equally pleasant visit at the Laurels, whither they went
directly from the Oaks, Gracie wondering why she was not permitted to go
to see mamma first for a while, and grieving over it for a time.

They were not told what had taken place in their absence, until the day of
their return to Ion.

Mrs. Dinsmore had driven over for them, and after an hour's chat with her
daughter, Mrs. Lacey, sent for the children, who were amusing themselves
in the grounds.

"O grandma, good-morning! Did you come to take us home?" cried Rosie, as
she came running in, put her arms about Mrs. Dinsmore's neck, and held up
her face for a kiss.

"Yes, dear child, and to bring you some news. Good-morning, Max, Lulu,
Gracie, Walter--all of you--there's a little stranger at Ion."

"A little stranger!" was the simultaneous exclamation from all five, Max
adding, "What sort?" and Rosie, "Where from?"

"A very sweet, pretty little creature, I think; a little girl from 'No
Man's Land,'" was the smiling reply. "A new little sister for you, Max,
Lulu, and Gracie, a niece for Rosie and Walter."

Max looked pleased, though slightly puzzled, too; Gracie's eyes shone, and
the pink flush deepened on her cheeks, as she asked delightedly, "Is it a
baby? Mamma's baby?" but Lulu frowned and was silent.

"Yes, it is your mamma's baby," replied Grandma Rose. "Would you like to
go home and see it?"

All answered in the affirmative, except Lulu, who said nothing, and then
hurried from the room to make ready.

"O Lu, aren't you glad?" exclaimed Gracie, as they put on their hats.

"No!" snapped Lulu, "what is there to be glad about? It'll steal all
papa's love away from us; Mamma Vi's, too, of course, if she ever had
any."

Gracie was shocked, "Lulu!" she said, just ready to cry, "how can you say
such things? I just know nothing will ever make papa quit loving us. Can't
he love us and the new baby too? and can't mamma?"

"Well, you'll see!" returned Lulu wisely.

There was no time for anything more; the good-bys were said, they were
helped into the Ion carriage, waiting at the door, and driven rapidly
homeward.

During the drive Grandma Rose noticed that while the other children were
merry and talkative, Lulu was silent and sullen, and Gracie apparently
just ready to burst into tears.

She more than half suspected what the trouble was, but thought best to
seem not to see that anything was amiss.

Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter were on the veranda wait