and cheeks burning with indignation. + +Ralph had not heard Edward's low-spoken words, but looking after Zoe, as +she disappeared within the doorway, "Seems to me you're a bit of a tyrant, +Ned," he remarked with a coarse, disagreeable laugh. + +"I am not aware of having shown any evidence of being such," Edward +returned rather haughtily, as he remounted. Then, turning his horse's +head, he rode rapidly away. + +Zoe went to her boudoir, gave vent to her anger in a hearty fit of crying, +then set to work at the lessons with a sincere desire to please the +husband she really loved with all her heart. + +"I've been forgetting the two bears," she said to herself, "but I'll try +again, and when that hateful Miss Deane goes away, everything will be +right again. I know Ned has to be polite to her; and it's very silly in me +to get vexed when he talks to her; but I can't help it, because he's my +all." + +She finished her tasks, dressed herself for dinner with care and taste, +and when she heard his step on the stairs ran to the door to meet him. + +Her face was bright and eager, but changed at sight of his cold, +forbidding looks. + +"I am ready for you," she said timidly, shrinking away from him. + +"Very well, bring your books," he said with, she thought, the air of a +schoolmaster toward a pupil in disgrace, and seating himself as he spoke. + +She brought them, keeping her eyes cast down to hide the tell-tale tears. +She controlled her emotion in another moment, and went through the +recitations very creditably to herself. + +He made no comment upon that, though usually he would have bestowed warm +praise, but simply appointed the tasks for the next day, rose and left the +room. + +Zoe looked after him with a swelling heart, wiped away a tear or two, and +assuming an air of indifference, went down to the parlor to join the rest +of the family. + +"Where's Ned?" asked Rosie. "You two used never to be seen apart; but of +late----" + +The sentence was suddenly broken off because of a warning look from her +mamma. + +"Don't you know, little girl," said Miss Deane in a soft, purring tone, +"that nobody expects married people to remain lovers always?" + +"It is what they should do," Elsie said with gentle decision. "It was so +with my husband and myself, and I trust will be with all my children." + +"Allow me to advise you to deliver Ned a lecture on the subject, cousin," +laughed Ralph. + +"He doesn't need it," Zoe exclaimed with spirit, turning on Ralph with +flashing eyes. + +"Oh," he said, with a loud guffaw, "I should have remembered that any one +taking the part of an abused wife is sure to have her wrath turned upon +himself." + +"What do you mean by that, sir? I am _not_ an abused wife," said Zoe, +tears springing to her eyes; "there never was a kinder, tenderer husband +than mine, and I know he loves me dearly." + +"He does, indeed, dear; we none of us doubt that in the least; and so you +can well afford to let Ralph enjoy his forlorn joke," remarked Mrs. +Dinsmore, with an indignant, reproving look at the latter, who colored +under it, and relapsed into silence. + +The weather was delightful, and the children having been given a half +holiday, spent the afternoon in the grounds. Zoe forsook the company of +the older people for theirs, and joined in their sports, for she was still +child-like in her tastes. + +She was as active as a boy, and before her marriage had taken keen delight +in climbing rocks and trees. The apple-trees in the orchard were in full +bloom, and taking a fancy to adorn herself with their blossoms, she +climbed up among the branches of one of the tallest, in order, as she +said, to "take her pick and choice," Rosie, Lulu, Gracie and Walter +standing near and watching her with eager interest. + +"Oh, Zoe, take care!" Rosie called to her, "that branch doesn't look +strong, and you might fall and hurt yourself badly." + +"Don't you be afraid. I can take care of myself," she returned with a +light laugh. + +But another voice spoke close at hand, fairly startling her, it was so +unexpected. "Zoe, what mad prank is this? Let me help you down at once." + +"There's no need for you to trouble yourself, I am quite able to get down +without assistance, when I'm ready," she replied, putting a strong +emphasis upon the last words. + +"No; it is too dangerous," and he held up his arms with an imperative, +"Come!" + +"How you do order me about," she muttered, half under her breath, and more +than half inclined to rebel. + +But no; the children were looking and listening, and must not be allowed +to suspect any unpleasantness between herself and her husband. + +She dropped into his arms, he set her upon her feet, drew her hand within +his arm, and walked away with her. + +"I do not approve of tree-climbing for a married woman, Zoe," he said, +when they were out of ear-shot of the children; "at least, not for my +wife; and I must request you not to try it again." + +"It's a pity I didn't know how much my liberty would be curtailed by +getting married," she returned bitterly. + +"And I am exceedingly sorry it is out of my power to restore your liberty +to you, since it seems that would add to your happiness." + +At that she hastily withdrew her hand from his arm and walked quickly away +from him, taking the direction of the house. + +Leaning against a tree, his arms folded, his face pale and stern, he +looked after her with a heart full of keenest anguish. She had never been +dearer to him than at this moment, but alas, she seemed to have lost her +love for him, and what a life of miserable dissension they were likely to +lead, repenting at leisure their foolishly hasty marriage! + +And she was half frantic with pain and passion. He was tired of her +already--before they had been married a year--he did not love her any +longer and would be glad to be rid of her. Oh, what should she do! would +that she could fly to the ends of the earth that he might be relieved of +her hated presence. + +And yet--oh, how could she ever endure constant absence from him? She +loved him so dearly, so dearly! + +She hurried on past the house, down the whole length of the avenue and +back again, the hot tears all the time streaming over her cheeks. Then she +hastily wiped them away, went to her rooms, bathed her eyes, and dressed +carefully for tea. + +Womanly pride had come to her aid; she must hide her wounds from all, +especially from Edward himself and "that detestable Miss Deane." She would +pretend to be happy, very happy, and no one should guess how terribly her +heart was aching. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + "Where lives the man that has not tried + How mirth can into folly glide, + And folly into sin!" + --Scott. + + +Ralph Conly was not a favorite with any of his Ion relatives, because they +knew his principles were not altogether such as they could approve, nor +indeed his practice either; yet they had no idea how bad a youth he was, +else intimacy between him and Max would have been forbidden. + +All unsuspected by the older people, he was exerting a very demoralizing +influence over the younger boy. Every afternoon they sought out some +private spot and had a game of cards, and little by little Ralph had +introduced gambling into the game, till now the stakes were high in +proportion to the means of the players. + +On this particular afternoon they had taken possession of a summer-house +in a retired part of the grounds, and were deep in play. + +Ralph at first let Max win, the stakes being small; then raising them +higher, he won again and again, till he had stripped Max of all his +pocket money and his watch. + +Max felt himself ruined, and broke out in passionate exclamations of grief +and despair, coupled with accusations of cheating, which were, indeed, +well founded. + +Ralph grew furious and swore horrible oaths, and Max answered with a +repetition of his accusation, concluding with an oath, the first he had +uttered since his father's serious talk with him on the exceeding +sinfulness and black ingratitude of profanity. + +All that had passed then, the passages of Scripture telling of the +punishment of the swearer under the Levitical law, flashed back upon him +as the words left his lips, and covering his face with his hands he +groaned in anguish of spirit at thought of his fearful sin. + +Then Mr. Dinsmore's voice, speaking in sternest accents, startled them +both. "Ralph, is this the kind of boy you are? a gambler and profane +swearer? And you, too, Max? Do you mean to break your poor father's heart +and some day bring down his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave? Go at +once to your room, sir. And you, Ralph, return immediately to Roselands. I +cannot expose my grandchildren to the corrupting influence of such a +character as yours." + +The mandate was obeyed promptly and in silence by both, Ralph not daring +to gather up his plunder, or even his cards from the table where they lay. + +Mr. Dinsmore took possession of both, and followed Max to the house. In +the heat of their altercation the lads had raised their voices to a high +pitch, and he, happening to be at no great distance, and hastening to the +spot to learn the cause of the disturbance, had come upon them in time to +hear the last sentence uttered by each, and had taken in the whole +situation at a glance. + +He went directly to his daughter's dressing-room, and sent for Violet to +join them there. + +Both ladies were greatly distressed by the tale he had to tell. + +"Oh," sobbed Violet, "it will break my husband's heart to learn that his +only son has taken to such evil courses! And to think that it was a +relative of our own who led him into it!" + +"Yes," sighed Mr. Dinsmore, "I blame myself for not being more watchful; +though I had no idea that Ralph had acquired such vices." + +"I cannot have you blame yourself, papa," Elsie said, with tender look and +tone, "I am sure it was no fault of yours. And I cannot believe the dear +boy has become a confirmed swearer or gambler in so short a time. He is a +warm-hearted fellow, and has a tender conscience. We will hope by divine +aid to reclaim him speedily." + +"Dear mamma, thank you!" exclaimed Violet, smiling through her tears. +"What you say of Max is quite true, and I have no doubt that he is at this +very moment greatly distressed because of his sin." + +"I trust it may be so," said Mr. Dinsmore. "But now the question is, what +is to be done with him? I wish his father were here to prescribe the +course to be taken." + +"Oh, he has already done so!" cried Violet, bursting into tears again. "He +said if Max should ever be guilty of profanity he was to be confined to +his own room for a week, and forbidden all intercourse with the rest of +the family as unworthy to associate with them. I begged him not to compel +us to be so severe, but he was inexorable." + +"Then we have no discretionary power, no choice but to carry out his +directions," Mr. Dinsmore said, feeling rather relieved that the decision +was not left with him. "I shall go now and tell Max what his sentence is, +and from whom it comes. + +"And, unfortunately, it will be necessary, in order to carry it out, to +inform the other members of the family, who might otherwise hold +communication with him. + +"That task I leave to you, Elsie and Violet." + +He left the room, and Violet, after a little sorrowful converse with her +mother, went to her own, and with many tears told Lulu and Gracie what had +occurred, and what was, by their father's direction, to be Max's +punishment. + +Both little sisters were shocked and grieved, very sorry for Max, for it +seemed to them quite terrible to be shut up in one room for a whole week, +while to be out of doors was so delightful; but even Lulu had nothing to +say against their father's decree, especially after Violet had explained +that he had made it in his great love for Max, wanting to cure him of +vices that would make him wretched in this life and the next. + +Rosie was still more shocked and scarcely less sorry than Lulu and Gracie, +for she had been taught to look upon swearing and gambling as very great +sins, and yet she liked Max very much indeed, and pitied him for the +disgrace and punishment he had brought upon himself. + +It was she who told Zoe, seeking her in her dressing-room, where she was +making her toilet for the evening. + +"Oh, Rosie, how dreadful!" exclaimed Zoe. "I never could have believed it +of Max! but it is all because of the bad influence of that wicked Ralph. +I see now why Edward disapproves of him so thoroughly that he didn't like +me to ride with him. But I do think Captain Raymond is a very severe +father. A whole week in the house this lovely weather! How can the poor +boy ever stand it! + +"And nobody to speak a kind word to him, either. I don't think they ought +to be so hard on him, for I dare say he is grieving himself sick over it +now, for he isn't a bad boy." + +"No," said Rosie, "I don't think he is; I like Max very much, but of +course his father's orders have to be carried out, and for that reason we +are all forbidden to go near him, and we have no choice but to obey." + +"Forbidden, indeed!" thought Zoe to herself. "I for one shall do as I +please about it." + +"Zoe, how pretty you are! that dress is very becoming!" exclaimed Rosie, +suddenly changing the subject. + +"Am I? But I can't compare with Miss Deane in either beauty or +conversational powers," returned Zoe, the concluding words spoken with +some bitterness. + +"Can't you? just ask Ned about it," laughed Rosie. "I verily believe he +thinks you the sweetest thing he ever set eyes on. There, I hear him +coming, and must run away, for I know he always wants you all to himself +here; and besides, I have to dress." + +She ran gayly away, passing her brother on the threshold. + +Zoe was busying herself at a bureau drawer, apparently searching for +something, and did not look toward him or speak. In another moment she had +found what she wanted, closed the drawer, and passed into her boudoir. + +Edward had been standing silently watching her, love and anger struggling +for the mastery in his breast. If she had only turned to him with a word, +or even a look of regret for the past, and desire for reconciliation, he +would have taken her to his heart again as fully and tenderly as ever. He +was longing to do so, but too proud to make the first advances when he +felt himself the aggrieved one. + +"All would be right between them but for Zoe's