ELSIE'S VACATION AND AFTER EVENTS

by

MARTHA FINLEY

Author of "Elsie Dinsmore, " "Elsie at Home, " etc. 

Special Authorized Edition

[Illustration]

M. A. Donohue & Co. Chicago New YorkCopyright, 1891. By Dodd, Mead & Company. Made in U. S. A. 

ELSIE'S VACATION

CHAPTER I. 

Captain Raymond went back to the hotel feeling somewhat lonely andheartsore over the parting from his eldest hope, but as he entered theprivate parlor where his young wife and most of the party were, his lookand manner had all their accustomed cheeriness. 

He made a pleasant remark to Violet, fondled the little ones, and talkedfor a few minutes in his usual agreeable way with Mr. And Mrs. Dinsmoreand the others; then glancing about the room, as if in search of someoneor something, asked, "Where are Lulu and Gracie?"

"Why, I thought they were here, " Violet answered in some surprise, following the direction of his glance. "They seem to have slipped out ofthe room very quietly. "

"I must hunt them up, poor dears! for it is about time we were startingfor the _Dolphin_, " he said, hastily leaving the room. A low sobbingsound struck upon his ear as he softly opened the door of the roomwhere his little girls had slept the previous night, and there they weredown on the carpet near a window, Gracie's head in her sister's lap, Lulu softly stroking the golden curls and saying in tender tones, "Don't, Gracie dear; oh, don't! It can't be helped, you know; and wehave our dear papa and Mamma Vi, and the little ones left. Besides, Maxie will come home again to visit us one of these days. "

"Oh, but he'll never live at home with us any more, " sobbed Gracie; "atleast I'm afraid he won't; and--and oh, I do love him so! and he's theonly big brother we have. "

"But we have papa, dear, dear papa, who used to be obliged to go awayand leave us; but we have him all the time now, " Lulu replied halfchokingly. "I wish we could have them both, but we can't, and we both dolove papa the best after all. "

"And papa loves his two dear little girls more than tongue can tell, "the captain said in tenderest tones, drawing near, bending down to takeboth in his arms together, and kissing first one and then the other. "Becomforted, my darlings, " he went on, holding them close to his heart;"we haven't lost our Maxie by any means; and though I left him feeling atrifle homesick and forlorn, he will get over that in a day or two Iknow, and greatly enjoy the business of preparing himself for the lifework he has freely chosen. "

"But, oh, papa, how he will miss our lovely home, and you, and all ofus!" sobbed Gracie, hiding her tear-stained face on her father'sshoulder. 

"Not as you would, my darling, " he replied, holding her close andcaressing her with great tenderness. "Boys are different from girls, andI think our dear Maxie will soon feel very happy there among his mates, though he will, I am sure, never cease to love his father, sisters, Mamma Vi, baby brother, and his home with them all. "

"Papa, I'm thinking how he'll miss the pleasant evenings at home--thegood talks with you, " sobbed the little girl. 

"Yes, darling, but I will tell you what we will do to partly, at least, make up that loss to our dear boy. "

"What, papa?" she asked, lifting her head and looking up into his face, with her own brightening a little. 

"Suppose we each keep a journal or diary, telling everything that goeson each day at home, and now and then send them to Maxie; so that hewill know all that we are doing?"

"Oh, what a good thought, papa!" exclaimed Lulu, giving him a vigoroushug and kiss. "And Maxie will write us nice, interesting letters; andsome day he'll come home for a visit and have ever so much to tell us. "

"Yes, " her father said, "and I think we will have interesting lettersfrom him in the meantime. "

"And perhaps I'll learn to like writing letters, when it's just toplease Maxie and comfort him, " said Grace, wiping away her tears andtrying to smile. 

"I hope so, darling, " her father replied, bestowing another kiss uponthe sweet little tear-stained face. "But now, my dears, " he added, "puton your hats; it is time to go back to the _Dolphin_. "

They hastened to obey, and he led them to the parlor, where they foundthe rest of the party ready to accompany them on board the yacht. 

The sun was setting as they reached the _Dolphin's_ deck and they founda luxurious repast ready for them to partake of by the time outdoorgarments could be laid aside and wind-tossed hair restored to order. 

The captain missed the bright face of his first-born at the table, but, exerting himself for the entertainment of the others, seemed even morethan usually cheery and genial, now and then indulging in some innocentjest that made his little girls laugh in spite of themselves, and atlength almost forget, for the moment, their parting from Max, and theirgrief over the thought that he would no longer share their lessons ortheir sports, and would be at home only after what, in the prospect, seemed to them a long, long time; and then but for a little while. 

On leaving the table all gathered upon deck. There was no wind, but theyacht had a steam engine and used her sails only on occasions when theycould be of service. Stars shone brightly in the sky overhead, but theirlight was not sufficient to give an extended view on land or water, andas all were weary with the excitement and sightseeing of the day, theyretired early to their berths. 

Poor Grace, worn out with her unusual excitement, and especially thegrief of the parting with Max, was asleep the instant her head touchedthe pillow. Not so with Lulu; her loneliness and depression banishedsleep from her eyes for the time, and presently she slipped from herberth, threw on a warm dressing-gown, and thrust her feet into feltslippers. The next moment she stole noiselessly into the saloon whereher father sat alone looking over an evening paper. 

He was not aware of her entrance till she stood close at his side, herhand on his shoulder, her eyes fixed, with a gaze of ardent affection, upon his face. 

"Dear child!" he said, looking up from his paper, and smilingaffectionately upon her; then tossing the paper aside and putting an armabout her waist, he drew her to his knee and pressed fatherly kissesupon lip and cheek and brow, asking tenderly if anything was wrong withher that she had come in search of him when he supposed her to bealready in bed and sound asleep. 

"I'm not sick, papa, " she said in reply; "but oh, I miss Maxie so!" Thewords were almost a sob, and she clung about her father's neck, hidingher face on his shoulder. 

"I, too, miss my boy more than words can tell, " he replied, stroking herhair with gently caressing touch, and she was sure his tones trembled alittle with the pain of the thought of Max left alone among strangers;"but I thank God, our Heavenly Father, that I have by no means lost myeldest son, while I still have another one and three dear daughters toadd to my happiness in our sweet home. "

"I do want to add to it, you dear, dear, good papa!" she said, huggingand kissing him over and over again. "Oh, I wish I was a better girl foryour sake, so that my wrong-doing would never give you pain!"

"I think--and am very happy in the thought--that you are improving, " hesaid, repeating his caresses; "and it is a great comfort to me, " hecontinued, "that my little girls need not be sent away from home andtheir father to be educated. "

"To me also, papa, " she returned. "I am very thankful that I may livewith my dear father always while we are spared to each other. I don'tmean to ever go away from you, papa, but to stay with you always, towait on you and do everything I can to be a great help, comfort, andblessing to you; even when I'm grown up to womanhood. "

"Ah!" he returned, again smoothing her hair caressingly and smiling downinto her eyes; then holding her close, "I shall be very glad to keep youas long as you may prefer life with me, my own dear, dear child, " hesaid in tender tones. "I look upon my dear eldest daughter as one of thegreat blessings my Heavenly Father has bestowed upon me, and which Ihope he may spare to me as long as I live. "

"Papa, I'm so, so glad you love me so dearly!" she exclaimed, lifting tohis eyes full of love and joy; "and oh, I do love you so! I want to be agreat blessing to you as long as we both live. "

"I don't doubt it, my darling, " he replied. "I doubt neither your desirenor purpose to be such. "

"Yes, sir, I do really long to be the very greatest of comforts to you, and yet, " she sighed, "I have such a bad temper you know, papa, I'm sowilful too, that--that I'm afraid--almost sure, indeed--I'll be naughtyagain one of these days and give you the pain of punishing me for it. "

"That would grieve me very much, but would not diminish my love foryou, " he said; "nor yours for me, I think. "

"No, indeed, papa!" she exclaimed, creeping closer into his embrace, "because I know that when you have to punish me in any way it makes youvery, very sorry. "

"It does indeed!" he responded. 

"Papa, " she sighed, "I'm always dreadfully sorry and ashamed after oneof my times of being disobedient, wilful, and ill-tempered, and I amreally thankful to you for taking so much pains and trouble to make abetter girl of me. "

"I don't doubt it, daughter, " he answered; "it is a long while now sinceI have had any occasion to punish you, and your conduct has rarelycalled for even so much as a reproof. "

She gave him a glad, grateful look, an embrace of ardent affection, then, laying her cheek to his, "You dear, dear papa, you have made mefeel very happy, " she said, "and I'm sure I am much happier than Ishould be if you had let me go on indulging my bad temper andwilfulness. Oh, it's so nice to be able to run to my dear fatherwhenever I want to, and always to be so kindly received that I can'tfeel any doubt that he loves me dearly. Ah, how I pity poor Maxie thathe can't see you for weeks or months!"

"And don't you pity papa a little that he can't see Maxie?" he asked, with a smile and a sigh. 

"Oh, yes! yes indeed! I'm so sorry for you, papa, and I mean to do all Ican to supply his place. What do you suppose Maxie is doing just now, papa?"

"Doubtless he is in his room preparing his lessons for to-morrow. Thebugle-call for evening study-hour sounds at half-past seven, and thelads must be busy with their books till half-after nine. "

He drew out his watch, and glancing at its face, "Ah, it is just nineo'clock, " he said. "Kiss me good-night, daughter, and go back to yourberth. "

CHAPTER II. 

Max was in his room at the Academy, busy with his tasks, tryingdeterminately to forget homesickness by giving his whole mind to them, and succeeding fairly well. Very desirous, very determined was the ladto acquit himself to the very best of his ability that he might pleaseand honor both his Heavenly Father and his earthly one. 

By the time the welcome sound of gun-fire and tattoo announced that theday's work was over he felt fully prepared for the morrow's recitations. But he was in no mood for play. The quiet that had reigned through thebuilding for the last two hours was suddenly broken in upon by sounds ofmirth and jollity--merry boyish voices talking, singing, someaccompanying themselves with the twang of a banjo or the tinkle of aguitar; but Max, closing and putting his book aside, kept his seat, hiselbow on the desk, his head on his hand, while with a far-away look inhis dark eyes, he indulged in a waking dream. 

He seemed to see the _Dolphin_ steaming down the bay, his father, perhaps, sitting in the saloon with the other grown folks (the youngerones would be pretty sure to have retired to their state-rooms), andthinking and speaking of his absent son. Or, it might be, pacing thedeck alone, his heart going up in prayer to God for his first-born--his"might and the beginning of his strength, "--that he might be kept fromsin and every danger and evil and enabled to prove himself a brave, truefollower of Christ, never ashamed or afraid to show his colors and letit be known to all with whom he had to do that he was a disciple, aservant of the dear Lord Jesus. 

"Lord, help me; help me to be brave and faithful and true, " was thesilent petition that went up from the boy's heart. 

"Homesick, bub?" asked a boyish voice, in mocking tones. "I believe mostof the fellows are just at the first, but they get over it after a bitwithout much doctoring. "

"I'm inclined to think it is not a dangerous kind of ailment, " returnedMax, in a pleasant tone, lifting his head and turning toward hiscompanion with a smile that seemed rather forced. "However, I wasthinking not of home, exactly, but the homefolks who are just at presentaboard my father's yacht and steaming down the bay. "

It was only by a great effort he repressed a sigh with the concludingwords. 

"That's a handsome yacht and about the largest I ever saw, " was the nextremark of his room-mate, a lad--Benjamin Hunt by name--of about the sameage as himself, not particularly handsome but with a good, honest face. 

"Yes, and a splendid sailor, " returned Max, with enthusiasm. "Papabought her this summer and we've had a jolly good time sailing orsteaming (sometimes one and again the other, the _Dolphin_ has bothsails and engines) along the coast and a short distance out to sea. "

"Had a good, safe captain?" Hunt asked, with a quizzical smile. 

"My father, a retired naval officer; there could be none better, "returned Max, straightening himself slightly, while the color deepenedon his cheek. 

"Yes; I don't wonder you are proud of him, " laughed Hunt. "I happenedto see him when he brought you here, and I must say I thought he had afine military bearing and was--well, I think I might say one of thehandsomest men I ever saw. "

"Thank you, " said Max heartily, glancing up at Hunt with a gratifiedsmile. "I suppose being so fond of him I may not be a competent judge, but to me my father seems the best, the noblest, and the handsomest manthat ever lived. "

"Didn't force you to come here against your will, eh?" queried Huntjestingly. 

"No, indeed! he only let me come because I wanted to. I think he wouldhave been glad if I had chosen the ministry, but you see I don't think Ihave any talent in that line, and I inherit a love for the sea, and papasays a man can do best in the profession or business that is most to histaste, so that perhaps I may be more useful as a naval officer than Icould be in the ministry. "

"Especially in case of war, and if you turn out a good and capablecommander, " returned Hunt, tossing up a ball and catching it as it fell. "I sometimes think I'd like nothing better; a fellow would have a chanceto distinguish himself, such as he could never hope for in time ofpeace. "

"Yes; and if such a thing should happen I hope it will be when I'm readyto take part in the defence of my country, " said Max, his cheek flushingand his eyes kindling, "but war is an awful thing considering all thekilling and maiming, to say nothing of the destruction of property; andI hope our country will never be engaged in another. But excuse me, " headded, opening his Bible, "I see we have scarcely fifteen minutes nowbefore taps will sound. "

At that Hunt moved away to his own side of the room, from whence hewatched Max furtively, a mocking smile on his lips. 

Max was uncomfortably conscious of it, but tried to ignore it and givehis thoughts to what he was reading. Presently, closing his book heknelt and silently offered up his evening prayer, asking forgiveness ofall his sins, strength to resist temptation, and never be afraid orashamed to own himself a follower of Jesus, his loving disciple, hisservant, whose greatest desire was to know and do the Master's will; andvery earnestly he prayed that no evil might befall his dearly loved andhonored father, his sisters or brother, Mamma Vi, or any of those heloved; that they might be taken safely through all their journeying, andhe permitted to see them all again when the right time should come; andhaving committed both them and himself to the watchful care of hisHeavenly Father, he rose from his knees and began his preparations forbed. 

"Well, sonny, I hope you will sleep soundly and well after saying yourprayers like the goodest of little boys, " sneered Hunt. 

"I shall sleep none the worse, " returned Max pleasantly. 

"I'll bet not a bit better than I shall without going through any suchbaby-like performance. "

"God is very good and often takes care of those who don't ask him to, "said Max; "but I don't think they have any right to expect it; also I amsure I should be shamefully ungrateful if I were to lie down for mynight's rest without a word of thanks to him for his protecting careover me and mine through the day that is just past. As to its being ababy-like performance, it is one in which some of the greatest, as wellas best men, have indulged. Washington was a man of prayer. So wasGeneral Daniel Morgan--that grand revolutionary officer who whippedTarleton so completely at the battle of the Cowpens. There wasMacdonough also, who gained that splendid victory over the British onLake Champlain in the war of 1812-14. Have you forgotten that justbefore the fight began, after he had put springs on his cables, had thedecks cleared, and everything was ready for action, with his officersand men around him, he knelt down near one of his heaviest guns and in afew words asked God to help him in the coming struggle? He might well dothat, because, as you know of course, we were in the right, fightingagainst oppression and wrongs fit to rouse the indignation of the mostpatient and forbearing of mortals. "

"That's a fact!" interrupted Hunt. "Americans have always beenforbearing at the start; but let them get once thoroughly roused andthey make things hot enough for the aggressors. "

"So they do, " said Max, "and so I think they always will; I hope so, anyhow; for I don't believe it's right for any nation to allow any ofits people to be so dreadfully wronged and ill-treated as thousands ofour poor sailors were, by the English, before the war of 1812 taughtthem better. I don't believe the mass of the English people approved, but they couldn't keep their aristocracy--who hated republicanism, andwanted always to continue superior in station and power to the mass oftheir countrymen and ours--from oppressing and abusing our poor sailors, impressing, flogging, and ill-treating them in various ways, and to sucha degree that it makes one's blood boil in reading or thinking of it. And I think it's right enough for one to be angry and indignant at suchwrongs to others. "

"Of course it is, " said Hunt; "and Americans always will resistoppression--of themselves or their weaker brethren--and I glory in thefact. What a fight that was of Macdonough's! Do you remember theincident of the gamecock?"

"No; what was it?"

"It seems that one of the shots from the British vessel _Linnet_demolished a hencoop on the deck of the _Saratoga_, releasing thisgamecock, and that he flew to a gun-slide, where he alighted, thenclapped his wings and crowed lustily. 

"That delighted our sailors, who accepted the incident as an omen of thevictory that crowned their arms before the fight was over. They cheeredand felt their courage strengthened. "

"Good!" said Max, "that cock was at better business than the fighting hehad doubtless been brought up to. "

"Yes; so say I:

 "O Johnny Bull, my joe John, Behold on Lake Champlain, With more than equal force, John, You tried your fist again; But the cock saw how 'twas going. And cried 'Cock-a-doodle-doo, ' And Macdonough was victorious, Johnny Bull, my joe!"

"Pretty good, " laughed Max. "But there are the taps; so good-night. "

CHAPTER III. 

Lulu woke early the next morning and was dressed and on deck before anyother of the _Dolphin's_ passengers. Day had dawned and the eastern skywas bright with purple, orange, and gold, heralding the near approach ofthe sun which, just as she set her foot on the deck, suddenly showed hisface above the restless waves, making a golden pathway across them. 

"Oh, how beautiful!" was her involuntary exclamation. Then catchingsight of her father standing with his back toward her, and apparentlyabsorbed in gazing upon the sunrise, she hastened to his side, caughthis hand in hers, and carried it to her lips with a glad, "Good-morning, you dear papa. "

"Ah! good-morning, my darling, " he returned, bending down to press akiss on the bright, upturned face. 

"Such a lovely morning, papa, isn't it?" she said, standing with herhand fast clasped in his, but turning her eyes again upon sea and sky. "But where are we now? Almost at Fortress Monroe?"

"Look and tell me what you see, " was his smiling rejoinder, as, with ahand on each of her shoulders, he turned her about so that she caughtthe view from the other side of the vessel. 

"O papa, is that it?" she exclaimed. "Why, we're almost there, aren'twe?"

"Yes; we will reach our anchorage within a few minutes. "

"Oh, are we going to stop to see the old fort, papa?" she asked eagerly. 

"I think we are, " was his smiling rejoinder. "But you don't expect tofind in it a relic of the Revolution, do you?" he asked laughingly, pinching her cheek, then bending down to kiss again the rosy faceupturned to his. 

"Why yes, papa; I have been thinking there must have been a fight there. Wasn't that the case?"

"No, daughter; the fortress was not there at that time. "

"Was it in the war of 1812-14, then, papa?"

"No, " he returned, smiling down on her. "The building of Fortress Monroewas not begun until 1817. However, there was a small fort built on PointComfort in 1630; also, shortly before the siege of Yorktown, Count DeGrasse had some fortifications thrown up to protect his troops inlanding to take part in that affair. "

But just then the talk was interrupted by the coming on deck of oneafter another of their party and the exchange of morning greetings;then followed the interest and excitement of the approach to thefortress and anchoring in its vicinity. 

Next came the call to breakfast. But naturally, and quite to Lulu'ssatisfaction, the talk at the table turned upon the building of thefort, its history and that of the adjacent country, particularlyHampton, two and a half miles distant. 

The captain pointed it out to them all as they stood upon the deckshortly afterward. 

"Which is Old Point Comfort, papa?" asked Grace. 

"That sandy promontory on the extremity of which stands FortressMonroe, " he answered. "Yonder, on the opposite side, is PointWilloughhy, the two forming the mouth of the James River; and these arethe Rip Raps between the two. You see that there the ocean tides and thecurrents of the river meet and cause a constant ripple. There is anarrow channel of deep water through the bar, but elsewhere between thecapes it is shallow. 

"Beyond the Rip Raps we see the spacious harbor which is called HamptonRoads. It is so large that great navies might ride there together. "

"And I think some have ridden there in our wars with England?" remarkedRosie, half inquiringly. 

"You are quite right, " replied the captain; "that happened in both theRevolution and the last war with England. 

"In October, 1775, Lord Dunmore, the British governor of Virginia, --whohad, however, abdicated some months earlier by fleeing on board aman-of-war, the _Fowey_, --driven by his fears, and his desire forrevenge, to destroy the property of the patriots, sent Captain Squires, of the British navy, with six tenders, into Hampton Creek. 

"He reached there before the arrival of Colonel Woodford--who, witha hundred Culpepper men, had been sent to protect the people ofHampton--and sent armed men in boats to burn the town; protectingthem by a furious cannonade from the guns of the tenders. 

"But they were baffled in the carrying out of their design; being drivenoff by Virginia riflemen, concealed in the houses. Excellent marksmenthose Virginians were, and picked off so many of the advancing foe thatthey compelled them to take ignominious flight to their boats and returnto the vessels, which then had to withdraw beyond the reach of therifles to await reinforcements. "

"What is a tender, papa?" asked Grace, as her father paused in hisnarrative. 

"A small vessel that attends on a larger one to convey intelligence andsupply stores, " he replied; then went on with his account of Dunmore'srepulse. 

"Woodford and his men reached Hampton about daybreak of the succeedingmorning. At sunrise they saw the hostile fleet approaching; it came sonear as to be within rifle shot, and Woodford bade his men fire withcaution, taking sure aim. They obeyed and picked off so many from everypart of the vessels that the seamen were soon seized with a greatterror. The cannons were silenced, --the men who worked them being shotdown, --and their commander presently ordered a retreat; but that wasdifficult to accomplish, for any one seen at the helm, or aloft, adjusting the sails, was sure to become a target for the sharpshooters;in consequence many of the sailors retreated to the holds of thevessels, and when their commander ordered them out on the dangerousduty, refused to obey. 

"The victory for the Americans was complete; before the fleet couldescape, the Hampton people, with Woodford and his soldiers, had sunkfive vessels. "

"And such a victory!" exclaimed Rosie, in an exultant tone. 

"Yes, " the captain said, smiling at her enthusiasm. 

"Were the houses they fired on the very ones that are there now, papa?"asked Lulu. 

"Some few of them, " he replied. "Nearly all were burned by Magruder inthe Civil War; among them St. John's Episcopal Church, which was builtprobably about 1700. Before the Revolution it bore the royal arms carvedupon its steeple; but soon after the Declaration of Independence--so itis said--that steeple was struck by lightning and those badges ofroyalty were hurled to the ground. "

"Just as the country was shaking off the yoke they represented, " laughedRosie. "A good omen, wasn't it, Brother Levis?"

"So it would seem, viewed in the light of after events, " he answeredwith a smile. 

"Papa, can't we visit Hampton?" asked Lulu eagerly. 

"Yes, if you would all like to do so, " was the reply, in an indulgenttone and with an inquiring glance at the older members of the party. 

Everyone seemed to think it would be a pleasant little excursion, especially as the _Dolphin_ would carry them all the way to the town;but first they must visit the fortress. They did not, however, set outthither immediately, but remained on deck a little longer gazing aboutand questioning the captain in regard to the points of interest. 

"Papa, " asked Grace, pointing in a southerly direction, "is that anotherfort yonder?"

"Yes, " he replied, "that is Fort Wool. It is a mile distant, and withFortress Monroe defends Hampton Roads, the Gosport navy yard, andNorfolk. "

"They both have soldiers in them?" she said inquiringly. 

"Yes, daughter; both contain barracks for soldiers, and Fortress Monroehas also an arsenal, a United States school of artillery, chapel, and, besides the barracks for the soldiers, storehouses and other buildings, and covers eighty acres of ground. "

"And when was it finished, papa? How long did it take to build it?"

"It is not finished yet, " he answered, "and has already cost nearlythree million dollars. It is an irregular hexagon--that is has six sidesand six angles--surrounded by a tide-water ditch eight feet deep at highwater. "

"I see trees and flower gardens, papa, " she remarked. 

"Yes, " he said, "there are a good many trees, standing singly and ingroves. The flower gardens belong to the officers' quarters. Now, if youwill make yourselves ready for the trip, ladies, Mr. Dinsmore, and anyof you younger ones who care to go, " he added, smoothing Grace's goldencurls with caressing hand and smiling down into her face, "we will takea nearer view. "

No one felt disposed to decline the invitation and they were soon ontheir way to the fortress. 

It did not take very long to look at all they cared to see; then theyreturned to their vessel, weighed anchor, and passed through the narrowchannel of the Rip Raps into the spacious harbor of Hampton Roads. 

It was a lovely day and all were on deck, enjoying the breeze and theprospect on both land and water. 

"Papa, " said Lulu, "you haven't told us yet what happened here in thelast war with England. "

"No, " he said. "They attacked Hampton by both land and water, a force oftwo thousand five hundred men under General Beckwith landing at OldPoint Comfort, and marching from there against the town, while at thesame time Admiral Cockburn assailed it from the water. 

"The fortification at Hampton was but slight and guarded by only fourhundred and fifty militiamen. Feeling themselves too weak to repel anattack by such overwhelming odds, they retired, and the town was givenup to pillage. "

"Didn't they do any fighting at all, papa?" asked Lulu in a tone ofregret and mortification. "I know Americans often did fight when theirnumbers were very much smaller than those of the enemy. "

"That is quite true, " he said, with a gleam of patriotic pride in hiseye, "and sometimes won the victory in spite of the odds against them. That thing had happened only a few days previously at Craney Island, andthe British were doubtless smarting under a sense of humiliating defeatwhen they proceeded to the attack of Hampton. "

"How many of the British were there, Captain?" asked Evelyn Leland. "I have forgotten, though I know they far outnumbered the Americans. "

"Yes, " he replied, "as I have said there were about four hundred andfifty of the Americans, while Beckwith had twenty-five hundred men andwas assisted by the flotilla of Admiral Cockburn, consisting of armedboats and barges, which appeared suddenly off Blackbeard's Point at themouth of Hampton Creek, at the same time that Beckwith's troops movedstealthily forward through the woods under cover of the _Mohawk's_ guns. 

"To draw the attention of the Americans from the land force comingagainst them was Cockburn's object, in which he was partly successful, his flotilla being seen first by the American patrols at Mill Creek. 

"They gave the alarm, arousing the camp, and a line of battle wasformed. But just then some one came in haste to tell them of the largeland force coming against the town from the rear, and presently in thewoods and grain fields could be seen the scarlet uniforms of the Britishand the green ones of the French. "

"Oh, how frightened the people in the town must have been!" exclaimedGrace. "I should think they'd all have run away. "

"Most of them did, " replied her father; "but some sick and feeble oneshad to stay behind--others also in whose care they were--and trust tothe supposed humanity of the British; a vain reliance it proved, atleast so far as Admiral Cockburn was concerned. He gave up the town topillage and rapine, allowing the doing of such deeds as have consignedhis name to well-merited infamy. 

"But to return to my story: Major Crutchfield, the American commander, resolved that he and his four hundred and fifty men would do what theycould to defend the town. They were encamped on an estate called 'LittleEngland, ' a short distance southwest of Hampton, and had a heavy batteryof seven guns, the largest an eighteen-pounder cannon. 

"Major Crutchfield was convinced that the intention of the British wasto make their principal attack in his rear, and that Cockburn's was onlya feint to draw his attention from the other. So he sent Captain Servantout with his rifle company to ambush on the road by which Beckwith'stroops were approaching, ordering him to attack and check the enemy. Then when Cockburn came round Blackbeard's Point and opened fire on theAmerican camp he received so warm a welcome from Crutchfield's heavybattery that he was presently glad to escape for shelter behind thePoint, and content himself with throwing an occasional shot or rocketinto the American camp. 

"Beckwith's troops had reached rising ground and halted for breakfastbefore the Americans discovered them. When that happened SergeantParker, with a field-piece and a few picked men, went to the assistanceof Captain Servant and his rifle company, already lying in ambush. 

"Parker had barely time to reach his position and plant his cannon whenthe British were seen rapidly advancing. 

"At the head of the west branch of Hampton Creek, at the Celey road, there was a large cedar tree behind which Servant's advancedcorps--Lieutenant Hope and two other men--had stationed themselves, andjust as the British crossed the creek--the French column in front, ledby the British sergeant major--they opened a deadly fire upon them. Anumber were killed, among them the sergeant major--a large, powerfulman. 

"This threw the British ranks into great confusion for the time, andthe main body of our riflemen delivered their fire, killing the braveLieutenant-Colonel Williams of the British army. But the otherspresently recovered from their panic and pushed forward, while ourriflemen, being so few in number, were compelled to fall back. 

"But Crutchfield had heard the firing, and hastened forward with nearlyall his force, leaving Pryor and his artillerymen behind to defend theLittle England estate from the attack of the barges. But while he wasmoving on along the lane that led from the plantation toward Celey'sroad and the great highway, he was suddenly assailed by an enfiladingfire from the left. 

"Instantly he ordered his men to wheel and charge upon the foe, who werenow in the edge of the woods. His troops obeyed, behaving like veterans, and the enemy fell back; but presently rallied, and, showing themselvesdirectly in front of the Americans, opened upon them in a storm of grapeand canister from two six-pounders and some Congreve rockets. 

"The Americans stood the storm for a few minutes, then fell back, brokeranks, and some of them fled in confusion. 

"In the meantime Parker had been working his piece with good effect tillhis ammunition gave out. Lieutenant Jones, of the Hampton artillery, perceiving that to be the case, hurried to his assistance; but seeing anoverwhelming force of the enemy approaching, they--Parker's men--fellback to the Yorktown Pike. 

"Jones, who had one cannon with him, found that his match had gone out, and rushing to a house near by he snatched a burning brand from thefire, hurried back, and hid himself in a hollow near a spring. 

"The British supposed they had captured all the cannon, or that if anywere left they had been abandoned, and drawing near they presentlyfilled the lane; then Jones rose and discharged his piece with terribleeffect, many of the British were prostrated by the unexpected shot, andduring the confusion that followed Jones made good his retreat, attaching a horse to his cannon, and bearing it off with him. 

"He hastened to the assistance of Pryor, but on drawing near his campsaw that it had fallen into the possession of the foe. 

"Pryor had retreated in safety, after spiking his guns. He and hiscommand fought their way through the enemy's ranks with their guns, swamthe west branch of Hampton Creek, and, making a circuit in the enemy'srear, fled without losing a man or a musket. 

"Jones had seen it all, and spiking his gun followed Pryor's men to thesame place. 

"In the meantime Crutchfield had rallied his men, those who stillremained with him, on the flank of Servant's riflemen, and was againfighting vigorously. 

"But presently a powerful flank movement of the foe showed him that hewas in danger of being out off from his line of retreat. He thenwithdrew in good order and escaped, though pursued for two miles by theenemy. 

"That ended the battle, in which about thirty Americans and fifty of theBritish had fallen. Then presently followed the disgraceful scenes inHampton of which I have already told you as having brought lastinginfamy upon the name of Sir George Cockburn. "

"I think he was worse than a savage!" exclaimed Lulu hotly. 

"Certainly, far worse; and more brutal than some of the Indianchiefs--Brant, for instance, " said Rosie, "or Tecumseh. "

"I cannot see in what respect he was any better than a pirate, " addedEvelyn, in a quiet tone. 

"Nor can I, " said Captain Raymond; "so shameful were his atrocities thateven the most violent of his British partisans were constrained todenounce them. "

CHAPTER IV. 

Before the sun had set the _Dolphin_ was again speeding over the water, but now on the ocean, and going northward, Philadelphia being theirpresent destination. It had grown cloudy and by bedtime a steady rainwas falling, but unaccompanied by much wind, so that no one felt anyapprehension of shipwreck or other marine disaster, and all slept well. 

The next morning Lulu was, as usual, one of the first to leave herberth, and having made herself neat for the day she hurried upon deck. 

It had ceased raining and the clouds were breaking away. 

"Oh, I'm so glad!" she exclaimed, running to meet her father, who wascoming toward her, holding out his hand with an affectionate smile, "soglad it is clearing off so beautifully; aren't you, papa?"

"Yes; particularly for your sake, daughter, " he replied, putting an armabout her and bending down to give her a good-morning kiss. "Did yousleep well?"

"Yes, indeed, papa, thank you; but I woke early and got up because Iwanted to come on deck and look about. Where are we now? I can see landon the western side. "

"Yes, that is a part of the Delaware coast, " he answered. "We arenearing Cape Henlopen. By the way, do you remember what occurred nearthere, at the village of Lewis, in the war of 1812?"

"No, sir, " she said. "Won't you please tell me about it?"

"I will; it is not a very long story. It was in March of the year 1813that the British, after destroying such small merchant craft as theycould find in Chesapeake Bay, concluded to blockade Delaware bay andriver and reduce to submission the Americans living along their shores. Commodore Beresford was accordingly sent on the expedition in command ofthe _Belvidera_, _Poictiers_, and several smaller vessels. 

"On the 16th of March he appeared before Lewis in his vessel, the_Poictiers_, and pointing her guns toward the town sent a note addressedto the first magistrate demanding twenty live bullocks and aproportionate quantity of hay and of vegetables for the use of hisBritannic majesty's squadron. He offered to pay for them, but threatenedin the event of refusal to destroy the town. "

"The insolent fellow!" cried Lulu. "I hope they didn't do it, papa?"

"No; indeed, they flatly refused compliance and told him to do hisworst. The people on both sides of the bay and river had heard of hisapproach and armed bodies of them were gathered at points where anattack might be expected. There were still among them some of the oldsoldiers of the revolution, and you may be sure they were ready to dotheir best to repel this second invasion by their old enemy. One ofthese was a bent old man of the name of Jonathan M'Nult. He lived inDover, and when, on the Sabbath day, the drums beat to arms, he, alongwith men of every denomination to the number of nearly five hundred, quickly responded to the call, took part in the drill, and spent thewhole afternoon in making ball-cartridges. 

"The people of all the towns of the vicinity showed the same spirit andturned out with spades and muskets, ready to take part in the throwingup of batteries and trenches, or to fight 'for their altars and theirfires'--defending wives, children, and other helpless ones. AtWilmington they built a strong fort which they named Union. 

"This spirited behavior of the Americans surprised Beresford, and forthree weeks he refrained from any attempt to carry out his threat. 

"During that time Governor Haslet came to Lewis and summoned the militiato its defence. On his arrival he reiterated the refusal to supply theBritish invaders with what had been demanded. 

"Beresford repeated his threats and at length, on the 6th of April, sentCaptain Byron, with the _Belvidera_ and several smaller vessels, toattack the town. 

"He fired several heavy round shot into it, then sent a flag of truce, again demanding the supplies Beresford had called for. 

"Colonel Davis, the officer in command of the militia, repeated therefusal; then Byron sent word that he was sorry for the misery he shouldinflict on the women and children by a bombardment. 

"To that a verbal reply was sent: 'Colonel Davis is a gallant officer, and has taken care of the ladies. '

"Then Byron presently began a cannonade and bombardment and kept it upfor twenty-two hours. 

"The Americans replied in a very spirited manner from a battery on aneminence. Davis's militia worked it and succeeded in disabling the mostdangerous of the enemy's gunboats and silencing its cannon. 

"The British failed in their effort to inflict great damage upon thetown, although they hurled into it as many as eight hundred eighteen andthirty-two pound shot, besides many shells and Congreve rockets. Theheavy round shot injured some of the houses but the shells did not reachthe town and the rockets passed over it. No one was killed. 

"Plenty of powder was sent for the American guns from Dupont's atWilmington, and they picked up and sent back the British balls, whichthey found just fitted their cannon. "

"How good that was, " laughed Lulu. "It reminds me of the British atBoston asking the Americans to sell them their balls which they hadpicked up, and the Americans answering, 'Give us powder and we'll returnyour balls. ' But is that all of your story, papa?"

"Yes, all about the fight at Lewis, but in the afternoon of the nextday the British tried to land to steal some of the live stock in theneighborhood; yet without success, as the American militia met them atthe water's edge and drove them back to their ships. 

"About a month later the British squadron dropped down to Newbold'sponds, seven miles below Lewis, and boats filled with their armed menwere sent on shore for water; but a few of Colonel Davis's men, underthe command of Major George H. Hunter, met and drove them back to theirships. So, finding he could not obtain supplies on the Delaware shore, Beresford's little squadron sailed for Bermuda. "

"Good! Thank you for telling me about it, papa, " said Lulu. "Are wegoing to stop at Lewis?"

"No, but we will pass near enough to have a distant view of the town. "

"Oh, I want to see it!" she exclaimed; "and I'm sure the rest will whenthey hear what happened there. "

"Well, daughter, there will be nothing to hinder, " the captain answeredpleasantly. 

"How soon will we reach the point from which we can see it best, papa?"she asked. 

"I think about the time we leave the breakfast table, " was his reply. 

