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diff --git a/17496-h/17496-h.htm b/17496-h/17496-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f5c696c --- /dev/null +++ b/17496-h/17496-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6917 @@ +<!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 at Home, by Martha Finley</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + .unindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + 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%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 20%;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + hr.full { width: 100%; } + pre {font-size: 75%;} + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Elsie at Home, 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 = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Elsie at Home</p> +<p>Author: Martha Finley</p> +<p>Release Date: January 12, 2006 [eBook #17496]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELSIE AT HOME***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Suzanne Lybarger, Brian Janes, Emmy,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net/)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>ELSIE AT HOME</h1> + +<h3>By</h3> + +<h2>MARTHA FINLEY</h2> + +<div class='center'>Author of "Elsie Dinsmore," "Elsie's Vacation," etc.</div> + +<div class='center'><br /><br />SPECIAL AUTHORIZED EDITION<br /><br /></div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 81px;"> +<img src="images/001.jpg" width="81" height="100" alt="Emblem" title="Emblem" /> + +</div> + +<div class='center'><br /><br /><br /><big>M. A. DONOHUE & CO</big></div> + +<div class='center'>CHICAGO NEW YORK<br /></div> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Copyright</span>, 1887.<br /> +BY<br /> +DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY</div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><i>All rights reserved</i>.</div> + +<div class='center'>Made in U.S.A. +</div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_I"><b>CHAPTER I.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_II"><b>CHAPTER II.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_III"><b>CHAPTER III.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_IV"><b>CHAPTER IV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_V"><b>CHAPTER V.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_VI"><b>CHAPTER VI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_VII"><b>CHAPTER VII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII"><b>CHAPTER VIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_IX"><b>CHAPTER IX.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_X"><b>CHAPTER X.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XI"><b>CHAPTER XI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XII"><b>CHAPTER XII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII"><b>CHAPTER XIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV"><b>CHAPTER XIV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XV"><b>CHAPTER XV.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI"><b>CHAPTER XVI.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII"><b>CHAPTER XVII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII"><b>CHAPTER XVIII.</b></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX"><b>CHAPTER XIX.</b></a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>ELSIE AT HOME.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + + +<p>The shades of evening were closing in upon a stormy March day; rain and +sleet falling fast while a blustering northeast wind sent them sweeping +across the desolate-looking fields and gardens, and over the wet road +where a hack was lumbering along, drawn by two weary-looking steeds; its +solitary passenger sighing and groaning with impatience over its slow +progress and her own fatigue.</p> + +<p>"Driver," she called, "are we ever going to arrive at Fairview?"</p> + +<p>"One o' these days, I reckon, ma'am," drawled the man in reply. "It's +been a dreadful tedious ride for you, but a trifle worse for me, seein' +I get a lot more o' the wet out here than you do in thar."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she returned in a tone of exasperation, "but I am a weak, ailing +woman and you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>a big, strong man, used to exertion and exposure." The +sentence ended in a distressing fit of coughing that seemed to shake her +whole frame.</p> + +<p>"I'm right sorry fur ye, ma'am," he said, turning a pitying glance upon +her, "but just hold on a bit longer and we'll be there. We're e'n a'most +in sight o' the place now. Kin o' yourn and expecting ye, I s'pose?"</p> + +<p>"It is the home of my daughter—my only child," she returned, bridling, +"and it will be strange indeed if she is not glad to see the mother whom +she has not seen for years."</p> + +<p>"Surely, ma'am; and yonder's the house. We'll be there in five +minutes—more or less."</p> + +<p>His passenger looked eagerly in the direction indicated.</p> + +<p>"A large house, isn't it?" she queried. "One can't see much out of this +little pane of glass and through the rain and mist."</p> + +<p>"It's a fine place, ma'am, and a good, big house," he returned. "I +wouldn't mind ownin' such a place myself. It's grand in the summer time, +and not so bad to look at even now through all this storm o' mist, hail, +and rain."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes; I dare say," she said, shivering; "and if it was little better +than a hovel I'd be glad to reach it and get out of this chilling wind. +It penetrates to one's very bones."</p> + +<p>She drew her cloak closer about her as she spoke, and as the hack turned +in at the avenue gates took up her satchel and umbrella in evident haste +to alight.</p> + +<p>In the home-like parlour of the mansion they were approaching sat a +lovely-looking lady of mature years, a little group of children gathered +about her listening intently and with great interest to a story she was +telling them, while a sweet-faced young girl, sitting near with a bit of +tatting in her hands, seemed an equally interested hearer, ready to join +in the outburst of merriment that now and again greeted something in the +narrative.</p> + +<p>"There is a hack coming up the avenue, Eva. Can we be going to have a +visitor this stormy day?" suddenly exclaimed the eldest boy, glancing +out of the window near where he stood. "Yes, it has come to a standstill +at the foot of the veranda steps, and the driver seems to be getting +ready to help someone out."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> + +<p>"A lady! Why, who can she be?" cried Eric, the next in age, as the hack +door was thrown open and the driver assisted his passenger to alight, +while Evelyn laid down her work and hastened into the hall to greet and +welcome the guest, whoever she might be; for the Fairview family, like +nearly every other in that region of country, was exceedingly +hospitable.</p> + +<p>A servant had already opened the outer door and now another stepped +forward to take the lady's satchel and umbrella.</p> + +<p>"Who can she be?" Evelyn asked herself as she hastily crossed the +veranda and held out a welcoming hand with a word or two of pleasant +greeting.</p> + +<p>"Is it you, Evelyn?" asked the stranger in tones that trembled with +emotion. "And do you not know me—your own mother!"</p> + +<p>"Mother; oh, mother, can it be you?" cried Evelyn, catching the stranger +in her arms and holding her fast with sobs and tears and kisses. "I had +not heard from you for so long, and have been feeling as if I should +never see you again. And oh, how thin and weak you look! You are sick, +mother!" she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>added in tones of grief and anxiety, as she drew her into +the hall, where by this time the rest of the family—Grandma Elsie, and +Mr. and Mrs. Leland and their children—were gathered.</p> + +<p>"Sister Laura! is it possible! Welcome to Fairview," was Mrs. Leland's +greeting, accompanied by a warm embrace.</p> + +<p>"Laura! we did not even know you were in America!" Mr. Leland said, +grasping her hand in brotherly fashion. "And how weary and ill you are +looking! Let me help you off with your bonnet and cloak and to a couch +here in the parlour."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; yes, I'll be very glad to lie down, for I'm worn out with my +journey and this troublesome cough," she said, struggling with a renewed +paroxysm and gasping for breath. "But my luggage and——"</p> + +<p>"We'll attend to all that," he said, half carrying her to the couch +where his wife and her mother were arranging the pillows for her +comfort, and laying her gently down upon it.</p> + +<p>"Oh, mother; my poor dear mother!" sighed Evelyn, as she leaned over +her, smoothing her hair with caressing hand, "it breaks my heart <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>to see +you looking so weary and ill. But we will soon nurse you back to health +and strength—uncle and aunt and I."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, indeed," Mrs. Leland said in her sweet, gentle tones. "You +have had most unpleasant weather for your journey, Laura, so that it is +not to be wondered at that you are exhausted. You must have some +refreshment at once," and with the last word she hastened away in search +of it.</p> + +<p>"And here is something to relieve that dreadful cough," said Mrs. +Travilla, presenting herself with a delicate china cup in her hand.</p> + +<p>Evelyn introduced the two ladies, and her mother, being assured that the +cup contained nothing unpleasant to the taste, quickly swallowed its +contents, then lay back quietly upon her pillows, still keeping fast +hold of her daughter's hand, while Grandma Elsie, giving the cup to a +servant to carry away, resumed her easy chair on the farther side of the +room—near enough to be ready to render assistance should it be needed, +yet not so near as to interfere with any private talk between the long +separated mother and daughter—and her grandchildren <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>again gathered +about her. But they seemed awed into silence by the presence of the +stranger invalid, whom they gazed upon with pitying curiosity, while her +attention seemed equally occupied with them.</p> + +<p>"Your uncle's children?" she asked of Evelyn in a tone scarcely louder +than a whisper.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma. Edward, the eldest, you saw when he was a mere baby boy. +Eric, the next, is papa's namesake. The eldest of the little girls—she +is in her fifth year—is Elsie Alicia, named for her two grandmothers; +we call her Alie. And the youngest—that two-year-old darling—we call +Vi. She is named for her aunt, Mrs. Raymond."</p> + +<p>"And Mrs. Travilla lives here with her daughter?"</p> + +<p>"No; she is paying a visit of a few days, as she often does since her +daughter-in-law, Aunt Zoe, has undertaken the most of the housekeeping +at Ion."</p> + +<p>"She certainly looks very young to be mother and grandmother to so +many," sighed the invalid, catching sight of her own sallow, prematurely +wrinkled face reflected in a large mirror <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>on the opposite side of the +room. "But she has had an easy life, surrounded by kind, affectionate, +sympathising friends, while I—miserable woman that I am—have been +worried, brow-beaten, robbed, till nothing is left me but ill-health and +grinding poverty."</p> + +<p>"Mother, mother dear, don't talk so while I am left you and have enough +to keep us both, with care and economy," entreated Evelyn in a voice +half choked with sobs. "It will be joy to me to share with you and do +all I can to make your last days comfortable and happy."</p> + +<p>"Then you haven't lost all your love for your mother in our years of +separation?"</p> + +<p>"No, no indeed!" answered Evelyn earnestly. But there the conversation +ended for the time, Mrs. Leland returning with the promised refreshment. +It seemed to give some strength to the invalid, and after taking it she +was, by her own request, assisted to her room, an apartment opening into +that of her daughter, with whose good help she was soon made ready for +her bed, the most comfortable she had lain upon for weeks or months, she +remarked, as she stretched her tired limbs upon it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am very glad you find it so, mother dear," said Evelyn. "And now, if +you like, I will unpack your trunks and arrange their contents in +wardrobe, bureau drawers, and closet."</p> + +<p>"There is no hurry about that, and isn't that your supper bell I hear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes'm, suppah's on de table, an' I's come to set yere and 'tend to you +uns while Miss Eva gwine eat wif de res' of de folks," said a neatly +dressed, pleasant-faced, elderly coloured woman, who had entered the +room just in time to hear the query in regard to the bell. "But, missus, +Miss Elsie she tole me for to ax you could you take somethin' mo'?"</p> + +<p>"She says Aunt Elsie wants to know could you eat something more, mother +dear?" explained Eva, seeing a puzzled look on her mother's face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! that excellent broth fully satisfied my appetite," replied +Laura. "Go and get your supper, Eva, child, but come back when you have +finished; for we have been so long separated that now I can hardly bear +to have you out of my sight."</p> + +<p>"Oh, mother, how sweet to hear you say <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>that!" exclaimed Evelyn, bending +down to bestow another ardent caress upon her newly restored parent. +"Indeed, I shall not stay away a moment longer than necessary."</p> + +<p>The new arrival and her sad condition were the principal topics of +conversation at the table.</p> + +<p>"I am so glad we have such a good doctor in Cousin Arthur," said Evelyn. +"I hope he can cure mamma's cough. I wish the weather was such that we +could reasonably ask him to come and see her to-night," she added with a +sigh.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her uncle, "but as it is so bad I think we will just give +him a full account of her symptoms and ask his advice through the +telephone. Then he will tell us what would better be done to-night, and +call in to see her to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>The ladies all agreed that that would be the better plan and it was +presently carried out. The doctor would have come at once, in spite of +the storm, had it seemed necessary, but from the account given he deemed +it not so.</p> + +<p>"I will come directly after breakfast to-morrow morning," he concluded, +after giving <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>his advice in regard to what should be done immediately.</p> + +<p>"That is satisfactory; and now I will go at once to mamma and carry out +his directions for to-night," said Evelyn.</p> + +<p>"Remembering that we are all ready to assist in any and every possible +way," added her uncle, smiling kindly upon her.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed!" said Grandma Elsie; "and you must not hesitate to call +upon me if you need help."</p> + +<p>"No, no, mother dear. I put my veto upon that!" exclaimed Mrs. Leland. +"You are not a really old-looking woman yet, but are not as vigorous as +you were some years ago, and I cannot afford to let you run any risk of +diminishing your stock of health and strength by loss of sleep or +over-exertion. Call upon me, Eva, should you need any assistance."</p> + +<p>"Very well, daughter, I shall not insist upon the privilege of losing +sleep," returned Grandma Elsie with a smile, "but may perhaps be +permitted to make myself slightly useful during the day."</p> + +<p>"Yes, slightly, mother dear, and at such <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>time as you would not be +otherwise improving by taking needed rest or recreation," Mrs. Leland +replied as she hastened away with Eva, with the purpose to make sure +that her newly arrived guest lacked for nothing which she could provide.</p> + +<p>"At last, Evelyn, child! I suppose you have not been long gone, but it +seemed so to my impatience," was Laura's salutation as Eva reentered her +room.</p> + +<p>"It is sweet to hear you say that, mother dear; sweet to know that you +love me so," Evelyn said in moved tones, bending down to press a kiss on +the wan cheek, "and I mean to fairly surfeit you with my company in the +days and weeks that lie before us."</p> + +<p>"And she only waited with the rest of us to consult our good doctor for +you, Laura," added Mrs. Leland. "He has prescribed a sleeping potion for +to-night, and will call to see you and prescribe further in the +morning."</p> + +<p>"I think I should have been consulted," returned the invalid in a tone +of irritation; "my money is all gone and he may never get his pay."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, don't trouble about that!" exclaimed Mrs. Leland and Evelyn in a +breath, the former adding, "His charges are not heavy and it will be +strange indeed if we cannot find a way to meet and defray them."</p> + +<p>"Of course we can and will, and you are not to concern yourself any more +about it, mamma," added Evelyn in a tone of playful authority. "What +would be the use when you have a tolerably rich, grown-up daughter, +whose principal business and pleasure it will be to take care of and +provide for her long-lost, but now happily recovered mother. And here +comes uncle with your sleeping potion," she added, as Mr. Leland at that +moment appeared in the doorway, cup in hand.</p> + +<p>"Here is something which I hope will quiet your cough, Laura," he said, +coming to the bedside. "It is not bad to take, either, and will be +likely to secure you a good night's rest."</p> + +<p>"I don't know," she returned doubtfully, eyeing the cup with evident +disfavour, "I was never good at dosing."</p> + +<p>"You prefer lying awake, racked with that distressing cough?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," she sighed, taking the cup from his hand, "even quite a bad dose +would be better than that. And it was not so bad after all," she +concluded as she returned the cup, after swallowing its contents.</p> + +<p>"Glad to hear you say so," he said in reply. "And now take my further +advice—lie still and go to sleep, leaving all the talk with Eva till +to-morrow. Good-night to you both." And he left the room, followed +presently by his wife, who lingered only until she had made sure that +all the wants of the invalid were fully supplied.</p> + +<p>Laura had already fallen into a sweet sleep, under the soothing +influence of the draught, and Eva presently stretched herself beside +her, and with a heart filled with contending emotions—love for this her +only remaining parent, joy in their reunion, sorrow and care in view of +her evident exhaustion and ill-health, and plans for making her +remaining days happy—lay awake for a time silently asking for guidance +and help from on high, then fell into dreamless, refreshing sleep.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + + +<p>Morning found the invalid somewhat refreshed by her night's rest, yet +too languid and feeble to leave her room, and her day was spent +reclining upon a couch, with her daughter by her side. Dr. Conly made an +early call, prescribed, talked to her and Eva in a cheerful strain, +saying he hoped that rest and a change of weather would soon bring her +at least a measure of relief and strength; but in reply to the anxious +questioning of Mr. and Mrs. Leland, he acknowledged that he found her +far gone in consumption, and did not think she could last many weeks.</p> + +<p>"Poor dear Eva! how very sad it will be for her to lose her mother so +soon after recovering her!" sighed Mrs. Leland. "I think we must let her +remain in ignorance of the danger for a time at least."</p> + +<p>"Yes," assented her husband; "though we must not neglect any effort in +our power to pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>pare Laura for the great change which awaits her," he +added with a look of anxiety and care.</p> + +<p>"Nor fail to offer up earnest petitions for her at the Throne of Grace," +said Grandma Elsie, in her low, sweet tones. "Oh, what a blessing, what +a comfort it is that we may take there all our fears, cares, and +anxieties for ourselves and others! And how precious the Saviour's +promise, 'If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that +you shall ask, it shall be done for you of my Father which is in +heaven'!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, mother dear," assented Mrs. Leland, "and we will claim and plead +it for our poor dear Laura, and for Eva, that she may be sustained under +the bereavement which awaits her."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Dr. Conly, "and there are many of our friends who will be +ready to join us in the petition. I am going now to Woodburn—the +captain having telephoned me that one of the servants is ill—and we all +know that he and his will be full of sympathy for Eva and her sick +mother."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No doubt they will," said Grandma Elsie, "both as Christians and as +warm friends of Evelyn. And it will be quite the same with our other +friends."</p> + +<p>With that the doctor bade good-morning and took his departure in the +direction of Woodburn. The family there were surprised and interested by +the news he had to tell of the arrival at Fairview, and of Laura's +feeble and ailing condition. They were evidently full of sympathy for +both mother and daughter, and had any help been needed would have given +it gladly. But the doctor assured them that rest and quiet were at +present the sick one's most pressing need.</p> + +<p>"Poor dear Eva! I am so sorry for her!" sighed Lucilla when the doctor +had gone. "Papa, don't you think I might make myself of use helping her +with the nursing?"</p> + +<p>"Not at present, daughter; though I can testify to your ability in that +line, and your services may possibly be needed at some future time," he +answered with an affectionate look and smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Lu is a capital nurse, I think," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> Violet, "but whatever she +does is sure to be well done."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mamma Vi," returned the young girl, blushing with pleasure; +"it is most kind in you to say that; but if I am thorough in anything, +most of the credit belongs to my father, who has never allowed me to +content myself with a slovenly performance of my duties."</p> + +<p>"No," he said, "what is worth doing at all is worth doing well; that is +a lesson I have endeavoured to impress upon each one of my children, and +one which I think they have all learned pretty thoroughly."</p> + +<p>"And they have always had the teaching of example as well as precept, +from their father," remarked Violet with a look of loving appreciation +up into his face; "so that it would be strange indeed if they had not +learned it."</p> + +<p>"Indeed that is true, mamma," said Grace. "It does seem to me that papa +does everything he undertakes as thoroughly well as anyone possibly +could."</p> + +<p>"A very good idea for one's children to cultivate," laughed the captain. +Then consulting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>his watch, "But it is high time we were in the +schoolroom, daughters. Elsie and Ned have been there this half hour, and +probably have a lesson or two ready to recite."</p> + +<p>"And Eva will not be with us to-day; probably not for many more days," +remarked Lucilla with a slight sigh of disappointment and regret, as she +and Grace rose and gave prompt obedience to her father's implied order.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, "I fear so; but her first duty is to her mother."</p> + +<p>So Evelyn herself felt, and nobly she discharged it; neglecting nothing +in her power for the relief and enjoyment of the invalid who, though +often fretful, exacting, and unreasonable, was yet nearest and dearest +to her of all earthly creatures. The young girl's loving patience seemed +never to fail, and her heart was continually going up in earnest, silent +petitions that her beloved parent might be made meet for the inheritance +of the saints in light; that she might learn to love Him who had died to +redeem her from death and the power of the grave, and to give her an +abundant entrance into his kingdom and glory.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>The doubt of Laura's preparation for death and eternity, amounting to +almost certainty that it was lacking, made this nursing an even sadder +one than had been that of Eric, Evelyn's father, years ago. To him talk +of things heavenly and divine had ever seemed easy and natural, and with +the certainty that he was passing away from earth came the full +assurance that he was ready to depart and be with Christ in glory.</p> + +<p>But Laura hastily repelled the slightest allusion to eternity and a +preparation for it. Evelyn's only consolation was in the knowledge that +others were uniting their earnest petitions with hers, and that God is +the hearer and answerer of prayer.</p> + +<p>It was Grandma Elsie who at length succeeded in speaking a word in +season to the dying woman.</p> + +<p>"Oh, this racking cough! Shall I never be done with it?" gasped Laura, +as she lay panting upon her pillow after an unusually severe and +exhausting paroxysm.</p> + +<p>"Yes; when you reach the other side of Jordan; for there in that blessed +land the inhab<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>itant shall not say 'I am sick,'" returned Grandma Elsie +in low, sympathising tones. "The Bible tells us that 'God shall wipe +away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, +neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I am not fit for that place yet!" exclaimed Laura with a look +of alarm, "and I don't want to die for years to come, though it is hard +to suffer as I do. You don't think I'm a dying woman, Mrs. Travilla?"</p> + +<p>"You know, dear friend, that no one of us is certain of life for a day +or an hour," returned Grandma Elsie gently, taking the wasted hand in +hers and gazing tenderly into the anxious, troubled face, "and surely it +is the part of wisdom to make careful preparation for that which we must +inevitably meet, sooner or later. And if our peace is made with God—if +Jesus is our Friend and Saviour—it will only be joy unspeakable to be +called into his immediate presence, there to dwell forevermore."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, if one is fitted for it, as Eric, Eva's father, was. Death +seemed only joy to him, except for leaving us. But oh, I am afraid of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>death! Hard as life is in my weak, ailing condition, I don't want to +die, I can't bear to think of it."</p> + +<p>"My poor friend, my heart bleeds for you," said Grandma Elsie in low, +tender tones. "'The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the +law.' But 'Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone +that believeth.' He fulfilled its conditions, he bore the penalty God's +justice required against those who had broken it; and now salvation is +offered as his free gift to all who will accept it: 'Even the +righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon +all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, +and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace +through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth +to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his +righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the +forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: +that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in +Jesus.'"</p> + +<p>"Is that all? only to believe in Jesus?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> Laura asked with a look of +mingled anxiety, hope, and fear. "But one must repent deeply, sincerely, +and oh, I'm afraid I cannot!"</p> + +<p>"He will help you," returned Grandma Elsie in moved tones. "'Him hath +God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to +give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.' Ask him, +remembering his own gracious promise, 'Ask and it shall be given you; +seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For +everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him +that knocketh it shall be opened.'"</p> + +<p>"Ah, I see the way as I never did before," said Laura, after a moment's +silence in which she seemed in deep thought. "What wonderful love and +condescension it was for him, the God-man, to die that painful and +shameful death that we—sinful worms of the dust—might live! Oh, I do +begin to love him and to hate and abhor my sins that helped nail him to +the tree." With the last words tears coursed down her cheeks. "I want to +be his, whether I live or die," she added; and from that hour a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>great +change came over her; her sufferings were borne with patience and +resignation; and when the end came she passed peacefully and quietly +away, leaving her bereaved daughter mourning the separation, but not as +those without hope of a blessed reunion at some future day, in that land +where sin and sorrow, sickness and pain are unknown.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + + +<p>Through all the six long weeks of her mother's illness at Fairview +Evelyn had been a most devoted, tender nurse, scarcely leaving the sick +room for an hour by day or by night. She bore up wonderfully until all +was over and the worn-out body laid to rest in the quiet grave; but then +came the reaction; strength and energy seemed suddenly to forsake her, +and thin, pale, sad, and heavy-eyed, she was but the shadow of her +former self.</p> + +<p>Change of air and scene was the doctor's prescription. She was very +reluctant to leave home and friends for a sojourn in new scenes and +among strangers, but receiving an urgent invitation from Captain and +Mrs. Raymond to spend some weeks at Woodburn with her loved friend +Lucilla, and finding that her uncle and aunt—Dr. Conly also—highly +approved, she gladly accepted; all the more so because she had learned +that Grandma Elsie too, whom she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>loved even better than ever for her +kindness to the dear departed, was about to spend some days or weeks +with her daughter Violet. That was an added attraction to what Evelyn +esteemed one of the most delightful places, and inhabited by the +dearest, kindest, most lovable people anywhere to be found.</p> + +<p>She was most heartily welcomed by the entire family, Lucilla and Grace +being particularly joyful over her arrival.</p> + +<p>It was delightful spring weather, and family and guests, older and +younger, spent much of the time in the beautiful grounds or in driving +and riding about the country.</p> + +<p>The captain pronounced Eva hardly in a fit condition for study, and for +her sake required his daughters Lucilla and Grace to pass only an hour +or two daily in the schoolroom; so that they were able to give to Eva as +much of their society as he considered desirable for her under the +circumstances—seeing that she needed a good deal of quiet rest and +sleep in order to regain the youthful vigour she had lost during the +exhausting nursing of her invalid mother.</p> + +<p>His kindness was highly appreciated by all <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>three, and under its benign +influence Eva made rapid improvement in health and spirits, enjoying +every day of her sojourn at Woodburn, the Sabbath even more than any +other, especially the afternoon study of the Bible in which all took +part, from Grandma Elsie and Captain Raymond down to little Ned.</p> + +<p>The subject chosen for the first lesson after Eva's coming was the +resurrection, probably selected especially for Eva's comfort in her +sorrow over her mother's recent departure, to be with her no more in +this life.</p> + +<p>"Mother," the captain said, addressing Grandma Elsie, when they were all +seated, each with a Bible in hand, "as you are somewhat older and +certainly much wiser than I—especially as regards spiritual +things—will you not take the lead to-day?"</p> + +<p>"Older I certainly am," returned Mrs. Travilla, with her own sweet +smile, "but I think not wiser than yourself, captain; and certainly I +have not made the preparation for this occasion which doubtless you +have. So please lead the exercises just as you would if I were not +present."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You would prefer my doing so?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Very much," she replied. "The resurrection is the subject?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and what a glorious one! how full of comfort for all who believe +in Christ! 'For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand +at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my death my body is +destroyed, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself +and mine eyes shall behold, and not another,' said the patriarch Job; +comforting himself in his affliction with that blessed prospect. The +doctrine of a general resurrection is expressly taught in both the Old +Testament and the New, and I think we cannot spend our lesson hour more +profitably than in looking up the texts on the subject. Can you give us +one, mother?"</p> + +<p>At that Grandma Elsie opened her Bible.</p> + +<p>"Beginning with the Old Testament," she said, "here in Psalms xlix. 15 +we read: 'But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for +he shall receive me. Selah.' Then here in Isaiah; 'Thy dead men shall +live, to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>gether with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye +that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth +shall cast out the dead.'"</p> + +<p>Then Violet, sitting next, read from her open Bible: "'The same day came +to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked +him, saying, Master, Moses said, if a man die, having no children, his +brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now +there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a +wife, deceased, and having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: +likewise the second also, and the third unto the seventh. And last of +all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife shall +she be? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do +err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the +resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as +the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the +dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I +am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>and the God of Jacob? God +is not the God of the dead, but of the living.'"</p> + +<p>Eva's turn came next and she read: "'And the graves were opened; and +many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves +after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto +many.'"</p> + +<p>Then Lucilla: "'Women received their dead raised to life again: and +others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain +a better resurrection.'"</p> + +<p>"Will the resurrection be of all the dead, Grace? the wicked as well as +the righteous?" asked her father.</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa," she answered; then read aloud: "'Marvel not at this: for +the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear +his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the +resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the +resurrection of damnation.'"</p> + +<p>It was little Elsie's turn and she read a verse in Acts pointed out by +her mother: "'And have hope toward God, which they themselves <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>also +allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just +and unjust.'"</p> + +<p>It was Ned's turn now and he read a passage selected for him by his +mother: "'For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also +received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; +and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according +to the Scriptures.'"</p> + +<p>It was the captain's turn again and he went on with the reading: "'Now +if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you +that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no +resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not +risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and +we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God +that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead +rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised, and if +Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then +they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this +life only we have hope in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But +now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them +that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the +resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ +shall all be made alive.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Grandma Elsie, "we needed a divine Saviour, and Christ's +resurrection proved his divinity; as Paul tells us here in the first +chapter of Romans, 'And declared to be the Son of God with power, +according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.' +Peter too teaches us that the resurrection of Christ was necessary to +our salvation. It seems plainly taught in this verse of the fifth +chapter of his first Epistle. 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord +Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us +again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the +dead.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Violet, "Jesus said to his disciples, 'Because I live, ye +shall live also.' His resurrection is surely the pledge and assurance of +that of his people."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Papa, does everybody have to die?" asked little Ned.</p> + +<p>"Everybody except those who are alive when Jesus comes again, as he will +some day in the clouds of heaven. This is what the Apostle Paul tells us +about it in the letter he wrote to the Thessalonians. 'Them also which +sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the +word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of +the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself +shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, +and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then +we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in +the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with +the Lord.'"</p> + +<p>"'Wherefore comfort one another with these words,'" added Evelyn softly, +finishing the quotation; "and oh, what a comfort it is!"</p> + +<p>"There could be none greater," said Grandma Elsie. "Think of being +reunited with all the dear ones gone before, and in the immediate +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>presence of Jesus; never again to be parted from them or him or to know +sin or sorrow or pain. Oh, what joy to be permitted to look upon the +face of our Redeemer, to kneel at his feet, to hear his voice speaking +to each one of us. 'Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall +behold and not another.'"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + + +<p>"Oh, Rosie, you here? I'm delighted! I hope you have come to spend the +day?" exclaimed Lucilla, as on Monday she and Grace, on leaving the +schoolroom where they had been reciting to their father, passed out upon +the veranda in search of Evelyn and the older ladies and found Rose +Travilla seated with the others.</p> + +<p>"Thank you; but suppose I have come intending to stay longer than that? +as long as mamma does, for instance?" laughed Rose, giving and receiving +an affectionate caress; for they had seen nothing of each other for +several days.</p> + +<p>"The longer the better," was Lucilla's hearty rejoinder. "Do you not say +so too, Mamma Vi?" turning to her.</p> + +<p>"Indeed I do," said Violet. "She will certainly make a most pleasant +addition to our party."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think you may as well accept the invitation, Rosie," her mother said +with a pleased smile; "and as I know you do not care to keep your errand +a secret from any of your friends here, we can call a family council and +talk the matter over."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma; that sounds as though you accept Solomon's teaching that +'In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.' And since he was the +wisest of men we may surely consider ourselves safe in so doing. So, if +you like, you may tell Lu and Gracie on what errand I came."</p> + +<p>"Tell it yourself, child," returned her mother with an amused look.