"

Elsie laughed and shook her head. "Don't turn flatterer, Harold; though I
do not object to praise of Viamede."

"I have not heard from Rose in a long time," he said, addressing Mr.
Dinsmore. "She and the little folks are well, I hope?"

"I had a letter this morning, and they were all in good health when it was
written."

The servants had come trooping down from the house, and seizing Harold's
baggage had it all ready in the guest-chamber to which Aunt Phillis
ordered it. Aunt Chloe now drew near to pay her respects to "Massa
Harold," and tell him that his room was ready.

"Will you go to it at once? or sit down here and have a little chat with
papa and me first?" asked Elsie.

"Thank you; I think I shall defer the pleasure of the chat till I have
first made myself presentable for the evening."

"Then let me conduct you to your room," said Mr. Dinsmore, leading the way
to the house.

Elsie had come in the course of years to look upon the older brothers of
her stepmother as in some sort her uncles, but for Harold, who was so much
nearer her own age, she entertained a sincere sisterly regard. And he was
worthy of it and of the warm place his many noble qualities had won for
him in Mr. Dinsmore's heart.

They did all they could to make his visit to Viamede a pleasant one; there
were daily rides and walks, moonlight and early morning excursions on the
bayou, rowing parties; oftenest of the three alone, but sometimes in
company with gallant chivalrous men and refined, cultivated women and
charming young girls from the neighboring plantations.

One of these last, a beautiful brunette, Elsie had selected in her own
mind for Harold, and she contrived to throw them together frequently.

"Don't you admire Miss Durand?" she asked, after they had met several
times. "I think she is lovely; as good, too, as she is beautiful; and
would make you a charming wife."

He flushed hotly. "She is very handsome, very fascinating and talented,"
he said; "but would never suit me. Nor do I suppose I could win her if I
wished."

"Indeed! if you are so hard to please, I fear there will be nothing for
you but old bachelorhood," laughed Elsie. "I have picked her out for you,
and I believe you could win her if you tried, Harold; but I shall not try
to become a match-maker."

"No, I must select for myself; I couldn't let even you choose for me."

"Choose what?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, stepping out upon the veranda, where
Harold stood l