"Papa, don't you miss Max?" was her next question. 

"Very much, " he said. "Dear boy! he is doubtless feeling quite lonelyand homesick this morning. However, he will soon get over that and enjoyhis studies and his sports. "

"I think he'll do you credit, papa, and make us all proud of him, " shesaid, slipping her hand into her father's and looking up lovingly intohis face. 

"Yes, " the captain said, pressing the little hand affectionately in his, "I have no doubt he will. I think, as I am sure his sister Lulu does, that Max is a boy any father and sister might be proud of. "

"Yes, indeed, papa!" she responded. "I'm glad he is my brother, and Ihope to live to see him an admiral; as I'm sure you would have been ifyou'd stayed in the navy and we'd had a war. "

"And my partial little daughter had the bestowal of such preferment andtitles, " he added laughingly. 

Just then Rosie and Evelyn joined them, followed almost immediately byWalter and Grace, when Lulu gave them in a few hasty sentences theinformation her father had given her in regard to the history of Lewis, and told of their near approach to it. 

Every one was interested and all hurried from the breakfast-table to thedeck in time to catch a view of the place, though a rather distant one. 

When it had vanished from sight, Evelyn turned to Captain Raymond, exclaiming, "O sir, will you not point out Forts Mercer and Mifflin tous when we come in sight of them?"

"With pleasure, " he replied. "They are at Red Bank. Port Mercer on theNew Jersey shore of the Delaware River, a few miles below Philadelphia, Fort Mifflin on the other side of the river on Great and Little MudIslands. It was, in Revolutionary days, a strong redoubt with quiteextensive outworks. "

"Did our men fight the British there in the Revolutionary war, papa?"asked Grace. 

"Yes; it was in the fall of 1777, soon after the battle of theBrandywine, in which, as you may remember, the Americans were defeated. They retreated to Chester that night, marched the next day towardPhiladelphia, and encamped near Germantown. Howe followed and tookpossession of the city of Philadelphia. 

"The Americans, fearing such an event, had put obstructions in theDelaware River to prevent the British ships from ascending it, and alsohad built these two forts with which to protect the _chevaux de frise_. 

"The battle of the Brandywine, as you may remember, was fought on the11th of September, and, as I have said, the British pushed on toPhiladelphia and entered it in triumph on the 26th. "

"Papa, what are _chevaux de frise_?" asked Grace. 

"They are ranges of strong frames with iron-pointed wooden spikes, " heanswered; then went on:

"In addition to these, the Americans had erected batteries on theshores, among which was the strong redoubt called Fort Mercer, which, and also Port Mifflin on the Mud Islands, I have already mentioned. Besides all these, there were several floating batteries and armedgalleys stationed in the river. 

"All this troubled the British general, because he foresaw that theirpresence there would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to keephis army supplied with provisions; also they would be in more dangerfrom the American forces if unsupported by their fleet. 

"Earl Howe, as you will remember, was at this time in Chesapeake Baywith a number of British vessels of war. As we have just been doing, hesailed down the one bay and up into the other, but was prevented, bythese fortifications of the Americans, from continuing on up theDelaware River to Philadelphia. 

"Among his vessels was one called the _Roebuck_, commanded by a CaptainHammond. That officer offered to take upon himself the task of opening apassage for their vessels through the _chevaux de frise_, if Howe wouldsend a sufficient force to reduce the fortifications at Billingsport. 

"Howe was pleased with the proposition and two regiments of troops weresent from Chester to accomplish the work. They were successful, made afurious and unexpected assault upon the unfinished works, and theAmericans spiked their cannon, set fire to the barracks, and fled; theEnglish demolished the works on the river front, and Hammond, with somedifficulty, made a passage way seven feet wide in the _chevaux defrise_, so that six of the British vessels passed through and anchorednear Hog Island. "

"Did they immediately attack Forts Mifflin and Mercer, papa?" askedLulu. 

"It took some little time to make the needed preparations, " replied thecaptain. "It was on the 21st of October that Count Donop, with twelvehundred picked Hessians, crossed the Delaware at Cooper's Ferry, andmarched to the attack of Fort Mercer. The Americans added eight miles tothe extent of their march by taking up the bridge over a creek whichthey must cross, so compelling them to go four miles up the stream tofind a ford. 

"It was on the morning of the 22d that they made their appearance, fullyarmed for battle, on the edge of a wood within cannon shot of FortMercer. 

"It was a great surprise to our men, for they had not heard of theapproach of these troops. They were informed that there were twenty-fivehundred of the Hessians, while of themselves there were but four hundredmen in a feeble earth fort, with but fourteen pieces of cannon. 

"But the brave fellows had no idea of surrendering without a struggle. There were two Rhode Island regiments, commanded by Colonel ChristopherGreene. They at once made preparations for defence, and while they werethus engaged a Hessian officer rode up to the fort with a flag and adrummer, and insolently proclaimed, 'The King of England orders hisrebellious subjects to lay down their arms; and they are warned that ifthey stand the battle, no quarter whatever will be given. '

"Colonel Greene answered him, 'We ask no quarter nor will we give any. '

"The Hessian and his drummer then rode hastily back to his commander andthe Hessians at once fell to work building a battery within half cannonshot of the fort. 

"At the same time the Americans continued their preparations for thecoming conflict, making them with the greatest activity and eagerness, feeling that with them skill and bravery must now combat overwhelmingnumbers, fierceness, and discipline. 

"Their outworks were unfinished but they placed great reliance upon theredoubt. 

"At four o'clock in the afternoon the Hessians opened a brisk cannonade, and at a quarter before five a battalion advanced to the attack on thenorth side of the fort, near a morass which covered it. 

"They found the works there abandoned but not destroyed, and thoughtthat they had frightened the Americans away. So with a shout of victory, and the drummer beating a lively march, they rushed to the redoubt, where not a man was to be seen. 

"But as they reached it, and were about to climb the ramparts to planttheir flag there, a sudden and galling fire of musketry and grape-shotpoured out upon them, from a half-masked battery on their left flank, formed by an angle of an old embankment. 

"It took terrible effect and drove them back to their old intrenchments. 

"At the same time another division, commanded by Dunot himself, attackedthe fort on the south side, but they also were driven back, with greatloss, by the continuous and heavy fire of the Americans. 

"The fight was a short one but very severe. Donop had fallen, mortallywounded, at the first fire. Mingerode, his second in command, waswounded also, and in all the enemy left behind, in the hasty retreatwhich followed, some four hundred in killed and wounded. 

"The American galleys and floating batteries in the river galled themconsiderably in their retreat. 

"After the fight was over Manduit, the French engineer who had directedthe artillery fire of the fort, was out with a detachment examining andrestoring the palisades, when he heard a voice coming from among thekilled and wounded of the enemy, saying, 'Whoever you are, draw mehence. '

"It was Count Donop, and Manduit had him carried first into the fort, afterward to a house close at hand, occupied by a family named Whitall, where he died three days afterward. 

"Donop was but thirty-seven. He said to Manduit, who attended him tillhe died, 'It is finishing a noble career early; but I die the victim ofmy ambition and the avarice of my sovereign. '"

"His sovereign? That was George the Third, papa?" Grace saidinquiringly. 

"No, Donop was a Hessian, hired out to the British king by hissovereign, " replied her father. 

"And avarice means love of money?"

"Yes, daughter; and it was avarice on the part of both sovereigns thatled to the hiring of the Hessians; the war was waged by the king ofEngland because the Americans refused to be taxed by him at his pleasureand without their consent. He wanted their money. 

"Whitall's house, a two-story brick, built in 1748, stood close by theriver, " continued the captain, "and I suppose is still there; it was, in1851, when Lossing visited the locality. 

"The Whitalls were Quakers and took no part in the war. When the fortwas attacked Mrs. Whitall was urged to flee to some place of safety, butdeclined to do so, saying, 'God's arm is strong, and will protect me; Imay do good by staying. '

"She was left alone in the house, and, while the battle was raging, satin a room in the second story busily at work at her spinning-wheel, while the shot came dashing like hail against the walls. At length one, a twelve-pound ball from a British vessel in the river, just grazed thewalnut tree at the fort, which the Americans used as a flag-staff, andcrashed into her house through the heavy brick wall on the north gable, then through a partition at the head of the stairs, crossed a recess, and lodged in another partition near where she was sitting. 

"At that she gathered up her work and went down to the cellar. 

"At the close of the battle the wounded and dying were brought into herhouse and she left her work to wait upon them and do all in her power torelieve their sufferings. 

"She attended to all, friend and foe, with equal kindness, but scoldedthe Hessians for coming to America to butcher the people. "

"I am sure she must have been a good woman, " remarked Grace; "but, oh, Idon't know how she could dare to stay in the house while those dreadfulballs were flying about it. "

"No doubt she felt that she was in the way of her duty, " replied thecaptain, "and the path of duty is the safe one. She seems to have been agood Christian woman. "

"Yes, indeed!" said Evelyn. "Captain, did not the British attack FortMifflin at the same time that the fight was in progress at FortMercer?"

"Yes; the firing of the first gun from the Hessian battery was thesignal for the British vessels in the river to begin the assault uponthe other fort on its opposite side. 

"The _Augusta_ and several smaller vessels had made their way throughthe passage in the _chevaux de frise_ which Hammond had opened, and werenow anchored above it, waiting for flood tide. 

"The _Augusta_ was a sixty-four gun ship; besides there were the_Merlin_, of eighteen guns; the _Roebuck_, of forty-four; two frigates, and a galley. All these came up with the purpose to attack the fort, butwere kept at bay by the American galleys and floating batteries, whichalso did good service by flanking the enemy in their attack upon FortMercer. 

"The British deferred their attack upon Fort Mifflin until the nextmorning, when, the Hessians having been driven off from Fort Mercer, theAmerican flotilla was able to turn its attention entirely upon theBritish fleet, which now opened a heavy cannonade upon Fort Mifflin, attempting also to get floating batteries into the channel back of theisland. 

"But Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, a gallant officer in command of the fort, very vigilant and brave, thwarted all their efforts and greatly assistedthe flotilla in repulsing them. 

"The fire of the Americans was so fierce and incessant that the Britishvessels presently tried to fall down the stream to get beyond its reach. But a hot shot struck the _Augusta_ and set her on fire. She also gotaground on a mud bank near the Jersey shore and at noon blew up. 

"The fight between the other British and the American vessels went onuntil three o'clock in the afternoon, when the _Merlin_ took fire andblew up near the mouth of Mud Creek. 

"The _Roebuck_ then dropped down the river below the _chevaux de frise_, and for a short time the Americans were left in undisturbed possessionof their forts. 

"Howe was, however, very anxious to dislodge them, because the river wasthe only avenue by which provisions could be brought to his army inPhiladelphia. 

"On the 1st of November he took possession of Province Island, lyingbetween Fort Mifflin and the mainland, and began throwing up works tostrengthen himself and annoy the defenders of the fort. 

"But they showed themselves wonderfully brave and patient. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith was as fine an officer as one could desire tosee. 

"The principal fortification of Fort Mifflin was in front, that beingthe side from which vessels coming up the river must be repelled; but onthe side toward Province Island it was defended by only a wet ditch. There was a block house at each of its angles, but they were not strong, and when the Americans saw the British take possession of ProvinceIsland and begin building batteries there, they felt that unlessassistance should be sent to dislodge the enemy, the fort would soon bedemolished or fall into his possession. "

"But couldn't Washington help them, and didn't he try to?" asked Grace. 

"Washington was most desirous to do so and made every effort in hispower, " replied her father; "and if Gates had done his duty the fortmight probably have been saved. Burgoyne's army had been defeated andcaptured some time before this, and there was then no other formidableenemy in that quarter; but Gates was jealous of Washington and, ratherthan have him successful, preferred to sacrifice the cause which he hadengaged to defend. 

"He had ample stores and a formidable force, and had he come promptly tothe rescue might have rendered such assistance as to enable Washingtonto drive the British from Philadelphia and save the forts upon theDelaware. 

"But, actuated by the meanest jealousy, he delayed, and would not evenreturn Morgan's corps, which Washington had been but ill able to spareto him. 

"Hamilton, sent by Washington to hasten Gates's movements in thematter, grew very indignant at the slow and reluctant compliance ofGates, and by plainly expressing his opinion induced him to send astronger reinforcement than he had intended. 

"Putnam also made trouble by detaining some of the troops forwarded byGates to assist him in carrying out a plan of his own for attacking NewYork. 

"Governor Clinton then advised Hamilton to issue a peremptory order toPutnam to set those troops in motion for Whitemarsh where Washington wasencamped. Hamilton did so, and the troops were sent. "

"Dear, dear!" sighed Lulu, "what a time poor Washington did have withCongress being so slow, and officers under him so perverse, wantingtheir own way instead of doing their best to help him to carry out hisgood and wise plans. "

"Yes, " her father said, with a slight twinkle of fun in his eye, "butdoesn't my eldest daughter feel something like sympathy with them intheir wish to carry out their own plans without much regard for those ofother people?"

"I--I suppose perhaps I ought to, papa, " she replied, blushing andhanging her head rather shamefacedly; "and yet, " she added, lifting itagain and smiling up into his eyes, "I do think if you had been thecommander over me I'd have tried to follow your directions, believingyou knew better than I. "

She moved nearer to his side and leaned up lovingly against him as shespoke. 

"Yes, dear child, I feel quite sure of it, " he returned, laying his handtenderly on her head, then smoothing her hair caressingly as he spoke. 

"But you haven't finished about the second attack upon Fort Mifflin, have you, brother Levis?" queried Walter. 

"No, not quite, " the captain answered; then went on with his narrative:

"All through the war Washington showed himself wonderfully patient andhopeful, but it was with intense anxiety he now watched the progress ofthe enemy in his designs upon Fort Mifflin, unable as he himself was tosuccor its threatened garrison. "

"But why couldn't he go and help them with his soldiers, papa?" askedGrace. 

"Because, daughter, if he broke up his camp at Whitemarsh, and moved hisarmy to the other side of the Schuylkill, he must leave stores andhospitals for the sick, within reach of the enemy; leave the Britishtroops in possession of the fords of the river; make it difficult, ifnot impossible, for the troops he was expecting from the North to joinhim, and perhaps bring on a battle while he was too weak to hope forvictory over such odds as Howe could bring against him. 

"So the poor fellows in the fort had to fight it out themselves with noassistance from outside. "

"Couldn't they have slipped out in the night and gone away quietlywithout fighting, papa?" asked Grace. 

"Perhaps so, " he said, with a slight smile; "but such doings as thatwould never have helped our country to free herself from the Britishyoke; and these men were too brave and patriotic to try it; they werefreemen and never could be slaves; to them death was preferable toslavery. We may well be proud of the skill and courage with whichLieutenant-Colonel Smith defended his fort against the foe. 

"On the 10th of November the British opened their batteries on land andwater. They had five on Province Island, within five hundred yards ofthe fort; a large floating battery with twenty-two twenty-four pounders, which they brought up within forty yards of an angle of the fort; alsosix ships, two of them with forty guns each, the others with sixty-foureach, all within less than nine hundred yards of the fort. "

"More than three hundred guns all firing on that one little fort!"exclaimed Rosie. "It is really wonderful how our poor men could standit. "

"Yes, for six consecutive days a perfect storm of bombs and round shotpoured upon them, " said the captain, "and it must have required no smallamount of courage to stand such a tempest. "

"I hope they fired back and killed some of those wicked fellows!"exclaimed Walter, his eyes flashing. 

"You may be sure they did their best to defend themselves and theirfort, " replied the captain. "And the British loss was great, though theexact number has never been known. 

"Nearly two hundred and fifty of our men were killed or wounded. Lieutenant Treat, commanding the artillery, was killed on the first dayby the bursting of a bomb. The next day quite a number of the garrisonwere killed or wounded, and Colonel Smith himself had a narrow escape. 

"A ball passed through a chimney in the barracks, --whither he had goneintending to write a letter, --scattered the bricks, and one of themstriking him on the head knocked him senseless. 

"He was carried across the river to Red Bank, and Major Thayer of theRhode Island line took command in his place. 

"The first day a battery of two guns was destroyed, a block house andthe laboratory were blown up, and the garrison were compelled to keepwithin the fort. All that night the British threw shells and the scenewas a terrible one indeed, especially for the poor fellows inside thefort. 

"The next morning, about sunrise, they saw thirty armed boats comingagainst them, and that night the heavy floating battery was brought tobear upon the fort. The next morning it opened with terrible effect, yetthey endured it, and made the enemy suffer so much from their fire thatthey began to think seriously of giving up the contest, when one of themen in the fort deserted to them, and his tale of the weakness of thegarrison inspiring the British with renewed hope of conquest theyprepared for a more general and vigorous assault. 

"At daylight on the 15th two men-of-war, the _Iris_ and the _Somerset_, passed up the channel in front of the fort on Mud Island. Twoothers--the _Vigilant_ and a hulk with three twenty-fourpounders--passed through the narrow channel on the west side and wereplaced in a position to act in concert with the batteries of ProvinceIsland in enfilading the American works. 

"At ten o'clock all was silent, and doubtless our men were awaiting thecoming onslaught with intense anxiety, when a signal bugle sounded andinstantly all the ships and batteries poured a storm of shot and shellfrom the mouths of their many guns upon the devoted little garrison. "

"Oh, how dreadful!" sighed Grace. "Could they stand it, papa?"

"They endured it with astonishing courage, " replied the captain, "whileall day long, and far into the evening, it was kept up without cessation. The yards of the British ships hung nearly over the American battery;and there were musketeers stationed in their tops who immediately shotdown every man who showed himself on the platform of the fort. Our mendisplayed, as I have said, wonderful bravery and endurance; there seemsto have been no thought of surrender; but long before night palisades, block houses, parapet, embrasures--all were ruined. 

"Early in the evening Major Thayer sent all but forty of his men to RedBank. He and the remaining forty stayed on in the fort until midnight, then, setting fire to the remains of the barracks, they also escaped insafety to Red Bank. 

"Lossing tells us that in the course of that last day more than athousand discharges of cannon, from twelve to thirty-two pounders, weremade against the works on Mud Island, and that it was one of the mostgallant and obstinate defences of the war. 

"Major Thayer received great credit for his share in it, and waspresented with a sword by the Rhode Island Assembly as a token of theirappreciation of his services there. "

"Did not Captain--afterward Commodore--Talbot do himself great creditthere?" asked Evelyn. 

"Yes; he fought for hours with his wrist shattered by a musket ball;then was wounded in the hip and was sent to Red Bank. He was a verybrave man and did much good service during the war, principally on thewater, taking vessel after vessel. In the fight with one of them--the_Dragon_--his speaking trumpet was pierced by bullets and the skirts ofhis coat were shot away. "

"How brave he must have been!" exclaimed Lulu with enthusiasm. "Don'tyou think so, papa?"

"Indeed, I do, " replied the captain. "He was one of the many men of thatperiod of whom their countrymen may be justly proud. "

CHAPTER V. 

Little Ned, who was not very well, began fretting and reaching out hisarms to be taken by his father. The captain lifted him tenderly, sayingsomething in a soothing tone, and carried him away to another part ofthe deck. 

Then the young people, gathering about Grandma Elsie, who had been analmost silent listener to Captain Raymond's account of the attacks uponthe forts, and the gallant conduct of their defenders, begged her totell them something more of the stirring events of those revolutionarydays. 

"You have visited the places near here where there was fighting in thosedays, haven't you, mamma?" asked Walter. 

"Yes, some years ago, " she replied. "Ah, how many years ago it was!" sheadded musingly; then continued, "When I was quite a little girl, myfather took me to Philadelphia, and a number of other places, whereoccurred notable events in the war of the Revolution. "

"And you will tell us about them, won't you, mamma?" Walter asked, incoaxing tones. 

"Certainly, if you and the rest all wish it, " she returned, smilinglovingly into the eager young face, while the others joined in therequest. 

"Please tell about Philadelphia first, mamma, " Walter went on. "You wentto Independence Hall, of course, and we've all been there, I believe;but there must be some other points of interest in and about the city, I should think, that will be rather new to us. "

"Yes, there are others, " she replied, "though I suppose that to everyAmerican Independence Hall is the most interesting of all, since it wasthere the Continental Congress held its meetings, and its bell thatproclaimed the glad tidings that that grand Declaration of Independencehad been signed and the colonies of Great Britain had become free andindependent States--though there was long and desperate fighting to gothrough before England would acknowledge it. "

"Mamma, don't you hate old England for it?" cried Walter impulsively, his eyes flashing. 

"No, indeed!" she replied, laughing softly, and patting his rosy cheekwith her still pretty white hand. "It was not the England of to-day, youmust remember, my son, nor indeed the England of that day, but her halfcrazy king and his ministers, who thought to raise money for him byunjust taxation of the people of this land. 'Taxation withoutrepresentation is tyranny. ' So they felt and said, and as such resistedit. "

"And I'm proud of them for doing so!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. "Now, what other revolutionary places are to be seen in Philadelphia, mamma?"

"There is Christ Church, where Washington, Franklin, members ofCongress, and officers of the Continental army used to worship, with itsgraveyard where Franklin and his wife Deborah lie buried. Major-GeneralLee too was laid there; also General Mercer, killed at the battle ofPrinceton, but his body was afterward removed to Laurel Hill Cemetery. "

"We will visit Christ Church, I hope, " said Rosie. "Carpenter's Halltoo, where the first Continental Congress met, and Loxley House, whereLydia Darrah lived in Revolutionary times. You saw that, I suppose, mamma?"

"Yes, " replied her mother, "but I do not know whether it is, or is not, still standing. "

"That's a nice story about Lydia Darrah, " remarked Walter, withsatisfaction. "I think she showed herself a grand woman; don't you, mamma?"

"I do, indeed, " replied his mother. "She was a true patriot. "

"There were many grand men and women in our country in those times, "remarked Evelyn Leland. "The members of that first Congress that met inCarpenter's Hall on Monday, the 5th of September, 1774, were such. Doyou not think so, Grandma Elsie?"

"Yes, I quite agree with you, " replied Mrs. Travilla; "and it was JohnAdams--himself by no means one of the least--who said, 'There is in theCongress a collection of the greatest men upon the continent in point ofabilities, virtues, and fortunes. '"

"Washington was one of them, wasn't he, Grandma Elsie?" asked Lulu. 

"Yes, one of the members from Virginia. The others from that State wereRichard Henry Lee, Peyton Randolph, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, Edmund Pendleton, and Patrick Henry. Peyton Randolph was chosenpresident, and Charles Thomson, of Pennsylvania, secretary. "

"And then, I suppose, they set to work on their preparations forfighting their oppressor, George the Third, " remarked Lulu, halfinquiringly. 

"Lossing tells us, " replied Mrs. Travilla, "that the delegates from thedifferent colonies then presented their credentials, and after thatthere was silence, while deep anxiety was depicted on every countenance. It seemed difficult to know how to begin upon the work for which theyhad been called together. But at length a grave-looking member, in aplain suit of gray, and wearing an unpowdered wig, arose. So plain washis appearance that Bishop White, who was present, afterward telling ofthe circumstances, said he 'felt a regret that a seeming country parsonshould so far have mistaken his talents and the theatre for theirdisplay. ' However, he soon changed his mind as the plain-looking manbegan to speak; his words were so eloquent, his sentiments so logical, his voice was so musical, that the whole House was electrified, whilefrom lip to lip ran the question, 'Who is he? who is he?' and the fewwho knew the stranger, answered, 'It is Patrick Henry of Virginia. '"

"O mamma, was it before that that he had said, 'Give me liberty or giveme death'?" queried Walter, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. 

"No, he said that a few months afterward; but about nine years before, he had startled his hearers in the Virginia House of Burgesses by hiscry, 'Cćsar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell, and Georgethe Third may profit by their example'!"

"And now he was starting the Congress at its work!"

"You are right; there was no more hesitation; they arranged theirbusiness, adopted rules for the regulation of their sessions, andthen--at the beginning of the third day, and when about to enter uponthe business that had called them together--Mr. Cushing moved that thesessions should be opened with prayer for Divine guidance and aid. 

"Mr. John Adams, in a letter to his wife, written the next day, saidthat Mr. Cushing's motion was opposed by a member from New York, and onefrom South Carolina, because the assembly was composed of men of so manydifferent denominations--Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Quakers, Anabaptists, and Episcopalians, --that they could not join in the sameact of worship. 

"Then Mr. Samuel Adams arose, and said that he was no bigot and couldhear a prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue who was at the sametime a friend to his country. He was a stranger in Philadelphia, but hadheard that Mr. Duché deserved that character; so he moved that he--Mr. Duché, an Episcopal clergyman--be desired to read prayers beforeCongress the next morning. 

"Mr. Duché consented, and the next morning read the prayers and thePsalter for the 7th of September; a part of it was the thirty-fifthpsalm, which seemed wonderfully appropriate. Do you remember how itbegins? 'Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fightagainst them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, andstand up for mine help. '"

"It does seem wonderfully appropriate, " said Evelyn. "Oh, I'm sure thatGod was on the side of the patriots, and helped them greatly in theirhard struggle with their powerful foe!"

"Yes, only by His all-powerful aid could our liberties have been won, and to Him be all the glory and the praise, " said Grandma Elsie, gratitude and joy shining in her beautiful eyes. 

"But that wasn't the Congress that signed the Declaration?" Walterremarked, half inquiringly, half in assertion. 

"No; this was in 1774, and the Declaration was not signed until July, 1776, " replied his mother. 

"It seems to me, " remarked Lulu, "that the Americans were very slow ingetting ready to say they would be free from England--free from Britishtyranny. "

"But you know you're always in a great hurry to do things, Lu, " put inGrace softly, with an affectionate, admiring smile up into her sister'sface. 

"Yes, I believe you're right, Gracie, " returned Lulu, with a pleasedlaugh and giving Grace's hand a loving squeeze. 

"Yes, " assented Grandma Elsie, "our people were slow to break with themother country--as they used to call old England, the land of theirancestors; they bore long and patiently with her, but at last wereconvinced that in that case patience had ceased to be a virtue, andliberty for themselves and their children must be secured at all costs. "

"How soon were they convinced of it, mamma?" asked Walter. 

"The conviction came slowly to all, and to some more slowly than toothers, " she replied. "Dr. Franklin, Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henrywere among the first to see the necessity of becoming, politically, entirely free and independent. 

"It is stated on good authority that Patrick Henry in speaking of GreatBritain, as early as 1773, said, 'She _will_ drive us to extremities; noaccommodation _will_ take place; hostilities _will soon_ commence, and adesperate and bloody touch it will be. '

"Some one, present when the remark was made, asked Mr. Henry if hethought the colonies strong enough to resist successfully the fleets andarmies of Great Britain, and he answered that he doubted whether theywould be able to do so alone, 'but that France, Spain, and Holland werethe natural enemies of Great Britain. '

"'Where will they be all this while?' he asked. 'Do you suppose theywill stand by, idle and indifferent spectators to the contest? WillLouis XVI. Be asleep all this time? Believe me, no! When Louis XVI. Shall be satisfied, by our serious opposition and our _Declaration_ of_Independence_, that all prospect of a reconciliation is gone, then, andnot till then, will he furnish us with arms, ammunition, and clothing:and not with them only, but he will send his fleets and armies to fightour battles for us; he will form a treaty with us, offensive anddefensive, against our unnatural mother. Spain and Holland will join theconfederation! Our independence will be established! and we shall takeour stand among the nations of the earth!'"

"And it all happened so; didn't it, mamma?" exclaimed Rosie exultantly;"just as Patrick Henry predicted. "

"Yes, " replied her mother, with a proud and happy smile, "and we havecertainly taken our place--by God's blessing upon the efforts of thosebrave and gallant heroes of the revolution--as one of the greatestnations of the earth. 

"Yet not all the credit should be awarded them, but some of it given totheir successors in the nation's counsels and on the fields of battle. The foundations were well and strongly laid by our revolutionaryfathers, and the work well carried on by their successors. "

"Grandma Elsie, what was the story about Lydia Darrah?" asked Gracie. "Idon't remember to have heard it. "

"She lived in Philadelphia when the British were in possession thereduring the winter after the battle of the Brandywine, " replied Mrs. Travilla. "She belonged to the Society of Friends, most of whom, as youdoubtless remember, took no active part in the war; at least, did noneof the fighting, though many helped in other ways; but some were Tories, who gave aid and comfort to the enemy in other ways than by the use ofarms. "

"What a shame!" cried Walter. "You will tell us about the doings of someof those when you are done with the story of Lydia Darrah, won't you, mamma?"

"If you all wish it, " she answered; then went on with her narrative:

"Judging from her conduct at that time, Lydia must have been an ardentpatriot; but patriots and Tories alike had British officers quarteredupon them. The adjutant-general took up his quarters in Loxley House, the home of the Darrahs, and, as it was a secluded place, the superiorofficers frequently held meetings there for private conference onmatters connected with the movements of the British troops. "

"One day the adjutant-general told Mrs. Darrah that such a meeting wasto be held that evening, and that he wanted the upper back room madeready for himself and the friends who would be present. He added thatthey would be likely to stay late and she must be sure to see that allher family were early in their beds. 

"His tone and manner led Mrs. Darrah to think something of importancewas going forward, and though she did not dare disobey his order, sheresolved to try to find out what was their object in holding thisprivate night meeting, probably hoping to be able to do something toprevent the carrying out of their plans against the liberties of hercountry. 

"She sent her family to bed, according to directions, before theofficers came, and after admitting them retired to her own couch, butnot to sleep, for her thoughts were busy with conjectures in regard tothe mischief they--the unwelcome intruders into her house--might beplotting against her country. 

"She had lain down without undressing and after a little she rose andstole softly, in her stocking feet, to the door of the room where theywere assembled. 

"All was quiet at the moment when she reached it. She put her ear to thekeyhole and--doubtless, with a fast beating heart--waited there, listening intently for the sound of the officers' voices. 

"For a few moments all was silence; then it was broken by a single voicereading aloud an order from Sir William Howe for the troops to march outof the city the next night and make an attack upon Washington's camp atWhitemarsh. 

"Lydia waited to hear no more, for that was sufficient, and it wouldhave been dangerous indeed for her to be caught there. 

"She hastened back to her own room and again threw herself on the bed;but not to sleep, as you may well imagine. 

"Presently the opening and shutting of doors told her that the visitorsof the adjutant-general were taking their departure; then there was arap on her door. But she did not answer it. It was repeated, but stillshe did not move or speak; but at the third knock she rose, went to thedoor, and found the adjutant-general there. 

"He informed her that his friends had gone and she might now close herhouse for the night. 

"She did so, then lay down again, but not to sleep. She lay thinking ofthe momentous secret she had just learned, considering how she mighthelp to avert the threatened danger to the patriot army, and asking helpand guidance from her heavenly Father. 

"Her prayer was heard; she laid her plans, then at early dawn arose. Waking her husband she told him flour was wanted for the family and shemust go immediately to the mill at Frankford for it. Then taking a bagto carry it in, she started at once on foot. 

"At General Howe's headquarters she obtained a passport to leave thecity. 

"She had a five miles' walk to Frankford, where she left her bag at themill, and hurried on toward the American camp to deliver her tidings. 

"It was still quite early, but before reaching the camp she met anAmerican officer, Lieutenant Craig, whom Washington had sent out to seekinformation in regard to the doings of the enemy. 

"Lydia quickly told him her story, then hastened back to the mill forher bag of flour and hurried home with it. "

"Mamma, " exclaimed Walter, "how could she carry anything so big andheavy?"

"Perhaps it was but a small bag, " returned his mother, with a smile. "Inever saw or read any statement as to its size, and perhaps the joy andthankfulness she felt in having been permitted and enabled to do suchservice to the cause of her country may have helped to strengthen her tobear the burden. "

"What a day it must have been to her!" exclaimed Evelyn, "hope andfear alternating in her breast; and how her heart must have gone upconstantly in prayer to God for his blessing upon her bleeding country. "

"And how it must have throbbed with alternating hope and fear as shestood at the window that cold, starry night and watched the departureof the British troops to make the intended attack upon Washington andhis little army, " said Rosie. "And again when the distant roll of a drumtold that they were returning. "

"Yes, " said Lulu; "and when the adjutant-general came back to the house, summoned Lydia to his room, and when he got her in there shut and lockedthe door. "

"Oh, " cried Grace, "did he know it was she that had told of his plans?"

"No, " said Mrs. Travilla; "from the accounts I have read he does notseem to have even suspected her. He invited her to be seated, thenasked, 'Were any of your family up, Lydia, on the night when I receivedcompany in this house?' 'No, ' she replied; 'they all retired at eighto'clock. ' 'It is very strange, ' he returned. 'You I know were asleep, for I knocked at your door three times before you heard me, yet it iscertain we were betrayed. I am altogether at a loss to conceive whocould have given information to Washington of our intended attack. Onarriving near his camp, we found his cannon mounted, his troops underarms, and so prepared at every point to receive us, that we have beencompelled to march back like a parcel of fools, without injuring ourenemy!'"

"I hope the British did not find out, before they left Philadelphia, whohad given the information to the Americans, and take vengeance on her?"said Walter. 

"No, " replied his mother, "fearing that, she had begged Lieutenant Craigto keep her secret; which he did; and so it has happened that her gooddeed finds no mention in the histories of that time and is recorded onlyby well authenticated tradition. "

"So all the Quakers were not Tories?" remarked Walter in a satisfied yethalf inquiring tone. 

"Oh, no indeed!" replied his mother, "there were ardent patriots amongthem, as among people of other denominations. Nathaniel Green--afterWashington one of our best and greatest generals--was of Quaker family, and I have heard that when his mother found he was not to be persuadedto refrain from taking an active part in the struggle for freedom, shesaid to him, 'Well, Nathaniel, if thee must fight, let me never hear ofthee having a wound in thy back!'"

"Ah, she must have been brave and patriotic, " laughed Walter. "I doubtif she was so very sorry that her son was determined to fight for thefreedom of his country. "

"No, " said Rosie, "I don't believe she was, and I don't see how shecould help feeling proud of him--so bright, brave, talented, andpatriotic as he showed himself to be all through the war. "

"Yes, " said Lulu, "and I don't think he has had half the honors hedeserved, though at West Point we saw a cannon with an inscription on itsaying it had been taken from the British army and presented by Congressto Major-General Green as a monument of their high sense of his servicesin the revolutionary war. "

"Weren't the Tories very bad men, Grandma Elsie?" asked Grace. 

"Not all of them, my dear, " replied Mrs. Travilla, smiling lovingly intothe sweet, though grave and earnest, little face; "some were reallyconscientiously opposed to war, even when waged for freedom fromunbearable tyranny and oppression, but were disposed to be merelyinactive witnesses of the struggle, some of them desiring the success ofthe patriots, others that of the king's troops; then there was anotherset who, while professing neutrality, secretly aided the British, betraying the patriots into their hands. 

"Such were Carlisle and Roberts, Quakers of that time, living inPhiladelphia. While the British were in possession of the city those twomen were employed as secret agents in detecting foes to the government, and by their secret information caused many patriots to be arrested andthrown into prison. Lossing tells us that Carlisle, wearing the meekgarb and deportment of a Quaker, was at heart a Torquemada. "

"And who was Torquemada, mamma?" queried Walter. 

"A Dominican monk of Spain, who lived in the times of Ferdinand andIsabella, and was by them appointed inquisitor-general. He organized theInquisition throughout Spain, drew up the code of procedure, and duringsixteen years caused between nine and ten thousand persons to be burnedat the stake. "

"Mamma! what a cruel, _cruel_ wretch!" cried Walter. "Oh, but I'm gladnobody can do such cruel things in these days! I hope Roberts andCarlisle weren't quite so wicked as he. "

"No, I should not like to think they would have been willing to go toquite such lengths, though they seem to have shown enough malignitytoward their patriotic fellow-countrymen to make it evident that theyhad something of the spirit of the cruel and bloodthirsty Torquemada. 

"Though they would not bear arms for the wealth of the Indies, they wereever ready to act as guides to those whose object was to massacre theirfellow-countrymen; and that only because they were determined to befree. "

"Were not some of those in New Jersey known as 'Pine Robbers, ' GrandmaElsie?" asked Evelyn. 

"Yes; they infested the lower part of Monmouth County, whence they wenton predatory excursions into other parts of the State, coming upon thepeople at night to burn, murder, plunder, and destroy. They burrowedcaves in the sandhills on the borders of the swamps, where theyconcealed themselves and their booty. "

"Did they leave their hiding-places only in the night time, mamma?"asked Walter. 

"No, " she replied, "they would sometimes sally forth during the day andattack the farmers in their fields. So that the men were compelled tocarry muskets and be ready to fight for their lives, while women andchildren were kept in a constant state of terror. "

"I think I have read that one of the worst of them was a blacksmith, living in Freehold?" remarked Evelyn, half inquiringly. 

