arm, "and I want you to
tell me what you think of it. See! that large, old-fashioned house
built of gray stone; there, beyond the avenue of elms."

"Oh, I like it so much! better than any of the others! I think I should
like to live there."

"I am very glad it pleases you," Rose answered with a smile, "and I hope
you will live there, at least for some weeks or months."

"Oh, it is your home? how glad I am!" exclaimed the little girl as the
carriage turned into the avenue.

"This is a very fine old place, Miss Allison," remarked Mr. Dinsmore,
turning toward her; "I think one might well be content to spend his days
here."

Rose looked gratified, and pointed out several improvements her father
had been making. "I am very proud of my home," she said, "but I do not
think it more lovely than Roselands."

"Ah! Miss Rose, but you ought to see the Oaks--papa's new place," said
Elsie, eagerly. "It is much handsomer than Roselands, I think. Miss Rose
must visit us next time, papa, must she not?"

"If she will, daughter, Miss Allison, or any other member of her father's
family, will always find a warm welcome at my house."

Rose had only time to say "Thank you," before the carriage had stopped,
and Edward, springing out, was ready to assist the others to alight.

Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were left standing upon the piazza, looking about
them, while Edward was engaged for a moment in giving some directions to
the coachman, and Rose was speaking to a servant who had come out on
their approach.

"Mamma is lying down with a bad headache, Mr. Dinsmore, and papa has
not yet returned from the city," said Rose, turning to her guests; "but
I hope you will excuse them, and Edward will show you to your room, and
try to make you feel at home."

Mr. Dinsmore politely expressed his regret at Mrs. Allison's illness, and
his hope that their arrival would not be allowed to disturb her.

Miss Allison then left him to her brother's care, and taking Elsie's
hand, led her to her own room. It was a large, airy apartment, very
prettily furnished, with another a little smaller opening into it.

"This is my room, Elsie," said Miss Rose, "and that is Sophy's. You will
sleep with her, and so I can take care of you both, for though Chloe can
attend you morning and evening as usual, she will have to sleep in one of
the servants' rooms in the attic."

She had been taking off Elsie's bonnet, and smoothing her hair as she
spoke, and now removing h