want to get to bed early."

"Suppose you all delay a little and unite with us in evening family
worship," said Mr. Dinsmore. "It is a good while since I have had all
three of my children present with me at such a service."

All complied with his request, and immediately afterward took leave. Then
with an exchange of affectionate good-nights the family separated and
scattered to their rooms.

Lulu was not quite ready for bed when Violet came in, and putting her arm
around her, asked, with a gentle kiss, "Do you feel strange and lonely in
this new place, little girl?"

"Oh, no, Mamma Vi! it seems such a nice home that I am very glad to be in
it."

"That is right," Violet said, repeating her caress. "I hope you will sleep
well and wake refreshed. I shall leave the door open between your room and
mine, so that you need not feel timid, and can run right in to me whenever
you wish. Good-night, dear."

"Good-night, Mamma Vi. Thank you for being so good to me, and to Gracie
and Max," Lulu said, clinging to her in an affectionate way.

"My child," returned Violet, "how could I be anything else to the children
of my dear husband? Ah, I must go! Mamma calls me," she added, hurrying
away as a soft, sweet voice was heard coming from the adjoining room.

Lulu finished undressing, said her prayers, and had just laid her head on
her pillow, when some one glided noiselessly to the bedside and a soft
hand passed caressingly over her hair.

The child opened her eyes, which had already closed in sleep, and saw by
the moonlight a sweet and beautiful face bending lovingly over her.

"Grandma Elsie," she murmured sleepily.

"Yes, dear. Rosie and Walter never like to go to sleep without a
good-night kiss from mamma, and you must have the same now, as you are to
be one of my dear children."

Lulu, now wide awake, started up to put both arms round the neck of her
visitor. "Oh, I do love you!" she said, "and I'll try hard to be a good
child to you."

"I believe it, dear," Elsie said, pressing the child to her heart. "Will
you join my children in their half-hour with mamma in her dressing-room
before breakfast? I shall be glad to have you, but you must do just as you
please about it."

"Thank you, ma'am; I'll come," said Lulu.

"That is right. Now lie down and go to sleep. You need a long night's
rest."

CHAPTER VII.

"Her fancy followed him through foaming wares
To distant shores."