"Yes, his name was Fenton; he was a very wicked man, who, like manyothers calling themselves Tories, took advantage of the disturbance ofthe times to rob and murder his fellow-countrymen; he began his careerof robbery and murder very early in the war. 

"One of his first acts, as such, was the plundering of a tailor's shopin the township. A committee of vigilance had been already organized, and its members sent Fenton word that if he did not return what he hadstolen he should be hunted out and shot. 

"He was a coward, as such villains almost always are, and did return theclothing, sending with it a written message, 'I have returned your ----rags. In a short time I am coming to burn your barns and houses, androast you all like a pack of kittens. '

"One summer night, shortly afterward, he led a gang of desperadoes likehimself against the dwelling of an old man named Farr. There were butthree persons in the house--the old man, his wife, and daughter. Theybarricaded their door and defended themselves for a while, but Fentonbroke in a part of the door, fired through the hole at the old man andbroke his leg. The women could not keep them out much longer; they soonforced an entrance, murdered the old man and woman, and badly woundedthe daughter. She, however, made her escape, and the cowardly ruffiansfled without waiting to secure any plunder; no doubt fearing she wouldbring a band of patriots to avenge the slain. "

"I hope that wretch, Fenton, was soon caught and well punished for hisrobberies and murders!" exclaimed Lulu. 

"He was, " replied Grandma Elsie. "The Bible tells us that 'bloody anddeceitful men shall not live out half their days, ' and Fenton's fate wasone amongst many to prove the truth of it. 

"He had met a young man on his way to mill, plundered and beaten him;the victim carried his complaint to Lee, and a sergeant and twosoldiers were detailed to capture or kill Fenton. 

"They used strategy and with success. The two soldiers were secretedunder some straw in the bottom of a wagon, the sergeant disguisedhimself as a countryman, and the young man took a seat in the vehicle. Then they drove on toward the mill, expecting to meet Fenton on theroad. They were passing a low groggery among the pines, when he came outof it, pistol in hand, and impudently ordered them to stop. 

"They drew rein, and he came nearer, asking if they had brandy withthem. They replied that they had, and handed him a bottle. Then, as helifted it to his lips, the sergeant silently signaled to one of hishidden soldiers, who at once rose from his hiding place in the straw andshot Fenton through the head. His body was then thrown into the wagonand carried in triumph to Freehold. "

"The people of that part of the country must have felt a good dealrelieved, " remarked Rosie. "Still there were Fenton's desperadocompanions left. "

"Two of them--Fagan and West--shared Fenton's fate, being shot by theexasperated people, " said her mother; "and West's body was hung inchains, with hoop iron bands around it, on a chestnut tree hard by theroadside, about a mile from Freehold. "

"O Grandma Elsie, is it there yet?" asked Gracie, shuddering withhorror. 

"No, dear child, that could hardly be possible after so many years--morethan a hundred you will remember when you think of it, " returned Mrs. Travilla, with a kindly reassuring smile. 

"I hope papa will take us to Freehold, " said Lulu. "I want to see thebattleground. "

"I feel quite sure he will, should nothing happen to prevent, " saidGrandma Elsie. 

"Wasn't it at Freehold, or in its neighborhood, that a Captain Huddy wasmurdered by those pine robbers?" asked Evelyn. 

"Yes, " replied Grandma Elsie. "It was only the other day that I wasrefreshing my memory in regard to it by glancing over Lossing's accountgiven in his Field Book of the Revolution. "

"Then please tell us about it, mamma, " pleaded Walter. 

"Very willingly, since you wish to hear it, " she said, noting the lookof eager interest on the young faces about her. 

"Captain Huddy was an ardent patriot and consequently hated by his Toryneighbors. He lived at a place called Colt's Neck, about five miles fromFreehold. 

"One evening, in the summer of 1780, a party of some sixty refugees, headed by a mulatto named Titus, attacked Huddy's house. There was noone in it at the time but Huddy himself, and a servant girl, some twentyyears old, named Lucretia Emmons. "

"She wouldn't be of much use for fighting men, " remarked Walter, with aslight sniff of contempt. 

"Perhaps Captain Huddy may have thought differently, " replied hismother, with a slightly amused smile. "There were several guns in thehouse which she loaded for Huddy while he passed from one window toanother firing through them at his foes. Titus and several others werewounded; then they set fire to the house and Huddy surrendered. 

"He was taken on board of a boat from which he jumped into the water andescaped, assisted in so doing by the fire of some militia who were inpursuit of the Tories. 

"About two years later Huddy was in command of a block house near thevillage of Tom's River, when it was attacked by some refugees from NewYork, and, his ammunition giving out, he was obliged to surrender. Heand his companions were taken to New York, then back to Sandy Hook, where they were placed on board a guard-ship and heavily ironed. 

"Shortly afterward he was taken to Gravelly Point, by sixteen refugeesunder Captain Lippincott, and hung on a gallows made of three rails. 

"He met his fate like the brave man that he was, first calmly writinghis will on the head of the barrel upon which he was presently to standfor execution. 

"A desperate Tory, named Philip White, had been killed while Huddy was aprisoner in New York, and these men falsely accused Huddy of having hada share in his death. After hanging him that cruel, wicked Lippincottfastened to his breast a notice to the effect that they had killedCaptain Huddy in revenge for the death of Philip White, and that theywere determined to hang man for man while a refugee lived. "

"Oh, what dreadful, dreadful things people did in those days!" sighedGrace. "Did anybody venture to take the body down and bury it, GrandmaElsie?"

"Yes, Captain Huddy's body was carried to Freehold and buried with thehonors of war. "

"And did people care much about it?"

"Yes, indeed! his death caused great excitement and indignation, and Dr. Woodhull, the Freehold minister, who preached the funeral sermon fromthe piazza of the hotel, earnestly entreated Washington to retaliate inorder to prevent a repetition of such deeds. 

"Washington consented, but, ever merciful, first wrote to Sir HenryClinton that unless the murderers of Captain Huddy were given up heshould retaliate. 

"Clinton refused, and a young British officer, Captain Asgill, aprisoner in the hands of the Americans, was selected by lot forexecution. Washington, however, mercifully postponed the carrying out ofthe sentence, feeling much pity and sympathy for the youngman--doubtless for his relatives also; letters came from Europeearnestly entreating that Asgill's life might be spared; among them apathetic one from his mother, and an intercessory one from the Frenchminister, Count de Vergennes. 

"These letters Washington sent to Congress and that body passed aresolution, 'That the commander-in-chief be, and hereby is, directed toset Captain Asgill at liberty. '"

"It seems to me that our people were far more merciful than theEnglish, " remarked Lulu, with a look of patriotic pride. 

"I think that is true, " assented Grandma Elsie, "not meaning to denythat there are many kindhearted men among the British of to-day, or thatthere were such among them even then, but most of those then in powershowed themselves to be avaricious, hardhearted, and cruel. "

"Yes, they wanted to make slaves of the people here, " exclaimed Luluhotly. "But they found that Americans wouldn't be slaves; that ratherthan resign their liberty they would die fighting for it. "

CHAPTER VI. 

It was still early in the evening when the _Dolphin_ reached her wharfat Philadelphia, where her passengers found friends and relativeswaiting to give them a joyful reception. 

A few days passed very pleasantly in visiting these friends and placesof interest in the city, particularly such as were in one way or anotherconnected with the events of revolutionary times. Then they went up theDelaware in their yacht. 

Their first halting-place would be at Trenton, and naturally the talk, as they went up the river, was largely of the revolutionary events whichhad taken place there and at other not far distant points. Grandma Elsiewas again the narrator. 

"In November of 1776, " she began, "our country's prospects looked verydark. On the 16th, Fort Washington, on the east bank of the Hudson, andnear New York City, fell into the hands of the enemy and its garrison ofnearly three thousand men were made prisoners of war. 

"On the 20th Cornwallis crossed the Hudson at Dobbs Ferry and with hissix thousand men attacked Fort Lee. The garrison hastily retreated, leaving all their baggage and military stores, and joined the main armyat Hackensack, five miles away. 

"Then Washington, who had with him scarcely three thousand men, began aretreat toward the Delaware, hoping to obtain reinforcements in NewJersey and Pennsylvania which would enable him to make a stand againstthe invaders and give them battle. 

"But his troops had become much dispirited by the many recent disastersto our arms, delayed payment of arrears by Congress, causing them greatinconvenience and suffering, and lack of proper food and clothing, andthe presence of the enemy, who now had possession of New Jersey andseemed likely soon to take Philadelphia. 

"Just at that time, as I have said, there seemed little hope for ourcountry. Washington's army was dwindling very rapidly, men whose termsof enlistment had expired refusing to serve any longer, so that he hadbut twenty-two hundred under his command when he crossed the Delaware, and two days later not more than seventeen hundred; indeed, scarcelymore than a thousand on whom he could rely. 

"He wrote to General Lee, who had been left at White Plains with nearlythree thousand men, asking him to lead his division into New Jersey, toreinforce his rapidly melting army. Lee paid no attention to therequest and Washington sent him a positive command to do what he hadbefore requested. 

"Lee obeyed very slowly, and while on his way was taken prisoner by theenemy. "

"Served him right for disobeying Washington!" growled Walter. 

"There could be no excuse for such disobedience, " continued GrandmaElsie; "and one feels no sympathy for Lee in reading of his suddenseizure by the British, who carried him off in such haste that he had notime to dress but was taken bareheaded and in blanket coat andslippers. "

"I doubt if his capture was a loss to the American cause, " remarkedRosie. 

"No, " said her mother; "though much deplored at the time, I have nodoubt it was really for the good of the cause. General Sullivansucceeded Lee in command and presently joined Washington with hisforces. "

"I don't see how Washington could have patience with so manydisappointments and delays, " said Lulu. "Didn't he ever give way todespair, even for a little while, Grandma Elsie?"

"I have never seen the least intimation of it, " replied Mrs. Travilla. "He is said to have been at this time firm, calm, undaunted, holdingfast to his faith in the final triumph of the good cause for which hewas toiling and striving. 

"There seemed to be nothing but the Delaware between the enemy and hisconquest of Philadelphia; the freezing of the river so that the Britishcould pass over it on the ice might occur at any time. Some one askedWashington what he would do were Philadelphia to be taken. He answered, 'We will retreat beyond the Susquehanna River, and thence, if necessary, to the Alleghany Mountains. ' Doubtless he was even then planning themasterly movements of his forces that presently drove the enemy fromTrenton and Princeton. "

"Didn't the people of Philadelphia try to be ready to defend themselvesand their city, mamma?" asked Walter. 

"Yes, " she replied; "Congress gave the command there, with almostunlimited power, to General Putnam; then appointing a committee of threeto act for them, they adjourned to reassemble at Baltimore. 

"In the meantime Washington was getting ready for the striking of hisintended blows in New Jersey. 

"It would seem that General Howe, the commander-in-chief of the Britishforces, had planned to despatch Cornwallis up the Hudson to theassistance of Burgoyne, who was about to invade our country from Canada. But Cornwallis had a strong desire to capture Philadelphia, andprobably no doubt that he could do so if allowed to carry out his plans, and to that Howe consented. 

"Cornwallis showed but little skill in the arrangement of his forces, scattering them here and there in detachments from New Brunswick to theDelaware and down that stream to a point below Burlington. His militarystores, and his strongest detachment, were at New Brunswick. The lastconsisting of a troop of light horse with about fifteen hundredHessians. 

"Washington decided to surprise those troops while at the same timeGenerals Ewing and Cadwalader, with the Pennsylvania militia, weredirected to attack the posts at Bordentown, Black Horse, Burlington, andMount Holly. Cadwalader was to cross near Bristol, Ewing below Trentonfalls, while Washington, with Generals Greene and Sullivan, and ColonelKnox of the artillery, was to lead the main body of Continental troopsand cross the Delaware at M'Conkey's Ferry. 

"Washington was very anxious to save Philadelphia, which Cornwallis wasaiming to capture, and felt sure of taking without any great difficulty, after crossing the Delaware, since he had heard that the people therewere for the king almost to a man. So sure was he indeed that thevictory would be an easy one that he had gone back to his headquartersin New York and prepared to return to England. 

"Putnam, in Philadelphia, had heard of Washington's intended attack uponthe British at Trenton, and to assist him sent Colonel Griffin, at thehead of four hundred and fifty militia, across from Philadelphia to NewJersey with directions to make a diversion in favor of the Americans bymarching to Mount Holly as if intending an attack upon the Britishtroops under the command of Colonel Donop at Bordentown. 

"Donop fell into the trap, moved against Griffin with his whole force oftwo thousand men, and, as Griffin retreated before him, followed; then, secure like Cornwallis and other of the English officers in the beliefthat the Americans were well nigh subdued already, and that when oncePhiladelphia should fall, resistance would be about at an end, moved histroops in so dilatory a manner that he was two days in returning to hispost. "

"Humph! they were mightily mistaken in their estimate of our people, weren't they, mamma?" exclaimed Walter. 

"I think they were themselves soon convinced of that, " she answered witha smile; then continued her story. 

"Washington selected Christmas night as the time for his contemplatedattack upon the British at Trenton. It was, as he well knew, the habitof the Germans to celebrate that day with feasting and drinking, andsuch being the case, he felt that he might reasonably expect to findthem under the influence of intoxicating drinks, therefore unfit for asuccessful resistance. 

"The river had been free from ice, but in the last twenty-four hoursbefore the time appointed for the expedition the weather changed, growing very much colder, so that the water was filled with floatingice, greatly increasing the difficulty and danger of crossing; a stormof sleet and snow set in too, and the night was dark and gloomy. 

"Still the little army was undaunted; they paraded at M'Conkey's Ferryat dusk, expecting to reach Trenton by midnight; but so slow andperilous was the crossing that it was nearly four o'clock when at lastthey mustered on the Jersey shore. 

"It was now too late to attack under cover of the darkness, as had beenWashington's plan. "

"Excuse me, mamma, but surely it would be still dark at four o'clock inthe morning?" Walter said half inquiringly. 

"Yes, my son, but you must remember they had crossed at M'Conkey'sFerry, which is eight miles higher up the river than is Trenton, so thatthey had that distance to march before they could make their attack. 

"Washington divided his forces, leading one portion himself by the upperroad, --Generals Greene, Mercer, and Lord Sterling accompanying him, --andgiving Sullivan command of the other, which was to approach the town byanother road leading along the river. 

"The two arrived at Trenton about the same time, having marched sosilently that the enemy was unaware of their approach till they were buta short distance from the picket guards on the outskirts of the town. 

"There was a brisk skirmish then, the Hessians retreating toward theirmain body, firing as they went from behind the houses, while theAmericans pursued them closely. "

"Then the Hessians weren't drunk as Washington expected, were they, Grandma Elsie?" asked Grace. 

"Well-authenticated tradition says they were, " replied Mrs. Travilla;"that they had been carousing through the night, Rall himself feasting, drinking, and playing cards at the house of Abraham Hunt, who hadinvited him and other officers to a Christmas supper. They had beenplaying all night and regaling themselves with wine. 

"A Tory on the Pennington road saw, about dawn, the approach of theAmericans under Washington and sent a messenger with a note to warnRall. But a negro servant who had been stationed as warden at the doorrefused to allow the messenger to pass in, saying, 'The gemman can't bedisturbed. '

"It seems that the messenger was aware of the contents of the note, orat least that it was a warning of the approach of the Americans, so, being foiled in his purpose of seeing Rall himself, he handed the noteto the negro with an order to carry it at once to Colonel Rall. 

"The negro obeyed, but Rall, excited with wine and interested in hisgame, merely thrust the note into his pocket and went on with his deal. 

"But presently the roll of the American drums, the rattle of musketry, the tramp of horses, and the rumble of heavy gun-carriages fell upon hisdrowsy ear, and in a moment he was wide awake, the cards were dropped, he sprang to his feet, then rushed away to his quarters and mounted hishorse with all speed; but at that time his soldiers were being driven bythe Americans as chaff before the wind. 

"The Hessians' drums were beating to arms, and a company rushed out ofthe barracks to protect the patrol. Washington's troops had begun thefight with an attack upon the outermost picket on the Pennington road, and Stark, with the van of Sullivan's party, gave three cheers andrushed upon the enemy's pickets near the river with their bayonets, andthey, astonished at the suddenness and fury of the charge, were seizedwith a panic and fled in confusion across the Assanpink. 

"Both divisions--the one commanded by Washington, the other underSullivan--now pressed forward so rapidly, and with such zeal anddetermination, that the Hessians were not allowed to form. Nor couldthey get possession of the two cannon in front of Rall's quarters. 

"The Americans themselves were forming in line of battle when Rall madehis appearance, reeling in his saddle as if drunk, --as I presume hewas, --received a report, then rode up in front of his regiment andcalled out, 'Forward, march; advance, advance!'

"But before his order could be obeyed a party of Americans hurriedforward and dismounted his two cannon, accomplishing the feat withoutinjury to themselves except that Captains William Washington and JamesMonroe were slightly wounded. "

"And where was General Washington just then, mamma?" asked Walter. 

"He was there in the midst of the fighting, and exposed to the samedangers as his troops. It was under his personal direction that abattery of six guns was opened upon two regiments of Hessians less thanthree hundred yards distant. Washington was then near the front, alittle to the right, where he could be easily seen by the enemy, andmade a target for their balls. But though his horse was wounded, heremained unhurt. "

"Oh, " cried Evelyn with enthusiasm, "surely God protected him and turnedaside the balls, that America might not lose the one on whom so muchdepended! the father of his country, the ardent patriot, the best of menand greatest of generals, as I do certainly believe he was. "

"I am proud that Washington was a countryman of mine, " exclaimed Rosie, her eyes sparkling. 

"Yes, we are all proud of our Washington, " said Lulu. "But what more canyou tell us about the battle of Trenton, Grandma Elsie?"

"Rall drew back his two regiments as if intending to reach the road toPrinceton by turning Washington's left, " continued Mrs. Travilla inreply. "To prevent that, an American regiment was thrown in front ofhim. It seemed likely that he might have forced a passage through it, but his troops, having collected much plunder in Trenton and wishing tohold on to it, persuaded him to try to recover the town. 

"He made the attempt, but was charged impetuously by the Americans anddriven back further than before; and in that movement he himself wasmortally wounded by a musket ball. His men were thrown into confusion, and presently surrendered. 

"Then Baylor rode up to Washington and announced, 'Sir, the Hessianshave surrendered. '"

"Baylor?" repeated Walter. "Who was he, mamma?"

"One of Washington's aids, " she replied. "In the first year of the warhe was made an aid-de-camp to General Washington and in that capacitywas with him in this battle. "

"How I envy him!" exclaimed Lulu. 

"I do think that if I'd been a man living in those days, " said Walter, "I'd have cared for no greater honor than being aid to our Washington. "

His mother's only reply was a proudly affectionate look and smile as shewent on with her story. 

"There was another regiment, under Knyphausen, which had been ordered tocover the flank. These tried to reach the Assanpink bridge, but losttime in an effort to get two cannon out of the morass, and when theyreached the bridge the Americans were guarding it on both sides. Theytried to ford the river, but without success, and presently surrenderedto Lord Stirling, with the privilege of keeping their swords and theirprivate baggage. That ended the battle, leaving the Americans withnearly a thousand prisoners in their hands. 

"Over two hundred of the Hessians had escaped--some to Princeton, others to Bordentown. There were a hundred and thirty absent, havingbeen sent out on some expedition, and seventeen were killed. The battlehad lasted thirty-five minutes, and the Americans had not lost a man. "

"It was wonderful, I think!" said Evelyn, in her earnest way; "certainlyGod helped our patriotic forefathers or they never could have succeededin their conflict with so powerful a foe as Great Britain was eventhen. "

"It was all of God's great goodness to this land and people, " saidGrandma Elsie. "Had there been in that action defeat to our arms insteadof victory, we would not--so soon at least--have become the free andpowerful nation we are to-day. Congress lavished praise upon GeneralWashington, but he replied, 'You pay me compliments as if the merit ofthe affair was due solely to me; but I assure you the other generalofficers who assisted me in the plan and execution have full as good aright to the encomiums as myself. '"

"Possibly that was only just, " remarked Rosie, "but it strikes me asvery generous. "

"It was just like Washington, " said Walter; "our Washington! I'm ever soproud of him!"

"As we all are, " said his mother; "but we must not forget to give theglory of that victory, and all others, and also of our final success, to him who is the God of battles, and by whose strength and help ourfreedom was won. As Bancroft says, 'Until that hour the life of theUnited States flickered like a dying flame, ' but God had appeared fortheir deliverance and from that time the hopes of the almost despairingpeople revived, while the confident expectations of their enemies weredashed to the ground. Lord George Germain exclaimed after he heard thenews, 'All our hopes were blasted by the unhappy affair at Trenton. '"

"Unhappy affair indeed!" exclaimed Walter. "What a heartless wretch hemust have been, mamma!"

"And how our poor soldiers did suffer!" sighed Lulu; "it makes my heartache just to think of it!"

"And mine, " said Grandma Elsie. "It is wonderful how much the poorfellows were willing to endure in the hope of attaining freedom forthemselves and their country. 

"Thomas Rodney tells us that on the night of the attack upon Trenton ofwhich we have been talking, while Rall caroused and played cards besidehis warm fire, our poor soldiers were toiling and suffering with coldand nakedness, facing wind and sleet in the defence of their country. 

"The night, " he says, "was as severe a night as ever I saw; the frostwas sharp, the current difficult to stem, the ice increasing, the windhigh, and at eleven it began to snow. It was three in the morning of the26th before the troops and cannon were all over, and another hour passedbefore they could be formed on the Jersey side. A violent northeaststorm of wind, sleet, and hail set in as they began their nine miles'march to Trenton, against an enemy in the best condition to fight. Theweather was terrible for men clad as they were, and the ground slippedunder their feet. For a mile and a half they had to climb a steep hill, from which they descended to the road that ran for about three milesbetween hills and forests of hickory, ash, and black oak. "

"Oh, how brave and patriotic they were!" exclaimed Rosie. "I rememberreading that their route might be easily traced by the blood on the snowfrom the feet of the poor fellows, who had broken shoes or none. Oh, what a shame it was that Congress and the people let them--the men whowere enduring so much and fighting so bravely for the liberty ofboth--bear such hardships!"

"It was, indeed, " sighed Grandma Elsie; "it always gives me a heartacheto think of those poor fellows marching through the darkness and thatdreadful storm of snow, sleet, and bitter wind and only half clothed. Just think of it! a continuous march of fifteen miles through darkness, over such a road, the storm directly in their faces. They reached theirdestination stiff with cold, yet rushed at once upon the foe, fightingbravely for freedom for themselves and their children. 'Victory ordeath, ' was the watchword Washington had given them. "

"Were they from all the States, mamma?" asked Walter. 

"They were principally Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New England troops, "she answered. "Grant, the British commander in New Jersey, knew of thedestitution of our troops but felt no fear that they would reallyventure to attack him; persuading himself that they would not cross theriver because the floating ice would make it a difficult, if notimpossible, thing for them to return. 

"'Besides, ' he wrote on the 21st, 'Washington's men have neither shoesnor stockings nor blankets, are almost naked, and dying of cold and wantof food. '"

"And didn't Rall say the Americans wouldn't dare to come against him?"asked Walter. 

"Yes; his reply to a warning of danger of being attacked was, 'Let themcome; what need of intrenchments! We will at them with the bayonet!'"

"And when they did come he was killed?"

"Yes, mortally wounded; taken by his aids and servant to his quartersat the house of a Quaker named Stacey Potts; and there Washington andGreene visited him just before leaving Trenton. "

"They knew he was dying, mamma?"

"Yes, and, as Lossing tells us, Washington offered such consolation as asoldier and Christian can bestow. "

"It was very kind, and I hope Rall appreciated it. "

"It would seem that he did, as the historian tells us it soothed theagonies of the expiring hero. "

CHAPTER VII. 

From Trenton Grandma Elsie, the captain, and their young charges went onto Princeton, where they received a most joyful welcome from Harold andHerbert Travilla, now spending their last year at the seminary. 

Their mother had written to them of the intended visit, and allnecessary arrangements had been made. Carriages were in waiting, andshortly after their arrival the whole party were on their way to thebattleground, where the attention of the young people was drawn to thevarious points of interest, particularly the spot where fell GeneralMercer. 

"The general's horse was wounded in the leg by a musket ball, " explainedHarold, in reply to a question from his little brother; "he dismounted, and was rallying his troops, when a British soldier felled him to theground by a blow from a musket. 

"He was supposed to be Washington. A shout, was raised, 'The rebelgeneral is taken!' and at that others of the enemy rushed to the spotcalling out, 'Call for quarter, you d----d rebel!'

"'I am no rebel!' Mercer answered indignantly, though half a dozen oftheir bayonets were at his breast; and instead of calling for quarter hecontinued to fight, striking at them with his sword till they bayonetedhim and left him for dead. 

"He was not dead, however, but mortally wounded. 

"After the British had retreated he was carried to the house of ThomasClark, " continued Harold, pointing out the building as he spoke, "wherehe lingered in great pain till the 12th and then died. "

"I'm glad it wasn't Washington, " said Walter. 

"Was Washington hurt at all, papa?" asked Grace. 

"No, though exposed to the hottest fire he escaped without injury, "replied the captain. "God our Heavenly Father preserved him for hisgreat work--the salvation of our country. 'Man is immortal till his workis done'--and Washington's was not done till years afterward. "

"Not even when the war was over; for he was our first president, Iremember, " said Lulu. 

"Yes, " replied her father, "and he did much for his country in thatcapacity. 

"The night before this battle of Princeton he and his army were in acritical situation, the British being fully equal in numbers and theirtroops well disciplined, while about half of Washington's army wascomposed of raw militia--so that a general engagement the next day wouldbe almost sure to result in defeat to the Americans. 

"Washington called a council of war. It was he himself who proposed towithdraw from their present position--on the high ground upon thesouthern bank of the Assanpink--before dawn of the next morning, and, bya circuitous march to Princeton, get in the rear of the enemy, attackthem at that place, and if successful march on to New Brunswick and takeor destroy his stores there. 

"The great difficulty in the way was that the ground was too soft, froma thaw, to make it safe and easy to move their forty pieces of cannon. 

"But a kind Providence removed that hindrance, the weather suddenlybecoming so extremely cold that in two hours or less the roads were hardenough for the work. "

"As Lossing says, " remarked Grandma Elsie, "'The great difficulty wasovercome by a power mightier than that of man. Our fathers were fightingfor God-given rights and it was by his help they at last succeeded. '"

"What's the rest of the story?" asked Walter. "How did Washington andhis army slip away without the British seeing them? For I suppose theyhad sentinels awake and out. "

"Washington had a number of camp fires lighted along his front, " repliedHarold, to whom the question seemed to be addressed, "making them of thefences near at hand. That made the British think he was encamped for thenight, and Cornwallis, when some one urged him to make an attack thatnight, said he would certainly 'catch the fox in the morning. ' The fox, of course, was Washington, but he didn't catch him. It was not till dawnhe discovered that the fox had eluded him and slipped away, fleeing sosilently that the British did not know in what direction he had gonetill they heard the boom of the cannon in the fight here. 

"Cornwallis thought it was thunder, but Sir William Erskine recognizedit as what it was and exclaimed, 'To arms, General! Washington hasoutgeneraled us. Let us fly to the rescue at Princeton. '"

"How long did the battle last?" queried Walter. 

"The fight right here lasted about fifteen minutes, but was verysevere, " replied his brother. "Then Washington pushed on to Princeton, and in a ravine near the college had another sharp fight with theFifty-fifth British regiment. "

"And whipped them too?"

"Yes; they were soon flying toward Brunswick, the Fortieth regimentgoing along with them. 

"A part of a regiment was still in the college buildings, and Washingtonhad some cannon placed in proper position, then began firing on them. One of the balls--it is said to have been the first--passed into thechapel and through the head of a portrait of George the Second that hungin a large frame on the wall. A few more shots were fired, and then thePrinceton militia, and some other daring fellows, burst open a door ofNassau Hall and called upon the troops there to surrender, which theydid promptly. "

"And Cornwallis had not reached there yet?" Walter said interrogatively. 

"No, " returned Harold, "and when he did arrive he found that the battlewas over, and Washington, with his victorious troops and prisoners, hadalready left the town and was in hot pursuit of the fleeing Fortieth andFifty-fifth regiments. "

"And our poor fellows so tired and cold!" sighed Eva. 

"Yes, " said the captain, "they had fought at Trenton on the 26th, afterbeing up, probably, all night, getting across the river, had spent thenext night in marching upon Princeton and the day in fighting; so thatthey must have been terribly fatigued even had they had the warmclothing and nourishing food they needed; but less than half of themhad been able to procure any breakfast or dinner; and, as you all know, many of them were without shoes or stockings. Ah, how we should prizethe liberty which was so dearly bought!"

"So to save his army, " resumed Harold, "Washington refrained from aneffort to seize the rich prize at New Brunswick, and let them rest thatnight and refresh themselves with food; then retired to his winterquarters at Morristown. 

"Now, good people, if you are ready to retrace your steps, let us goback and look at the town souvenirs of the revolution; among them theportrait of Washington in the frame that used to hold that of George theSecond. "

Our friends made but a short stay at Princeton, leaving that evening, and the next day visited the scene of the battle of Monmouth. Thecaptain gave a rapid sketch of the movements of the opposing armies, ashe did so pointing out the various positions of the different corps, describing Lee's disgraceful conduct at the beginning of the fight, telling of the just indignation of Washington, his stern reproof, Lee'sangry rejoinder, and then with what consummate skill and despatch hiserrors were repaired by the general-in-chief--the retreating, almostrouted, troops rallied, and order brought out of confusion, and howfearlessly he exposed himself to the iron storm while giving his ordersso that that patriot army, which had been so near destruction, withinhalf an hour was drawn up in battle array and ready to meet the foe. 

"It was a very hot day, wasn't it, papa?" asked Lulu. 

"One of the hottest of the season, " replied her father, "ninety-sixdegrees in the shade; and the sun slew his victims on both sides. "

"Don't you think Lee was a traitor, Captain?" queried Evelyn. 

"Either that or insane. I think it would have been a happy thing forAmerica if both he and Gaines had remained in their own land. They didthe American cause far more harm than good. Though I by no means accuseGaines of treachery, but he was envious of Washington, and so desirousto supersede him that he was ready to sacrifice the cause to that end. "

"I just wish he'd been sent back to England, " said Walter. "But pleasetell us the rest about the battle, Brother Levis, won't you?"

The captain willingly complied. 

"It was a dreadful battle, " remarked Evelyn with a sigh, as his storycame to a conclusion. 

"Yes, one of the most hotly contested of the war, " he assented, "andresulted in victory to the Americans in spite of Lee's repeatedassertion that the 'attempt was madness. '

"All the other American generals did well, the country resounded withpraises of Washington, and Congress passed a unanimous vote of thanks tohim 'for his great and good conduct and victory. '"

"It was in this battle Captain Molly fought, wasn't it?" asked Rosie. 

"Yes, " the captain replied; and, noticing the eagerly inquiring looks ofGrace and Walter, he went on to tell the story. 

"Molly was the wife of a cannoneer who was firing one of thefield-pieces, while she, disregarding the danger from the shots of theenemy, made frequent journeys to and from a spring near at hand, thusfurnishing her husband with the means of slacking his thirst, which musthave been great at such work in such weather. 

"At length a shot from the enemy killed him, and an order was given toremove the cannon, as there was no one among the soldiers near who wascapable of its management. 

"But Molly, who had seen her husband fall, and heard the order, droppedher bucket, sprang to the cannon, seized the rammer, and, vowing thatshe would avenge his death, fired it with surprising skill, performingthe duty probably as well as if she had belonged to the sterner sex. 

"The next morning General Greene presented her--just as she was, allcovered with dust and blood--to Washington, who gave her the commissionof sergeant as a reward for her bravery; in addition to that herecommended her to Congress as worthy to have her name placed upon thelist of those entitled to half-pay during life. 

"The French officers so admired her bravery that they made her manypresents. Lossing tells us that she would sometimes pass along theirlines and get her cocked hat full of crowns. He also says the widow ofGeneral Hamilton told him she had often seen 'Captain Molly, ' as she wascalled, and described her as a red-haired, freckle-faced young Irishwoman, with a handsome piercing eye. "

"Papa, did she wear a man's hat?" asked Grace. 

"Yes, and also an artilleryman's coat over her woman's petticoats. Shehad done a brave deed about nine months before the battle of Monmouth, when Fort Clinton was taken by the British. She was there with herhusband when the fort was attacked, and when the Americans retreatedfrom the fort, and the enemy were scaling the ramparts, her husbanddropped his match and fled, but Molly picked it up and fired the gun, then scampered off after him. That was the last gun fired in the fort bythe Americans. "

"And this battle of Monmouth was a great victory for us--for theAmericans, I mean?" Walter said inquiringly. 

"Yes, in spite of the shameful retreat of Lee and the unaccountabledetention of Morgan and his brave riflemen, who were within sound of thefearful tumult of the battle and eager to take part in it, Morganstriding to and fro in an agony of suspense, and desire to participatein the struggle, yet unaccountably detained where he was. "

"And that was some of that traitor Lee's doings, I suspect, " exclaimedLulu hotly. "Wasn't it, papa?"

"My dear child, I do not know, " returned the captain, "but it seemsaltogether probable that if Morgan could have fallen, with his freshtroops, upon the weary ones of Sir Henry Clinton, toward the close ofthe day, the result might have been such a surrender as Burgoyne wasforced to make at Saratoga. 

"But as it was, while Washington and his weary troops slept that night, the general looking forward to certain victory in the morning, when hecould again attack his country's foes with his own troops strengthenedand refreshed by sleep, Sir Henry and his army stole silently away andhurried toward Sandy Hook. "

"Did Washington chase him?" asked Walter. 

"No, " said the captain; "when he considered the start the British had, the weariness of his own troops, the excessive heat of the weather, andthe deep sandy country, with but little water to be had, he thought itwiser not to make the attempt. "

"Papa, was it near here that the British shot Mrs. Caldwell?" askedLulu. 

"No; that occurred in a place called Connecticut Farms, about four milesnorthwest of Elizabethtown, to which they--the Caldwells--had removedfor greater safety. 

"It was in June, 1780. The British under Clinton and Knyphausen crossedover to Elizabethtown and moved on toward Springfield. The Americans, under General Greene, were posted upon the Short Hills, a series of highridges near Springfield, and came down to the plain to oppose theinvasion of the British. I will not go into the details of the battle, but merely say that the British were finally repulsed, Greene being soadvantageously posted by that time that he was anxious for anengagement, but Knyphausen, perceiving his own disadvantage, retreated, setting fire to the village of Connecticut Farms (now called Union) onhis way. 

"The people of the town fled when they perceived the approach of theBritish, but Mrs. Caldwell remained, and with her children and maidretired to a private apartment and engaged in prayer. 

"Presently her maid, glancing from a window, exclaimed that a red-coatedsoldier had jumped over the fence and was coming toward the window. 

"At that Mrs. Caldwell rose from the bed where she had been sitting, andat that moment the soldier raised his musket and deliberately fired ather through the window, sending two balls through her body, killing herinstantly, so that she fell dead among her poor frightened children. 

"It was with some difficulty that her body was saved from the fire whichwas consuming the town. It was dragged out into the street, and layexposed there for some time--several hours--till some of her friends gotleave to remove it to a house on the other side of the street. 

"Her husband was at the Short Hills that night, and in great anxiety anddistress about his family; the next day he went with a flag of truce tothe village, found it in ruins, and his wife dead. 

"That cold-blooded murder and wanton destruction of the peaceful littlevillage aroused great indignation all over the land and turned many aTory into a Whig. "

"Did anybody ever find out who it was that killed her, papa?" askedGrace. 

"The murderer is said to have been a man from the north of Ireland, named McDonald, who for some unknown reason had taken a violent disliketo Mr. Caldwell. 

"But little more than a year afterward Mr. Caldwell himself was slain, in a very similar manner, but by an American soldier. "

"An American, Brother Levis?" exclaimed Walter, in unfeigned surprise. "Did he do it intentionally?"

"The shooting was intentional, but whether meant to kill I cannot say, "replied the captain; "the fellow who did it is said to have been adrunken Irishman. It happened at Elizabethtown, then in possession ofthe Americans. A sloop made weekly trips between that place and NewYork, where were the headquarters of the British army at that time--andfrequently carried passengers with a flag, and also parcels. 

"The Americans had a strong guard at a tavern near the shore, and one ortwo sentinels paced the causeway that extended across the marsh to thewharf. 

