a great favorite.

"He might if he were here," the father answered; "but unfortunately he has
gone off for a long walk and may not be back before dinner-time."

"And we must start in a few minutes," remarked Vi; "I am really sorry, for
I know Max will regret missing it. Gracie, dear, I'm going over to speak
to mamma; shall I take you with me?"

"Yes, if you please, Mamma Vi, when I've kissed my dear papa good-by."

Having done so, she took her doll in her arms and gave her hand to Violet.
She felt a little lonely at the thought of being left behind, but was
quite comforted on learning that little Walter Travilla had decided to
stay at home and play with her.

The excursionists drove off, and Elsie, having provided the little ones
with amusement, gave herself up to the enjoyment of her book and an
easy-chair set where she could catch the pleasant sea breeze without
feeling the sun. Still, she did not forget the children, but now and then
laid aside her book for a little, while she suggested or invented some
new game for their entertainment.

So the morning passed quietly and pleasantly.

It was a little past noon when, stepping out upon the veranda, she caught
sight of a forlorn figure, hatless, coatless, and dishevelled generally,
yet bearing a strangely familiar look, slowly approaching the other
cottage. A second glance told her who it was.

"Max!" she exclaimed in astonishment, and forgetting all about her
headache, caught up a sunshade and hurried to meet him.

"Max! can it be you?" she asked. "Why, my poor boy, where have you been?
and what has happened to you?"

"O Grandma Elsie!" he said, looking much mortified and ready to cry, "I
did hope I'd be able to get into the house without anybody seeing me! Do
you know where my father is?"

"Yes; the two families have all gone on an excursion except Gracie,
Walter, and me. But come in out of the sun," she added, leading the way
into the Raymonds' cottage. Max followed her, and won to confidence by her
sweet and kindly sympathy, told her the whole story of his morning's
adventure.

"O Max, my dear boy! what a narrow escape!" she said, with tears in her
eyes. "What a mercy that you are alive to tell the tale! What a terrible,
terrible shock it would have been to your father to learn that his only
son was drowned! and that while in the act of disobeying him, for you say
he bade you not to go into any danger."

"Yes, Grandma Elsie, and if he finds it out I'l