ment of your visit, in renewing my acquaintance with you and my
young cousins."

"Your family has grown, Lora," remarked her brother.

"Yes, rather faster than yours," she said, looking round with pride upon
her little group of four boys, and a girl yet in her nurse's arms. "Go and
speak to your uncle, Ned, Walter, Horace, and Arthur. You see I have given
you a namesake; and this little pet we call Rose Louise, for her two
aunties. Yours is Rose, too! and what a darling! and how little Horace has
grown!"

"Elsie, it can't be possible!" cried Carrie, the instant they found
themselves alone.

"What can't?" and Elsie's blush and smile were charming.

"That you and Mr. Travilla are lovers! I saw it in your faces; but, 'tis
too absurd! Why, he's your father's friend, and nearly as old."

"All the wiser and better for that, Carrie, dear. But he is young in
heart, and far from looking old, I think. I have grown so sick of your
silly, brainless fops, who expect women neither to talk sense nor
understand it."

"Ah, I dare say! and Mr. Travilla is the most sensible and polished of
men--always excepting my own spouse, of course. And you won't be taken
away from us; so I give my consent."

Elsie's only answer was a mirthful, amused look.

"Oh, but I am glad to see you back!" Carrie ran on. "It seems an age since
you went away."

"Thank you. And your husband? what is he like?"

"I was never good at description, but he is a fine specimen of a Kentucky
planter, and very fond of his wife. By the way, you must blame me that
Edward and Lora were so late in welcoming you home. I arrived only
yesterday morning, quite fatigued with my journey, and begged them to wait
till to-day, and bring me with them."

"That was right. We have not seen Enna yet, or Arthur. Grandpa and Mrs.
Dinsmore and Walter called yesterday. But there is the dinner-bell. Let me
conduct you to the dining-room."

They were just in time to sit down with the others.

Elsie quickly perceived by her Aunt Lora's look and manner, that she, too,
had heard the news, but no remark was make on the subject till the ladies
had retired to the drawing-room, leaving the gentlemen to the enjoyment of
their after-dinner cigars.

Then Mrs. Howard, facing round upon her niece as they entered the room,
exclaimed, "Elsie, you naughty child! are you not ashamed of yourself?"

"On account of what, auntie?"

"Such unconscious innocence!" cried Lora, throwing up the white an