"One day in November, 1781, the vessel came in with a lady on board whohad permission to visit a sister at Elizabethtown, and Mr. Caldwelldrove down to the wharf in his chaise to receive her; then, not findingher on the wharf, went aboard the sloop and presently returned, carryinga small bundle. 

"The sentinel on the causeway halted Mr. Caldwell and demanded thebundle for examination, saying he had been ordered not to let anythingof the kind pass without strict investigation. 

"Mr. Caldwell refused to give it to the man--James Morgan, byname--saying it was the property of a lady and had been merely put inhis care. 

"The sentinel repeated his demand and Mr. Caldwell turned and wenttoward the vessel, it is presumed to carry the bundle back to its owner, when the sentinel leveled his piece and shot him dead upon the spot. 

"Morgan was arrested, tried for murder, and hung. He was first taken tothe church, where a sermon was preached from the text 'Oh, do not thisabominable thing which I hate. '

"Mr. Caldwell had been much beloved as a pious and excellent minister. He was shot on Saturday afternoon, and the next day many of his peoplecame in to attend church knowing nothing of the dreadful deed that hadbeen done till they arrived. 

"Then there was a great sound of weeping and lamentation. The corpse wasplaced on a large stone at the door of the house of a friend whither ithad been carried, and all who wished to do so were allowed to take alast look at the remains of their beloved pastor. Then, before thecoffin was closed, Dr. Elias Boudinot led the nine orphan children upto the coffin to take their last look at the face of their father, and, as they stood weeping there, made a most moving address in theirbehalf. "

A few more days were spent by our friends in and about Philadelphia, during which brief visits were paid to places interesting to thembecause the scenes of historical events of the Revolution--Whitemarsh, Germantown, Barren Hill, Valley Forge, beside those within the cityitself. 

But the summer heats were over and the hearts of one and all began toyearn for the sweets of home; all the more when word reached themthrough the mails that the members of their party left in the Newportcottages had already succumbed to the same sort of sickness, and were ontheir homeward way by land. A day or two later the _Dolphin_, with herfull complement of passengers, was moving rapidly southward. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Max had a most pleasant surprise when the mail was distributed on thatfirst morning after his arrival at the Naval Academy. Till his name wascalled, he had hardly hoped there would be anything for him, and then asa letter was handed him, and he recognized upon it his father'swell-known writing, his cheek flushed and his eyes shone. 

A hasty glance at his mates showed him that each seemed intent upon hisown affairs, --no one watching him, --so he broke the seal and read withswelling heart the few sentences of fatherly advice and affection thecaptain had found time to pen before the _Dolphin_ weighed anchor theprevious evening. He knew the homesickness that would assail his son onthat first day of separation from himself and all composing the dearhome circle, and was fain to relieve it so far as lay in his power. 

Max read the letter twice, then, refolding, slipped it into his pocketto read again and ponder upon when he could find a moment of leisure andfreedom from observation. 

More firmly convinced than ever, if that were possible, was the ladthat his was the best, kindest, and dearest of fathers. 

"And if I don't do him credit and make him happy and proud of hisfirst-born, it shall not be for want of trying, " was his mental resolve. 

It was fortunate for Max that his father had been seen and admired bythe cadets, who one and all thought him a splendid specimen of navalofficer, and were therefore well disposed toward his son. 

Then Max himself had such a bright, intelligent face and genial manner, was so ready to assist or oblige a comrade in any right and honorableway that lay in his power, so very conscientious about obeying rules anddoing his duty in everything, and brave in facing ridicule, insolence, and contempt, when the choice was between that and wrong-doing, that noone of them could help respecting him, whether willing to acknowledge itor not. 

At first the "plebes, " or boys in the same class (the fourth), who hadentered in June of the same year, showed a disposition to treat him, aswell as the other "Seps, "--as the lads entering in September arestyled, --with scorn, as knowing less than themselves; but that soonchanged under the exhibition Max was able to make of all he had learnedfrom his father during the weeks on board the _Dolphin_, showing himselfperfectly at home in "rigging-loft work, " rowing, and swimming, and byno means slow in taking to great-gun exercise, infantry tactics, andfield artillery. 

Nor was he less ready in the art of swinging a hammock. His father hadnot neglected that part of his education, and Hunt and others who hadhoped for some fun in watching his maiden effort had to own themselvesdefeated and disappointed. Max was as expert at that as the oldestmember of the class. 

So the "plebes" soon dropped their air of conscious superiority andpresently began to treat him as an equal; a change which he reported tohis father with evident satisfaction. He wrote frequently and with muchopenness to that father, telling of his duties and pleasures and askingadvice in any perplexity as freely as he could have asked it of any onenear his own age, and with full confidence in the wisdom and theaffection for him which would dictate the reply. 

Nor was he disappointed; almost every day a letter came from thecaptain, breathing strong fatherly affection, giving commendation, encouragement, and the best of advice; also telling everything about thedoings and happenings in the family that was not related by Mamma Vi orone of Max's sisters, who not unfrequently added a note to papa's largerletter. 

All those letters, like the first, were highly prized by the recipientand read and reread in leisure moments till he could have repeated theircontents almost word for word; and every perusal increased the lad'sdesire and determination to be and do all those dear ones--especiallyhis father--could wish; also to please and honor him to whose servicehe had consecrated his life and all his powers. 

Max was not perfect, but he was honest and true, and sincerely desirousto do right. 

He was much interested in the accounts received of the visits ofhis father and the others to the scenes of revolutionary events inPennsylvania and New Jersey, and, though far from regretting his choiceof a profession, could not help wishing he could have made one of theparty. 

One day, after he had spent some weeks in the Academy, he wasdisappointed in his expectation of receiving a letter; none came thenext day; but then it occurred to him that the _Dolphin_ was probably onher homeward way and he would soon get a letter from Woodburn, tellingof the arrival there of all belonging to the dear home circle. 

And he was right; a package of letters came presently giving an accountof the events of the last days spent in Philadelphia, the return voyage, and the joy of the arrival at their own beautiful and happy home. 

Ah, as Max read, how he longed to be with them! Yet the concludingsentences of his father's letter restored him to contentment with thingsas they were. 

The captain had just received and read the report of his boy's conductand academic standing for his first month and was much pleased with it. He made that very clear to the lad, calling him his dear son, his joyand pride, and telling him that until he was a father himself he couldnever know the joy and happiness such a report of a son's behavior andimprovement of his opportunities could give. 

"Ah, " thought the boy, "I'll try harder than ever since it gives suchpleasure to my kindest and best of fathers. How glad I am to have thechance! How thankful I ought to be! I doubt if there was ever a morefortunate boy than myself. "

Max and his room-mate, Hunt, liked each other from the first, and seldomhad the slightest disagreement. 

According to the rules they took turns, week about, in keeping theirroom in order, each trying to outdo his mate in the thoroughness withwhich he attended to all the minutić of the business. 

They were good-natured rivals too in other matters connected with thecourse of instruction they were going through: gymnastic exercises, fencing and boxing, and the drill called fire-quarters, in which thewhole battalion is formed into a fire-brigade, and when the fire-bell issounded each cadet hastens to his proper place in the troop, and thesteam fire-engine and hose-carriages belonging to the Academy arebrought out and used as they would be in case some building were inflames and the cadets were called upon to assist in extinguishing theblaze. 

Max and his chum had become quite expert at that exercise, when onenight they were roused from sleep by the sound of the fire-bell, andspringing up and running to their window saw that a dwelling severalsquares from the Academy was in flames. 

"It's a real fire this time!" cried Hunt, snatching up a garment andbeginning a very hurried toilet, Max doing the same, "and now we'll havea chance to show how well we understand the business of putting it out. "

"And we must try to do credit to our training here in the Academy, "added Max. 

An hour or more of great excitement and exertion followed, then, thefire extinguished, the brigade returned to the Academy, and the lads totheir sleeping-room, so weary with their exertions that they were verysoon sound asleep again. 

The experiences of that night furnished Max with material for aninteresting letter to his father and the rest of the home folks. 

"I didn't know the cadets were taught how to put out fires, " remarkedGrace, when her father had finished reading aloud, to his wife andchildren, Max's story of the doings of the cadets on that night. 

"Yes, " the captain said, "that is an important part of their education. There are a great many things a cadet needs to know. "

"I suppose so, papa, " said Lulu, "and though Maxie doesn't say muchabout his own share in the work, I feel very sure he did his part. Andaren't you proud of him--your eldest son?"

"I am afraid I am, " replied her father, with a smile in his eyes. "Itmay be all parental partiality, but my boy seems to me one of whom anyfather might well be proud. "

"And I am quite of your opinion, my dear, " said Violet. "I am very proudof my husband's son--the dear, good, brave fellow. "

But the captain's eyes were again upon the letter, his face expressingboth interest and amusement. 

"What is it, Levis?" she asked; "something more that you can share withthe rest of us?"

"Yes, " he returned; then read aloud:

"That was Friday night, and this is Saturday evening. This afternoonHunt and I were allowed to go into the city. We were walking along oneof the side streets, and came upon a man who was beating his horse mostunmercifully. 

"The poor thing was just a bag of bones, that seemed to have nothing butskin over them, and was hitched to a cart heavily loaded with earth andstones; its head was down, and it looked ready to drop, while the savagewretch (not worthy to be called a man) was beating it furiously, andcursing and swearing in a towering passion; men and boys gatheringaround, and some calling him to stop. 

"But he didn't pay the smallest attention, till the poor beast spoke--atleast the voice seemed to come from its mouth--'Aren't you ashamed to bebeating me so, and swearing at me, too, when you've starved me till Ihaven't strength to drag even myself another step?'

"At that the man stopped both his beating and swearing, and stoodlooking half scared out of his wits. The crowd, too, lookedthunderstruck; and presently one fellow said, 'It's the story of Balaamand his ass over again. There must be an angel somewhere round, 'glancing from side to side as he spoke, in a way that almost made melaugh, angry as I was at the human brute, or rather the inhumanscoundrel, who had been treating the poor creature so cruelly. 

"Others looked too, but didn't seem to be able to see the angel. 

"Hunt, standing close at my side, gave a low whistle. 'What, uponearth?' he said. 'Oh, there must be a ventriloquist somewhere in thecrowd. I'd like to know who he is. Wouldn't you, Max?'

"Do you really think that's the explanation?' I asked. 'Certainly, ' heanswered, in a tone as if he was rather disgusted at my stupidity. 'Howelse could you account for the seeming ability of that wretched animalto talk?'

"'I can't think of any other explanation, ' I answered, 'but I hope thatinhuman wretch of a driver doesn't know anything about ventriloquists, and so will be afraid to ill-use the poor creature any more. ' 'I hopeso, indeed, ' he said. 'See, the crowd are stroking and patting it, andyonder comes a man with a bucket of water, and another with a panful ofoats. The ventriloquist has done some good. '

"'I'm glad of it, ' I replied. Then, looking at my watch, I saw that itwas time for us to go back to the Academy. 

"Hunt told the story to some of the other fellows that evening, andthere was great wonderment about the ventriloquist, and a good manywished they could have a chance to see him and some of his tricks. Someof them remarked, in a wondering way, that I seemed very indifferentabout it, and then I told them of Cousin Ronald and his doings at Ion, which interested them very much, and several said they would likegreatly to make his acquaintance and see and hear what he could do. Isn't it good, papa, that they have never once suspected me?"

"Well, " exclaimed Lulu, "Max used his talent to do good that time. Didn't he, papa?"

"He did, indeed, " replied the captain. "I hope that poor horse will, asa consequence, receive better treatment in future. "

"I'm so glad Maxie could frighten the man so and make him stop treatingit so dreadfully, " remarked Grace, with a sigh of relief. "I neverthought before that that talent of his was good for anything but to makefun for folks. "

"The ability to afford amusement to others is a talent not to bedespised, " said her father; "for innocent mirth often does good like amedicine; but power to rescue even a dumb beast from ill-treatment isstill more to be coveted, and I shall be glad indeed if Max will use hisgift in that way whenever opportunity offers. "

CHAPTER IX. 

A week or more had passed since the return of our friends from theirvacation in the more northern part of their loved native land, and Luluand Grace, who had at first missed their older brother sorely from thefamily circle, had now begun to feel somewhat accustomed to his absence, and were very merry and happy. 

They had resumed their studies, reciting, as before, to their father, and took daily walks and rides on their ponies, varied by an occasionaldrive with the captain, Violet, and the little ones. 

The Ion and Fairview families, too, had gone back to old pleasures andemployments; but so busy had all been, taking up familiar cares andduties, and making needed preparations for approaching winter, that onlyfew and short visits had as yet been exchanged between them. 

It was in the sitting-room, and just after breakfast, that the captainhad read Max's letter aloud to his wife and children. 

"Go to the schoolroom now, daughters, and look over your lessons for theday, " he said, presently, addressing Lulu and Grace. 

They obeyed instantly, and as they left the room a servant came in witha note from Violet's mother, which he handed to his mistress, saying oneof the Ion servants had just brought it. 

"Mamma's handwriting, " Violet remarked to her husband as she took thenote and glanced at the address upon it. 

"Ah! I hope they are all well?" he returned half inquiringly. 

"No, mamma herself is certainly not quite well, " Violet answered with adisturbed look, after glancing hastily down the page; "she says as much, and that she wants me to come and spend a few days with her, bringingall the children if I choose; they will not disturb her. And you alsowill be most welcome. Dear, dear mamma! I shall go to her atonce--unless my husband objects, " she added, looking up at him with arather sad sort of smile. 

"As he certainly could not think of doing, my love, " he replied, intender tones. "We must go, of course; you and the little ones, at least;we will consider about the older ones, and I shall spend my time betweenthe two places, not being willing to stay constantly away from you, yethaving some matters to attend to here, some things that ought not to bedelayed. "

"But you will be with us a part of every day?" returned Violet, with awistful half-inquiring look up into his face. 

"Yes, oh yes!" he hastened to say; "with my wife so near at hand I couldnot let a day go by without inflicting my presence upon her for somesmall part of it, " he concluded in a half jesting tone, and with a fondlook down into the sweet, troubled face; for he was standing close ather side. 

"I think it could not be harder for you than for me, my dear, " shereturned, with a loving smile up at him. "I should like to take all thechildren, " she went on, "but Alma is here to make up some dresses forLulu, and will need her at hand to try them on and make sure of thefit. "

"And I should seriously object to allowing Lulu to drop her studiesagain just as she has made a fresh and fair start with them, " said thecaptain; "so of course she will have to stay at home. Grace also, Ithink, as there would be the same objection to her absence from home--asregards the lessons I mean. "

"But if you will allow it, I can hear her recite at Ion, " Violet said. "She could learn her lessons there and still have a good deal of time toplay with her little sister, who thinks no one else quite equal to herGracie, --as she calls her, --for a playfellow. "

"Well, my dear, we will make that arrangement if you wish it, "responded the captain. 

"And yet how Lulu will miss her, " Violet said, a troubled look comingover her face. "I wish we could manage it so that she could go too, thedear child!"

"I should be glad to give her the pleasure, " returned Captain Raymond;"but really think it will not do to have her studies so interfered withnow when she has but just well settled down to them. It will be a littlehard for her, but perhaps not a bad lesson in patience and self-denial. "

"But a lesson I fear she will not enjoy, " remarked Violet, with aregretful smile. 

Going into the schoolroom presently the captain found his two littlegirls industriously busy with their tasks. 

"Gracie, daughter, " he said, "your mamma is going over to Ion for a fewdays, because Grandma Elsie is not very well and wants her companionship, and Mamma Vi wants you, --for little Elsie's sake, --having found you verysuccessful in entertaining her and baby Ned. We are all invited, indeed;but I must be here the greater part of the time, as I have various mattersto oversee, and Lulu cannot be spared from home as Alma is at work uponsome dresses for her, and I wish her to go on diligently with her studies. "

"But don't I need to be attending to mine, papa?" queried Grace, lookingregretfully at her sister, over whose face had come a look of keendisappointment, succeeding one of pleased anticipation called out by thebeginning of her father's communication. 

"Yes, " he said, with a smile; "we are going to let you attend to themthere, Mamma Vi acting as governess. "

"Isn't she willing to do the same for me too, papa?" asked Lulu, in aslightly hurt tone. 

"I think so, " he answered pleasantly; "but there is the dressmaking, andI couldn't think of such a thing as asking to have that carried on atIon. "

Lulu seemed to have nothing more to say and Grace gave her a troubledlook; then, with a little hesitation, "Papa, " she said, "I--I think I'drather stay at home with Lu, if I may. "

"No, daughter, " he answered, still speaking very pleasantly. "I have nottime to give my reasons just now; but I want you to go, and Lulu tostay. It will probably be for only a few days; and I think she may trusther father not to allow her to be very lonely in the meanwhile, " headded, with a smile directed to Lulu, but which she did not seem to see, keeping her face down and her eyes fixed upon her book. 

Then he left the room, saying to Grace as he went out, "Make haste, daughter, to gather up your books and whatever else you may wish totake with you. I have already ordered the carriage and there is no timeto waste. Lulu may help you if she will. "

"Will you, Lu?" asked Grace, with a very sympathizing look at hersister. "Oh, I wish papa had said you were to go too! Whatever shall Ido without my dear, big sister!"

"Never mind, Gracie; I'm sure I don't want to go where I'm not wanted, "replied Lulu, in a hurt tone. 

"I'm sure it isn't because they wouldn't like to have you there, "returned Grace, running to her sister and putting her arms about herneck. 

"Why don't they ask me, then?" queried Lulu, a little angrily. 

"May be they did. I'm most sure Grandma Elsie wouldn't forget to includeyou in her invitation; and, oh, yes! don't you remember papa did say wewere all invited? But you know there are the lessons, and I suppose papawould rather hear them himself. "

"But he could hear them there. "

"Yes; so he could if he wanted to. But then there's the dressmaking, youknow. "

"That could be put off for a few days, " returned Lulu, with a verygrown-up air. "There are plenty of ways when people want to do athing--plenty of excuses to be thought of when they don't. Alma hasnumerous customers and could sew for somebody else first, giving her mytime, and me hers after we get home. "

"Oh, maybe it could be managed in that way!" exclaimed Grace joyously;"and I'd so much rather have you along. I think I'll ask papa. "

"No, don't you do any such thing, " returned Lulu, in a not particularlyamiable tone. "If I'm not wanted, I'm sure I don't wish to go. Butyou'll have to hurry, Gracie. You know papa is very particular about ourbeing prompt in obeying his orders. "

"Yes, " returned Grace, who was again at her desk, "but I have been busyall this time getting out the books and other things I must take along, and now I'll go upstairs and get dressed and put up the things therethat I want. Won't you go with me? You'll know so much better than Iwhat I need to take. "

"Yes, Gracie, dear; I'll be glad to give you all the help I can. I'mglad papa said I might. Oh, but it will be lonely here without you! I dothink papa might have said I could go, too. "

"I'd be ever so glad if he had, or would, " said Grace, as hand in handthey left the room together, "but you know, Lu dear, we always find outin the end that his way is the best. "

"So we do, and I'll try to believe it now, " returned Lulu, in a morecheerful tone than she had used since learning that the rest of thefamily were to go to Ion and she was to remain at home. 

With her good help Grace was ready in a few minutes, and just then theyheard their father call to her to come at once, as the carriage was atthe door. 

The sisters embraced each other hastily, Grace saying, "Oh, Lu, good-by, I do wish you were going along, for I can hardly bear to go withoutyou. "

"Never mind, but just try to enjoy yourself as much as ever you can, "returned Lulu. "Go down now, dearie, for we should never keep papawaiting, you know. Here's Agnes to carry down your satchel. I hope youwon't stay long enough away from me to need many clothes, and if you doit will be easy enough to send them--the carriage going back and forthevery day. "

Grace was half-way down the stairs before Lulu had finished. 

"Ain't you a gwine down to see de folks off, Miss Lulu?" queried Agnes, as she took up the satchel. 

"No, " returned Lulu shortly; "I'm going back to the schoolroom to attendto my lessons. "

Agnes gave her a look of surprise as she left the room, thinking she hadnever known Miss Lu fail to be at the door when any of the othermembers of the family were leaving for more than a short drive, and shestaying behind. 

"Where is Lulu, Gracie?" asked Violet, as the captain handed the littlegirl into the carriage. "I hadn't time to hunt her up, and thought shewould be here at the door to say good-by to us all. "

"She said she must hurry back to her lessons, mamma, " answered Grace, blushing for her sister. "You see she stopped to help me get ready, andI suppose she's afraid she'll not know them well by the time papa wantsto hear her recite. "

"It would have taken very little of her time, " the captain remarked, with a grave and somewhat displeased look. 

"Oh, well, you can bring her over to Ion, perhaps this afternoon orto-morrow, for a call, Levis, " Violet hastened to say in a cheery tone. 

"Possibly, " he answered, and was about to step into the carriage when aservant came hurrying up to ask directions in regard to some work to bedone in the grounds. 

"My dear, " said the captain to Violet, "I think it would be better foryou and the children to drive on without waiting for me. I shallprobably follow you in another hour or two. "

"Very well; please don't disappoint us if you can help it, " returnedViolet, and the carriage drove on, while Captain Raymond walked away inthe opposite direction, to give the needed orders to his men. 

"I think it's a shame that I should be left behind when all the rest ofthe family are going to Ion to have a good time, " muttered Lulu angrily, as she seated herself at her desk again and opened a book. "Papa couldhear my lessons there just as well as here if he chose, and Mamma Vimight have arranged to have my dresses made a week or two later. "

"Miss Lu, " said Agnes, opening the door and putting in her head, "MissAlma tole me for to tell you she's 'bout ready fo' to try on yo' newdress. "

"Tell her to take it to my room. I'll go up there to have it tried on, "replied Lulu, in a vexed, impatient tone. 

Then, as Agnes withdrew her head and closed the door, "Horrid thing! whycouldn't she have come to me while I was up there? Here I am, hardlyfairly settled to my work, and I must drop it and go back again. I'dbetter take my book with me, for there's no knowing how long she maykeep me while she alters something that she has got wrong, for she'sgenerally too stupid to make a thing right at the first trial. Well, perhaps she'll get done by the time papa comes back and is ready to hearme recite. "

So saying she went slowly from the school room and upstairs to her ownapartment. 

There were a few minutes of waiting for Alma, which did not improveLulu's temper, and as the girl came in she received an angry glance, accompanied by the remark, in no very pleasant tones, that she had nobusiness to send for people till she was ready to attend to them. 

At that Alma colored painfully. "I am sorry to have inconvenienced you, Miss Lu, " she said, "but I'll try not to keep you so very long. "

"If you don't, it will be about the first time that you haven't, "snapped Lulu. "I think you are just about the slowest, most blunderingdressmaker I ever did see. "

At that unkind remark, Alma's eyes filled with tears, but she went onsilently with her work, making no rejoinder, while Lulu--the reproachesof conscience rendering her uneasy and irritable--fidgetted and fussed, thus greatly increasing the difficulty of the task. 

"Miss Lu, " Alma said at last, in a despairing tone, "if you can't keepstiller, it is not possible for me to make the dress to fit you right. "

"Indeed!" returned Lulu scornfully, "I don't feel sure of your abilityto fit it right under any circumstances--such a stupid, awkward thing asyou are, and----"

Her sentence was left unfinished, for at that instant, to herastonishment and dismay, her father's voice called to her from hisdressing-room, in sterner accents than she had heard from him in a longwhile. "Lucilla, come here to me!" She had not known of his detention athome, but supposed he had gone with the others to Ion. 

Jerking off the waist, which Alma had already unfastened, --snatching upa dressing-sack and putting it on as she went, --she appeared before him, blushing and shamefaced. 

"I am both surprised and mortified by what I have just overheard, " hesaid. "I had a better opinion of my dear, eldest daughter than tosuppose she would ever show herself so heartless. You surely must haveforgotten that poor Alma is a stranger, in a strange land, while you areat home, in your father's house. Go to her now, and apologize for yourrudeness. "

Lulu made no movement to obey, but stood before him in sullen silenceand with downcast, scowling countenance. 

He waited a moment; then said sternly, "Lucilla, you will yield instantobedience to my order, or go immediately to your own room, and notventure into my presence again until you can tell me you have obeyed. "

At that she turned and left the room, more angry and rebellious than shehad ever been since that dreadful time at Ion when her indulgence in afit of passion had so nearly cost little Elsie's life. 

"Papa will have a pretty time making me do it, " she muttered angrily toherself, as she stood by a window in her bedroom looking out into thegrounds. "Ask Alma's pardon, indeed! She's not even a lady; she'snothing but a poor woman, who has to support herself with herneedle, --or rather with a sewing machine, and cutting and fitting, --andI think it's just outrageous for papa to tell me I must ask her pardon. I'll not do it, and papa needn't think he can make me, though----" sheadded, uneasily, the next minute, "to be sure, he always has made meobey him; but I'm older now; too old, I think, even he would say, to bewhipped into doing what I don't choose to do. 

"But he forbade me to come into his presence till I obeyed, and--oh, dear, I can't live that way, because I love him so--better than any oneelse in all the wide world; and--and--it would just kill me to have togo without his love and his caresses; never to have him hug and kiss me, and call me his dear child, his darling. Oh, I couldn't bear it! I nevercould! it would just break my heart!" and her tears began to fall likerain. 

She cried quite violently for a while; then began to think of Alma morekindly and pityingly than ever before, as an orphan and a stranger in astrange land. 

"Oh, I am ashamed to have treated her so!" she exclaimed at length, "andI will ask her pardon; not only because papa has ordered me to do so, but because I am sorry for her, and really mortified to think of havingtreated her so badly. "

Fortunately, just at that moment Alma's timid rap was heard at the doorand her voice saying, in a hesitating, deprecating way, "Miss Lu, please, I need to try the dress once more. I'm very sorry to disturb andtrouble you, but I know you want it to be a good fit. "

"Yes, of course I do, Alma, " returned Lulu gently, opening the door asshe spoke; "you are quite right to come back with it. I'm sorry andashamed of having been so rude and unkind to you when you were in herebefore, " she added, holding out her hand. "It was shameful treatment. Papa said I must ask your pardon, and I think I would do it now, even ifhe hadn't ordered me. "

"It is too much, Miss Lu, " Alma said, blushing, and with tears in hereyes. "I could never ask such a thing as that of a young lady like you. "

"Indeed, my behavior has been very unladylike to-day, " sighed Lulu; "andpapa is very, very much displeased with me. "

"I am sorry, Miss, " Alma responded, in a sympathizing tone. "But thecaptain will not stay angry; he is so very fond of his children. "

"Yes; and so kind and indulgent that I ought to be the best girl in theworld. Oh, I wish I had not behaved so badly!"

"He will forgive you, Miss; he will not stay displeased, for his lovefor you is so very great, " returned Alma. "There, Miss, the dress doesfit you now. See in the glass. Does it not?"

"Yes, " Lulu replied, surveying herself in the mirror; "I could not ask abetter fit, Alma. "

"It is lovely, Miss Lu; the stuff so fine and soft, and the colors sobeautiful!" remarked the girl, gazing upon it with admiring eyes. "It isgood, Miss Lu, to have a kind papa, rich enough to gif you all thingsneedful for a young lady to wear. "

"Yes, and so generous and kind as mine is, " sighed Lulu. "It is a verygreat shame that I ever do anything to displease him. "

Alma went back to the sewing-room, and Lulu hastened to the door of theroom where her father had been when he called to her. But a glancewithin showed her that he was not there now. Then she ran downstairs andthrough library, parlors, halls, --everywhere, --looking for him. 

"Oh, where is he?" she sighed. "I must find him and tell him how sorry Iam for my naughtiness. I can't have one minute of happiness till I havedone so and got a kiss of forgiveness. "

Snatching a hat from the rack and putting it on as she went, she ran outand round the porches and the grounds; but nowhere was he to be seen. 

"Miss Lu, " called a servant, at length, "is you lookin' fo' de cap'n?He's done gone to Ion, I 'spects; kase dere's whar Miss Wi'let went inde kerridge. "

"Did he say when he would come back?" asked Lulu, steadying her voicewith quite an effort. 

"He gwine come back dis evenin' fo' suah, Miss Lu, to see 'bout de workon de plantation, " was the reply, as the man turned to his employmentagain. And with a heavy sigh Lulu turned about and re-entered the house. 

"Oh, it's so lonesome for me here all by myself!" she said half-aloud. 

But there was no one near enough to hear her, and she went back to hertasks, trying to forget her troubles in study; an effort in which shewas for the time partially successful. 

CHAPTER X. 

"I hope there is nothing serious ailing dear mamma, " Violet said ratheranxiously to herself, as the carriage rolled swiftly on toward Ion;"there was really nothing in her note to indicate it, but she has neverbeen one to complain of even a pretty serious ailment. She is not oldyet; we may hope to keep her with us for many, many years. But then sheis so good--so ripe for heaven!" And a silent prayer went up to God thatthe dear mother might be spared for many years to help others on theirpilgrim way, especially her children and grandchildren. "For oh, how weneed her!" was the added thought; "what could we ever do withouther--the dear, kind, loving mother to whom we carry all our troubles andperplexities, sure of comfort, the best of advice, and all the help inher power to give. Dear, dear mamma! Oh, I have never prized her as Iought!"

It was only the previous evening that Mrs. Travilla herself had learnedthat she was assailed by more than a trifling ailment. What seemed toher but a slight one, causing discomfort, and at times quite a good dealof pain, she had been conscious of for some weeks or months, but hadnot thought it necessary to speak of it to anyone. 

About the time of her return home, however, there had been a verydecided increase in the suffering; which at length led her to confideher trouble to her cousin and family physician, Dr. Arthur Conly, andshe had learned from him that it was far more serious than she hadsupposed; that in fact her only escape from sure and speedy death lay insubmission to a difficult and dangerous surgical operation. 

Arthur told her as gently and tenderly as he could--assuring her thatthere was more than a possibility of a successful result--bringingrelief from her suffering and prolonging her life for many years. 

His first words--showing her ailment as so much more serious than shehad ever for a moment supposed it to be--gave her a shock at the thoughtof the sudden parting from all her dear ones--father, children, andgrandchildren; yet before he had finished she was entirely calm andcomposed. 

"And what would death be but going home?" she said; "home to themansions Jesus my Saviour has prepared for those he died to redeem, andto the dear ones gone before, there to await the coming of those whowill be left behind for a little while. Ah, it is nothing to dread orto fear, for 'I know that my Redeemer liveth. '"

"And yet, Cousin Elsie, " Arthur returned, with ill-concealed emotion, "how illy you could be spared by any of those who know and love you. Even I should feel it an almost heartbreaking thing to lose you out ofmy life, and your father, children----"

"Yes, I know, dear cousin, and shall not hesitate to do or bear all thatholds out a hope of prolonging my days here upon earth; for otherwise Ishould feel that I was rushing into the Master's presence unbidden, andthat without finishing the work he has given me to do here. 

"Nor would I be willing to so pain the hearts of those who love me. I amready to submit at once to whatever you deem necessary or expedient. Butah, my dear father! How distressed he will be when he learns all thatyou have just told me! I wish he might be spared the knowledge till allis over. But it would not do. He must be told at once, and--I must tellhim. "

"That will be very hard for you, dear cousin; would it not bebetter----" Arthur began, but paused, leaving his sentence unfinished. 

"It will come best from me, I think, " she returned, with a sad sort ofsmile. "But when?"

"Day after to-morrow, if you will. I think you would prefer to have thetrial over as soon as possible?"

"Yes; I think it will save both me and all concerned from some of thesuffering of anticipation, if you can make it suit your convenience. "

"Perfectly, " he answered; "there are few preparations to be made and Ido not want long to contemplate doing what must be a trial to so manywhom I love. "

Their talk had been in her boudoir. He lingered but a few momentslonger, then went down to the drawing-room. 

"Uncle, " he said, in a low aside to Mr. Dinsmore, "I have just leftCousin Elsie in her boudoir and she wishes to see you there. "

"She is not well, Arthur?" asked the old gentleman, with a slightlystartled look, as he rose from his easy chair and the two passed outinto the hall together. 

"Not very, uncle, " was the sad-toned reply. "She has been consulting meand there is something she wishes to say to you. "

Mr. Dinsmore paled to the very lips. "Don't keep me in suspense, Arthur;let me know the worst, at once, " he said, with almost a groan. "Why hasanything been hidden from me--the father who loves her better than hislife?"

"I have been as ignorant as yourself, uncle, till within the last halfhour, " replied the doctor, in a patient, deeply sympathizing tone. "Itis astonishing to me that she has been able to endure so much for weeksor months past without a word of complaint. But do not despair, my dearuncle; the case is by no means hopeless. "

"Tell me all, Arthur; hide nothing, nothing from me, " Mr. Dinsmore saidwith mingled sternness and entreaty, hastily leading the way as he spoketo the little reception room opening from the other side of the hall, and closing the door against any chance intruder. 

Arthur complied, stating the case as briefly as possible, and layingstrong emphasis upon the fact that there was reason to hope for, notspared life alone, but entire and permanent relief. 

"God grant it!" was the old gentleman's fervent, half agonized response. "My darling, my darling! would that I could bear all the suffering foryou! Arthur, when--when must my child go through the trial which you sayis--not to be escaped?"

"We have agreed upon the day after to-morrow, uncle, both she and Iwishing to have it over as soon as possible. "

A few minutes later, Mr. Dinsmore passed quietly into his daughter'sboudoir, where he found her alone, lying on a lounge, her eyes closed, her countenance, though deathly pale, perfectly calm and peaceful. 

He bent down and touched his lips to the white forehead; then as thesweet eyes opened and looked up lovingly into his, "Oh, my darling, idolof my heart, " he groaned, "would that your father could himself take thesuffering that I have just learned is in store for you. "

"Ah no, no, my dear, dear father, I could illy bear that, " she said, putting an arm about his neck; "suffering and danger to you would be farharder for me than what I am now enduring or expecting in the nearfuture. Arthur has told you all?"

"Yes; kind-hearted and generous fellow that he is, he felt that he mustspare you the pain of telling it yourself. "

"Yes, it was very, very kind, " she said, "Dear papa, sit down in thiseasy chair, close by my side, and take my hand in yours while we talktogether of some matters that need to be settled before--before I amcalled to go through that which may be the end of earthly life for me. "

Then, in response to the anguished look in his face as he bent over herwith another silent caress, "My dear father, I do not mean to distressyou. Arthur holds out strong hope of cure and years of health andstrength to follow; yet surely it is but the part of wisdom to preparefor either event. "

"Yes; and I am sure you are fully prepared, at least so far as youreternal welfare is concerned; should you be called away--our grief willbe for ourselves alone. "

"I am glad the choice is not left with me, " she said, in low, sweettones, after a moment's silence. "For your dear sake, papa, and that ofmy beloved children, I am more than willing to stay here on earth formany more years, yet the thought of being forever with the Lord--nearhim and like him--thrills my heart with joy unspeakable, while added tothat is a great gladness in the prospect of reunion with the dearhusband who has gone before me to that happy land. So I am not to bepitied, my dear father, " she added, with a beautiful smile; "and can younot rejoice with me that the choice is not mine but lies with him whoselove for us both is far greater than ours for each other?"

"Yes, " he replied with emotion; "blessed be his holy name that we mayleave it all in his hands, trusting in his infinite wisdom and love;knowing that if called to part for a season, we shall be reunited inheaven, never again to be torn asunder. "

"Yes, dear father; we cannot expect to go quite together, but whenreunited there in that blessed land, never again to part, the time ofseparation will seem to have been very short; even as nothing comparedto the long, the unending eternity we shall spend together. 

"And oh, what an eternity of joy and bliss, forever freed from sin andsuffering, near and like our Lord, altogether pleasing in his sight, nodoubts, no fears, the battle fought, the victory won. 'And there shallbe no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him; and they shall see his face; and hisname shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; andthey need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveththem light, and they shall reign for ever and ever!'"

"Yes, my darling; blessed be his holy name for the many great andprecious promises of his word, and I have not a doubt of your fullpreparation for either event; but oh, that it may please him to spareyou to me as the light, comfort, joy of my remaining days! Yet should itplease him to take you to himself--ah, I cannot, dare not allow myselfto contemplate so terrible a bereavement, " he added, in low anguishedaccents, as he bent over her, softly smoothing her hair with tenderlycaressing touch. 

"Then do not, dear father, " she said, lifting to his eyes full of ardentlove and sympathy; "try to leave it all with the dear Master, and hewill fulfil to you his precious promise, 'As thy days, so shall thystrength be. ' Has it not ever been the testimony of all his saintsconcerning his precious promises that not one faileth?"

