"And we will go to poor Eric instead of with mamma and the rest to
Nantucket."

"My sweet one, I could not ask so great a sacrifice from you," he said.

"I can hardly feel it to be such when I think of your poor brother--our
brother; for is he not mine also? We will go to him instead, and I know
it will be with mamma's approval, grandpa's also. Ah, here they both
come!" she exclaimed, in a tone of satisfaction, as the Ion family
carriage was seen approaching through the avenue.

In another moment it had drawn up before the entrance, and Mr. Dinsmore
and his daughter alighted. With the quick eye of affection the mother at
once noted the sadness of her daughter's countenance, of Lester's also,
and scarcely had she exchanged the morning greetings with them ere she
inquired the cause.

Lester silently handed her Eric's open letter.

Tears trembled in the soft brown eyes as she read.

In compliance with a mute request from Lester, she passed it on to her
father.

There was a moment of silence after Mr. Dinsmore had finished reading,
then the elder Elsie said in low, sympathizing tones,

"My dears, you will go to him? Delightful as it would be to have you with
us, I could not wish you to refuse such a request from one so near and
dear."

"No, mamma dear, nor could we think of refusing," answered her daughter,
quickly, glancing tenderly at her husband as she spoke, and receiving a
grateful, loving look in return.

"Certainly not," said Mr. Dinsmore; "but I see no reason why you should
not accompany us on our voyage, spend a few days at Nantucket, and then
go on to New York. Do you, Lester?"

"No, sir; and if my little wife approves of that plan, we will adopt it,"

He turned inquiringly to her.

"I should like it very much," she said. "If you are quite sure it will
not delay us too long," she added as an after-thought.

"No, scarcely at all, I think," returned Lester; "so we will consider
that settled."

"Ah, I am glad that we shall not lose your company altogether," Mrs.
Travilla said. "And do not despair for your brother, Lester, for many
very sick people have recovered, even after being given up by the
doctors. We know, too, that with God nothing is impossible, and that He
is the hearer and answerer of prayer. We will unite our petitions in
behalf of Eric, and if it shall be for God's glory and his good, he will
be restored to health."

"Yes, mother; I have not a doubt of that," returned Mr. Leland, "no