CHAPTER XXIII.
LULU.
Before two days had passed Zoe was quite herself again, and as full ofdelight at the prospect of going away for a little trip as any child couldhave been. She wore so bright a face, was so merry and frolicsome, that itwas a pleasure to watch her, especially when with her husband, and notaware that any other eye was upon her.
His face, too, beamed with happiness.
Elsie's eyes resting upon them would sometimes fill with tears--half ofjoy in their felicity, half of sorrowful yet tender reminiscence. In hispresent mood Edward was very like his father in looks, in speech, inmanner.
Tuesday morning came, bringing with it delightful weather; Edward haddecided to take a later train than when starting before, because he wouldnot have Zoe roused too soon from sleep.
They took breakfast with the family at the usual hour, an open barouchewaiting for them at the door; then with a gay good-by to all set out upontheir journey, driving to the nearest station, and there taking the cars.
"I wish I was going, too!" sighed Lulu, as she and Rosie stood lookingafter the barouche.
"Mamma would have let us drive over to the station with them," said Rose;"Edward asked if we might, but Ben had some errands to do in town, andcouldn't bring us back in time for lessons."
"Lessons! I'm sick and tired of them!" grumbled Lulu. "Other children hadholidays last week, but we had to go right on studying."
"But we are to take ours in a week or two, visiting at the Oaks and theLaurels, perhaps two weeks at each place, and I'm sure that will be nicerthan to have had Easter holidays at home."
"There, it's out of sight," said Lulu. "I'd like to be Aunt Zoe, juststarting off on a journey. Let's take a run down the avenue, Rosie."
"I would, but I must look over my Latin lesson, or I may not be ready forgrandpa."
With the last words she turned and went into the house.
Lulu knew that she was not ready for Mr. Dinsmore either, but she was inno mood for study, and the grounds looked so inviting that she yielded tothe temptation to take a ramble instead.
Max, from his window, saw her wandering about among the shrubs and flowersand longed to join her. He was bearing his punishment in a very goodspirit, making no complaint, spending his time in study, reading, writingand carving.
Mr. Dinsmore came to him to hear his recitations, and was always able tocommend them as excellent. He treated the boy in a kind, fatherly manner,talking to him of his sin and the way to obtain forgiveness anddeliverance from it, very much as Elsie and Violet had.
Yet he did not harp continually upon that, but dwelt often upon otherthemes, trying so to treat the lad that his self-respect might berestored.
Max appreciated the kindness shown him, and was strengthened in his goodresolutions. He was privately very much troubled about his losses,particularly that of the watch, supposing it to be in Ralph's possession,for Mr. Dinsmore had said nothing to him on the subject.
Being very fond of his sisters, Max felt the separation from them no smallpart of his punishment; he followed Lulu's movements this morning withwistful eyes.
She looked up, and seeing his rather pale, sad face at the window, drewnearer and called softly to him, "Max, how are you? I'm so sorry foryou."
He only shook his head and turned away.
Then Mr. Dinsmore's voice spoke sternly from a lower window, "Lulu, youare disobeying orders. Go into the house and to the school-roomimmediately. You ought to have been there fully a quarter of an hour ago."
Lulu was a little frightened, and obeyed at once.
"You are late, Lulu. You must try to be more punctual in future," Elsiesaid in a tone of mild rebuke, as the little girl sat down at her desk.
"I don't care if I am," she muttered, insolently.
Rose darted at her a look of angry astonishment, Gracie looked shocked,and little Walter said, "It's very, _very_ naughty to speak so to mymamma."
But Elsie did not seem to have heard; her face still wore its usual sweet,placid expression. Lulu thought she had not heard, but found out hermistake when she went forward to recite. She was told in a gentle, quiettone, "You are not my pupil, to-day, Lulu," and returned to her seatoverwhelmed with embarrassment and anger.
No further notice was taken of her by any one excerpt Gracie, who now andthen stole a troubled, half-pitying look at her, until Mr Dinsmore cameto hear the Latin lessons.