"Yes, " he said, "and so will it ever be. By his grace I will trust andnot be afraid for you, my beloved child; nor for myself, his mostunworthy servant. "

Then with an upward glance, "'Lord increase our faith. ' Oh, help us eachto trust in thee and not to be afraid, be the way ever so dark anddreary, remembering thy gracious promise, 'I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in anywise forsake thee. '"

"Sweet, sweet words, papa, " she said, low and tremulously, lifting tohis eyes full of glad, grateful tears. 

"And those others, 'When thou passeth through the waters, I will be withthee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thouwalkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall theflame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One ofIsrael, thy Saviour. '

"Oh, what more could I ask? what have I to do with doubt or fear, sincehe is mine and I am his?"

"Only the physical pain, " he said, low and tenderly; "and Arthur tellsme that with the help of anćsthetics there will be little or none ofthat during the operation, but----"

"What may come afterward can be easily borne, dear papa, " she said, ashe paused, overcome by emotion. 

"My dear, brave darling! a more patient, resigned sufferer never lived!"was his moved, though low-breathed, exclamation. 

A moment's silence fell between them, he leaning over and caressing herwith exceeding tenderness; then, "Papa, " she said, with a loving look upinto his eyes, "I cannot bear to see you so distressed. Arthur holds outstrong hope of cure, of speedy and entire recovery; and we may be sparedto each other for many years if the will of God be so; but--surely it ismy wisest plan to prepare for every possibility. 

"I feel very easy about my dear children, most of them having alreadyarrived at years of maturity, and being comfortably settled in life;Edward and my two older daughters, at least; while the others I canleave in the safest of earthly hands, even those of my dear and honoredfather, whose love for them is only secondary to my own; and for eachone I have reason to hope that the good part has been chosen which cannever be taken away. "

"I do indeed love them very dearly, " he responded, "for their own sake, their father's, and most of all because they are the offspring of my ownbeloved child. Should I outlive her, they shall want for nothing theirgrandfather can do to make them happy. "

"I know it, dear father, and can leave them to your and their heavenlyFather's care without a doubt or fear, " she said, with a gentle sighover the thought of the parting with her darlings that might be so near. 

She went on to speak of some business matters, then said: "I think thatis all, papa. I do not care to make any alteration in my will; and, asyou know, you and brother Horace are my executors. To-morrow I must havea little talk with each of my children, and then I shall be ready forArthur and his assistants. 

"I want all my children near at hand in case of an unfavorable resultand that I am able to say a few last words, bidding them all farewell. "

There was again a moment of silence, her father seeming too muchovercome to speak; then she went on: "I think they must not be toldto-night, that the two younger ones need know nothing of the danger tillthe morning of the operation. I would spare them all the suffering ofanticipation that I can; and were I but sure, quite sure, of goingsafely through it all, they should know nothing of it till afterward;but I cannot rob them of a few last words with their mother. "

"My darling! always unselfish, always thinking of others first!" Mr. Dinsmore said, in moved tones, bending over her and pressing his lipsagain and again to her pale cheek and brow. 

"Surely almost any mother would think of her children before herself, "she returned with a sweet, sad smile. 

But just at that instant childish footsteps were heard in the hallwithout, then a gentle rap on the door, and Walter's voice asking, "Mamma, may I come in?"

"Yes, my son, " she answered, in cheerful tones, and in a moment he wasat her side, asking, in some alarm and anxiety, "Mamma, dear, are yousick?" bending over her as he spoke, and pressing ardent kisses uponcheek and lip and brow. 

"Not very, mother's darling baby boy, " she answered, lifting to his eyesfull of tender mother love. 

"'Baby boy?'" repeated Walter, with a merry laugh, gently smoothing herhair, and patting her cheek lovingly, while he spoke. "Mamma, dear, haveyou forgotten that I am eleven years old?"

"No, dear; but for all that you are still mother's dear, dear baby boy!"she said, hugging him close. 

"Well, I shan't mind your calling me that, you dearest mamma, " laughedWalter, repeating his caresses; "but nobody else must do it. "

"Not even grandpa?" queried Mr. Dinsmore, with a proudly affectionatesmile into the bright young face. 

"I don't think you'd want to, grandpa, " returned the lad, "because, youknow, you're always telling me I must try to be a manly boy. But I cameup to remind you and mamma that it's time for prayers. Grandma sent meto do so and to ask if you could both come down now. "

"You will not think of going down, Elsie?" Mr. Dinsmore exclaimed insurprise, as his daughter made a movement as if to rise from her couch. 

"Yes, papa, " she returned. "I have been resting here for some hours andfeel quite able to join the family now. I am not in pain at this moment, and Arthur said nothing about keeping to my room. "

"Then I wouldn't, mamma, " said Walter, slipping his hand into hers. "I'msure Cousin Arthur's always ready enough to order us to keep to ourrooms if there's any occasion. I'm glad he doesn't think you sick enoughto have to do that. "

His mother only smiled in reply, and, taking her father's offered arm, moved on in the direction of the stairway, Walter still clinging to herother hand. 

Anxious looks and inquiries greeted her on their entrance into theparlor, where family and servants were already gathered for the eveningservice; but she parried them all with such cheery words and brightsweet smiles as set their fears at rest for the time. 

But those of Edward were presently rearoused as--the younger members ofthe family and the servants having retired from the room--he noticed alook of keen, almost anguished anxiety, bestowed by his grandfather uponhis mother; then that her cheek was unusually pale. 

"Mother dear, you are not well!" he exclaimed, hastily rising and goingto her. 

"No, not quite, my dear boy, " she replied, smiling up at him; "but donot look so distressed; none of us can expect always to escape allillness. I am going back to my room now and, though able to do sowithout assistance, will accept the support of the arm of my eldest son, if it is offered me. "

"Gladly, mother dear, unless you will let me carry you; which I am fullyable to do. "

"Oh, no, Ned, " she said laughingly, as she rose and put her hand withinhis arm; "the day may possibly come when I shall tax your young strengthto that extent, but it is not necessary now. Papa, dear, " turning tohim, "shall I say good-night to you now?"

"No, no, " Mr. Dinsmore answered, with some emotion, "I shall step intoyour rooms for that as it is on my way to my own. "

"I, too, " said Mrs. Dinsmore; "and perhaps you will let me play thenurse for you if you are not feeling quite well. "

"Thank you very much, mamma. In case your kind services are reallyneeded I shall not hesitate to let you know. And I am always glad to seeyou in my rooms. "

"Mother, you are actually panting for breath!" Edward exclaimed whenthey were half-way up the stairs. "I shall carry you, " and taking her inhis arms as he spoke, he bore her to her boudoir and laid her tenderlydown on its couch. "Oh, mother dear, " he said, in quivering tones, "tellme all. Why should your eldest son be shut out from your confidence?"

"My dear boy, " she answered, putting her hand into his, "can you notrest content till to-morrow? Why should you think that anything seriousails me?"

"Your pale looks and evident weakness, " he said, "grandpa's distressedcountenance as he turns his eyes on you, and the unusually sober, serious look of Cousin Arthur as I met him passing out of the houseto-night. He had been with you, had he not?"

"Yes, my son, and I meant that you and your sisters should know allto-morrow or the next day. It is only for your own sake I would have hadyou spared the knowledge till then. "

"Dearest mother, tell me all now, " he entreated; "for surely nocertainty can be worse than this dreadful suspense. "

"No, I suppose not, " she replied in sorrowful tones, her eyes gazinginto his, full of tenderest mother love. Then in a few brief sentencesshe told him all. 

"Oh, mother dear; dearest mother!" he cried, clasping her close, "if I, your eldest son, might but take and bear it all--the pain and thedanger--for you, how gladly I would do so!"

"I do not doubt it, my own dear boy, " she returned, in moved tones, "butit cannot be; each of us must bear his or her own burden and I rejoicethat this is mine rather than that of my dear son. Do not grieve for me;do not be too anxious; remember that he whose love for me is far greaterthan any earthly love appoints it all, and it shall be for good. 'Weknow that all things work together for good to them that love God. 'Blessed, comforting assurance! And how sweet are those words of Jesus, 'What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter!'"

"Yes, dearest mother, " he said, with emotion, "and for you it will beall joy, the beginning of an eternity of bliss, if it shall please himto take you to himself; but oh, how hard it will be for your children tolearn to live without you! But I will hope and pray that the result maybe for you restored health and a long and happy life. "

For some moments he held her in a close embrace, then, at the sound ofapproaching footsteps in the hall without, laid her gently down upon herpillows. 

"Keep it from Zoe for to-night, if possible, " she said softly. "Dearlittle woman! I would not have her robbed of her night's rest. "

"I will try, mother dear, " he said, pressing his lips again and again tohers. "God grant you sweet and refreshing sleep, but oh, do not for amoment hesitate to summon me if there is anything I can do to relieveyou, should you be in pain, or to add in any way to your comfort. "

She gave the desired promise and he stole softly from the room; but notto join his wife till some moments of solitude had enabled him so toconquer his emotion that he could appear before her with a calm anduntroubled countenance. 

Mr. And Mrs. Dinsmore passed into the boudoir as he left it. Rose hadjust learned from her husband of his talk of that evening with Dr. Conly, and what the physician had then told him of his daughter'scondition and the trial awaiting her in the near future. 

Rose was full of sympathy for Elsie, and so overcome at the thought ofthe trial she must so soon pass through that she could scarcely speak. 

They clung to each other in a long, tender embrace, Rose sheddingtears, Elsie calm and quiet. 

"You will let me be with you, dear Elsie?" she said at last. "Oh, howwillingly I would help you bear it if I could!"

"Dear mamma, how kind you are and have always been to me!" exclaimed thelow sweet voice. "Your presence will be a great support whileconsciousness remains, but after that I would have you spared the trial. 

"Don't fear for me; I know that it will all be well. How glad I am thatshould I be taken you will be left to comfort my dear father andchildren. Yet I think that I shall be spared. Arthur holds out a stronghope of a favorable termination. 

"So, dear father, " turning to him and putting her hand in his, "becomforted. Be strong and of a good courage! Do not let anxiety for merob you of your needed rest and sleep. "

"For your dear sake, my darling, I will try to follow your advice, " heanswered, with emotion, as in his turn he folded her to his heart andbade her good-night. 

CHAPTER XI. 

The next morning found Mrs. Travilla calm and peaceful, even cheerful, ready for either life or death. She was up at her usual early hour, andRosie and Walter, coming in for their accustomed half hour of Biblereading with mamma, found her at her writing-desk just finishing a noteto Violet. 

"Dear mamma, " exclaimed Walter, in a tone of delight, "you are lookingso much better and brighter this morning. I was really troubled aboutyou last night lest you were going to be ill; you were so pale, andgrandpa looked so worried. "

"Grandpa is always easily frightened about mamma if she shows theslightest indication of illness, " said Rosie; "as indeed we all are, because she is so dear and precious; our very greatest earthly treasure. 

"Mamma dearest, I am so rejoiced that you are not really sick!" sheadded, dropping on her knees beside her mother's chair, clasping herarms about her, and kissing her again and again with ardent affection. 

"I, too, " Walter said, taking his station on her other side, putting anarm round her neck, and pressing his lips to her cheek. 

She returned their caresses with words of mother love, tears shining inher eyes at the thought that this might prove almost her lastopportunity. 

"What do you think, Rosie?" laughed Walter. "Mamma called me her babyboy last night; me--a great fellow of eleven. I think you must be herbaby girl. "

But Rosie made no reply. She was gazing earnestly into her mother'sface. "Mamma dear, " she said anxiously, "you are not well! you aresuffering! Oh, what is it ails you?"

"I am in some pain, daughter, " Elsie answered, in a cheerful tone; "butCousin Arthur hopes to be able to relieve it in a day or two. "

"Oh, I am glad to hear that!" Rosie exclaimed, with a sigh of relief. "Dearest mamma, I do not know how I could ever bear to have you veryill. "

"Should that trial ever come to you, daughter dear, look to God forstrength to endure it, " her mother said in sweetly solemn accents, asshe gently smoothed Rosie's hair with her soft white hand and gazedlovingly into her eyes. "Do not be troubled about the future, but trusthis gracious promise: 'As thy days, so shall thy strength be!' Many andmany a time has it been fulfilled to me and to all who have put theirtrust in him?"

"Yes, mamma, I know you have had some hard trials, and yet you alwaysseem so happy. "

"You look happy now, mamma; are you?" asked Walter, a little anxiously. 

"Yes, my son, I am, " she said, smiling affectionately upon him. "Now letus have our reading, " turning over the leaves of her Bible as she spoke. "We will take the twenty-third psalm. It is short, and so very sweet andcomforting. "

They did so, Elsie making a few brief remarks, especially on the fourthverse, which neither Rosie nor Walter ever forgot. 

She followed them with a short prayer, and just at its close her fathercame in, and, sending the children away, spent alone with his daughterthe few minutes that remained before the ringing of the breakfast bell. 

He obeyed the summons, but she remained in her own apartments, a servantcarrying her meal to her. 

It was something very unusual for her, and, joined to an unusual silenceon the part of their grandfather, accompanied by a sad countenance andoccasional heavy sigh, and similar symptoms shown by both Grandma Roseand Edward, excited surprise and apprehension on the part of the youngermembers of the household. 

Family worship, as was the rule followed immediately upon the conclusionof the meal, and Mr. Dinsmore's feeling petition on behalf of the sickone increased the alarm of Rosie and Zoe. 

Both followed Edward out upon the veranda, asking anxiously what ailedmamma. 

At first he tried to parry their questions, but his own ill-concealeddistress only increased their alarm and rendered them the morepersistent. 

"There is something serious ailing mamma, " he said at length, "butCousin Arthur hopes soon to be able to relieve her. The cure is somewhatdoubtful, however, and that is what so distresses grandpa, grandma, andme. Oh, let us all pray for her, pleading the Master's precious promise, 'If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shallask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. '

"Mamma has sent for my sisters Elsie and Violet. She wants as many ofher children and grandchildren near her as possible; but Harold andHerbert have to be left out because, being so far away, there is nottime to summon them. "

"O Ned, " cried Rosie, in an agony of terror, "is--is mamma in immediatedanger? What--what is it Cousin Arthur is going to do?"

"A--surgical operation is, he says, the only--only thing that canpossibly save her life, and--he hopes it will. "

"But he isn't certain? O mamma, mamma!" cried Rosie, bursting into anuncontrollable fit of weeping. 

Zoe was sobbing too, Edward holding her in his arms and scarce able torefrain from joining with her, and at that moment the Fairview carriagedrove up, and Elsie Leland, alighting therefrom, quickly came in amongthem, asking in alarm, as she saw their tear-stained, agitated faces, "What is the matter? Oh, is mamma ill?"

Then Edward's story had to be repeated to her, and shortly after toViolet, who, with her children, arrived a little later. 

They too seemed almost overwhelmed with distress. 

"Can we go to her?" Violet asked, and Mrs. Dinsmore, who had just joinedthem, replied, "Not yet; your grandpa is with her, and wishes to haveher to himself for a while. "

"Ob, I hope he will not keep us long away from her; our own, own dearmother!" exclaimed Rosie, with a fresh burst of tears and sobs. 

"I think not long, Rosie, dear, " Mrs. Dinsmore replied soothingly, putting an arm round the weeping girl as she spoke, and smoothing herhair with gently caressing hand. "Your mamma will be asking for you allpresently. She has said that until the danger is past, she wants you allnear enough to be summoned to her side in a moment. "

"And I--we all--know she is ready for any event, " Elsie Leland said, intrembling, tearful tones. 

"Yes; and I believe God will spare her to us for years to come, inanswer to our prayers, " remarked Mrs. Dinsmore in cheerful, hopefulaccents. 

Walter had gone out into the grounds at the time the older ones repairedto the veranda, and Grace, with Violet's little ones, had joined himthere on alighting from the carriage which had brought them fromWoodburn. 

The four now came running in and Walter, noticing the looks of grief andanxiety on the faces of the older people asked anxiously, "What's thematter, folks?" then added quickly. "Oh, I hope mamma is not worse! Isthat it, grandma?" His query was not answered, for at that moment Dr. Conly's carriage came driving up the avenue. All crowded about him as healighted and came up the steps into the veranda. That, however, wasnothing new for he was a great favorite, being not only their relative, but their trusted and valued physician. 

"You have come to see mamma?" Mrs. Leland said, half inquiringly. "Oh, Cousin Arthur, do be frank with us! do tell us plainly what you think ofher case. "

"It is a serious one, Cousin Elsie, I will not deny that, " the doctorreplied, a very grave and concerned look on his face as he spoke, "andyet I have strong hope of complete recovery; so do not any of you giveway to despair, but unite together in prayer for God's blessing on themeans used. "

"Can I see her now, Aunt Rose?" he asked, turning to Mrs. Dinsmore. "Ithink so, " she replied, leading the way, the doctor following, while theothers remained where they were, waiting in almost silent suspense. 

To them all it seemed a long, sad day. One at a time they were admittedto a short interview with their mother, in which she spoke with each oneas though it might be her last opportunity, the burden of her talk beingalways an earnest exhortation to a life hid with God in Christ; a lifeof earnest, loving service to him who had died to redeem them from sinand eternal death. 

She was very cheerful and spoke hopefully of the result of theoperation, yet added that, as it might prove fatal, and in a way toleave her neither time nor strength for these last words, she must speakthem now; but they need not despair of seeing her restored to health andgiven many more years of sweet companionship with her loved ones. 

Walter, as the youngest, took his turn last. 

For many minutes he could do nothing but sob on his mother's breast. "O mamma, mamma, " he cried, "I cannot, cannot do without you!"

"Mother knows it will be hard for her baby boy at first, " she said, lowand tenderly, holding him close to her heart; "but some day you willcome to mamma in that happy land where there is no parting, no death, and where sorrow and sighing shall flee away; the land where 'theinhabitant shall not say I am sick'; the land where there is no sin, nosuffering of any kind, and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. 

"My darling, my little son, there is nothing else mother so desires foryou as that you may be a lamb of Christ's fold, and I have strong hopesthat you already are. You know that Jesus died to save sinners; that heis able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him; that youcan do nothing to earn salvation, but must take it as God's freeunmerited gift: that Jesus says, 'Him that cometh to me I will in nowise cast out. ' All this you know, my son?"

"Yes, mamma dearest, " he sobbed. "Oh, how good it was in him to die thatcruel death that we might live! Yes, I do love him, and he won't beangry with me because I'm almost heartbroken at the thought of having todo without my dear, dear mother, for many years. O mamma, mamma, how canI live without you?"

"It may please the dear Lord Jesus to spare you that trial, my darlingboy, " she said. "I know that he will, if in his infinite wisdom he seesit to be for the best. 

"And we must just trust him, remembering those sweet Bible words, 'Weknow that all things work together for good to them that love God. 'Leave it all with him, my darling, feeling perfectly sure that whateverhe orders will be for the best; that though we may not be able to see itso now, we shall at the last. "

"But, mamma, I must pray that you may be cured and live with us formany, many years. It will not be wrong to ask him for that?"

"No, not if you ask in submission to his will, remembering that no oneof us knows what is really for our highest good. Remember his own prayerin his agony there in the garden of Gethsemane, 'Father, if thou bewilling, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done. '

"He is our example and we must strive to be equally submissive to theFather's will. Remember what the dear Master said to Peter, 'What I dothou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. '"

"Mamma, I will try to be perfectly submissive to his will, even if it isto take you away from me; but oh, I must pray, pray, _pray_ as hard as Ican that it may please him to spare your dear life and let me keep mymother at least till I am grown to be a man. It won't be wrong, mamma?"

"No, my darling boy, I think not--if with it all you can truly, fromyour heart, say, 'thy will, not mine, be done. '"

When Captain Raymond followed his wife and little ones to Ion, he foundthere a distressed household, anxious and sorely troubled over thesuffering and danger of the dearly beloved mother and mistress. Violetmet him on the veranda, her cheeks pale and showing traces of tears, hereyes full of them. 

"My darling!" he exclaimed in surprise and alarm, "what is the matter?"

He clasped her in his arms as he spoke, and dropping her head upon hisshoulder, she sobbed out the story of her mother's suffering and thetrial that awaited her on the morrow. 

His grief and concern were scarcely less than her own, but he tried tospeak words of comfort to both her and the others to whom the lovedinvalid was so inexpressibly dear. To the beloved invalid also when, like the rest, he was accorded a short interview. 

Yet he found to his admiring surprise that she seemed in small need ofsuch service--so calm, so peaceful, so entirely ready for any event wasshe. 

Finding his presence apparently a source of strength and consolation, not only to his young wife, but to all the members of the strickenhousehold, he remained till after tea, but then returned home for thenight, principally for Lulu's sake; not being willing to leave the childalone, or nearly so, in that great house. 

CHAPTER XII. 

The duties of the schoolroom had filled up the rest of the morning forLulu, so occupying her mind that she could give only an occasionalthought to the sad fact that she was in disgrace with her father. 

Then came dinner, which she took in the dining-room, feeling it lonelyenough with the whole family absent; immediately after that a musiclesson filled another hour, and that was followed by an hour of practiceon the piano. 

Then Alma wanted her again, and then, knowing it was what her fatherwould approve, she took her usual exercise about the grounds; afterwhich she prepared her lessons for the next day. 

But all the time her heart was heavy with the consciousness that "papa, dear papa, " was displeased with her, and she felt that there could be nohappiness for her till she had made her peace with him. 

"Oh, " she sighed again and again, "will he never, never come, that I maytell him how sorry and ashamed I am?"

But when tea-time came he was still absent, and that meal also had to betaken alone. 

She did not linger at the table, and on leaving it went into the librarywhere a wood fire blazed cheerfully on the hearth, for the evenings werenow quite cool, and settling herself in an easy-chair listened for thesound of his coming. 

She was too much disturbed, and too anxious to read or work, so satdoing nothing but listen intently for the sound of horses' hoofs orcarriage-wheels on the drive without. 

"Will he punish me?" she was asking herself. "I believe I want him to, for I'm sure I richly deserve it. Oh, there he is! I hear his voice inthe hall!" and her heart beat fast as she sprang up and ran to meet him. 

He was already at the door of the room when she reached it. 

"Papa, " she said humbly, and with her eyes on the carpet, "I--I'm very, very sorry for my naughtiness this morning. I have obeyed you--askedAlma's pardon--and--please, dear papa, won't you forgive me, too?"

"Certainly, dear child, " he said, bending down to press a kiss upon herlips. "I am always ready to forgive my dear children when they tell methey are sorry for having offended, and ready to obey. "

He led her to the easy-chair by the fireside, which she had justvacated, and seating himself therein, drew her to a seat upon his knee. 

"Papa, I'm so sorry, so very sorry for my badness, so ashamed of notbeing obedient to such a dear, kind father, " she said, low andtremulously, blushing painfully as she spoke. "Please, I want you topunish me well for it. "

"Have I not already done so, daughter?" he asked. "I doubt if this hasbeen a happy day to you. "

"Oh, no, indeed, papa! I soon repented of my badness and lookedeverywhere for you to tell you how sorry I was and ask you to forgiveme. But you were gone and so I had to wait, and the day has seemed as ifit would never end, though I've been trying to do everything I thoughtyou would bid me do if you were here. "

"Then I think I need add no further punishment, " he said, softlycaressing her hair and cheek with his hand. 

"But please I want you to, because I deserve it and ought to be made topay for such badness; and I'm afraid if I'm not, I'll just be bad againsoon. "

"Well, daughter, " he replied, "we will leave that question open toconsideration. I see you have books here on the table, and we will nowattend to the recitations. "

Her recitations were quite perfect, and he gave the deserved meed ofpraise, appointed the tasks for the next day, then drawing her to hisknee again, said: "It does not seem to me necessary, daughter, toinflict any further punishment for the wrong-doings of this morning. Youare sorry for them, and do not intend to offend in the same way again?"

"Yes, I am sorry, papa, and I don't mean to behave so any more; still, I'd feel more comfortable, and surer of not being just as bad again in afew days or weeks, if you'd punish me. So please do. "

"Very well, then, I will give you an extra task or two, " he said, takingup her Latin grammar, "I will give you twice the usual lesson in this. Then, not as a punishment, but for your good, I want you to search outall the texts you can find in God's Holy Word about the sinfulness ofanger and pride and the duty of confessing our faults, not only to him, but to those whom we have injured by them. "

Opening the Family Bible which lay on the table close at hand, "Here isone in Proverbs, " he said. "'He that covereth his sins shall notprosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, shall have mercy. "'

Then turning to the New Testament, he read again, "'Therefore, if thoubring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hathaught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thyway; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thygift. '"

"That is in Matthew, " he said, "and here in the Epistle of James, " againturning over the leaves, "we read perhaps the plainest direction of allon the subject, 'Confess your faults one to another, and pray one foranother that ye may be healed. '"

"But, papa----" she paused, hanging her head while a vivid blushsuffused her cheeks. 

"Well, daughter, what is it? Do not be afraid to let me know all yourthoughts. I want you always to talk freely to me, that if you are wrongI may be able to convince you of the right. I want my children to actintelligently, doing right because they see that it is right, and notmerely because papa commands it. "

"Please don't be angry with me, papa, but, it did seem to me a sort ofdegradation to have to ask pardon of a--a woman who has to work for herliving like Alma, " she said with some hesitation, blushing and hangingher head as she spoke. 

"I am very, very sorry to hear such sentiments from a daughter of mine, "he returned in a gravely concerned tone and with a slight sigh. "It iswicked pride, my child, that puts such thoughts in your head. 

"And who can say that there may not come a time when you too will haveto work for your living? The Bible tells us riches certainly take tothemselves wings and fly away. "

Again turning over the leaves, "Here is the passage--twenty-thirdchapter of Proverbs, fourth and fifth verses: 'Labor not to be rich;cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which isnot? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as aneagle toward heaven. '

"And how little are they really worth, while we have them? 'Richesprofit not in the day of wrath, ' we are told in this Holy Book. And itsays a great deal of the folly and sinfulness of pride; particularly inthis book of Proverbs;" turning over the leaves he read here andthere--"'When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but, with the lowly iswisdom. ' 'Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before afall. Better is it to be an humble spirit with the lowly, than to dividethe spoil with the proud. '

"'Proud and haughty scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath. '

"'A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humblein spirit. '

"'The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and theevil way and the forward mouth, do I hate. '"

There was a moment of silence, then Lulu said humbly, tears starting toher eyes as she spoke, "Papa, I did not know--at least I never thoughtabout it--that pride was so wicked. "

"Yes, " he said, "the Bible tells us that everyone proud in heart is anabomination to the Lord, that God resisteth the proud, but giveth graceunto the humble; there is much in the Bible against pride and in favorof humility. We are all sinners, worthy of nothing good at the hands ofGod, and what have we to do with pride?"

"Papa, when I say my prayers to-night I will ask God to take away allthe wicked pride out of my heart; and won't you ask him too?"

"I will, my darling, as I have already, very many times, and I hope youhave not neglected to ask him to forgive your wrong thoughts, feelings, and actions of this morning?"

"I have asked for that, papa, and I will again, " she replied. 

They were silent again for a little while, the captain looking as if histhoughts were far away; Lulu was studying his face with eyes thatpresently filled with tears. 

"Papa, " she said low, and half tremulously, "you look so sad. Is it allbecause you are grieved over my naughtiness?"

"No, daughter, not all; indeed I was hardly thinking of that at themoment, but of the grief, sorrow and anxiety at Ion. "

"What about, papa?" she queried with a startled look. "Oh, I hope thatnothing bad has happened to Gracie or Mamma Vi, or our little ones?"

"No; I am thankful that all is right with them: but dear Grandma Elsieis in a very critical condition; I cannot tell you exactly what ailsher, but she has been suffering very much for months past, keeping it toherself till yesterday, when she told it all to Cousin Arthur, andlearned from him that nothing but a difficult and dangerous surgicaloperation could save her life. 

"That is to be performed to-morrow, and, whether she lives or dies, willrelieve her from the dreadful agony she is enduring; for no one whoknows her can doubt that she is one of God's dear children. Death willbe gain to her, but a sad loss to all of us. "

Before he had finished Lulu's face was hidden on his shoulder and shewas weeping bitterly. 

"O papa, " she sobbed, "I'm so, so sorry for her, dear, dear GrandmaElsie! Isn't she frightened almost to death?"

"No, daughter; she is very calm and peaceful, ready to live or die asGod's will shall be; grieving only for those who love her so dearly andfind it so difficult to be reconciled to the thought of losing her; herefforts are all to comfort them. She has set her house in order andseems quite ready for either life or death. 

"But we will pray--you and I--as the others are praying, that if God'swill be so, she may live and go in and out before us for many years tocome. "

"Yes, papa. Oh, I am glad that we may ask our kind heavenly Father foreverything we want! Poor Mamma Vi! how her heart must ache! and is shegoing to stay on at Ion now, papa?"

"Yes; certainly till her mother is out of danger or forever done withsin and suffering. Gracie and our two little ones will stay too; Gracieamusing the others and keeping them in the grounds, or a part of thehouse so distant from Grandma Elsie's room that their noise will notdisturb her. "

"And you and I will stay on here, papa?"

"Yes; I must be here a good deal of the time to oversee my workmen, andshall want my dear eldest daughter to be my companion and helper invarious ways, for I know she loves to be such to her father, " he added, pressing his lips to her cheek. 

"Indeed I do, papa! Oh, thank you for letting me!" she exclaimed, lifting her head and showing eyes shining through tears. "I'd rather behere with you, than anywhere else, my own dear, dear father!" puttingher arms about his neck and hugging him close. "Only, " she added, "I'dlike to see Gracie and the others for a little bit every once in a whileif I may. "

"Yes, you shall, " he said, returning her embrace. "Perhaps I may be ableto take you over there for a short visit almost every day. And in themeantime we may hope that lessons and the dressmaking will go onprosperously. "

"Are you going to spend your nights here at home, papa?" she asked witha wistful, half pleading look. 

"Yes, dear child; I could not think of leaving you alone; nor would yourMamma Vi wish me to do so while she has both her brother and grandfathernear her, to say nothing of the women, children, and servants; you willhave me close at hand every night and the greater part of the day. "

"Oh, I am so glad and thankful!" she said, with a sigh of relief. "Idon't think I should be exactly afraid, because God would be with me, but it is so delightful to have my dear earthly father too. May I sleepin Gracie'e room to be nearer to you?"

"Yes; and with the door open between it and mine, so that if you wantanything in the night you will only need to call to me and I will go toyou at once. 

"Now if there are any more questions you would like answered, let mehear them. "

"There is something I'd like to say, papa, but I'm--almost afraid. "

"Afraid of what, daughter?" he asked, as she paused in someembarrassment, and with a half pleading look into his eyes. 

"That you might think it saucy and be displeased with me. 

"Do you mean it so, daughter?"

"Oh, no indeed, papa!"

"Then you need not be afraid to let me hear it. "

"Papa, it is only that I--I think if you had talked to me this morning, when you called me to you, about the wickedness of being too proud toask Alma's pardon, and reasoned with me as you did a little while ago, about it all, I--I'd have obeyed you at once; you know you do almostalways show me the reasonableness of your commands before, or when, youlay them upon me. "

"Yes, my child, " he said in a kindly tone, "I have done so as a rule, and should in this instance, but that I was much hurried for time. Thatwill sometimes happen, and you and all my children must always obey mepromptly, whether you can or cannot at the moment see the reasonablenessof the order given. Is your estimation of your father's wisdom and hislove for you so low that you cannot trust him thus far?"

"O papa, forgive me!" she exclaimed, putting her arms about his neck andlaying her cheek to his. "I do hope I'll never, never again hesitate oneminute to obey any order from you; because I know you love me, and thatyou are very wise and would never bid me do anything but what I ought. "

"Certainly never intentionally, daughter; and surely your father, who isso many years older than yourself, should be esteemed by you as somewhatwiser. "

"O papa, I know you are a great, great deal wiser than I, " she saidearnestly. "How ridiculous it seems to think of anybody comparing mywisdom with yours! I know I'm only a silly little girl, and not a goodone either, and it would be a sad thing to have a father no wiser orbetter than myself. "

CHAPTER XIII. 

The morning of that critical day found Grandma Elsie as calm andcheerful as she had been the previous evening, though every other faceamong the older members of the family showed agitation and anxiety. Herdaughters, Elsie and Violet, were with her almost constantly during theearly hours, doing everything in their power to show their devotedaffection and make all things ready for the surgeons and theirassistants; her father and his wife also giving their aid and lovingsympathy, while Edward and Zoe attended to necessary arrangementselsewhere, occasionally snatching a moment to stand beside the dearsufferer and speak words of love and hope. 

Rosie and Walter were allowed one short interview in which they wereclasped in her arms and a few loving, tender words spoken that both sheand they felt might be the last. 

Captain Raymond came a little earlier than the doctor. Lester wasalready there, and each young wife found the presence of her husband acomfort and support while, in an adjoining room, they waited in almostagonizing suspense to hear that the operation was over and what was theresult. 

They were a silent group, every heart going up in strong crying to God, that, if consistent with his holy will, the dear mother might be sparedto them. 

And the united petition was granted; Mrs. Dinsmore presently came tothem, her face radiant with joy and hope. "It is over, " she said;"successfully over, and the doctors say that with the good nursing sheis sure to have she will soon be restored to perfect health. "

The communication was received with tears of joy and thankfulness. 

"It will be strange indeed if she lacks anything the most devoted nursescan do for her, " remarked Mr. Leland. 

"I should think so, with three daughters, two sons, and as manysons-in-law, to say nothing of father and mother, " remarked Violet, witha tearful smile. "Levis, you will spare me to her as long as I amneeded?"

"Certainly, my love, " he replied, without a moment's hesitation; "thereis nothing we could refuse, or grudge to our beloved mother at this, orindeed at any time. "

"O grandma, may we go to her now?" queried Rose and Walter in a breath. 

"I think not yet, dears; she must be kept very, very quiet, " was thegently spoken reply. "I know it would be a joy to both you and her tomeet and exchange a few words, but it might be a risk for her; and Iknow you would far rather deny yourselves the gratification than doanything to increase her suffering; to say nothing of endangering herprecious life. "

"O grandma, neither of us would be willing to do that for the wealth ofthe world!" exclaimed Rosie, with starting tears. 

"No, indeed!" cried Walter. "It is very hard to refrain, but we wouldnot injure our mother for the world; our dear, dear mother!"

"I am sure of it, " said Grandma Rose, smiling kindly upon him. "And now, Walter, would not you and Rosie like to go over to Fairview and carrythe good news to Eva and Gracie? They are there with the little ones, and I know would be very glad to hear that your dear mother is over theworst of her trial. "

"I am going over there for Gracie, Elsie, and Ned, to take them home toWoodburn for a while, " said Captain Raymond, "and if you two would likeit, will take you both with me, leave you there, bring you back here, orcarry you on to Woodburn, as you may prefer. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Rosie. "I will be pleased to go as far asFairview with you, but not on to Woodburn at this time: because I do notfeel at all sure that mamma may not be taken worse. So I shall not staylong away from home. "

Walter's reply was to the same effect, and as the captain's carriage andhorses were already at the door, the three were presently on their wayto Fairview. 

Grace and Evelyn were rejoiced to see them, and having been in greatanxiety about their dear "Grandma Elsie, " felt much relieved by the newsof her which they brought. 

The captain was in some haste to return to Woodburn, and Rosie andWalter, finding they wanted to stay a while with Evelyn and their sisterElsie's children, decided to walk back to Ion; the distance being nonetoo great for either their strength or enjoyment. 

Home and Sister Lu held strong attractions for Grace, Elsie, and Ned, and they were full of delight as papa lifted them into the carriage andtook his seat beside them. 

"Et Ned sit on oo knee, papa, " pleaded the baby, and was at once liftedto the desired place. 

"Papa's dear baby boy, " the captain said, smoothing his curls andsmiling down into the pretty blue eyes. "How glad Sister Lulu will be tosee you and Elsie, and Gracie!"

"And we'll be just as glad to see her, papa, " said Grace. "I know it'snot very long since we came away from our own dear home and Lu, but itdoes seem a long time. "

"Isn't Lu tired doing without us, papa?" asked Elsie. 

"I think she is, " he replied; "at all events I know she will be veryglad to see you. It is nearly dinner-time now, " he added, looking at hiswatch, "so we will go directly home. But this afternoon I will take youall for a nice, long drive, then leave you little ones at Ion and takeLulu home again. "

Lulu had been busy all the morning attending to her studies, herpractice on the piano, the demands of the dressmaker, and taking herusual exercise about the grounds. She was out in them now, watching forthe coming of her father, eager to see him and to hear how it was withdear Grandma Elsie. 