silly jealousy and pride. +Why could she not trust him and submit willingly to his guidance and +control while she was still so young and inexperienced--such a mere child +as to be quite incapable of judging for herself in any matter of +importance? In fact, he felt it his duty to guide and control her till she +should grow older and wiser." + +Such were his thoughts as he went through the duties of the toilet, while +Zoe sat at the window of her boudoir gazing out over the smoothly shaven +lawn with its stately trees, lovely in their fresh spring attire, to the +green fields and woods beyond, yet scarcely taking in the beauty of the +landscape, so full of tears were her eyes, so full her heart of anger, +grief, and pain. + +She had not looked at her husband as he stood silently near her a moment +ago, but felt that he was gazing with anger and sternness upon her. + +"If he had only said one kind word to me," she whispered to herself, "I +would have told him I was sorry for my silly speech this afternoon, and +oh, so happy to be his own little wife, if--if only he hasn't quit loving +me." + +She hastily wiped her eyes and endeavored to assume an air of cheerfulness +and indifference, as she heard his step approaching. + +"Are you ready to go down now, Zoe?" he asked in a freezing tone. + +"Yes," she answered, turning to follow him as he led the way to the door. + +There seemed to be a tacit understanding between them that their +disagreements and coldness toward each other were to be concealed from all +the rest of the world; in the old happy days they had always gone down +together to the drawing-room or the tea-table, therefore would do so +still. + +Also, they studiously guarded their words and looks in the presence of any +third person. + +Yet Elsie, the tender mother, with eyes sharpened by affection, had +already perceived that all was not right. She had noted Zoe's disturbed +look when Edward seemed specially interested in Miss Deane's talk or Miss +Fleming's music, and had silently determined not to ask them to prolong +their stay at Ion. + +The supper-bell rang as Edward and Zoe descended the stairs together, and +they obeyed its summons without going into the drawing-room. + +Violet's place at the table was vacant as well as that of Max, and Lulu +and Gracie bore the traces of tears about their eyes. + +These things reminded Zoe of Max's trouble, forgotten for a time in her +own, and she thought pityingly of him in his imprisonment, wondered if he +would be put upon prison fare, and determined to find out, and if he were, +to try to procure him something better. + +She made an errand to her own rooms soon after leaving the table, went to +his door and knocked softly. + +"Who's there?" he asked in a voice half choked with sobs. + +"It is I, Maxie," she said in an undertone at the keyhole, "Zoe, you know. +I want to say I'm ever so sorry for you, and always ready to do anything I +can to help you." + +"Thank you," he said, "but I mustn't see anybody, so can't open the door; +and, indeed," with a heavy sob, "I'm not fit company for you or any of +the rest." + +"Yes, you are, you're as good as I am. But why can't you open the door? +are you locked in?" + +"No; but--papa said I--I must stay by myself for a week if--if I did what +I have done to-day. So please don't stay any longer, though it was ever so +good in you to come." + +"Good-by, then," and she moved away. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + "High minds of native pride and force + Most deeply feel thy pangs, remorse! + Fear of their scourge mean villains have; + Thou art the torture of the brave." + --Scott. + + +Max sat before his writing-table, his folded arms upon it, and his face +hidden upon them. He was in sore distress of mind. How he had fallen +before temptation! into what depths of disgrace and sin! sin that in olden +times would have been punished with death, even as the horrible crime of +murder, and that must still be as hateful as ever in the sight of an +unchangeable God. + +And not only that sin, of which he had thought he had so truly and deeply +repented, but another which he had always been taught was a very low and +degrading vice. Oh, could there be forgiveness for him? + +And how would his dear honored father feel when the sad story should reach +his ears? would it indeed break his heart as Grandpa Dinsmore had said? +The boy's own heart was overwhelmed with grief, dismay, and remorse as he +asked himself these torturing questions. + +The door opened, but so softly that the sound was lost in his bitter +sobbing, then a hand rested lightly, tenderly upon his bowed head, and a +gentle, pitying voice said, "My poor, dear boy, my heart bleeds for you." + +"O Grandma Elsie!" he burst out, "can you say that to such a wicked fellow +as I am?" + +"Did not Jesus weep with compassion over the sinners of Jerusalem, many of +whom were even then plotting His death? And, Maxie, He pities you in your +fallen estate, and is ready to forgive you the moment you turn to Him with +grief and hatred of your sin and an earnest desire to forsake it, and to +give yourself to His service." + +"Oh, I do, I do hate it!" he cried out with vehemence. "I didn't mean ever +to swear any more, and I feel as if I'd rather cut off my right hand than +to do it again! But oh, how can I ask Him to forgive me, when He did once, +and I've gone and done the same wicked thing again, just as if I hadn't +been really sorry at all, though I was sure I was! Grandma Elsie, what +shall I do?" + +"'Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; +let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our +God, for He will abundantly pardon.' + +"'He is the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and +abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving +iniquity and transgression and sin.' + +"'His name is Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.' He +says, 'Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.' 'O Israel, +thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.' + +"'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though +they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.' + +"'I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake, +and will not remember thy sins.'" + +"Oh, He is very good to say that!" sobbed the penitent boy. "But won't you +ask Him to forgive me, Grandma Elsie?" + +"Yes, Max, but you must pray, too, for yourself; confess your sins to Him, +and ask Him to blot them out and remember them no more against you, +because Jesus has suffered their penalty in your stead. Shall we kneel +down now and ask Him?" + +She stayed with him some time longer, talking in tender, motherly fashion; +not extenuating his guilt, but speaking of the blood that cleanseth from +all sin, the love and tender compassion of Jesus, His willingness and +ability to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him. + +Warning him, too, of the danger from evil associates and from indulgence +in the vice of gambling. + +Then she told him he was not too young to begin to lead a Christian life, +and urged him to do so without a moment's delay. + +"I think I do want to be a Christian, Grandma Elsie," he said, "if I only +knew just how." + +"It is to leave the service of Satan for that of the Lord Jesus Christ," +she said. "It is to give yourself body and soul, at once and forever, to +Jesus, trusting in Him alone for salvation from sin and eternal death. + +"'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,' 'Look unto +me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.' + +"Just take the first step, and He will help you on all the way, one step +at a time, till you reach the gates of the celestial city. 'This God is +our God forever and ever, He will be our guide even unto death.' + +"Just speak to the Lord Jesus, dear Max, as if you could see Him standing +before you while you knelt at His feet; say to Him as the leper did, +'Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.' Tell Him how full you are +of the dreadful leprosy of sin, how unable to heal yourself, and beseech +Him to do the work for you, to wash you and make you clean and cover you +with the robe of His righteousness; give yourself to Him, asking Him to +accept the worthless gift and make you entirely and forever His own." + +She rose to leave him. + +"Oh, do stay a little longer!" he pleaded, clinging to her hand. "Tell me, +do you think Mamma Vi will ever love me any more? that she will ever kiss +me again?" he sobbed. + +"I am sure she will, Max," Elsie answered in moved tones; "she has not +ceased to love you, and I think will come and speak a word to you now, if +you wish it." + +"Oh, so much! only--only I'm dreadfully ashamed to look her in the face. +And--O Grandma Elsie, do you think it will break my father's heart when he +hears it all?" + +"It will make him very sad indeed, I have no doubt, Max," she answered, +gently, "but if he hears, too, that you have truly repented and given your +heart to God, he cannot fail to be greatly comforted. Tell him the whole +truth, my dear boy, don't try to conceal anything from him." + +"It's what I mean to do, Grandma Elsie," he said with a heavy sigh, +"though I'd rather take the worst kind of a flogging. And that's what I'd +get if he was here, for he told me so." + +"I am very glad you love your father so well, Max, and that your sorrow is +more for grieving him, and especially for having dishonored and displeased +God, than for the unpleasant consequences to yourself; it gives me great +hope that you will never be guilty of such conduct again. + +"Now, I shall go and send your mamma to you; she is in her own rooms, for +she has been too much distressed over her dear boy's sad fall to join the +others at the table or in the drawing-room. She loves you very dearly, +Max." + +"It's very good of her," he said in trembling tones, "and oh, I'm ever so +sorry to have grieved her so!" + +Violet was greatly comforted by her mother's report of her interview with +Max, because both saw in his conduct and words the evidence of sincere +repentance toward God, giving them strong hope of his future avoidance of +the sins of profanity and gambling. + +She went to him presently, put her arms about him, kissed him, wept with +him, and like her mother pointed him to the Saviour, telling of His +willingness to forgive every truly penitent soul. + +"O Mamma Vi," he sobbed, "I thought I was that before, when papa showed me +what an awful sin swearing was, and I didn't think I could ever do it +again; but I got dreadfully angry with Ralph because he cheated me out of +everything--all my money and my watch that I've always thought so much of, +you know--and the wicked words slipped out before I knew it; they just +seemed to speak themselves." + +"Ah, dear Max, that is one of the dreadful consequences of allowing +ourselves to fall into such wicked ways; it is the power of habit which +grows upon us till we are bound by it as with an iron chain. + +"The Bible says, 'His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he +shall be holden with the cords of his sins.' So the longer any one lives +in sin, the harder it is for him to break away from it--to repent and be +converted and saved. Therefore, I beseech you to come to Jesus now; God's +time is always now." + +"Mamma Vi, I think I have," he said low and humbly; "I tried to do it with +my heart, when Grandma Elsie was praying for me." + +"O Max, dear Max, I am very glad!" she returned with tears of joy in her +eyes. "And your father will rejoice almost as the angels do in heaven when +a sinner repents and is saved." + +"It's a dreadful task to have to write down all about this afternoon for +him to read," sighed the boy. + +"But you will do it, Max? will you tell him the whole truth like a brave +boy?" queried Violet anxiously. + +"Yes, ma'am, I will. Oh, I wish he were here! so I could just tell him, +and have it all over in a few minutes. But now it will be so long that +I'll have to wait to hear what he has to say about it." + +Violet expressed her sympathy, joining very heartily in his wish for his +father's presence, then left him to his task. + +"Seems to me it's a little like marching up to the cannon's mouth," Max +said to himself, as he took out his writing materials and dipped his pen +in the ink, "but it's got to be done, and I'll have it over." + +He cogitated a moment, then began. "Dear papa, I've been doing very wrong +for 'most a week--letting a fellow teach me to play cards and gamble; we +didn't play for money or anything but fun at first, but afterward we did; +and I lost all the money I had, and, worse still, the nice watch you sent +me. + +"But the very worst is to come. You would never believe I could be so +terribly wicked after all you said to me, and I wouldn't have believed it +myself, and oh, I don't like to tell you, for I'm afraid it will almost +break your heart, papa, to know you have such a wicked boy for your only +son! + +"But I have to tell you, because you know you said I must tell you +everything bad I did. + +"Well, I was sure the fellow had cheated, and I got very mad, and called +him a cheat and a thief. Then he got mad and swore horrible oaths at me, +and called me a liar, and that made me madder than ever, and--O papa, how +can I write it for you to see? I swore at him." + +The boy's tears were dropping upon the paper. He dashed them hastily away, +and went on writing. + +"I am dreadfully, dreadfully sorry, papa! I think I was never so sorry for +anything in all my life, because--because it was so wicked and ungrateful +to God. I've asked Him to forgive me for Jesus' sake, and Grandma Elsie +has asked Him for me, too, and Mamma Vi told me she had been praying for +me. And I've tried to give myself to the dear Saviour, and I hope I'll be +His servant all the rest of my life. + +"I think He has forgiven me, and will you forgive me, too, papa? I'm to +stay alone here in my room for a week. Mamma Vi says you said that was the +way I should be punished, if I ever did that wicked thing again, and it +isn't a bit worse than I deserve." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + + "There are that raise up strife and contention." + --_Hab._ 1:3. + + "Only by pride cometh contention." + --_Prov._ 13:10. + + +While Zoe was at Max's door, something took Edward to their rooms. He was +there but a moment--just long enough to pick up the article he wanted--and +hurrying down the hall again, caught the sound of her voice as he reached +the head of the stairway. + +For an instant he stood still, debating with himself whether to interfere +or not; then deciding in the negative, passed on down the stairs more +angry with her than ever. + +She was defying riot only his authority, but also that of his grandfather +and mother, and interfering with their management of the children +committed to their care by their own father. Truly, he feared he had made +a sad mistake in putting such a child into a woman's position, where she +felt herself entitled to rights, for whose proper exercise she had not yet +sufficient judgment or self-control. + +As he entered the drawing-room, Miss Deane, who was seated at a table +looking over a portfolio of drawings and engravings, called him to her +side. + +"You have visited these places, Mr. Travilla," she said, "and I want the +benefit of your explanations, and your opinion whether the pictures are +true to nature. They are European views, I see." + +Of course he could not, without great rudeness, refuse to take a seat by +her side and give her the information she requested. + +So it happened that when Zoe came in presently after, her anger was +intensely aroused by seeing her husband and Miss Deane seated at a distant +table, apart from the rest of the occupants of the room, laughing and +talking with their heads very close together over an engraving. + +Edward lifted his just in time to catch her look of mingled amazement, +scorn, and indignation. He flushed hotly, and remembering what he had just +overheard up-stairs, and what had passed between them in the +apple-orchard, gave her an angry glance in return. + +She drew her slight, girlish figure up to its full height, and turning +away, crossed the room toward a sofa where Mrs. Dinsmore and a bachelor +gentleman of the neighborhood sat conversing together. + +A sudden impulse seized her as Mr. Larned rose and took her hand in +greeting, Mrs. Dinsmore being called from the room at the same moment by a +servant, who said that some one was waiting in the hall to speak to her. + +"I'll pay Edward back in his own coin," Zoe said to herself, and Mr. +Larned was surprised at the great cordiality and winning sweetness of her +manner as she took the vacated seat by his side, then at the spirit and +vivacity with which she rattled away to him, now on this theme, now on +that. + +Excitement lent an unwonted glow to her cheek and brilliancy and sparkle +to her always beautiful eyes. + +Edward, watching her furtively, with darkening brow, thought he had never +seen her so pretty and fascinating, and never had her low soft laugh, as +now and again it reached his ear, sounded so silvery sweet and musical, +yet it jarred on his nerves, and he would fain have stopped it. + +He hoped momentarily that Mr. Larned would go, but he sat on and on the +whole evening, Zoe entertaining him all the while. + +Other members of the family came in, but though he rose to greet them, he +immediately resumed his seat, and she kept hers, even in spite of the +frowning looks her husband gave her from time to time, but which she +feigned not to see. + +At length, his mother perceiving with pain what was going on, managed to +release him from Miss Deane, and he at once took a seat on his wife's +other side, and joined in the talk. + +Zoe had but little to say after that, and Mr. Larned presently took his +departure. + +That was a signal for the good-nights, and all scattered to their rooms. + +Zoe's heart quaked as the door of her boudoir closed upon her, shutting +her in alone with her irate husband. + +She knew that he was angry, more angry with her than he had ever been +before, and though in her thoughts she tried to put all the blame on him, +conscience told her that she was by no means blameless. + +He locked the door, then turned toward her. She glanced up at him half +defiantly, half timidly. His look was very stern and cold. + +She turned away with a pout and a slight shrug of her pretty shoulders. + +"It seems your smiles are for Miss Deane, while your black looks are +reserved for your wife," she said. + +"I have no interest in Miss Deane," he replied; "it is nothing to me how +she behaves, but my wife's conduct is a matter of vital importance; and +let me tell you, Zoe, I will have no more such exhibitions as you made of +yourself to-night with either Mr. Larned or any other man. I won't allow +it. There are some things a man won't put up with. You must and shall show +some respect to my wishes in regard to this." + +"Orders, you'd better say," she muttered. + +"Well, then, orders, if you prefer it." + +She was very angry, and withal a good deal frightened. + +"Exhibitions indeed!" she cried, sinking into a chair, for she was +trembling from head to foot. "What did I do? Why had you any more right to +laugh and talk with another woman than I with another man?" + +"Laughing and talking may be well enough; but it was more than that; you +were actually flirting." + +"You call it that just because you are jealous. And if I was, it was your +fault--setting me the example by flirting with Miss Deane." + +"I did nothing of the kind," he returned haughtily. "I sat beside her +against my will, simply because she requested me to go over those sketches +and engravings with her. I couldn't in common politeness refuse." + +"Well, I didn't know that; and you needn't scold me for following your +example." + +"I tell you I did not set you the example; and I advise you to beware how +you behave so again. Also how you interfere in the discipline grandpa and +mamma see proper to use toward Max and his sisters, as you did to-night." + +"So you have been acting the spy upon your wife!" she interrupted in +scornful indignation. + +"No; I overheard you quite accidentally. It is the second time you have +done that thing, and I warn you to let it be the last." + +"Indeed! Why don't you say at once that you'll beat me if I don't obey all +your tyrannical orders?" + +"Because it wouldn't be true; should I ever so far forget myself as to +lift my hand against my wife, I could never again lay claim to the name of +gentleman." + +"Perhaps, then, you will lock me up?" she sneered. + +"Possibly I may, if you make it necessary," he said coldly. + +"Lock me up, indeed! I'd like to see you try it!" she cried, starting up +with flashing eyes, and stamping her foot in a sort of fury of +indignation. + +Then rushing into the adjoining room, she tore off her ornaments and +dress, pulled down her hair, her cheeks burning, her eyes hot and dry. + +But by the time she had assumed her night-dress the first fury of passion +had spent itself, and scalding tears were raining down her cheeks. + +She threw herself on the bed, sobbing convulsively. "Oh, I never, never +thought he would treat me so! and he wouldn't dare if papa was alive; but +he knows I've nobody to defend me--nobody in the wide world, and he can +abuse me as much as he pleases. But I think it's very mean for a big +strong man to be cruel to a little weak woman." + +Then as her anger cooled still more, "But I have done and said provoking +things to-day as well as he," she acknowledged to herself. "I suppose if +I'd been in his place I'd have got mad, too, and scolded and threatened my +wife. Well, if he'd only come and kiss me and coax me a little, I'd say I +was sorry and didn't intend to vex him, so any more." + +She hushed her sobs and listened. She could hear him moving about in the +dressing-room. + +"Edward!" she called in soft, tremulous tones. + +No answer. + +She waited a moment, then called a little louder, "Ned!" + +There was no reply, and she turned over on her pillow, and cried herself +to sleep. + +When she woke all was darkness and silence. + +She felt half frightened. + +"Edward," she said softly, and put out her hand to feel for him. + +He was not there. She sprang from the bed and groped her way into the +dressing-room. + +There the moon shone in, and by its light she perceived the form of her +husband stretched upon a couch, while the sound of his breathing told her +that he slept. + +She crept back to her bed, and lay down upon it with such a sense of utter +loneliness as she had never known before. + +"Oh," she moaned to herself, "he hates me, he hates me! he wouldn't even +lie down beside me! he will never love me any more." + +She wept a long while, but at last fell into a profound sleep. + +When she next awoke day had dawned, but it was earlier than their usual +hour for rising. + +The first object that met her gaze was Edward's untouched pillow, and the +sight instantly brought back the events of the previous day and night. + +Her first emotion was resentment toward her husband, but better thoughts +succeeded. She loved him dearly, and for the sake of peace she would +humble herself a little. She would go and wake him with a kiss, and say +she was sorry to have vexed him, and if he'd only be kind and not order +her, she wouldn't do so any more. + +She slipped out of bed, stole noiselessly to the door of the +dressing-room, and looked in. + +He was not there, and the room was in great disorder, closet and wardrobe +doors and bureau drawers open and things scattered here and there, as if +he had made a hasty selection of garments, tossing aside such as he did +not want. + +As Zoe gazed about in wonder and surprise, the sound of wheels caught her +ear. + +She ran to a window overlooking a side entrance, and dropped on her knees +before it to look and listen without danger of being seen. + +There stood the family carriage. Edward was in the act of handing Miss +Fleming into it; Miss Deane followed, and he stepped in after her, only +pausing a moment with his foot upon the step to turn and answer a question +from his mother. + +"How long do you expect to be gone, Edward?" Elsie asked. + +"Probably a week or ten days, mother," he replied. "Good-by," and in +another instant the carriage rolled away. + +Zoe felt stunned, bewildered, as she knelt there leaning her head against +the window frame and watched it till it was out of sight. + +"Gone!" she said aloud; "gone without one word of good-by to me, without +telling me he was going, without saying he was sorry for his cruel words +last night, and with Miss Deane. Oh, I know now that he hates me and will +never, never love me again!" + +Bitter, scalding tears streamed from her eyes. She rose presently and +began mechanically picking up and putting away his clothes, then made her +usual neat toilet, stopping every now and then to wipe away her tears, for +she was crying all the time. + +The breakfast bell rang at the accustomed hour, but she could not bear the +thought of going down and showing her tear-swollen eyes at the table. +Besides, she did not feel hungry; she thought she would never want to eat +again. + +After a little, opening the door in answer to a rap, she found Agnes +standing there with a delightful breakfast on a silver waiter--hot coffee, +delicate rolls and muffins, tender beefsteak, and omelet. + +"Good-mornin', Miss Zoe," said the girl, walking in and setting her burden +down on a stand. "Miss Elsie she tole me for to fotch up dis yere. She +tink, Miss Elsie do, dat p'raps you'd rather eat yo' breakfus up yere dis +mornin'." + +"Yes, so I would, Agnes, though I'm not very hungry. Tell mamma she's very +kind, and I'm much obliged." + +"Ya'as, Miss Zoe," and Agnes courtesied and withdrew. + +Zoe took a sip of the coffee, tasted the omelet, found a coming appetite, +and went on to make a tolerably hearty meal, growing more cheerful and +hopeful as she ate. + +But grief overcame her again as she went about the solitary rooms; it +seemed as if her husband's presence lingered everywhere, and yet as if he +were dead and buried, and she never to see him more. + +Not quite a year had elapsed since her father's death, and the scenes of +that day and night and many succeeding ones came vividly before her; the +utter forlornness of her condition, alone in a strange land with a dying +parent, with no earthly comforter at hand, no friend or helper in all the +wide world, and how Edward then flew to her assistance, how kindly he +ministered to her dying father, how tenderly he took her in his arms, +whispering words of love and sympathy, and asking her to become his wife +and give him the right to protect and care for her. + +And how he had lavished favors and endearments upon her all these months; +how patiently he had borne with petulance and frequent disregard of his +known wishes, nor ever once reminded her that she owed her home and every +earthly blessing to him. + +How he had sympathized with her in her bursts of grief for her father, +soothing her with tenderest caresses and assurances of the bliss of the +departed, and reminding her of the blessed hope of reunion in the better +land. + +After all this, she surely might have borne a little from him--a trifling +neglect or reproof, a slight exertion of authority, especially as she +could not deny that she was very young and foolish to be left to her own +guidance. + +And perhaps he had a right to claim her obedience, for she knew that she +had promised to give it. + +She found she loved him with a depth and passion she had not been aware +of. But he had gone away without a good-by to her, in anger, and with Miss +Deane. He would never have done that if there had been a spark of love +left in his heart. + +Where and how was he going to spend that week or ten days? At the house of +Miss Deane's parents, sitting beside her, hearing her talk and enjoying +it, though he knew his little wife at home must be breaking her heart +because of his absence? + +Was he doing this instead of carrying out his half threat of locking her +up? Did he know that this was a punishment ten times worse? + +But if he wasn't going to love her any more, if he was tired of her and +wanted to be rid of her, how could she ever bear to stay and be a burden +and constant annoyance to him? + +Elsie, coming up a little later, found her in her boudoir crying very +bitterly. + +"Dear child, my dear little daughter," she said, taking her in her kind +arms, "don't grieve so; a week or even ten days will soon roll round, and +Edward will be with you again." + +"O mamma, it is a long, long while!" she sobbed. "You know we've never +been parted for a whole day since we were married, and he's all I have." + +"Yes, dear, I know; and I felt sure you were crying up here and didn't +want to show your tell-tale face at