</p> + +<p>At that Rosie held up a letter to the view of Lucilla and Grace, saying, +with a smile and blush, "It is from Will Croly. He has grown tired of +waiting and begs to have matters hurried up somewhat: proposes that I +change my name next month, though the prescribed year of waiting would +thereby be shortened by two months or more."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do let him have his way, then!" exclaimed Grace—"at least if he +will promise not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>to carry you off at once after the wedding—for there +could not be a lovelier month for it than beautiful June, the month of +roses."</p> + +<p>"So I should say," chimed in Lucilla, then added hastily, "though I +think I'd make him wait till June of next year, rather than leave such a +mother as Grandma Elsie so soon."</p> + +<p>At that Rosie glanced at her mother and her eyes filled with unbidden +tears.</p> + +<p>"I can't bear to think of that," she said with a tremble in her voice, +"but perhaps I can coax Will to settle down somewhere in this +neighbourhood—bringing his father and mother along so that they won't +be lonely."</p> + +<p>"A very nice plan, Rosie dear, if you can manage to carry it out," +remarked Violet.</p> + +<p>"And I have hope that Will, at least, will favour the plan; for he +seemed much pleased with this neighbourhood when he was here," said +Rosie, adding with a laugh and blush, "and I know my wishes carry great +weight with him."</p> + +<p>"And we will hope that those of his parents may coincide with yours," +added her mother <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>gently; "for I am sure my Rosie would not wish to be +the cause of unhappiness to them."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed, mamma; I can assure you it is my earnest desire to add to +their happiness; not to take from it. I am strongly in hopes, however, +that when they come to know you and all the rest of my dear relatives +here, they will esteem it a delight to live in your midst."</p> + +<p>"And I don't believe they can help it," said Grace. "I am sure everybody +who knows Grandma Elsie, mamma, and papa—not to mention all the other +dear people—loves them and their pleasant society."</p> + +<p>"In all of which I am sure you are quite right, Gracie," said Evelyn.</p> + +<p>"I, too," said Lulu. "But now let us hear the plans for the wedding."</p> + +<p>"They are yet to be made," laughed Rosie.</p> + +<p>"You will want a grand one?" Lulu said in a tone of mingled assertion +and inquiry.</p> + +<p>"Not so very," Rosie answered with a slight shake of her pretty head. "I +think only the relatives and most intimate friends. They alone will make +quite a party, you know. I'll want some bridesmaids. You'll be one, Lu, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>won't you? Unless you fear the truth of the old saying, 'Twice a +bridesmaid never a bride.'"</p> + +<p>"Pooh! what difference need that make?" returned Lulu; "since I don't +intend ever to marry."</p> + +<p>"You don't?" exclaimed Rosie.</p> + +<p>"No; for there is not another man in the world whom I could love half so +dearly as I love my father."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well! that is only because you and the right one haven't happened +to meet yet."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Lulu," said Grandma Elsie, "at your age I thought and felt just as +you do now, but some years later I found that another had gained the +first place in my heart."</p> + +<p>"But my father is so much kinder and more lovable than ever yours was," +was the answering thought in Lucilla's mind, but unwilling to hurt the +dear lady's feelings she refrained from expressing it, and only said +with a little laugh of incredulity, "I suppose I should not be too +certain, but I am entirely willing to run the risk of again acting as +bridesmaid."</p> + +<p>"So that much is settled," returned Rosie <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>in a tone of satisfaction. "I +have always counted upon Eva as another," she continued, "but——"</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Rosie dear, but of course I cannot serve—under present +circumstances," returned Evelyn in a tone of gentle sadness.</p> + +<p>No one spoke again for a moment; then Violet broke the silence by +asking, "How many do you think of having, Rosie?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps six," was the reply, in a musing tone, "at least including +flower girls and maid of honour. Gracie, you will be one of the +bridesmaids, will you not?"</p> + +<p>"If papa does not object, as I hardly think he will."</p> + +<p>"Maud and Sydney Dinsmore I think will serve," continued Rosie. "And +wouldn't it be a pretty idea to have Elsie Raymond and Uncle Horace's +Elsie, who is about the same size, as either bridesmaids or flower +girls?"</p> + +<p>Everyone approved of that idea.</p> + +<p>"Now, it will be in order, I suppose, to settle about the material and +colour of our dresses," remarked Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it might be as well to first decide at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>what time of year they +are to be worn," suggested Mrs. Travilla in her gentle tones.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma, but—you do not want to disappoint Will, do you? And June +is really the prettiest month in the year for a wedding, I think," said +Rose.</p> + +<p>"None lovelier, daughter," her mother responded with a slight sigh, "but +October, my own wedding month, seems to me no less suitable."</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, to be sure! if only Will could be satisfied to wait till +then."</p> + +<p>"It will be hardly longer than the time he was given to understand he +must expect to wait," returned her mother pleasantly, "or than he ought +to think my Rose worth waiting for. But at all events, daughter, we must +consult with your grandpa before deciding. Have you had any talk with +him on the subject?"</p> + +<p>"No, mamma; I preferred coming to you first, and am almost sure grandpa +will think it a matter for you to decide."</p> + +<p>"Probably; yet I shall want his opinion; and besides he is your guardian +as well as your grandfather."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Along with you, mamma; and I love him as both, he is so dear and kind."</p> + +<p>"He is indeed," assented her mother. "He has told me more than once or +twice that my children are scarcely less dear to him than his own."</p> + +<p>"Partly because our father was his dear friend as well as his +son-in-law," added Violet softly.</p> + +<p>"Yes; they were bosom friends before I was born," her mother said with a +far-away look in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Then you must have been very much younger than he, Grandma Elsie," +remarked Grace, half inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Sixteen years younger. I was in my ninth year when I saw him first, and +more than twice that age before I thought of him as anything but a dear, +kind friend—my father's friend and mine."</p> + +<p>"And after that he seemed to you to grow younger, did he not, mamma?" +asked Rosie.</p> + +<p>"Yes; when he joined us in Europe I had not seen him for two years, and +as regarded age he seemed to have been standing still while I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>grew up +to him; and in the daily and intimate intercourse of those months I +learned that his worth was far greater than that of any other man of my +acquaintance—excepting my father. Ah, there was never a better man, a +truer friend, a kinder, more devoted husband and father than he."</p> + +<p>The sweet voice trembled with emotion; she paused for a moment, then +went on:</p> + +<p>"He does not seem dead to me—he is not dead, but only gone before into +the immediate presence of the dear Master, where I hope one day to join +him for an eternity of bliss.</p> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Tis there we'll meet"> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">"''Tis there we'll meet</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">At Jesus' feet,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>When we meet to part no more.'"</td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>Again there was a brief silence, presently broken by the coming of the +captain and his two younger children. All three seemed pleased to find +Rosie there, greeted her affectionately, and then the captain remarked, +glancing from one to another:</p> + +<p>"It strikes me that you are all looking about as grave as if assembled +to discuss the affairs <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>of the nation. Can I have a voice in the +subject, whatever it is?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Brother Levis," replied Rosie, "I am trying to make arrangements +for—doing what you have done twice. And perhaps, since you have had so +much practice, you may be more capable than these other friends and +relatives of giving me advice."</p> + +<p>"Something that I have done twice? What can that be?"</p> + +<p>"Will Croly wants to help me," returned Rosie with a laugh and a blush.</p> + +<p>"Ah! now I understand. Is the vexing question as to the colour and +material of the wedding gown?"</p> + +<p>"Mamma thinks the first thing is to settle when the ceremony is to be +performed. She does not seem to sympathise in Will's haste to have it +over."</p> + +<p>"Which is not at all surprising," returned the captain, glancing at his +two older daughters. "I can quite understand the feeling. But what is +the time proposed by Will?"</p> + +<p>"June of this year."</p> + +<p>"June seems a very suitable month, but if <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>you were my daughter I should +say not June of this year—since you are both young enough to wait for +that of next or the year after."</p> + +<p>"Ah, sir! that was not the way you talked when you wanted to rob mamma +of one of her daughters."</p> + +<p>"No; but I was some years older than Mr. Croly is now, and your sister +Violet very womanly in her ways."</p> + +<p>"And I am not? Ah, well! perhaps it is fortunate for me that the +decision rest with mamma and grandpa."</p> + +<p>"So you, too, are in haste?" queried the captain, regarding her with a +look of amusement.</p> + +<p>"Not at all," she returned, drawing herself up with an air of pretended +indignation. "Who would be in haste to leave such a home and mother as +mine? If I consulted only my own feelings I should be more than willing +to wait another year."</p> + +<p>"Then why not decide to do so?" he asked with a quizzical look.</p> + +<p>"Because I really have some regard for the wishes of my betrothed."</p> + +<p>"And it makes it hard for you that the dif<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>ferent ones you love cannot +agree so that you might please them all," remarked Grace, then +exclaimed, "Ah, here comes grandpa!" as at that moment the Ion carriage +turned in at the great gates.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore seldom let a day pass without a more or less extended +interview with his eldest daughter, and had now come for a call at +Woodburn, bringing his wife with him.</p> + +<p>When the usual greetings had been exchanged the subject of Rosie's +approaching marriage and the letter from Mr. Croly, urging that it take +place speedily, were introduced, and after some discussion it was +decided to let him have his own way. The day was not fixed upon any +farther than that it should be near the end of the month of June, and +with that Rosie seemed satisfied.</p> + +<p>"Now, mamma," she said, "I think we may go on and discuss minor details, +such as dresses and ornaments for bride and attendants."</p> + +<p>"Very well, daughter; you may give us your views on the subject. You +will want your own dress of some rich white material, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma; of Bengaline silk, richly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>trimmed with lace; and I must +have a veil and orange blossoms; also a bouquet of bride roses and +smilax. Lu and Grace, you will want white silk dresses, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," they replied. "And bouquets of white flowers," added Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, you will let me act as one of the bridesmaids, will you not?" +asked Grace, turning to him.</p> + +<p>"I have no objection," he replied. "You may both serve, since Rosie +wishes it and I see you are pleased with the idea. As for the matter of +dress you may settle that for yourselves."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, sir!" both exclaimed joyously, Grace adding, "But won't +you please tell us, papa, just how much we may spend?"</p> + +<p>"Any amount which your mamma and Grandma Elsie do not consider too +great," he replied in an indulgent tone. "However, I think I should not +hesitate to leave that matter to the judgment of my daughters +themselves; for I know that neither of you is inclined to be at all +extravagant."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed," said Violet, "they are always <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>very careful to make sure +that papa is able to afford them what they want."</p> + +<p>"It would be strange if we weren't, Mamma Vi," said Lucilla with a happy +laugh, "for we know that papa loves us so dearly that he would go +without things himself any time rather than deny us anything desirable."</p> + +<p>"And I expect to put him to the additional expense of dressing Elsie +handsomely for the occasion," laughed Rosie.</p> + +<p>"Ah! is she also to be a bridesmaid?" asked the captain with a smiling +glance at his little girl, who was turning her bright eyes from one to +another with a surprised, pleased, yet puzzled look.</p> + +<p>"Not just that," replied Rosie; then went on to explain her plan for +giving the two little Elsies a part in the ceremony.</p> + +<p>"Should you like to do that, daughter?" asked the captain, taking the +hand of the little girl and drawing her to his side.</p> + +<p>"I'm 'most afraid I would not know how to do it right, papa," she +answered with doubtful look and tone.</p> + +<p>"You can take lessons beforehand," he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>said; "but you shall do just as +you please about it."</p> + +<p>"And the question need not be decided at once," remarked Grandma Elsie. +"We will let the matter rest till we learn what your cousin Elsie +Dinsmore thinks about joining you in it."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Rosie, "and fortunately we do not need to settle anything +more to-day. Maud and Sydney must be consulted before we quite decide on +the colour and material of the bridesmaids' dresses."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + + +<p>A pause in the conversation upon the veranda was broken by an +exclamation from little Ned. "Cousin Arthur is coming!" he cried as a +carriage turned in at the great gates and came swiftly up the driveway.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said his father, stepping forward to meet and welcome Dr. Conly, +"always a visitor we are delighted to see, whether we are sick or well. +Good-morning, sir! We are all glad to see you as friend and guest, +though fortunately not in need of your professional services at present. +I hope the demands of other patients are not so pressing that we may not +keep you here till after dinner."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, but I can stay for only a hasty call," replied the doctor, +alighting and shaking hands with one after another as they crowded about +him.</p> + +<p>"You look like the bringer of good news, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>cousin," said Grandma Elsie, +regarding him with a pleased smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, "I feel myself a very fortunate and happy man to-day, +and have come to tell my news and ask the sympathy and congratulations +of you my relatives and friends. My Marian and I have a son—a fine +healthy babe, now some hours old—mother and child are doing as well as +possible."</p> + +<p>The congratulations were poured forth without stint. Then Mr. Dinsmore +asked, "What do you propose to call the lad?"</p> + +<p>"Ronald. It is Marian's choice and I am well content, for it is a good +name, and I highly esteem the dear old cousin who has showed such +kindness to the mother."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is worthy of it," said Grandma Elsie. "I have always felt proud +to own him as my kinsman."</p> + +<p>"And Ronald and Conly go well together, making a very pretty name, to my +thinking," said Rosie.</p> + +<p>"Have they heard the news at Beechwood yet?" asked Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"I think not," replied the doctor; "but I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>shall take it in my way home, +as it will make the drive only a little longer and I need delay there +but a moment." Then with a hasty adieu he took his departure.</p> + +<p>"Art is a very happy man to-day," Mr. Dinsmore remarked with a pleased +smile, as they watched the doctor's gig on its way down the drive.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I know of no one more worthy of happiness, and it does me good to +see it," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"And no doubt dear Marian's heart is overflowing with love and +gratitude," said Grandma Elsie in low, soft tones. "I quite want to see +her and her new treasure."</p> + +<p>"Both she and Art will be very proud to show it to their friends and +relatives," remarked Violet with a smile, "though he will be careful not +to admit even relatives for some days yet. He is very kind and careful +as both husband and physician."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Rosie; "he will take excellent care of Marian and have her +well in time to attend the wedding, I hope."</p> + +<p>"I think we can manage that, daughter, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>we have not fixed upon the +day," her mother said with playful look and tone.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, mamma! and I do intend it to be at least six weeks before I +leave girlhood for married life," returned Rosie, laughing and blushing +as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"It is too serious a step to be taken hastily, my dear young sister," +remarked the captain in a tone between jest and earnest; "a step that +once taken cannot be retraced—a venture involving the happiness or +misery of perhaps a lifetime; certainly the lifetime of one if not of +both."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you frighten me!" cried Rosie, drawing a long breath and lifting +her hands with a gesture of alarm and despair; "what shall I do? Would +you recommend single blessedness—you who have twice tried laying hold +of the other horn of the dilemma?"</p> + +<p>"Only for a time," he said. "Look well before you leap, as I did, and +then you will be in little danger of wanting to leap back again."</p> + +<p>"You don't? you never do?" she queried in mock surprise and doubt.</p> + +<p>"Never!" he said with a smiling, admiring <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>glance into Violet's +beautiful eyes, watching him with not a shade of doubt or distrust in +their azure depths; "never for a moment have I been conscious of the +slightest inclination to do so."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, my dear," Violet said. "And, Rosie, let me tell you for your +encouragement that I have known no more regret than has he. I am very +sure that if it were in our power to reconsider, the question would be +decided exactly as it was years ago."</p> + +<p>"I believe it," responded Rosie heartily, "and that Will and I will be +able to say the same when we too have lived together for years. He is +good as gold, I know, and I shall try to be worthy of him."</p> + +<p>The call to dinner here put an end to the conversation and the talk at +the table was upon other themes.</p> + +<p>Shortly after the conclusion of the meal Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore returned +to Ion, while the others, some on horseback, the rest in the family +carriage, went over to the Oaks to call upon the relatives there and +consult with them on the arrangements for the wedding, particu<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>larly the +dress of the bride and her attendants—a subject of great interest to +the ladies, especially such to the young girls, but one which the two +gentlemen—Captain Raymond and young Mr. Dinsmore—were so entirely +willing to leave to their decision that they presently excused +themselves and walked out into the grounds, Mr. Dinsmore wishing to +consult the captain in regard to some improvements that he had in +contemplation.</p> + +<p>Then Rosie announced her errand and gave her invitation to Maud and +Sydney. It was accepted promptly and with evident pleasure by both. Then +Rosie went on to speak of her idea of having the two little Elsies act +as flower girls.</p> + +<p>"My niece and my cousin, and both bearing mamma's name; about the same +size, too; would it not be pretty?" she asked, and received a chorus of +approving replies.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'd like to!" cried Elsie Dinsmore, clapping her hands in delight. +"It's ever so good in you, Cousin Rosie, to choose us! and I suppose we +will be dressed alike, won't we?"</p> + +<p>"That is my idea," said Rosie, "and I pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>sume your mothers will not +withhold their consent."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you will let us, mamma—you and Cousin Vi—won't you?" cried the +child, turning to them.</p> + +<p>"I am entirely willing, if that suits Cousin Vi and her Elsie," replied +her mother.</p> + +<p>"As it will, I am sure," said Violet.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma," said her Elsie, "I shall like it, for I am sure you and +the other ladies will choose a pretty dress for us."</p> + +<p>"Probably no prettier than some that you already own," Violet returned +with an amused look. "Try not to think or care too much for dress, +daughter; there are so many things which are much more important."</p> + +<p>"But it isn't wrong to like to be tastefully dressed, is it, mamma?" +asked the little girl with a slightly troubled look.</p> + +<p>"No, I think not, dear," returned her mother with a loving smile into +the inquiring eyes; "if it were wrong to love pretty things, surely God +would not have made so many for our eyes to look upon—the beautiful +flowers and fruits, the sunset clouds, the stars, to mention only a +few—<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>but he—our kind Heavenly Father—loves to give us enjoyment."</p> + +<p>"And I do enjoy all the pretty things very much indeed, mamma," +responded the little girl with a look of relief and pleasure, "and I'm +glad it isn't wrong; I like to see pretty clothes on you and my sisters +quite as much as on myself. And don't you think papa likes to have us +all nicely dressed?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure he does; and you may feel very certain that papa approves of +nothing but what is right."</p> + +<p>"Those are exactly mine and my husband's sentiments upon the subject in +question," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore in a lively tone. "But now let us hear +what those girls are talking about."</p> + +<p>"You will be married in church?" Maud was saying inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"No," said Rosie in a tone of decision; "I mean to follow the good +example of my mother and older sisters in having a home wedding."</p> + +<p>"And you will want ushers? I was just going to ask who were to serve in +that capacity."</p> + +<p>"I believe Mr. Croly has engaged my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>brothers Harold and Herbert, who +are his most intimate friends," replied Rosie; "but of course there will +be plenty of time for all those arrangements."</p> + +<p>"I dare say he will ask Uncle Harold to be best man," said Grace.</p> + +<p>"Very likely," said Rosie, "and Herbert, Chester, and Frank for ushers. +We may as well make it a family affair," she added with a satisfied +little laugh.</p> + +<p>"And if either you or Will conclude that you would prefer a larger +number it will be an easy matter to think of, and invite them to serve a +little later," remarked Violet.</p> + +<p>"Yes, there is plenty of time," said their mother, smiling lovingly into +Rosie's bright eyes. "I am in no hurry to give my youngest daughter to +even so entirely a good, worthy, and amiable young man as William +Croly."</p> + +<p>"Please do not look at it in that way, mother dear. Please remember that +you are not to lose your daughter, but to gain another good son."</p> + +<p>"That is right, Rosie; I do believe it is going to prove a gain all +round," said Violet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, of course it is," said Maud; "that is settled; so now let us +consider and decide the important question what colours we are to wear +on the grand occasion. Lu, you wore canary colour at Betty Norris' +wedding; suppose I take that this time and you wear pink; it will become +you quite as well, I think."</p> + +<p>"I suppose so," said Lucilla, "and am perfectly willing to wear it."</p> + +<p>"And pink beside my white will look very pretty," said Rosie. "Lu is to +be maid of honor, you know, girls."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and I for one highly approve your choice, Rosie," said Evelyn with +an affectionate, admiring look at Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and suppose we dress your little flower girls in pink, also," +suggested Mrs. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>That idea seemed to suit everybody.</p> + +<p>"I like that colour," remarked Elsie Dinsmore sagely, "but I shall be +particular about having very handsome material."</p> + +<p>"It shall be handsome enough to accord well with the others," said her +mother with an amused laugh.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think straw colour becomes me," remarked Maud; "so that is what I +shall wear, if the rest of the party approve."</p> + +<p>"And blue will be the thing for Gracie and me," said Sydney. "What do +you say to that, Gracie?"</p> + +<p>"I am satisfied if Rosie and the rest approve," was Grace's +pleasant-toned reply.</p> + +<p>"So that is settled," said Sydney. "Wouldn't it be well for us all to go +into the city to-morrow, see what we can find there to suit us, and +order other things sent for?"</p> + +<p>"What do you say to that, mamma?" asked Rosie.</p> + +<p>"I see no objection to it," replied Grandma Elsie. "But we will consult +the captain in regard to that matter," she added, as at that moment he +and her brother came in.</p> + +<p>"Ah! upon what is my valuable opinion desired, mother?" he asked in +playful tones; then, in response to the explanation given, said that he +thought it a very good plan, as it would surely do no harm to begin +needed preparations promptly.</p> + +<p>"Then, papa, won't you excuse Gracie and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>me from lessons for the next +few days?" asked Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"I will; you may consider the remainder of the week a holiday," he +replied.</p> + +<p>"For Ned and me too, papa?" asked Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Yes; if you think you can assist in the shopping."</p> + +<p>"I should like to help choose my own things if you and mamma are +willing," she said with a persuasive look from one to the other.</p> + +<p>"I think you will be allowed a voice in the selection," he replied, +patting her cheek as she leaned upon his knee, looking up affectionately +and pleadingly into his face.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Violet, "and I am sure we shall be able to find dress goods +and whatever else is needed, that will suit all three of us."</p> + +<p>"And it will be four days' holiday we'll have," remarked Ned with +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"You are planning to have your wedding a good deal after the pattern of +Cousin Betty's, Rosie," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"Yes; in some respects, for I thought it a very pretty wedding; but that +ceremony took <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>place in the church, while I mean to be married at home; +also there will probably be a difference in the number of attendants and +their dress," replied Rosie. "And by the way, mamma," she added, turning +to her mother, "we must send Betty an invitation in good season for her +to arrange matters so that she can come to my wedding. I was one of her +bridesmaids, you remember, and should be sorry indeed to neglect her at +this time."</p> + +<p>"She shall not be forgotten, daughter," was Grandma Elsie's ready +response; "we will shortly make out a list of those you wish to invite, +that none may be forgotten or overlooked."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma; if our list contains only relatives and very intimate +friends we will be quite a large party, should all accept."</p> + +<p>"Now about to-morrow's shopping," said Sydney. "We need to settle when +we will set out on our expedition, where we will meet, or whether we +will divide our forces and each division decide questions of taste and +expense independently of the others."</p> + +<p>"As there are so many of us I think the lat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>ter plan would be the better +one," said Grandma Elsie.</p> + +<p>"And as regards dress goods, we can secure samples and hold a +consultation over them before making the purchases," said Violet; adding +with a smiling glance at her Elsie, "that will be only fair where two or +more are to be dressed alike."</p> + +<p>"I like that plan, mamma," said the little girl, "and I do intend to be +satisfied with whatever you and papa choose for me."</p> + +<p>"With some help from my mamma and me," said the other Elsie in a tone +that seemed to imply some fear that their choice might not be altogether +to her taste.</p> + +<p>"Tut! tut!" said her father. "You need not be in the least afraid that +such good judges will fail to select as handsome and suitable material +as could be desired."</p> + +<p>"But please, Uncle Horace, let her have a vote on the question," said +Violet pleasantly. "There may be several pieces of goods of the chosen +colour, equally desirable; nor is it necessary that the two dresses +should be off the same piece; only that they match in colour."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I feel sure there will be no difficulty in settling upon which will +be satisfactory to all parties," added Mrs. Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>With a little more chat all the arrangements for the morrow's shopping +expedition were concluded. Then the Woodburn party bade good-bye and +returned to their home.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + + +<p>The weather the next morning proved all that could be desired, and the +shopping expedition a grand success—everybody being not only satisfied +but charmed with <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original text does not have this word">the</ins> results.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Travilla and Rosie returned to Ion that evening, but scarcely a day +passed while the preparations for the wedding were going on, without +more or less interchange of visits among the young people of that place, +Woodburn, Fairview, and the Oaks and Pinegrove.</p> + +<p>Naturally the deepest interest was felt and shown by the ladies and +young girls, but brothers and cousins were by no means indifferent. +Harold and Herbert, though well pleased with the idea of taking their +friend Croly into the family, were loath to part with Rosie, their +youngest and only single sister, the only one now left in the Ion +family. She had always been somewhat of a pet with them, and during +these last weeks of her life with them they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>treated her as one for whom +they could not do enough; while her manner toward them showed full +appreciation of their kindness and affection. Much of her time and +thoughts was necessarily taken up with the preparations for her +approaching marriage; but in leisure moments she had many sad thoughts +in regard to the coming separation from home and all there whom she so +loved; especially the tender mother who had been, until within a few +months, her dearest earthly friend.</p> + +<p>"Mamma dear, dearest mamma, I can hardly endure the thought of leaving +you," she sighed one day with starting tears, as they sat together over +their needlework in Mrs. Travilla's dressing room.</p> + +<p>They were quite alone at the moment, Zoe, who had been with them, having +just gone out with her little ones.</p> + +<p>"No one can ever take your place in my heart or home," continued Rosie +with almost a sob, "and oh, how I shall miss you—your love, your sweet +motherly counsels, your tender sympathy in all my joys and sorrows—oh, +mamma, mamma! at times the very thought of it all is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>almost +unendurable, and I am tempted to say to Will that he may come to me if +he likes, but that I can never tear myself away from my dear home and +the precious mother who has been everything to me since I first drew the +breath of life!" and dropping her work she knelt at her mother's feet, +lifting to hers eyes full of tears.</p> + +<p>"Dear child," her mother responded in tones tremulous with emotion, and +bending down to press a kiss on the quivering lips, "it gives me a sad +and sore heart to think of it. And yet, daughter dear, we may hope to +see each other very often—to spend weeks and months of every year in +each other's society, and when we are apart to exchange letters daily; +and best of all, to be in a few brief years together in the better land, +never to part again."</p> + +<p>"Ah, mamma dear, that last seems a long look ahead. At least—oh, mamma, +I cannot bear the thought of—of death coming between us; and yet we can +hardly hope to go together."</p> + +<p>"No, daughter dear, but time is short, as you will realize when you have +seen as many years in this world as I have; and after it will come <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>the +never-ending ages of eternity—eternity, which we are hoping to spend +with our dear ones in the immediate presence of our Redeemer—united, +never to part again."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma; oh, that is indeed a sweet thought. But," she added with a +heavy sigh, "sometimes I fear I may miss heaven; I seem so far, so very +far from fit for its employments and its joys—so often indulging in +wrong thoughts and feelings—so taken up with earthly cares and +interests."</p> + +<p>"Dear daughter, look to God for help to fight against your sinful +nature," replied her mother in moved tones. "He says 'In me is thine +help'; 'He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he +increaseth strength.' 'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their +strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and +not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.' 'Fear thou not; for I am +with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; +yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my +righteousness.' These are some of his gracious promises."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah, mamma, but the question with me is, is he really my God? am I +his?—truly one of his redeemed ones, his adopted children? How shall I +make sure of that?"</p> + +<p>"By accepting his conditions and believing his word, 'Come unto me all +ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.' 'Him that +cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.' Come now and accept his +offered salvation, whether you have done so before or not; come, +believing his word; 'I will in no wise cast out,' 'I have blotted out, +as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud, thy sins: return +unto me; for I have redeemed thee.' 'Surely shall one say, In the Lord +have I righteousness and strength; even to him shall all men come.' 'In +the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.' +'The just shall live by faith,' and faith is the gift of God, as we are +told again and again in his Holy Word; a gift that he will grant to all +who ask it of him."</p> + +<p>There was a sound of approaching footsteps and Rosie resumed her seat, +taking up the work she had dropped. They recognised the step as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +Harold's, and the next moment he stood in the open doorway.</p> + +<p>"Mamma," he said, "I am going over to Roselands and should like to take +you along. You have not seen that youngest Conly yet, and Arthur +considers Marian now quite well enough for a call from you. I know, too, +that she is wanting to see you."</p> + +<p>"And I to see her, the dear girl," responded his mother, laying aside +her work. "Come in and sit down while I don my bonnet and mantle."</p> + +<p>"Let me get them out for you, mamma," said Rosie, dropping her +embroidery and hastening to do so.</p> + +<p>"I should include you in the invitation, Rosie," said Harold, "but we +think it safer not to let Marian have the excitement of many callers +until she gains more strength."</p> + +<p>"I thought she was doing finely," returned Rosie, bringing her mother's +mantle and putting it about her with loving care.</p> + +<p>"So she is," replied Harold with a light laugh; "but we cannot be too +careful of her to satisfy her doting husband, and though eager to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>exhibit her new treasure to all her friends and relatives, she is +entirely submissive to his will in the matter."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, I can wait," laughed Rosie. "Give her my love, mamma, and +tell her I am not staying away from any indifference to her or the +little newcomer."</p> + +<p>"No fear that she would ever suspect you of that, Rosie dear," her +mother said, with a slight smile; "but I will assure her of your +interest in both herself and baby boy. Now good-bye till my return, +which I presume will be in the course of an hour or two."</p> + +<p>"Don't hurry home on my account, mamma dear," returned Rosie. "I shall +not be lonely. I have letters to write, and that will make the time pass +quickly."</p> + +<p>"It is a lovely day and the short drive with my son will be very +enjoyable," Mrs. Travilla remarked, as Harold handed her into the +vehicle.</p> + +<p>"To us both, I hope, mother," he returned, giving her an affectionate +look and smile. "Yours is to me the best company in the world. The roads +are in fine condition," he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>added as he took up the reins and they +started down the avenue, "the fields and gardens along the way also, and +the air full of the fragrance of flower and shrub. Oh, on such a morning +as this it seems a joy just to be alive and well!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," she responded, "oh, what cause for gratitude to the Giver of all +good that you and I, and all our nearest and dearest in this world, are +alive and well."</p> + +<p>"Yes, mother; attendance upon the sick and suffering has given me a +higher appreciation of the greatness of the blessing of sound health +than I had in earlier days. It is saddening to witness suffering from +accident and disease, but a great privilege to be able in many cases to +relieve it. That last makes me thankful that I was led to choose the +medical profession."</p> + +<p>"And you have often an opportunity to minister to souls as well as +bodies; one which I hope you do not neglect."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I have sometimes neglected it, mother," he acknowledged +with a sigh, "and at others performed it in a very halting and imperfect +way. But as you know—for I could not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>keep from you such gladness as +the knowledge of that fact brought me—I have been privileged to win +some souls to Christ—smooth some dying pillows—and to lead some +recovering ones to devote their spared lives and restored health to the +service of the Master—the Physician of souls—in whose footsteps I +ardently desire to tread."</p> + +<p>"I know it, my dear son, and it has filled me with joy and gratitude for +you, for them, and for myself—that I am the mother of one whom God has +so honoured and blessed."</p> + +<p>Then she inquired about the condition and needs of some of his poorer +patients; for she made it her business to provide for their necessities +and to furnish many a little luxury that helped on convalescence or +smoothed the passage to the grave.</p> + +<p>As they drove up the avenue at Roselands Dr. Conly came out upon the +veranda, his face beaming with smiles.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Cousin Elsie," he said as he assisted her to alight, "this is kind. +Marian has been looking forward to your visit with longing, both to see +you and to exhibit to your appreciative <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>eyes the little one who seems +to her the greatest and loveliest darling the world ever saw."