nging back.

"No,--come to think of it,--I don't believe he did," said Max. "Besides,
it must be pretty near school-time; so if you are ready, Eva, and want
to walk, we'll start back directly, and be glad to take you with us."

"Yes, I prefer to walk," she said: "I'll be ready in five minutes, and
glad to have your company."

Mrs. Leland was on the veranda.

"Won't they come in?" she asked of Evelyn, as the child came hurrying up
the steps.

"No, auntie: Lu is not quite certain that her papa gave her permission."

"Then, I'll go to them."

Lulu's eyes were on the ground, her cheeks hot with blushes, as Mrs.
Leland drew near the rustic bench on which she and Max had seated
themselves.

"Good-morning, my dears: I am sorry you cannot come in and sit a while,"
was her pleasant greeting. Then she shook hands with Max and kissed
Lulu.

"I heard you were not well yesterday, Lulu: I hope you feel quite so
this morning?"

"Yes, ma'am, thank you."

"I heard from Ion before breakfast, and am delighted that baby is still
improving, as, no doubt, you are, both of you."

"Yes, indeed!" exclaimed Max.

"And I am gladder than words can tell," said Lulu, a tear rolling
quickly down her cheek. "Aunt Elsie, I do love her! I think she is the
nicest, sweetest baby I ever saw."

"Yes, my dear; and I have no doubt you intend to be the best of sisters
to her."

"Oh, I do! I can't ever make up to her for--for hurting her so, though I
did not mean to do it."

"Of course not: you couldn't be so cruel toward any baby, but especially
your own sweet little sister," was the gentle, sweet-toned reply. "I am
rejoiced, especially for you, my dears, and for your mamma, that your
father is going to settle down here; for I know it will add greatly to
your happiness, he is such a good husband and father, and you will so
enjoy having a home of your own."

"Yes, aunt Elsie: we think it is the best thing that could have happened
to us," replied Max.

Evelyn joined them at that moment; so they said good-by, and started on
their way back to Ion.

"Eva," said Max, "have you heard about Woodburn?"

"No; what about it?"

"It's for sale, and perhaps papa will buy it."

"Oh, how nice that would be!" she exclaimed. "I've been there with aunt
Elsie, and it's just a lovely place! It has a rather neglected look now;
but it wouldn't take long to remedy that, and then it would be quite as
handsome as Ion or Fairview, or any other place about