the table, so I sent your breakfast +up. I hope you paid it proper attention--did not treat it with neglect?" +she added sportively. + +"It tasted very good, mamma, and you were very kind," Zoe said. + +She longed to ask where and on what errand Edward had gone, but did not +want to expose her ignorance of his plans. + +"I did not know the ladies were going to-day," she remarked. + +"It was very sudden," was the reply; "a telegram received this morning +summoned them home because of the alarming illness of Miss Deane's father, +and as Edward had business to attend to that would make it necessary for +him to take a train leaving only an hour later than theirs, he thought it +best to see them on their way as far as our city. He could not do more, as +their destination and his lie in exactly opposite directions." + +Though Edward had kept his own counsel, the kind mother had her +suspicions, and was anxious to relieve Zoe's mind as far as lay in her +power. + +Zoe's brightening countenance and sigh of relief showed her that her +efforts were not altogether in vain. + +"I think Edward was sorry to leave his little wife for so long," she went +on. "He committed her to my care. What will you do with yourself this +morning, dear, while I am busy with the children in the school-room?" + +"I don't know, mamma; perhaps learn some lessons. Edward would wish me to +attend to my studies while he is away, and I want to please him." + +"I haven't a doubt of that, dear. I know there is very strong love between +you, and the knowledge makes me very happy." + +"Mamma," said Zoe, "may I ask you a question?" + +"Certainly, dear, as many as you please." + +"Did you obey your husband?" + +Elsie looked surprise, almost startled; the query seemed to throw new +light on the state of affairs between Edward and his young wife; but she +answered promptly in her own sweet, gentle tones. "My dear, I often wished +he would only give me the opportunity; it would have been so great a +pleasure to give up my wishes for one I loved so dearly." + +"Then he never ordered you?" + +"Yes, once--very soon after our marriage--he laid his commands upon me to +cease calling him Mr. Travilla and say Edward," Elsie said, with a dreamy +smile and a far-away look in her soft brown eyes. + +"He was very much older than I, and knowing him from very early childhood, +as a grown-up gentleman and my father's friend, I had been used to calling +him Mr. Travilla, and could hardly feel it respectful to drop the title. + +"The only other order he ever gave me was not to exert myself to lift my +little Elsie before I had recovered my strength after her birth. He was +very tenderly careful of his little wife, as he delighted to call her." + +"I wish I had known him," said Zoe. "Is my husband much like him?" + +"More in looks than disposition. I sometimes think he resembles my father +more than his own in the latter regard. + +"Yes," thought Zoe, "that's where he gets his disposition to domineer over +me and order me about. I always knew Grandpa Dinsmore was of that sort." + +Aloud she said, with a watery smile, "And my Edward has been very tenderly +careful of me." + +"And always will be, I trust," said his mother, smiling more cheerily. "If +he does not prove so, he is less like my father than I think. Mamma will +tell you, I am sure, that she has been the happiest of wives." + +"I suppose it depends a good deal upon the two dispositions how a couple +get on together," remarked Zoe, sagely. "But, mamma, do you think the man +should always rule and have his way in everything?" + +"I think a wife's best plan, if she desires to have her own way, is always +to be or to seem ready to give up to her husband. Don't deny or oppose +their claim to authority, and they are not likely to care to exert it." + +"If I were only as wise and good as you, mamma!" murmured Zoe with a sigh. + +"Ah, dear, I am not at all good; and as to the wisdom, I trust it will +come to you with years; there is an old saying that we cannot expect to +find gray heads on green shoulders." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + + "And if division come, it soon is past, + Too sharp, too strange an agony to last. + And like some river's bright, abundant tide, + Which art or accident had forc'd aside, + The well-springs of affection gushing o'er, + Back to their natural channels flow once more." + --Mrs. Norton. + + +Left alone, Zoe sat meditating on her mother-in-law's advice. + +"Oh," she said to herself, "if I could only know that my husband's love +isn't gone forever, I could take comfort in planning to carry it out; but +oh, if he hadn't quite left off caring for me, how could he threaten me +so, and then go away without making up, without saying good-by, even if he +didn't kiss me? I couldn't have gone away from him so for one day, and he +expects to be away for ten. Ten days! such a long, long while!" and her +tears fell like rain. + +She wiped them away, after a little, opened her books and tried to study, +but she could not fix her mind upon the subject; her thoughts would wander +from it to Edward travelling farther and farther from her, and the tears +kept dropping on the page. + +She gave it up and tried to sew, but could mot see to take her stitches or +thread her needle for the blinding tears. + +She put on her hat and a veil to hide her tear-stained face and swollen +eyes, stole quietly down-stairs and out into the grounds, where she +wandered about solitary and sad. + +Everywhere she missed Edward; she could think of nothing but him and his +displeasure, and her heart was filled with sad forebodings for the future. +Would he ever, ever love and be kind to her again? + +After a while she crept back to her apartments, taking care to avoid +meeting any one. + +But Elsie was there looking for her. The children's lesson hours were +over, they were going for a drive, and hoped Zoe would go along. + +"Thank you, mamma, but I do not care to go to-day," Zoe answered in a +choking voice, and turned away to hide her tears. + +"My dear child, my dear, foolish little girl!" Elsie said, putting her +arms around her, "why should you grieve so? Ned will soon be at home +again, if all goes well. He is not very far away, and if you should be +taken ill, or need him very much for any reason, a telegram would bring +him to you in a few hours." + +"But he went away without kissing me good-by; he didn't kiss me last night +or this morning." The words were on the tip of Zoe's tongue, but she held +them back, and answered only with fresh tears and sobs. + +"I'm afraid you are not well, dear," Elsie said. "What can I do for you?" + +"Nothing, thank you, mamma. I didn't sleep quite so well as usual last +night, and my head aches. I'll lie down and try to get a nap." + +"Do, dear, and I hope it will relieve the poor head. As you are a healthy +little body, I presume the pain has been brought on merely by loss of +sleep and crying. I think Edward must not leave you for so long a time +again. Would you like mamma to stay with you, darling?" she asked, with a +motherly caress. + +Zoe declined the offer; she would be more likely to sleep if quite alone; +and Elsie withdrew after seeing her comfortably established upon the bed. + +"Strange," she said to herself as she passed on through the upper hall and +down the broad staircase into the lower one, "it can hardly be that +Edward's absence alone can distress her so greatly. I fear there is some +misunderstanding between them. I think I must telegraph for Edward if she +continues so inconsolable. His wife's health and happiness are of far more +consequence than any business matter. But I shall consult papa first, of +course." + +She went into the library, found him sitting there, and laid the case +before him. + +He shared her fear that all was not right between the young couple, and +remarked that, unfortunately, Edward had too much of his grandfather's +sternness and disposition to domineer. + +"I don't like to hear you depreciate yourself, papa," Elsie said. "Edward +may have that disposition without having got it from you. And I am sure +mamma would indignantly repel the insinuation that you were ever a +domineering husband." + +"Perhaps so; my daughter was the safety-valve in my case. Well, daughter, +my advice is, wait till to-morrow at all events. I must say she doesn't +seem to me one of the kind to submit tamely to oppression. I did not like +her behavior last evening, and it may be that she needs the lesson her +husband seems to be giving her. He certainly has been affectionate enough +in the past to make it reasonable to suppose he is not abusing her now." + +"Oh, I could never think he would do that!" exclaimed his mother, "and I +believe in my heart he would hurry home at once if he knew how she is +fretting over his absence." + +It was near the dinner hour when Elsie returned from her drive, and +stealing on tiptoe into Zoe's bedroom she found her fast asleep. Her +eyelashes were still wet, and she looked flushed and feverish. + +Elsie gazed at her in tender pity and some little anxiety; the face was so +young and child-like, and even in sleep wore a grieved expression that +touched the kind mother heart. + +"Poor little orphan!" she sighed to herself, "she must feel very lonely +and forlorn in her husband's absence, especially if things have gone wrong +between them. How could I ever have borne a word or look of displeasure +from my husband! I hope she is not going to be ill." + +"Is Zoe not coming down?" Mr. Dinsmore asked as the family gathered about +the dinner-table. + +"I found her sleeping, papa, and thought it best not to wake her;" Elsie +answered. "I think she does not look quite well, and that sleep will do +her more good than anything else." + +Zoe slept most of the afternoon, woke apparently more cheerful, and ate +with seeming enjoyment the delicate lunch presently brought her by Elsie's +orders; but she steadily declined to join the family at tea or in the +parlor. + +She would much rather stay where she was for the rest of the day, she +said, as she felt dull and her head still ached a little. + +Every one felt concerned about, and disposed to be as kind to her as +possible. Mrs. Dinsmore, Elsie, Violet, and Rosie all came in in the +course of the afternoon and evening to ask how she did, and express the +hope that she would soon be quite well again, and to try to cheer her up. + +They offered her companionship through the night; any one of them would +willingly sleep with her; but she said she was not timid and would prefer +to remain alone. + +"Well, dear, I should feel a trifle easier not to have you alone," Elsie +said, as she bade her good-night, "but we will not force our company upon +you. None of us lock our doors at night, and my rooms are not far away; +don't hesitate to wake me, if you feel uneasy or want anything in the +night." + +"Thank you, dear mamma," returned Zoe, putting her arms about her mother's +neck; "you are so good and kind! such a dear mother to me! I will do as +you say; if I feel at all timid in the night I shall run to your rooms and +creep into bed with you." + +So they all left her, and the house grew silent and still. + +It was the first night since her marriage that her husband had not been +with her, and she missed him more than ever. Besides, through the day she +had been buoyed up in a measure by the hope that he would send her a +note, a telegram, or some sort of message. + +He had not done so, and the conviction that she had quite alienated him +from her grew stronger and stronger. + +Again she indulged in bitter weeping, wetting her pillow with her tears as +she vainly courted sleep. + +"He hates me now, I know he does, and will never love me again," she +repeated to herself. "I wish I didn't love him so. Ho said he was sorry he +couldn't give me my liberty, but I don't want it; but he wants to be rid +of me, or he would never have said that; and how unhappy he must be, and +will be all his life, tied to a wife he hates. + +"I won't stay here to be a burden and torment to him!" she cried, starting +up with sudden determination and energy. "I love him so dearly that I'll +deliver him from that, even though it will break my heart; for oh, how +_can_ I live without him!" + +She considered a moment, and (foolish child) thought it would be an act of +noble self-sacrifice, and also very romantic, to run away and die of a +broken heart, in order to relieve her husband of the burden and torment +she chose to imagine that he considered her. + +A folly that was partly the effect of too much reading of sensational +novels, partly of physical ailment, for she was really feverish and ill. + +She did not pause to decide where she would go, or to reflect how she +could support herself. Were not all places alike away from the one she so +dearly loved? and as to support she had a little money, and would not be +likely to live long enough to need more. + +Perhaps Edward would search for her from a sense of duty--she knew he was +very conscientious--but she would manage so that he would never be able to +find her; she would go under an assumed name; she would call herself Miss, +and no one would suspect her of being a married woman running away from +her husband. Ah, it was not altogether a disadvantage to be and look so +young! + +And when she should find herself dying, or so near it that there would not +be time to send for Edward, she would tell some one who she really was, +and ask that a letter should be written to him telling of her death, so +that he would know he wus free to marry again. + +Marry again! The thought of that shook her resolution for a moment. It was +torture to imagine the love and caresses that had been hers lavished upon +another woman. + +But, perhaps, after his unhappy experience of married life, he would +choose to live single the rest of his days. He had his mother and sisters +to love, and could be happy without a wife. + +Besides, she had read somewhere that though love was everything to a +woman, men were different and could do quite well without it. + +She went into the dressing-room, turned up the night lamp, and looked at +her watch. + +It was one o'clock. At two a stage passed northward along a road on the +farther side of Fairview. She could easily make her few preparations in +half an hour, walk to the nearest point on the route of the stage in time +to stop it and get in, then while journeying on, decide what her next step +should be. + +She packed a hand-bag