Presently she heard the sound of carriage-wheels on the road, then inanother minute the vehicle turned in at the great gates and came rapidlyup the drive, little Elsie calling out from it, "Lu, Lu, we've come!"

"Have you, Elsie? Oh, I'm so glad!" she called in reply. 

The carriage had stopped, Lulu bounded toward it, and her father, throwing open the door, helped her in. Hugs and kisses and laughterfollowed; so glad were the happy children to meet again after even soshort a separation. 

In another minute the carriage drew up before the entrance to themansion, and the captain and his joyous little troop alighted. Dinnerwas ready to be served, and as soon as hats and other outer garments hadbeen disposed of the merry little party gathered about the table. Mammawas missed but it was very pleasant to all to find themselves there withtheir fond father and each other. Lulu's fears for dear Grandma Elsiehad been much relieved by the report of the success of the surgeons, sothat she was light-hearted and gay as well as the younger ones. 

Immediately after dinner, while the little ones took their accustomedafternoon nap, she recited her lessons, doing so in a manner that drewhearty commendation from her father, who was always glad to be able tobestow it; then, knowing it would be a joy to her to do them, he calledupon her for some of the little services she was accustomed to renderhim. 

These attended to, "Now, daughter, " he said, "you may dress yourselfnicely for a drive. I am going to take you and your little brother andsisters for a pretty long one. Then I will drop them at Ion, and you andI, after a call of a few minutes to hear how Grandma Elsie is, willdrive home together. "

"Oh, how pleasant that will be, papa! How good you always are to everyone of us children!" she exclaimed, giving him an ardent kiss, thenrunning away to do his bidding. 

A merry, happy time the children had, and on reaching Ion the littleones were ready for their supper and bed. The older ones were full ofjoy on learning that their loved Grandma Elsie was as comfortable anddoing as well as possible under the circumstances. The captain and Luluspent a quiet half-hour with the Ion family and Violet, then departedfor Woodburn. 

As the carriage started, the captain put an arm round Lulu, drew herclose to him, and smiling affectionately down into her face, said: "Howglad I am to be able to keep one of my loved flock with me!"

"And oh, how glad I am that I'm the one, you dear, dear papa!" respondedthe little girl, returning his loving look and smile. Then, with a sigh, "I think there are some fathers who wouldn't be very fond of even theirown child, if she were so often ill-tempered and disobedient. Papa, I'vebeen thinking all day that you didn't punish me half so severely as Ideserved for my naughtiness yesterday. "

"I would rather err on that side than the other, daughter, " he said, intender tones, "and I hope your future behavior will be such as to provethat the slight punishment inflicted was all-sufficient. "

"I hope so, indeed, papa, " she answered earnestly, "but if I amdisobedient and ill-tempered again soon, you will be more severe withme, won't you? I really want you to, that I may improve. "

"Yes, daughter, I think I must, " he replied a little sadly; then after amoment's silence went on again: "I expect to pay a little visit to Maxin January, and if my eldest daughter has been a good and obedientchild----" He paused, looking smilingly at her. 

"You will take me with you, papa?" she cried half-breathlessly. "Oh, howI should like it! Ah, I do hope I shall not be so bad that you will haveto leave me behind. "

"No, I hope not. I want to take you; to share the pleasure of my deareldest daughter will double it to me, and if neither bad conduct on yourpart, nor anything else happens to prevent, you shall go with me. "

"Oh, thank you, dear papa!" she exclaimed, her cheeks glowing and hereyes sparkling with delight, "you are so good to me that I just hatemyself for ever doing anything to vex or grieve you. "

"My dear child, " he said with emotion, "be more watchful, careful, andprayerful; fight more earnestly and determinately the good fight offaith, ever looking to God for help, for only so may you hope to gainthe victory at last, and to be able to say, 'in all these things we aremore than conquerors through him that loved us. '"

"I will try, papa, " she said, tears starting to her eyes, "but oh, itis such a hard fight for anybody with a temper like mine. Please help meall you can by praying for me, and punishing me too, whenever you seethat I need it. "

"I will do all I can for you, my darling, in every way, " he replied, "but as I have often told you, the hardest part of the conflict mustinevitably be your own. 

"Cling close to Jesus, and cry to him every day and every hour for help, for only by his all-powerful assistance can we hope to win holiness andheaven at last. "

"I will try, papa, I will indeed, " she said. "I am, oh, so glad andthankful that he will let me cling to him and that he promises his helpto those who ask him for it. "

"Yes, he says, 'In me is thine help, ' and having his help what can harmus? since he is the Lord who made heaven and earth. "

Again a few moments of silence; then Lulu said, "Papa, you have oftentold me I inherit my temper from you, and though I could never believeit if anybody else had told me, I have to believe you because I know youalways speak the truth; but how did you ever conquer it so completely?"

"By determined effort, at the same time looking to God for help, " hereplied; "and only by the same means can I even now keep it undercontrol. "

"And you think I can learn to control mine if I use the same means?"

"I do; God, our kind heavenly Father, is as able and as willing to helpyou as me. "

"Yes, " she said thoughtfully, "and if I don't choose to try hard enough, at the same time praying earnestly for help, I deserve to be punished bymy earthly father; and I do really hope he always will punish me till hehas taught me to be as patient and self-controlled as he is, " she added, nestling closer to him and slipping a hand into his. "Papa, I oftenwonder why I wasn't made as patient and sweet-tempered as Gracie. Shedoesn't seem to have any temper at all to fight. "

"No; but she has her own peculiar temptations, of some of which yourfirmer, braver nature knows nothing; and each must battle with her ownfaults and failings, looking to God for help in the hard struggle. ToGod, who, the Bible tells us, 'will not suffer you to be tempted abovethat ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escapethat ye may be able to bear it. '"

"It is a precious promise, papa, " she said, with thoughtful look andtone, "and I am glad you reminded me of it. It makes me feel lessdiscouraged about trying to conquer my besetting sins. "

"In the first chapter of Joshua, " replied her father, "the Lord says tohim three times, 'Be strong and of a good courage, ' the last timeadding, 'be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy Godis with thee whithersoever thou goest. ' And that blessed assurance ofthe constant, sustaining presence of our God, each one of his childrenmay take to him or herself. "

"What a comfort, papa!" she exclaimed. "Oh, the Bible is such ablessing! I do feel sorry for all the people who have none. "

"Yes, " he responded, "they are greatly to be pitied, and those who havedared to take it from others will have much to answer for in the day ofjudgment; as will those also who, having it themselves, make no effortto supply it to such as have it not. 

"Ah, here we are at our own home!" he added, as the carriage drew upbefore the entrance. 

"And such a sweet home as it is!" she responded, as he threw open thedoor, sprang out, and took her in his arms. 

"Yes, " he said, "so I think, and am glad my little girl appreciates it. There, " setting her on her feet, "run in, daughter, and make yourselfready for the tea-table. "

She obeyed and presently they two were seated cozily at a little roundtable in the family breakfast-room, greatly enjoying their tea, broiledchicken, and waffles. 

"Papa, " remarked Lulu, as she poured out his second cup, "I'm sorry foryou that you have only me for company, but I do enjoy being--once in awhile--all the family you have at home. "

"Do you?" he returned, with a good-humored little laugh. "Well, I amglad to have you contented and happy; and I can't deny that I shouldfeel very lonely here to-night without the pleasant companionship of mydear eldest daughter. What do you want to do this evening? how shall wespend our time alone together?

"I have my lessons to learn, you know, papa. "

"Ah, yes; and I must write some letters. And after that perhaps you mayfind a bit of sewing to do, while your father reads aloud something thatwill be both interesting and instructive to his dear little girl. "

"Yes, sir; I have some work on hand for our Dorcas Society, and though Irather dislike sewing, I shall not mind doing it while listening to yourreading, " she answered, smiling brightly up into his face. 

"Ah! then that is what we will do, " he said, returning her smile. 

"Well, daughter, has it been a pleasant evening to you?" he asked, whenthe time had come for the good-nights to be said. 

"Indeed it has, papa, " she replied, giving him an ardent hug. "Oh, I amso glad you didn't let me go to Ion with the others, but kept me at homewith you. I do hope that I'll remember after this that you always knowand do the very best thing for me, and that I'll never, never growill-tempered and rebellious, as I was yesterday. "

"You think you can trust your father after this, even without being toldhis reasons for all he does and requires?"

"I hope so, papa, and indeed, indeed I'm very much ashamed of myrebellious feelings and don't intend to indulge in them any more!" sheadded, with a remorseful look up into his face. 

"Try to keep that resolution, dear child, " he said. "Now good-night andpleasant dreams. May he who neither slumbers nor sleeps have you in hiskind care and keeping. But if you want your earthly father, you haveonly to call out or run to him. "

CHAPTER XIV. 

Lulu's first thought on awaking the next morning was of dear GrandmaElsie. "I wonder, " she said to herself, "if papa has not been askingnews of her through the telephone; oh, I hope she is getting well!"

Hurrying through the duties of the toilet, she was ready to run to meether father when presently she heard his steps in the hall without. 

"Good-morning, papa, " she cried. "Oh, have you heard from Ion howGrandma Elsie passed the night?"

"Yes, " he said, bending down to give her a good-morning kiss, "shepassed a very comfortable night; is thought to be doing as well aspossible. Mamma Vi and our little ones are all right also; I have justhad a talk with your mamma, through the telephone. "

"Oh, I am glad! How nice it is that we can talk in that way to the folksat Ion and the other places where Mamma Vi's relations live!"

"Yes; a telephone is really a blessing under such circumstances. I ammuch more reconciled to being at some short distance from my wife andlittle ones than I could be if without such means of communication. "

They went down to the library together and seating himself he drew herto his knee, saying pleasantly, "You are the youngest child at home withme, and I think I must have you here. I hope you will never thinkyourself too old to sometimes sit on your father's knee. "

"No, papa, I'm sure I never shall while you are willing to let me, " shereplied, putting an arm round his neck and gazing lovingly into hiseyes. 

They chatted for a few minutes, then the breakfast bell rang, andpresently they were again seated at the little round table from whichthey had eaten last night's supper, Lulu pouring the coffee with a verygrown-up air, while her father filled her plate and his own with thetempting viands. 

"What a lovely, delightful home we have, papa!" she remarked, as shehanded him his cup. "I do really think that with such a father and sucha home I ought to be the best girl in the world; and I do mean to try tobe. "

"I have no doubt you do, daughter, and I have seldom had occasion tofind serious fault with you in the last year or more, so that I am by nomeans in despair of seeing you gain control of that troublesome temperwhich has caused so much unhappiness to both you and me. "

"Oh, thank you for saying it, papa!" she returned, with a bright andjoyous smile. "I'm determined to try my very best to be as good aspossible, both to please you and to earn that visit to Annapolis thatyou spoke of last night. I think it will be very delightful; and howpleased Max will be to see us; especially you. "

"I think he will. Ah, here comes the mail-bag!" as a servant enteredwith it. 

"Oh, I hope there's a letter from Max, " Lulu said, as her father openedthe bag and took out the contents--papers, magazines, and letters. 

"Yes, here is one from our dear boy, " he said, singling out a letter andhastily tearing it open. 

He read it first to himself, then aloud to her--a bright, cheery, boyish, affectionate epistle such as they were accustomed to receivefrom Max's pen. 

They talked it over together while they finished their breakfast, thenreturned to the library where, as usual, Christine, Alma, and theservants being called in, the captain led the family devotions, readinga portion of the Scripture and engaging in prayer. 

"Are you going immediately to Ion, papa?" asked Lulu, when again theywere alone together. 

"No, " he replied; "I have some matters to attend to here while you arepreparing your lessons. After hearing them, if your recitations andconduct have been satisfactory, I intend taking you with me to thevillage, where I have to make some business arrangements; then we willdrive to Ion, spend a little time there, then come home, probablybringing your little sisters and brother with us as we did the otherday, returning them as before to your Mamma Vi, just in time for supperand bed, and coming home alone together. "

"Oh, I like that, papa!" she exclaimed, "and is it what you intend doingevery day?"

"Every day while your Grandma Elsie is so ill that the noise mightdisturb her; unless the weather should be quite too inclement, I thinkit will be a relief to your Mamma Vi to have them here a good deal ofthe time, till her mother is better. 

"I suppose so, papa; and at the same time very pleasant for us--they aresuch darlings!"

"So you and I think, " he said, with a smile. "Now go to your lessons, daughter. "

At Ion Grandma Elsie lay quietly sleeping, her three daughters watchingover her with tenderest care and solicitude. Scarce a sound was to beheard, either within doors or without, save the distant lowing ofcattle, the twittering of birds, and the gentle sighing of the wind inthe treetops; family and servants moved with cautious tread, speakingseldom, and that with bated breath, lest they should disturb her who wasso dear to all hearts. 

To Walter it seemed very hard to be shut out of mamma's room, and he saton the veranda watching for the coming of Cousin Arthur, to petition foradmittance, if only for a moment, just to look at her and come awayagain. 

Cousin Arthur had been with her through the night, had gone away earlyin the morning and was expected back again soon. 

The half hour spent in watching and waiting seemed very long indeed tothe little lad, but at last, oh joy! there was Cousin Arthur's sulkyturning in at the great gates; then it came swiftly up the avenue, andWalter rose and hastened to meet the doctor as he alighted. 

"O Cousin Arthur!" he cried, but in subdued tones, "they've shut me outof mamma's room and I just don't know how to stand it any longer. Mayn'tI go in, if it's only for a minute, to get one look at her dear face? Iwon't speak to her or touch her if you say I must not, but oh, I don'tknow how to endure being kept away from her altogether. "

The little fellow's tones were tremulous, and his eyes filled with tearsas he spoke. 

Dr. Conly felt for the child, and laying a hand kindly on his head, saidcheerfully, "Don't be down-hearted, my boy, your mother will be wellenough in a few days, I hope, to stand quite an interview with heryoungest son, and perhaps it may do for you to go in for a moment thismorning; you may come upstairs with me and wait in the hall till I seehow she is. If I find her well enough to stand a peep from her boy, youshall go in for a minute, provided you will promise to be cheerful andnot to speak unless you have the doctor's permission. "

"Oh, I'll promise to do anything you bid me, if you'll only let me seeher, " returned Walter in eager tones, then followed the doctor withnoiseless tread through the hall and up the broad stairway. 

Reaching his mother's door, he paused and waited outside while thedoctor went quietly in. 

His patient seemed to be asleep, but opened her eyes and smiled up intohis face as he reached the bedside. 

"Dear cousin, " he said, low and tenderly, "are you feeling quite easynow?"

"Quite so, " she answered in low, sweet tones; "all is going right, Ithink. Is it not?"

"Yes, so it would seem. You are the best of patients, and with theabundance of good nursing you are sure to have, I think we will soonhave you about again. But, " glancing around upon her three daughters, "she must be kept very quiet, neither talking nor being talked to muchmore than is absolutely necessary. 

"However, I am going to allow Walter a moment's sight of his mother, andas he is your baby boy, you may, if you choose, speak half a dozen wordsto him, " he added, addressing himself directly to the patient. 

Then stepping to the door, he beckoned to Walter, and led him to theside of the bed. 

"There, laddie, you may tell her how dearly you love her, but nothingmore. "

"Mamma, dear, darling mamma! I couldn't begin to tell it!" Walter said, low and tremulously, just touching his lips to her cheek. 

"Mother's darling boy!" was all she said in response, but the eyeslooking into his spoke volumes of mother-love. 

"Don't cry, Walter, my man, " his cousin said, as he led him out to thehall again; "you have behaved so well that I think you may be allowedanother interview to-morrow; and I hope you will see your mother up andabout again in perhaps a fortnight from this. You must pray for herhealing to the Great Physician, as we all are doing: and pray in faith, for you know the Bible tells us he is the hearer and answerer ofprayer. "

"Oh, I will! I do!" sobbed the child, "and I'm so glad there are so manyothers asking for her too, because the Bible says Jesus promised thathis Father would grant what two or three agreed together to ask for. "

"Yes; pray for your mother, believe God's promises, and be happy in theexpectation that she will get well; and with a mind at rest interestyourself in your studies and sports. That's my prescription for you, mylad; now go and take it like a good boy, " added the doctor, with asmile, as he turned and re-entered the sick-room. 

"A funny prescription, and not so bad to take, " laughed Walter tohimself, as he wiped away his tears and hastened to the schoolroom toattend to his lessons. 

"Nobody here but myself, " he sighed, as he crossed the threshold. "It'srather lonesome, but I'll do the best I can. It's what mamma wouldadvise. "

CHAPTER XV. 

Grace had gone over to Fairview with her little brother and sister, accompanied by their nurse, Mamma Vi having told her she might learn herlessons there, and if Evelyn cared to hear her recite, that would answervery well. 

Evelyn was entirely willing, and they had just finished a few minutesbefore the carriage from Woodburn came driving up the avenue, bringingGrace's father and sister Lulu. 

They had already paid a call at Ion, and now had come to make a shortone at Fairview, and pick up Gracie, little Elsie, and Ned. 

"Papa, papa!" shouted the two little ones, running to meet him as hecame up the steps into the veranda, and holding up their faces for akiss. 

"Papa's darlings!" he responded, taking them in his arms to caress andfondle them, then letting them go to give Gracie her turn. 

"Is my feeble little girl quite well this morning?" he asked, in tendertones. 

"Yes, papa, thank you, " she replied, giving him a vigorous hug, "and oh, so glad to see you! Have you come to take us--Elsie and Ned andme--home for a while again?"

"I have, " he said, returning her hug. "I can't have your mamma atpresent, as her mother needs her, but my dear babies I need not dowithout. "

"Am I one of them, papa?" asked Gracie, with a smile. "I'm almosteleven; but I don't mind being one of your babies, if you like to callme that. " His only reply was a smile and a loving pat on her cheek, forthe two little ones were tugging at his coat and coaxing for a drive. 

"Why, Elsie and Ned, you haven't kissed me yet, " said Lulu. "Gracie andEva did while you were exchanging hugs and kisses with papa, and I thinkit's my turn now. "

"So it is! I love you, Lu, " cried Elsie, leaving her father for a momentto throw her arms round Lulu's neck in a hearty and loving embrace; Nedquickly followed suit, then running to his father again, renewed hisrequest for a drive in the carriage. 

"Yes, my son, you shall have it presently, " said the captain; then heproposed to Evelyn that she and her two little cousins should join theparty for a short drive in another direction, before he would take hisown children home to Woodburn. 

His invitation was joyfully accepted and in a few minutes they had allcrowded into the captain's carriage and were driving down the avenue. 

The little ones were very merry, and the captain did not check theirmirth. He was, in fact, in very good spirits himself, because thus farGrandma Elsie's cure had progressed so favorably. It continued to do sofrom that time till in two weeks she was able to be up and about a partof every day, and Violet returned to Woodburn, though daily, when theweather permitted, she drove over to Ion and spent an hour or more withher mother. 

Quite frequently the captain drove her over himself, and leaving herthere, went on into the village to attend to some business matter, calling for her on his return. 

On one of these occasions, going into the parlor he found there hiswife, her mother, eldest sister and grandparents in earnest conversationwith the doctor. 

When the customary greetings had been exchanged, Grandma Elsie said tohim, with a smile, "Captain, these good people seem to have leaguedtogether to send, or to take me, to Viamede to spend the winter, CousinArthur having given it as his opinion that a warmer climate than thiswould probably be of benefit just at this time. "

"In which I presume he is quite right, mother, " returned the captain. "And surely there is no difficulty in the way?"

"Nothing insurmountable, " she replied. 

"But we want some one to go on in advance and see that everything is inorder for mamma's comfort, " said Violet, giving her husband a look thatwas half entreating, half one of confident assurance that he would denynothing to her or her loved mother which it was at all in his power tobestow. 

"That, I think, would certainly be the better plan, " he returnedpleasantly, "and if no one more competent than myself is to be had andit suits my wife to accompany me, my services may be considered asoffered. "

Hearty thanks were at once bestowed upon him by all present. 

But he disclaimed all title to them, saying, "I now have everything inorder at Woodburn, so that I may feel quite easy in leaving it for evena protracted stay; and to get a view of Viamede will be a new anddoubtless very pleasant experience to me, with wife and little onesalong; my daughters can go on with their studies under my tuition, thereas well as at home, and my intended visit to Max can be paid beforestarting for the far South. I only fear, " he added, with a pleasantglance at Mrs. Leland, "that I may be offering to take upon myself aduty which is much to the taste of one of my brothers-in-law and mightbe better performed by one or both of them. 

"No, captain, " replied Mrs. Leland, "you need have no such fear, asneither of them is just now in a position to leave home, unless it werequite necessary for dear mamma's comfort. "

"Then we will consider it settled that Violet and I are to go, " said thecaptain, turning to her with his pleasant smile. "How soon can you beready, my dear?"

"By the first of next week if my husband wishes to start by that time, "returned Violet gayly. "Oh, I am quite delighted at the prospect ofseeing again that one of our sweet homes, and especially of doing so incompany with you, Levis. "

The captain considered a moment. "I would not like to disappoint Max, "he said. "I think I must visit him next Saturday--as I shall notprobably be able to see him again before next spring. But I will makenecessary arrangements beforehand and I think we may leave for the Southby Wednesday morning of next week, if that will suit you, my dear?"

"Entirely, " she said; "it will give me just about time enough to geteverything ready without hurry or confusion. "

So it was settled, everybody seeming well satisfied with thearrangement. 

A little more time was spent in discussing plans, then the captain andViolet bade good-by and set out on their return home. 

"You are well pleased with the prospect of this visit to Viamede, Violet, my dear?" the captain said, as they drove rapidly along thefamiliar road. 

"Oh, yes, indeed, " she answered brightly; "Viamede is so lovely, a sortof earthly paradise I have always thought, and I am really delighted atthe thought of showing it to you. Ah, I am quite sure, having your dearsociety there, I shall enjoy it more than ever!"

"Thank you, dearest, " was his smiling response. "I am certainly pleasedwith the prospect of seeing that earthly paradise, particularly with youto share my enjoyment. And how pleased Lulu and Gracie will be, for Ihave often heard them speak of Viamede as even lovelier than Woodburn, which they evidently esteem a very delightful and lovely home. "

"As it assuredly is, my dear, " was Violet's smiling rejoinder. "I couldnot ask a lovelier, happier home than that which my husband--the verybest and dearest of husbands--has provided for me. Oh, I often askmyself, 'Is there anybody else in all the wide world who has so much tobe thankful for as I?'"

"Ah, that fortunate mortal is surely he who sits by your side at thismoment, my darling, " he answered in moved tones, taking her hand in hisand pressing it affectionately. 

But the carriage was turning in at the Woodburn gates and presently theglad shout of little voices was borne to their ears on the eveningbreeze. "There it is! Papa and mamma have come home!"

A joyously tumultuous greeting followed, the little flock gatheringabout them as they alighted, talking, laughing, dancing around them, claiming their attention and their caresses. 

Elsie and Ned pleaded for a ride, and Grace and Lulu seemed not averseto sharing it. So there was a hasty bundling up in capes and hoods, cloaks and shawls, papa piled them in, followed them, taking Ned on hisknee, and away they went for a mile or more down the road, then backagain, and were presently taking off their outdoor garments in the hall, mamma helping the little ones. 

Then all gathered about the tea-table with appetites that madeeverything taste very good indeed. Elsie and Ned were too busy to talkmuch, but Lulu and Grace were unusually gay and mirthful, and theirfather indulged them in more than usual chat and laughter that wereneither rude nor boisterous. 

Neither he nor Violet said anything of the new plans for the winter tillthe babies had had their evening romp and been taken away to bed. Violet, as usual, went with them, and the captain was left alone withLulu and Grace. 

They were hanging lovingly about him as was their custom on suchoccasions, and he drew one to each knee, saying in low, tender tones, "My darlings! my precious little daughters! How rich I feel in thepossession of my five dear children!"

"And how rich we feel with our dear, dear father! to say nothing of ourdear, sweet Mamma Vi and the two darling babies!" responded Lulu, putting her arm about his neck and her lips to his. 

"Yes; and our dear big brother Maxie, " added Grace. 

"Yes, I was just going to mention him, " said Lulu. "I am both very fondand very proud of Max. I wouldn't swap him for any other body's brotherthat ever I saw; no not even for all the nice brothers that Rosie has. "

"Neither would I, " said Grace, "though I'm fond of them all. "

"Papa, when is it that we are going to see Max?" queried Lulu. "Sometime in January I know you said, but will it be to spend New Year's withhim?"

"No; wouldn't you like to go sooner than that?" he asked, stroking herhair and looking down lovingly, smilingly into her eyes. 

"Oh, yes, indeed, papa! if it suits you to go and to take me, " sheanswered eagerly. "It seems now a long, long while that I have beenseparated from Max, and the sooner I may go to see him the better. Buthave you changed your plans about it?"

"Yes, " he replied. "I have something to tell you both which will showyou why, and also prove pleasant news to you, I think. "

Then he proceeded to tell them of the plans laid that afternoon at Ion, and which made it necessary that, if he went to see Max at all thatwinter, he must do so before the end of the week already begun. 

His news that their winter was to be spent at Viamede was hailed withdelight by both the little girls. 

"I am so glad!" cried Grace, clapping her hands and smiling all over herface. 

"I, too, " exclaimed Lulu. "Viamede is so, _so_ beautiful, and to haveyou there with us, you dear papa, will make us--me any way--enjoy it atleast twice as much as I did before. "

"Me too, " said Grace; "the happiest place for me is always where my owndear father is with me, " hugging him tight and kissing him again andagain. 

"My darling! my precious darlings!" the captain said in response andcaressing them in turn. 

"I'm so sorry for poor Maxie, " remarked Grace presently, "that he can'tsee you every day, papa, as we do, and be kissed and hugged as we are;and that he can't go to Viamede with the rest of us. " She finished witha heavy sigh. 

"Yes, " her father said, "I am sorry for him, and for ourselves, that heis not to be with us. But my dear boy is happy where he is, and I in thethought that he is preparing himself to do good service to our country;to be a valuable and useful citizen. "

"And we are all ever so proud of him--our dear Maxie; but I'm glad I amnot a boy. Women can be very useful in the world too, can't they, papa?"

"Yes; yes, indeed, my darlings; the world couldn't go on without women, any more than without men; both are necessary, and the one sex to be asmuch honored as the other, and I hope and trust my daughters will allgrow up to be noble, true-hearted, useful women, always trying to doearnestly and faithfully the work God has given them to do. "

"I hope so, indeed, papa!" responded Lulu in an earnest, thoughtfultone; "if I know my own heart I do want to be a very useful woman whenI'm grown up--a useful girl now--serving God with all my might; but oh, I do so easily forget and go wrong!"

"Yet I can see very plainly that my dear little girl is improving, " herfather said, softly smoothing her hair with his hand, "and I'm sure--forthe Bible tells us so--that if you fight on, looking to God for help, you will come off conqueror and more than conqueror in the end. "

"Yes, papa; oh, I am so glad the Bible says that!"

There was a moment's silence; then Grace said, with a sigh and a voicefull of tears, "Oh, I do so wish I could see Maxie before we go so faraway from him! Papa, wouldn't they let him come home for just a littlewhile?"

"No, daughter; but how would you like to go with Lulu and me to pay hima little visit?"

"O papa! so much if--if you think I won't be too tired to go on toViamede so soon afterward. "

"I really think you could stand the two journeys, coming so neartogether, now that you are so much stronger than you used to be; and asyou can lie and rest in the cars, and we go by water from New Orleans. Don't you feel as if you could?"

"Oh, yes, papa, I feel almost sure I could!" she cried joyously. 

"Then we will try it, " he said, fondling her; "you will have no packingto do--I am sure Mamma Vi and Lulu will be pleased to attend to all thatfor you--and the journey to Annapolis is not a very long or fatiguingone. So, should nothing happen to prevent, you shall make one of ourlittle party to visit Max. "

Grace's eyes shone with pleasure and Lulu exclaimed delightedly, "Oh, Iam so glad, Gracie! It will double my pleasure to have you along; andyou needn't worry one bit about your packing of clothes or playthings, for I'm sure I can see to it all with Christine or Alma to help me; oreven if I should have to do it all myself. "

"Oh, thank you, Lu!" exclaimed Grace, "you are just the very best sisterthat ever I saw! Isn't she, papa?"

"I think her a very good and kind sister, and it makes me a proud andhappy father to be able to give her that commendation, " he answered, with a loving look down into the eyes of his eldest daughter. 

Just then Violet re-entered the room and a merry, happy hour followed, while plans and prospects were under discussion. 

"Won't you excuse Gracie and me from lessons the rest of the time beforewe start for Viamede, papa?" asked Lulu coaxingly. 

"No, daughter, " replied the captain, in a pleasant tone; "there is verylittle either of you will be called upon to do in regard to thepreparations for our southward flitting, so no occasion for you to misslessons for so many days. Of course you cannot study on the boats andcars, at least I shall not ask it of you, and when we get to Viamedeyou will be glad of a little holiday to rest and run about, seeingeverything that is to be seen; and all that will cause quite sufficientloss of time from your lessons. "

"Oh, dear, " sighed Lulu, "I think it must be ever so nice to be grown upand not have any lessons to learn. "

"Ah, Lu, " laughed Violet, "I am not so sure that grown up folks have nolessons to learn; in fact I begin to have an idea that their lessons arenot seldom more trying and wearisome than those of the children. "

"Yes, Mamma Vi, " responded Lulu, with a blush, "and I'm sorry andashamed of my grumbling. Papa, I'm just determined I will be good and docheerfully whatever you bid me; I have always, always found your way thevery best in the end. "

"Why, yes, Lu; of course papa always knows far better than we do what isbest for us, " said Grace, leaning lovingly up against him and smiling upinto his face. 

"Papa is very happy in having such loving, trustful little daughters, "he said, passing his hand caressingly over Gracie's golden curls. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

It was a most joyful surprise to Max when, on the following Saturday, his father and sisters walked in upon him, as he left the dinner tablefull of life and pleasure at the thought of the half holiday that hadjust begun. 

His standing and conduct had been such that he was entitled to leave, and to be able to spend it with these dear ones was most delightful. 

A carriage had brought the captain and his little girls to the door, andthey--father and children--took a long drive together, during which thetongues of Max and Lulu ran very fast. 

She and Gracie thoroughly enjoyed Max's surprise on learning of theplans for the winter, so soon to be carried out. 

At first he seemed to feel rather badly at the thought that they wouldall be so far away from him; but he presently got over that, as hisfather spoke of the letters he would receive from Viamede every day, andhow quickly the winter would pass and all be coming home again, some ofthem--certainly himself--making haste to pay a visit to the Academy tosee their young cadet and learn what progress he was making inpreparing for future duty in the naval service of his country. 

At that Max's face brightened and he said heartily, "And I shall try mybest to have as good a report as possible ready for you, papa, that youmay be proud and happy in your first-born son. Ah, the thought of thatdoes help me to study hard and try very, very earnestly to keep rules, so that I may be an honor, and not a disgrace to the best of fathers. "

"Yes, I am sure of it, my dear boy, " the captain replied, laying hishand on the lad's shoulder, while the light of fatherly love and prideshone in his eyes; "I haven't a doubt that it is one of my son'sgreatest pleasures to make himself the joy and pride of his father'sheart. "

They drove back to the Academy just in time for Max to be ready toreport himself at evening roll-call, according to the rules, with whichno one was better acquainted than the captain. 

He and the little girls were to start on their return journey thatevening, and good-by was said at the Academy door. 

A very hard one it seemed to the little girls, hardly less so to Max andhis father. The captain and his daughters went by boat, as lessfatiguing for Grace, and reached home on Monday. 

The next day was a busy one to all, and Wednesday noon saw them on thecars, bound for New Orleans. 

A day and night were spent in the city, then they took the steamer forBerwick Bay. 

The morning was clear and bright and the captain, Violet, and thechildren all sat upon deck, greatly enjoying the breeze and the dancingof the waves in the sunlight, as the vessel cleared its port and steamedout into the gulf. 

"Oh, it is so pleasant here!" exclaimed Grace; "just like summer. Andsee the beautiful rainbow in the water that the wheel throws up!"

"Oh, yes; so pretty, oh, so pretty!" cried little Elsie, clapping herhands in delight. 

"Oh, so pitty!" echoed baby Ned. 

"Take care, little ones; I fear you may fall overboard, " warned thecaptain. "Come and sit on papa's knee, and perhaps mamma will kindlytell us of all the lovely things we will see at Viamede. "

They obeyed and were charmed with mamma's story of what she had done andseen at Viamede when she was a little girl, and of dear grandma beingonce a baby girl in the very same house, and how dearly all the oldservants loved her, and how they mourned when she was taken away to livewith her grandpa at Roseland. 

The babies and even the older folks, not excepting papa himself, seemeddeeply interested, and more delighted than before that they were so soonto see Viamede. 

At length Ned fell asleep, Elsie presently followed his example, andolder people were left to the quiet enjoyment of the lovely scenesthrough which they were passing; for they had now entered Teche Bayou, and from that pressed on, threading the way through lake and lakelet, past plantation and swamp, plain and forest, coming upon cool, shadydells carpeted with a rich growth of velvety grass, and flowers ofvaried hue, and shaded by magnificent trees, oaks and magnolias; whileamid groves of orange trees they could see lordly villas, tall whitesugar-houses and rows of cabins where the negro laborers dwelt. 

"A beautiful, beautiful country, " remarked the captain, breaking aprolonged silence. 

"Quite up to your expectations, my dear?" queried Violet, glancing up athim, her eyes shining with pleasure. 

"I believe it rather exceeds them, " he replied, "it is very, verylovely! an earthly paradise, so far as beauty can make it such. "

"Papa, do you suppose you will know which is Viamede when you see it?"queried Lulu. 

"I very much doubt it, daughter, " he answered. 

"Yes, sir; there it is, just coming into sight; the sugar-house, atleast, and yonder, a little beyond, is the great orange orchard. "

"And it's just beautiful!" cried Grace. "See, papa, the orange trees, with their beautiful, glossy leaves and ripe and green fruit, andflowers all on them at once. "

"And presently we will come to the beautiful lawn, with its giant oaks, magnolia trees, velvety grass and lovely flowers, " exclaimed Lulu. "Oh, I am so much obliged to dear Grandma Elsie, for inviting us all to spendthe winter here again!"

"Yes, it was very kind, " her father said, "and I hope my children willdo nothing to mar the peace of the household, and so distress Mamma Vi'sdear mother. "

"I do intend to be a very good girl, papa, and if I begin to be theleast bit bad, I do hope you'll stop it at once by punishing me well andmaking me behave myself, " Lulu said, in a low, earnest tone, speakingclose to his ear. 

"Dear child, " he returned, in the same low key in which she had spoken, "I have not the least doubt that you intend to be and do all I could askor wish. "

There was no time for anything more just then, for, as they were nearingtheir destination, baggage must be seen to and satchels and parcelsgathered up. 

Presently the boat rounded to at the wharf and in another minutegreetings and embraces were being exchanged with the cousins, who, having been duly informed of the intended arrival, were gathered thereto give a cordial and delighted welcome to Violet, her husband, andchildren. 

There were servants also, some few of the old and some new ones, eachand all eager for a handshake and a few words of greeting from "MissWi'let and the cap'en and dere chillens, " in which they were notdisappointed. 

In a few moments the baggage had been landed and was being taken to thehouse, while ladies, gentlemen, and children followed, the newly arrivedgazing, delighted, about upon the beauties of the place, the othersasking many questions concerning Grandma Elsie and those of her familyleft behind--how they were in health, and when they would come toViamede. 

"You will find the house in very tolerable order, I think, Vi, " remarkedMrs. Keith, "though doubtless many little repairs and improvementsneeded, that Cousin Elsie may find everything in order when she comes. It was a good idea to get you and the captain to come a little inadvance of the older folk and have everything in order for theirreception. "

"I think so, " Violet said with a smile, "and that no better person thanmy honored husband could have been found to undertake that task. "

"No more trustworthy one, I am sure, judging from his looks, " returnedIsa. "I am delighted with his appearance, Vi; he is as noble-looking aman as ever I saw. "

Violet flushed with pleasure. "And he is all that he appears to be, Isa, " she said; "the better he is known the more highly is he esteemed. "

A bountiful supper had been prepared for the travelers, and the othersstayed and partook with them, but soon after leaving the table badegood-night and went to their own homes. 

Then Violet took her sleepy little ones upstairs to see them to bed, leaving the captain, Lulu, and Grace on the veranda. 

As usual, the two were hanging lovingly about their father, he seemingto enjoy it as much as they. 

It was a beautiful moonlight night, warm, and sweet with the breath offlowers; away in the distance, beyond the wide-spreading lawn, theycould see the waters of the bayou glittering in the moonbeams, and thesoft plash of oars came pleasantly to their ears. 