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I can understand that," she returned with a low, pleased laugh. "I +have not forgotten how lovely and what an inestimable treasure my first +baby seemed to me; though I am by no means sure that each one who +followed was not an equal joy and delight."</p> + +<p>"Your second son among the rest, I hope, mother," laughed Harold.</p> + +<p>She gave him a loving smile in response.</p> + +<p>"Will you go up with us, Harold?" asked Arthur.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," he said. "I will busy myself here with the morning +paper while mother makes her little call."</p> + +<p>It was a most inviting looking apartment into which the doctor conducted +his cousin, tastefully furnished and redolent of the breath of flowers; +in pretty vases set here and there on bureau, mantel, and table, and +blooming in the garden beneath the open windows whence the soft, warm +air came stealing in through the lace curtains. But the chief ornaments +of the room were its living occupants—the young <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>mother lying amid her +snowy pillows and the little one sleeping in its dainty crib close at +her side.</p> + +<p>"Dear Cousin Elsie, you have come at last, and I am, oh, so glad to see +you!" Marian exclaimed with a look of eager delight, and holding out her +hand in joyous welcome. "I have hardly known how to wait to show you our +treasure and receive your congratulations."</p> + +<p>"Dear girl, I can quite understand that," Mrs. Travilla said with a +smile and a tender caress, "and I wanted to come sooner; should have +done so had your good husband deemed it entirely safe for you."</p> + +<p>"Ah, he is very careful of me," returned Marian, giving him a glance of +ardent affection. "But, oh, look at our darling! His father and mother +think him the sweetest creature that ever was made," she added with a +happy laugh, laying a hand on the edge of the crib and gazing with eyes +full of mother love at the tiny pink face nestling among the pillows +there.</p> + +<p>Elsie bent over it too in tender motherly fashion.</p> + +<p>"He is a dear little fellow," she said softly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> "I congratulate you both +on this good gift from our Heavenly Father, and wish for you that he may +grow up into a God-fearing man, a blessing to his parents, to the Church +and the world."</p> + +<p>"I hope he may indeed, cousin, and I want you to join your prayers to +ours that we may have grace and wisdom to train him up aright, should it +please the Lord to spare him to us," said the doctor with emotion.</p> + +<p>"I think his mother needs those prayers the most," said Marian low and +softly. "I am but a foolish young thing; scarcely fit for so great a +responsibility; but I am more glad and thankful than words can tell that +the darling has a good, wise, Christian father to both train him and set +him a good example."</p> + +<p>"It is a cause for great thankfulness," Elsie said, "but never forget, +dear girl, how very great and important is a mother's influence; +especially in the early years when the strongest and most lasting +impressions are apt to be made. No doubt you feel—as I often have, +often do—like crying out in the midst of it all, 'Alas, who is +sufficient for these things!' but what a bless<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>ing, what a comfort is +the promise, 'If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth +to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, those are comforting texts!" Marian said with a look of relief. "I +wish I were as well acquainted with the Bible as you are, cousin."</p> + +<p>"I know more of it now than I did at your age," Elsie returned in a +reassuring tone, "and you, as well as I, have it at hand to turn to in +every perplexity; and if you do so you will find the truth of the words +of the Psalmist, 'Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my +path.'"</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes! an open Bible is an inestimable blessing," said Arthur, "and +my Marian and I will endeavour to make it the rule of our life, the man +of our counsel."</p> + +<p>At that moment the babe stirred and opened its eyes.</p> + +<p>"Ah, he is awake, the darling!" said Marian. "Don't you want to take him +up, papa, and let Cousin Elsie have a better look at him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma; as you know, I am very <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>proud to exhibit my son and heir," +laughed the doctor, bending over the crib, gently lifting the babe and +placing it in Elsie's arms, smilingly outstretched to receive it.</p> + +<p>"He is indeed a lovely little darling," she said, gazing on it with +admiring eyes, then softly pressing her lips to the velvet cheek. "There +is nothing sweeter to me than a little helpless babe. I hope he may live +to grow up if the will of God be so, and I think he is going to resemble +his father," she added with a most affectionate look up into the +doctor's face.</p> + +<p>"If he equals his father in all respects, his mother will be fully +satisfied," Marian said with a happy little laugh.</p> + +<p>"Ah, love is blind, dearest," was Arthur's smiling response.</p> + +<p>"And well for me that it is in your case, as I have often thought," she +said in sportive tone, "for it seems to hide all my imperfections and +show you virtues that are wholly imaginary."</p> + +<p>"Then it is a very good and desirable kind of blindness, I think," +remarked Grandma Elsie with her pleasant smile.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, Cousin Elsie, please tell me about Rosie," Marian requested with a +look of keen interest. "I suppose she is both very busy and very happy."</p> + +<p>"Quite busy and happy too, I think, except when her thoughts turn upon +the approaching separation—partial at least—from home and its loved +ones."</p> + +<p>"And doubtless that thought makes you sad too, cousin," sighed Marian. +"Ah, what a world of partings it is! and how sudden and unexpected many +of them are."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but there are none in that happy land to which we are journeying. +Ah, what a blessed land it must be! no sin, no sorrow, pain or care, no +death, but eternal life at the foot of the dear Master whose love for +his redeemed ones is greater, tenderer than that of a mother for her own +little helpless child."</p> + +<p>"How intense it must be!" said Marian musingly. "I can realise that now +as I never could before my little darling came. But now, about Rosie and +her betrothed. Do they not expect to settle somewhere in this region, +cousin?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think that question remains yet to be fully discussed; it is +certainly still undecided. Probably they will not for some time settle +permanently in any one spot. Mrs. Croly is an invalid, almost constantly +being taken from place to place in search of health, and never satisfied +to be long separated from either husband or son—her only child."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I'm afraid that will make it hard for Rosie," said Marian. "By the +way, I think they would better bring her here and put her in our +doctor's care," she added with a smiling and arch look up into her +husband's face.</p> + +<p>"Ah, my dear!" he said with a slight smile and a warning shake of the +head, "don't allow yourself to take to the business of hunting up cases +for me; especially chronic and incurable ones."</p> + +<p>"But is she so bad as that?" asked Marian, turning to her cousin Elsie +again.</p> + +<p>"I suppose so," Elsie replied. "I have never been told that her case was +considered incurable, but I know that she has been an invalid for many +years."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And with no daughter to nurse and care for her! She may well deem +herself fortunate in getting one so sweet and bright as Rosie."</p> + +<p>"Rosie has had no experience as a nurse," said her mother, "but she is +kind-hearted and I hope will prove a pleasant and helpful daughter to +her husband's mother; as she has been to her own."</p> + +<p>"I haven't a doubt of it. And is the wedding to come off soon, cousin?"</p> + +<p>"The day has not yet been set," replied Mrs. Travilla, with a slight +sigh at thought of the parting that must follow, "but we expect to fix +upon one in the latter part of June; which I hope will give you time to +grow strong enough to make one of our party. But I fear I am keeping you +talking too long," she added, rising and laying the babe, who had fallen +asleep again, gently back among its pillows.</p> + +<p>"I am sure your call has done me good, and I hope you will come again +soon, dear cousin," Marian said, receiving and returning a farewell +caress.</p> + +<p>"Sometime when your doctor gives permission," was Elsie's smiling reply. +"Never mind <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>coming down with me, Arthur," she added, "I know the way +and have a son waiting there on the veranda to hand me into the +carriage. So good-bye, and don't consider it necessary to wait for +sickness among us to call you to Ion."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + + +<p>Left alone upon the veranda, Harold sat scanning the columns of the +morning paper, when a light step drew near, a pleasant voice said, +"Good-morning," and looking up he found Mrs. Calhoun Conly, with a babe +in her arms, close by his side.</p> + +<p>"Oh! good-morning to you, Cousin Mary," he returned, hastily rising and +gallantly handing her to a seat. "I am glad to see you and the little +one looking so well."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," she returned merrily, "it would be a pity if we failed to +keep well with so many doctors about. Were you waiting to see Arthur? I +believe he is in the house—probably up in his wife's room—though I +have not seen him since breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is there, sharing with Marian a call from my mother."</p> + +<p>"Ah! that is nice for Marian; she has been wanting to see Cousin Elsie +badly. I want a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>call from her too, and hope she will not forget me when +through with my sister-in-law."</p> + +<p>"Hardly, I think; it is not mother's way to forget anyone; especially so +near and dear a relative as yourself, Cousin Mary. But don't set your +heart on a long call this morning, for some other folks want the doctor +if you don't."</p> + +<p>"Ah! and your mother has taken up the practice of medicine, has she?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't say that exactly, but certainly her advice and +suggestions are sometimes more beneficial to the patient than those of +her doctor son; then think of the enviable condition of the patient who +can have both," returned Harold laughingly. "Ah, here comes Cousin Cal!" +as a horseman came galloping up the avenue.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning, Harold!" Calhoun said, as he alighted, giving his steed +in charge to a servant, and came up the veranda steps. "I have been out +in the field for some hours, overseeing the work of my men, saw you +passing a few moments since with your mother, and could not resist the +temptation to leave them and come in for a bit of chat with her and +yourself."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Especially with me, of course," laughed Harold as the two shook hands +and Calhoun, seating himself near his wife, took the babe, which was +stretching out its arms to him with a cooing invitation not to be +resisted by the doting father.</p> + +<p>"Mother's particular errand this morning was a call upon Marian; she is +paying it now, and I presume will be down in the course of ten or +fifteen minutes," added Harold.</p> + +<p>"You will both stay to dinner, won't you?" queried Calhoun hospitably. +"We'd be delighted to have you do so."</p> + +<p>"That we would," added his wife heartily.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," returned Harold, "but I have some rather urgent calls to +make and hope to get mother to accompany me. I know of no one else who +can say such comforting things to the sick and depressed."</p> + +<p>"Nor do I," responded Mrs. Conly. "If I am in the least depressed, a +call from her, or a chat with her, always raises my spirits; she can +always show you a silver lining to the cloud, however dark it may be."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Harold, "her faith in the good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>ness and love of God is so +strong and unwavering, and she realizes so perfectly that life in this +world is short and fleeting, that which follows unending and full of +bliss to all who believe in the Lord Jesus, that she is ever content +with whatever Providence sends her. I never knew a happier Christian."</p> + +<p>"Nor I," said Mary. "I only wish we were all more like her in that +respect."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Calhoun, "and I believe we are every one of us the happier +and better for knowing her. I have been thinking that it will be hard +for Rosie to leave such a mother."</p> + +<p>"That it will," sighed Harold; "and hard for mother, and all of us +indeed, to part with Rosie. But of course the members of so large a +family as ours cannot expect to remain together all through life."</p> + +<p>"Yes; weddings are apt to bring both joy and sorrow," remarked Mrs. +Conly reflectively; "the forming of new ties and the breaking of old +ones. One cannot altogether forget the old loves, however sweet the new +may be; but when we get to the better land we may hope to have them +all," she added with an appreciative glance <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>at her husband. "Ah, how +delightful that will be!"</p> + +<p>There was a moment's silence; then Harold said, "The wedding day having +not been fixed yet the invitations have not been sent out, but I know +mother is hoping to see your parents here at that time, Cousin Mary."</p> + +<p>"That is kind," she returned with a pleased smile; "I supposed they +would be invited, and that so I should have the better prospect of +getting a long promised visit from them myself. But if you invite all +the relatives you will have a great many guests to entertain—that is +should all, or nearly all, accept. However, it is more than likely that +by far the larger number will feel constrained to content themselves +with sending regrets, congratulations, and gifts."</p> + +<p>"I hope," said Harold quickly and earnestly, "I am sure we all do—that +no one will feel called upon for that last. I trust that will be fully +understood. The parents of both bride and groom being abundantly able to +provide everything necessary or desirable, why should distant relatives +and friends assist in it, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>perhaps at the cost of embarrassment or +self-denial?"</p> + +<p>"But you should not deny the privilege to those who are abundantly able +and would feel it a pleasure," returned Mary with playful look and tone; +"which I am sure is the case with some of the relatives," she added.</p> + +<p>"No," said Harold, "I should not deny it, but would have a distinct +understanding that it was not expected or desired, at the cost of +hardship or self-denial to the giver, or his or her nearer and dearer +ones."</p> + +<p>At that moment his mother stepped from the doorway into the veranda. +Very warmly affectionate greetings were exchanged, she was quickly +installed in an easy-chair, and some moments were spent in lively chat.</p> + +<p>"Do take off your bonnet, Cousin Elsie, and stay and dine with us," +urged Calhoun hospitably. "Our young doctor here insists that he cannot; +but let him go on and visit the patients he thinks need his services, +and call here again for you; unless you will allow me the pleasure of +seeing you safely home later in the day."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thank you, Cal," she said in reply, "but Rosie will be looking out for +her mother—as I promised her I would not be gone very long—and I want +to see some of my boy's patients myself, and to make a little call at +Beechwood. You know they are all relatives there, and Annis and I very +old and dear friends."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and it is growing late," said Harold, consulting his watch; "so, +whenever you are ready, mother, we will start."</p> + +<p>"I am that now," she answered, rising with the words. "Good-bye, Cousin +Mary. Come over to Ion whenever you can make it convenient. And when you +write home be as urgent as possible in your entreaties that your parents +will come to the wedding and be prepared to remain in the neighbourhood +for a long visit after it is over."</p> + +<p>"You may rest assured that I will do my very best to bring them here and +for as long a stay as possible," was Mary's smiling and earnest reply.</p> + +<p>"And never doubt, cousin, that I will do my best to second her efforts," +said Calhoun, handing her into the carriage as he spoke.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Will there be time for a call at Beechwood, Harold?" she asked as they +drove down the avenue.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, mother! I think so," he replied. "I have but two calls to make +on the way, and it is not likely either need be very long."</p> + +<p>"I would not have anyone neglected for my convenience," she remarked in +a cheery tone, "but should be glad to spend a half hour with Annis if I +can do so without loss or inconvenience to anyone else."</p> + +<p>"Always thoughtful for others, mother dear," Harold said, giving her a +most affectionate look and smile. "I think you may trust me not to +neglect my patients."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, indeed," she responded; "and that you will never be less +careful and considerate of the poor than of the rich."</p> + +<p>Fortunately they found all doing so well that no lengthened call was +necessary, and they reached Beechwood in season to allow quite a long +chat between the lady cousins before it would be time for Mrs. Travilla +and her son to set out on their return to Ion.</p> + +<p>They found Mr. Lilburn and Annis seated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>upon the front veranda, she +with a bit of needlework in her hands, he reading aloud to her. He +closed his book as the carriage drove up, and laying it aside, hastened +to assist his Cousin Elsie to alight, greeting her with warmth of +affection as he did so. Annis dropped her work and hastened to meet and +embrace her, saying:</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I am glad to see you, Elsie! I had letters this morning from +Mildred and Zilla, both bringing a great deal of love to you and a +cordial invitation to you and yours—as well as my husband and +myself—to pay them a visit this summer. They have not yet heard of +Rosie's approaching marriage, I find."</p> + +<p>"But must hear of it very soon," Elsie said with a smile. "As soon as +the important day is fixed upon I must send out my invitations; and you +may rest assured that none of our relatives will be forgotten or +neglected; certainly not one of your sisters or brothers."</p> + +<p>"No, my dear cousin, it would not be at all like you to neglect any of +them," returned Annis with a smile of loving appreciation. "Ah, Harold!" +turning to him as, having se<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>cured his horse, he came up the veranda +steps and joined their little group, "I am glad to see you; especially +as, like a dear, good boy, you have brought your mother along."</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, grasping cordially the hand she held out, "I find I am +sure of a welcome anywhere when I am fortunate enough to induce mother +to accompany me. Sick or well, everybody is glad to see her."</p> + +<p>"You also, I presume; especially if they are sick."</p> + +<p>"And can't get Cousin Arthur," he added. "A young doctor is better than +none; though an old and tried physician is deemed the best—by sensible +people."</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha; ah, ha; um, hm! so it would seem, laddie, yet sometimes the +young fellows hae a new trick the auld hardly ken aboot," remarked +Cousin Ronald with a good-humoured smile. "And for my ain sel' I should +care little—were I ill—whether it were Doctor Arthur or Doctor Harold +that prescribed the remedies to be used."</p> + +<p>"Or Doctor Herbert; Herbert might do just as well as either of the two, +I presume," added Annis.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We have just come from a call at Roselands to see Marian and your +little namesake, Cousin Ronald," said Mrs. Travilla. "He is a dear +little fellow, and I hope will grow up in a way to do honour to the +name."</p> + +<p>"I hope he may, and to be a great comfort and blessing to the parents +who have done me the honour to call their firstborn for me," returned +the old gentleman, a gleam of pleasure lighting up his face. "I want to +see the bit bairn myself when the mother is well enough to enjoy a call +from her auld kinsman. And how soon do you think that may be, doctor?" +he asked, turning to Harold.</p> + +<p>"In a few days, sir, should she continue to gain strength as she seems +to be doing now. I have no doubt she will be very glad to see both you +and Cousin Annis."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I must go along, for I want to see both the boy and his mother. +Marian will make a sweet mother, I think; and Arthur an excellent +father," said Annis.</p> + +<p>"I quite agree with you in that idea," Elsie said, "and their joy in the +possession of the little fellow is a pleasant thing to see. By the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>way, +where are Cousin Ella and her little ones?"</p> + +<p>"Hugh has taken them out driving," replied Mr. Lilburn. "There is +nothing the bit bairnies like better than that."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to miss seeing them, but it is time we were on our homeward +route," Elsie said, consulting her watch.</p> + +<p>They were kindly urged to remain longer, but declined, bade adieu, and +were presently driving on toward Ion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + + +<p>At Ion Rosie was pacing the veranda as her mother and Harold drove up. +She hailed them eagerly as they alighted.</p> + +<p>"At last! I began to think you must have yielded to a most urgent +invitation to stay to dinner at Roselands, Beechwood, or Woodburn."</p> + +<p>"No," said her mother; "invitations were not lacking, but were steadily +declined for the sake of my daughter Rosie, who I knew would be sadly +disappointed if her mother failed to keep her promise not to remain long +away from her to-day. So here we are; and I see you have news to +impart," she added with a smiling glance at a letter in Rosie's hand.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mamma," returned the young girl, smiling and blushing as she +spoke. "It is from Will, and incloses a little note from his +mother—such a nice, kind, affectionate one—saying she is glad she is +to have a daughter at last, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>she wants to make my acquaintance as +soon as possible."</p> + +<p>They had seated themselves, and Harold, having given his horse into the +care of a stable boy, now followed them, asking in a gay, bantering +tone:</p> + +<p>"Am I intruding upon a private conference, Rosie? I know mother may be +intrusted with secrets which you might prefer not to give into my +keeping."</p> + +<p>"Certainly that is so, but this is not one of that kind, and you may +listen if you care to," returned Rosie with a light laugh; then she +repeated the item of news just given her mother.</p> + +<p>"Ah! I wonder if she does not want an invitation to pay us a visit," +said Harold.</p> + +<p>"Wait," laughed Rosie; "I have not told you all yet. She goes on to +speak of Cousin Arthur as a physician in whom she has great confidence, +and to say that she would like to be in his care for at least a time; so +if we can recommend a good boarding place somewhere in this +neighbourhood she, her husband, and son will come and take possession +for weeks or months; at least until after the wedding."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> + +<p>"By the way," said Harold, "I thought I had heard that Mrs. Croly had +nearly or quite recovered her health while in Europe a few years ago. +You know at the time Will was so nearly drowned they had just returned +from a visit there."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Rosie; "she had been greatly benefited, but her health +has failed again within the last year or two—so Will has told me. I do +hope she may come here—into this neighbourhood—and that Cousin Arthur +may succeed in helping her very much."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I hope so," said Harold. "He will be glad indeed of an opportunity +to make some return for their very liberal treatment of him in +acknowledgment of his service to their son. They feel that they owe that +son's life to Arthur's persistent efforts to resuscitate him when he was +taken from the sea apparently dead."</p> + +<p>"Will himself is very grateful to him," said Rosie. "He has told me that +he feels he owes his life to Doctor Arthur and that nothing can ever +fully repay the obligation."</p> + +<p>"Yes; he has talked to me in the same strain more than once or twice," +said Harold. "Now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> I think of it, I should not be at all surprised if +they would be willing to take the Crolys in at Roselands for a time. +There is a good deal of unoccupied room in the house, and having her +there would enable Arthur to watch the case closely and do everything +possible for her restoration to health."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that would be a grand plan!" exclaimed Rosie. "Though perhaps it +would make too much care for our lady cousins—Mary and Marian."</p> + +<p>"Well, we won't suggest it," returned Harold, "but just tell Arthur her +wishes—Mrs. Croly's, I mean—and let him give his opinion in regard to +possible boarding places. Would not that be the better plan, mother?"</p> + +<p>"I think so," she said, taking out her watch, as she spoke. "Ah! it +wants but five minutes of the dinner hour. I must go at once to my rooms +and make ready for the summons to the table."</p> + +<p>It was not thought worth while to make Mrs. Croly's request a secret +from any member of the family, so the matter was talked over among them +as they sat together on the veranda that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>evening, and the different +boarding places in the vicinity were considered. It was feared none of +them could furnish quite such accommodations as might be desired without +placing the invalid farther from her physician than would be convenient +for the constant oversight of the case which they supposed he would want +to exercise.</p> + +<p>"Well, evidently," remarked Herbert at length, "we will have to refer +the question to Cousin Arthur himself. And here he comes, most +opportunely," as a horseman turned in at the avenue gates.</p> + +<p>He was greeted with warmth of cordiality and speedily installed in a +luxuriously easy chair.</p> + +<p>"I was passing," he said, "and though I don't like to be long away from +my wife and boy, I felt an irresistible inclination to give my Ion +relatives and friends a brief call."</p> + +<p>"And omitting that ugly word brief, it is just exactly what we are all +delighted to receive," laughed Zoe.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mr. Dinsmore, "we were talking of you and wanting your +opinion on a certain matter under discussion."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ah, what was that?" Arthur asked in return, and Mr. Dinsmore went on to +explain, telling of the desire of Mrs. Croly to put herself under his +care for at least a time, and asking his opinion of the various boarding +places in the vicinity.</p> + +<p>"Boarding places!" he exclaimed. "We would be only too glad to receive +her as a guest at Roselands; for as you all know I feel under great +obligation to Mr. Croly, her husband; besides, it would make it much +easier for me to take charge of her case. Poor dear woman! I hope she +may be at least partially, if not entirely, restored to health."</p> + +<p>"That proposal is just what one might expect of you, Cousin Arthur," +said Grandma Elsie, giving him a look of affectionate appreciation; "but +are you quite sure it would suit Cal's convenience, and that of your +wife and his?"</p> + +<p>"Knowing all three as I do, I can scarcely doubt it," replied Arthur; +"but perhaps I would better consult them before sending the invitation +to the Crolys. I will do so, and you shall hear from me early to-morrow +or possibly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>to-night," he added. "Marian, I am sure, will feel very +much as I do about it," he went on presently, "but just now the burden +would fall more upon Sister Mary; so that I think I must not give the +invitation unless she is entirely willing."</p> + +<p>"Which I feel almost certain she will be," said Rosie. "But I will wait +to hear from you, Cousin Arthur, before answering my letters."</p> + +<p>"You shall hear at an early hour," he returned.</p> + +<p>"Mary is hoping to have her parents here for the wedding and for a long +visit afterward," remarked Grandma Elsie, "but you have room enough to +accommodate both them and the Crolys, I think."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" replied Arthur, "there need be no difficulty about that. Our +house is large and the regular dwellers in it are far less numerous than +they were in my young days. Ah, how widely scattered they are," he +continued half musingly—"my sisters Isadore and Virginia in +Louisiana—Molly and Dick Percival there too, with Betty and Bob +Johnson; my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>brothers Walter and Ralph—the one in the army, the other +in California. Sister Ella, the only one near at hand, living at +Beechwood; Cal and I the only ones left in the old home."</p> + +<p>"Where you are very happy; are you not?" asked his cousin Elsie in a +cheery tone and with an affectionate smile into his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he answered, returning the smile; "Cal with his charming wife and +two dear little children, I with my sweet Marian and a baby boy of whom +any father might well be proud and fond. And I must be going back to +them," he added, rising, and with a hasty good-night to all, he took his +departure.</p> + +<p>He was scarcely out of sight when the Beechwood and Woodburn carriages +turned in at the gates, the one bringing Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Lilburn, +the other Captain Raymond, his wife, and his daughters Lucilla and +Grace.</p> + +<p>All were received with warm and joyous greetings. They had started out +for a drive, met and exchanged salutations, had then decided to call +together upon their Ion relatives; a not very unusual proceeding.</p> + +<p>And scarcely were they seated when Mr. and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> Mrs. Leland and Evelyn were +seen coming up the drive, having walked over from Fairview, tempted to +do so by the beauty of the evening and the prospect of the pleasure of a +chat with the very near and dear dwellers in the old home at Ion, who +never seemed weary of their companionship, though scarcely a day passed +in which they had not more or less of it.</p> + +<p>Nor was the communication with Woodburn much less frequent, though it +was farther away by a mile or more; for with their abundance of steeds +and conveyances of various sorts, it could be traversed with such ease, +expedition, and comfort that it seemed little or no inconvenience; the +short ride or drive was really a pleasure; though not infrequently it +was made a walk when roads were in good condition and the weather was +propitious.</p> + +<p>The welcome of the Fairview party was not less cordial than had been +that of the others, and presently all were seated and a buzz of +conversation ensued.</p> + +<p>The young girls made a little group by themselves and of course the +approaching wedding, with the preparations for it, was the principal +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>theme of their talk. Rosie, not caring to have secrets from these very +near and dear young friends, told of the letters received that morning +and the talk just held with Dr. Conly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that was noble in Cousin Arthur!" exclaimed Lucilla. "The Crolys +were very generous to him, to be sure, but not at all more so than he +deserved."</p> + +<p>"No," said Rosie; "they were quite able to pay him what they did; but it +isn't everyone who would have done so, and I have always thought well of +them for it; and I am glad Cousin Arthur can make them some small +return."</p> + +<p>"But should he succeed in restoring Mrs. Croly to health, that will not +be a very small return, I think," said Evelyn with a smile.</p> + +<p>"No; for good health is the greatest of earthly blessings," said Grace. +"One can hardly fully enjoy anything without it."</p> + +<p>"As you know by experience, you poor thing!" said Rosie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! not now."</p> + +<p>"Have you fixed upon the wedding day yet, Rosie?" asked Lucilla.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, not definitely; we have only decided that it shall be somewhere +about the middle of June; or perhaps a little later. I want to make sure +of having Walter here; for it would be too bad to have him miss his +youngest sister's wedding."</p> + +<p>"And you want Marian to have time to get well, too, don't you?" said +Grace.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, indeed! and she will be by that time; at least she seems +altogether likely to be. Mamma was there to-day and found her doing +nicely."</p> + +<p>"Hark! What is that Cousin Ronald is saying?" exclaimed Lucilla, and +they paused in their talk to listen.</p> + +<p>"I want you all, old and young," he said in his blithe, cordial tones, +"to come and have as good and merry a time as possible, to celebrate the +third birthday of my little namesake grandson. We talked the thing over +at the dinner table and all agreed that there could be no better way of +celebrating that most important event."</p> + +<p>"It certainly is a delightful time of year for an outdoor party in this +region of country,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> remarked Mrs. Dinsmore, "and I, for one, accept the +invitation with pleasure."</p> + +<p>"As I do," said her husband.</p> + +<p>"And I!" "And I!" "And I!" added the others in turn.</p> + +<p>The young girls were highly pleased: it was by no means their first +invitation to Beechwood, and they felt sure of being hospitably and well +entertained. Ella, Hugh's wife, had been mistress of the mansion before +the marriage of the old gentleman and Annis, and so continued to be, +with Annis' full consent, but there was no jarring between them; they +were congenial spirits, and enjoyed each other's society. Ella was fond +of the old gentleman, too,—the only father she had ever known,—and her +little ones, Ronald and his baby sister, were to all a strong bond of +union.</p> + +<p>"It is to be an afternoon party, I suppose?" remarked Mrs. Dinsmore in a +tone of inquiry.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mr. Lilburn. "Come as early as you please, bringing all the +little folks as the guests of our bit laddie. We will have an early +supper for their sakes, and after that the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>parents can carry them home +and see them in their nests as early as they like."</p> + +<p>"And both parents and little folks may stay as late as they like," added +Annis with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said her husband, "each and every guest may feel free to do +that."</p> + +<p>"I hope you are not too busy to come, Rosie?" said Annis, turning to +her.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, no; I should not like to miss the fun of attending little +Ronald's birthday party," returned Rosie in a sprightly tone, "and you +must be sure to bring him to the party I am to have some weeks later."</p> + +<p>"That, of course, will have to be as his father and mother say," laughed +Annis.</p> + +<p>"Well, he shall not lack an invitation," said Rosie. "I do not intend +that any of my relatives shall. By the way, I hope your nephew, Cousin +Donald Keith, will be able to get a furlough, so that he can come. He +has visited us several times, here and at the seashore, and I like him +very much indeed."</p> + +<p>"Yes, so do I," said Annis, "and I hope he may be able to come. I should +enjoy showing him my new home and entertaining him there."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He will be in demand if he comes," said Captain Raymond. "I shall want +him as my guest; for he and I are old attached friends."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes, I remember," said Annis. "No doubt he will want to be with you +a part of his time."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Grandma Elsie; "and as we will all want him we will have to +divide the pleasure of his visit among us—if he will allow it."</p> + +<p>"I have always liked and admired Cousin Donald," said Violet, "and often +wondered that he has remained single all these years."</p> + +<p>"He has not happened to meet the right one yet, I suppose, my dear," the +captain said with a smile. "Or, if he has met her, has failed to secure +her."</p> + +<p>"And in doing so has caused her to miss securing an excellent husband, I +think," said Violet.</p> + +<p>"In which I certainly agree with you," Annis said. "All my married +nephews seem to me to be admirable husbands. I hope, Elsie, that Cyril +Keith and his Isadore may be able to come to the wedding."</p> + +<p>"So do I," responded Mrs. Travilla heartily;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> "and if they fail to come +you may be assured it was not for lack of a warm invitation."</p> + +<p>"I hope they and all the other cousins from that region will come," +remarked Mrs. Leland.</p> + +<p>Just then the telephone bell rang.</p> + +<p>"There! that is Cousin Arthur, I presume," said Edward Travilla, +hastening to the instrument.</p> + +<p>His answering ring and "Hello!" were quickly replied to, and the next +moment he announced to the company, "It was Arthur. He says all is +right, and Rosie may send as warm an invitation as possible. They will +be only too glad to receive the three Crolys as their guests."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that is good!" cried Rosie. "Now I shall be able to send my reply +by to-morrow's early mail."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Cousin Arthur was very kindly prompt; as indeed he always is," +said her mother.</p> + +<p>"Quite true, mother," said Harold; "and Herbert and I try to copy him in +that, feeling that it is very necessary in a physician to be ready, +able, and willing to answer a call for his services with expedition."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That it is, laddie," responded Cousin Ronald, "for a life sometimes +depends on getting quick help frae the doctor. The life of a faithfu' +medical mon is one of toil and self-denial; a fact that has made me +wonder that you and your Cousin Herbert, here, chose it rather than a +vocation that wad be somewhat easier."</p> + +<p>"It is a hard life in some respects," Harold answered; "but there is +something very delightful in having and using the ability to relieve +suffering, and surely one who professes to be a follower of Christ +should be seeking to do good to others rather than courting his own ease +and enjoyment."</p> + +<p>"Yes; copying the dear Master's own example," returned the old gentleman +with a smile. "The dear Master who should be our pattern in all things."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Herbert, low and feelingly, "that is what we both sincerely +desire to do."</p> + +<p>It was still early when the callers bade good-night and took their +departure; the Lilburns going first, then the Raymonds, and lastly the +Lelands.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<p>All met again the next day at Beechwood, where they were joined by the +other members of the family connexion and had a very pleasant afternoon, +mostly taken up with sports suited to the entertainment of the little +ones—three-year-old Ronald and his baby cousins.</p> + +<p>The invitations had been sent out too late to allow time for the +purchase of many gifts, but there were fruits and flowers, and some few +toys; among these last, animals which ventriloquism caused apparently to +say very amusing things, to the surprise and merriment of the little +folks.