ervant, who returned for them in
the afternoon.

Mrs. Leland heard of her friend's efforts, and going over to Ion, asked,
"Why did you not call on me? my children need instruction."

"I hardly liked to ask it of you."

"And I feel a delicacy about proposing the thing to the Fosters, but--I
would be very glad to help them; and if you can learn that they would
not mind coming to Fairview for the sake of several more scholars, I
authorize you to make the engagement for me."

Elsie undertook the errand and did it so well that the Fosters were
deeply touched by this kindness on the part of one whom they had
formerly hated and reviled, and whose husband their brother had tried
to kill.

The offer was gratefully accepted, the young Lelands became the pupils
of these former foes, little courtesies and kind offices were exchanged,
and in the end warm friendship took the place of enmity.

Chapter Twenty-second.

"The mother, in her office holds the key
Of the soul; and she it is who stamps the coin
Of character, and makes the being who would be a savage,
But for her gentle cares, a Christian man.
Then crown her queen of the world."
--OLD PLAY

The families from the Oaks and Ashlands had been spending the day at
Ion.

It was late in the afternoon and while awaiting the call to tea, they
had all gathered in the drawing-room, whose windows overlooked the
avenue and lawn on one side, on the other a very beautiful part of the
grounds, and a range of richly wooded hills beyond.

A pause in the conversation was broken by Mr. Travilla. "Wife," he said,
turning to Elsie, "Cousin Ronald should see Viamede: our old friend
here, Mrs. Carrington, needs change of scene and climate; two good
things that would not hurt any one present: shall we not invite them all
to go and spend the winter with us there?"

"O, yes, yes indeed! what a delightful plan!" she cried with youthful
enthusiasm. "Ah, I hope you will all accept; the place is almost a
paradise upon earth, and we would do all in our power to make the time
pass agreeably. Cousin Ronald, don't refuse. Papa dear, don't try to
hunt up objections."

"Ah ha! um h'm! I've not the least idea of it, cousin," said the one.

"I am not," said the other, smiling fondly upon her, "but must be
allowed a little time to consider."

"O papa, don't say no!" cried Rosie. "Mamma, coax him quick before he
has time to say it."

"I think there's no need," laughed Rose. "Can't you see