"I know you do not always find your aunt's company agreeable," remarked
Mr. Dinsmore, "and I do not blame you on that account, yet I think it will
be an advantage to you, and especially to your sister, to have with you a
woman of her age and knowledge of the world. I wish I could go with you
myself, but I cannot think of leaving either my old father or your mother
in this time of trial."

"No, sir, oh no! Delightful as it would be to both of us for you to make
one of our little party, we would not for the world deprive dear mamma of
the support and comfort of your presence here; nor our dear old
grandfather either."

CHAPTER III.

"Filial ingratitude?
Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand
For lifting food to 't?" --_Shaks. Lear_.

"This is a very sudden resolve of yours, mother, isn't it?" Dr. Conly
asked, as they drove through the great gates at Ion, into the highway.

"It is, Arthur, for I had not dreamed of such a wild scheme on the part of
those two silly children until I heard of it from their grandfather's
lips; nor could have believed he would sanction such folly. They ought to
make Elsie stay where she is, and if young Leland dies it will but rid the
family of a prospective plebeian alliance."

"Very possibly of the sweet girl also," was Arthur's grave response.

"Nonsense! it is only in novels that girls die of broken hearts."

"Granting that for argument's sake, it must be very hard to live with
one."

"Well; it seems she is to be allowed to go, and my offer removes the most
serious objection; yet I have no idea that the sacrifice on my part will
be at all appreciated."

"Then why make it, mother? I can readily find a substitute; there is Mrs.
Foster, whose health would be greatly benefited by a long sea voyage. She,
I feel certain, would think it a great boon to be allowed this opportunity
of going without expense and in the company of two young people of whom
she is very fond. And you know, mother, that though poor now she was
formerly wealthy, is a perfect lady, and her having been to Europe once or
twice would make her all the more valuable companion to them."

"You are quite too late with your suggestion, Arthur," was the coldly
spoken reply. "I have passed my word and shall not break it."

Her son gave her a look of keen scrutiny, then turned his face from her
with a scarcely audible sigh. He read her motives and feelings far more
clea