with such things as she deemed most essential, +arrayed herself in a plain, dark woollen dress, with hat, veil, and gloves +to match, threw a shawl over her arm, and was just turning to go, when a +thought struck her. + +"I ought to leave a note, of course; they always do." + +Sitting down at her writing-desk, she directed an envelope to her husband, +then wrote on a card: + + "I am going away never to come back. Don't look for me, for it + will be quite useless, as I shall manage so that you can never + trace me. It breaks my heart to leave you, my dear dear + husband, for I love you better than life, but I know I have lost + your love, and I want to rid you of the burden and annoyance of + a hated wife. So, farewell forever in this world, and nay you be + very happy all your days. + + "ZOE." + +Her tears fell fast as she wrote; she had to wipe them away again and +again, and the card was so blotted and blistered by them that some of the +words were scarcely legible, but there was not time to write another; so +she put it in the envelope and laid it on the toilet table, where it would +be sure to catch his eye. + +Then taking up her shawl and satchel, she sent one tearful farewell glance +around the room, and stole noiselessly down-stairs and out of the house by +a side door. It caught her dress in closing, but she was unaware of that +for a moment, as she stood still on the step, remembering with a sudden +pang, that was more than half regret, that the deed was done beyond +recall, for the dead-latch was down, and she had no key with which to +effect an entrance; she must go on now, whether she would or not. + +She took a step forward, and found she was last; she could neither go on +nor retreat. Oh, dreadful to be caught there and her scheme at the same +time baffled and revealed! + +All at once she saw it in a new light. "Oh, how angry, how very angry +Edward would be! What would he do and say to her? Certainly, she had given +him sufficient reason to deem it necessary to lock her up; for what right +had she to go away to stay without his knowledge and consent? she who had +taken a solemn vow--in the presence of her dying father, too--to love, +honor and obey him as long as they both should live. Oh, it would be too +disgraceful to be caught so!" + +She exerted all her strength in the effort to wrench herself free, even at +the cost of tearing the dress and being obliged to travel with it +unrepaired; but in vain; the material was too strong to give way, and she +sank down on the step in a state of pitiable fright and despair. + +She heard the clock in the hall strike two. Even the servants would not be +stirring before five; so she had at least three hours to sit there alone +and exposed to danger from tramps, thieves, and burglars, if any should +happen to come about. + +And oh, the miserable prospect before her when this trying vigil should be +over. How grieved mamma would be! dear mamma, whom she loved with true +daughterly affection; how stern and angry Grandpa Dinsmore, how astonished +and displeased all the others; how wicked and supremely silly they would +think her. + +Perhaps she could bribe the servants to keep her secret (her dress, her +travelling bag and the early hour would reveal something of its nature), +and gain her rooms again without being seen by any of the family; but then +her life would be one of constant terror of discovery. + +Should she try that course, or the more straightforward one of not +attempting any concealment? + +She was still debating this question in her mind, when her heart almost +flew into her mouth at the sound of a man's step approaching on the gravel +walk. It drew nearer, nearer, came close to her side, and with a cry of +terror she fell in a little heap on the doorstep in a dead faint. + +He uttered a low exclamation of astonishment, stooped over her, and +pushing aside her veil so that the moonlight shone full upon her face, +"Zoe!" he said, "is it possible! What can have brought you here at this +hour of the night?" + +He paused for an answer, but none came; then bending lower and perceiving +that she was quite unconscious, also fast, he took a key from his pocket +and opened the door. + +He bent over her again, taking note of her dress and the travelling bag by +her side. + +"Running away, evidently! could any one have conceived the possibility of +her doing so crazy a thing!" he muttered, as he took her in his arms. + +Then a dark thought crossed his mind, but he put it determinately from +him. + +"No; I will not, cannot think it! She is pure, guileless, and innocent as +an infant." + +He stooped again, picked up the bag, closed the door softly, and carried +her up-stairs--treading with caution lest a stumble or the sound of his +footsteps should arouse some one and lead to the discovery of what was +going on; yet with as great celerity as consistent with that caution, +fearing consciousness might return too soon for the preservation of the +secrecy he desired. + +But it did not; she was still insensible when he laid her down on a couch +in her boudoir. + +He took off her hat and veil, threw them aside, loosened her dress, opened +a window to give her air, then went into the dressing-room for the night +lamp usually kept burning there. + +As he turned it up, his eye fell upon Zoe's note. + +He knew her handwriting instantly. + +"Here is the explanation," was the thought that flashed into his mind, and +snatching it up, he tore open the envelope, held the card near the light +and read what her fingers had traced scarcely an hour ago. + +His eyes filled as he read, and two great drops fell as he laid it down. + +He picked up the lamp and hastened back to her. + +As he drew near she opened her eyes, sent one frightened glance round the +room and up into his pale, troubled face, then covering hers with her +hands, burst into hysterical weeping. + +He set down the lamp, knelt by her sofa and gathered her in his arms, +resting her head against his breast. + +"Zoe, my little Zoe, my own dear wife!" he said in faltering accents, +"have I really been so cruel that you despair of my love? Why, my darling, +no greater calamity than your loss could possibly befall me. I love you +dearly, dearly! better far than I did when I asked you to be mine--when we +gave ourselves to each other." + +"Oh, is it true? do you really love me yet in spite of all my jealousy and +wilfulness, and--and--oh, I have been very bad and ungrateful and +troublesome!" she sobbed, clinging about his neck. + +"And I have been too dictatorial and stern," he said, kissing her again +and again. "I have not had the patience I ought to have had with my little +girl-wife, have not been so forbearing and kind as I meant to be." + +"Indeed, you have been very patient and forbearing," she returned, "and +would never have been cross to me if I hadn't provoked you beyond +endurance. I have been very bad to you, dear Ned, but if you'll keep me +and love me I'll try to behave better." + +"I'll do both," he said, holding her closer and repeating his caresses. + +"Oh, I'm so glad, so glad!" she cried, with the tears running over her +cheeks, "so glad I have to weep for joy. And I've been breaking my heart +since you went away and left me in anger and without one word of good-by." + +"My poor darling, it was too cruel," he sighed; "but I found I could not +stand it any more than you, so had to come back to make it up with you. +And I frightened you terribly down there at the door, did I not?" + +"O Ned," she murmured, hiding her blushing face on his breast, "how very +good you are to be so loving and kind when you have a right to be angry +and stern with me. You haven't even asked me what I was doing down there +in the night." + +"Your note explained that," he said in moved tones, thinking how great +must have been the distress that led to such an act, "and I fear I am as +deserving of reproof as yourself." + +"Then you will forgive me?" she asked humbly. "I thought I had a right to +go away, thinking it would make you happier, but now I know I hadn't, +because I had promised myself to you for all my life." + +"No; neither of us has a right to forsake the other (we 'are no more twain +but one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let no man put +asunder'); we are husband and wife for as long as we both shall live, and +must dwell together in mutual love and forbearance. We will exchange +forgiveness, dearest, for we have both been to blame, and I forgive your +attempt of to-night on condition that you promise me never, never to do +such a thing again." + +"I promise," she said, "and," imploringly, "O Ned, won't you keep my +secret? I couldn't bear to have it known even in the family." + +"No more could I, love," he answered; "and oh, but I am thankful that you +were caught by the door and so prevented from carrying out your purpose!" + +"So am I, and that it was my own dear husband, and not a burglar, as I +feared, who found me there." + +"Ah, was that the cause of your fright?" he asked, with a look of relief +and pleasure. "I thought it was your terror of your husband's wrath that +caused your faint. But, darling, you are looking weary and actually ill. +You must go to bed at once." + +"I'll obey you, this time and always," she answered, looking up fondly +into his face. "I am convinced now that I am only a foolish child in need +of guidance and control, and who should provide them but you? I could +hardly stand it from anybody else--unless mamma--but I'm sure that in +future it will be a pleasure to take it from my own dear husband if--if +only----" she paused, blushing and hiding her face on his breast. + +"If what, love?" + +"If only instead of 'You must and shall,' you will say kindly, 'I want you +to do it to please me, Zoe.'" + +"Sweet one," he answered, holding her to his heart, "I do fully intend +that it shall be always love and coaxing after this." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + + "Our love, it ne'er was reckoned, + Yet good it is and true; + It's half the world to me, dear, + It's all the world to you." + --Hood. + + +Edward was a trifle late in obeying the call to breakfast. He found the +rest of the family already seated at the table, and great was the surprise +created by his entrance. + +"Why, how's this? hae we all been sleepin' a week or ten days?" exclaimed +Mr. Lilburn. "The lad was to hae been absent that length o' time, and I +thought it was but yesterday he went; yet here he is!" + +"This is an unexpected pleasure, my dear boy," was his mother's greeting. + +The others said "Good-morning," and all smilingly awaited an explanation. + +"Good-morning to you all," returned Edward, taking his seat. "Of course I +have not had time to attend to the business matter that took me away; but +the fact is, I found I could not do without my wife, so came back after +her." + +"Where is she now?" asked his mother. + +"I left her still in bed and asleep. I came home by the stage, found her +awake--indeed, I think she said she had not slept at all--and kept her +awake for some time talking----" + +"So much to say after so lengthened a separation?" laughingly interrupted +his grandfather. + +"Yes, sir, a good deal," Edward answered, coloring slightly. "So she has +to make it up now, and I would not wake her." + +"Quite right," said his mother. "Her breakfast shall be sent up whenever +she is ready for it." + +"I'm very glad you've come, Ned," remarked Rosie, "for Zoe nearly cried +her eyes out yesterday, grieving after you. 'Twouldn't be I that would +fret so after any man living--unless it might be grandpa," with a +coquettish, laughing look at him. + +"Thank you, my dear," he said. + +"Ah, lassie, that's a' because your time hasna come yet," remarked Mr. +Lilburn. "When it does, you'll be as lovelorn and foolish as the rest." + +"Granting that it is foolish for a woman to love her husband," put in Mrs. +Dinsmore, sportively. + +"A heresy never to be countenanced here," said her spouse; "the husbands +and wives of this family expect to give and receive no small amount of +that commodity. Do you set off again this morning, Ned?" + +"No, sir; not before to-morrow; not then unless Zoe is ready to go with +me." + +"Quite right, my boy, your wife's health and happiness are, as your mother +remarked to me yesterday, of more consequence than any mere business +matter." + +On leaving the table Edward followed his mother out to the veranda. + +"Can I have a word in private with you, mamma?" he asked, and she thought +his look was troubled. + +"Certainly," she said. "I hope nothing is wrong with our little Zoe?" + +"It is of her--and myself I want to speak. I feel impelled to make a +confession to you, mother dear, that I would not willingly to any one +else. Perhaps you have suspected," he added, coloring with mortification, +"that all was not right between us when I left yesterday. She would not +have fretted so over my mere absence of a few days, but I had scolded and +threatened her the night before, and went away without any reconciliation +or even a good-by. In fact, she was asleep when I left the rooms, and knew +nothing of my going." + +"O Edward!" exclaimed his listener in a low, pained tone. + +"I am bitterly ashamed of my conduct, mother," he said with emotion, "but +we have made it up and are both very happy again in each other's love. She +was very humble over her part of the quarrel, poor little thing! and we +mean to live in peace and love the rest of our lives, God helping us," he +added reverently. + +"I trust so, my dear boy," Elsie said, "for whether you live in peace or +contention, will make all the difference of happiness or misery in your +lives. It would have quite broken my heart had your father ever scolded or +threatened me." + +"But you, mamma, were a woman when you married, old enough and wise enough +to guide and control yourself." + +"I was older than Zoe is, it is true; but do not be dictatorial, Edward; +if you must rule, do it by love and persuasion; you will find it the +easiest and happiest way for you both." + +"Yes, mother, I am convinced of it; but unfortunately for my poor little +wife, I have not my father's gentleness and easy temper. Will you come up +with me now and take a look at her? I fear she is not quite well--her +cheeks are so flushed and her hands so hot. I shall never forgive myself +if I have made her ill." + +"I sincerely hope you are not to be visited with so severe a punishment as +that," his mother said. "But