</p> + +<p>Then, when they began to tire of fun and frolic, they were seated about +a table under the trees on the lawn, and regaled with toothsome viands, +not too rich for their powers of digestion. After that they were allowed +to sport upon the verandas and the grass, while the elder people +gathered about the table and satisfied their appetites with somewhat +richer and more elaborate viands.</p> + +<p>They had finished their meal and were gathered in groups under the trees +or on the verandas, when the sound of a banjo caused a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>sudden hush of +expectancy. Glances were sent here and there in search of the musician, +yet no one was greatly surprised that he was not visible. Several tunes +were played; then followed a song in the negro dialect, which made +everybody laugh.</p> + +<p>That was the winding up of the entertainment, and, as it was nearing the +bedtime of the little ones, all presently bade good-bye, with truthful +assurances of having greatly enjoyed themselves, and returned to their +homes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + + +<p>The Woodburn carriage was quite full with the captain and his entire +family, excepting, of course, his eldest son, Max, who was far away on +board a man-of-war.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Violet, as they drove out of Beechwood Avenue into the +highway, "I have enjoyed little Ronald's birthday party very much, and +hope you can all say the same."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, mamma! I think we had good fun," exclaimed Neddie. "To be sure +Ronald is only a baby boy—just about half as old as I am—but he's a +very dear little fellow; and then his grandpa made a great deal of fun +for us."</p> + +<p>"Sometimes it was his papa who did it, I think," said Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" said Ned. "Papa, why don't you do such things for us +sometimes?"</p> + +<p>"Really, my son, I do not seem to have any talent in that line," +returned the captain with a smile. "Your brother Max has, however, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> +I hope that, some of these days, he will come home and make the fun for +you that you are so eager for."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll be so glad! And will he teach me how to do it, too?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly think he can," his father answered, with an amused look; "at +least, not till you are a good deal older than you are now."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm getting older every day; mamma tells me so when she wants me +to behave like a little gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Which is always, Neddie boy," Violet said, with an amused look.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my son, both mamma and papa want their little boy to be always a +little gentleman—kind, courteous, and thoughtful for others," the +captain said, softly patting the little hand laid confidingly on his +knee.</p> + +<p>"Lu, do you know if Rosie sent off those important letters this +morning?" asked Violet.</p> + +<p>"Yes, she told me she did; also that she had learned from Cousin Mary +that Cousin Arthur had written a warm invitation from himself and his +wife, and from her and Cousin Cal, and sent it by the early morning +mail. I presume <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>they will be received by the Crolys to-morrow and that +two or three days later the reply will come."</p> + +<p>"I think it can hardly fail to be an acceptance," said Violet. "I shall +be glad of the opportunity to make the acquaintance of Rosie's future +mother-in-law,—the father-in-law too,—and I dare say Will is anxious +to have them know mamma, and perhaps the rest of us."</p> + +<p>"And, having done so they will be all the more pleased with the match," +added the captain. "By the way, my dear, we must keep open house for the +entertainment of family connections when they are here to attend the +wedding."</p> + +<p>"I am entirely willing," Violet answered with a smile; "as well I may be +when my husband bears all the expense and does the planning, with the +housekeeper's assistance, and she directs the servants, who do all the +work. Really I do not know where a more fortunate woman than I can be +found."</p> + +<p>"Nor I where a more appreciative wife could be discovered," returned the +captain, regarding her with a smile of profound affection.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I hope Captain Keith will be one of our guests," said Grace. "I liked +him very much when he visited us that time at the seashore. Didn't you, +Lu?"</p> + +<p>As the question was asked the captain turned a quick, inquiring look +upon his eldest daughter, which, however, she did not seem to notice.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said rather indifferently, "I liked him well enough; and I +remember he was pleasant and kind at West Point—showing us about and +explaining things. But even if he hadn't been so kind and obliging I +should be glad to entertain him as papa's friend," she added. "Were you +boys together, father?"</p> + +<p>"No," laughed the captain; "if I am not mistaken I am fully ten years +older than Captain Keith."</p> + +<p>"Why, papa, I don't think you look like it. And you are such great +friends," exclaimed Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"Well, my child, people may be great friends without being very near of +an age," laughed her father. "For instance, are not you and I great +friends?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, we are lovers," she answered with a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>bright smile up into his eyes. +"But then we are not of the same sex."</p> + +<p>"And that, you think, makes a difference, eh?" he laughed. "But Max and +Ned seem to love me nearly as well as my daughters do."</p> + +<p>"Every bit as much, papa!" exclaimed Ned earnestly. "I do, I'm sure."</p> + +<p>"That is pleasant to hear, my boy," his father said, smiling fondly upon +the little fellow. "And I presume brother Max would say the same if he +were here. Ah, we have reached home"; for at that moment the carriage +turned in at the great gates.</p> + +<p>"Our own sweet, lovely home!" said Grace, looking out upon the beautiful +grounds with shining eyes. "I am always glad to get back to it, no +matter where I have been."</p> + +<p>"I too," said Lucilla; "unless my father is somewhere else," she added, +giving him a most loving look.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I wasn't thinking of being in it without papa," said Grace. "I'd +rather live in a hovel with him than in a palace without him."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it, my darling," he returned.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> "I am entirely sure of the +love of both of you, and of all my children."</p> + +<p>"And of your wife, I hope," added Violet in a sprightly tone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, my love, or I should not be the happy man I am," he +responded; then, as the carriage drew up before the entrance to the +mansion, he threw open the door, alighted, and handed them out in turn.</p> + +<p>"The children seem to be tired," remarked Violet; "do you not think they +might as well go at once to their beds, my dear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said. "Grace also; for she looks as weary as they."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, papa," she said. "I am tired enough to be glad to do so. But +don't be anxious," she added with a smile, as he gave her a troubled +look; "I am not at all sick; it is only weariness." And she held up her +face for a kiss, which he gave heartily and with a look of tenderest +fatherly affection.</p> + +<p>The two little ones claimed their turn; then Violet and the three went +upstairs, leaving the captain and Lucilla alone together.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you say you had some letters to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>write when you came home, +papa?" she asked; "and can't I help you?"</p> + +<p>"I say yes to both questions," he answered pleasantly. "Take off your +hat and come with me into the library. But perhaps you are too tired," +he added hastily, as if just struck by the thought. "If so, daughter, I +would not have you exert yourself to do the work now. It can wait till +to-morrow morning. Or, if I find anything needing an immediate reply, I +can attend to it myself, without my little girl's assistance."</p> + +<p>"But I am not tired, papa, and I dearly love to help you in any and +every way that I can," she answered, smiling up into his eyes.</p> + +<p>"I do not doubt it in the least, my child," he said, laying his hand on +her head in tender, fatherly fashion; "and you are a very great help and +comfort to me; so much so that I shall be extremely loath ever to let +anybody rob me of my dear eldest daughter."</p> + +<p>"I hardly think anybody wants to yet, papa," she laughed; "nobody seems +to set anything like the value upon me that you do. So you needn't be in +the least afraid of ever being <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>robbed of this one of your treasures. +Ah, papa, it is so nice—such a happiness to have you esteem me a +treasure, and to know that I belong to you."</p> + +<p>"A happiness to me as well as to you, dear child," he said. "Well, we +will look at the letters and decide whether it is necessary to answer +any of them to-night."</p> + +<p>They had entered the library and drawn near the table while they talked. +A pile of letters lay upon it. He took them up and glanced at the +superscription upon each.</p> + +<p>"Ah! here is one directed to you, daughter," he said, "and from someone +in this neighborhood; for it is without a stamp."</p> + +<p>"Probably from Maud or Sydney," she remarked.</p> + +<p>"No," said her father, "the handwriting is evidently that of a man. +Well, you may open it and see who the writer is," handing it to her as +he spoke.</p> + +<p>"If you would rather I did not, papa, I do not want to," she said, not +offering to take it. "Please read it first."</p> + +<p>"I can trust you, daughter, and you have my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>full permission to read +it," he said in a kindly indulgent tone.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, papa; but I really prefer to have you read it first," she +replied.</p> + +<p>He smiled approval, broke the seal, and glanced over the missive.</p> + +<p>"It is from Chester Dinsmore," he said; "merely an invitation to you to +go with him to a boating party on the river, if your father gives +consent."</p> + +<p>"Which I don't believe my father will," laughed Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"And you are not anxious that he should?" he queried with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Not unless he is entirely willing to have me go; and hardly even then, +as he is not to be one of the party."</p> + +<p>"That is my own good little girl," he said, putting an arm about her, +drawing her close to his side, and kissing her several times. "I am not +willing to have you a young lady yet,—as I think you know,—but I want +to keep you my own little girl for some time longer."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad that you do, papa," she returned, laying her head +against his breast and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>putting her arms about his neck, "and I hope you +won't ever, ever grow tired of keeping me for your own, altogether +yours, with no partner in the concern," she added with a low, gleeful +laugh.</p> + +<p>"You need have no fear that I will grow tired of it until you do," he +said with a smile, and repeating his caresses. "But when that time comes +do not hesitate to tell me: for, rest assured, your happiness is very +dear to your father's heart. And if you would like to accept this +invitation, you may do so with my full consent."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, father dear, but I really do not care to go; I should much +prefer to keep the engagement already made for that day."</p> + +<p>"Ah! what is that?"</p> + +<p>"Now, papa, have you forgotten that you are to take Mamma Vi, Gracie, +and me into the city to do some shopping?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes; I had forgotten it for the moment. But I dare say both your +mamma and Grace would be willing to defer that for a day or two."</p> + +<p>"But I wouldn't, because my father has <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>taught me not to break +engagements without very strong reasons; which I don't think I have in +this case."</p> + +<p>He laughed a little at that. "Well, daughter," he said, "you shall do as +you please about it, and I am glad to see that you are so good at +remembering your father's instructions and so ready to obey them."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. And now must I answer Chester's note—or will you do it +for me?"</p> + +<p>"That shall be just as you please, daughter. Perhaps it would be as well +for you to write the answer; but, if you greatly prefer to have me do +so, I shall not refuse."</p> + +<p>"May I do it on the typewriter?"</p> + +<p>"If you prefer it, I see no objection."</p> + +<p>"I do prefer it; it is so much easier and quicker than working with a +pen," she said.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you would better wait until to-morrow morning, however," he +suggested; "for, on thinking the matter over, you may find that you +prefer to accept the invitation after all."</p> + +<p>He was examining the rest of his mail, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>she considered his +proposition for a moment before replying to it.</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa," she said at length, "I will wait a little—perhaps till +to-morrow morning—before writing my answer. And now I will get ready to +write replies to those letters at your dictation."</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter; fortunately there are but few that call for a reply, and +it need not be long in any case." He laid down the letters and took the +cover from the machine as he spoke, then supplied her with paper and +envelopes, put a sheet into the machine, and began dictating. They made +quick work of it, and had finished in about half an hour.</p> + +<p>Violet joined them just as Lulu took the last sheet from the machine.</p> + +<p>"Oh," she said, "I see you are busy; but I will not interrupt."</p> + +<p>"We are just done, my dear, and very glad to have you with us," said her +husband.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mamma Vi, this is the last letter papa wants written for him, and +you are just in time to help me decide on a reply to one of my own."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Willingly, if you wish it; but I should say your father's advice would +be worth far more than mine," returned Violet in a sprightly tone. +"Levis, my dear, do you refuse to tell her what to do or say?"</p> + +<p>"I only advise her to follow her own inclination—if she can find out +what that is," he answered, regarding Lucilla with a smile that seemed a +mixture of fatherly affection and amusement.</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa is so dear and kind he won't give me any order at all, and I +am so used to being directed and controlled by him that it really seems +hard work to decide for myself," laughed Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"But what about? My curiosity is keenly aroused," said Violet, glancing +from one to the other.</p> + +<p>"An invitation for me to go boating and picnicking day after to-morrow," +returned Lucilla. "You may read it," handing Chester's note to Violet. +"I have no very strong inclination to accept,—especially as we are +expecting to take that day for our shopping expedition to the city,—but +papa seems to think I should <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>hardly decline on that account. Still he +leaves me free to decline or accept as I please, and though I have often +wished he would, when he wouldn't, this time I wish he wouldn't when he +will"; she ended with a hearty laugh.</p> + +<p>"And I suppose your conclusion is that fathers are sometimes very +doubtful blessings," the captain said, assuming a grave and troubled +air.</p> + +<p>She gave him a startled look. "Oh, papa! surely you are not in earnest? +surely you know that I was not?" she exclaimed beseechingly.</p> + +<p>He smiled and held out his hand. She sprang to his side and he drew her +to a seat upon his knee.</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter, dear, I do," he said, caressing her hair and cheek with +his hand, "and I, too, was but jesting; I am troubled with no doubts of +the sincere, ardent affection of my eldest daughter."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Violet with a smile, "I think she very nearly makes an idol +of her father—which is not surprising considering what a dear, good +father he is. Well, I have read the note, Lu, and I think, if I were +you, I would accept <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>the invitation. Don't you think, my dear, that we +might do the shopping to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, if it suits you, my love," he replied. "I do not know why +to-morrow would not suit for that business as well as the next day."</p> + +<p>"And that leaves you free to accept Chester's invitation, Lu."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I begin to feel as if I might enjoy it right well if——"</p> + +<p>"If what, daughter?" her father asked, as she paused, leaving her +sentence unfinished.</p> + +<p>"If I were perfectly sure you would not rather I did not go, papa."</p> + +<p>"I think I can trust you to behave well, even out of my sight," he +returned with a smile, and in a jesting tone; "and though I still call +you my little girl, that is more as a term of endearment than anything +else; and I really think you are large enough, old enough, and good +enough to be trusted, occasionally, out of my sight—away from my side."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, papa dear," she said, her eyes shining; "it is a great +pleasure to hear you say that, and I certainly do intend to conduct +my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>self exactly as I think you would wish; so now I will answer +Chester's note with an acceptance of his invitation," she added, leaving +her father's knee and seating herself before the typewriter. "I'll make +it short and submit it to you, papa, for approval."</p> + +<p>"About that, too, you may do exactly as you please," he responded, +stepping to her side and putting the paper in for her, as when she was +about to write for him.</p> + +<p>She made quick work, saying only what seemed necessary, submitted it to +her father's and Violet's verdict, which was altogether favourable, then +directed an envelope, placed the note in it, and sealed it, saying, +"There! it is all ready to go early to-morrow morning, and will be no +hindrance to me in getting ready for the shopping expedition."</p> + +<p>"Which, perhaps, you will enjoy nearly as much as the boating party," +remarked Violet in a jesting tone.</p> + +<p>"Probably more," responded Lucilla; "at least if we are successful in +finding very suitable and handsome wedding gifts for Rosie. Father, how +much may I spend on one?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think not more than a hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"Oh! may I have so much as that for it? You dear, good papa!" she +exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"I am well able to afford it," he returned pleasantly, "and should be +sorry to let my daughters give other than valuable wedding gifts to my +wife's sister."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, my dear," said Violet with a gratified look. "I have no +doubt Rosie will appreciate your and your daughter's kindness, as she +certainly ought to."</p> + +<p>"Grandma Elsie has been very, very kind to us," said Lucilla, and her +father added:</p> + +<p>"She has, indeed! I can never forget how kindly she took my children in +when I was unable to provide them with a good and happy home."</p> + +<p>"Hark! I hear carriage wheels on the drive; we are going to have +callers," exclaimed Lucilla, and, as she spoke, they all rose and went +out upon the veranda to receive their guests.</p> + +<p>They proved to be Maud, Sydney, and Frank Dinsmore, from the Oaks; and, +when greetings had been exchanged, they said their errand was to speak +of the boating party, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>ask if Grace could go; also if Lucilla had +received Chester's invitation and meant to accept it. Chester would have +come himself but had an unavoidable business engagement for the evening.</p> + +<p>"I have given Lucilla permission to go," the captain replied, "but Grace +is not strong enough for the exertion she would be likely to make +without her father at hand to caution and care for her."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am sorry!" said Maud. "I hoped Gracie could go and would enjoy +it. But I am glad we may tell Chester that Lu can."</p> + +<p>"I have written my acceptance of his kind invitation," Lulu said, "and +will send it in the morning."</p> + +<p>"Captain," said Frank, "if you will let Miss Grace go I promise to take +all possible care of her. Won't it seem a trifle hard to her to have to +stay at home while her sister and the rest of us are having such a good +time?"</p> + +<p>"I think not," the captain answered. "Grace is the best and most dutiful +of daughters, always satisfied with her father's decisions; thinking he +knows what is best for her. Also she loves her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>home and home pleasures; +indeed thinks there is no other place quite equal to home."</p> + +<p>"It is a lovely place, that's a fact," Frank returned with a slight +laugh, "but variety is the spice of life, and possibly Miss Grace's +health might be better if she tried more of that spice."</p> + +<p>"I think that if you ask her you will learn that a pleasant variety is +not, and has not been, lacking in her experience of life," was the +captain's pleasant-toned rejoinder.</p> + +<p>"I am sure of it," remarked Maud. "I never knew anybody who seemed to me +happier or more light-hearted than Gracie. And, oh, but she dotes upon +her father!"</p> + +<p>"As all his children do," said Lucilla, giving him a look of ardent +affection.</p> + +<p>"You will not keep my daughter out very late?" the captain said, +addressing Frank in a tone of inquiry.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; we expect to get home before dark. But if anything should +happen to detain us you need not be uneasy. We will take good care of +her and return her to you in safety."</p> + +<p>"We are staying out rather late now our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>selves, Frank, and I think +should be starting for home," said Maud, rising and turning to Violet to +begin her adieus.</p> + +<p>"Father," said Lucilla, turning to him when their callers had gone, +"please don't let me go at all if you expect to be the least bit anxious +about me. I would far rather stay at home than cause you a moment's +uneasiness."</p> + +<p>"My dear child, I must allow you a little liberty—let you out of my +sight sometimes," he said with a smile. "But it pleases me that you are +so ready and willing to do whatever you find most pleasing to your +father," he added, pressing affectionately the hand she had put into +his.</p> + +<p>"Are you not afraid my father will make me miserably conceited—giving +me so much more commendation than I deserve?" she asked with a roguish +look and pleased laugh.</p> + +<p>"I hope not; you will fall very much in my estimation if you grow +conceited and vain. I do not think you that now; but, remember, love is +blind, and your father's love for you is very great."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you dear papa, I know that and it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>makes me, oh, so happy," she +said with joyous look and tone.</p> + +<p>"As I think you have reason to be, Lu," Violet said, regarding her +husband and his daughter with a smile of pleased sympathy.</p> + +<p>"It is time for our evening service, and then for my daughter to go to +her bed and take her beauty sleep," remarked the captain looking at his +watch.</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa," laughed Lucilla, "I need all of that kind of sleep that I +can get."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + + +<p>"Ah! so you are up, Gracie dear," Lucilla said, looking in the next +morning at the communicating door between their rooms. "I have been down +in the grounds with papa for the last half hour, and he bade me come and +tell you to dress for a drive; for we are to go on our shopping +expedition to-day instead of to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Are we?" exclaimed Grace. "To-day will suit me as well as to-morrow; +but why have papa and mamma changed their plans?"</p> + +<p>"It is all for my benefit," laughed Lucilla. "You must know that Chester +Dinsmore has been so good as to invite me to attend a boat ride and +picnic with him to-morrow, and, to my surprise, papa gave me full +permission to go."</p> + +<p>"That was very kind of him," remarked Grace, "and I hope you will have a +delightful time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know," Lulu returned, with doubtful tone and look. "I think I +shall not half enjoy it without you; and papa says you are too feeble to +go on such an expedition without him; you would need him to take care of +you and see that you did not overexert yourself."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and, of course, papa is right; he always knows what is best for me +and all of us."</p> + +<p>"So I think, and I did not at all expect him to say I could go. I wasn't +very anxious that he should, either; though I dare say it will be very +pleasant as the Dinsmore girls are going, and, perhaps, Rosie Travilla +too."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think you will enjoy it! I hope so, I am sure," exclaimed Grace, +looking both pleased and interested. "Now please tell me what dress you +are going to wear to the city to-day, and advise me about mine."</p> + +<p>"I hadn't thought about it, yet," said Lucilla; "but there, I hear papa +coming into our sitting room. I'll run and ask him what he would advise +or direct about it. It is a matter of great importance, you know"; and +with that she laughed merrily, turned about, and ran to meet their +father.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> + +<p>He decided the knotty question, promptly saying: "The gray dresses made +for you both a few weeks ago will be very suitable, I think." Then he +bade her help Grace and also change her own dress, because they would +make an early start for the city, going very soon after leaving the +table.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear that, papa," she returned, "for a drive in the early +morning air is so pleasant. But I wish I had no occasion to change my +dress, because I fear that will take up all the time of your morning +call here on Gracie and me."</p> + +<p>"I think not, if you are prompt in your movements," he said. "I shall +sit here for some little time reading the morning paper."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am glad of that! and perhaps, papa, if you look over the +advertisements you may find something that will help us in the search +for the pretty things we want to buy."</p> + +<p>"Very possibly," he replied. "I will look them over at once."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. I'll do as you bid me and be back again as soon as ever +I can; for I don't like to lose a minute of my father's morning <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>call," +she said, giving him a bright, loving look, then hurrying back to her +sister.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to make haste, Gracie," she said, "if we don't want to miss +altogether our morning chat with papa. We are to wear our new gray +dresses, he says."</p> + +<p>"That suits me nicely, for I think them becoming, pretty, and suitable. +Don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I think nobody has better taste or judgment about dress than our +father."</p> + +<p>"Just my opinion; and we may well think so, considering how many lovely +dresses and ornaments he has bought for us, selecting them without the +help or advice of anyone. There, sister dear, your dress is on all right +and I shall make haste to change mine while you put the finishing +touches to your attire."</p> + +<p>They joined their father in a few moments, talked over the +advertisements he had been examining and the question of the +desirability of this and that article as a wedding gift to Rosie, but +had reached no decision when the breakfast bell rang.</p> + +<p>"Well, daughters," the captain said, "we will go down now to our +breakfast and, while <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>we are eating, talk the matter over with your +mamma. She probably knows better than we what would be likely to please +Rosie."</p> + +<p>"But we do not need to decide until we see the things, do we, papa?" +asked Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"No, certainly not, and we may find something very handsome and suitable +that we have not thought of. I hope it will be a pleasure to both of you +to look over the pretty things and make a selection."</p> + +<p>"You dear father," Grace said, smiling up into his eyes, "you are always +thinking of something to give your children pleasure."</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, returning her smile, "perhaps because it reacts upon +myself, giving me a great deal of pleasure."</p> + +<p>They found Violet and the little ones already in the breakfast room; +morning greetings were exchanged, then they seated themselves at the +table, the captain asked a blessing, and the meal began.</p> + +<p>They chatted pleasantly while eating, the principal subject of discourse +being their errand to the city. Violet had not heard Rosie express a +desire for any particular thing, but thought <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>they would probably see +something in the stores that would strike them as handsome and suitable.</p> + +<p>"Is Elsie going with you to-day, papa? and am I?" asked Neddie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my son, if you want to go," the captain replied. "And would you +like to buy some gifts for Aunt Rosie, too?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes indeed, papa!" cried, both children, Elsie adding: "But I +have only a little money. I'm afraid it won't be enough to buy anything +handsome enough for a wedding present."</p> + +<p>"Well," their father said reflectively, "you have been good children, +and I feel inclined to give you each a present of ten dollars, which you +may dispose of as you like."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, papa!" both cried delightedly, Ned adding: "I s'pose +it's for us to buy something for Aunt Rosie with; isn't it, papa?"</p> + +<p>"If you want to use it for that you may; but you are not compelled to do +so; you can spend it for someone else, or for yourself if you choose."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to spend mine for Aunt Rosie," Elsie announced. "It was very +nice and kind <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>in her to choose me for a flower girl at her wedding, and +I'd like to give her something very pretty; something that she would +like. Mamma, you will help me to choose my present, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"With pleasure, daughter; and I am sure your papa and sisters will help +us in our selection. They all have good taste."</p> + +<p>"And y'll all help me, too, won't you?" asked Ned. "I want to buy the +prettiest thing I can find for Aunt Rosie."</p> + +<p>"Yes; you shall have all the advice you want, my son," his father said. +"And now, as you have all finished eating, we will go to the library and +have family worship; then make ourselves ready and set off upon our trip +to the city."</p> + +<p>"I think we couldn't have selected a better time for our expedition," +Violet said as they entered their carriage; "the air is bracing, the +weather delightful, and the roads are in excellent order, are they not, +my dear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," the captain answered, "we could ask no improvement, and I think +will travel rapidly enough to reach the city in very good season."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> They +did so and were successful in finding what they esteemed beautiful gifts +for the coming bridal. And Rosie's pleasure on receiving them was as +great as they, the givers, had hoped. She had many handsome and valuable +presents, but none seemed to gratify her more than these from her +Woodburn relatives and friends.</p> + +<p>"I like those gray dresses of yours, girls; they are both pretty and +becoming, and very suitable for such a trip as we have taken to-day," +remarked Violet as they rode homeward. "You will wear yours to the +picnic to-morrow, I suppose, Lu?"</p> + +<p>"If papa approves," answered Lucilla with a laughing look at him.</p> + +<p>"Entirely," he said; "though I shall not insist if you prefer something +else."</p> + +<p>"That reminds me of some of my Nantucket experiences of years ago," she +remarked. "Do you remember, papa, how I missed going to the 'squantum' +with the rest of you because I took off the suitable dress Mamma Vi had +directed me to wear, and donned some very unsuitable finery?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied, "that was an unhappy time for both the rebellious +little girl and her father."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa; oh, I'm afraid I gave you many a heartache in those days. I +remember I wanted very much to dress in white for the clambake, some +weeks after that, but you wouldn't allow it. I was a very foolish little +girl, and now I am very glad I had a wise, kind father to keep me in +order."</p> + +<p>"You were not rebellious about that second disappointment," he said with +a smile, "and in the years that have passed since then you have learned +to be very submissive to your father's wishes and directions."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, because I have found out from experience that he is far wiser +than I, and always seeks my best interests."</p> + +<p>"That is certainly what he wishes to do, daughter; for the welfare of +all his dear children lies very near his heart."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa; you love us all, I know," little Elsie said with a bright, +glad look up into his face.</p> + +<p>"Of course papa does," said Neddie; "if he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>didn't he wouldn't give us +money to spend, and ever so many other nice things; or take us to the +city for such a good time as we have had to-day."</p> + +<p>"Yes, our dear papa is very good to us all," said Grace. "We have had a +delightful drive, a fine time in the city, and now here we are at our +own lovely home again," she added as the carriage turned in at the great +gates.</p> + +<p>"It is nearing tea time, daughters, and you had better go at once to +your rooms and make yourselves neat for the evening," the captain said +as he helped Lucilla and Grace to alight.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," they answered and hastened up the broad stairway, following +Violet and the two little ones.</p> + +<p>"Dere's a gemman in de parlour a-waitin' for to see you, cap'in," said a +servant, coming leisurely in from the back veranda.</p> + +<p>"Ah! has he been here long?"</p> + +<p>"'Bout ten minutes, I reckon, sah."</p> + +<p>The captain hastened into the parlour and found Chester Dinsmore there. +Cordial greetings were exchanged, and Chester received a warm invitation +to stay to tea, which, however, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>he declined, saying that he had a +little professional work on hand which must be done that evening if he +was to take to-morrow for a holiday. "I came over, captain," he added, +"to thank you for allowing me the privilege of taking your daughter, +Miss Lucilla, to the picnic to-morrow, and to ask if—if you would not +be so very kind as to remove your prohibition of—of love-making on my +part, and——"</p> + +<p>"No, Chester," the captain said in kindly but grave accents, as the +young man halted in his speech, "you surely forget that my objection was +on account of my daughter's youth, and that she is only a few months +older now than she was then. I do not want her to begin to think of +lovers for several years yet, and am objecting to your suit for that +reason only. I show no greater favour in this matter to anyone else. And +you may feel that I am showing confidence in you in permitting her to go +to to-morrow's picnic in your care."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; thank you, sir. I shall not abuse your confidence, and, +though I find it hard not to be permitted to speak and use my best +efforts to win the prize I so covet, it is some conso<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>lation that you +treat other suitors in the same way."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps, too, that my daughter is equally indifferent to them all," the +captain remarked with a smile. "And by the way, my young friend, don't +you suppose it may be a trifle hard for Lucilla's father to resign the +first place in her heart to someone else?"</p> + +<p>"It is according to nature, sir," Chester said, returning the smile. +"You served Cousin Elsie so when you stole Cousin Violet's heart; and +Cousin Elsie's husband had taken her from her father. It has been the +way almost ever since the world began; so I suppose it is all right."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but a father has a right to say it shall not begin too soon with +his own daughter. Wedlock brings cares and responsibilities that should +not be allowed to fall too soon upon young shoulders, and it is my +desire and purpose to keep my dear young daughters free from them until +they reach years of maturity."</p> + +<p>"Putting it so, captain, it does seem that you are acting kindly by +them, though I must insist that it is hard on the lovers," Chester +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>returned between a smile and a sigh. "But I think you may trust your +daughter with me to-morrow without much fear that I will abuse your +confidence. And I am not at all sure that I could gain anything by +speaking. We are good friends,—she and I,—but I doubt if she cares a +cent for me any other way."</p> + +<p>"As to that," the captain said in kindly tone and with his pleasant +smile, "I still have the happiness of believing that, as yet, her father +holds the first place in her heart. I cannot hope that it will be so +always—perhaps I ought not to wish it; but I do rejoice in the firm +conviction that such is the fact at present."</p> + +<p>"No one can blame you for that, sir," Chester said, rising to take +leave, "but, ungenerous as it sounds, I cannot help hoping that, one of +these days, I may be able to shift your position to the second place, +taking the first myself. It sounds dreadful selfish, but fathers have to +give way to lovers and husbands if the human race is to continue. I hope +to be here in the morning, captain, a little after nine o'clock, with a +carriage, to take Miss Lu to the wharf where the boat will be lying. I +promise <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>to take the best of care of her, to do and say nothing of which +her father would disapprove, and to bring her home safely, Providence +permitting, before dark."</p> + +<p>"I have no doubt you will, Chester, and I trust her—one of my choice +treasures—to you with confidence in your purpose to be the faithful +guardian of her safety, and perfectly trustworthy as regards the matter +of which we have been speaking," were the captain's parting words to his +young visitor as he saw him out to the veranda.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir; I hope to prove faithful to the trust. Good-evening," +Chester returned, then sped away down the drive.</p> + +<p>He thought it best, as did the captain also, that Lucilla should be left +in ignorance of his call.</p> + +<p>She came downstairs when the tea bell summoned the family to partake of +their evening meal, and at its conclusion all gathered upon the front +veranda, as was their custom. They had not been there very long when the +Fairview carriage was seen to turn in at the great gates and come +swiftly up the drive. As <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>it drew up before the entrance they perceived +with pleasure that it contained Mr. and Mrs. Leland and Evelyn, Grandma +Elsie, and Rosie. A warm welcome was given them, all were comfortably +seated—the young girls in a group together a little to one side of the +older people—and soon an animated chat was being carried on by each +party.