Lulu had sat idly at her desk nursing her anger and discontent, her eyeson the book open before her, but her thoughts elsewhere, so was notprepared for him.
She was frightened, but tried to hide it, made an attempt to answer thefirst question put to her, but broke down in confusion.
He asked another; she was unable to answer it; and with a frown he said,"I perceive that you know nothing about your lesson to-day. Why have younot learned it?"
"Because I didn't want to," muttered the delinquent.
Rosie opened her eyes wide in astonishment. She would never have dared toanswer her grandfather in that manner.
"Take your book and learn it now," he said in his sternest tone.
Lulu did not venture to disobey, for she was really very much afraid ofMr. Dinsmore.
He heard Rosie's lesson, assigned her task for the next day, and both leftthe room. The others had gone about the time Mr. Dinsmore came in, so Luluwas left alone.
She thought it best to give her mind to the lesson, and in half an hourfelt that she was fully prepared with it.
But Mr. Dinsmore did not come back, and she dared not leave the room,though very impatient to do so.
The dinner bell rang, and still he had not come.
Lulu was hungry and began to fear that she was to be made to fast; but atlength a servant brought her a good, substantial, though plain dinner, setit before her, and silently withdrew.
"It's not half as good as they've got," Lulu remarked half aloud toherself, discontentedly eying her fare, "but it's better than nothing."
With that philosophical reflection she fell to work, and speedily emptiedthe dishes.
Mr. Dinsmore came to her shortly after, heard the lesson, gave her alittle serious talk and dismissed her.
Feeling that she owed an apology to Grandma Elsie, but still too stubbornand proud to make it, Lulu was ashamed to join the others, so went offalone into the grounds. She was not Grandma Elsie's pupil, she understood,until the morning's impertinence had been atoned for.
It was against rules to go beyond the boundary of the grounds withoutpermission; yet after wandering through them for a while, she did so, andentering a shady, pleasant road, walked on without any settled purpose,till she reached a neighboring plantation where lived some little girlswith whom she had a slight acquaintance.
They were playing croquet on the lawn, and espying Lulu at the gate,invited her to come in and join them.
She did so, became much interested in the sport, and forgot to go homeuntil the lengthening shadows warned her that it must be very near the teahour at Ion.
She then bade a hasty good-by and retraced her steps with great expeditionand in no tranquil state of mind. In truth, she was a good deal alarmed asshe thought of the possible consequences to herself of her bold disregardof rules.
She arrived at Ion heated and out of breach, and, as a glance at the hallclock told her, fully fifteen minutes late.
Hair and dress were in some disorder, but not thinking of that, in herhaste and perturbation, she went directly to the supper-room, where thefamily were in the midst of their meal.
They all seemed busily engaged with it or in conversation, and she hopedto slip unobserved into her seat.
But to her consternation she perceived, as she drew near, that neitherplate nor chair seemed to have been set for her; every place wasoccupied.
At the same instant Mr. Dinsmore, turning a stern look upon her, remarked,"We have no place here for the rebellious and insubordinate, therefore Ihave ordered your plate removed; and while you continue to belong to thatclass, y
ou will take your meals in your own room."
He dismissed her with a wave of the hand as he spoke, and, filled withanger and chagrin, she turned and flew from the room, never stopping tillshe had gained her own and slammed the door behind her.
"Before Mr. Lilburn and everybody!" she exclaimed aloud, stamping her footin impotent rage.
Then catching sight of her figure in the glass, she stood still and gazed,her cheeks reddening more and more with mortification. Hair and dress weretumbled, the latter slightly soiled with the dust of the road, as were herboots also, and the frill about her neck was crushed and partly tucked in.
She set to work with energy to make herself neat, and had scarcelycompleted the task when her supper was brought in. It consisted ofabundance of rich sweet milk, fruit, and the nicest of bread and butter.
She ate heartily; then as Agnes carried away the tray, seated herself bythe window with her elbows on the sill, her chin in her hands, and halfinvoluntarily took a mental review of the day.
