other; 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 I
are the best of friends, and I think will continue to be such."

It was a gay, light-hearted party that met at the Viamede
breakfast-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 make
any exertion.

"I shall have to let you continue to take the role of mistress of the
establishment, Vi," she said, with a pleasant smile, as, resigning to
her daughter her accustomed seat at the head of the table, she took
possession of one at the side.

"Not that I am of so humble a spirit as to consider myself unfitted for
the duties and responsibilities of the position, but because older and
wiser 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 his
lovely 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; a
good deal of it in regard to pleasures and amusements attainable in that
locality; riding, driving, boating, fishing; to say nothing of the
pleasant rambles that could be taken on and beyond the estate.

There was no lack of carriages for driving, or horses to draw them, or
for 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 on
horseback.

Breakfast and family prayers over, the young girls hastened to their
rooms to prepare for the little excursion, all seemingly in the gayest
spirits at the pleasing prospect; none more so than merry, excitable
Lulu.

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 morning
mail, which he had just brought from the nearest post-office.

He carried it to the library, where Mr. Dinsmore and the captain were
seated, awaiting the appearance of the ladies, carriages, and horses.

As if struck by a sudden thought, Lulu ran after him. She saw her father
take the bag, open it, hand s