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lu," the captain presently overheard Rosie saying, "I suppose you +are invited to to-morrow's picnic; I heard you were to be—you and +Gracie both. Are you going?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I am," replied Lucilla. "I have had an invitation, and papa +has given me permission to accept it; but he thinks Gracie is not strong +enough to go on such an excursion without him along to take care of +her."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose that is so," said Rosie. "I am sorry, for I am going and +I should like to have Gracie's company. Rather than do without it I +would even take Brother Levis' too," she added with a laugh and in a +little louder tone, turning a playful look upon him as she spoke.</p> + +<p>His quick ear had caught the words.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Can that be so, Sister Rosie," he said with assumed gravity. "Well, +unfortunately, I cannot go, as I have had no invitation. Also as I have +already declined the invitation for Grace, she cannot go. But I trust +she is not greatly afflicted by this state of affairs."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed, papa," responded Grace with a contented little laugh. "It +is very far from being a trial to have to stay in this sweet home with +you and mamma, Elsie and Ned."</p> + +<p>"I hardly supposed you would have time and inclination to go, Rosie," +said Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, indeed!" laughed Rosie. "I think it advisable to seize all the +pleasures of single blessedness while I can."</p> + +<p>"But married folks can go to picnics."</p> + +<p>"Yes, so they can—to some of them; but this is only for the unmarried, +who have gotten it up."</p> + +<p>"Did you have a hand in that?" asked Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"No; it was the work of our young gentlemen friends—my brothers, +cousins, and some others."</p> + +<p>"Of course you have not yet heard from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>your friends, the Crolys?" Lulu +said inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"No; there has not been time; unless they had telegraphed; as, perhaps, +they may, to Cousin Arthur. Speak of angels! here he comes!" she +exclaimed, as, at that moment, a gig turned in at the great gates and +came on rapidly toward the house.</p> + +<p>Dr. Arthur Conly was in it, and, presently, having reached the veranda +steps, drew rein, bade good-evening, and announced to his cousins Elsie +and Rosie that he had received a telegram from the Crolys thanking him +for his invitation and saying that it was accepted and they might be +expected in a few days.</p> + +<p>"Ah! that is good news, if it suits you all at Roselands," said Grandma +Elsie.</p> + +<p>"As I think it does, cousin," returned the doctor. "At all events they +all seemed pleased; which I think is particularly kind in Sister Mary +and Cal."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Rosie, "and I hope and believe the Crolys will prove so +agreeable as guests, or boarders, that they will never regret it."</p> + +<p>"So do I," Arthur said; "also I think that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>the Crolys will find us all +so agreeable that they will never regret it."</p> + +<p>"Won't you alight and take a seat among us, doctor?" asked the captain +hospitably.</p> + +<p>"Thank you; I should enjoy doing so, but duty calls in another +direction, a sick patient needing prompt attention. Good-evening to you +all"; and, turning with the last words, he drove away.</p> + +<p>"So, Rosie, you are likely soon to be able to make the acquaintance of +your future mother-in-law," said Violet. "But you don't seem alarmed at +the prospect."</p> + +<p>"No; because I am not. From all Will has told me I think she must be a +lovely and lovable woman; as he thinks his future mother-in-law is."</p> + +<p>"And as all to whom she bears that relation can testify," remarked the +captain with an affectionate, appreciative glance at the sweet face of +Grandma Elsie.</p> + +<p>"I, for one," said Mr. Leland heartily; "and I feel entirely sure of +Zoe, the only other one to whom she bears that relationship."</p> + +<p>"You are all very kind, very ready to pass <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>my imperfections by," +responded Mrs. Travilla's sweet voice. "And if I am a good mother, I can +assure you that it is at least partly as a a consequence of having good +sons and daughters."</p> + +<p>"May you always be able to say that, mother," responded the captain +heartily. "It would be a sorry sort of man or woman who could be any +other than a good son or daughter to you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Lu!" said Evelyn presently, "didn't you tell me you were going into +the city to-morrow to do some shopping?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but we did it to-day, in order that I might have to-morrow free +for the picnic. We all went to the city and had a very pleasant and +successful time."</p> + +<p>"Shopping is apt to be very fatiguing work," said Grandma Elsie. "I see +Grace looks weary. Dear child, if you feel like retiring, do not let our +presence hinder you for a moment."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Grandma Elsie; but I don't like to miss a minute of your +call," returned Grace, exerting herself to speak in a lively tone.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'd like to tell about what we bought," said Ned, "but I suppose I must +not."</p> + +<p>"Better wait till you have the articles here to show, my son," said his +father.</p> + +<p>"Yes; we had to leave them to be marked; but Aunt Rosie will see them +some of these days," said the little fellow.</p> + +<p>"And she is very willing to wait till the right time comes," Rosie said, +putting an arm about him and giving him a kiss; for he had gone to her +side.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid it will be a good while to wait," he returned. "Papa was so +kind, he gave us—Elsie and me—each ten dollars to do what we pleased +with. Lu and Gracie had a good deal more, 'cause they are older, you +know, and——"</p> + +<p>"There, that will do, Ned," laughed his mother. "It is your bed time. +Say good-night to grandma and the rest, and Elsie and you and I will run +away for the present."</p> + +<p>The callers did not stay very long after Violet's return to the veranda, +and soon after their departure the captain held his evening service and +then advised Lucilla and Grace to re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>tire at once, that the coming day +might find them fully rested and refreshed.</p> + +<p>They obeyed with cheerful alacrity, and arose the next morning feeling +none the worse for the exertion of the previous day.</p> + +<p>Chester came promptly at the appointed hour, found Lucilla ready for the +excursion, and they drove away in fine spirits. Chester spared no pains +to make himself agreeable to his companion, but was careful not to do or +say anything of which her father could disapprove. He brought her home +again before dark, slightly fatigued, but gay and lively, with much to +tell of the pleasant experiences of the day.</p> + +<p>"Did Rosie go?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and was very merry; indeed, so we all were. We were rowing about +and fishing most of the time."</p> + +<p>"Both at once?" queried her father with an amused look.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; we kept still enough while trying to catch the fish, and we +caught as many as we could eat, then landed, made a fire,—the young men +did, I mean,—cooked the fish, made coffee, and we had our dinner. We +girls spread a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>tablecloth on the grass and got out the good things in +the baskets. They were in great plenty, quite a variety, and all very +good and palatable. I think the air and rowing had given us all fine +appetites so that everybody ate heartily and seemed to enjoy it."</p> + +<p>"And you were not sorry you went?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! I am much obliged to you, father, for letting me go," she +added, turning to him with a look of love and gratitude.</p> + +<p>"You are very welcome, daughter," he said, "and I am glad you enjoyed +it. There is an old saying that 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull +boy,' and I think girl nature does not differ in that respect."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you dear papa! none of your children are ever allowed to have all +work and no play," she exclaimed, giving him a look of ardent affection. +"You take a great deal of trouble to give us pleasure; you always have."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed," said Grace; "it seems to be papa's greatest delight to +give pleasure to his wife and children. Don't you <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original text reads 'thing''">think</ins> so, mamma?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed I do," returned Violet heartily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> "I have never known a more +generous or unselfish person than my husband and your father."</p> + +<p>"And what shall I say?" queried the captain. "That when I am the person +under discussion no greater flatterers can be found than my wife and +older daughters?"</p> + +<p>"Oh! we will excuse you from saying anything on the subject, sir," +laughed Violet.</p> + +<p>"Now, what kind of a time did you all have staying at home without me?" +asked Lucilla. "I hope you have missed me a little."</p> + +<p>"Of course we did," replied Grace.</p> + +<p>"Your father missed both his daughter and his amanuensis," said the +captain.</p> + +<p>"Oh! there were letters to be answered?" she exclaimed. "Please let me +do it now, papa?"</p> + +<p>"No, dear child, I answered them myself; and if I had not I should not +let you work to-night, after all the fatigue of the day."</p> + +<p>"You are so kindly careful of me and all of us, papa," she said with a +grateful, loving look into his eyes. "I am somewhat tired, but not too +much so to use the typewriter, if you wanted any work done on it. It is +such a pleasure <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>to be of even a little service to my dear father."</p> + +<p>"And such a pleasure to your father to be served by so dear and loving a +daughter," he returned; "one so valuable to me that I cannot consent to +have her broken down with too much of either work or pleasure. You must +go to bed presently and try to take a good night's rest after the +exertions of the day."</p> + +<p>"I am ready to go whenever my father bids me," she said in a cheerful +tone; "and I want to begin my night's sleep early enough to be ready for +my usual stroll with him about the grounds before breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I should be sorry to have to take that without the pleasant +company of my early bird of a daughter," he said. "I should miss her +sadly."</p> + +<p>Lucilla's eyes shone. "Thank you, papa! it is very nice in you to say +that," she said, "and I dearly love those early walks with you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + + +<p>In less than a week after the Crolys had signified their intention of +accepting the invitation to Roselands, the news of their safe arrival +was communicated to the family at Ion, and as soon as the doctor thought +Mrs. Croly sufficiently rested to see visitors, Grandma Elsie and Rosie +called upon them there.</p> + +<p>They were mutually pleased—Mrs. Croly delighted with the prospect of +having so charming a daughter as Rosie.</p> + +<p>And now preparations for the wedding went on rapidly, the bride-elect, +and those who were to be her attendants, being particularly interested +in regard to their attire for the great occasion, and keeping the +dressmakers very busy in fashioning their finery.</p> + +<p>Then, as the time drew near, relatives and friends from a distance began +to arrive.</p> + +<p>To the great joy of Mrs. Calhoun Conly her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>parents were among the +first, and their and her near relatives from Indiana and Louisiana soon +followed; their coming giving great pleasure to both her aunt Annis and +herself, as well as to the Ion family. Mrs. Betty Norris and her brother +Dr. Robert Johnson, their half brother Dr. Dick Percival, and his sister +Mrs. Molly Embury of Magnolia Hall, with her husband, were among the +later arrivals, and about the same time came Captain Donald Keith, +having succeeded in obtaining a furlough for several weeks.</p> + +<p>He, Dr. Percival, and several others of the family relatives were at +first domiciled at Woodburn, where they were made very welcome and most +hospitably entertained. Donald's was the first arrival, though only a +day or so in advance of the others. He and Captain Raymond met with all +the old cordiality, evidently glad to renew the comradeship of earlier +days, while Violet's greeting was warm and cousinly, and that of the +young girls such as they might be reasonably expected to bestow upon a +valued friend and relative of the family.</p> + +<p>Donald, hardly realising how many months <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>and years had rolled by since +his last sight of them, was surprised at their growth in height and +beauty, and did not wonder at their father's evident pride and delight +in claiming them as his own.</p> + +<p>But for the few days between his coming among them and the wedding there +was little opportunity for becoming intimately acquainted, so greatly +interested and occupied with the preparations for it were they, and, +indeed, all the family connection. He furtively watched them, however, +while Captain Raymond, calling to mind a talk he had had with Donald at +West Point, some years before, in regard to his eldest daughter, did the +same by him whenever the two were together in his presence. He noted +with pleasure that Lucilla evidently cared for Captain Keith only as a +relative and friend of the family, never thinking of him as a lover or +admirer of herself, or likely to become one.</p> + +<p>"She is still satisfied with her father's affection," was his pleasing +thought. "She evidently cares little or nothing for other men, and I may +hope to keep her altogether my own for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>years to come; though there are +some half dozen or more young fellows who, as I plainly perceive, are +looking upon her with longing eyes."</p> + +<p>That fact was evident to Violet, also, and she jestingly referred to it +at one time when, for a few moments, they were alone together.</p> + +<p>"My dear," she said, "be watchful if you would not be robbed of Lu, +perhaps of Gracie, also; for the dear girls are entirely too charming +for you to hope to escape an effort from somebody to take them from +you."</p> + +<p>"I agree with you in that idea, but am not alarmed," he said with a look +of quiet confidence, "believing that my daughters still love their +father better than any other man, and are satisfied that he seeks their +best good in refusing to consider them as yet old enough to leave his +care and protection for that of anyone else."</p> + +<p>"I am sure you are right," returned Violet, "and very glad I am to think +I shall not lose their sweet companionship for years, if ever. I feel, +though, that it would be very selfish in me to want them to miss +entirely the great happiness I have found in wedded life," she added +with a look of ardent affection into his eyes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> "But I fear there are +not many husbands equal to mine."</p> + +<p>"I hope there are," he said with a smile that was very loving and +tender, "and I am sure it could not fail to be the case if there were +many wives as worthy of love and entire devotion as is mine."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," she said with a pleased smile. "I cannot tell you how often +I rejoice in the thought of my husband's blindness to my many faults."</p> + +<p>"If there is any such blindness, my dear, I am quite sure it is mutual," +he returned with a look of amusement, adding, "and we will try to keep +it up; won't we?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed," was her laughing rejoinder, "and I hope Rosie and her +Will may be led to follow our good example in that respect."</p> + +<p>"As I do," he rejoined; "and, knowing them both as I do know them, I +think there is every prospect of it."</p> + +<p>This talk was upon a side veranda where they sat watching their two +little ones at play together in the grounds.</p> + +<p>"Papa!" cried Ned at this moment, run<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>ning toward them, "didn't you hear +the telephone bell? I thought I did."</p> + +<p>"No, my son," returned the captain; "and if it is ringing, one of your +sisters will answer it, no doubt. They are both upstairs."</p> + +<p>"It did ring, papa, and I answered it," said Lucilla, stepping from the +open doorway and coming swiftly toward him. "Rosie was calling to me +that there is to be a rehearsal of to-morrow's wedding ceremony, this +evening, and asking if we can come over and take our parts. May we? Will +you take us?"</p> + +<p>"I say yes to both queries," was the pleasant-toned reply. "I will order +out the carriage and we will all drive over directly after tea. I have +been told that our gentlemen guests are all to spend the evening there +or at Beechwood or Roselands."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I like that!" exclaimed Lucilla. "And now, our wedding dresses +being entirely finished, Grace and I are going to try them on. Will our +father, Mamma Vi, Elsie, and Ned come up presently and see what they +think of our appearance in them?"</p> + +<p>"Of course we will," answered Violet. "I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>can speak for myself and the +children, and have not a doubt of Captain Raymond's desire to see how +well the dainty gowns become his young-lady daughters."</p> + +<p>"He hardly considers them young ladies yet, Mamma Vi," laughed Lulu. +"And I am sure I don't want him to, for I dearly love to have him call +me his own little girl," she concluded, with a look of ardent filial +love and respect into her father's eyes. "I hope he will let me always +be that to him."</p> + +<p>"Always, while you wish it, daughter mine," he responded in low, tender +tones, affectionately pressing the hand she had laid in his. "Now go, +array yourself in your finery, and we will follow in a few moments," he +added in a little louder key, and she hastened to obey.</p> + +<p>"Oh, mamma!" cried Elsie, who had drawn near enough to overhear nearly +all that had been said, "mayn't I try my wedding dress on, too? You know +it is almost finished—all but sewing on a few buttons, Alma said a +while ago."</p> + +<p>"I have no objection," said Violet, rising. "Come, and I will help you +put it on."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Your wedding dress, Elsie? you are not old enough to get married," +laughed Ned. "Is she, papa?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed! very far from it," the captain said. "Even her older +sisters are much too young for that; but they seem to so have named +their new gowns because of having had them made expressly to be worn at +the wedding."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I suppose that is what they mean. Aunt Rosie's will be the +only real wedding dress, and I heard mamma say it was very handsome +indeed. And I like my new suit you bought me to wear to the wedding; and +your new one, too."</p> + +<p>"I am glad you are satisfied," his father said. "The dress of the ladies +will be noticed much more than yours or mine, but it is only right that +men and boys should take pains to be neatly and suitably attired. Now I +think we may follow your mother and sisters and see what they have to +show us."</p> + +<p>The dresses were pronounced by all beautiful, perfect in regard to fit, +trimming, and suitability to the occasion on which they were to be worn; +very becoming, also, the captain remarked <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>in an aside to his wife; a +remark to which she gave a hearty and unqualified assent.</p> + +<p>"We'll wear these dresses to Ion to-night, won't we, mamma?" asked +Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, child!" replied Violet; "the rehearsal will be gone through +with in ordinary attire, and these grand dresses kept perfectly fresh +for the wedding. Come, now, we must make haste with the change, for the +tea bell will ring presently. It is well you took a good nap this +afternoon, for I fear you are likely to be kept up late."</p> + +<p>"Probably a little later than usual," said their father, "though, as +to-morrow is to be so exciting a day, I intend to bring you all home in +pretty good season; that you may be able to take such a night's rest as +will give you the needed strength to go through the trying ordeal."</p> + +<p>"There, papa," laughed Grace, "you talk as if we were all going to be +married."</p> + +<p>"Dear me, but I am glad we are not!" exclaimed Lucilla, "and that I am +not the one that is."</p> + +<p>"Quite a lucid remark, my child," laughed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>her father. "But now I will +leave you to make the necessary changes in your dress that you may be +ready for a drive on leaving the tea table."</p> + +<p>They hastened to obey, helping each other and laughing and chatting +merrily as they worked. They were ready when the summons to the tea +table came, and, directly after leaving it, all entered the family +carriage and drove to Ion, greatly enjoying the balmy air, the easy +motion over the smooth roads, and all the sweet sights and sounds of +lovely summer time in the country. They never wearied of those familiar +things, daily blessings though they were.</p> + +<p>The sun was near its setting when they reached Ion, where they found a +gathering of friends and relatives unusual in its size, though not +nearly so large as it would be on the coming day, when the great event +was to take place.</p> + +<p>Walter was one of the first to greet them, having reached home that +morning and been ever since much excited over the situation of +affairs—the prospect of losing Rosie, his young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>est and only single +sister out of the home nest, as a permanent resident there.</p> + +<p>"Glad to see you, Vi!" he exclaimed, seizing his sister, Mrs. Raymond, +in a warm embrace. "Glad to see you all—Brother Levis, Lu, Gracie, and +you little folks. Of course you haven't forgotten Uncle Walter in the +long months since we parted in Paradise Valley?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" answered several voices.</p> + +<p>"And we are all very glad to see you at home among us again—I must not +say little brother, according to former custom, I suppose?" added Violet +in merry accents; "for you have grown into a fine young gentleman."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he returned with a slightly embarrassed laugh. "Well, I +mean to try to be, as well as to seem."</p> + +<p>But others were crowding about, and in the exchange of greetings, +questions, and answers, there were time and opportunity for no more.</p> + +<p>There was a pleasant bustle, a good deal of mirth and laughter, the +young folks going about from room to room to examine the tasteful +arrangements for the grand affair of the morrow—then, the last one of +those selected to take <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>part in the ceremony having arrived, they went +through their rehearsal; so that even the little flower girls might be +perfect in their parts, knowing just how and when to enter the room, +where to stand and what to do.</p> + +<p>They were greatly interested and very anxious to do all in the best +possible manner, that no one might be mortified by their failure and led +to regret that they had been chosen to perform that particular part. +They succeeded admirably, and were delighted with the praise freely +bestowed upon them by one and another of the onlookers, including the +guests and the members of the different families present.</p> + +<p>When all seemed perfect in their parts, which no one found very +difficult, some simple refreshments were served, and presently after +Captain Raymond and his family departed for Woodburn, Captain Donald +Keith and Dr. Dick Percival accompanying them.</p> + +<p>It was something of a disappointment to both these gentlemen that, very +shortly after arriving there, Captain Raymond advised his daughters to +retire, in order that they might feel entirely rested and refreshed +before enter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>ing upon the exciting pleasures and fatigues of the coming +day.</p> + +<p>"I know it is the best plan for me, papa," returned Grace in cheerful +tones, and began her good-nights at once.</p> + +<p>"For me too, since I want all the beauty sleep I can get in preparation +for to-morrow," laughed Lucilla, "though of course it is by no means so +necessary for the bride's attendants as for herself."</p> + +<p>"Ah! is that because they are so much handsomer to begin with?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa! please refrain from asking such hard questions!" was the +response in tones of mock entreaty; "hard because they seem to imply a +good deal of vanity in me. I was only meaning that, of course, the +bride's appearance will attract the most attention."</p> + +<p>"Ah! was that it? Well, my child, say good-night and go; get to bed +quickly, put aside thoughts of to-morrow's gaieties, and indulge in +sleep so sound and refreshing that you will be ready to give your father +his usual companionship in his early stroll about the grounds."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll do my best to follow all those directions, sir," she said with a +bright, pleased look. "Good-night, gentlemen," turning toward the +guests. "I hope you will both sleep well and find to-morrow's +festivities very enjoyable." And with that she hastened away, leaving +the three gentlemen alone upon the veranda, for Violet was seeing her +little ones to bed.</p> + +<p>"What a rich man you are, Raymond!" remarked Keith, half unconsciously +sighing slightly as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"You are right," returned the captain cheerily, "my wife and children +being by far the most valuable of my possessions. I only wish that you +and your friend here," glancing at Dr. Percival as he spoke, "were +equally wealthy. But you are younger men, and may hope to become as rich +as I am by the time you are my age."</p> + +<p>"Hardly; so far as I am concerned, at least," returned Keith drily; +"seeing I am already some ten or a dozen years older than you were at +the time of your first marriage, Raymond."</p> + +<p>"Yet by no means too old to hope yet to become in the near future a +happy husband and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>father. I am at a loss to understand why you have not +found a mate before this."</p> + +<p>"Ah, none so blind as those that won't see!" returned Keith with a +slight laugh; then changed the subject of conversation by asking a +question in regard to the plans of the young couple expecting to be +united on the morrow.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond answered the query. A moment's silence followed; then +Keith, turning to Dick, said: "I presume you and I are of about the same +age, doctor?"</p> + +<p>"Quite likely; and confirmed bachelors, both of us, it would seem," was +the nonchalant rejoinder. "I am some years older than Cousin Vi."</p> + +<p>"Not too old for reformation, however," remarked Captain Raymond +pleasantly. "And let me assure you that a wife—such as mine, for +instance—is a very great blessing; doubling the happiness of life."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it, sir," said Dick; "but such an one is not to be picked +up every day."</p> + +<p>"No, certainly not. I have always felt myself strangely fortunate in +securing so great a treasure."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + +<p>"As you well may," remarked Keith pleasantly; "yet your good fortune has +been largely owing to your undoubted worthiness of it, Raymond."</p> + +<p>"In which opinion I agree with you heartily, Cousin Donald," responded +Violet's sweet voice close at hand, taking them by surprise, for, in the +earnestness of their talk they had not perceived the sound of her light +approaching footsteps. "I think there is nothing good which is beyond my +husband's deserts," she added as all three rose hastily to hand her to a +seat, Donald saying:</p> + +<p>"So you overheard me, Coz! Well, please remember that it was I who +brought you two together. An act which seems to have born abundance of +good fruit in the happiness of all concerned."</p> + +<p>"I think it has," she said, her husband adding, "And for which I, at +least, owe you a deep debt of gratitude."</p> + +<p>"And not you alone, my dear," said Violet; "and in return I can wish him +nothing better than wedded happiness equal to our own."</p> + +<p>"A wish in which I heartily unite with you," said Captain Raymond.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + + +<p>Captain Raymond and his eldest daughter were out in the Woodburn grounds +the next morning at their usual early hour, wandering here and there +along the shaded paths and among the shrubs and flowers, noting their +growth in size and beauty, gathering blossoms, and chatting together in +their usual familiar and affectionate manner; Lucilla expressing her +thoughts and feelings as freely and openly as though her companion had +been one of her own age and sex.</p> + +<p>"I am glad for Rosie," she said when the talk turned upon the subject of +what was expected to be the great event of the day, "she seems so happy; +though how she can be in the prospect of leaving the dear home of her +childhood and the mother who loves her so fondly, I cannot understand. +Oh, father! I do think I can never, never bear to go away from you! It +seems impossible that anyone else can ever be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>half so dear to me, and I +am so glad that you want to keep me your own little girl for years +longer."</p> + +<p>"For all our life on earth, daughter, if you are satisfied to have it +so," he returned, bestowing upon her a look and smile of tenderest +fatherly affection. "You are still one of my chief treasures, which I +should be very loath to bestow upon anyone else; dearer to me—as all my +children are—than tongue can tell."</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa," she said, looking up into his eyes with a joyous smile, "so +you have told me many, many times; but I love to hear it just as if you +had never said it before."</p> + +<p>"As I do your expressions of ardent love for me, daughter," he returned. +"Very glad I am that I am not the one who must to-day resign to another +the ownership of a daughter."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry for Grandma Elsie," said Lucilla; "but then I suppose she +must feel rather used to it—having given away two daughters before."</p> + +<p>"And having none left to be a care and trouble, eh?" laughed her father.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; having both near enough to be seen <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>and enjoyed every day if +she chooses. Don't you hope that will be the way with you if you have to +give any of yours up to somebody else?"</p> + +<p>"I certainly do," he said. "I should be very loath to consent to having +any one of them carried off to a distance. But let us not trouble +ourselves with anxious thought of what may lie in the future. Remember +the dear Master's word, 'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa; and I remember your teaching me that his 'Take no thought,' +means no anxiety, and that it tends greatly to one's happiness to live +one day at a time, just leaving all the future in his hands."</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter; just as a little child leaves its future and the supply +of its daily wants in the care of its parents."</p> + +<p>"Such kind teaching, and easy to understand when one has such a father +as mine," she said, with a look of grateful love.</p> + +<p>"I am thankful, indeed, daughter, if anything in my treatment and +teaching helps you to a clearer understanding of how the Master <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>would +have you to act and feel," he said in tones that spoke full appreciation +of her filial affection.</p> + +<p>"Ah! there is our mail," he added, as a servant was seen carrying it +toward the house; "so we will go in now and see if it contains anything +important for you or me."</p> + +<p>"And if there is anything you want answered on the typewriter you will +let me do it at once, won't you, papa?" she asked, as they quickened +their footsteps, taking the direction toward the house.</p> + +<p>"If you have time, and wish to do so, daughter."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I have hardly anything to do till it is time for the drive to +Ion."</p> + +<p>"Unless you should find a letter, or more than one, of your own, calling +for a reply," he returned, smiling down into her bright, animated face.</p> + +<p>"That is not very likely, considering how few correspondents I have," +she laughed.</p> + +<p>They reached the veranda from one direction as the servant entered it +from another, and the captain, taking the mail bag from him, walked <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>on +into the library, Lucilla following. He emptied the contents of the bag +upon the table, and going rapidly over them, said: "Several letters for +our guests" (laying them aside as he spoke), "one for your mamma; none +for any of my children, and only two business letters for me. Well, +daughter," glancing at the clock on the mantel, "you may sit down to +your typewriter and answer these at my dictation; as I see there will be +time to do so before the ringing of the breakfast bell. Ah, +good-morning, Keith!" as at that moment that gentleman entered the room. +"Here are letters which I was just about to send up to you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Keith, taking them from his host's outstretched hand. +"I am glad to have saved you the trouble. I hope you and Miss Lucilla +are both quite well?" giving her a bow and smile as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Entirely, thank you, and have just come in from our usual early stroll +together about the grounds. I hope you rested well. Take that easy-chair +and don't let our presence interfere with your enjoyment of your +letters."</p> + +<p>Keith declined that invitation, saying he felt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>a strong inclination for +a breath of the sweet morning air before the summons to the breakfast +table should come; so would read his letters upon the veranda, and, with +them in his hand, passed out of the room.</p> + +<p>"I strongly suspect that was from a polite disinclination to hinder us +in our work, papa," remarked Lucilla in a sprightly tone, as her father +uncovered the machine and made all things ready for her work.</p> + +<p>"Quite likely," he responded, "for I never met anyone more truly polite +and thoughtful for others. He is a Christian man and acts from Christian +principles in all that he does."</p> + +<p>"As his friend, my father, does," she said with a look of filial +reverence up into his face as he stood by her side.</p> + +<p>"And as I trust my daughter does and will ever do," he returned with +grave earnestness, then began his dictation.</p> + +<p>They made rapid work and had finished and joined Keith upon the veranda +before the ringing of the breakfast bell summoned all to their morning +meal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Rosie has an ideal wedding day, I think," remarked Violet as she poured +the coffee; "that shower in the night having laid the dust in the roads +and made the air deliciously cool."</p> + +<p>"Also refreshed vegetation," added her husband, "so that trees and +shrubs and flowers are as fresh and fragrant as possible."</p> + +<p>"The sun shines brightly, too," added Grace, "reminding one of the old +saying I have so often heard quoted: 'Happy is the bride on whom the sun +shines.'"</p> + +<p>"It is pleasant to see it shining, yet I do not believe Rosie would +hesitate a moment, or feel the least anxiety about its effect upon her +future happiness, if the rain were pouring down," said Lucilla; "because +she has great confidence in her bridegroom that is to be, and not a +particle of superstition in her nature."</p> + +<p>"That is giving her high praise," said Keith, "for there are few who are +entirely free from it, though very many are hardly aware of its hold +upon them."</p> + +<p>"You are quite correct, I think, sir," remarked Dr. Percival; "we are +all apt to be blind to our own feelings, and hardly conscious <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>that our +prejudices and superstitions are such, blind to our weakness—even more +to the mental than to the physical."</p> + +<p>"Then how well it is that there is no occasion for their exercise, or +for battling with them to-day," observed Violet in a sprightly tone; +"and though, of course, mamma and all of us must, when Rosie is gone, +miss our constant sweet companionship with her, we ought not to mourn, +but rather rejoice that she is going into a Christian family and gaining +a devoted Christian for a life companion."</p> + +<p>"Yes; that is indeed a cause for joy and gratitude," said Keith.</p> + +<p>"Father, will Mr. Croly be any relation to us after he gets married to +Aunt Rosie?" queried Ned.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my son; brother to your mamma and me, and uncle to the rest of +you."</p> + +<p>"Meaning Neddie himself and Elsie, papa?" Grace said half +interrogatively and with an amused little laugh.</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes! he is certainly too young to be, or wish to be, that to my +older daughters," returned her father with a look of amusement.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No danger that he will want to claim that relationship, Gracie," +laughed Lucilla. "Even Walter does not, though I know you are a +particular favourite with him; but he, to be sure, is still younger than +Mr. Croly by some years."</p> + +<p>"It is at two o'clock Aunt Rosie is to be married, then there will be +the wedding feast, and after that the bride and groom will go on a +journey," said Neddie, as if bestowing a piece of valuable information +upon his hearers.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Elsie, "but, as everybody knows it, what's the use of +telling it?"</p> + +<p>"I thought perhaps Cousin Donald and Cousin Dick didn't know it—at +least, not all of it," said Ned.</p> + +<p>Then his father told him he had talked quite enough, and must be quiet +during the rest of the meal.</p> + +<p>"We who are to be the bride's attendants should go over early, I think," +remarked Lucilla. "At least we, the older ones," she added with a +smiling glance at Elsie; "the little flower girls will not be needed +until somewhat later."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You may set your own time," her father said. "I will send you and Grace +over in the family carriage, and it can return in full season for the +use of anyone else who desires it. We have a variety of horses and +conveyances, gentlemen, any or all of them at your service at whatever +hour you may appoint," he added, turning to his guests. "There will be +abundance of time for a ride or drive for mere exercise or enjoyment, +before donning your attire for the grand occasion, if you wish to take +it."</p> + +<p>Both gentlemen accepted the offer with thanks, and they proceeded to lay +their plans for a gallop together over some of the roads with which Dick +had been familiar in his childhood, but which would be new to Captain +Keith. They set out within an hour after leaving the breakfast table, +and not very long afterward the young girls were on their way to Ion.</p> + +<p>They found the house beautifully decorated with flowers from garden and +conservatories, especially the room in which the ceremony was to take +place.</p> + +<p>Everybody seemed in a state of subdued ex<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>citement, Rosie half gay, half +sad, her eyes filling whenever she turned them upon her mother—the dear +mother who had so loved and cherished her all the days of her life with +such unselfish devotion as no other earthly creature could know; how +could she endure the thought of the impending separation? She could not; +she could only strive to forget it, and keep her mind filled with the +important step now just about to be taken, for she had already gone too +far to retreat even were she sure that she wished to do so. The mother +was scarcely less affected, but with her greater experience of life was +better able to control and conceal her feelings. And so were the others +who, though pleased with the match, still felt that this was the +breaking up of some very tender ties; they would not allow their +thoughts to dwell upon that, but would occupy them with the mirth and +gaiety of the present.