"Oh, isn't it just lovely, here!" exclaimed Lulu, breaking a momentarysilence. "Papa, did I exaggerate in telling you of the beauties of theplace?"

"No, I think not, " he replied; "it is certainly very lovely, and I hopewe are going to have a happy winter here. "

"I'm sure we will; I'm happy anywhere with you, my dear, dear papa, "said Grace, putting an arm round his neck and pressing her lips to hischeek. 

"So am I, " said Lulu, "unless I have been doing wrong, and papa isdispleased with me. Oh, I do mean to try my very hardest to be good! andI'm sure it will be ever so much easier with you for my tutor, dearpapa, than it was before, going to that horrid school and having to takemusic lessons from that Signor Foresti, who was so ill-tempered andstruck me, when I was trying as hard as I could to play my piece justright. "

"Yes, daughter, I think it will be easier for you with the tutor wholoves you and is loved by you, " assented the captain, drawing her into aclose, loving embrace. "We must see if a music teacher is to be hadhere, but certainly will not try Signor Foresti again. "

"Oh, I am glad to hear you say that, papa! though I never thought youwould send me back to him again. I am, oh, so glad I belong to youinstead of to--anybody else. "

"So am I, " he responded, with a happy little laugh. 

"And that I do too, papa?" asked Grace, in a half-pleading tone. 

"Yes, yes, my own darling, " he said, addressing her with greattenderness. "You are no less dear than your sister. "

"How good in you, papa! for I'm not half so bright or pretty as Lu, " shesaid, patting his cheek with her small white hand. 

"Why, Gracie!" exclaimed Lulu, "whatever put such a thing as that intoyour head? You are far prettier, and better too, than I am. Isn't she, papa?"

"You must not ask me such hard questions, " he returned laughingly, andhugging them both up in his arms, "I really could not say that eitherone is prettier or dearer to me than the other, or that I love eithermore or less than I do each of the other three. The love differssomewhat in kind, but, I think, not in intensity. "

"Yes, papa, I suppose so, " returned Lulu thoughtfully; "for instance youmust have quite a different sort of love for Max, who is almost oldenough to take care of himself, and baby Ned who is so very young andhelpless. "

Violet joined them at that moment, reported the babies as fast asleep inthe nursery, and consulted her husband as to what rooms they shouldoccupy during their stay; saying her mother had kindly bade them pleasethemselves in regard to that matter. 

"Choose for yourself, my dear, " replied the captain, "and I shall beentirely satisfied; only I should like to have these children close athand--a door of communication between their room, or rooms, and ours, ifthat can be easily managed. We must be near the babies of course. "

"Yes, indeed! Near every one of our four, " returned Violet brightly; "Icould not be easy otherwise, any more than their father. 

"But suppose I take you over the house, if you are not too tired. To-morrow, you remember, is Sunday, and I could hardly wait till Monday, to say nothing of the curiosity that must of course be consuming you. "

"Of course, " returned the captain laughingly, as he rose and gave herhis arm; "it will give me great pleasure to accompany you, if you arenot too weary for such exertion. "

"Not a bit, " she said; "the trip on the boat was more restful thanfatiguing; at least so far as concerned myself. May not Lulu and Graciecome too?"

"If they wish; though I fear Gracie is too tired, " he said, with aninquiring glance at her. "If you would like to go, pet, papa will carryyou up the stairs. "

"Oh, then, I would like to, papa; I'm not so very tired, " she answeredeagerly. 

"Then of course Lulu is not?" he said with a smiling glance at hiseldest daughter. 

"No, indeed, papa; and I'd dearly love to go along, " she answered, taking Gracie's hand and with her tripping along in the rear, as he andViolet passed on into the wide hall. 

They first inspected the rooms on the lower floor, lingering longest inthe drawing-room, where the many beautiful paintings and pieces ofstatuary were very attractive. 

"We cannot give them half enough time to-night, " remarked Violet, "butfortunately have good reason to hope for many opportunities for futureinspection. "

"Yes, " the captain said, glancing at Grace, then at his watch. "Shall wenot call in the servants and have prayers before going upstairs? It isnot far from the usual time, and I see Gracie is growing weary. "

Violet gave a ready assent and led the way to the family parlor whereher grandfather had been wont to hold that service. 

The servants were summoned and came in looking well pleased. The captainmade the service short out of consideration for Gracie's weariness, though, indeed, he never thought it well to lengthen it so much as torisk making it a weariness to either children or servants. 

A few directions in regard to securing doors and windows for the nightand as to what should be done for the comfort of the family in themorning, then he, Violet, and the little girls, having exchanged kindlygood-nights with the servants, went on up the broad stairway, thecaptain, according to promise, carrying Grace in his arms. 

Only a hasty survey of the upper rooms was taken that night, for allbegan to feel the need of rest and sleep. Apartments connected with eachother and the nursery were selected for occupation, and soon all wereresting peacefully in their beds. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Sabbath morning dawned bright and clear. Lulu rose with the sun and, before he was an hour high, was down on the veranda, gazing with delightupon the lovely landscape spread out at her feet. 

So absorbed in its beauties was she that she failed to hear anapproaching footstep, and was aware of her father's presence only whenhe laid a hand gently on her head and, bending down, imprinted a kiss onher lips. 

"An early bird as usual, my darling!" he said. 

"Yes, sir, like my father, my dear, dear father, " she returned, twiningher arms around his neck and holding him fast for a moment. 

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, releasing himself and taking her hand inhis. 

"Oh, yes, indeed, papa! Did not you?"

"I did; I think we all did, " he answered. "God has been very good to us. And what a lovely, lovely Sunday morning it is!"

"We can all go to church, can't we, papa?" she asked. 

"I think so, " he said. "And now you would like to walk down across thelawn, to the water's edge, with me?"

"Oh, yes, indeed, papa, " she cried delightedly. "It was just what I waswanting to do. "

"It might be well for you to have a bit of something to eat first, " hesaid. "Ah, here is just the thing!" as a servant approached with awaiter on which were some oranges prepared for eating in the way GrandmaElsie had enjoyed them in her young days. 

"Thank you, Aunt Sally, " the captain said, helping Lulu and himself;"you could have brought us nothing more tempting and delicious. Will youplease carry some up to my wife?"

"Ise done it already, sah, " replied the woman, smiling all over herface, and dropping a courtesy; "yes, sah; an' she say dey's mighty nice, jes like she hab when she's heah in dis place yeahs ago. "

"Papa, " remarked Lulu, as they presently crossed the lawn together, "I'mso glad to be here again, and with you. It was a delightful place theother time, I thought, but, oh, it seems twice as pleasant now, becausemy dear father is with us!" and she lifted her eyes to his face with alook of ardent affection. 

"Dear child, it is a great pleasure to me to be with you and the rest, "he returned, pressing affectionately the little hand he held in his, "and if you do not have a happier time than you had here before, itshall not be because your father does not try to make it so. 

"But, my dear little daughter, remember you have the same spiritual foesto fight here as in other places. If you would be happy you must try tolive very near to Jesus and to watch and pray lest you enter intotemptation. Particularly must you be ever on your guard against thatquick temper which has so often got you into trouble. "

"Papa, I do intend to, " she said, with a sigh; "and I am very glad Ishall have you close at hand all the time to help me in the fight; foryou do help me, oh, so often--so much, dear papa!" and again she liftedloving eyes to his face. 

"I am very thankful that I can, my darling, " he returned. "I feel thatGod has been very good to me in so changing my circumstances that I canbe with you almost constantly to aid you in the hard task of learning tocontrol the fiery temper inherited from me. Yet, as I have often toldyou, dear child, the hardest part of the fight must inevitably be yourown, and only by the help of him who has all power in heaven and inearth can you conquer at last. 

"I want you to feel that in your inmost soul, and to beware ofself-confidence, which was, I think, the cause of your sad failure of afew weeks ago. "

"Yes, papa, " she said humbly, "I believe I had begun to feel that I wasquite reformed, so did not watch and pray as constantly as I used to, and then almost before I knew it I was in a passion with poor Alma. "

"'When I am weak, then am I strong!' the apostle says, " returned herfather; "that is when we feel our weakness and trust in the strength ofour Almighty Saviour; of him who has said, 'In me is thine help. ' It ishelp, daughter, which is never refused to those who look humbly to Jesusfor it. "

"I am so glad the Bible tells us that, " she said. 

They walked on in silence for a little, then Lulu said, "Papa, I askedCousin Molly last night if Professor Manton still had his school atOakdale. She said, 'Yes, is your papa going to send you there?' and Iwas so glad I could answer, 'No, ma'am; he is going to teach mehimself. ' Then Cousin Molly said, 'Oh, is he? I am sure that will be farpleasanter for you, dear. The professor is not very popular, and I hearthat his school grows smaller. '"

"Ah, then, don't you think it would be only kind in me to put my eldestdaughter there as a pupil?" asked the captain jestingly. 

"Not to me, papa, I am sure, " she answered, lifting to his smiling eyesthat said as plainly as any words could have spoken that she had no fearthat he would do any such thing. 

"No; and I do not know what could induce me to do so, " he returned. "Soyou need never ask it, but must try to content yourself with the tutorwho has had charge of your education ever since Woodburn became ourhome. "

"I don't need to try, papa, " she said with a happy laugh; "for it's justas easy as anything. Gracie and I both think there was never such adear, kind teacher as ours. Neither of us wants ever to have any other. "

"Ah! then we are mutually pleased. And now I think we should turn and goback to the house, for it must be near the breakfast hour. " They foundViolet, Grace, and the little ones on the veranda, awaiting theircoming, and breakfast ready to be served. 

Morning greetings were exchanged and all repaired to the breakfast room. 

The meal proved a dainty one, was daintily served and enlivened bycheerful chat on such themes as were not unsuited to the sacredness ofthe day. 

Family worship followed, and soon after the family carriage was at thedoor ready to convey them to the church of which their Cousin Cyril waspastor. 

The captain, Violet, and the two little girls, Lulu and Grace, formedthe deputation from that family, the two babies remaining at home inthe care of their nurse, whom they had brought with them from Woodburn. 

Cyril gave them an excellent sermon, and at the close of the exercisesconducted a Bible class attended by nearly every one belonging to thecongregation. 

The Viamede family remained to its close, held a little pleasant talkwith the relatives from the parsonage and Magnolia Hall, then drove backto Viamede, reaching there just in time for dinner. 

In the afternoon the captain gathered his family and the servants underthe trees in the lawn, read and expounded a portion of scripture, andled them in prayer and the singing of several familiar hymns. 

The evening was spent much as it would have been at Woodburn, and allretired early to rest. 

Monday morning found them all in good health and spirits, entirelyrecovered from the fatigues of the journey and ready for work or play. 

"We don't have to learn and recite lessons to-day, papa, do we?" askedLulu, at the breakfast table. "I think you said we could have a day ortwo for play first, didn't you?"

"Yes; but I shall give you your choice of having that playtime now ortaking it about a week hence, when you will have Rosie and Walter withyou. "

"May I choose too, papa?" asked Grace. 

"Yes. "

"Then I choose to wait for my holiday till the others are here to shareit with us; for don't you suppose Grandma Elsie will let them, papa?"

"No doubt of it, " he replied. "And what is your choice, Lulu?"

"The same as Gracie's, papa, " she answered in bright cheerful tones. "Lessons are not bad to take, with you for my teacher, " she addedlaughingly, "and will leave us a good deal of time for running about andlooking at everything. "

"Besides an occasional drive or walk with mamma and papa, " hesupplemented, with an approving smile, adding, "the lessons shall not belong or hard to-day, so that you will still have some time for roamingabout the grounds; and perhaps, if my pupils are very deserving, theremay be a row on the bayou after dinner. "

"Oh, how delightful, papa!" they cried, in a breath. 

"I am glad you think so, " he said, smiling on them; "there is nothing Ienjoy more than giving pleasure to my wife and children, " with anaffectionate glance at Violet. "I hope such a little excursion willafford you pleasure, my dear?"

"Yes, " she returned gayly, "I think even the children will hardly enjoyit more than I; and, " she added laughingly, "I shall endeavor to earn myright to it by faithfully attending to housekeeping matters in themeantime. "

"I don't believe there is any schoolroom here!" exclaimed Grace, as ifstruck with a sudden thought. 

"We will have to select one and get it ready before the others come, "said Violet. 

"And for the present my dressing-room will answer very well, " added thecaptain. 

So thither the children repaired at the usual hour for beginning theirstudies. 

It was at first a little difficult to fix their attention upon them, butwith an earnest desire to do right, and to please their dear father, they made very determined efforts, and had their lessons well preparedby the time he came to hear them. 

It seemed to afford him pleasure to give the deserved meed of praise, and the young faces grew bright and gladsome under it. An hour was thengiven to writing and ciphering, and they were dismissed for the day. 

"May we go out into the grounds now, papa?" asked Lulu, as she put upher books. 

"Yes, " he replied, "but keep near the house for the present, for it isnear dinner-time now. "

"We will, papa, " both little girls answered and hurried away. 

They sported about the lawn till summoned to the house by thedinner-bell, whose call they obeyed with alacrity, air and exercisehaving given them good appetites. 

"My dear, " the captain said to his wife, near the conclusion of themeal, "you have had a busy morning, can you not afford to devote theafternoon to recreation?"

"Certainly, if you will share it, " she replied. "Are we not to have thatrow on the bayou?"

"It is what I had planned, should my wife still feel inclined to go, " hesaid. 

"Ah! that will be very enjoyable I think; and perhaps there may be timeafterward for me to drive over to the parsonage. I want a bit of chatwith Isa about some household matters. "

"Yes, I think you may have time for both, " he returned. "An hour on thebayou will be sufficient for this first time; the carriage can beordered to be in waiting when we return, and you, if the plan suits yourviews, can drive over to the parsonage at once, have your talk, and beat home again in season to pour out your husband's tea. "

"That will do nicely, thank you, sir, " she returned gayly. "I see I amnot likely to lack for diversion with you at the head of affairs, so Ithink I shall try to keep you there as long as possible. "

"I hope you will, Mamma Vi, " said Lulu, "And any way I'm glad that whenpapa is about, he is the one that has control of me. "

"So I have at least one willing subject, " remarked the captain, lookingnot ill-pleased. 

"Two, papa, " said Grace, "you can always count on me for one. "

"I don't doubt it in the least, dear child, " he said. "And now, as I seeyou have all finished your dinner, and the boat is at the wharf, let usbe going. "

In a few minutes all were seated in the boat, and it was moving rapidlyover the water, the children very merry, the parents by no meansdisposed to check the manifestations of their mirth. 

They found the carriage in waiting when they landed. 

"You are going with us, Levis?" Violet said inquiringly, as the captainhanded her in. 

"I should be pleased to do so, my dear, but have too many businessletters calling for immediate reply, " he said, lifting little Ned, andthen Elsie, to a place by her side. "Lulu and Gracie, you would like togo with your mamma?"

"Yes, sir, if I may, " Grace answered with alacrity, but Lulu declined, saying: "I would much rather stay with you, papa, if I may. "

"Certainly, dear child; I shall be glad to have you, " he said with apleased look; "but I fear you will find it dull, as I shall be too busyto talk to you, or let you talk to me. "

"But I can be with you, and perhaps of some use waiting on you, papa. "

"Perhaps so, " he said. "You generally contrive to make yourself usefulto your father in one way or another. "

Then the carriage drove on, Lulu slipped her hand into his, and togetherthey walked back to the house. 

"I do hope I can find something to do that will be a help to you, papa, "she said, as they entered the library. 

"I verily believe my dear eldest daughter would like to carry all herfather's burdens if she could, " he said, laying his hand caressingly onher head, "but it wouldn't be good for me, my darling, to have my lifemade too easy. "

"I am sure it wouldn't hurt you, papa, and I only wish I could carry allyour burdens, " she replied, with an ardently affectionate look up intohis face. "Isn't there something I can do now?"

"Yes, " he replied, glancing at the table; "here are papers, magazines, and letters, quite a pile. You may cut leaves and open envelopes for me, that will save me some time and exertion--be quite a help. "

"Yes, sir; I'll be glad to do it all. But, oh, papa, " and a bright, eager look came into her face. 

"Well, daughter, what is it?" as she paused half breathless with her newidea. 

"Papa, couldn't I write some of the letters for you? Here is mytypewriter that you so kindly let me bring along. I've learned to writepretty fast on it, you know, and wouldn't it be easier for you just totell me the words you want said and let me put them down, than to do itall yourself with either it or your pen?"

"That is a bright thought, daughter, " he said, patting her cheek, andsmiling down upon her. "I dare say that plan would shorten my workconsiderably. "

"Oh, I shall be so glad if it does, papa!" she exclaimed. "There isnothing in the world I'd enjoy more than finding myself a real help andcomfort to you. "

"I have found you both many a time, daughter, " he responded, taking upand opening a letter as he spoke, while she picked up a paper cutter andfell zealously to work opening envelopes, laying each one close to hishand as she had it ready. 

"Now, you may get your typewriter ready for work, " he said presently. "Put in a sheet of this paper, " taking some from a drawer in the tableand laying it beside the machine, "date it, and in a moment I will tellyou what to say. "

He had already instructed her carefully in punctuation and paragraphing:spelling also; and, with an occasional direction in regard to suchmatters, she did her work well. 

She was full of joy when at the close of the business he bestowed uponher a judicious amount of praise and said that she had proved a greathelp to him, shortening his labor very considerably. 

"I think, " he concluded, "that before long my dear eldest daughter willprove a valuable amanuensis for me. "

"Papa, I am so glad!" she cried, her cheeks flushing and her eyessparkling. "Oh, there is nothing else in the world that I enjoy so muchas being a help and comfort to my dear, dear father!"

"My precious little daughter, " he responded, "words cannot express thelove your father feels for you. Now there is one letter that I wish towrite with my own hand, and while I am doing that you may amuse yourselfin any way you like. "

"May I read this, papa?" she asked, taking up a magazine. 

"Yes, " he said, and she went quietly from the room with it in her hand. 

She seated herself on the back veranda, read a short story, then stolesoftly back to the library door to see if her father had finished hisletter so that she might talk to him. 

But some one else was there; a stranger she thought, though she did notget a view of his face. 

She paused on the threshold, uncertain whether her father would wish herto be present at the interview, and at that instant he spoke, apparentlyin reply to something his caller had said, and his words riveted her tothe spot. 

"No, " he said, in stern tones, "had I been here my daughter would neverhave been sent back to your school. She was most unjustly and shamefullytreated by that fiery little Italian, and you, sir, upheld him in it. When I am at hand no daughter of mine shall be struck by another man, orwoman either, with impunity, and Foresti may deem himself fortunate inthat I was at a distance when he ventured to commit so great an outrageupon my child. "

Lulu waited to hear no more, but ran back to the veranda, where shedanced about in a tumult of delight, clapping her hands and sayingexultingly to herself, "I just knew papa wouldn't have made me go backto that horrid school and take lessons of that brute of a man. Oh, I dowish he had been here! How much it would have saved me! If my father isstrict and stern sometimes, he's ever so much better and kinder thanGrandpa Dinsmore. Yes, yes, indeed, he's such a dear father! I wouldn'texchange him for any other, if I could. "

Presently she suddenly ceased her jumping and dancing, and stood in anintently listening attitude. 

"Yes, he's going--that horrid professor! I'm so glad! I don't believehe'll ever trouble this house again, while papa is in it any way, " shesaid half aloud. 

Then running to meet her father as he returned from seeing the professorto the door, she threw her arms round him, exclaiming in a voicequivering with delight. "Oh, you dear, dear papa, I'm so glad, so gladto know that you wouldn't have made me go back to that horrid musicteacher! I felt sure at the time that you wouldn't, if you were here. "

He heard her with a look of astonishment not unmixed with sternness. 

"O papa, please don't be angry with me!" she pleaded, tears starting toher eyes; "I didn't mean to listen, but I happened to be at the librarydoor (I was going back to see if you were done writing that letter and Imight be with you again) when you told Professor Manton that youwouldn't have sent me back to Signor Foresti, nor even to his school. Itmade me so glad, papa, but I didn't stop to hear any more, but ran awayto the veranda again; because I knew it wouldn't be right for me tolisten to what wasn't intended for me to hear. "

He took her hand, led her into the library again, drew her to a seatupon his knee, and softly smoothing back the hair from her forehead, said in kind, fatherly tones, "I am not displeased with you, daughter. I understand that it was quite accidental, and I am sure my little girlis entirely above the meanness of intentionally listening to what isevidently not meant for her ear. And in fact, now that I think of it, I am not sorry that you know I did not, and do not now, approve of thetreatment you received at that time. Yet that was the first time I hadever mentioned it to any one, and I should be sorry to have your GrandpaDinsmore know, or suspect, how entirely I disapproved of what he thoughtbest to do at the time. Can, and will, my little daughter promise tokeep the secret? never mentioning it to any one but me?"

"Yes, indeed, papa, " she returned, looking up brightly into his face. "Oh, it's nice to be trusted by you, and not even threatened withpunishment if I disobey!"

"I am happy to think that is by no means necessary, " he said, drawingher into a closer embrace. "I believe my little girl loves her fatherwell enough to do of her own free will what she knows he would have herdo. "

"Yes, indeed, papa, " she answered earnestly; "and do you know, it seemsa great pleasure to have a secret along with you. But, papa, why did youwrite--after I had confessed it all to you--as if you were so muchdispleased with me that you couldn't let me stay any longer at Ionafter you had found another place to put me?"

"My child, as I had put you under Grandpa Dinsmore's care, it was yourduty to submit to his orders till I could be heard from in regard to thematter. You should therefore have gone back, not only to the school, butto the music teacher, when he directed you to do so; you were disobeyingme in refusing, and also showing great ingratitude to the kind friendswho were doing so much for you without your having the slightest claimupon them. "

"Papa, I am very sorry and ashamed, " she murmured low and tremulously, hanging her head and blushing deeply as she spoke; "I almost want you topunish me well for it yet. "

"No, daughter, that account was settled long ago, " he said in kindly, reassuring accents, "fully settled, and I have no desire to open itagain. "

"But, oh, papa, " she sighed, "sometimes I do feel so afraid I may getinto a passion with somebody about something while we're here thiswinter, with all the Ion folks, that--that I believe I want you to sayyou will punish me very severely if I do. "

"My daughter, " he said, "I want you to avoid sin and strive to do right, not from fear of punishment, but that you may please and honor him whosedisciple you hope you are. "

"Oh, yes, papa, I do want to for that reason and also to please andhonor you--the best and dearest father in the world!" she concluded, putting her arms round his neck and laying her cheek lovingly to his. "But you will watch me and warn me and try to keep me from yielding tomy dreadful temper?"

"Yes, dear child, I will, as I have promised you again and again, do allI can to help you in that way, " he replied in tenderest tones. 

Then, as the carriage-wheels were heard on the drive without, "Ah, yourmamma and our little ones have returned, " he said, putting her off hisknee; and taking her hand led her out to the veranda to meet and welcomethem home. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

"Had you a call from Professor Manton, Levis?" asked Violet, as they sattogether on the veranda that evening. "I thought so because he passed usas we were coming home and was looking very glum. "

"Yes, he was here this afternoon, " replied the captain. 

"In search of pupils, I suppose?"

"Yes; and was rather disappointed to learn that I had none for him. Heasked about Rosie and Walter, but I was unable to tell him positivelywhether they would, or would not, be sent to him; though I gave him butlittle encouragement, perhaps I should say none at all, to expect them. "

"No; I am nearly certain they will not be willing to go to him, and thatmamma will not care to send them; indeed she more than hinted that shewould be delighted to commit them to your care should you show yourselfwilling to undertake the task of instructing them. Are you willing?"

"I am hardly prepared to answer that question, my dear, " he repliedthoughtfully. "They might not be willing to submit to the authority ofa brother-in-law. "

"I am almost sure you would have no trouble in governing them, " returnedViolet. 

"I don't believe you would have any at all, papa, " remarked Lulu, whowas leaning on the arm of his chair and listening with much interest tothe conversation; "neither of them is half so--so wilful andquick-tempered as I am. "

The captain smiled at that, put an arm about her, and drew her closer tohim. "But they don't belong to me as you do, " he said, touching his lipsto her cheek. "You are my very own, own little daughter, you know. "

"Yes, indeed, and so glad to be, " she returned, putting her arm roundhis neck and gazing into his eyes, her own shining with filial love. 

The younger ones were already in bed, even Gracie having felt too muchfatigued with the duties and pleasures of the day to wait for eveningprayers. 

"Yes, I think you may esteem yourself a fortunate child in that respect, Lu, " said Violet. "I really believe it is the next best thing to beinghis wife, " she added, with a pleasant little laugh. 

"I think it's the very best thing, Mamma Vi, " returned Lulu. 

"Well, to go back to the original topic of discourse, Levis--or atleast to the question whether you are willing to undertake the tuitionof my young sister and brother, " Violet went on. "I feel certain theywould give you no trouble in governing them; also that your talent forteaching is such that they could not fail to greatly improve under yourtuition. "

"But might not your grandpa feel that I was interfering with him?"queried the captain. 

"Oh, no, indeed! Grandpa feels that he is growing old, and has doneenough of that kind of work. And you would be glad to please mamma?"

"Most certainly; I could refuse her nothing--the poor, dear woman!"

"Then we may consider it settled? Oh, thank you, my dear. "

"Well, yes; I suppose so. Are you willing to share your teacher withRosie and Walter, daughter mine?" he asked, softly stroking Lulu's hair. 

"My teacher, but not my father, you dear papa, " returned Lulu, pattinghis cheek, then holding up her face for a kiss, which he gave heartilyand repeated more than once. 

"What do you think, Mamma Vi, of your husband having an amanuensis?" hecontinued, affectionately squeezing Lulu's hand, which he had taken inhis. "My correspondence was disposed of to-day with most unusual andunexpected ease. I would read a letter, tell my amanuensis the reply Iwished to make, and she would write it off on the typewriter while Iexamined the next epistle, asking few directions and making scarcely anymistakes. "

"Lulu did it?" Violet exclaimed in surprise "Why, Lu, I am bothastonished and delighted!"

"Thank you, Mamma Vi; and I am very glad that I can help my dear, kindfather, who does so much for me, " Lulu answered, putting her arm roundhis neck, and laying her cheek to his. "Oh, I couldn't possibly do halfenough for him! but I hope I may be of a great deal of use to him someof these days. "

"You are that already, dear child, " he said; "so useful and so dear thatyour father would not know how to do without you. "

"How good in you to say that, dear papa; but I am sure it would be tentimes worse for me to be without you, " she returned. "Oh, I'm glad I'mnot a boy, to have to go away from you. "

"I am glad too, " he responded; "glad that my children are neither allboys nor all girls. It is quite delightful, I think, to have some ofeach. "

"Yes, sir; and I think it's delightful to have both brothers and sisterswhen they are of as good a sort as mine are, though I've seen some I'dbe sorry to have. "

"As I have seen some children that I should be sorry, I think, to callmy own. Yet if they were mine I would probably love them dearly, andperhaps not see their faults; or rather love them in spite of theirnaughtiness. "

"Just as you do me, papa, " she said, a little sadly. "Haven't you alwaysloved me, though I've sometimes been very, very naughty indeed?"

"Yes, always, " he said, holding her close, as something very dear andprecious. "And I believe my little girl has always loved me even when Ihave been quite severe in the punishment of her faults. "

"Yes; oh, yes, indeed, papa! because I have always felt that I deservedit; often a much more severe punishment than you inflicted; and that youdidn't do it because you liked to, but because you wanted to make megood. "

"And happy, " he added. "I think you are never happy when disobedient, wilful, or ill-tempered. "

"No, indeed, papa! and I'm thankful to you that you have never indulgedme in those things. "

"And I think, with Lu, that you are one of the best of fathers, Levis, "remarked Violet. 

"It is certainly very pleasant to be so highly esteemed by one's wifeand daughter, whether deserving of it or not, " he said, with a pleasedlittle laugh; "yet I am not at all sure that such flattery is quitegood for me. "

"I don't believe any amount of praise could ever hurt you, papa, " Lulusaid, with a look into his eyes of ardent love and reverence; "you doseem to me to be just perfect; never doing or saying anything wrong. "

"I think it must be my little girl's great love for her father thatmakes her so blind to his faults and failings, " he replied, in low, tender tones. 

"A blindness certainly shared by your wife, " remarked Violet lightly. "We have been married five years and I have yet to hear the first unkindword from my husband's lips. "

"He would be an exceedingly unreasonable man who could find fault withsuch a wife as mine, " was his smiling rejoinder. 

"But to change the subject, I suppose we may look for the rest of ourparty about the last of next week?"

"Yes, I think so. "

"I shall be ever so glad to see them--especially dear Grandma Elsie andRosie and Walter; but oh, I wish the Fairview folks were coming, especially Eva, " remarked Lulu, ending with a sigh of regret. 

"Ah, well, daughter, perhaps Evelyn may be here before the winter isover, " the captain said, exchanging a slightly amused glance withViolet. 

"Oh, I hope so!" exclaimed Lulu; "but of course one can't expect to haveeverything one wants in this world. "

"No, certainly not, " her father said; "it would be by no means good forus if we could. "

"Not for me, I know; but oh, I have a great, great manyblessings--health and strength and such a dear kind father to love me, provide for me, teach me, and train me up in the way I should go, " sheconcluded, with a smiling look up into his eyes. 

"That is what I am trying to do, at all events, " he returned, holdingher close, "though I sometimes fear I may not always have taken thewisest way. "

"Is it because you have succeeded so poorly that you fear so, papa?" sheasked. "If so, don't be troubled about it, because I don't believe it'sfrom any mistake of yours, but only that I'm so very naughty andunmanageable. "

"Really, now, Lu, I think your father has succeeded fairly well at thebusiness, " laughed Violet. "I doubt if anybody else would have donebetter. "

"Or half so well, " said Lulu; "and I am fully resolved to try to docredit to his training. "

"I think you had a letter from Max to-day, Levis?" remarked Violetinquiringly, "Dear fellow, I hope he was quite well at the time ofwriting?"

"Yes; and apparently in excellent spirits. He seems to be doing well inhis studies; content with things as they are too, though evidentlyfeeling that he would greatly enjoy being here with the rest of us. "

"Yes, poor, dear fellow! I wish he could make one of our party;especially at Christmas time. "

"So do I, " said his father. "We must make it up to him with as full anaccount as possible of the Christmas doings here. "

"I wonder what they will be, " said Lulu. 

"We will have to consider and decide that question--to some extent, atleast--after mamma comes, " replied Violet. 

"And now we must go in and have prayers; for it is near bedtime for myeldest daughter, " remarked the captain, rising and taking Lulu's hand inhis. 

The days flew by on swift wings, even to Lulu and Grace, so filled werethey with duties and pleasures, and at length the time had come whenGrandma Elsie and the others were expected by the evening boat. 

Their arrival was anticipated with great delight by every one on theestate, and all possible preparations had been made for their comfortand to show how gladly welcome they were. Everything indoors and out wasin beautiful order, a feast of fat things ready in the kitchen, thefamilies from the parsonage and Magnolia Hall were present byinvitation, and as the hour drew near when the boat might be expected, all gathered at the wharf and eagerly watched for its appearance. 

At length their patience was rewarded; the little steamer appeared insight far down the bayou, came puffing along past the orange orchard, and rounded to at the landing. 

In another moment the travelers were on shore: Mr. And Mrs. Dinsmore, Grandma Elsie, Rosie, Walter, and--could Lulu believe her eyes--yes, there was Evelyn! It could be no one else; and with a cry of joy the twolittle girls ran into each other's arms. 

"Oh, Eva, Eva, I'm so glad! I hadn't the least idea that you were comingtoo!" cried Lulu, fairly wild with delight. 

"Ah, papa, you must have known and kept it a secret from me to give mesuch a glad surprise, " she exclaimed, as she caught sight of his faceand noted the pleased smile with which he was regarding her. 

"Yes, daughter, I knew and planned, with Mamma Vi and the others, togive you this pleasant surprise, " he said, bending down to bestow apaternal kiss upon the gentle, fatherless girl who had won so large aplace in the heart of his own dear child. 

"And we were all very glad to have Eva along, " Rosie said. "And, O Lu, I'm looking for very good times this coming winter here in our lovelyViamede, and with your father here I know it will be pleasanter thanever for you--pleasanter for all of us; for, Brother Levis, I hear thatI am to be your pupil instead of Professor Manton's; a change which Ihaven't a doubt I shall enjoy extremely. "

"Ah, don't be too sure of that, little sister, " he returned laughingly, giving a welcoming embrace to her also. "I am a very strictdisciplinarian, as Lulu here can testify, " laying a hand affectionatelyon his daughter's shoulder. 

"Yes, Rosie, papa is strict, but if one does exactly as he orders, he'skind as kind can be; and maybe he wouldn't be quite so stern and strictwith other folks' children as he is with me--his very own, you know. "

But a reply from Rosie was prevented by Violet catching her in her arms, saying, "You dear child, how glad I am to have you here at last! We haveall been looking forward to your coming as well as to that of dear, darling mamma, grandpa, and the others. "

At the same time Grandma Elsie was embracing Lulu most affectionately, saying how well she looked, and hoping that she and Grace, as well asthe older people, had been enjoying Viamede. 

"Indeed we have, dear Grandma Elsie, " replied Lulu. "Oh, it was so goodand kind in you to invite us all to spend the winter in this loveliestof lovely places!"

"Good to myself, dear child, quite as much as to you; for I love to haveyou all about me. "

"And I hope you are better? A great deal better?" returned Lulu, with aninquiring look into the sweet face. 

"Very much better, thank you, dear child. Almost my old self again, " wasthe sweet-toned reply. 

Some few moments more were spent in the exchange of glad, affectionategreetings and inquiries after each other's health and welfare, then alltook their way to the house; even Grandma Elsie claiming that herstrength was quite equal to so short a walk, the journey on the boathaving been restful rather than fatiguing. Yet it was evident to allthat she was far from strong, and they joined Mr. Dinsmore in an urgententreaty that she would retire at an early hour to her own room and bed;which she did, her daughters accompanying her to see that nothing waslacking that could in any way add to her comfort. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

A bright, beautiful day succeeded that on which the Ion family hadarrived at Viamede. The younger members of their party woke early, andthe sun was hardly more than an hour high when Evelyn and Rosie passeddown the broad stairway into the lower hall, moving with cautious treadlest they might disturb the still sleeping older members of thehousehold. 

But on reaching the veranda they were surprised to see the captain andLulu already taking a morning promenade along the bank of the bayou. 

"Ah, I see there is no getting ahead of Brother Levis, " laughed Rosie. "Let us run down there and join them, Eva. "

"With all my heart, " returned Evelyn gayly, and away they went, racingdown the broad gravelled walk in merry girlish fashion. 

"Good-morning, little ladies, I see that you are early birds as well asLulu and myself, " the captain said, with his genial smile, as they drewnear. 

"Yes, sir, " returned Rosie, catching hold of Lulu and giving her ahearty embrace; "on such a morning as this, and in such a lovely place, bed has no attractions to compare with those of out of doors. "

"That's exactly what papa and I think, " said Lulu; "and, oh girls, I'mso glad you have come to share this lovely, lovely place with us. Eva, Ihaven't yet got over the glad surprise of your coming. I was just sayingto papa how very kind it was in Grandma Elsie and the rest of them toprepare such an unexpected pleasure for me. Wasn't it good in them?"

"Yes, indeed, good to us both!" Evelyn said, squeezing affectionatelythe hand Lulu had slipped into hers. 

"Captain, " looking up smilingly into his face, "are you intending to beso very, very kind as to take me for one of your pupils?"

"Most assuredly, my dear, if you wish it, " he replied. 

"Oh, thank you, sir! thank you very much indeed, and I promise to giveyou as little trouble as I possibly can. "

"I shall consider it no trouble at all, my dear child, " he returned, giving her a fatherly smile. "Indeed, I think the favor will be onyour side, as doubtless Lulu will improve all the faster for yourcompanionship in her studies. Rosie, being older than either of you, will, I fear, have to be quite alone in most of hers. "

"Yes, Brother Levis, and as I am to be such a lonely, forlorn creatureyou ought to be extremely good to me, " remarked Rosie demurely. "I hopeyou will remember that and try to have unlimited patience with youryoungest sister. "

"Ah! my little sister would better not try the patience of her bigbrother too far, " returned the captain with a twinkle of fun in his eye. 

"I dare say; but he needn't think he can make me very much afraid ofhim, big as he is, " laughed Rosie. 

"Perhaps, though, it might turn out to the advantage of ProfessorManton, should my youngest sister prove quite beyond the management ofher biggest and oldest brother, " remarked the captain, with assumedgravity. 