The retrospect was not agreeable.
"And I'll have to tell papa all about it in my diary," she groaned toherself. "No, I sha'n't; what's the use? it'll just make him feel badly.But he said I must, and he trusted me, he _trusted_ me to tell the truthand the whole truth, and I can't deceive him; I can't hide anything afterthat."
With a heavy sigh she took her writing-desk, set it on the sill to catchthe fading light, and wrote:
"It has been a bad day with me. I didn't look over my lessons beforeschool, as I ought to have done, but went out in the grounds instead.While I was there, I broke a rule. Grandpa Dinsmore reproved me and calledme in. I went up to the school-room. Grandma Elsie said I was late andmust be more punctual, and I gave her a saucy answer. She wouldn't hear mylessons, and I was cross and wouldn't study, and wasn't ready for GrandpaDinsmore, and was saucy to him. So I had to stay up there in theschool-room and learn my lesson over and eat my dinner there by myself.
"After that, when he let me out, I took a long walk and played croquetwith some other girls--all without leave.
"They were eating supper when I got back, and I went in without makingmyself neat, and my plate and chair had been taken away, and I was sent uphere to take my supper and stay till I'm ready to behave better."
She read over what she had written.
"Oh, what a bad report! How sad it will make papa feel when he reads it!"she thought, tears springing to her eyes.
She pushed the desk aside and leaned on the sill again, her face hidden inher hands. Her father's words about the kindness and generosity of Mr.Dinsmore and his daughter in offering to share their home with hischildren, came to her recollection, and all the favors received at thehands of these kindest of friends passed in review before her. Could herown mother have been kinder than Grandma Elsie? and she had repaid herthis day with ingratitude, disobedience and impertinence. How despicablymean!
Tears of shame and penitence began to fall from her eyes, and soon she wassobbing aloud.
Violet heard her from the next room, and came to her side.
"What is it, Lulu, dear? are you sorry for your misconduct?" she asked ingentle, affectionate tones, smoothing the child's hair with her soft whitehand as she spoke.
"Yes, Mamma Vi," sobbed the little girl. "Won't you please tell GrandmaElsie I'm sorry I was saucy and disobedient to her this morning?"
"Yes, dear, I will. And--have you not a message for grandpa also?"
"Yes; I'm sorry I was naughty and impertinent to him, and for breaking hisrules, too. Do you think they'll forgive me, Mamma Vi, and try me again?"
"I am sure they will," Violet said. "And will you not ask God'sforgiveness, also, dear child?"
"I do mean to," Lulu said. "And I've told papa all about it. I wish hedidn't have to know, because it will make him very sorry."
"Yes," sighed Violet, "it grieves him very much when his dear children dowrong. I hope, dear Lulu, that thought will help you to be good in future.Still more, that you will learn to hate and forsake sin because it isdishonoring and displeasing to God, because it grieves the dear Saviourwho loves you and died to redeem you."
Forgiveness was readily accorded by both Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter,and Lulu went to bed comparatively happy after a short visit and kindmotherly talk from Grandma Elsie.
Two days later Max was released from his imprisonment. He more than halfdreaded to make his appearance below stairs, thinking every one wouldview him askance, but was agreeably surprised by being greeted on everyhand with the utmost kindness and cordiality.
On the following Monday he and the other children were sent to the Oaks tomake the promised visit.
Gracie alone needed some persuasion to induce her to go of her own freewill, and that only because mamma was not going. Gracie was not at allsure that she could live two whole weeks without her dear mamma.
Just before they started, Mr. Dinsmore made Max very happy by therestoration of his money and watch. He added an admonition againstgambling, and Max replied with an earnest promise never to touch a cardagain.
CHAPTER XXIV.
A CHAPTER OF SURPRISES.
Edward and Zoe decided upon a little pleasure trip in addition to thebusiness one, and, in consequence, were absent from home for over afortnight. On their return, Elsie met them on the threshold with thewarmest and most loving of welcomes.
