note of the fact.

But a carriage came driving from that direction, and drew up before the
gate of Mr. Dinsmore's cottage, where the whole family were gathered.

A gentleman hastily alighted, handed out a lady; a servant-woman
followed--having first handed him an odd-looking, rather large bundle,
which he received with care--then turned to collect packages and parcels,
while the other two hurried to the house, the lady a little in advance.

"Elsie!" was the simultaneous exclamation of many voices in varied tones
of astonishment and delight, and the next instant there was a wonderful
confusion of greetings and embraces mingled with tears of joy and
thankfulness.

Lester and his wife had been heard from frequently during the past months,
their letters always cheerful and full of bright hopes and anticipations,
but containing no hint of any intention of returning to America before the
coming spring.

As they afterward explained, it had been a very sudden resolve, caused by
a severe fit of homesickness, and there really was no time to write.

Lester shared the joyous welcome given to Elsie; the servant woman having
relieved him of his bundle, of which, in their joyous excitement, no one
had taken particular notice.

Only waiting, a trifle impatiently, till the greetings and introductions
were over, Elsie Leland took it from her, and with a proud, happy, yet
tearful smile laid it--a lovely sleeping babe--in her mother's arms.

"Our boy, mother dear. We have named him for his grandpa--Edward
Travilla."

Elsie Travilla folded the child to her heart, kissed it softly, tenderly,
the great silent tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Ah, could he but have seen it! our first grandchild," she sighed.

Then, wiping away her tears, and sending a glance of mingled joy and
maternal pride around the little circle, she folded the babe still
closer, saying, with an arch, sweet smile, "Ah, no one now can deny that I
am in very truth Grandma Elsie!"

THE END.

* * * * *

=THE MERRY LYNN SERIES=

By HARRIET PYNE GROVE Cloth Bound. Jackets in Colors.

* * * * *

The charm of school and camp life, out-door sports and European travel is
found in these winning tales of Merilyn and her friends at boarding school
and college. These realistic stories of the everyday life, the fun, frolic
and special adventures of the Beechwood girls will be enjoyed by all girls
of high