come, let us go to her at once." + +They found her still sleeping, but not profoundly; her face was +unnaturally flushed, and wore a troubled expression, while her breathing +seemed labored. + +As they stood anxiously regarding her, she woke with a sharp cry of +distress and anguish, then catching sight of her husband bending over her, +her face grew radiant, and throwing her arms about his neck, "O Ned, dear +Ned!" she cried, "are you here? and do you love me yet?" + +"Dearly, dearly, my darling," he said, holding her close. "What has +troubled you?" + +"Oh, such a dreadful dream! I thought I was all alone in a desert and +couldn't find you anywhere." + +"But 'drames always go by conthraries, my dear,'" he quoted sportively. +Then more seriously, "Are you quite well, love?" he asked. + +"A little dull and a trifle headachy," she answered, smiling up at him, +"but I think a cup of coffee and a drive with my husband in the sweet +morning air will cure me." + +"You shall have both with the least possible delay." + +"What time is it? Have you been to breakfast?" + +"It's about nine, and I have taken breakfast. I think you must have some +before exerting yourself to dress." + +"Just as you say; it's nice to have you tell me what to do," she said, +nestling closer in his arms. "I can't think why I should ever have +disliked it." + +"I presume it was all the fault of my tone and manner, sometimes of my +words, too," he said, passing his hand caressingly over her hair and +cheek. "I'm afraid I've been decidedly bearish on several occasions; but I +trust I shall have the grace to treat my wife with politeness and +consideration after this." + +Elsie, who had left the room on Zoe's awaking, now came in and bidding her +an affectionate good-morning, said she had ordered her breakfast to be +brought up at once, adding, "I hope you will do it justice, my dear." + +"I'll see that she does, mamma," Edward answered for her, in sportive +tone; "she has made such fair promises of submission, obedience, and all +that, that she'll hardly dare refuse to do anything I bid her." + +"I haven't been very good about it lately, mamma," Zoe said, looking half +tearfully, half smilingly from one to the other, "but Ned's forgiven me, +and now I feel as you say you did--that it's a real pleasure to give up my +wishes to one I love so very dearly, and who is, I know, very much wiser +than I." + +"That is right, dear," Elsie said tenderly, "and I trust he will show +himself worthy of all your love and confidence." + +The two now comported themselves like a pair of lovers, as indeed they had +done through all their brief married life, except the last few days. + +Edward exerted himself for the entertainment of his little wife during +their drive, and was very tender and careful of her. + +On their return, he bade her lie down on the sofa in her boudoir and rest, +averring that she looked languid and unlike herself. + +"To please you," she said, obeying the mandate with a smiling glance up +into his face. + +"That's a good child!" he responded, sitting down beside her and smoothing +her hair with fond, caressing hand. "Now, what shall I do to please you?" + +"Stay here, close beside me, and hold my hand, and talk to me." + +"Very well," he answered, closing his fingers over the hand she put into +his, then lifting it to his lips. "How your face has changed, love, since +that frightened look you gave me when I came in with the lamp last night." + +"How frightened and ashamed I was, Ned!" she exclaimed, tears springing to +her eyes; "I felt that you had a right to beat me if you wanted to, and I +shouldn't have said a word if you'd done it." + +"But you couldn't have feared that?" he said, with a pained look, and +coloring deeply. + +"No, oh, _no, indeed_! I know you would _never_ do that, but I dreaded +what you might say, and did not at all expect you would be so kind and +forgiving and loving to me. + +"But how was I brought up here? I knew nothing from the instant you were +at my side on the door-step till I saw you coming in with the lamp." + +"In your husband's arms." + +"What a heavy load for you to carry!" she said, looking at him with +concern. + +"No, not at all; I did it with perfect ease, except for the darkness and +the fear that you might recover consciousness on the way and scream out +with affright before you discovered who your captor was." + +"My husband, my dear, kind husband!" she murmured, softly stroking his +face as he bent over her to press a kiss upon her forehead. + +"My darling little wife," he returned. + +Then after a moment's silent exchange of caresses, + +"Would you mind telling me where you were going and what you intended to +do?" he asked with a half smile. + +"I have no right to refuse, if you require a full confession," she said, +half playfully, half tearfully, and blushing deeply. + +"I don't require it, but should like to have it, nevertheless; for I +confess my curiosity is piqued," he said with an amused, yet tender look +and tone. + +"There isn't really very much to tell," she sighed, "only that because I +was dreadfully unhappy and had worked myself up to believing that I was a +hated wife, a burden and annoyance to my husband, I thought it would be an +act of noble self-sacrifice to run away, and--O Ned, please don't laugh at +me!" + +"I am not laughing, love," he said in soothing, half-tremulous tones, +taking her in his arms and holding her close, as he had done the night +before. "How could I laugh at you for being willing to sacrifice +everything for me? But that's not all?" + +"Not quite. It came to me like a flash about the stage passing so near at +two o'clock in the morning, and that I could get away then without being +seen, and after I was in it make up my mind where I would get out." + +"And how did you expect to support yourself?" + +"There was some money in my purse--you never let it get empty, Ned--and--I +thought I wouldn't need any very long." + +"Wouldn't? why not?" + +"Oh, I was sure, _sure_ I couldn't live long without you," she cried, +hugging him close and ending with a burst of tears and sobs. + +"You dear, dear little thing!" he said with emotion, and tightening his +clasp of her slight form; "after I had been so cruel to you, too!" + +"No, you weren't, except in going away without making up and saying +good-by." + +"It's very generous in you to say it, darling. But how large was this sum +of money that you expected to last as long as you needed any?" + +"I don't know. I didn't stop to count it. You can do that, if you want to. +I suppose the purse is in my satchel." + +He brought the satchel--still unpacked--took out the purse and examined +its contents. + +"Barely ten dollars," he said. "It would have lasted but a few days, and, +my darling, what would have become of you then?" + +He bent over her in grave tenderness. + +"I don't know, Ned," she replied; "I suppose I'd have had to look for +employment." + +"To think of you, my little, delicate, petted darling, looking for +employment by which to earn your daily bread!" he exclaimed with emotion. +"It is plain you know nothing of the hardships and difficulties you would +have had to encounter. I shudder to think of it all. But I should never +have let it come to that." + +"Would you have looked for me, Ned?" + +"I should have begun the search the instant I heard of your flight, nor +ever have known a moment's rest till I found you!" he exclaimed with +energy. "But as I came in the stage you purposed to take, I should have +met and brought you back, if that fortunate mishap had not taken place." + +Then she told him of her thoughts, feelings, and painful anticipations +while held fast in the relentless grasp of the door, finishing with, "Oh, +I never could have dreamed that it would all end so well, so happily for +me!" + +"And yet, dear one, I do not think you at all realize how painful--not to +say dreadful--would have been the consequences to you, to me, and, indeed, +to all the family, if you had succeeded in carrying out what I must call +your crazy scheme." + +She looked up at him in alarmed inquiry, and he went on, "'Madame Rumor, +with her thousand tongues,' would have had many a tale to tell of the +cruel abuse to which you had been subjected by your husband and his +family--so cruel that you were compelled to run away in the night, taking +advantage of the temporary absence of your tyrannical husband; while----" + +"O Ned, dear Ned, I never thought of that!" she exclaimed, interrupting +him with a burst of tears and sobs. "I wouldn't for the world have +wrought harm to you or any of them." + +"No, love, I know you wouldn't. I believe your motives were altogether +kind and self-sacrificing," he said soothingly; "and you yourself would +have been the greatest sufferer; the world judges hardly--how hardly my +little girl-wife has no idea; wicked people would have found wicked +motives to which to impute your act and caused a stain upon your fair fame +that might never have been removed. + +"But there, there, love, do not cry any more over it; happily, the whole +thing is a secret between us two, and we may now dismiss the disagreeable +subject forever. + +"But shall we not promise each other that we will never part in anger, +even when the separation may not be for an hour? or ever lie down to sleep +at night unreconciled, if there has been the slightest misunderstanding or +coldness between us?" + +"Oh, yes, yes, I promise!" she cried eagerly; "but, oh, dear Ned, I hope +we will never, never have any more coldness or quarrelling between us, +never say a cross word to each other." + +"And I join you, dearest, in both wish and promise." + +"I am growing very babyish," she said presently with a wistful look up +into his face; "I can hardly bear to think of being parted from you for a +day; and I suppose you'll have to be going off again to attend to that +business affair?" + +"Yes, as soon as I see that my wife is quite well enough to undertake the +journey; for I'm not going again without her." + +"Oh, will you take me with you, Ned?" she cried joyfully. "How very good +in you." + +"Good to myself, little woman," he said, smiling down at her; "it will +turn a tiresome business trip into a pleasure excursion. I have always +found my enjoyment doubled by the companionship of my better half." + +"I call that rank heresy," she said laughing, "_you're_ the better half as +well as the bigger. I wish I were worthy of such a good husband," she +added earnestly and with a look of loving admiration. "I'm very proud of +you, my dear--so good and wise and handsome as you are!" + +"Oh, hush, hush! such fulsome flattery," he returned, coloring and +laughing. "Let me see; this is Friday, so near the end of the week that I +do not care to leave home till next week. We will say Tuesday morning +next, if that will suit you, love?" + +"Nicely," she answered. "Oh, I'm so glad you have promised to take me with +you!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +LULU. + + +Before two days had passed Zoe was quite herself again, and as full of +delight at the prospect of going away for a little trip as any child could +have been. She wore so bright a face, was so merry and frolicsome, that it +was a pleasure to watch her, especially when with her husband, and not +aware that any other eye was upon her. + +His face, too, beamed with happiness. + +Elsie's eyes resting upon them would sometimes fill with tears--half of +joy in their felicity, half of sorrowful yet tender reminiscence. In his +present mood Edward was very like his father in looks, in speech, in +manner. + +Tuesday morning came, bringing with it delightful weather; Edward had +decided to take a later train than when starting before, because he would +not have Zoe roused too soon from sleep. + +They took breakfast with the family at the usual hour, an open barouche +waiting for them at the door; then with a gay good-by to all set out upon +their journey, driving to the nearest station, and there taking the cars. + +"I wish I was going, too!" sighed Lulu, as she and Rosie stood looking +after the barouche. + +"Mamma would have let us drive over to the station with them," said Rose; +"Edward asked if we might, but Ben had some errands to do in town, and +couldn't bring us back in time for lessons." + +"Lessons! I'm sick and tired of them!" grumbled Lulu. "Other children had +holidays last week, but we had to go right on studying." + +"But we are to take ours in a week or two, visiting at the Oaks and the +Laurels, perhaps two weeks at each place, and I'm sure that will be nicer +than to have had Easter holidays at home." + +"There, it's out of sight," said Lulu. "I'd like to be Aunt Zoe, just +starting off on a journey. Let's take a run down the avenue, Rosie." + +"I would, but I must look over my Latin lesson, or I may not be ready for +grandpa." + +With the last words she turned and went into the house. + +Lulu knew that she was not ready for Mr. Dinsmore either, but she was in +no mood for study, and the grounds looked so inviting that she yielded to +the temptation to take a ramble instead. + +Max, from his window, saw her wandering about among the shrubs and flowers +and longed to join her. He was bearing his punishment in a very good +spirit, making no complaint, spending his time in study, reading, writing +and carving. + +Mr. Dinsmore came to him to hear his recitations, and was always able to +commend them as excellent. He treated the boy in a kind, fatherly manner, +talking to him of his sin and the way to obtain forgiveness and +deliverance from it, very much as Elsie and Violet had. + +Yet he did not harp continually upon that, but dwelt often upon other +themes, trying so to treat the lad that his self-respect might be +restored. + +Max appreciated the kindness shown him, and was strengthened in his good +resolutions. He was privately very much troubled about his losses, +particularly that of the watch, supposing it to be in Ralph's possession, +for Mr. Dinsmore had said nothing to him on the subject. + +Being very fond of his sisters, Max felt the separation from them no small +part of his punishment; he followed Lulu's movements this morning with +wistful eyes. + +She looked up, and seeing his rather pale, sad face at the window, drew +nearer and called softly to him, "Max, how are you? I'm so sorry for +you." + +He only shook his head and turned away. + +Then Mr. Dinsmore's voice spoke sternly from a lower window, "Lulu, you +are disobeying orders. Go