"How well and happy you both look, my dear children!" she said, glancingfrom one to the other, her face full of proud, fond, motherly affection.
"As we are, mother dear," Edward responded. "Glad to see you so, also. Howis Vi?"
"Doing nicely."
"Vi! Is she sick?" asked Zoe, her tone expressing both surprise andconcern.
"Yes," Elsie said, leading the way down the hall and up the stairs. Thenas they reached the upper hall, "Come this way, my dears, I have somethingto show you."
She led them to the nursery; to the side of a dainty crib; and pushingaside its curtains of lace, brought to view a little downy head and pinkface nestling cosily upon the soft pillow within.
Zoe uttered an exclamation of astonishment and delight. "Why, mamma, wheredid you get it? Oh, the little lovely darling!" and down she went on herknees by the side of the crib, to make a closer inspection. "O Ned, justlook! did you ever see anything half so dear and sweet?"
"Yes," he said, with a meaning, laughing look into her sparkling face. "Isee something at this moment that to my eyes is dearer and sweeter still.What does Vi think of it, mamma?" turning to his mother.
"She is very proud and happy," Elsie answered with a smile. "I believe Zoehas expressed her views exactly."
"It's Vi's, is it?" said Zoe. "Come, Ned, do look at it. You ought to carea little about your----"
She broke off with an inquiring glance up into her mother's face.
"Niece," supplied Elsie, "my first granddaughter."
"Another Elsie, I suppose," Edward remarked, bending down to examine thelittle creature with an air of increasing interest.
"Her father must be heard from before the name can be decided upon," hismother answered. "Vi wishes it named for me, but I should prefer to haveanother Violet."
"I incline to think Captain Raymond will agree with her," said Edward.
"I never saw so young a baby," remarked Zoe. "How old is she, mamma?"
"A week to-day."
"I'm tempted to break the tenth commandment," said Zoe, leaning over thebabe and touching her lips to its velvet cheek. "I used to be very fond ofdolls, and a live one would be so nice. I almost wish it was mine."
"Don't forget that you would be only half owner if it was," said Edwardlaughing. "But come now, my dear, it is time we were attending to theduties of the toilet. The tea-bell will ring directly."
"Well, I'll always want to share everything I have with you," she said."Mamma," rising and putting her hand into her husband's, "we've had _such_a nice time! Ned has been _so_ good and kind to me!"
"And she has been the best and dearest of little wives,"
he said,returning the look of fond affection she had bent upon him, "so we couldnot fail to enjoy ourselves hugely."
"I am rejoiced to hear it," Elsie said, looking after them with glad tearsin her eyes as they left the room together.
* * * * *
The children were enjoying themselves greatly at the Oaks. HoraceDinsmore, Jr., and his young wife made a very pleasant host and hostess.Horace's reminiscences of his own childhood and his sister Elsie'sgirlhood in this, her old home, were very interesting, not to Rosie andWalter only, but to the others.
They were shown her suite of rooms, the exact spot in the drawing-roomwhere she stood during the ceremony that united her to Mr. Travilla, andthe arbor--still called Elsie's arbor--where he offered himself and wasaccepted.
They had an equally pleasant visit at the Laurels, whither they wentdirectly from the Oaks, Gracie wondering why she was not permitted to goto see mamma first for a while, and grieving over it for a time.
They were not told what had taken place in their absence, until the day oftheir return to Ion.
Mrs. Dinsmore had driven over for them, and after an hour's chat with herdaughter, Mrs. Lacey, sent for the children, who were amusing themselvesin the grounds.
"O grandma, good-morning! Did you come to take us home?" cried Rosie, asshe came running in, put her arms about Mrs. Dinsmore's neck, and held upher face for a kiss.
"Yes, dear child, and to bring you some news. Good-morning, Max, Lulu,Gracie, Walter--all of you--there's a little stranger at Ion."
"A little stranger!" was the simultaneous exclamation from all five, Maxadding, "What sort?" and Rosie, "Where from?"
