um all come right in
de end."

Elsie made no reply, and for a little while they mingled their tears in
silence. Then she raised her head, and gently releasing herself from
Chloe's embrace, said, "Now, mammy, I must go all about and see
everything, for that was papa's command."

Chloe silently led the way through halls, parlors, drawing-room,
library, dining, sitting and bed-rooms, servants' apartments, kitchen,
pantry, and all; then out into the grounds, visiting in turn vegetable
and flower gardens, lawn, hot-houses and grapery; and finally, bringing
the little girl back to her papa's study, she led her from there into
his bed-room and dressing-room, and then to her own apartments, which
she had reserved to the last. These were three--bed-room, sitting-room,
and dressing-room--all beautifully furnished with every comfort and
convenience.

Elsie had gazed on all with a yearning heart, and eyes constantly
swimming in tears. "Ah! mammy," she exclaimed more than once, "what a
lovely, _lovely_ home! how happy we might be here!"

The sight of her father's rooms and her own affected her the most, and
the tears fell fast as she passed slowly from one to another. Her own
little sitting-room was the last; and here sinking down in an easy-chair,
she gazed about her silently and tearfully. On one side the windows
looked out upon a beautiful flower-garden, while beyond were hills and
woods; on the other, glass doors opened out upon a grassy lawn, shaded by
large trees, and beyond, far away in the distance, rolled the blue sea;
all around her she saw the evidences of a father's thoughtful love; a
beautiful piano, a harp, a small work-table, well furnished with every
requisite; books, drawing materials--everything to give pleasure and
employment; while luxurious couches and easy-chairs invited to rest and
repose. Several rare pictures, too, adorned the walls.

Elsie was very fond of paintings, and when she had gazed her fill upon
the lovely landscape without, she turned from one of these to another
with interest and pleasure; but one was covered, and she was in the act
of raising her hand to draw aside the curtain, when her nurse stopped
her, saying, "Not now, darlin', try de piano first."

She opened the instrument as she spoke, and Elsie, running her fingers
over the keys, remarked that it was the sweetest-toned she had ever
heard.

Chloe begged her to play, urging her request on the plea that it was so
very long since she