"There!" exclaimed Rosie, "that's the worst threat you could possiblyhave made. I think I'll try to be at least passably good and obedient inthe schoolroom. You needn't look for it in any other place, CaptainRaymond, " making him a deep courtesy, then dancing gayly away. 

"Don't you envy her that it is only in the schoolroom she must beobedient to me, whom you have to obey all the time?" asked the captainlaughingly of Lulu, noticing that she was watching Rosie with a hurt, almost indignant look on her expressive features. 

"No, indeed, papa! I'm only too glad that I belong to you everywhereand all the time, " she answered, lifting to his face eyes full of filialrespect and ardent affection. 

"So am I, " he returned, pressing tenderly the hand she had again slippedinto his. "But you must not be vexed with Rosie. Could you not see thatall she said just now was in sportive jest?"

"I'm glad if she didn't mean it, papa; but I don't like such things saidto my dear, honored father even in jest. "

"But you must excuse Rosie, Lu, dear, " said Evelyn. "It was indeed allin jest, for I know that she feels the very highest respect for yourfather--her biggest brother; as we all do. "

Lulu's brow cleared. "Well, then, I won't mind it, papa, if you don't, "she said. 

"And I certainly do not, daughter, " he returned pleasantly. "Rosie and Iare the best of friends, and I think will continue to be such. "

It was a gay, light-hearted party that met at the Viamedebreakfast-table that morning. Even their loved invalid, Grandma Elsie, was looking wonderfully bright and well; yet, as she laughingly averred, everybody seemed determined to consider her as ill and unable to makeany exertion. 

"I shall have to let you continue to take the rôle of mistress of theestablishment, Vi, " she said, with a pleasant smile, as, resigning toher daughter her accustomed seat at the head of the table, she tookpossession of one at the side. 

"Not that I am of so humble a spirit as to consider myself unfitted forthe duties and responsibilities of the position, but because older andwiser people do. "

"I really think Vi makes as good a substitute as could well be found, mother, " remarked the captain, with a proudly affectionate glance at hislovely young wife. 

"In which I entirely agree with you, sir, " said Mr. Dinsmore. 

The meal was partaken of with appetite, and enlivened by cheery talk; agood deal of it in regard to pleasures and amusements attainable in thatlocality; riding, driving, boating, fishing; to say nothing of thepleasant rambles that could be taken on and beyond the estate. 

There was no lack of carriages for driving, or horses to draw them, orfor those to ride who might prefer that mode of locomotion. 

The final decision was in favor of a drive, for Mrs. Dinsmore, Violet, her little ones, and Grace, accompanied by the rest of the party onhorseback. 

Breakfast and family prayers over, the young girls hastened to theirrooms to prepare for the little excursion, all seemingly in the gayestspirits at the pleasing prospect; none more so than merry, excitableLulu. 

She and Grace were ready a little sooner than either of the other girls, and went down to the veranda to wait there for the rest. 

As they did so a servant passed them with the bag containing the morningmail, which he had just brought from the nearest post-office. 

He carried it to the library, where Mr. Dinsmore and the captain wereseated, awaiting the appearance of the ladies, carriages, and horses. 

As if struck by a sudden thought, Lulu ran after him. She saw her fathertake the bag, open it, hand several letters to Mr. Dinsmore, selectseveral others and give them to the servant (with directions to carrythem up to the ladies), then lay a pretty large pile on the table, takeup one, and open it. 

"There, those are papa's own, " she said to herself, "and what a numberhe has!--all to be answered, too. I don't believe he'll take time toride this morning; he's always so prompt about replying to a letter. Oh, dear, I don't want to go without him, and I just wish they hadn't cometill to-morrow. "

She walked slowly out to the veranda again. 

Rosie and Evelyn had not yet made their appearance, and Grace wasromping about with little Elsie and Ned. 

Just then a servant man came round from the stables, leading the poniesthe little girls were to ride, and at sight of them Lulu seemed to takea sudden resolution. 

"Oh, Solon, " she said, hurrying toward the man, "you can put my ponyback into the stable; I'm not going to ride this morning; I've changedmy mind; and if anybody asks about me, you can tell them so, " and withthat she ran away round the house and seated herself on the backveranda, where she had been when Professor Manton made his call upon thecaptain. 

Presently she heard the ladies and young girls come down the stairs, herfather and Mr. Dinsmore come out from the library and assist the olderones into the carriage, the younger to mount their ponies; then herfather's voice asking, "Where is Lulu?" and the servant's reply, "MissLu, she tole me, sah, to tell you she doan want fo' to ride dis heahmornin', sah"; then her father's surprised, "She did, Solon? Why, thatis a sudden change on her part. I thought she was quite delighted at theprospect of going. 

"Violet, my dear, I find I have so many letters calling for reply thismorning, that I, too, must remain at home. "

Some exclamations of surprise and regret from the others followed; thenthe sound of hoofs and wheels told that the party had set out on theirlittle excursion, and the captain's step was heard in the hall as hereturned to the library. 

But a thought seemed to strike him as he reached its door, and hepaused, calling aloud, "Lulu! Lulu!"

She ran to him at once, answering, "Here I am, papa. "

"Why, daughter, what is the meaning of this?" he asked. "Why did you notgo with the others?"

"Because I preferred to stay at home with my dear father; and I hope heisn't displeased with me for it!" she replied, looking up coaxingly, smilingly, into his face. 

"Displeased with you, dear child? I am only too glad to have you by myside; except that I feel sorry on your own account that you should missthe pleasant, healthful trip along with the others, " he said, bestowingupon her a fond caress. 

"But how did you know that I was going to stay at home?" he asked, as heled her in and sat down, drawing her to a seat upon his knee. 

"Because I'm enough of a Yankee to be good at guessing, I suppose, papa, " she answered, with a merry laugh, putting an arm round his neckand gazing into his eyes with her own full of ardent filial love. "I sawthat big pile of letters, " pointing to them as they lay on the table, "and I thought, 'Now, if I stay at home with papa, maybe he will let mehelp him as I did the other day. ' So now as I have stayed, won't you beso very good as to let me, you dear, dearest papa?"

"I shall be very glad of both your company and your help, darling, though I am sorry to have you miss your ride in order to give them tome. "

"But you needn't be sorry, papa, because I'm ever so glad. I was almostafraid you might be displeased with me for taking the liberty of stayingat home without consulting you; but I don't believe you are a bit, "stroking his face with her little soft white hand, then kissing him withwarmth of affection. 

"I am so much displeased, that as a punishment you will have to writeseveral letters on your machine at my dictation, " he replied, withplayful look and tone. "We will set to work at once, " he added, puttingher off his knee, taking the cover from her typewriter, and placing achair before it for her to sit upon, then laying a pile of paper andenvelopes within easy reach of her hand. 

"Ah, papa, I don't care how often you punish me in this way!" sheexclaimed, with a merry laugh, as she took her seat. 

"Tut! tut! don't talk as if my punishment were nothing, " he replied, inpretended displeasure. "You may get more of this kind some of these daysthan you will like. "

"Not while it's a help to my dear father, " she returned, smiling up athim. 

"You find that a pleasure, do you?" he asked, with tender look and tone, laying a hand caressingly on her head and gazing fondly down into hereyes. 

"Yes, indeed, sir! O papa, I just long to be a real help and comfort andblessing to you; and I do hope that some day I may be. "

"My own dear little daughter, you are already all three to me, " he saidwith emotion. "Truly, I think no man ever had a more lovable child, or amore grateful and appreciative one. "

Those words sent a thrill of exquisite delight to Lulu's heart. "Dearpapa, you are so kind to tell me that!" she said. "Oh, I do want alwaysto be all that to you!"

"And it is certainly my ardent desire to be the best of fathers to mydear eldest daughter, and all my children, " he responded. 

"But now let us set to work upon this correspondence. "

For the next hour and more they were very busy; then, every letterhaving been replied to, the captain went out to a distant part of theplantation to see how work was progressing there, taking Lulu along. 

Their way led them through the orange orchard, and both father anddaughter found it a delightful walk. 

They reached the house again just in time to receive the others on theirreturn from their little excursion, and presently after, all sat down todinner. 

On leaving the table the little girls repaired to the veranda. 

"I'm decidedly offended with you, Lu, " said Rosie, in jesting tone. 

"What for?" asked Lulu. 

"For forsaking us as you did this morning; and now the least reparationyou can make is to confess why you did so. Do you not agree with me, Eva?"

"Yes, " replied Evelyn, "I think she ought to do so, as the only amendsshe can make. So, Miss Raymond, let us hear your excuse at once--if youhave any. "

"Well, then, I suppose I must, " said Lulu. "Please understand that Iwould have enjoyed going with you very much indeed, but I saw that papahad a good many letters to answer and I wanted to help him a great dealmore than I did to take a ride. 

"He lets me write some on the typewriter--those, you see, that don'trequire a very particular answer--and he says it shortens his work verymuch. And, " she added with a sigh, "I have given my dear father so muchtrouble in past days by my bad temper and wilfulness, that I feel I cannever do enough to make up to him for it. "

"Dear Lu, I just love you for feeling and acting so, " said Evelynsoftly, giving Lulu's hand an affectionate squeeze as she spoke; "and Iam sure your father must. "

"Yes, he does love me dearly, and you can't think how happy that makesme, " returned Lulu, glad tears shining in her eyes. 

"I don't know about that, but I think we can, " said Rosie, a slighttremble in her voice; for she had not forgotten altogether the dearfather who had fondled and caressed her in her babyhood, but had so longsince passed away to the better land. 

But just at that moment Violet drew near with a light, quick step. 

"The boat is at the landing, little girls, " she said, "and we olderfolks want to be off. Please put on your hats, coats too, --or carry somekind of wrap, --for the captain says it may be quite cool on the waterbefore we return. "

"A summons we're delighted to receive, " returned Rosie, springing to herfeet and hurrying toward the hall door, the others following, all ofthem in gay good humor. 

No one was missing from that boating excursion, and on their return, alittle before tea time, all spoke of having had a most enjoyableafternoon. 

CHAPTER XX. 

After tea, when all were together upon the front veranda, Grandma Elsiein a reclining chair, the others grouped about her, the talk turned uponthe approaching Christmas and how it should be celebrated--what giftsprepared for friends and servants. 

Various plans were suggested, various gifts spoken of, but nothingsettled. 

The little girls took a deep interest in the subject, and when theyseparated for the night each one's thoughts were full of it; Lulu'sperhaps even more so than those of any other, not of what she mightreceive, but what she would like to give. 

"Papa, " she said, when he came into her room to bid her good-night, "Ido so want to make some pretty things to give at Christmas time. Please, won't you let me?" and look and tone were very coaxing. 

"My dear little daughter, " he replied, taking possession of aneasy-chair and drawing her to a seat upon his knee, "it would give memuch pleasure to indulge you in this, but you have lost a good deal oftime from your studies of late, and I know very well that to allow youto engage in the manufacture of Christmas gifts would have the effectof taking your mind off your lessons in a way to prevent you from makingmuch, if any, progress with them. "

"Then you won't let me, papa?"

"No, my child. If you choose you may use your pocket-money, and somemore that I will give you, to buy what you please, that will not makeany work for you. Your studies must be faithfully attended to, and thegreater part of your remaining time I wish you to spend in out-of-dooramusements which will, I hope, both give you much pleasure and keep youin vigorous health. 

"I could not bear to see my dear eldest daughter growing pale and thin, or failing to improve her mind and talents so that she may in due timebecome a noble, useful woman, capable of doing with her might whateverwork her heavenly Father may be pleased to give her. "

A wofully ill-used, discontented look had come over Lulu's expressivecountenance as her father began what he had to say, but before he hadfinished it was replaced by a much sweeter one of contentment with hisdecision, and confiding filial love. 

"Papa, dear, I did at first very much want you to say yes to mypetition, but now I see that you know best and am quite content to do asyou have said you want me to, " she returned, putting her arm about hisneck and laying her cheek to his in her accustomed fashion when herheart was swelling with daughterly affection. 

"My dear child, your ready acquiescence in your father's decision makesyou dearer than ever to him, if that be possible, " he said, holding herclose with many a fond caress. 

Meanwhile Rosie and Evelyn, occupying adjoining rooms, were chattinggaily of what they should make for one and another of those they loved. 

Suddenly Evelyn paused, a very thoughtful look overspreading herexpressive face. 

"Well, what is it?" asked Rosie in a bantering tone; and Evelynanswered, "I was just thinking that all this, should we undertake it, will be apt to take our minds from our lessons, which are certainly offar greater importance. "

"And that Captain Raymond may veto it on that account?" asked Rosie, with a twinkle of fun in her eye. 

"Possibly he may; and if he does, I, for one, shall certainly obey him, "replied Evelyn, speaking in a sober, earnest way that said plainly shewas far from being in jest. 

"Well, I make no rash promises, " laughed Rosie; "and I'm not very muchafraid of that brother-in-law of mine, stern as he can look when itsuits him. "

"But you will want to please your dear mother?" returned Evelyn, in atone between assertion and inquiry. 

"Yes, " replied Rosie, sobering down at once; "I could refuse nothing todear mamma. I would do anything and everything in my power to add to herhappiness. Oh, how glad and thankful I am that she has been spared tous!"

"I, too, " said Evelyn. "I think I could hardly love her better if shewere really my very near relative. "

A moment of silence followed, presently broken by Rosie. "Well, Isuppose, " she said with a return to her jesting tone, "it may be ourwisest plan to consult his lordship--Captain Raymond--in regard to thematter just now under discussion--whether we--his prospectivepupils--may or may not engage in the work of preparing Christmas giftsfor other folk. "

"I, at least, certainly intend doing so, " replied Evelyn. "Obedience tohis wishes--to say nothing of orders--it strikes me will be the veryleast we can do in return for his great kindness in taking the troubleto instruct us. "

"There, you are right!" said Rosie. "I hadn't thought of that before. Itis very good in him and I shall really try to show him that I am one ofthe best and most tractable of pupils. "

"Suppose we join him and Lu to-morrow in their morning walk, as we didto-day, and then and there improve the opportunity to discuss thismomentous question, " suggested Evelyn laughingly. 

"I am strongly in favor of so doing, provided I wake in season, "returned Rosie, and with that they separated for the night. 

They carried out their plan, had a pleasant little morning ramble andchat with the captain and Lulu, and finding that such was his wish, promised to do but little in the way of making Christmas gifts, in orderthat their time and attention might be the more fully occupied withtheir studies, which they were all to take up again on the followingMonday. 

"And this being Friday, we have only to-day and to-morrow for play. Itlooks like rain, too, " sighed Rosie disconsolately, glancing up at thesky as she spoke; "so we are not likely to have much out-of-door sport. "

"Ah, well, little sister, we must not grumble about the rain, for it isneeded; and there are the verandas for you young folks to sport upon, "returned the captain. 

"Besides, your big brother is not intending to be so hard upon you as toallow no diversion after lessons are resumed. I hope you will all havemany an hour for romping, riding, driving, boating, and walking. "

"Pleasant chats, too, and interesting books to read; music, and gamesbesides, " remarked Evelyn. "Oh, we are not likely to suffer from lackof diversion when we have been good and industrious enough to deserveit, " she added, with a smiling look at the captain. 

"As I have little doubt that you will be always, " he returned, smilingkindly upon her. 

By the time breakfast and family worship were over a gentle rain wasfalling, and instead of seeking out-of-door amusement, the whole familygathered upon the veranda at the front of the house. 

Just then a pretty well-filled mail-bag made its appearance, andpresently nearly everybody had one or more letters in hand. 

Noticing that her father had several, Lulu presently drew near him andasked, "Mayn't I help you answer those, papa?"

"Thank you, dear child, " he returned, smiling fondly upon her, "you mayif you wish, but I have plenty of time to do the work myself thismorning, and would be sorry to deprive you of the pleasure you might betaking with your mates. "

"I'll have time enough for that afterward, papa, and would very muchrather do a little to help you--if it will be a help, instead of atrouble to you to have me use my machine in that way, " she said, with alook up into his eyes that showed plainly how anxious she was to haveher offer accepted. 

"Then you shall, my darling, " he returned, and taking her hand led herinto the library, seated her before her typewriter, supplied paper andenvelopes, and began dictating to her as on the two former occasions. 

"It grieves me to rob my dear little girl of any of her holiday time, "he remarked, as the first letter was completed, laying his handcaressingly on her head. "Your father loves to see you enjoyingyourself. "

"Yes, dear papa, I know that, " she replied, with a pleased loving lookup into his face, "but there is nothing I enjoy more than feeling that Ican be of a little help and comfort to you. "

"Well, it will not take us long to answer these letters--there are butfew to-day--and perhaps you may enjoy your sports all the moreafterward, " he replied, handing her a fresh sheet of paper. 

"This, from our dear Max, is the only one left now, " he remarkedpresently; "and he, I know, would rather have his reply in papa's ownhandwriting; but, shall I read this to you, daughter?"

"Oh, I should like to hear it, papa!" was her eager response. "Please, may I sit on your knee while I listen?"

"Indeed you may, " he answered, drawing her to the coveted seat andputting his arm about her waist. "Maxie does write such good, interesting letters, and I'm so much obliged to you for reading this oneto me, papa, " she said, when he had finished. 

"You are very welcome, daughter; and now you may go back to your mateswhile I write my reply. "

On the veranda family letters had been read and discussed, meanwhile, and when Lulu joined the group they were again talking of theapproaching Christmas and what gifts should be prepared for relatives, near and dear friends, and servants. 

Grandma Elsie, seated in their midst, was looking quite her oldself--very bright, beautiful, and sweet. 

"With the housekeeping given in charge to Vi, " she was saying, as Luludrew near, "I shall have abundance of spare time and hope to preparemany gifts for----"

"No, " interrupted her father, "you are to do nothing of the kind; butmust devote yourself to the business of gaining strength as fast aspossible. "

She laughed pleasantly at that, saying, "My vacation has been a long onealready, papa, for I have really done nothing worth speaking of since wereturned home from the North. "

"And what of that, daughter?" he responded. "You have never been anidler, but it seems to be time now for you to begin. Let your vacationgo on till next spring. That is my prescription for you. "

"Ah, ha, mamma!" laughed Rosie, "the captain forbids Christmas-giftmaking for us younger ones, and I'm mighty glad grandpa forbids it toyou. 'Misery loves company, ' you know. "

"I hope my Rosie may never be called upon to share any worse misery, "was the smiling rejoinder. "Also that she will show herself as obedientto the captain as I intend to be to her kind, loving grandpa--sotenderly careful of his daughter, " with a fond look up into the face ofher father, standing by her side. 

"As he may well be, for she is a treasure worth guarding, " he said, returning her look of love. "Rosie, when does the captain proposebeginning his labors as tutor?"

"Next Monday morning, grandpa; so we want to crowd all the fun anddiversion we can into to-day and to-morrow. "

"Ah, we must select a schoolroom and furnish it with whatever may benecessary!" exclaimed Violet. 

"Yes, " her mother said; "the room used for that purpose when you were avery little girl will answer nicely. Its desks were sent to the atticwhen no longer needed. You might order them brought down to-day, theroom swept and dusted, and whatever else done that is necessary ordesirable, so that it will be quite ready for occupation on Monday. "

"Thank you, mamma; I will have it attended to at once, " Violet replied, and hastened away, Rosie running after her with a "Come girls, let us goand see the room and find out whether it has a closet for the captain toshut us up in when we misbehave. "

"I don't believe he'll use it if it has, " laughed Lulu, rather enjoyingRosie's fun, "for he has never punished any of us--his own children--inthat way. "

"Still there is no knowing but he may take a new departure, now, whenhe's going to have so distinguished a pupil as myself, " pursued Rosie, dancing down the hall with the others close in her rear. 

They followed Violet to the room Grandma Elsie had spoken of, and foundit large and airy, with windows down to the floor, --opening out upon theveranda on that side of the house, --the walls prettily papered andadorned with good pictures, handsomely framed; the floor covered withfine matting, furniture handsome, a pretty clock and vases on themantel. On one side of that was a door to which Rosie flew and, throwingit wide open, brought to view a large closet. 

"There!" she exclaimed, "didn't I tell you, girls and Walter?" for hewas in the company by that time, "here's the place of incarceration forthose who shall dare to disobey Captain Raymond. I for one shallcertainly try to behave my prettiest, for I wouldn't like to be shut upin the dark. "

"Well, it appears to me that you are more likely to come to it than anyof the rest of us, " observed Walter quietly, as he turned on his heeland walked away. 

"Did you ever hear the like?" cried Rosie, opening her eyes very wide inpretended astonishment. 

"What's all this?" asked a familiar voice at the door, and turning atthe sound they saw Captain Raymond standing there, looking very graveand slightly reproving, but with a perceptible twinkle of fun in hiseyes. 

"We were just looking at the closet you are going to use for theincarceration of the naughty ones, for this is to be your schoolroom, you see, sir, " returned Rosie demurely. 

"And you expect to enjoy a sojourn there?" he queried, coming forwardand himself taking a survey of the interior. "It strikes me it wouldsuit better as a receptacle for school-books and the like. "

"So it would, " she said, with a sigh of pretended relief; "and we, yourpupils that are to be will venture to hope that you will see best todevote it to that use. "

"A hope in which you will not be disappointed, I trust, " he replied, ina kindly tone, and laying a hand lightly upon her shoulder. 

"There girls!" she exclaimed, "you may thank me for extracting such apromise beforehand. I do really believe his honor intends to treat uswell if we are reasonably well behaved. "

"And the rest of us are quite sure of it, " added Evelyn, with a brightlook up into the captain's face. 

"Thank you for your confidence, my dear, " he returned. "I have littledoubt that we will have pleasant times together in this very pleasantroom. "

A little more time was spent in examining the room and commenting uponits beauties and conveniences; then they went back to the veranda tofind that the sun had begun to peep through the clouds. 

So carriages were ordered and all took a drive through the beautifulwoods. 

The afternoon was spent in boating and fishing, the evening in theveranda, where they were joined by their relatives from Magnolia Halland the parsonage. 

The manner in which they would spend the approaching Christmas and NewYear's Day was the principal subject of conversation, and the youngfolks were particularly interested in listening to the plans made orsuggested, and well satisfied with the proposed arrangement that thecousins should spend the first at Viamede, all gather at Magnolia Hallfor their New Year's dinner, and pass the evening of that day at theparsonage. 

Lulu had a talk with her father in her own room at bedtime, that madeher feel very happy and entirely content with his prohibition of themaking of gifts. 

He told her that she and Grace might each make out a list of thearticles they would like to buy to present to others, and that some one, probably Mr. Embury--Cousin Millie's husband--who was intending to pay avisit of a few days to New Orleans, would kindly make the purchases forthem. 

"Oh, that will do nicely, papa!" she exclaimed delightedly, "and Gracieand I might make out our lists to-morrow with a little help from ourdear father, " smiling up into his eyes. 

"Yes, dear child, I will gladly give you both all the assistance in mypower, " he replied, softly smoothing her hair, for she was--as usual atsuch times--sitting upon his knee; "and not with advice only, " hecontinued, "but also by adding something to your means for carrying outyour wishes. "

"Oh, you dear papa, you are just the kindest father that ever wasmade!" she cried, in an ecstasy of delight, and hugging him with all herstrength. 

"Ah, but if you choke me to death, " he said laughingly, "I can donothing for you. "

"Oh, papa, please excuse me!" she exclaimed, relaxing her hold. "Did Ihurt you? oh, I am very, very sorry!"

"Not much; I could stand it very well, " he returned, giving her a hugand kiss. "But now I must leave you to go to bed and to sleep. "

CHAPTER XXI. 

There was a decided downpour of rain the next morning, but no one mindedthat very much, as the necessity for staying within doors gave time andopportunity for further arrangements in regard to Christmas and thegifts to be presented. 

The captain kindly devoted an hour or more to helping his little girlsto decide upon theirs and make out a list; Mr. Embury, and Molly andIsadore, who were intending to accompany him to the city, having kindlyoffered to make any purchases desired by the Viamede relatives. 

At the same time the others, older and younger, were similarly engaged, and there were many little private chats as they gathered in twos andthrees here and there about the veranda or in the rooms. 

In the afternoon Violet invited the whole party to inspect theschoolroom, where some of the servants had been busy, under herdirection, all the morning, giving it a thorough cleaning, draping thewindows with fresh lace curtains, looped back with blue ribbons, andplacing a desk for each expected pupil, and a neat table for theteacher. 

Every one pronounced it a model schoolroom, some of the older peopleadding that it made them almost wish themselves young enough to again bebusy with lessons and recitations. 

"Where's your ferule, Brother Levis?" asked Rosie, facetiously, after aclose scrutiny of the table, not omitting its drawer. 

"I think you have not made a thorough examination of the closet yet, "was his noncommittal reply. 

"Oh, that's where you keep it? I say girls----" in a loud whisper, perfectly audible to everyone in the room, "let's carry it off before hehas a chance to use it. "

"Hardly worth while, since it would be no difficult matter to replaceit, " remarked the captain, with assumed gravity and sternness. 

"Ah, then I suppose one may as well be resigned to circumstances, "sighed Rosie, following the others from the room. 

"Papa, can I help you?" asked Lulu, seeing him seat himself at the tablein the library, take out writing materials from its drawer, and dip apen into the ink. 

"No, thank you, daughter, " he replied. "I am going to write to Max. "

"Please tell him we are all ever so sorry he can't be here to spendChristmas and New Year's with us. "

"I will. "

"And he can't have the pleasure of giving any gifts I suppose, as theyallow him so little pocket money!"

"Dear boy! he shall not miss that pleasure entirely, " said the captain. "I am going now to write to him that I will set apart a certain sum forhis use in the purchase of gifts for others. That is, he may tell mewhat he would like to give, and I will see that the articles are boughtand distributed as he wishes. "

"Oh, what a nice plan, papa! I am sure Maxie will be very glad. "

"Yes, I do it with the hope of giving pleasure to my dear boy. Andbesides that I shall tell him that he may again choose some benevolentobject to which I will give, in his name, a thousand dollars. You too, and Gracie, shall have the same privilege. "

"Just as we all had last year. Oh, papa, it is so good and kind in you!"

"That is the opinion of my very partial little daughter, " he returned, with a smile. "But, daughter, as I have often told you, the money is theLord's, and I am only his steward. "

"Yes, sir, " she said, and walked thoughtfully away. 

By the middle of the afternoon the rain seemed to be over and a row onthe bayou was enjoyed by the most of the party; all who cared to go. 

Music and conversation made the evening pass quickly and pleasantly, andall retired to their rooms at an early hour that they might riserefreshed for the duties and privileges of the Lord's day. 

It was spent, as former ones had been, attending church and the pastor'sBible class in the morning, and holding a similar service on the lawn atViamede in the afternoon. 

In addressing that little congregation the captain tried to make the wayof salvation very clear and plain. 

"It is just to come to Jesus as you are, " he said; "not waiting to makeyourself any better, for you never can; he alone can do that work; it ishis blood that cleanses from all sin; his righteousness that is perfect, and therefore acceptable to God; while all our righteousnesses are asfilthy rags, stained and defiled with sin. 

"Concerning him--the only begotten and well beloved Son of God--theBible tells us, 'He is able to save them unto the uttermost that comeunto God by him. '

"'The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. '

"And he says, 'Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. '

"'This is the will of him that sent me, that every one who seeth theSon, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raisehim up at the last day. '

"Just go to Jesus each one of you, give yourself to him and believe hisword--that he will not cast you out; he will receive you and make youhis own; giving you of his spirit, changing you from the poor sinner youare, by nature, into his image, his likeness. "

At the conclusion of that service Lulu and Grace recited their Bibleverses and catechism to their father. 

The evening was spent in conversation and music suited to the sacrednessof the day, and all retired to rest. 

Nine o'clock of the next morning found the girls and Walter seated inthe schoolroom. Lulu and Grace busied with their tasks, the others readyand waiting to have theirs appointed by the captain. 

School that day was a decided success, and Rosie pretended that herfears of the new teacher were greatly allayed. 

Between that and Christmas-time everything moved along smoothly; studieswere well attended to, sports and pastimes greatly enjoyed. 

The celebration of the holidays--Christmas and New Year's--also proved agreat success. There were many and beautiful gifts; a handsome broochfrom the captain delighted each little girl, and there were other lovelygifts too numerous to mention. 

The distribution was on Christmas Eve. The next day there was a granddinner at Viamede, all the relatives present, and everybody in gayestspirits. 

The day was bright and beautiful, seeming but little like Christmas tothose accustomed to frost and snow at that season. 

New Year's day was not less lovely, nor were its festivities lessenjoyable, though the gifts were fewer. 

The holidays past, the young folks went back with zest to their studies, Rosie saying she was now convinced that Captain Raymond was an excellentteacher, and not at all inclined to tyrannize over a well-behaved pupil;for which complimentary expression of opinion he gravely thanked her. 

"You are very welcome, sir, " she said, "and may depend upon arecommendation from me whenever it is wanted. "

"O Rosie, how ridiculous you are!" exclaimed Walter. 

But Rosie was already out of the room, the other girls following. Theywent out on the lawn, ran about for a while, then settled themselvesunder a tree and began cracking and eating nuts. 

Lulu, who was very fond of them, presently put one between her teeth andcracked it there. 

"O Lu!" exclaimed Grace, "you forget that papa forbade you to crack nutswith your teeth, for fear you might break them. "

"Well, I wanted to break the nut, " returned Lulu, laughing, and blushingbecause her conscience reproached her. 

"I meant break your teeth, " said Grace. "I'm sure you wouldn't have doneit--cracked the nut with them, I mean--if you hadn't forgotten that papaforbade you to do it. "

"No, Gracie, I'm not so good as you think; I did not forget; I just didit because I wanted to, " Lulu said with an evident effort, and blushingagain. 

Then she sprang up and ran toward her father, who was seen at somelittle distance, coming from the orange orchard toward the house. 

"I do believe she's going to tell on herself!" exclaimed Rosie, inastonishment. 

"Oh, dear, I wonder what papa will do to her!" exclaimed Grace, justready to burst into tears. 

"It is very noble in her to go and confess at once, when he needn't haveever known anything about it, " cried Eva admiringly. 

They were all three watching Lulu and her father with intense interest, though too far away to hear anything that either one might say. 

Lulu drew near him, hanging her head shamefacedly. "Papa, " she said, ina low, remorseful tone, "I have just been disobeying you. "

"Ah! I am sorry, very sorry, to hear it, daughter, " he returned a littlesadly; then, taking her hand, led her away further from the house andseated her and himself on a bench beneath a group of trees that entirelyhid them from view. 

"Tell me the whole story, my child, " he said, not unkindly, and stillkeeping her hand in his. 

"I cracked a nut with my teeth, papa, " she replied, with her eyes uponthe ground, her cheek hot with blushes. 

"You forgot that I had forbidden it?"

"No, papa, I haven't even that poor excuse. I remembered all the timethat you had forbidden me, but just did it because I wanted to. "

"Though I had given you my reason for the prohibition--that you wouldrisk serious damage to your teeth, and probably suffer both pain and theloss of those useful members in consequence. It gives me pain to findthat my dear eldest daughter cares so little for her father's wishes orcommands. "

At that Lulu burst into tears and sobs. "Oh, I hope you'll punish mewell for it, papa!" she said. "I deserve it, and I think it would do megood. "

"I must indeed punish you for conduct so decidedly rebellious, " hereplied. "I will either forbid nuts for a week, or refrain from givingyou a caress for the same length of time. Which shall it be?"

"O papa, I'd rather do without nuts for the rest of the winter than awhole week without a caress from you!" she exclaimed. 

"Very well, then, " he said, bending down and touching his lips to hercheek. "I forbid the nuts, and I think I can trust my daughter to obeyme by not touching one till she has her father's permission. "

"I feel sure I will, papa, " she said; "but if I should be so very bad asto disobey you again in this, I will come to you, confess it, and takemy punishment without a word of objection. "

"I have no doubt of it, daughter, " he returned, taking her hand againand leading her back to the house. 

The other girls were awaiting with intense interest the reappearance ofthe captain and Lulu. 

"Here they come!" exclaimed Rosie, "and I don't believe he has punishedher; there has hardly been time, and though she looks very sober--he, too--she doesn't look at all frightened; nor does he look angry, and heholds her hand in what strikes me as a very affectionate way. "

"Yes, " said Evelyn, "I think the captain is as good and kind a father asanyone could desire; and I'm sure Lulu's opinion of him is the same. "

"Yes, indeed, " assented Grace heartily, as she wiped the tears from hereyes, "there couldn't be a better, kinder father than ours, Lulu and Iboth think; but though he doesn't like to punish us, sometimes he feelsthat it's his duty to do it to make us good. "

"I don't believe you get, or need, punishment very often, Gracie, "remarked Rosie; "you are as good as gold; at least so it seems to me. "

"I'm not perfect, Rosie; oh, no, indeed!" Gracie answered earnestly;"but papa almost never does anything more than talk in a grave, kind wayto me about my faults. "

By this time the captain and Lulu had drawn near the house, and, lettinggo her hand, "You may go back to your mates now, daughter, " he said in akindly tone. "I have some matters to attend to, and if you have anythingmore to say to me I will hear it at another time. "

"Yes, sir, " replied Lulu, and went slowly toward the little group underthe tree, while her father passed round to the other side of the house. 

"He was not very much vexed with you, Lu, was he?" queried Rosie, in akindly inquiring tone, as Lulu joined them, looking grave and a triflesad, while traces of tears could be discerned on her cheeks and abouther eyes. 

"Papa only seemed sorry that--that I could be so disobedient, " falteredthe little girl, tears starting to her eyes again; "but he alwayspunishes disobedience, --which is just what he ought to do, I amsure, --and he has forbidden me to eat any more nuts for a week. I chosethat rather than doing without a caress from him for the same length oftime. So you see he was not very severe; not half so severe as Ideserved that he should be. "

The others agreed with her that it was but a light punishment; then theybegan talking of something else. 

Nuts were a part of the dessert that day, and Lulu, sitting near herfather, asked in a low aside, "Papa, mayn't I pick out some kernels foryou?"

"If you wish, daughter, " he answered; and she performed the littleservice with evident pleasure. 

"Thank you, dear child, " he said, with a loving look and smile as shehanded them to him. Speaking of it to Violet that night in the privacyof their own room, "I found it hard to take and eat them without sharingwith her, the dear, affectionate child!" he said, with feeling, "but Iknew it gave her pleasure to do her father that little service. Ah, itis so much pleasanter to fondle and indulge one's children than toreprove or punish them! yet I am sure it is the truest kindness totrain them to obedience, as the Bible directs. "

"Yes, " returned Violet, "and I have often noticed that those parents whodo follow that Bible teaching are more loved and respected by theirchildren than the foolishly indulgent ones. And, by the way, howdevotedly fond of her father Lulu is! It delights me to see it. "

"Me also, my dear, " he returned, with a pleased little laugh. "I doubtif any man ever had better, dearer children--speaking of the whole fivetogether--than mine. Nor can I believe that ever a father esteemed hisgreater treasures than I do mine. "

The rest of the winter passed quietly and peacefully to our friends atViamede, the young folks making good progress with their studies, theolder ones finding employment in various ways--the ladies in reading, writing letters, overseeing house and servants, and making and receivingvisits; Mr. Dinsmore in much the same manner, except that he gavehimself no concern about domestic affairs; while the captain found fullemployment in instructing his pupils and superintending work on theplantation; but with time enough to spare for participation in thediversions and recreations of the others. 

Grandma Elsie had entirely recovered her health, and as spring openedthey began to talk of returning to their more northern homes, yetcontinued to tarry, looking for a visit to Viamede from the dear ones ofIon and Fairview. 

And here at beautiful Viamede we will leave them for the present. 

THE END

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Transcriber's Note:

 Obvious punctuation errors repaired. 

 Hyphenation retained in "kind-hearted" as it appears once with and once without the hyphen. 

 Page 14, "sailer" changed to "sailor" (a splendid sailor)

 Page 147, "honered" changed to "honored" (my dear and honored)

 Page 166, "child" and "in" presumed from remaining letters (child alone, or nearly so, in)

 Page 172, "froward" changed to "forward" (the forward mouth)

 Page 182, "two" changed to "too" (the distance being too great)

 Page 198, "tremuously" changed to "tremulously" (tremulously, just)

 Page 203, "Lelaand" changed to "Leland" (glance at Mrs. Leland)

 Page 216, paragraph break inserted between "queried Lulu. " and "I very much doubt". 

 Page 273, "beautitiful" changed to "beautiful" (very bright, beautiful)

 Page 253, "fatigueing" changed to "fatiguing" (rather than fatiguing)