"A very sweet, pretty little creature, I think; a little girl from 'NoMan's Land,'" was the smiling reply. "A new little sister for you, Max,Lulu, and Gracie, a niece for Rosie and Walter."
Max looked pleased, though slightly puzzled, too; Gracie's eyes shone, andthe pink flush deepened on her cheeks, as she asked delightedly, "Is it ababy? Mamma's baby?" but Lulu frowned and was silent.
"Yes, it is your mamma's baby," replied Grandma Rose. "Would you like togo home and see it?"
All answered in the affirmative, except Lulu, who said nothing, and thenhurried from the room to make ready.
"O Lu, aren't you glad?" exclaimed Gracie, as they put on their hats.
"No!" snapped Lulu, "what is there to be glad about? It'll steal allpapa's love away from us; Mamma Vi's, too, of course, if she ever hadany."
Gracie was shocked, "Lulu!" she said, just ready to cry, "how can you saysuch things? I just know nothing will ever make papa quit loving us. Can'the love us and the new baby too? and can't mamma?"
"Well, you'll see!" returned Lulu wisely.
There was no time for anything more; the good-bys were said, they werehelped into the Ion carriage, waiting at the door, and driven rapidlyhomeward.
During the drive Grandma Rose noticed that while the other children weremerry and talkative, Lulu was silent and sullen, and Gracie apparentlyjust ready to burst into tears.
She more than half suspected what the trouble was, but thought best toseem not to see that anything was amiss.
Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter were on the veranda waiting to welcome thelittle party on their arrival, and Rosie and Walter were well content tostay with their mother for a little, while the others passed on up toViolet's rooms.
They found her in her boudoir, seated in an easy-chair, beside a windowoverlooking the avenue, and with her baby on her lap.
She was looking very young, very sweet and beautiful, happy, too, though ashade of anxiety crossed her features as the children came in.
"How are you, dears? I am very glad to see you again," she said, smilingsweetly and holding out her pretty white hand.
Gracie sprang forward with a little joyful cry. "O mamma, my dear, sweet,pretty mamma! I am so glad to get back to you!" and threw her arms aboutViolet's neck.
Violet's arm was instantly around the child's waist; she kissed hertenderly two or three times, then said, looking down at the sleeping babe,"This is your little sister, Gracie."
"Oh, the darling, wee, pretty pet!" exclaimed Gracie, bending over it."Mamma, I'm so glad, if--if----" She stopped in confusion, while Lulu,standing back a little, threw an angry glance at her.
"If what, dear?" asked Violet.
"If you and papa will love me and all of us just as well," stammered thelittle girl, growing very red, and her eyes filling with tears.
"Dear child," Violet said, drawing her to her side with another tendercaress, "you need not doubt it for a moment."
"Why, Gracie, what could have put such a notion into your head?'" saidMax. "Mamma Vi, may I kiss you and it, too?" with an affectionate glanceat her, then a gaze of smiling curiosity at the babe.
"Indeed, you may, Max," Violet answered, offering her lips.
"I'm glad she's come, and I expect to love her dearly," he remarked, whenhe had touched his lips softly to the babe's cheek, "though I'd rathershe'd been a boy, as I have two sisters already and no brother at all."
"Haven't you a kiss for me, Lulu, dear?" Violet asked half entreatingly,"and a welcome for your little sister?"
Lulu silently and half reluctantly kissed both, then turned and walked outof the room.
Violet looked after her with a slight sigh, but at that moment her ownlittle brother and sister created a diversion by running in with a gladgreeting for her and the new baby.
Their delight was rather noisily expressed, and no one of the little groupeither heard or saw a carriage drive up the avenue to the main entrance.
But Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were on the watch for it (they had beenexchanging meaning, happy glances all the morning), and ready with thewarmest of greetings for the tall, handsome, noble looking man who hastilyalighted from it and ran up the veranda steps.
"Dear mother!" he said, grasping Mrs. Travilla's hand, then giving her afilial kiss.