</p> + +<p>But to Mrs. Croly, who had so far recovered under Dr. Conly's skilful +treatment that she was able to be present, it was all joy: she had +always wanted a daughter, and now was gaining one after her own heart; +for Rosie <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>seemed to her all that was good, beautiful, and in every way +attractive. And then, in respect to family, fortune, everything that +could be thought of, she was all that could be desired. The elder Mr. +Croly, too, was entirely satisfied with the match, and already felt a +paternal interest in the young girl just entering his family. In fact +upon both sides there was perfect satisfaction with the match.</p> + +<p>Everything went well; there was no bustle or confusion; minister and +guests were all there in due season; bride, groom, and attendants, +including the little flower girls, performed their parts without mistake +or discomposure. Kisses, congratulations, and good wishes followed; then +the wedding feast was partaken of leisurely and with mirth and jollity, +the bridal dress was exchanged for a beautiful travelling suit, the +farewells were spoken, with cheery reminders that the separation was to +be but temporary, the bride expecting soon to rejoin the dear home +circle. That thought was a very comforting one to her, and, though tears +had fallen at the parting from her loved ones,—especially her +mother,—they soon ceased their flow under <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>the tenderly affectionate +caresses and endearments of him who was henceforward to be to her the +nearest and dearest of all earthly loved ones, and her face grew radiant +with happiness as he had hoped to see it on their bridal day.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + + +<p>Nearly all the guests—relatives and dear friends—remained for some +hours after the departure of the bride and groom, some conversing +together upon the veranda, some wandering in couples or little companies +about the grounds or sitting in the shade of the beautiful trees on the +lawn.</p> + +<p>Most of the young people, especially those of them who had been +attendants of the bride and groom, gathered about Grandma Elsie—for +they all loved her, and everyone felt that she had particular need of +some pleasant distraction of thought just at that time, to prevent her +from dwelling upon the partial loss of her youngest daughter.</p> + +<p>Walter was, of course, one of the group, and he presently plunged into +lively accounts of his college-boy experiences, very interesting and +amusing to him and presumably so to others, as, in fact, they were to +most if not all of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>his auditors, his older brothers among the rest; for +it seemed to carry them back, in at least a measure, to their own +Freshman days, with all their trials and triumphs, their pleasures and +annoyances.</p> + +<p>"Did anybody do anything very bad to you, Walter?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"No; not very," he replied; "hazing has been almost abolished, and what +is still done is by no means unendurable.</p> + +<p>"Oh! I must tell you of a bit of fun we had only the other day. On the +porch of one of our boarding houses a countryman had set down a basket +of eggs—about twenty dozen I was told—that he had brought in for +customers; and there they stood, looking as tempting as possible, +especially to wild young college boys, some of whom, coming there when +recitations were over and the dinner hour approaching, saw them and were +immediately smitten with a desire to handle, if not to taste them. One +fellow snatched up an egg and threw it at another; it struck him, broke, +and bespattered his clothes. He, naturally, retaliated in kind, and +other fellows followed their example, the fun <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>growing fast and furious, +till every egg the basket had contained was gone, and porch, students, +and their clothing were a sight to behold."</p> + +<p>"And what did the farmer say when he came back for his basket and found +it empty?" asked Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"He was very angry, but those who had broken the eggs paid him his full +price, and he went off tolerably well satisfied, though he growled that +he was compelled to disappoint his customers.</p> + +<p>"The boarding house keeper was angry, too, but stopped scolding when +told that the mischief should be repaired at the expense of those who +had caused it."</p> + +<p>"The clothes of those engaged in the row must have been in a pretty bad +condition," remarked Harold.</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course; and they had some fine tailors' bills to pay before +they were again presentable."</p> + +<p>"A shameful waste of good food provided by our Heavenly Father, that +someone's hunger might be satisfied," remarked Grandma Elsie <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>gravely. +"Surely the young men engaged in it must have forgotten the teaching of +our Saviour when he said, 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that +nothing be lost.'"</p> + +<p>"Mamma! I had forgotten that," exclaimed Walter, blushing vividly.</p> + +<p>"A poor excuse, my son," she replied. "'Remember all the commandments of +the Lord, and do them.' Those are his own words given to Moses to speak +unto the Children of Israel. Jesus was and is God; therefore what he +commanded is the command of God. And since he had just proved his +ability to create abundance of food, his command to avoid waste must +have been given for the benefit of his hearers; and can you think he +would have approved of the waste of good, nourishing food of which you +have just been telling?"</p> + +<p>"No, mother; I am convinced that it was not right; that it was, in fact, +wicked waste. I must own that I had a share in it; but I promise you I +will never be guilty of the like again. It does seem very wrong when one +thinks of the multitudes of people in different parts of the world who +are actually starving."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, I hope you will be more thoughtful in future—will use your +influence against such objectionable sport; surely bright young men and +boys should be capable of finding or making better or less blameworthy +fun. You may feel assured, however, that your mother is interested in +all that interests you. So if you have anything more to tell of your +college experiences we will be glad to hear it."</p> + +<p>"You found the Sophs rather domineering, didn't you?" asked Herbert.</p> + +<p>"About as much so as they dared to be, I should say," laughed Walter. +"For instance, they won't let the Freshes wear white duck trousers till +some time in May. Nor will they allow them to wear the colours gold and +black till just at the close of their Freshman year."</p> + +<p>"Well, that is tyranny!" exclaimed Lucilla, "and if I were a Freshman I +wouldn't stand it."</p> + +<p>"Ah! but if you didn't you might have something worse to stand," laughed +Walter. Then he went on, "I must tell you about the cane spree. They +have it at the time of the first <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>full moon. The players are three men +from each class—one light-weight, one middle, and one heavy-weight. The +students of all classes gather in a circle around them to watch the +sport. First the light-weights try a tussle for the cane; then the +middles, and lastly the heavys. It is not so much strength as skill that +wins, and the victors keep their canes as trophies, and are proud to +show them for the rest of their lives."</p> + +<p>"Well, really," laughed Maud Dinsmore, "it does not strike me as +anything worth taking particular pride in."</p> + +<p>"Mayhap that is because you are only a girl, Maud," remarked Chester +teasingly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she returned sportively, "if I were only a boy I might be as +silly as the others."</p> + +<p>"Does it strike you as very silly, Gracie?" asked Walter.</p> + +<p>"Well, no; not for boys," she returned doubtfully, "but rather so for a +man. There are so many other things in which—at least it seems to +me—it would be better worth while to excel."</p> + +<p>"Yes; so there are," he agreed with a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>thoughtful look. "And yet an +occasional bit of sport is a good thing even for a man."</p> + +<p>"That is very true," said Harold; "and certainly as true for +brain-workers as for any who toil with their hands."</p> + +<p>"Doesn't it seem pleasant to be at home again, Walter?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed!" he exclaimed. "There is no place like home—especially +home with mother in it."</p> + +<p>"Or with father in it," added Grace as, at that moment, Captain Raymond +joined the circle.</p> + +<p>"Such a father as ours," said Lucilla, looking up at him with a smile of +proud, fond affection. He returned it, accepted an offered seat, and +asked Walter if he had been entertaining the company with tales of +college doings and experiences.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," returned the lad. "I suppose it is the usual thing for a +Freshman to do on coming home at the end of his year."</p> + +<p>"Quite; his head being pretty full of them," was the playful rejoinder. +"Well, little—no, young brother—I hope the old tutor has not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> been +entirely forgotten, in admiration and affection for the new?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; no, indeed! and never will be," returned Walter, speaking with +an energy and earnestness that brought a smile to the captain's lips and +eyes. "I shall show myself strangely ungrateful if I ever forgot the +patience and kindness with which my oldest brother instructed me; and +all for no reward at all."</p> + +<p>"Ah! there you are mistaken," said Captain Raymond pleasantly. "It was +reward enough to know that I was helping to fit you for future +usefulness. I hope, my boy, you will live to be an honour to your mother +and a blessing to the world."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, sir; it is my ardent wish," Walter said low and earnestly, +giving his mother a most loving look as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"And if you trust not in your own strength, but look constantly to God +for help, you will succeed, my son," she responded in low, moved tones.</p> + +<p>Just at that moment there were several additions to their group, among +them Captain Keith and Dr. Percival, and the talk turned <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>upon plans for +the next few days, and after that for the summer. Most of the relatives +from a distance would linger in that neighbourhood for a week or more, +and entertainments of one kind and another would be given by those +residents there. The Oaks, The Laurels, Fairview, Woodburn, Roselands, +and Beechwood would have their turns. After that must come the +inevitable breaking up and scattering of guests to their own homes or +some summer resort, while most of the dwellers in that region would go +northward in search of a cooler climate in which to pass the heated +term. But it was not deemed necessary to settle it all now; only to +arrange on which day each estate would be the scene of entertainment. It +took a good deal of consultation, mingled with merry jests and happy +laughter, to settle all that. Then there was a general leave taking and +scattering to their homes—temporary or settled.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + + +<p>The wedding had been on Wednesday. On Thursday all gathered, by +invitation, at the Oaks, where Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore gave them a royal +entertainment. On Friday the same thing was repeated at The Laurels, on +Saturday at Fairview, and on the following Monday all were to assemble +at Woodburn.</p> + +<p>Being a Christian, Sabbath keeping connection, no one thought for a +moment of profaning the Lord's day by frivolity and merry making. Those +who were able attended church in the morning; in the afternoon the Ion +and Woodburn people taught their Sunday-school classes as usual, and +afterward held a Bible class among themselves at Woodburn, that being +the point nearest to the schoolhouse on the Woodburn place, at which +they had just concluded the exercises for the day.</p> + +<p>Dr. and Mrs. Landreth and her brother, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> Rev. Cyril Keith were, just +at that time, among the guests of Captain and Mrs. Raymond, and, by the +request of the little company, the minister <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original text reads 'lead'">led</ins> the exercises.</p> + +<p>Turning over the leaves of his Bible, "The thought strikes me," he said, +"that perhaps godliness would be as good a subject for to-day's +consideration as we could find. 'Godliness with contentment is great +gain,' the apostle tells us. It is a duty and the part of wisdom to be +contented with what God our heavenly Father has seen fit to give us of +the good things of this life; for there is no happiness to be found in +discontent, murmuring, and repining; envying those who seem to us to +have a larger share than ours of the riches and pleasures of earth. 'We +brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing +out. And, having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.' +Happiness does not depend upon the amount of our earthly possessions. +'Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and +verily thou shalt be fed.' That promise alone should be enough to make +one contented and happy, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>even though possessed of but very little of +this world's goods. Indeed, why should we care to have much of that +which may at any moment fall from our grasp? Let us rather seek the true +riches which endure unto eternal life. Let us follow after +righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. May ours be +'the path of the just which is as the shining light that shineth more +and more unto the perfect day.'</p> + +<p>"But I consented, not to the preaching of a sermon, but only to the +leading of the exercises in which all are privileged and desired to take +a part. Let us have the reading or quoting of texts bearing upon the +subject of godliness."</p> + +<p>Then, from their open Bibles they read in turn, the older people +selecting for themselves, the younger searching out references given +them by their leader.</p> + +<p>"Papa," asked Neddie, when there was a pause in the reading, "what is +godliness? Does it mean the same as being a Christian?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my son."</p> + +<p>"And to be a Christian is to love Jesus and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>try to be like him and +serve him everywhere and all the time?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; a real, true Christian is one who follows Christ, striving to be +like him in every way and to keep all his commands."</p> + +<p>"I think I do want to, papa. Please tell me more about it."</p> + +<p>"We must study the Bible to learn all about Christ Jesus—how he lived +in this world, what he did, and what he did not do, what sort of spirit +he showed—and strive to have the same spirit ourselves; for the Bible +tells us 'If any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his.' +Jesus said, 'I must be about my Father's business,' and if God is our +Father we too will be about his business."</p> + +<p>"But how, papa? I don't understand it."</p> + +<p>"Jesus came to save souls; and we must try to save them by leading them +to him; first by serving him ourselves, then by persuading others to do +the same—telling them of all his great goodness and mercy, his loving +kindness, and how he suffered and bled and died that sinners might be +saved—even those who hated and persecuted him. How strange it is that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>we do not love him more and serve him better!"</p> + +<p>"And how enduring is that love—the love of Christ," added Grandma +Elsie. "His own word is, 'Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting +love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.'"</p> + +<p>"And he laid down his life for us," said Mrs. Landreth. "And he himself +said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life +for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is the test," said Mr. Dinsmore; "we have no right to +consider ourselves his disciples unless we are striving earnestly to +keep all his commandments. He himself said, 'Either make the tree good +and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit +corrupt: for a tree is known by his fruit.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes; if we love our Father we will strive earnestly to keep his +commandments and not feel them to be grievous. A loving child is an +obedient one," said Mr. Keith. "'For this is the love of God, that we +keep his command<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>ments: and his commandments are not grievous.'"</p> + +<p>"'God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, +Christ died for us,'" quoted his son Donald. "In his love and in his +pity he redeemed us."</p> + +<p>Then there was a moment's pause, presently broken by Mr. Dinsmore +starting the hymn "Love divine, all love excelling," in which the other +voices promptly joined.</p> + +<p>That closed the exercises for that time, and those who had come merely +to take part in them bade good-bye for that day with the expectation of +returning on the following one. And those who remained behind scattered +to their rooms until the summons of the tea bell brought them together +again about the table, to partake of their evening meal; after which +they repaired to the veranda and spent in conversation and music, suited +to its sacredness, the closing hours of that Lord's day.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond and his wife lingered for a little upon the veranda +after their guests had gone to their rooms. They sat side by side—he +with his arm about her waist, her hand fast <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>clasped in his, while her +head rested upon his shoulder and her eyes looked up lovingly into his +face.</p> + +<p>"My dear," she said softly and with a beautiful smile, "I am so happy. I +love you so, so devotedly, and am so sure that your love for me is +equally strong."</p> + +<p>"I think it is, my darling—light of my eyes and core of my heart," he +responded low and feelingly. "You are to me the dearest, sweetest, +loveliest of earthly creatures. I can never cease wondering at my great +good fortune in securing such a treasure for my own. I am rich, rich in +love. My children are all very near and dear to me, and I know and feel +that I am to them, but you—ah, I think you are dearer than all five of +them put together!"</p> + +<p>"Ah," she said with a joyous smile, "those are sweet, sweet words to me! +And yet they make me feel almost as if I had robbed them—your children. +They all love you so dearly, as you have said, and set so high a value +upon your love to them."</p> + +<p>"And it is very great: none the less because my love for you is still +greater. You, my dear <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>wife, are my second self—'bone of my bone and +flesh of my flesh.' It is right that our mutual love should exceed all +other earthly loves."</p> + +<p>"Yes; and yet I fear it would make Lu—perhaps Gracie also—unhappy to +know that you have greater love for anyone else than for them."</p> + +<p>"I think they do know it, and also that it is right that it should be +so. And I presume they will both some day love someone else better than +their father. I cannot blame them if they do."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps the love differs more in kind than degree," Violet said +presently.</p> + +<p>"Yes; there is something in that," he returned; "yet it is not +altogether that which satisfies me. We are all bidden to love one +another. 'Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the +Church, and gave himself for it.... So ought men to love their wives as +their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.... Let every +one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself.'"</p> + +<p>He paused and Violet finished the quotation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> + +<p>"'And the wife see that she reverence her husband.' Ah, it is easy for +me to do that with such a husband as mine," she added. "Also, I remember +that in Paul's epistle to Titus there is a passage, where the aged women +are bidden to teach the younger ones to be sober, to love their +husbands, to love their children. And in the next verse to be obedient +to their husbands. I think I have kept that command as far as I could +without getting any orders from mine," she concluded, smiling up into +his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, dearest," he said, returning the smile and drawing her +closer to his side with a fond gesture, "where one's slightest wish is +promptly and eagerly complied with a command would be altogether +superfluous. And though I consider it wise and right—yes, an +unquestionable duty to exact prompt, cheerful obedience from my +children, I do not think I should ask it of my wife. The women of the +apostle's day were not the educated, self-reliant ones of the present +time; therefore our wives are hardly to be expected to conform +themselves strictly to the rules he lays down for them. But if hus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>band +and wife love each other as they ought,—as you and I do, for +instance,—any friction between them will be a thing of rare +occurrence."</p> + +<p>"And when, if ever, there is any," said Violet, "I think the wife should +be the one to give way—unless she feels that to yield to the wishes of +her husband would be a breach of the moral law; but in that case she +must remember the answer of Peter to the high priest, 'We ought to obey +God rather than men.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said; "and when a parent commands something which is plainly +contrary to God's command,—lying or stealing for instance,—it is the +child's duty to refuse to obey. There are parents, alas! who do train +their children to vice and crime, and when that is the case they, the +children, must remember and act upon the teaching of the apostle, 'We +ought to obey God rather than men.'"</p> + +<p>"How I pity children who are placed in such circumstances," sighed +Violet. "Oh, I often think what a cause for gratitude I have in the fact +that my parents were earnest Christians, and brought me and all their +children up in the fear of God; also that my children <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>have an earnest, +devoted Christian for their father."</p> + +<p>"And for their mother, my sweet wife," he added with emotion.</p> + +<p>Neither spoke again for some moments. It was Violet who broke the +silence.</p> + +<p>"My dear," she said, "I wonder if you have noticed, as I have, that my +cousin Donald greatly admires our Lu."</p> + +<p>"Ah! has he told you so, my love?" queried the captain, a touch of +regret and anxiety in his tone.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" laughed Violet; "but he looks at her with evidently admiring +eyes, listens eagerly to anything and everything she says, and +especially to her playing and singing; which are certainly worth +hearing. He greatly admires her drawings and paintings, too, some of +which I was showing him the other day; also her evident devotion to her +father, and readiness to assist and make herself useful to him in every +possible way."</p> + +<p>"Yes," sighed the captain, "her father would hardly know what to do +without her. Yet, of course, I should be far from willing to stand in +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>the way of my child's happiness. However, I hope and believe that her +father is still nearer and dearer to her than any other human creature. +She has often assured me that such was the fact; not waiting to be +questioned, but telling the story of her love as something in which we +could both rejoice, and which she was sure was reciprocal. As it +certainly is. I love her very dearly; though not more than I do each of +the others. Indeed, it gives me a heartache to think I shall ever be +called to part with any one of them."</p> + +<p>"Not very soon, I hope," said Violet. "You have frequently told me you +did not intend to let either of your daughters marry for years to come."</p> + +<p>"No, I do not; and as I dread the pain, for both them and myself, which +would be caused by the necessity for refusing to let them follow their +inclinations in such a matter, I sincerely hope no one will succeed in +winning their affections for years to come."</p> + +<p>"Then if I am right about Donald and he asks your permission to make an +offer to Lu, you will forbid him to do so?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> + +<p>At first the captain's only reply was an amused sort of smile. Then he +said: "I must tell you of a talk Donald and I had, some years ago, at +West Point. You perhaps remember that I took Max and Lulu there, and +found Donald already at the hotel, and we spent a few days together, the +children with us nearly all the time. One night I sent them early to +bed, and, afterward, spent an hour or more talking with my friend alone +on the piazza. In that talk he expressed a great admiration for my +little girl, and—half in jest, half in earnest—asked leave to try to +win her when she should reach a proper age. I told him certainly not for +at least six years. It is five now."</p> + +<p>"Then he ought to wait at least another year," remarked Violet, who had +listened with keen interest to her husband's little story.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and I hope he will feel that obligation and refrain, for the +present at least, from courting her. And, though I should be sorry for +my friend's disappointment, I cannot help hoping that he has not won, +and will not win, my daughter's heart. I want to become <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>neither his +father, nor my daughter's cousin," he added with a slight laugh.</p> + +<p>"Why, yes, to be sure! I had not thought about those relationships," +exclaimed Violet, joining in his mirth. "But," she added, "Donald is so +distant a relative of mine that, if that were the only objection, it +need not, I think, stand in the way."</p> + +<p>"No, perhaps not. A greater objection to me, so far as I am concerned, +would be the fact that, if married to an army officer, my daughter would +be kept at a distance from me nearly all the time."</p> + +<p>"And to me, as well as to you, that would be an almost insurmountable +objection; for Lu and I are now the closest and dearest of +friends—bosom companions. I should hardly know what to do without +her—the dear, sweet girl!"</p> + +<p>"Ah! it makes me very happy to hear and know that," he said with a glad +smile, adding, "it is hardly news; for I have seen for a good while that +you were very fond of each other."</p> + +<p>"Yes; we are like sisters. I should miss Lu almost more than I shall +Rosie, as we are together so much more constantly. Oh, I don't <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>like to +think of it! and I sincerely hope it may be years before she learns to +love any other man well enough to be willing to leave her sweet home +under her father's roof."</p> + +<p>"A hope in which I join with all my heart," said her husband; "and one +that I trust Donald is not going to ask me to resign."</p> + +<p>"If he does, just remind him of the exact terms of the answer you gave +him at West Point," returned Violet in playful tones. "But now I think +it is time for us to retire; do not you?" releasing herself from his +embrace and rising to her feet as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, "I would not have my wife miss her beauty sleep."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + + +<p>Lucilla was in bed but not asleep. She had retired to her room when the +guests went to theirs, and without a formal good-night to her father, +trusting to his coming to her there for a few moment's chat, as he +almost always did. But he had not come, and she felt sorely +disappointed. It was a beautiful, luxuriously furnished room, this bed +chamber of hers—the view from its windows, a lovely one of carefully +kept grounds, cultivated fields, woods, and streams; all looking their +loveliest just now as seen by the silver light of the moon, which shone +in upon her through rich lace curtains, gently wafted to and fro by the +summer breeze as it came in laden with the sweet scent of flowers from +the garden below.</p> + +<p>"What a sweet, lovely home I have! Oh, how much to be thankful for! good +health, kind friends, and such a dear father!" she said half aloud; "but +I want a good-night kiss and a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>word or two of fatherly affection, and +it does seem as if I can't go to sleep without it. Oh, dear! can it be +that he is displeased with me about anything? I am not conscious of +having done anything he would disapprove."</p> + +<p>"Nor have you, so far as I know, daughter mine," said a pleasant voice +close at her side, while a hand was laid tenderly on her head.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa!" she cried joyously, starting up to a sitting posture as she +spoke. "I did not know you were there—did not hear you come in; but I +am so glad you have come!"</p> + +<p>"Are you?" he asked, seating himself on the side of the bed and drawing +her into his arms. "Well, daughter, it is only for a moment, to bid you +good-night, as usual, and see that you are in need of nothing. Tell me, +are all your wants supplied?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; now that I have my father here to give me his good-night kiss +and blessing. Ah! papa dear, I do not know how I could ever live away +from you again. I am so glad you no longer have to go sailing away over +the ocean, leaving your children behind."</p> + +<p>"I am glad of it, too," he returned, "but I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>sometimes fear that the day +may come when my dear eldest daughter will want to leave me for a home +with someone else."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, father dear, you need not have the slightest fear of that," she +said, laying her head against his breast with a low, happy laugh. "I am +sure there isn't in the wide world any other man whom I could love half +so well as I do you. I am just as glad to belong to you now as ever I +was."</p> + +<p>"And don't want me to give you away?"</p> + +<p>"No, no, indeed!" she cried with energy. "Oh, papa! you surely are not +thinking of such a thing? You have said, over and over again, that you +would not,—at least not for years yet,—even if I wanted you to."</p> + +<p>"And I say the same now; so don't be wanting me to," he returned in +jesting tone, and laying her down upon her pillow as he spoke. "Now go +to sleep at once, that you may be ready to rise at your usual early hour +and join your father in the morning stroll about the grounds. 'The Lord +bless thee and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be +gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up his countenance <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>upon thee, and +give thee peace,'" he added in tender, solemn tones, his hand resting +upon her head as he spoke.</p> + +<p>Then, with a good-night kiss upon her lips, he left her, and contented +and happy she speedily passed into the land of dreams.</p> + +<p>The captain, passing through Grace's room to his own, paused for a +moment at her bedside, bent over her, and kissed the sweet lips; but she +slept on, unconscious of the caress.</p> + +<p>He found Violet still awake, repeated to her his little talk with +Lucilla, and added, with evident satisfaction, "I feel convinced that, +as yet, no one has made any impression upon her heart, that I, her +father, still hold the fort there."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have hardly a doubt of it," returned Violet; "and it may be many +a long day before she is deluded into thinking there is any other man +who begins to compare to him; something that I have known for years was +not the case," she concluded with a happy laugh.</p> + +<p>The sun was hardly above the horizon when Lucilla awoke; but she sprang +up hastily, with the thought that her father would soon be out <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>in the +grounds, and she wanted to be with him. There would be a great deal to +attend to in preparation for their expected guests, and perhaps she +could be of some assistance; at all events she would like to see all +that was going on, and give her opinion on any doubtful subject.</p> + +<p>So she lost no time about attending to the duties of the hour and place, +spending a little time upon her knees, asking for the watchful care of +her Heavenly Father through all the day, that she might be kept from +folly and sin, and have strength and wisdom to do every duty and meet +every trial, and beseeching his blessing upon all her dear ones, not +forgetting the dear brother so far away from home and kindred. Then she +made a rapid but careful toilet, and hastened, with light, swift +footsteps, down the broad stairway and out upon the veranda, where she +found her father in consultation with Christine, the housekeeper.</p> + +<p>Blithe good-mornings were exchanged, Christine went back into the house, +and father and daughter walked out together into the grounds.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> + +<p>Preparations were going on for the entertainment of the expected guests, +old and young, and Lucilla was not only permitted, but invited to give +her opinion in regard to them all, and any suggestions that might occur +to her; which she did frankly and fully, and with the result that more +than one of them was adopted; for her father wished to please her and +had great confidence in her opinion of such matters. There were croquet +and tennis grounds, swings in the shade of the trees in the grove; +inviting-looking seats there, and in other suitable places; there were +shaded walks and winding paths through the woods; indeed, every sort of +arrangement for recreation and pleasure that could be thought of and +prepared for in the allotted space.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond and his daughter walked about inspecting everything, +until they had gone over the whole place, giving all needed directions +to the workmen who were busied here and there with some alterations the +captain had decided upon the previous day, then returned to the house, +for it was nearing breakfast time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> + +<p>They found Violet, Grace, and the two younger children on the veranda. +Morning greetings were exchanged, then Lucilla hurried to her rooms to +make some changes in her dress and was coming down again when the +breakfast bell rang.</p> + +<p>It was a cheerful, even merry, party that gathered about the table to +partake of the meal, an excellent one; for the captain and Violet were +most hospitable entertainers.</p> + +<p>The talk ran principally upon the sports that would enliven and +entertain the company during the day; suggestions from any and every one +being in order; and, by the time the meal was concluded, all felt that +they had every prospect of a most enjoyable holiday.</p> + +<p>"The weather could not be more propitious than it is," remarked Captain +Keith. "You began your enjoyment of it early, Miss Lu," turning to +Lucilla. "I happened to be at my window and saw you and your father out +in the grounds."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said, "papa and I usually do take a stroll about them before +breakfast. He is always an early riser. I inherit the taste for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>it from +him and, being in excellent health, can indulge it without injury."</p> + +<p>"Which is something to be thankful for," he said with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed!" she returned heartily. "Health and strength are the +greatest of earthly blessings. I would not part with them for any amount +of money."</p> + +<p>"No; money cannot buy health and strength, though they may give one the +ability to earn money. You, however, have a father able and willing to +furnish all you may need of it."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the captain in his pleasant way, "but that daughter of mine +likes to make herself useful to me, and does so to such an extent that I +really think she earns all she gets."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, papa, not half!" exclaimed Lucilla, blushing with pleasure +nevertheless. "And that reminds me that I have not asked about your mail +this morning. Are there some letters to be answered on the typewriter?"</p> + +<p>"I have been as forgetful as yourself, daughter," her father answered +with a slight laugh. "Scip" (to a servant in waiting), "is the mail bag +on the library table?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think so, sah. Shall I fotch it hyar?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; bring it here to me."</p> + +<p>It was brought, opened, and found to contain letters for family and +guests, besides newspapers and magazines.</p> + +<p>They were speedily distributed to the owners, read,—some of them +aloud,—and their contents talked over.</p> + +<p>Then all adjourned to the library for the morning service of prayer, +praise, and reading of the Scriptures, after which they scattered about +the house and grounds.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond's share of the mail had included some business letters, +and he called upon Lucilla to use her typewriter in preparing his +replies, which she did promptly and cheerfully.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, daughter," he said when they had finished, "you and your +typewriter make my correspondence far less burdensome than it would be +otherwise."</p> + +<p>"I am so glad, papa! so glad that I can be of at least a little help to +you," she said joyously. "It is such a privilege, and such a pleasure!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dear child!" he said in response. Then, as the sound of wheels on the +drive without came to their ears, "Ah! our guests are beginning to +arrive, and we must go out and bid them welcome."</p> + +<p>Several carriage loads were already there, and others quickly followed +till, in a very short time, all the expected relatives were present.</p> + +<p>Then mirth and jollity ruled the hour, all—old and young—seeming in +gayest spirits and ready to join in any amusement that might be +proposed. Mr. and Mrs. Croly were among the guests. She had gained so +materially in health and strength that she was able—resting in an +easy-chair upon the veranda—to watch the sports of the younger and +healthier ones with interest and enjoyment; and to converse with one and +another as they came in turn to chat with her for a time. At length, +finding herself alone with Grandma Elsie for a while, she turned to her, +saying in a sprightly way:</p> + +<p>"I am getting so much better under the skilful treatment of Dr. Conly +that I ventured on quite a drive this morning, and we went to look at a +little place, some ten or more acres in ex<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>tent, about which your son +Doctor Harold was telling us yesterday. It is on the river bank, the +lawn sloping down to the water, and it is hardly farther from Ion than +this place. It is for sale. The house is small, but pretty, and could +easily be added to, and so made as large as one might wish."</p> + +<p>"Riverside is the name of the estate?" Mrs. Travilla said inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"Yes; a pretty one we both—Mr. Croly and I—think, and we have about +decided to buy it and enlarge and beautify the dwelling for our +children,—our son and your daughter,—if you think that would please +dear Rosie."</p> + +<p>"I think it could not fail to do so," Mrs. Travilla replied, her eyes +sparkling with pleasure. "It will be a great pleasure to me to have our +children so near, and I was thinking of making the purchase for them +myself. It was only this morning I learned that the place was for sale."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" laughed Mrs. Croly, "don't try to get ahead of us. We want the +place ourselves, and it won't hurt the young folks to wait for it till +we are gone; especially as we intend it <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>to be as much a home for them +immediately as if they were sole proprietors."