ve your papa's baby girl by my
side."

"I'm very much obliged to him for finding me such a sweet, pretty new
mamma. I told him so one day," remarked the child innocently, putting an
arm about Vi's neck.

"Did you?" Violet asked with an amused smile; "and what did he say?"

"Nothing; he just smiled and hugged me tight and kissed me ever so many
times. Do you know what made him do that, mamma?"

"Because he likes to have us love one another. And so we will, won't we,
dear?"

"Yes, indeed! Mamma, I feel a little hungry."

"I'm glad to hear it, for here comes Agnes with a glass of nice rich milk
for you. And when you have drunk it she will wash and dress you. We will
all have to hurry a little to be ready in good time for breakfast," she
added, springing from the bed and beginning her toilet. "Grandpa Dinsmore
never likes to have us late."

"Miss Rosie and Miss Lulu's up and dressed and gone into Miss Elsie's
room, Miss Wilet," remarked Agnes, holding the tumbler she had brought to
Gracie's lips.

"Ah, that is well," said Violet, with a pleased look. "Lulu has stolen a
march on us, Gracie."

The week that followed their arrival at Ion was a delightful one to all,
especially the children, who had scarce anything to do but enjoy
themselves. The weather was all that could be desired, and they walked,
rode, drove, boated, fished, and went nutting.

Mr. Dinsmore and Edward were every day more or less busied with the
affairs of the plantation, but some one of the older people could always
find time to be with the children, while Zoe never failed to make one of
the party, and seemed almost as much a child as any of the younger ones.

Every nook on the plantation and in its neighborhood was explored, and
visits were paid to Fairview, the Laurels, the Pines, the Oaks, Roselands
and Ashlands; the dwellers at each place having first called upon the
family at Ion.

Both Max and Lulu had long desired to learn to ride on horseback, and
great was their delight on learning that now this wish could be gratified.

A pony was always at the service of each, and lessons in the art of
sitting and managing it were given them, now by Mr. Dinsmore and now by
Edward, who was a great admirer of his brother-in-law, Captain Raymond,
had become much attached to him, and took a very kindly interest in his
children.

Gracie was given a share in all the pleasures for which she was considered
strong enough, and when not able to go with the