veigled him into the marriage by pretences to wealth they did not
possess. Poor Louise! I have no doubt her attack was brought on by the
discovery of the great mistake she and Virginia had made, and reproaches
heaped on her for her share in making the match."

"'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,'" sighed Mr. Dinsmore.
"I presume Virginia was too proud to show herself here among relatives
whose approval of the match had not been asked, and acquaintances who had
heard of it as a splendid affair?"

"Your conjecture is entirely correct," said Adelaide. "She gave vent to
her feelings on the subject in her mother's presence, supposing, I
presume, as I did, that not being able to speak or move, she was also
unable to hear or understand, but it was evident from the piteous
expression her countenance assumed and the tears coursing down her cheeky
that she did both."

"Poor Louise! she has a sad reaping--so far as that ungrateful, undutiful
daughter is concerned; but Isa, Calhoun, and Arthur are of quite another
stamp."

"Yes, indeed! she will surely find great comfort in them. I wish Isa was
not so far away. But you have not told me how my dear old father is. How
has he borne this shock?"

"It was a shock of course, especially to one so old and feeble; but I left
him calmly staying himself upon his God."

They arrived at Roselands some time before the ambulance. They found the
whole household, and also Mrs. Howard, her husband and sons, and Mrs.
Travilla, gathered upon the veranda to receive them.

Lora stood by her father's side and Elsie too was very near, both full of
loving care for him in this time of sore trial.

And Adelaide's first thought, first embrace, were for him. They wept a
moment in each other's arms.

"Is she--is she alive?" he faltered.

"Yes, father, and we hope may get up again. Be comforted for her and for
yourself; because 'He doeth all things well,' and 'We know that all things
work together for good to them that love God.'"

"Yes, yes; and who can tell but this may be His appointed means for
bringing her into the fold!"

There had been time for an exchange of greetings all around and a few
comforting words to the younger Conlys, when the ambulance was seen
entering the avenue.

With beating hearts and tearful eyes they watched its slow progress. Lying
helpless and speechless in the shadow of death, Louise Conly seemed
nearer and dearer than ever before to father, children,