to you."

Before Rosie had fairly finished what she had to say, warm-hearted,
impulsive Lulu had risen to her feet, run hastily to her and thrown her
arms round her neck.

"Oh, Rosie," she cried, "I've been just too hateful for anything! I ought
to be able to stand a little teasing, and you needn't apologize for
vexing such a quick-tempered piece as I am."

"Yes, I should," returned Rosie. "Mamma has shown me that I have been
greatly to blame. But I trust we shall be good friends after this."

"So do I," said Lulu.

CHAPTER XV.

"'Tis a goodly scene--
Yon river, like a silvery snake, lays out
His coil i' th' sunshine, lovingly; it breathes
Of freshness in this lap of flowery meadows."

HUNT.

"Oh, isn't this just the loveliest, _loveliest_ country!" exclaimed
Evelyn, rapturously; "what does anybody want to go to Europe for? If for
beautiful scenery, I should advise them--all Americans, I mean--to travel
over their own land first."

"So should I," responded Lulu. "I don't believe there can be lovelier
scenery on this earth than what we have been passing through for hours
past! I wonder how near we are now to Viamede?"

"We are beside it--the estate--at this moment," remarked Mr. Dinsmore,
overhearing their talk; "this orange-orchard is a part of it."

Exclamations of delight followed the announcement. Everybody on
board the little steamer that had been threading its way up Teche
Bayou and through lake and lakelet, past swamp, forest, plantation
and plain, miles upon miles of smooth, velvety lawns, dotted with
magnificent oaks and magnolias, and lordly villas peering through groves
of orange-trees--everybody, although they had greatly enjoyed the short
voyage, was glad to know they were nearing their desired haven.

A glad welcome awaited them there. As they rounded to at the little pier
they could see a crowd of relatives and retainers gathered beside it,
watching and waiting with faces full of joyous eagerness.

And as the voyagers stepped ashore what affectionate embraces, what glad
greetings were exchanged!

Cyril and Isa Keith were there with their two little ones; Dick Percival,
Bob and Betty Johnson--and could it be possible? was that Molly Embury,
on her feet, standing by Mr. Embury's side and leaning only slightly on
his arm?

Yes, it can be no other; and--oh, wonder of wonders!--she comes nearer,
actually walking upon the feet that no one thought would ever again be
able to bear her