"We are very glad to see you, captain," she said. "Your telegram thismorning was a delightful surprise."
"Yes, it was, indeed, to all of us who knew of its coming," said Mr.Dinsmore, shaking hands in his turn.
"My wife! how is she? and the children? are they all well?" asked thegentleman half breathlessly.
"All well," was the answer. "We told Violet you had reported yourself inWashington, and she will not be overcome at sight of you. You will findher in her own rooms."
He hurried thither, met Gracie at the head of the stairs, and caught herin his arms with an exclamation of astonishment and delight.
"Can this be my baby girl? this plump, rosy little darling?"
"Papa!" she cried, throwing her arms about his neck and hugging himtightly, while he kissed her again and again with ardent affection, "oh,have you come? No, I'm your own little Gracie, but not the baby girl now,for there's a little one on mamma's lap. Come, and I'll show you."
"Ah!" he exclaimed, letting her lead him on. "I had not heard, have nothad a letter for three or four weeks."
They were at the door. Gracie threw it open. Rose was holding the babe.Violet looked up, started to her feet with a cry of joy, and in an instantwas in her husband's arms, weeping for very gladness.
For several moments they were conscious of nothing but the joy of thereunion; then with a sudden recollection she withdrew herself from hisarms, took her babe, and laid it in them.
"Another darling," he said gazing tenderly upon it, "another dear littledaughter! My love, how rich we are!"
He kissed it, gave it to the waiting nurse, and turned to his wife again.
"Let me help you to the sofa, love," he said.
"Lie down for a little. I fear this excitement will exhaust and injureyou."
She let him have his way. He sat down by her side, held her hand, and bentover her in loving anxiety.
"Are you quite well?" he asked.
"Very well indeed," she said, looking up fondly into his face, "and, oh,_so_ happy now that you are here, my dear, d
ear husband!"
Gracie crept to his side and leaned lovingly against him.
"My little darling," he said, putting his arm round her and turning togive her a kiss. "But where are Max and Lulu?"
"Up in the boys' work-room, papa," she answered. "They don't know you'vecome."
"Then I must enlighten their ignorance," he said gayly. "Excuse me amoment, my love. Take care of mamma for me while I'm gone, Gracie," andrising hastily he left the room.
Max and Lulu were busily engaged looking over designs and materials fortheir work, and discussing their comparative merits. So deeply interestedwere they that they took no note of approaching footsteps till they haltedin the doorway, then turning their heads they saw their father standingthere, regarding them with a proud, fond fatherly smile.
"Papa! O papa!" they both cried out joyfully, and ran into hisoutstretched arms.
"My dear, dear children!" he said, holding them close, and caressing firstone, then the other.
He sat down with one on each knee, an arm around each, and for someminutes there was a delightful interchange of demonstrations of affection.
"Now you see, Lu, that papa does love us as well as ever," Max said, in atone of mingled triumph and satisfaction.
"Did she doubt it?" asked the captain in surprise, and gazing searchinglyinto her face.
She blushed and hung her head.
"She thought the new baby would steal all your love," said Max.
"Silly child!" said her father, drawing her closer and giving her anotherkiss. "Do you think my heart is so small that it can hold love enough forbut a limited number? Did I love Max less when you came? or you less whenour Heavenly Father gave Gracie to us? No, daughter; I can love thenewcomer without any abatement of my affection for you."
"Papa, I'm sorry I said it. I won't talk so any more; and I mean to lovethe baby very much," she murmured with her arm about his neck, her cheeklaid to his.
"I hope so," he said; "it would give me a very sad heart to know that youdid not love your little sister.
"Well, Max, my son, what is it?"
The boy was hanging his head and his face had suddenly grown scarlet,"Papa, I--I--Did you get my letter and diary I sent you last month?"
"Yes; and Lulu's also," the captain said, with a sigh and a glance fromone to the other, his face growing very grave. "I think my children wouldoften be deterred from wrongdoing by the thought of the pain it will causetheir father, if they could at all realize how sore it is. It almost brokemy heart, Max, to learn that you had again been guilty of the dreadful sinof profanity, and had learned to gamble also; yet I was greatly comfortedby the assurance that you were truly penitent, and hoped you had givenyour heart to God.
