of
various colored marbles; a bubbling fountain in the centre, gold and
silver fish swimming in its basin, windows draped with vines, and at the
farther end a lovely grotto, where a second fountain threw showers of
spray over moss-grown rocks and pieces of exquisite statuary.

Here they were presently joined by their Cousin Horace. Ices and fruits
were served, and the morning passed in a most agreeable manner,
enlivened by music, conversation, and a variety of quiet games; Mr. and
Mrs. Travilla laying themselves out for the entertainment of their
guests.

Their children had been excused from lessons in honor of the day, and
with their sweet prattle, and merry pretty ways, contributed not a
little to the enjoyment of their elders.

Mr. Dinsmore came to dinner. Calhoun fancied his manner rather cool
toward him, while Dick and Walter were left in no doubt of his stern
disapproval of them, until their Cousin Elsie said a few words to him in
a quiet aside, after which there was a decided change for the better.

Calhoun watched his cousin furtively, as he had of late formed a habit
of doing: and as he studied her character, his respect, admiration, and
affection grew apace; he found her so utterly unselfish and sincere, so
patient and forbearing, yet firm for the right, so unaffectedly gay and
happy.

Something of this he remarked to her when for a few moments they chanced
to be alone together.

"Ah," she said smiling and blushing, "it is not lover love alone that is
blind; you have been looking at me through rose colored spectacles, as
so many of my relatives and friends do."

"But are you not really happy, cousin?"

"Happy? Ah yes, indeed! Have I not everything to make me so? the best of
husbands and fathers, five darling children; comparative youth, health,
wealth that enables me to prove in my own sweet experience the truth of
those words of the Lord Jesus, 'It is more blessed to give than to
receive'; and the best of all" she added low and reverently, the soft
eyes shining through glad tears, "His love and tender care surrounding
me. His strong arm to lean upon; His blood to wash away my sins. His
perfect righteousness put upon me. These, cousin, are more than all the
rest, and you and every one may have them if you will; for His own words
are, 'Ask, and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find.' 'Him that
cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.'"

"You give me a new view of religion," he said after a mome