</p> + +<p>"And they will enjoy it all the more for having their kind parents with +them," was Mrs. Travilla's pleased response.</p> + +<p>Then they fell to talking of alterations and additions to the dwelling, +and plans for furnishing and decorating it and the grounds.</p> + +<p>"I am very glad indeed that you and your husband have decided to settle +in this neighbourhood," said Mrs. Travilla; "glad that we are to have +the pleasure of your society, and that Rosie's married home will not be +at a distance from that of her childhood. I have been very fortunate in +being able thus far to keep all my children near me."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think so; and I do not wonder that they and you wish to keep +together. I feel just so in regard to my one. Ah! who are those two +ladies approaching on the driveway?"</p> + +<p>"One I call mamma," Mrs. Travilla said with a smile; "she is my father's +second wife, and has been my dear mother since I was a little girl of +ten. The other is Aunt Adelaide, a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>half sister of my father, who +married a brother of Mamma Rose—Mr. Edward Allison of Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes! I recognize Mrs. Dinsmore, now that they have drawn nearer, +and Mrs. Allison as someone to whom I have been introduced; but I have +met so many strangers in the last few days that I suppose I may be +excused for not remembering her name and connection with you and our +Rosie," she concluded with a smile, adding, "You will excuse me, I know, +for claiming Rosie as mine as well as yours, because it is so sweet to +me to have a daughter at long last."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad you feel it so," Mrs. Travilla returned with a sweet, +sympathising look and smile, "and I hope my Rosie will prove to you the +sweet and lovable daughter that she has always been to me."</p> + +<p>Just at that moment the other ladies joined them, and the four entered +into a lively conversation, talking of Riverside and the improvements +needed there, what a lovely home it would make for the Crolys, how +pleasant it would be to have them so near, and how de<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>lightful for Rosie +that thus she would escape the dreaded separation from her mother.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mrs. Croly, "I cannot tell you how glad I was to learn of +this beautiful place, so near to Ion, for sale; for I felt badly over +the thought that we were robbing Mrs. Travilla of the companionship of +so sweet a daughter. Besides I am anxious to remain in this +neighbourhood, that I may continue under the care of Dr. Conly; for he +has helped me more than any other physician I ever tried."</p> + +<p>That remark seemed gratifying to all three of her listeners, and Mrs. +Dinsmore said: "We are glad to hear it; for Dr. Conly is dear to us all, +as relative, friend, and physician."</p> + +<p>"He has a lovely young wife," was Mrs. Croly's next remark; "and a +darling baby boy of whom they are both very proud and fond."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mrs. Travilla, "it does one good to see how happy they are +in the possession of it and of each other. Arthur remained single for +years; I think to provide, or assist in providing, for his mother, +sisters, and younger brothers, but he seems to be reaping his reward +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>now in having a wife who is a great comfort and blessing to him."</p> + +<p>"She is that, indeed!" said Mrs. Allison emphatically. "Ah! speak of +angels—here they come!" as Dr. Conly and his young wife were seen +approaching, followed by a nurse carrying the infant.</p> + +<p>In another minute they had joined the group on the veranda, where the +doctor speedily ensconced his wife in an easy-chair, placed himself in +another by her side, and taking the baby from the nurse, held it up with +a look of fatherly pride, asking the older ladies, "Isn't this a pretty +fine specimen of babyhood, considering that he is my son?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed!" laughed Mrs. Allison, "it is singular that so poor a +specimen of manhood as my nephew, Arthur Conly, should have so fine a +son. But he may have got his good looks from his mother; though I do not +perceive that she has lost any."</p> + +<p>"Now, Aunt Adelaide, after that you will do well to take care not to +fall ill and get into the doctor's hands," laughed Marian.</p> + +<p>"My dear," said the doctor, "can you sup<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>pose I object to having my wife +praised? or my son, even at his father's expense?"</p> + +<p>"No, I know you do not," she returned. "I verily believe you would +sacrifice everything for him except his mother."</p> + +<p>"Did he let you take part in any of the games?" asked Adelaide.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I didn't ask to!" said Marian. "I have grown so lazy that I thought +it more fun to watch the others."</p> + +<p>"Captain Raymond and Violet seem to be enjoying tennis as much as any of +the rest," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore, who was watching the game with keen +interest.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Dr. Conly, "all—old and young—seem very happy and +interested in their various sports; and I think are gaining health and +strength from the vigorous exercise in this pure air."</p> + +<p>Most of the company were engaged in games of one kind or another, but +some few were wandering about in the alleys of the garden or wood, or +sitting on the grass or some rustic bench, chatting sociably, as cousins +and connections might be expected to do. Dr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> Dick Percival and Maud +Dinsmore were among the latter. They had had a game of tennis and were +now refreshing themselves with a saunter through the wood.</p> + +<p>"I admire this place—Woodburn," said Maud. "Captain Raymond has, I +think, made a sort of earthly paradise of it; though for that matter one +might say pretty much the same of The Oaks, Ion, and several of the +other family estates."</p> + +<p>"Yes; including those down in Louisiana," returned Dick—"Viamede, +Magnolia Hall, and a few others. By the way, you have never been down +there, have you?"</p> + +<p>"No, never; but I am hoping that Cousin Elsie will invite me one of +these days."</p> + +<p>"Suppose you don't wait for that, but accept an invitation from me," +suggested Dick, giving her a very lover-like look and smile.</p> + +<p>"From you?" she exclaimed, her tone expressing surprise and a little +bewilderment, "are you staying there?"</p> + +<p>"At Viamede? No, not now. I have bought a plantation not very far from +there, and am trying to make it equal in beauty to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> Viamede. It will, of +course, take some time to accomplish that; but, to me, Torriswood seems +even now a very winsome place. And if I had my cousin Maud installed +there, as mistress, I should be one of the happiest of men."</p> + +<p>"Oh! you want me to become your housekeeper?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; housekeeper, homekeeper, heartkeeper—everything! Oh, Maud +darling! can't you understand that I love you and want you for my wife, +my best, nearest, and dearest friend, my heart's idol? I love you in a +way that I never loved anyone else. Can't you love me in the same +way—as something nearer and dearer than a mere cousin?"</p> + +<p>Maud was blushing, trembling—wholly taken by surprise and hardly +knowing whether to be glad or sorry. "Oh, Dick! how can you?" she +stammered. "We are cousins, you know, and—and cousins ought not to—to +marry. I have often heard Cousin Arthur say so."</p> + +<p>"Not first cousins, nor second, but we are neither; we are far enough +removed to be entirely safe so far as that is concerned. So <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>dearest, +you need not hesitate on that account, if you feel that you can love me +well enough to be happy as my wife. Can you? If you cannot now, I may be +able to teach you to by clever courting. But I need a wife—I do indeed; +and I don't know how to wait. Don't make me wait. Can't you give me your +love—at least a little of it?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dick! do you really care so much for me and my love—really love me +in that way?" she asked low and tremulously, her eyes full of happy +tears. "I never thought of such a thing before; but—but I do believe I +can—I do love you better than any other of my cousins; better +than—than anybody else in the world."</p> + +<p>"Ah! dearest, you have made me very, very happy," he said joyously; +"happier than I ever was in my life before, and I shall go home far +richer than I came."</p> + +<p>As he spoke he drew her to a rustic seat in a nook so concealed by the +trees and shrubbery and the winding of the path that they were entirely +hidden from view, and, putting an arm about her he held her close with +silent caresses that seemed very sweet to her; for she had been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>an +orphan for years, and often hungry for love greater than that of brother +or sister.</p> + +<p>"Maud, dear," he said presently, "we have given ourselves to each other, +and why should we delay the final step? I do not want to go back to my +home alone; will you not go with me? It would make me the happiest of +men."</p> + +<p>"But—but you are going very soon, I understood—in a few days."</p> + +<p>"Yes; it would hardly do for me to wait longer than that; but what is +the use of waiting? We know each other now as thoroughly as we ever can +till we live together as man and wife."</p> + +<p>"But I should have no time to prepare my wardrobe——"</p> + +<p>"It is good enough, and can be easily added to when you are Mrs. +Percival," he said with a low, gleeful laugh. "I am ready to take you, +my darling, if you were without a single change of raiment. I do not +think you know it, dearest, but I am no longer the poor relation I used +to be. I have had a large practise, worked hard, and made some very +fortunate investments, so that I can truly say that I am <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>a fairly +wealthy man. Ah, do give yourself into my keeping at once. I am heartily +tired of my lonely bachelor life, and it will be great joy to me if I +can go back, not to it, but to that of a happy married man. How a dear +little wife—such as my cousin Maud would make—would brighten and make +cheery that lonely home. Can you find it in your heart to refuse me the +favour I ask, sweet one?"</p> + +<p>"I do not like to refuse you anything, dear Dick," she returned; "but it +is all so sudden and unexpected; do let me have a little time to think +it over and—and consult my friends and yours."</p> + +<p>"Ah, well! I will try to wait patiently," he sighed; "wait, hoping you +will grant my request."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dick, dear Dick! I really do feel like doing anything in the world +that I can to make you happy. I will do whatever you wish, no matter +what other people may say. Only," she added, as if with sudden +recollection, "I suppose we must ask Uncle Dinsmore's consent."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but I have no fear that it will be withheld. He and I are no +strangers to each other; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>he is my uncle, too, you know, and was my +guardian while I was young enough to need one. I think he will be +pleased that we are going into partnership,—you and I,—and will agree +with me that the sooner we begin the better."</p> + +<p>"Provided that allows me time to get properly ready," she supplemented +with an arch look and smile.</p> + +<p>"What preparation do you need?" he asked. "I am more than willing to +take you just as you are. You look perfectly charming in that dress, +and, for a wedding dress, the one you wore as bridesmaid to Cousin Rosie +seems to me entirely suitable. Indeed, my darling, you look bewitchingly +pretty in any and every thing you put on."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you flatterer!" she laughed. "I can't expect other people to see +with your eyes; but, after all, the principal thing is to please you. +That will be my business for the rest of my life, I suppose," she added, +giving him a look of ardent affection.</p> + +<p>"And mine to please you, dearest. Shall we not follow Rosie's good +example in making no <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>secret of our engagement; at least so far as our +own people here assembled are concerned? Will you let me take you back +to the house now and introduce you there as my promised wife?"</p> + +<p>"Do just as you please about it, Cousin Dick," she said. "You are older +and wiser than I."</p> + +<p>"I certainly am older," he said laughingly as they rose, and he gave her +his arm; "but if I am wiser in some respects, you doubtless are in some +others. Perhaps we will find out all about that when we get to +housekeeping together."</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore had joined the group on the veranda. Mr. Lilburn and Annis, +Captain Raymond and Violet were there, too, and some others of the +married people, among them Mr. Horace Dinsmore, Jr., of The Oaks, and +his wife, as Dick and Maud came up the steps together. He led her +directly to his uncle.</p> + +<p>"We have come for your blessing, sir, Cousin Maud and I," he said in +clear, distinct tones. "Will you give her to me? She is willing that you +should, and I promise to do all in my power to provide for her and make +her happy."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, children, this is a surprise—but a pleasant one," exclaimed Mr. +Dinsmore. "Yes, I give you my blessing and wish you many happy years +together."</p> + +<p>Then the others crowded about with exclamations of surprise and +pleasure, congratulations, good wishes, and questions. "How long had +they been lovers?" "Did they expect to marry very soon?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, almost immediately," Dick answered to that last. "What was there +to wait for? They were old enough to know their own minds, he was well +able to support a wife, and had a home ready for her. It needed some +improvements to be sure, but they could be made all the better with Maud +there to give her opinion and advice."</p> + +<p>"But she must have time to prepare her trousseau," said young Mrs. +Dinsmore.</p> + +<p>"I have just been coaxing her out of that notion," laughed Dick, +regarding his promised wife with admiring eyes. "I want her, and the +wedding finery can be attended to somewhat later. I don't think anything +could be prettier or more becoming than the dress she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>wore at Cousin +Rosie's wedding, and why can't she be married in that?"</p> + +<p>"Why, it would do, I suppose!" exclaimed Mrs. Dinsmore. "It is very +pretty and becoming, and, with a bridal veil added, would make a +suitable and handsome wedding dress."</p> + +<p>"A wedding dress? Who is going to be married now?" cried a girlish +voice, and Sydney and Walter were seen coming up the steps. All turned +at the sound of her voice, and Dick answered:</p> + +<p>"Your sister and I, Cousin Syd. Are you willing to take me for a +brother?"</p> + +<p>"You!" she exclaimed, "you, Cousin Dick? Why, I never dreamed of such a +thing! But I have no objection; no, not the least in the world—except +that you'll be taking my sister away from me; I don't like that at all."</p> + +<p>"No, Coz, that is altogether a mistake," Dick hastened to say. "I don't +want to separate you and Maud, and you have only to come along with us +to escape that. You will find plenty of room and a warm welcome at +Torriswood."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," she said; "but it's so sudden<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> I can't realise it at all +yet. When did you make up your minds to get married?"</p> + +<p>"Half an hour ago, perhaps; I forgot to look at my watch to take exact +note of the time."</p> + +<p>"Oh! is that the way you do when you are taking note of a patient's +pulse, or the time for administering a dose of medicine?"</p> + +<p>But Dick was saved the trouble of replying, as relatives, older and +younger, came crowding up to learn what was going on.</p> + +<p>Chester and Frank were as much surprised as Sydney had been, but by no +means displeased. They liked Dick as a cousin and had no objection to +accepting him as a brother-in-law. The newly affianced had no frowns or +objections to meet; everybody seemed pleased and interested, and the +only queries were as to when and where the marriage should take place.</p> + +<p>"It should be at The Oaks, of course," said young Mr. Dinsmore. "That is +her home, and has been for years."</p> + +<p>"And it was there mamma was married," said Violet, "and Maud might stand +in the very same place."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I should be glad to have her do so,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> said Mrs. Travilla; "and she +and Dick need ask nothing more than that their marriage may prove as +happy a one as mine."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Cousin Elsie, I agree with you in that," said Maud. "I will be +married at The Oaks, if Dick is satisfied to have it so."</p> + +<p>"Entirely," he said; "and now it remains only to fix upon the day and +hour."</p> + +<p>That question seemed more difficult to settle than the other; but Dick +finally had his way, and the morning of the day on which he was to start +for the far South was fixed upon as the time for the ceremony. The other +relatives from a distance would delay their departure long enough to be +present, the older Mr. Cyril Keith was chosen as the officiating +minister, and everyone seemed satisfied with all the arrangements.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + + +<p>It had been a very enjoyable, but an exciting day; the little ones were +weary with their sports, and all the guests, except those who were +making Woodburn their temporary home, departed shortly after an early +tea, and directly after the evening service of prayer and praise the +ladies of the family retired to their rooms. At length Captains Raymond +and Keith found themselves alone together upon the veranda.</p> + +<p>"Raymond," said the younger man, breaking a pause in their talk, "I have +a great favour to ask of you."</p> + +<p>"Ah! what is it, Keith? Surely you do not need to be told that it would +give me pleasure to do you any favour in my power."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I fear you hardly realise how much you are promising. Do you +remember the talk we had some years ago at West Point?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but do you remember that the subject <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>was not to be referred +to—at least the question you asked not to be repeated—for six years, +and that it is now only five?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but one year cannot make much difference, and it is highly +probable that I may not be able to get here next year. Am I asking too +much in begging you to let me speak now—before I go? Understand I am +not asking leave to take her—your beautiful, charming daughter—away +from you now, but only to tell the story of my love; for it has come to +that, that I am deeply in love with her; only to tell the story and try +to win a return of my affection and a promise that, at some future day, +I may claim her for my own."</p> + +<p>"I would rather not, Keith; she is only a child," Captain Raymond +replied in moved tones. "But since you are so urgent, and are so old and +valued a friend, I don't like to refuse you. You may speak to her; but +with the clear understanding, remember, that I will on no account allow +her to marry for some time to come; I do not want to allow it before she +is twenty-four or five."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Keith heartily; "that will <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>be a long time to wait, +but she is well worth waiting for. But do you think I have any reason to +hope to win her—that she likes me in the very least?"</p> + +<p>"I am certain she has no dislike to you; that she feels kindly toward +you as a relative and friend of the family; but I tell you candidly that +I am well-nigh convinced that she has never thought of looking upon you +as a lover; and it is a great happiness to me to be able to believe that +she still loves her father better than any other man living."</p> + +<p>"Still it is possible you may be mistaken," Keith rejoined after a +moment's discouraged silence, "and since I have your permission, I shall +try what clever courting will do for me."</p> + +<p>A momentary silence followed, broken by Captain Raymond. "I fear I am a +foolish, fond father, Keith. I have a very strong friendship for you, +and there is no man to whom I would sooner trust my daughter's +happiness, but yet I cannot wish you success in winning her; because, +being in the army, you would necessarily take her to a distance from her +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>home and me. But, as I have said, you may try, though with the full +understanding that not for some years to come will I resign my custody +of her. She is my own dear child, and, in my esteem, still much too +young to leave my fostering care and assume the duties and +responsibilities of wifehood and motherhood."</p> + +<p>"I don't blame you, Raymond, and shall not try to persuade her to go +against her father's wishes in regard to the time of assuming the cares +and duties you speak of," said Keith, heaving an involuntary sigh at +thought of the years of bachelorhood still evidently in store for him. +"I only wish I were sure of her even after serving seven years, as Jacob +did for Rachel."</p> + +<p>"Well, I shall not cheat you as Laban did poor Jacob," returned Captain +Raymond pleasantly. "By the way, Cousins Dick and Maud made quick work +of their courting, and the marriage is to follow very speedily. In most +cases such speedy work would be risky enough, but they know all about +each other—at least so far as a couple may before the knot is tied +which makes them one flesh. I think very <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>highly of both, and hope it is +going to be a most happy marriage."</p> + +<p>"I hope it may, indeed," said Keith. "Maud will be hurried with her +preparations; more so than most ladies would like, I presume."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but really it will be just as well, I think, under all the +circumstances. To-morrow we are all to spend one half the day at +Roselands, the other at Pine Grove; the next day we go to Beechwood; +then Thursday we are to have the wedding at The Oaks, and that night, or +the next morning, most of the friends from a distance contemplate +starting for their homes."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I among the rest," said Keith.</p> + +<p>"I need hardly say, for surely you cannot doubt it, that I should be +glad to have you remain longer with us if Uncle Sam would permit it," +said Captain Raymond with cordial hospitality.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," returned Keith, "but that is more than I could expect even +were there time to ask it, which there is not." Then, rising, "It +strikes me that it is high time to be making ready for bed. Good-night, +Raymond, my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>good friend; sweet sleep and pleasant dreams to you," and, +with the last word, he held out his hand.</p> + +<p>Captain Raymond grasped it heartily, saying, "Good-night, Keith; I wish +you the same. May He who never slumbers nor sleeps have us all in his +kind care and keeping."</p> + +<p>In the principal event of the past day—the engagement of Dick Percival +and Maud Dinsmore—and the talk of other days and events which ensued, +Mrs. Elsie Travilla's thoughts had been carried back to the happy time +of her own betrothal and marriage to the one whom she had so loved as +friend, lover, and husband. She seemed to see him again as he was then, +to hear his low breathed words of tenderest affection, and her tears +fell fast at the thought that never again in this life should their +sweet music fall upon her ear.</p> + +<p>But well she knew that the separation was only temporary; that they +should meet again in the better land, where sickness, sorrow, and death +can never enter, meet never more to part.</p> + +<p>She was alone in her boudoir, and, wiping <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>away her tears, she knelt +down in prayer, asking for strength to bear patiently and submissively +the loss that was at times so grievous, and craving God's blessing upon +the young relatives so soon to take upon them the marriage vows. Nor did +she forget her own daughter so recently united to the man of her choice, +or any other of her dear ones. Her heart swelled with joy and gratitude +as she thought of them all, healthy, happy, and in comfortable +circumstances; her dear old father and his lovely wife still spared to +her, and the dear grandchildren who seemed to renew to her the youthful +days of her own children, the fathers and mothers of these.</p> + +<p>Her thoughts were still full of motherly and grandmotherly cares and +joys as she laid her head upon her pillow and passed into the land of +dreams.</p> + +<p>When she awoke again it was to find the sun shining and the air full of +the breath of flowers and the morning songs of the little birds in the +tree tops just beyond her windows. She rose and knelt beside her bed, +while her heart sent up its song of gratitude and praise, its petitions +for grace and strength according to her day, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>asking the same for her +dear ones also, and that she and they might be kept from accident, +folly, and sin.</p> + +<p>As she made her toilet her thoughts again referred to Maud and her +present needs, which could not well be supplied for lack of time.</p> + +<p>"Can I not help the dear girl in some way?" she asked herself.</p> + +<p>Then a sudden thought came to her and she hastened to a large closet, +unlocked a trunk standing there, and took from it a package carefully +wrapped in a large towel. Carrying it to a sofa in her boudoir she +unpinned it and brought to light a dress of richest white satin, having +an overskirt of point lace, and, beside it, a veil of the same costly +material.</p> + +<p>"As beautiful as ever," she sighed softly to herself. "And the dress +would, I think, fit Maud, with little or no alteration. It would be +something of a trial to part with them permanently, but surely I can +spare them to Maud for a few hours. It would give her pleasure, for she +would look lovely in them, and every woman wants to look her very best +at her bridal."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> + +<p>But the breakfast bell was ringing, and, putting them carefully back in +the trunk and relocking it, she hastened down to the dining room.</p> + +<p>There were a number of guests in the house, among them the Emburys of +Magnolia Hall, and, naturally, the talk at the table ran principally +upon the approaching marriage of Molly's brother, Dr. Percival.</p> + +<p>"I am much pleased," she said; "Maud will make a dear little sister for +me, and I hope will find me a good and kind one to her. And if Sydney +goes along she will be about as good as another. Perhaps Bob and she +will get up another match, and then she will be my sister. I wish Bob +could have come along with the rest of us."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I wish he could," said Mrs. Travilla. "He must take his turn at +another time, leaving Dick to look after the patients."</p> + +<p>"I think Maud feels a trifle disappointed that she has no time to get up +a grand wedding dress," Molly ran on, "but the one she wore as Rosie's +bridesmaid is very pretty and becoming. Still it is not white; and I +heard her say <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>that she had always been determined to be married in +white, if she married at all."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well," said Mr. Embury, "the getting married is the chief thing, +and, after it is all over, it won't matter much whether it was done in +white or some other colour. I presume most folks would think it better +to be married even in black than not at all."</p> + +<p>"I think that depends very much upon what sort of husband one gets," +laughed Zoe. "I got married without any bridal finery; but it was a very +fortunate thing for me after all," giving her husband a proudly +affectionate glance.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said with a smile, "and I wouldn't exchange the wife I got in +that way for the most exquisitely attired bride in Christendom."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Travilla kept her own counsel in regard to her plans for Maud's +relief, until breakfast and family worship were over; but then invited +Molly to her boudoir, brought out the dress and veil she had been +looking at, and disclosed her plan for Maud.</p> + +<p>Molly was delighted.</p> + +<p>"Oh, cousin, how good in you!" she cried.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> "I think Maud will be wild +with joy to be so nicely brought out of her difficulty. For the dress is +splendid, and, as you say, hardly out of the present fashion in its +make-up. And the veil is just too lovely for anything! Fully as handsome +as Rosie's was, and I thought it the very handsomest I had ever seen."</p> + +<p>"Then I shall telephone at once to The Oaks," Mrs. Travilla said, and, +passing out and down to the hall below, she did so. Calling for Maud, +she asked her to come over to Ion at once as she wished to consult her +on an important matter requiring prompt decision; but she would not +detain her long.</p> + +<p>Much wondering, Maud replied that she would be there in a few minutes; +the carriage being at the door, and Mr. Dinsmore offering to drive her +over immediately.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Travilla gave orders to a servant that on Miss Dinsmore's arrival +she should be brought directly to her boudoir; Mr. Dinsmore might come +also, if he wished; and presently both appeared.</p> + +<p>They were warmly greeted by Mrs. Travilla and Mrs. Embury, who was still +with her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have something to show you, Maud, and an offer to make," Elsie said +with a smile, leading the young girl forward and pointing to the dress +and veil disposed about an easy-chair in a way to exhibit them in all +their beauty.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Maud, "how lovely! how lovely! I never saw them before. +Whose were they? Where did they come from, Cousin Elsie?"</p> + +<p>"I wore them when—when I was married," Elsie answered in low, sad +tones; "they have not been used since, but I will lend them to you, dear +Maud, if you would like to use them for your bridal."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Cousin Elsie! wouldn't I? How good, how good in you! I am too +hurried to buy anything, and that lace is far beyond my purse if I had +any amount of time."</p> + +<p>"Then I am glad I thought of offering you the use of these. But now I +think it would be well for you to try on the dress and see what—if +any—alteration it needs. We will go into my dressing room, and I will +be your tire-woman," she added, gathering up the dress as she spoke, +while Mrs. Embury took the veil.</p> + +<p>The three passed into the dressing room, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>leaving Mr. Dinsmore sole +occupant of the boudoir, he taking up a book to amuse himself with while +they were gone.</p> + +<p>Only a few minutes had passed when they returned, Maud looking very +bridelike in the dainty satin and the veil.</p> + +<p>"Bravo, cousin! You look every inch a bride, and a lovely one at that!" +he exclaimed. "I advise you by all means to accept my sister's offer. +You could not do better."</p> + +<p>"I could hardly want to do better," said Maud. "Yes, Cousin Elsie, I +accept it with a world of thanks. Oh, I never dreamed of having anything +so lovely to wear for my bridal dress! And I need not care that the +finery does not really belong to me, for you know the old saying:</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Something old"> +<tr><td align='left'>"'Something borrowed,</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something blue,</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Something old and</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something new.'</span></td></tr> +</table></div> + + +<p>I'll borrow these, put a bow of blue ribbon on my under waist, and—ah! +the dress and this lovely lace, veil and all, will be enough of +something old!" she concluded with a light, gleeful laugh.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dear child, don't be superstitious!" Mrs. Travilla said with a rather +sad sort of smile, putting an arm round her and giving her a tender +kiss. "I hope and trust you will be very happy with dear Dick, for he is +a noble fellow; but it will depend more upon yourself—upon your being a +true, good, and loving wife—than on what you wear when you give +yourself to him, or at any other time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know, dear cousin," said Maud, returning the caress; "that was +only my jest. I wouldn't be afraid to marry Dick in any kind of dress, +or willing to marry anybody else in any kind of one. I didn't know that +I was in love with him till he proposed, but now I feel that it would be +impossible to love anybody else; almost impossible to live without him +and his love."</p> + +<p>"I am glad, very glad to hear it," Elsie said, "and I hope and expect +that you will make a very happy couple—sharing each other's cares, +toils, and troubles, as well as the joys and blessings of life."</p> + +<p>"Yes, cousin dear; if we don't it shall not be my fault," Maud returned +with emotion. "I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>do really want to be everything to Dick and make his +life as bright and as happy as I can; and I know that is just how he +feels toward me, dear fellow!"</p> + +<p>"That's right, Maud," said Mr. Dinsmore heartily, "and I think you and +Dick have every prospect of making a happy couple. Well," rising as he +spoke, "I am going down to have a little chat with father and mother, +then must hasten home to attend to some matters about work to be done on +the plantation. I suppose you and your package will be ready to be taken +along, Maud?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; if Cousin Elsie is willing to trust the handsome thing in my care +now," Maud replied, looking inquiringly at Mrs. Travilla.</p> + +<p>"Quite willing; for I know you will be careful of them," Mrs. Travilla +replied with her own sweet smile. "I will fold them up and get the +package ready while you resume the dress in which you came," she added +as her brother left the room.</p> + +<p>"Maud," said Mrs. Embury, "if I were you I should keep this thing a +secret from everybody but your sister and Cousin Sue, until your +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>appearance in all the glory of this satin and lace at the time of the +marriage ceremony. Think of the surprise and pleasure your unexpected +grandeur in it will cause."</p> + +<p>"But what if the stunning surprise should have a bad effect upon +somebody," laughed Maud. "I think I'll risk it, however. Oh, Cousin +Elsie! I do not know how to thank you for this great kindness!" she +added with tears of joy and gratitude in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Then don't try, Maud, dear," Mrs. Travilla returned with a bright, +sweet look into the young girl's face. "The happiness I can see that it +gives you is even a greater reward than the trifling kindness deserves. +And how fortunate it is that the dress fits so perfectly—as if it had +just been made for you."</p> + +<p>A few moments later Maud and Mr. Dinsmore were on their way back to The +Oaks. They found Mrs. Sue Dinsmore and Sydney on the veranda, waiting in +eager curiosity to learn on what business Maud had been wanted at Ion.</p> + +<p>"To receive and bring home this package," returned Maud gaily to their +excited question<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>ing. "Come with me up to my room, and I will display to +you its contents. You come, too, Cousin Horace, that you may witness +their surprise and dismay. There, don't say you haven't time, for it +needn't take you five minutes."</p> + +<p>"Well, perhaps I can spare that many," he returned laughingly, following +the three as they tripped up the stairway.</p> + +<p>Maud made quick work of opening the package and displaying its contents +to their view.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh, how beautiful! how lovely! perfectly exquisite!" were the +excited exclamations of Mrs. Dinsmore and Sydney. "Whose are they? where +did they come from?"</p> + +<p>"They are Cousin Elsie's wedding dress and veil," replied Maud. "And she +lends them to me to be married in. But it is to be a secret. Nobody is +to know anything about it till I appear with them on—when I am to add +the name of Percival to those I already bear," she concluded in a tone +that seemed to indicate that she was jesting to hide an inclination to +indulge in tears.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I highly approve," said Mrs. Dinsmore. "The things—dress and veil—are +beautiful, and will make our bride look bewitchingly lovely; I strongly +approve, too, of the plan of keeping the matter a close secret until the +bride enters the room on the bridegroom's arm. But does the dress fit +you, Maud?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly; as if it had just been made for me!" exclaimed Maud in tones +of delight. "Oh, I do feel so glad, and so thankful to dear Cousin +Elsie! I fear it must be somewhat trying to her feelings to see me wear +it; but she is not one to hesitate for that when she has an opportunity +to do a kindness. She is a good Christian if ever there was one."</p> + +<p>"Indeed she is!" exclaimed Mrs. Dinsmore and Sydney in a breath.</p> + +<p>Mr. Dinsmore had already left the room.</p> + +<p>"But now, girls, we must bestir ourselves and make ready for the day," +added Mrs. Dinsmore. "You know the morning is to be spent by the whole +connection at Pinegrove, and the afternoon at Roselands. It won't take +you long to get ready, will it?"</p> + +<p>"No, only a few minutes," both answered, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>and she hurried away to +complete her own preparations.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Maud, dear!" said Sydney, taking up the bridal veil and gazing +admiringly upon it, "I am so glad Cousin Elsie has lent you this bit of +loveliness, and that beautiful dress to be married in. You will look +just bewitching; and how proud Dick will be of his bride. I wish he was +here now to see these charming things. Do you mean to tell him about +them and show them to him beforehand?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; I really haven't thought about it yet," Maud answered. +"But we must make haste, now, and not keep Cousin Horace and Sue +waiting."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + + +<p>At Woodburn Captain Raymond and his eldest daughter had had their usual +early ramble together about the grounds; then, coming in, had found a +large mail, containing a number of business letters for him, awaiting +them.</p> + +<p>"I hope they are such as I can answer for you on the typewriter, papa," +Lucilla said cheerfully.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied; "if you have time and inclination to do so."</p> + +<p>"Always time to work for my father," she said, giving him a bright, +sweet smile, as she seated herself before the machine.</p> + +<p>"Then we will do it at once," he said, returning the smile as he +uncovered the machine and put the paper in place for her. "'Business +before pleasure' is a good rule, and my dear, helpful daughter makes it +an easier one for me to follow than it would be without her +assistance."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am so glad it does, papa; so glad I am of some use to you," she +returned, blushing with pleasure as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"I know you are, daughter dear, else I should not call upon you for +these services," he said heartily; then, glancing over a letter he had +just opened, he began dictating.</p> + +<p>He had not said anything to her about the talk he and Donald Keith had +had the night before, nor did he intend to. So sure of the result was he +that it did not seem at all necessary, and he thought the knowledge of +what was before her would only cause her embarrassment and discomfort. +He did not know what opportunity Keith might seize, and it seemed better +to leave her in ignorance of his intentions.</p> + +<p>"Is that all, father?" she asked presently, when several letters had +been written.