"My boy, and my little girl, there is nothing else I so earnestly desirefor you as that you may be His true and faithful servants all your days,His in time and eternity."
A solemn silence fell on the little group, and for several minutes no onespoke.
Lulu was crying softly, and there were tears in Max's eyes, while thefather held both in a close embrace.
At length Lulu murmured, "I am sorry for all my naughtiness, papa, and domean to try very hard to be good."
"I, too," said Max, struggling with his emotion, "and if you think Ideserve (oh, I know I do), and, papa, if you think you ought to----"
"You have had your punishment, my son," the captain said in a moved tone."I consider it all sufficient. And now we will go down to Mamma Vi andGracie. I want you all together, that I may enjoy you all at once and asmuch as possible for the short time that I can be with you.
"But before we go, I have a word more to say: there is one thing about youboth that greatly comforts and encourages me, my darlings; that is yourtruthfulness, your perfect openness with me and willingness toacknowledge your faults."
Those concluding words brought a flush of joy and love to each young faceas they were lifted to his. He gave a hearty kiss to Lulu, then to Max,and led them from the room, a very happy pair.
CHAPTER XXV.
"One sacred oath has tied Our loves; one destiny our life shall guide, Nor wild, nor deep, our common way divide." --Prior.
Edward sat at the open window of his wife's boudoir enjoying the beautiesof the landscape--the verdant lawn and shrubberies, the smiling fields andwooded hills beyond--the sweet morning breeze and the matin songs of thebirds, while Zoe in the adjoining room put the finishing touches to hertoilet.
She came to him presently, very simply dressed in white, looking sweet andfresh as a rose just washed with dew, and seated herself upon his knee.
"Darling!" he said, low and tenderly, putting his arm about her slenderwaist and imprinting a kiss upon the rosy cheek.
"My dear, dear husband! what could I ever do without you; how desolate Ishould be this day, if I hadn't you to love and care for me!" she saidwith a sob, stealing an arm around his neck and laying her cheek to his."You know--you cannot have forgotten--that it is just one year to-daysince dear papa died."
"Think what a blessed year it has been to him, love; think what a happymeeting with him in that blessed land you may look forward to. There,death-divided friends will meet never to part again, free from sin andsorrow, pain and care, and to be 'forever with the Lord.'
"No; I have not forgotten what this day one year ago took from you, orwhat it gave to me--my heart's best treasure."
He drew her closer, and again touched his lips to her cheek.
Smiling through her tears, she offered her lips.
"Oh, I'm very, very happy!" she said. "It has been a happy year in spiteof my grief for my dear, dear father, except when--O Ned, we won't ever becross to one another again, will we?"
"I trust not, my darling," he said. "It is too sharp a pain to be atvariance with one's other half," he added, with playful tenderness. "Is itnot, love!"
"Indeed, indeed it is!" she cried.
"See! this is to prove to you that I have not forgotten what a treasure Isecured a year ago," he said, reaching for an open jewel case that stoodon a table near at hand, and laying it in her lap.
"Pearls! Oh, how lovely! the most magnificent set I ever saw. Many, manythanks, dear Ned!" she exclaimed in delight. "I shall wear them thisevening in honor of the day.
"But what shall I give you? I'm afraid I have nothing but--what I gave youa year ago--myself."
"The most priceless treasure earth can afford!" he responded, clasping herclose to his heart.
"And your love," she said softly, her arm stealing round his neck again,her shining eyes gazing fondly into his, "is more to me than all its goldand jewels."
* * * * *
[Transcriber's notes:
Page 14 text reads: ". . . tempter; (smudge) having . . ."; the word "as"was inserted in place of the smudge.
Page 70 missing word "bit" inserted to read ". . . not a bit cold . . .:]
Elsie's New Relations Page 23
