little valley, some sequestered nook amongst the hills, some
grassy meadow, or field of golden wheat, or a far-off view of the sea.

"Oh, how lovely!" murmured the little girl, dropping the reins on her
horse's neck and gazing about her with eyes now sparkling with pleasure,
now dimmed with tears; for, alas! these lovely scenes were not for her;
at least not now, and it might be, never; and her heart was very sad.

At length she reached the house. Chloe met her at the door, and clasped
her to her bosom with tears of joy and thankfulness.

"Bless de Lord for his goodness in sendin' my chile back to her ole mammy
again," she said; "I'se so glad, darlin', so berry glad!"

And as she spoke she drew the little girl into a pleasant room, fitted up
with books and pictures, couches and easy-chairs and tables, with every
convenience for writing, drawing, etc.

"Dis am Massa Horace's study," she said, in answer to the eager,
inquiring glance Elsie sent round the room, while she removed her hat
and habit, and seated her in one of the softly-cushioned chairs; "an'
de next room is your own little sittin' room, an' jes de prettiest ever
was seen, your ole mammy tinks; and now dat she's got her chile back
again she'll be as happy as de day am long."

"Oh, mammy," sobbed the child, "I am not to stay."

Chloe's look of delight changed to one of blank dismay.

"But you are comin' soon, darlin'?" she said inquiringly. "I tink Massa
Horace 'tends to be here 'fore long, sartain, kase he's had de whole
house fixed up so fine; an' I'se sure he never take so much trouble, an'
spend such loads ob money fixin' up such pretty rooms for you, ef he
didn't love you dearly, an' 'tend to have you here 'long with himself."

Elsie shook her head sorrowfully. "No, mammy, he says not unless I give
up my wilfulness, and promise to do exactly as he bids me; and if I will
not do that, I am to be sent away to boarding-school."

The last words came with a great sob, as she flung herself into Chloe's
outstretched arms, and hid her face on her bosom.

"Poor darlin'! poor little pet!" murmured the nurse, hugging her tight,
while her own tears fell in great drops on the golden curls. "I thought
your troubles were all over. I s'posed Massa Horace had found out you
wasn't bad after all, an' was comin' right home to live with you in dis
beautiful place. But dere, don't, don't you go for to break your little
heart 'bout it, dear; I'se sure de good Lord make