mother's marriage was displeasing to her father and all intercourse
between her and the rest of the family was broken off in obedience to
his stern command; and thus they lost sight of each other. I have
brought proofs of--"

But Elsie's hand was already laid in his, while glad tears sprang to her
eyes.

"You shall show us them at another time if you will; but I could never
doubt such a face as yours, and can not tell you how glad I am to have
at last found a relative on my mother's side of the house. Cousin, you
are welcome, welcome to Ion!" And she turned to her husband.

"Yes," he said, offering his hand with the greatest cordiality, "welcome
indeed, and not more so to my little wife than to myself."

"Thanks to you both," he said with a bow and smile. "Cousin," with an
earnest look at his hostess, "you are _very_ like a picture I have of
your grandmother. But," with a glance at the wide-eyed little ones,
looking on and listening in wonder and surprise, "can it be that you
are the mother of all these? yourself scarce more than a bairn in
appearance."

Elsie laughed lightly. "Ah, cousin, you have not examined me closely yet
I have not been a bairn for many years. How glad papa will be, Edward,
to see a relative of my mother's!"

"No doubt of it, wife, and we must send him word immediately."

Mr. Lilburn had no reason to complain of his reception: he was treated
with the utmost hospitality, and his coming made the occasion of general
rejoicing in the household. Refreshments were promptly set before him, a
handsome suite of apartments appropriated to his use, and a man-servant
directed to attend upon his person.

A note was sent to the Oaks inviting the whole family to Ion; the
children were given a holiday, and Elsie, her husband, and father, spent
the morning in conversation with their guest, and in examining family
records, miniatures and photographs which he had brought with him.

The day passed most agreeably to all; the new found relatives were
mutually pleased and interested in each other.

Mr. Lilburn was evidently a gentleman of intelligence, polish and
refinement; seemed to be an earnest Christian, too, and in easy
circumstances.

The little folks made friends with him at once, and as children are apt
to be quick at reading character, the older ones felt this to be a
confirmation of the good opinion he had already won from them.

Chapter Sixteenth.

"I know that there are angry spirits
A