</p> + +<p>"Yes, daughter," he replied; "and now we can feel free for the day. I +hope it will be a pleasant one to you."</p> + +<p>"I expect it to be, papa," she returned; "Pinegrove is a beautiful +place, and the Howards are delightful people. No relation to me, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>but +tolerably near cousins to Mamma Vi, you know."</p> + +<p>"Yes; Mrs. Howard being half sister to her grandfather," he said with an +amused look. "They can hardly be called near relatives, but are very +estimable people, and I think the half day may be passed very pleasantly +with them and the visiting relatives."</p> + +<p>"I like Flora Howard. Papa, don't you think she might make a nice wife +for Captain Keith, if only they should take a fancy to each other?"</p> + +<p>"I hadn't thought of it. She is rather young—not much older than my +daughter Lulu, I judge; so had better not be thinking of marriage for +years to come."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; but a good many girls do, you know; girls that haven't such a +dear, good father as mine to make them feel that they never want to +leave him for anybody else."</p> + +<p>"You are sure you don't want to leave yours?" he asked with a searching, +though smiling look into her face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, papa, you can't doubt it, I am sure!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> she exclaimed, giving him a +look of ardent affection.</p> + +<p>"No, I do not," he returned; "I am very sure—since you have told me so +at least a dozen times—that my dear eldest daughter loves me better +than she does any other man living, and wants me to keep her all my own +for years to come."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, papa," she said with a happy laugh, "that is just what I +want you to do."</p> + +<p>"Then we entirely agree. There is the breakfast bell, and I hope my +daughter feels ready to obey its summons."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; it is a welcome sound."</p> + +<p>It was a bright and cheerful party that presently gathered about the +table, and a lively conversation was carried on while they partook of +the tempting viands. The new home about to be prepared for Rosie, its +present condition, the beauty of the situation, the grounds, the +building, and the improvements to be made by alterations and additions, +were themes dilated upon for a time; then the approaching marriage of +Dick and Maud came under discussion, and the questions were broached +whether she would <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>wear the dress she had worn as Rosie's bridesmaid, +and whether she would have the same attendants.</p> + +<p>"I hope she will," little Elsie said. "I'd like to be flower girl again, +and my dress is all ready, so that it wouldn't make any trouble or +expense."</p> + +<p>"That is very thoughtful in you, little sister," laughed Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"I am really sorry there is no time or opportunity to buy presents for +Maud," remarked Violet in a regretful tone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it seems a pity," said Captain Raymond; "but perhaps they can be +sent on to her later. If people will marry in haste they will have to +take the consequences. I hope that in this case one of them will not be +repenting at leisure."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it will," said Violet. "They are of the same kith and +kin, and know pretty much all about each other."</p> + +<p>"Keith," said Captain Raymond, "send your plate up again; I see it is +almost empty."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, no; I want to save some appetite for the later breakfast +that I am told I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>must share with the rest of you at Pinegrove. Our good +friends there might feel hurt should I do it scant justice."</p> + +<p>"How soon do we go, papa?" asked Grace.</p> + +<p>"As soon after prayers as the ladies are dressed and ready."</p> + +<p>"The little girls and boys too, papa?" asked Ned somewhat anxiously. +"Elsie and I are to go, aren't we?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, my son, and I hope will have a very pleasant time. I am glad I +can trust you to be good, well-behaved children."</p> + +<p>Donald Keith was on the watch for an opportunity to tell to Lucilla the +story of his love, but none offered. They drove to Pinegrove, and +afterward to Roselands, in the same carriage, but it had a number of +other occupants, and the conversation was general. But, fortunately for +Lucilla, she had no suspicion of his designs upon her, so was entirely +at her ease with him.</p> + +<p>The Pinegrove party was a success, everybody enjoying it fully; the very +young in playing games, the older ones strolling about the grounds, +chatting, laughing, singing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> + +<p>The breakfast, quite a grand affair, was served about noon, and some two +hours after it was over they all left the grove for Roselands.</p> + +<p>Little had been said at Pinegrove about the approaching marriage, but it +came under discussion at Roselands, and to the extreme satisfaction of +the two little Elsies it was decided that they should act as flower +girls, as they had at Rosie's wedding. The same bridesmaids and maid of +honour were chosen also; with the understanding that they should all +wear the same dresses worn as Rosie's attendants.</p> + +<p>"And, of course, you will wear yours, Maud," said Laura Howard. "It is +lovely and very becoming, and the shade so delicate that I should think +it would do almost, if not quite, as well as if it were white."</p> + +<p>"It is very pretty, and as becoming as any I own," Maud said with a +slight smile. "I haven't time to buy another, and, if one's bridegroom +is all right, it doesn't really matter whether the wedding dress is +perfectly white or not."</p> + +<p>"Certainly not," laughed Dick. "I should rather by far marry the right +woman in a black <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>calico than the wrong one in the handsomest of white +satins; even with Brussels or point lace on it in abundance."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, I may feel entirely easy," Maud said, echoing his laugh, +"for I shall certainly be better and more appropriately attired than in +a black dress, or calico of any colour."</p> + +<p>"Of course you will," said Grace, "I think that dress of yours is lovely +and extremely becoming. <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'On'">No</ins> one need be ashamed of such a wedding dress +as that."</p> + +<p>"And I am determined that she shall have a lovely wedding," said Mrs. +Sue Dinsmore; "as much like what I have been told Sister Elsie's was as +possible. The house shall be trimmed with abundance of flowers, and the +bride and groom shall stand in the very same spot that their +predecessors did; and I dare say the refreshments will be pretty nearly +a reproduction of what were served that evening; as nearly as I can +manage it, at all events."</p> + +<p>"It really won't matter if there are some added luxuries, my dear," her +husband remarked in a jesting tone, and with a twinkle of fun in his +eye.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I presume not; it will be better to err on that side than on the +other," she returned demurely. "I mean, however, to make up to poor Maud +for the lack of a new wedding dress; at least so far as I can."</p> + +<p>"As I do," said Mrs. Travilla, smiling kindly upon the expectant bride.</p> + +<p>"And it is only the pressure of Dick's haste—the lack of time for +it—that keeps her brothers from providing her with as handsome a +wedding outfit as could be desired," remarked Chester, looking slightly +annoyed and hurt.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Chester, we all know that," a chorus of voices exclaimed, his +Uncle Dinsmore adding: "And as we are all relatives or connections, it +really matters very little. Dick may be thankful—and I don't in the +least doubt that he is—to get Maud, without considering how she is +attired, or of what her wardrobe consists."</p> + +<p>"I say amen to that, uncle," smiled Dick, "and shall only enjoy speedily +supplying anything lacking in her wardrobe. I'll be glad, indeed, to +have the right."</p> + +<p>"Very good in you, Dick; but it isn't the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>bridegroom's place to supply +the trousseau," said Chester, only half mollified. "And there is no +occasion, seeing her brothers are able to do it, and willing, to say +nothing of her own means."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ches, don't be vexed," said Maud. "It will all be right; I have a +very good wardrobe, and don't mean to let Dick buy anything for me this +long while."</p> + +<p>At which Dick laughed meaningly, as much as to say: "In regard to that I +shall do as I please or think best."</p> + +<p>Chester was somewhat out of sorts; he did not like to have his sister +hurried into marriage without a trousseau, and he had noticed something +that displeased him still more in Captain Keith's manner toward Lucilla +Raymond. It was hard, very hard, he thought, that her father would not +allow him to tell her the story of his love. He would have been still +more indignant had he known that Keith was allowed that privilege.</p> + +<p>As for Keith, he was looking out for an opportunity to avail himself of +the father's permission; not very hopefully, but still not in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>entire +despair; thinking that clever courting might perhaps win her in the end. +And he felt that she was worth much effort and long waiting for.</p> + +<p>The afternoon passed quickly and the party broke up early, partly +because of the necessary preparations for to-morrow's wedding. The Oaks +family, having the most of that to attend to, were the first to leave, +and the others soon followed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + + +<p>Ever since gaining her father's permission to tell Lucilla the story of +his love, Captain Keith had been watching for a favourable opportunity +to do so, but thus far without avail.</p> + +<p>"Now," he thought, as they drove on the homeward way from Roselands to +Woodburn, "I must try to get a few moments alone with her this evening."</p> + +<p>He did not succeed, however; there were still several guests besides +himself, and Lucilla seemed to be always in request for conversation, or +taking part in some game. And directly after the evening service she +slipped away to her own apartments and was seen no more that night.</p> + +<p>In the morning it was equally impossible to catch her alone for even a +moment, so busy and excited were all with regard to what was to be the +great event of the day.</p> + +<p>The ladies began their toilets soon after <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>breakfast and were not seen +again until about to enter the carriages which were to carry them to The +Oaks; this time Keith had not even the pleasure of being in the same +vehicle with Lucilla.</p> + +<p>Then, arrived at their destination, the young girls vanished from his +sight, going into the dressing room appointed for their use in robing +themselves for the ceremony.</p> + +<p>Lucilla and Grace were to be bridesmaids,—Laura Howard, also,—and +Sydney maid of honour.</p> + +<p>Only a few minutes before their arrival Dick had been admitted to the +room where his bride sat arrayed in her wedding attire—the beautiful +dress and veil provided by the kindness of her Cousin Elsie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my darling!" he exclaimed in astonishment, "how lovely you are and +how beautifully dressed. This is not the dress you spoke of +wearing,—this rich white satin,—and the veil. Why, Rosie's own were +not handsomer!"</p> + +<p>"No, I think not," said Maud, smiling at his pleasure. "They are dear +Cousin Elsie's own wedding garments, kindly lent to me because I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>had no +time to procure such for myself; and I was willing—yes, very glad to +borrow them, because they are so lovely and becoming, and because, you +know, it is said to be good luck to have something old to wear, as well +as something new. I hope my bridegroom approves?"</p> + +<p>"He could not do anything else, seeing how lovely his bride looks in +them," Dick replied, putting an arm about her and holding her close with +more than one tender caress. Then, holding her off a little for another +and closer inspection, "Oh, Maud, darling, how lovely you are!" he +exclaimed. "I feel a rich and happy man to think you are all my own, my +very own. Dearest, it shall not be my fault if you do not find yourself +a happy woman in the sweet, new home to which I am about to take you."</p> + +<p>"Dick, dear Dick, I do not doubt that I shall be happy," she said +softly, lifting to his eyes that were full of happy tears; "if I am not, +I am sure it will be no fault of yours."</p> + +<p>But footsteps were heard approaching and he took his arm from her waist +and stood beside her with her hand in his.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p> + +<p>The door opened and the bridesmaids and groomsmen filed in. Then there +were exclamations of surprise and delight.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Maud, how lovely! how lovely! When and where did you get that +beautiful dress and veil? We all thought you were to be married in your +bridesmaid dress that you wore at Rosie's wedding."</p> + +<p>"And you like this one better? and the veil that goes with it?" Maud +returned with a joyous blush and smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes, certainly; it is far handsomer, and so becoming! But how +did you get it up so quickly?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't. It was dear Cousin Elsie's wedding dress, and she has lent it +to me to be married in. It was just like her—always so kind and +thoughtful of others."</p> + +<p>"That is true, indeed!" said Lucilla; "I do think that in all this world +there is not a kinder person than dear Grandma Elsie."</p> + +<p>Just then the little flower girls appeared in the doorway and uttered +their exclamations of surprise and delight at the beauty of the bride's +attire. Their mothers were just behind them, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>and Violet seemed as much +surprised and pleased as the children. She recognized the dress and +veil—which she had seen a number of times in the course of her life, +and was well content that her mother had seen fit to lend them to Maud +for this important time when she could not provide such luxuries for +herself.</p> + +<p>"The dress fits you wonderfully well, Maud; and both it and the veil are +very becoming," Violet said. "I am glad mamma had them, and thought of +producing them for this occasion."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it was very, very kind in Cousin Elsie," returned the bride, +blushing with pleasure.</p> + +<p>"And you are all ready to go down now, are you not?" asked Mrs. +Dinsmore. "Everybody is here and waiting for the ceremony to begin. The +appointed hour has come, too, and here is the minister," as the Rev. Mr. +Keith appeared in the doorway.</p> + +<p>At that the little procession formed at once and passed down the broad +stairway, through the flower-bedecked hall, and into the large parlour +where the guests were gathered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> + +<p>All went well; the ceremony was short but impressive, the +congratulations were warm and sincere, and the wedding breakfast that +followed a grand affair. Soon after it was over the bride changed her +wedding dress for a neat and pretty travelling one. Then she and her +new-made husband bade good-bye, entered a carriage, and started for a +train that was to carry them on their homeward way.</p> + +<p>Most of the other relatives from a distance left for their homes during +the afternoon or evening. Captain Keith had announced his intention to +leave that night by a later train. He was to start from Woodburn, so he +bade adieu to all the friends but that family, then went home with his +friend, Captain Raymond.</p> + +<p>After a late dinner there, he found and seized the opportunity he had so +long been waiting for. Lucilla was sitting alone upon the veranda, with +a book in her hand, but not reading, for her eyes were not on it. She +seemed to be thinking intently of something else. But when Captain Keith +took a seat by her side she welcomed him with a pleasant smile.</p> + +<p>"So you leave us to-night," she said. "I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>hope you have enjoyed your +visit well enough to feel a trifle sorry to go."</p> + +<p>"I have enjoyed my visit greatly," he said in reply, "and I should like +to prolong it; but it will not do to play all the time. It seems lonely, +too, to have to go away taking no one with me. To go as Cousin Dick did +this afternoon, with a dear young wife, would not be a hardship; but to +go alone is rather dismal. Don't you think it must be?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have never tried it, but I should think it was. When mamma died +and papa had to go away on his ship—oh, you don't know how hard it was +to part with him—I still had my brother Max and dear Gracie. I had them +both until a good while after papa came home to stay; so I have never +been all alone."</p> + +<p>"And I sincerely hope you never may be," he said. "But do you never feel +as if you would like to have a life companion, such as Maud was given +to-day?"</p> + +<p>"A husband, do you mean? No, indeed! for then I should be obliged to +leave my dear father—the best man in the world, the dearest, kindest, +most loving father to me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He is all that, I am sure," said Keith; "but, perhaps, some day you may +find that you can love another even better than you love him."</p> + +<p>She shook her head dissentingly.</p> + +<p>"I can hardly believe it possible. It seems to me that it would just +break my heart to have to leave my father or to be separated from him in +any way."</p> + +<p>Keith sighed drearily. "Miss Raymond," he said, "I love you, I love you +devotedly, and if—if you have not given your affection to another, +perhaps in time you may find it possible to return my love. Will you not +let me hope for that?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't!" she said, half rising to leave him, her face scarlet with +blushes. "I don't know anything about love,—that kind of love,—and my +father has forbidden me to listen to such things and——"</p> + +<p>"But he would let you this time, for he gave me permission to speak to +you and—and tell you of my love."</p> + +<p>"That is very strange; I don't understand it," she said, sinking back +into her chair with a look of perplexity and distress on her face.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> +"Ah," brightening a little, "I think papa knew there was no danger that +I would be willing to leave him for anybody else."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I suppose that was it," sighed Keith, and, at that moment, there +came an interruption, very welcome to Lucilla, in the form of little Ned +looking for papa. And the next moment papa himself, to find Captain +Keith and hand him a letter; a servant having just brought the afternoon +mail. Then Lucilla slipped away to her own room, where she stayed until +summoned to the dining room by the tea bell.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + + +<p>It was a pleasant surprise to Lucilla to find Grandma Elsie and Walter +there, and to learn that they had come to stay several days. So it was +easy to avoid being left alone with Captain Keith, and there was no more +private talk between them. When the carriage drove up to take him to his +train she was on the veranda with the others, and he shook hands with +her in her turn, saying, "Good-bye, Miss Lu. I shall hope to hear from +your father that you are well and happy."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; good-bye, and I wish you a safe journey," she said in reply, +but without lifting her eyes to his face.</p> + +<p>Just as she was ready for bed her father came to her room to bid her +good-night as he so often did.</p> + +<p>Taking her in his arms and looking searchingly into her eyes, "Is there +anything wrong <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span>with you—anything troubling you, daughter?" he asked +tenderly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa," she said, colouring and dropping her eyes. "Oh, why did you +let Captain Keith talk to me of—of love, when you have so often told me +I was much too young to even think of such things?"</p> + +<p>"Well, dear child," he said, "I knew it would be risking little or +nothing, as I was certain I had too large a place in your heart to leave +any room for him, but it seemed the only way to thoroughly convince him +of that was to let him try to push himself in there. And he did try?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, papa; and when I told him you had forbidden me to listen to such +things, he said you had given him leave to speak about it to me; and +that surprised me more than his speaking. You didn't want me to say yes, +father?"</p> + +<p>"No, daughter; no, indeed! I should not have let him speak if I had not +been very sure that my dear child loved me too well to leave me for him +or anybody else."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am so glad!" she exclaimed with a sigh of relief and laying her +head down on his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>breast, "though I couldn't believe that my dear father +wanted to be rid of me, or felt willing that I should love anybody else +better than I love him."</p> + +<p>"No, dear daughter, you need never be afraid of that. But, now, +good-night. Go at once to your bed, for you are looking very weary."</p> + +<p>She obeyed, slept sweetly and peacefully till her usual hour for rising, +and, as was her usual custom, joined her father in a stroll about the +grounds before the breakfast hour.</p> + +<p>"How would you and Grace like to have your friends Eva and Sydney here +for a few days, daughter?" he asked as they paced along side by side.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think it would be very pleasant, papa!" she answered in a joyous +tone. "I know Gracie would like it, and I think Sydney would, too. Eva +always does. I believe she loves you almost as well as if you were her +father as well as ours."</p> + +<p>"Ah! that is pleasant news for me," he said with a smile. "I am fond of +her, too, though, of course, not with just the fondness I feel for my +own children."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I am glad you don't! I shouldn't want you to love her as well as +you do me. Will you invite the girls, papa?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; we will call to them through the telephone after breakfast."</p> + +<p>They did so, there was a joyful acceptance from each, and before the +dinner hour they had both arrived. Sydney had not gone with Maud and +Dick. It had been decided before the wedding that it would be better for +her to remain in a more northern region till fall, then go South to make +her home with her sister.</p> + +<p>"I was glad of your invitation, captain," she said when he helped her +out of the carriage, "for I was finding it dreadfully lonesome without +my sister."</p> + +<p>"Ah! so I suspected, as did my wife, and we thought it might relieve +your loneliness a little to spend a few days here with us."</p> + +<p>"Yes; it was so kind," she responded, "so very kind! And you are here, +too, Cousin Elsie, and Walter! Oh, I am sure we are going to have a fine +time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, I always do have the best of times here," said Evelyn; +"especially when<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> Grandma Elsie and Walter add their attractions to +those of the Woodburn folks."</p> + +<p>"We will all try to make it as delightful as we can," said Grace. "Papa +has kindly excused Lu and me from lessons while you stay; so we can busy +ourselves with fancy work or anything we like, when we are not driving +or walking; and we have some new books and periodicals that one can read +aloud while the rest are doing fancy work or whatever they please. We +can play games, too, so I think we will not lack for amusement."</p> + +<p>"No, we never do, here," said Eva.</p> + +<p>And they did not; time passed swiftly and pleasantly in the round of +occupations and amusements suggested by Grace. Friday and Saturday soon +slipped by, and Sunday came, bringing its sacred duties and +pleasures—religious services at home, at church, then the Sunday +schools, and after that the home Bible class, which all found so +pleasant. They gathered upon the veranda, each with a Bible in hand; for +even little Ned could now read fluently, and generally find the +references for himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Will you not lead us to-day, mother?" asked the captain when all were +seated.</p> + +<p>"No," she said with her pleasant smile, "I very much prefer to have that +burden borne by my son-in-law, Captain Raymond."</p> + +<p>"And you wish him to select the subject?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; he cannot fail to fix upon a good and interesting one."</p> + +<p>"And how is it with you, my love?" he asked, turning to Violet.</p> + +<p>"Suppose we take thanksgiving as our subject," she said; "we all have so +much, so very much, to be thankful for."</p> + +<p>"Indeed we have!" he returned emphatically, "and I think no better +subject could be found. Neddie, my boy, can you tell papa something you +have to be thankful for?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, papa! eyes to see with, ears to hear with, hands and feet, and +that I can use them all; for I saw a boy the other day that can't walk +at all, though he has feet, but must lie on a bed or sit in a chair all +the time; while I can walk, and run, and jump whenever I want to."</p> + +<p>"Yes, those are all great blessings," his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>father said. "And now, Elsie, +can you think of some others?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, so many, papa! more than I can count," the little girl answered +earnestly. "A dear, kind father and mother, and grandma among them; and, +oh, so many dear relations besides; 'specially my sisters and brothers. +And I am so glad I was born in this Christian land and taught about God +and the dear Saviour; and have a Bible to read, and know that I may pray +to God, and that he will hear me and help me to be good—to love and +serve him. But, oh! I can't name all my blessings, papa, they are so +very, very many."</p> + +<p>"That is very true, daughter," he replied; "and we can all say the same; +our blessings are more than we can count. But the best of all is the +gift of God's dear son. 'God so loved the world, that he gave his only +begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but +have everlasting life.' 'Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.' +'I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my +God while I have being.' So says the Psalmist, and surely we can all +echo <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span>his words from our very hearts. Mother, you seem to have selected +a passage. Will you please read it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said; "here in Corinthians where the apostle is speaking of +the sting of death and the victory over the grave, he cries exultingly, +'But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord +Jesus Christ.' Then he goes on, 'Therefore my beloved brethren be ye +steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, +forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and let us all heed that exhortation," said the captain. "Evelyn, +you seem to have a text ready. Will you please read it?"</p> + +<p>"These words of Jesus," she said, "'I will not leave you comfortless; I +will come to you,' are they not words to be thankful for?"</p> + +<p>"They are, indeed!" he said. "What can be more comforting than the +presence of the Master? His presence and his love. 'He that hath my +commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that +loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>and will +manifest myself to him.' Ah! what is there more worthy to be thankful +for than the love of Christ! But when should we give thanks, Walter?"</p> + +<p>"Always, sir. Here in Ephesians I read, 'Giving thanks always for all +things unto God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Again +in first Thessalonians, 'We give thanks to God always for you all, +making mention of you in our prayers.'"</p> + +<p>Then Sydney, Lucilla, and Grace read in turn:</p> + +<p>"'Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks; for +that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.'"</p> + +<p>"'And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are +called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in +you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms +and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the +Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the +Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.'"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p> + +<p>"'Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving.'"</p> + +<p>They read, in turn, again and again, finding the Bible full of +exhortations to thanksgiving, then joined in singing hymns of +praise—not with their voices only, but with joy, and thankfulness in +their hearts because of the good gifts of God, both temporal and +spiritual, to them all.</p> + +<p>So closed the Sabbath day, and after it followed a night of sweet sleep +and peaceful rest.</p> + +<p>At the breakfast table the next morning Walter asked: "Where are we +going to spend our summer? Isn't it time to be thinking about it?"</p> + +<p>The question seemed to be addressed to no one in particular. There was a +moment's silence; then the captain said:</p> + +<p>"Suppose you give us your ideas and wishes on that subject, Walter."</p> + +<p>"Well, I haven't much choice, sir; there are so many places that are +about equally agreeable to me. Anywhere with mother and the rest of +you."</p> + +<p>"Then what place would you prefer, mother?" asked the captain.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is a question I have hardly considered yet," she replied. "Perhaps +it might be well to hold a family council on the subject."</p> + +<p>"May I offer a suggestion?" asked Evelyn modestly, blushing as she +spoke.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, my dear," said Mrs. Travilla.</p> + +<p>"We will be glad to hear it," said the captain.</p> + +<p>"Then it is that all who think they would find it agreeable will spend +at least a week or two with me in my cottage on the Hudson. It was +rented for a time, but is vacant now, and I want very much to be in it +for a while, yet certainly not alone."</p> + +<p>"It is most kind in you to invite us, Evelyn, dear," said Mrs. Travilla, +"but our party would much more than fill it."</p> + +<p>"Unless we should go in relays," laughed Violet; "perhaps it might be +managed in that way, if Eva is very desirous to have us there."</p> + +<p>"And perhaps there are hotels in the vicinity where most of us could be +accommodated," said the captain. "We are much obliged for your +invitation, Eva, and will con<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>sider the question and talk it over with +the others who may choose to be of our party."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think it would be fun to go there!" exclaimed Sydney. "If I can +have my way, I'll pay you a little visit there, and pass the rest of the +time at the seashore."</p> + +<p>"That is what I should like to do," said Lucilla.</p> + +<p>"And I also," added Grace; "if papa and mamma approve, and would be with +us in both places."</p> + +<p>"Of course I meant that," Lucilla hastened to say; "we would not half +enjoy ourselves without them; and the children," she added, glancing at +Elsie and Ned.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me we're getting pretty big to be called that," said Ned a +little scornfully. "I'll be a man one of these days."</p> + +<p>"Not quite that yet, little brother," laughed Lucilla.</p> + +<p>The talk in regard to the summer's excursion was renewed after family +worship, as they all sat together upon the veranda. Various places were +talked of, various plans discussed, but nothing could be fully decided +upon without <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>consultation with the other near relatives who might +decide to be of the party.</p> + +<p>"Hello! here comes Doctor Herbert," exclaimed Walter, as a doctor's gig +turned in at the great gates and came driving rapidly up to the house.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Doc?" springing up and hastening down the steps as the gig +halted before them.</p> + +<p>"A letter for mother," answered Herbert, handing it to Walter as he +spoke. "Good-morning, mother, and all of you. You are looking well and +have no need of a doctor, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we want a call from that one," said Violet. "Come in, won't you, +if it is for only five minutes?"</p> + +<p>"Well, yes; since you are so urgent and I know of no urgent call for my +services elsewhere," answered Herbert, suiting the action to the word.</p> + +<p>"Good-morning, my son," was his mother's smiling salutation, as he bent +down to give her an affectionate caress. "I suppose you want to hear +what Rosie has to say. I will just glance <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>over her letter, then read +aloud whatever I think she would deem suitable for you all to hear."</p> + +<p>It was a pleasant, cheerful letter; all seemed to be going right with +the young couple, they very happy in each other. They were at Niagara +Falls, expecting soon to leave there for some place on the Hudson, and +afterward to visit the seashore; but their plans were not yet definitely +arranged; nor would they be until Will's parents and Rosie's home +friends, intending to go North for the summer, were heard from in regard +to their plans and purposes.</p> + +<p>"Well," said Herbert, when the reading of the letter was concluded, "I +think we will have to hold a family council, taking in the Crolys, and +decide those momentous questions. Right quickly, too, for the weather is +growing very warm, and if you all stay here our firm may have too much +to do."</p> + +<p>"I think you are right, doctor," said the captain, "and lest you and +Harold and Arthur should be overworked, I intend to see that that +council is held promptly."</p> + +<p>"Well, captain, suppose we appoint this even<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>ing as the time, and +Roselands as the place, as the Crolys are there, and not so able as the +rest of us to go about from place to place."</p> + +<p>"That seems a very good plan," said his mother, "but I think it will not +be necessary for us all to attend. I prefer to leave the decision with +the gentlemen of our party. Can you go, Herbert?"</p> + +<p>"To the family council, mother? Oh, yes!"</p> + +<p>"That is well," she said with a smile, "but I meant can you go North +with us?"</p> + +<p>"For a part of the time, I think; we three doctors can doubtless take +turns in having a vacation."</p> + +<p>"You ought to, I think," said Violet. "Doctors certainly need rest as +much, or more, than most other people."</p> + +<p>"Yes, they do, indeed!" said the captain; "they are, as a rule, very +much overworked, I think."</p> + +<p>"Some of them hardly so much as they might like to be," laughed Herbert. +"You will be coming home soon, mother?" turning to her.</p> + +<p>"Yes; probably to-morrow," she answered.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p> + +<p>He chatted a little longer, then drove away. The young people presently +went off into the grounds, leaving Grandma Elsie, Violet, and the +captain still sitting in the veranda, they busied with their fancy work, +he looking over the morning paper.</p> + +<p>"If you find anything very interesting, my dear, mamma and I will be +glad to hear it," said Violet.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, "and here is something interesting, though far from +being pleasant news. Davis, one of the burglars whom Lucilla caught, has +escaped from prison; gone no one knows where, and may be even now +lurking in this neighbourhood. I must watch over my daughter or he may +attempt to do her some harm. At the time of the trial he seemed to feel +very revengeful toward her."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that is dreadful!" cried Violet. "Indeed we must be watchful over +poor dear Lu. You will not tell her, Levis?"</p> + +<p>"I think I shall," he said reflectively; "she will need to be careful +about venturing to a distance from the house, even within the grounds, +without a protector; therefore I must warn her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>and forbid her to run +any unnecessary risk. I hope it may not be long before the fellow will +be caught and returned to his prison."</p> + +<p>"And I think it might be well for us to hasten our departure for the +North for her safety," said Violet. "She would be safer there, would she +not?"</p> + +<p>"Probably," he replied, "and we will make haste to be off on that +account."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I think you should, by all means," said her mother. "Anything that +I can do to assist your preparations, Vi, will be gladly done."</p> + +<p>"I will set to work at once," exclaimed Violet.</p> + +<p>"And I shall call my daughters in at once and set them about their +preparations," said the captain, throwing aside his paper and starting +even as he spoke.</p> + +<p>The young people were much surprised by his summons and directions to +his daughters, but he did not go into a lengthened explanation; merely +said that he had decided to start northward in a day or two, and +necessary preparations must be made as promptly as possible.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p> + +<p>His daughters were accustomed to rendering prompt and unquestioning +obedience to their father's commands, and did so now, though much +wondering at this sudden move.</p> + +<p>Some hours later he called Lucilla aside and told her the whole story. +She turned pale for a moment, then, lifting fearless eyes to his, +"Father," she said, "don't be uneasy about me. I will trust in the Lord +and not be afraid; I will trust in his care and yours, and I shall be +safe. I am thinking of those sweet verses in the thirty-seventh Psalm, +'But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength +in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them: +he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust +in him.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear child, trust in him and you will be safe," returned the +captain with emotion. "I shall not go over to Roselands this evening, as +I had intended, but will talk through the telephone to the friends +gathered there to discuss the questions when we shall start for the +North and in what spots locate ourselves for the summer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span></p> + +<p>He did so, and before they were through with their conference it was +decided that he, with his family, Evelyn, Sydney, Grandma Elsie, Walter, +and all the Lelands should at once pack up, and in two days start for +Eva's cottage on the Hudson.</p> + +<p>Little preparation was needed but the packing of trunks; all were ready +at the set time, started away in good health and spirits, and, +travelling by rail, soon reached their destination; where we will leave +them for the present.</p> + + +<h2>THE END.</h2> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><span class="smcap">Campfire Girls Series</span></h2> + + +<div class='blockquot'>An attractive and popular edition of books for Girls. Printed from +large, clear type on a superior quality of paper. 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Hard bound and stamped on back and front.<br /></div> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Mother Goose</span> <span class="smcap">Robinson Crusoe</span> <span class="smcap">Black Beauty</span></div> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</span></div> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Stories from the Bible</span> <span class="smcap">Wood's Natural History</span></div> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Andersen's Fairy Tales</span> <span class="smcap">Arabian Nights</span></div> + +<div class='center'><span class="smcap">Alice Through the Looking Glass</span></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div><big><i>Price 25c Each, postpaid</i></big></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class='center'><big>M. A. 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