e, that you will learn to hate and forsake sin because it is
dishonoring and displeasing to God, because it grieves the dear Saviour
who loves you and died to redeem you."

Forgiveness was readily accorded by both Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter,
and Lulu went to bed comparatively happy after a short visit and kind
motherly talk from Grandma Elsie.

Two days later Max was released from his imprisonment. He more than half
dreaded to make his appearance below stairs, thinking every one would
view him askance, but was agreeably surprised by being greeted on every
hand with the utmost kindness and cordiality.

On the following Monday he and the other children were sent to the Oaks to
make the promised visit.

Gracie alone needed some persuasion to induce her to go of her own free
will, and that only because mamma was not going. Gracie was not at all
sure that she could live two whole weeks without her dear mamma.

Just before they started, Mr. Dinsmore made Max very happy by the
restoration of his money and watch. He added an admonition against
gambling, and Max replied with an earnest promise never to touch a card
again.

CHAPTER XXIV.

A CHAPTER OF SURPRISES.

Edward and Zoe decided upon a little pleasure trip in addition to the
business one, and, in consequence, were absent from home for over a
fortnight. On their return, Elsie met them on the threshold with the
warmest and most loving of welcomes.

"How well and happy you both look, my dear children!" she said, glancing
from one to the other, her face full of proud, fond, motherly affection.

"As we are, mother dear," Edward responded. "Glad to see you so, also. How
is Vi?"

"Doing nicely."

"Vi! Is she sick?" asked Zoe, her tone expressing both surprise and
concern.

"Yes," Elsie said, leading the way down the hall and up the stairs. Then
as they reached the upper hall, "Come this way, my dears, I have something
to show you."

She led them to the nursery; to the side of a dainty crib; and pushing
aside its curtains of lace, brought to view a little downy head and pink
face nestling cosily upon the soft pillow within.

Zoe uttered an exclamation of astonishment and delight. "Why, mamma, where
did you get it? Oh, the little lovely darling!" and down she went on her
knees by the side of the crib, to make a closer inspection. "O Ned, just
look! did you ever see anything half so dear and sweet?"

"Yes," he said, with a meaning, laughing look into