into the house and to the school-room +immediately. You ought to have been there fully a quarter of an hour ago." + +Lulu was a little frightened, and obeyed at once. + +"You are late, Lulu. You must try to be more punctual in future," Elsie +said in a tone of mild rebuke, as the little girl sat down at her desk. + +"I don't care if I am," she muttered, insolently. + +Rose darted at her a look of angry astonishment, Gracie looked shocked, +and little Walter said, "It's very, _very_ naughty to speak so to my +mamma." + +But Elsie did not seem to have heard; her face still wore its usual sweet, +placid expression. Lulu thought she had not heard, but found out her +mistake when she went forward to recite. She was told in a gentle, quiet +tone, "You are not my pupil, to-day, Lulu," and returned to her seat +overwhelmed with embarrassment and anger. + +No further notice was taken of her by any one excerpt Gracie, who now and +then stole a troubled, half-pitying look at her, until Mr Dinsmore came +to hear the Latin lessons. + +Lulu had sat idly at her desk nursing her anger and discontent, her eyes +on the book open before her, but her thoughts elsewhere, so was not +prepared for him. + +She was frightened, but tried to hide it, made an attempt to answer the +first question put to her, but broke down in confusion. + +He asked another; she was unable to answer it; and with a frown he said, +"I perceive that you know nothing about your lesson to-day. Why have you +not learned it?" + +"Because I didn't want to," muttered the delinquent. + +Rosie opened her eyes wide in astonishment. She would never have dared to +answer her grandfather in that manner. + +"Take your book and learn it now," he said in his sternest tone. + +Lulu did not venture to disobey, for she was really very much afraid of +Mr. Dinsmore. + +He heard Rosie's lesson, assigned her task for the next day, and both left +the room. The others had gone about the time Mr. Dinsmore came in, so Lulu +was left alone. + +She thought it best to give her mind to the lesson, and in half an hour +felt that she was fully prepared with it. + +But Mr. Dinsmore did not come back, and she dared not leave the room, +though very impatient to do so. + +The dinner bell rang, and still he had not come. + +Lulu was hungry and began to fear that she was to be made to fast; but at +length a servant brought her a good, substantial, though plain dinner, set +it before her, and silently withdrew. + +"It's not half as good as they've got," Lulu remarked half aloud to +herself, discontentedly eying her fare, "but it's better than nothing." + +With that philosophical reflection she fell to work, and speedily emptied +the dishes. + +Mr. Dinsmore came to her shortly after, heard the lesson, gave her a +little serious talk and dismissed her. + +Feeling that she owed an apology to Grandma Elsie, but still too stubborn +and proud to make it, Lulu was ashamed to join the others, so went off +alone into the grounds. She was not Grandma Elsie's pupil, she understood, +until the morning's impertinence had been atoned for. + +It was against rules to go beyond the boundary of the grounds without +permission; yet after wandering through them for a while, she did so, and +entering a shady, pleasant road, walked on without any settled purpose, +till she reached a neighboring plantation where lived some little girls +with whom she had a slight acquaintance. + +They were playing croquet on the lawn, and espying Lulu at the gate, +invited her to come in and join them. + +She did so, became much interested in the sport, and forgot to go home +until the lengthening shadows warned her that it must be very near the tea +hour at Ion. + +She then bade a hasty good-by and retraced her steps with great expedition +and in no tranquil state of mind. In truth, she was a good deal alarmed as +she thought of the possible consequences to herself of her bold disregard +of rules. + +She arrived at Ion heated and out of breach, and, as a glance at the hall +clock told her, fully fifteen minutes late. + +Hair and dress were in some disorder, but not thinking of that, in her +haste and perturbation, she went directly to the supper-room, where the +family were in the midst of their meal. + +They all seemed busily engaged with it or in conversation, and she hoped +to slip unobserved into her seat. + +But to her consternation she perceived, as she drew near, that neither +plate nor chair seemed to have been set for her; every place was +occupied. + +At the same instant Mr. Dinsmore, turning a stern look upon her, remarked, +"We have no place here for the rebellious and insubordinate, therefore I +have ordered your plate removed; and while you continue to belong to that +class, you will take your meals in your own room." + +He dismissed her with a wave of the hand as he spoke, and, filled with +anger and chagrin, she turned and flew from the room, never stopping till +she had gained her own and slammed the door behind her. + +"Before Mr. Lilburn and everybody!" she exclaimed aloud, stamping her foot +in impotent rage. + +Then catching sight of her figure in the glass, she stood still and gazed, +her cheeks reddening more and more with mortification. Hair and dress were +tumbled, the latter slightly soiled with the dust of the road, as were her +boots also, and the frill about her neck was crushed and partly tucked in. + +She set to work with energy to make herself neat, and had scarcely +completed the task when her supper was brought in. It consisted of +abundance of rich sweet milk, fruit, and the nicest of bread and butter. + +She ate heartily; then as Agnes carried away the tray, seated herself by +the window with her elbows on the sill, her chin in her hands, and half +involuntarily took a mental review of the day. + +The retrospect was not agreeable. + +"And I'll have to tell papa all about it in my diary," she groaned to +herself. "No, I sha'n't; what's the use? it'll just make him feel badly. +But he said I must, and he trusted me, he _trusted_ me to tell the truth +and the whole truth, and I can't deceive him; I can't hide anything after +that." + +With a heavy sigh she took her writing-desk, set it on the sill to catch +the fading light, and wrote: + +"It has been a bad day with me. I didn't look over my lessons before +school, as I ought to have done, but went out in the grounds instead. +While I was there, I broke a rule. Grandpa Dinsmore reproved me and called +me in. I went up to the school-room. Grandma Elsie said I was late and +must be more punctual, and I gave her a saucy answer. She wouldn't hear my +lessons, and I was cross and wouldn't study, and wasn't ready for Grandpa +Dinsmore, and was saucy to him. So I had to stay up there in the +school-room and learn my lesson over and eat my dinner there by myself. + +"After that, when he let me out, I took a long walk and played croquet +with some other girls--all without leave. + +"They were eating supper when I got back, and I went in without making +myself neat, and my plate and chair had been taken away, and I was sent up +here to take my supper and stay till I'm ready to behave better." + +She read over what she had written. + +"Oh, what a bad report! How sad it will make papa feel when he reads it!" +she thought, tears springing to her eyes. + +She pushed the desk aside and leaned on the sill again, her face hidden in +her hands. Her father's words about the kindness and generosity of Mr. +Dinsmore and his daughter in offering to share their home with his +children, came to her recollection, and all the favors received at the +hands of these kindest of friends passed in review before her. Could her +own mother have been kinder than Grandma Elsie? and she had repaid her +this day with ingratitude, disobedience and impertinence. How despicably +mean! + +Tears of shame and penitence began to fall from her eyes, and soon she was +sobbing aloud. + +Violet heard her from the next room, and came to her side. + +"What is it, Lulu, dear? are you sorry for your misconduct?" she asked in +gentle, affectionate tones, smoothing the child's hair with her soft white +hand as she spoke. + +"Yes, Mamma Vi," sobbed the little girl. "Won't you please tell Grandma +Elsie I'm sorry I was saucy and disobedient to her this morning?" + +"Yes, dear, I will. And--have you not a message for grandpa also?" + +"Yes; I'm sorry I was naughty and impertinent to him, and for breaking his +rules, too. Do you think they'll forgive me, Mamma Vi, and try me again?" + +"I am sure they will," Violet said. "And will you not ask God's +forgiveness, also, dear child?" + +"I do mean to," Lulu said. "And I've told papa all about it. I wish he +didn't have to know, because it will make him very sorry." + +"Yes," sighed Violet, "it grieves him very much when his dear children do +wrong. I hope, dear Lulu, that thought will help you to be good in future. +Still more, that you will learn to hate and forsake sin because it is +dishonoring and displeasing to God, because it grieves the dear Saviour +who loves you and died to redeem you." + +Forgiveness was readily accorded by both Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter, +and Lulu went to bed comparatively happy after a short visit and kind +motherly talk from Grandma Elsie. + +Two days later Max was released from his imprisonment. He more than half +dreaded to make his appearance below stairs, thinking every one would +view him askance, but was agreeably surprised by being greeted on every +hand with the utmost kindness and cordiality. + +On the following Monday he and the other children were sent to the Oaks to +make the promised visit. + +Gracie alone needed some persuasion to induce her to go of her own free +will, and that only because mamma was not going. Gracie was not at all +sure that she could live two whole weeks without her dear mamma. + +Just before they started, Mr. Dinsmore made Max very happy by the +restoration of his money and watch. He added an admonition against +gambling, and Max replied with an earnest promise never to touch a card +again. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +A CHAPTER OF SURPRISES. + + +Edward and Zoe decided upon a little pleasure trip in addition to the +business one, and, in consequence, were absent from home for over a +fortnight. On their return, Elsie met them on the threshold with the +warmest and most loving of welcomes. + +"How well and happy you both look, my dear children!" she said, glancing +from one to the other, her face full of proud, fond, motherly affection. + +"As we are, mother dear," Edward responded. "Glad to see you so, also. How +is Vi?" + +"Doing nicely." + +"Vi! Is she sick?" asked Zoe, her tone expressing both surprise and +concern. + +"Yes," Elsie said, leading the way down the hall and up the stairs. Then +as they reached the upper hall, "Come this way, my dears, I have something +to show you." + +She led them to the nursery; to the side of a dainty crib; and pushing +aside its curtains of lace, brought to view a little downy head and pink +face nestling cosily upon the soft pillow within. + +Zoe uttered an exclamation of astonishment and delight. "Why, mamma, where +did you get it? Oh, the little lovely darling!" and down she went on her +knees by the side of the crib, to make a closer inspection. "O Ned, just +look! did you ever see anything half so dear and sweet?" + +"Yes," he said, with a meaning, laughing look into her sparkling face. "I +see something at this moment that to my eyes is dearer and sweeter still. +What does Vi think of it, mamma?" turning to his mother. + +"She is very proud and happy," Elsie answered with a smile. "I believe Zoe +has expressed her views exactly." + +"It's Vi's, is it?" said Zoe. "Come, Ned, do look at it. You ought to care +a little about your----" + +She broke off with an inquiring glance up into her mother's face. + +"Niece," supplied Elsie, "my first granddaughter." + +"Another Elsie, I suppose," Edward remarked, bending down to examine the +little creature with an air of increasing interest. + +"Her father must be heard from before the name can be decided upon," his +mother answered. "Vi wishes it named for me, but I should prefer to have +another Violet." + +"I incline to think Captain Raymond will agree with her," said Edward. + +"I never saw so young a baby," remarked Zoe. "How old is she, mamma?" + +"A week to-day." + +"I'm tempted to break the tenth commandment," said Zoe, leaning over the +babe and touching her lips to its velvet cheek. "I used to be very fond of +dolls, and a live one would be so nice. I almost wish it was mine." + +"Don't forget that you would be only half owner if it was," said Edward +laughing. "But come now, my dear, it is time we were attending to the +duties of the toilet. The tea-bell will ring directly." + +"Well, I'll always want to share everything I have with you," she said. +"Mamma," rising and putting her hand into her husband's, "we've had _such_ +a nice time! Ned has been _so_ good and kind to me!" + +"And she has been the best and dearest of little wives," he said, +returning the look of fond affection she had bent upon him, "so we could +not fail to enjoy ourselves hugely." + +"I am rejoiced to hear it," Elsie said, looking after them with glad tears +in her eyes as they left the room together. + + * * * * * + +The children were enjoying themselves greatly at the Oaks. Horace +Dinsmore, Jr., and his young wife made a very pleasant host and hostess. +Horace's reminiscences of his own childhood and his sister Elsie's +girlhood in this, her old home, were very interesting, not to Rosie and +Walter only, but to the others. + +They were shown her suite of rooms, the exact spot in the drawing-room +where she stood during the ceremony that united her to Mr. Travilla, and +the arbor--still called Elsie's arbor--where he offered himself and was +accepted. + +They had an equally pleasant visit at the Laurels, whither they went +directly from the Oaks, Gracie wondering why she was not permitted to go +to see mamma first for a while, and grieving over it for a time. + +They were not told what had taken place in their absence, until the day of +their return to Ion. + +Mrs. Dinsmore had driven over for them, and after an hour's chat with her +daughter, Mrs. Lacey, sent for the children, who were amusing themselves +in the grounds. + +"O grandma, good-morning! Did you come to take us home?" cried Rosie, as +she came running in, put her arms about Mrs. Dinsmore's neck, and held