t them off with full purses and carte blanche to draw upon
her bankers for further supplies as they might be needed; and Edward knew
it would be her desire to see Elsie and Lester surrounded by the luxuries
to which she had been accustomed from her birth.

When night came the doctor pronounced his patient already wonderfully
improved.

"But the signora must leave him to me and the nurse to night," he said;
"she is fatigued with her long journey and must take her rest and sleep,
or she too will be ill."

So Elsie took possession of the pleasant room which had been prepared for
her, and casting on the Lord all care for herself and dear ones, and full
of glad anticipations for the future, slept long and sweetly.

It was early morning when she woke. That day and several succeeding ones
were spent at Lester's side in the gentle ministrations love teaches.
There was little talk between them, for he was very weak, and love needs
few words; but he slept much of the time with her hand in his, and waking
gazed tenderly, joyously into the sweet face.

Happiness proved the best of medicines, and every hour brought a slight
increase of strength, a change for the better in all the symptoms.

Meanwhile Edward and the two servants were busy with the laying in of
needed supplies and the preparation of the suite of apartments which were
to form the new home--Elsie giving a little oversight and direction.

At length their labors were completed, and she was called in to take a
critical survey and point out any deficiency, if such there were.

She could find none. "My dear brother, how can I thank you enough?" she
said, with a look of grateful affection.

"You are satisfied?"

"Oh, entirely! I only wish mamma and the rest could see how comfortable,
tasteful, really beautiful you have made these rooms!"

"I am very glad our work pleases you. And the doctor tells me that under
the combined influence of good nursing and unexpected happiness, Lester is
gaining faster than he could have deemed possible. What is the time fixed
upon for the ceremony which is to rob you of your patronymic, sister
mine?"

"Add to it, you should say," she corrected, with a charming blush. "Noon
of day after to-morrow is the hour. Edward, do you know that our good
doctor is a Waldensian?"

"No, I did not, and am pleased to learn it; though I was satisfied that he
was no Papist."

"Yes, he is one of that long-persecuted noble race, and will take you to