up +her face for a kiss. + +"Yes, dear child, and to bring you some news. Good-morning, Max, Lulu, +Gracie, Walter--all of you--there's a little stranger at Ion." + +"A little stranger!" was the simultaneous exclamation from all five, Max +adding, "What sort?" and Rosie, "Where from?" + +"A very sweet, pretty little creature, I think; a little girl from 'No +Man's Land,'" was the smiling reply. "A new little sister for you, Max, +Lulu, and Gracie, a niece for Rosie and Walter." + +Max looked pleased, though slightly puzzled, too; Gracie's eyes shone, and +the pink flush deepened on her cheeks, as she asked delightedly, "Is it a +baby? Mamma's baby?" but Lulu frowned and was silent. + +"Yes, it is your mamma's baby," replied Grandma Rose. "Would you like to +go home and see it?" + +All answered in the affirmative, except Lulu, who said nothing, and then +hurried from the room to make ready. + +"O Lu, aren't you glad?" exclaimed Gracie, as they put on their hats. + +"No!" snapped Lulu, "what is there to be glad about? It'll steal all +papa's love away from us; Mamma Vi's, too, of course, if she ever had +any." + +Gracie was shocked, "Lulu!" she said, just ready to cry, "how can you say +such things? I just know nothing will ever make papa quit loving us. Can't +he love us and the new baby too? and can't mamma?" + +"Well, you'll see!" returned Lulu wisely. + +There was no time for anything more; the good-bys were said, they were +helped into the Ion carriage, waiting at the door, and driven rapidly +homeward. + +During the drive Grandma Rose noticed that while the other children were +merry and talkative, Lulu was silent and sullen, and Gracie apparently +just ready to burst into tears. + +She more than half suspected what the trouble was, but thought best to +seem not to see that anything was amiss. + +Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter were on the veranda waiting to welcome the +little party on their arrival, and Rosie and Walter were well content to +stay with their mother for a little, while the others passed on up to +Violet's rooms. + +They found her in her boudoir, seated in an easy-chair, beside a window +overlooking the avenue, and with her baby on her lap. + +She was looking very young, very sweet and beautiful, happy, too, though a +shade of anxiety crossed her features as the children came in. + +"How are you, dears? I am very glad to see you again," she said, smiling +sweetly and holding out her pretty white hand. + +Gracie sprang forward with a little joyful cry. "O mamma, my dear, sweet, +pretty mamma! I am so glad to get back to you!" and threw her arms about +Violet's neck. + +Violet's arm was instantly around the child's waist; she kissed her +tenderly two or three times, then said, looking down at the sleeping babe, +"This is your little sister, Gracie." + +"Oh, the darling, wee, pretty pet!" exclaimed Gracie, bending over it. +"Mamma, I'm so glad, if--if----" She stopped in confusion, while Lulu, +standing back a little, threw an angry glance at her. + +"If what, dear?" asked Violet. + +"If you and papa will love me and all of us just as well," stammered the +little girl, growing very red, and her eyes filling with tears. + +"Dear child," Violet said, drawing her to her side with another tender +caress, "you need not doubt it for a moment." + +"Why, Gracie, what could have put such a notion into your head?'" said +Max. "Mamma Vi, may I kiss you and it, too?" with an affectionate glance +at her, then a gaze of smiling curiosity at the babe. + +"Indeed, you may, Max," Violet answered, offering her lips. + +"I'm glad she's come, and I expect to love her dearly," he remarked, when +he had touched his lips softly to the babe's cheek, "though I'd rather +she'd been a boy, as I have two sisters already and no brother at all." + +"Haven't you a kiss for me, Lulu, dear?" Violet asked half entreatingly, +"and a welcome for your little sister?" + +Lulu silently and half reluctantly kissed both, then turned and walked out +of the room. + +Violet looked after her with a slight sigh, but at that moment her own +little brother and sister created a diversion by running in with a glad +greeting for her and the new baby. + +Their delight was rather noisily expressed, and no one of the little group +either heard or saw a carriage drive up the avenue to the main entrance. + +But Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were on the watch for it (they had been +exchanging meaning, happy glances all the morning), and ready with the +warmest of greetings for the tall, handsome, noble looking man who hastily +alighted from it and ran up the veranda steps. + +"Dear mother!" he said, grasping Mrs. Travilla's hand, then giving her a +filial kiss. + +"We are very glad to see you, captain," she said. "Your telegram this +morning was a delightful surprise." + +"Yes, it was, indeed, to all of us who knew of its coming," said Mr. +Dinsmore, shaking hands in his turn. + +"My wife! how is she? and the children? are they all well?" asked the +gentleman half breathlessly. + +"All well," was the answer. "We told Violet you had reported yourself in +Washington, and she will not be overcome at sight of you. You will find +her in her own rooms." + +He hurried thither, met Gracie at the head of the stairs, and caught her +in his arms with an exclamation of astonishment and delight. + +"Can this be my baby girl? this plump, rosy little darling?" + +"Papa!" she cried, throwing her arms about his neck and hugging him +tightly, while he kissed her again and again with ardent affection, "oh, +have you come? No, I'm your own little Gracie, but not the baby girl now, +for there's a little one on mamma's lap. Come, and I'll show you." + +"Ah!" he exclaimed, letting her lead him on. "I had not heard, have not +had a letter for three or four weeks." + +They were at the door. Gracie threw it open. Rose was holding the babe. +Violet looked up, started to her feet with a cry of joy, and in an instant +was in her husband's arms, weeping for very gladness. + +For several moments they were conscious of nothing but the joy of the +reunion; then with a sudden recollection she withdrew herself from his +arms, took her babe, and laid it in them. + +"Another darling," he said gazing tenderly upon it, "another dear little +daughter! My love, how rich we are!" + +He kissed it, gave it to the waiting nurse, and turned to his wife again. + +"Let me help you to the sofa, love," he said. + +"Lie down for a little. I fear this excitement will exhaust and injure +you." + +She let him have his way. He sat down by her side, held her hand, and bent +over her in loving anxiety. + +"Are you quite well?" he asked. + +"Very well indeed," she said, looking up fondly into his face, "and, oh, +_so_ happy now that you are here, my dear, dear husband!" + +Gracie crept to his side and leaned lovingly against him. + +"My little darling," he said, putting his arm round her and turning to +give her a kiss. "But where are Max and Lulu?" + +"Up in the boys' work-room, papa," she answered. "They don't know you've +come." + +"Then I must enlighten their ignorance," he said gayly. "Excuse me a +moment, my love. Take care of mamma for me while I'm gone, Gracie," and +rising hastily he left the room. + +Max and Lulu were busily engaged looking over designs and materials for +their work, and discussing their comparative merits. So deeply interested +were they that they took no note of approaching footsteps till they halted +in the doorway, then turning their heads they saw their father standing +there, regarding them with a proud, fond fatherly smile. + +"Papa! O papa!" they both cried out joyfully, and ran into his +outstretched arms. + +"My dear, dear children!" he said, holding them close, and caressing first +one, then the other. + +He sat down with one on each knee, an arm around each, and for some +minutes there was a delightful interchange of demonstrations of affection. + +"Now you see, Lu, that papa does love us as well as ever," Max said, in a +tone of mingled triumph and satisfaction. + +"Did she doubt it?" asked the captain in surprise, and gazing searchingly +into her face. + +She blushed and hung her head. + +"She thought the new baby would steal all your love," said Max. + +"Silly child!" said her father, drawing her closer and giving her another +kiss. "Do you think my heart is so small that it can hold love enough for +but a limited number? Did I love Max less when you came? or you less when +our Heavenly Father gave Gracie to us? No, daughter; I can love the +newcomer without any abatement of my affection for you." + +"Papa, I'm sorry I said it. I won't talk so any more; and I mean to love +the baby very much," she murmured with her arm about his neck, her cheek +laid to his. + +"I hope so," he said; "it would give me a very sad heart to know that you +did not love your little sister. + +"Well, Max, my son, what is it?" + +The boy was hanging his head and his face had suddenly grown scarlet, +"Papa, I--I--Did you get my letter and diary I sent you last month?" + +"Yes; and Lulu's also," the captain said, with a sigh and a glance from +one to the other, his face growing very grave. "I think my children would +often be deterred from wrongdoing by the thought of the pain it will cause +their father, if they could at all realize how sore it is. It almost broke +my heart, Max, to learn that you had again been guilty of the dreadful sin +of profanity, and had learned to gamble also; yet I was greatly comforted +by the assurance that you were truly penitent, and hoped you had given +your heart to God. + +"My boy, and my little girl, there is nothing else I so earnestly desire +for you as that you may be His true and faithful servants all your days, +His in time and eternity." + +A solemn silence fell on the little group, and for several minutes no one +spoke. + +Lulu was crying softly, and there were tears in Max's eyes, while the +father held both in a close embrace. + +At length Lulu murmured, "I am sorry for all my naughtiness, papa, and do +mean to try very hard to be good." + +"I, too," said Max, struggling with his emotion, "and if you think I +deserve (oh, I know I do), and, papa, if you think you ought to----" + +"You have had your punishment, my son," the captain said in a moved tone. +"I consider it all sufficient. And now we will go down to Mamma Vi and +Gracie. I want you all together, that I may enjoy you all at once and as +much as possible for the short time that I can be with you. + +"But before we go, I have a word more to say: there is one thing about you +both that greatly comforts and encourages me, my darlings; that is your +truthfulness, your perfect openness with me and willingness to +acknowledge your faults." + +Those concluding words brought a flush of joy and love to each young face +as they were lifted to his. He gave a hearty kiss to Lulu, then to Max, +and led them from the room, a very happy pair. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + + "One sacred oath has tied + Our loves; one destiny our life shall guide, + Nor wild, nor deep, our common way divide." + --Prior. + + +Edward sat at the open window of his wife's boudoir enjoying the beauties +of the landscape--the verdant lawn and shrubberies, the smiling fields and +wooded hills beyond--the sweet morning breeze and the matin songs of the +birds, while Zoe in the adjoining room put the finishing touches to her +toilet. + +She came to him presently, very simply dressed in white, looking sweet and +fresh as a rose just washed with dew, and seated herself upon his knee. + +"Darling!" he said, low and tenderly, putting his arm about her slender +waist and imprinting a kiss upon the rosy cheek. + +"My dear, dear husband! what could I ever do without you; how desolate I +should be this day, if I hadn't you to love and care for me!" she said +with a sob, stealing an arm around his neck and laying her cheek to his. +"You know--you cannot have forgotten--that it is just one year to-day +since dear papa died." + +"Think what a blessed year it has been to him, love; think what a happy +meeting with him in that blessed land you may look forward to. There, +death-divided friends will meet never to part again, free from sin and +sorrow, pain and care, and to be 'forever with the Lord.' + +"No; I have not forgotten what this day one year ago took from you, or +what it gave to me--my heart's best treasure." + +He drew her closer, and again touched his lips to her cheek. + +Smiling through her tears, she offered her lips. + +"Oh, I'm very, very happy!" she said. "It has been a happy year in spite +of my grief for my dear, dear father, except when--O Ned, we won't ever be +cross to one another again, will we?" + +"I trust not, my darling," he said. "It is too sharp a pain to be at +variance with one's other half," he added, with playful tenderness. "Is it +not, love!" + +"Indeed, indeed it is!" she cried. + +"See! this is to prove to you that I have not forgotten what a treasure I +secured a year ago," he said, reaching for an open jewel case that stood +on a table near at hand, and laying it in her lap. + +"Pearls! Oh, how lovely! the most magnificent set I ever saw. Many, many +thanks, dear Ned!" she exclaimed in delight. "I shall wear them this +evening in honor of the day. + +"But what shall I give you? I'm afraid I have nothing but--what I gave you +a year ago--myself." + +"The most priceless treasure earth can afford!" he responded, clasping her +close to his heart. + +"And your love," she said softly, her arm stealing round his neck again, +her shining eyes gazing fondly into his, "is more to me than all its gold +and jewels." + + + * * * * * + + +[Transcriber's notes: + +Page 14 text reads: ". . . tempter; (smudge) having . . ."; the word "as" +was inserted in place of the smudge. + +Page 70 missing word "bit" inserted to read ". . . not a bit cold . . .:] + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE'S NEW RELATIONS*** + + +******* This file should be named 14909.txt or 14909.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/9/0/14909 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: +https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/14909.zip b/14909.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7c4f8e3 --- /dev/null +++ b/14909.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1d032bf --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #14909 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14909) |