he Oaks, and several other places; then a return was made
by a brilliant affair of the kind at Ion.

But when at last this rather wearying round was over, they settled down to
the quiet home life much more congenial to both; always ready to entertain
with unbounded hospitality, and ignoring none of the legitimate claims of
the outside world, they were yet far more interested in the affairs of
their own little one, made up of those nearest and dearest.

They were an eminently Christian household, carefully instructing their
dependents in the things pertaining to godliness, urging them to faith in
Jesus evidenced by good works; trying to make the way of salvation very
clear to their often dull apprehension, and to recommend it by their own
pure, consistent lives.

Night and morning all were called together--family and house servants--and
Mr. Travilla read aloud a portion of Scripture, and led them in prayer and
praise. Nor was a meal ever eaten without God's blessing having first been
asked upon it.

There was but one drawback to Elsie's felicity--that she no longer dwelt
under the same roof with her father; yet that was not so great, as a day
seldom passed in which they did not meet once or oftener. It must be very
urgent business, or a severe storm, that kept him from riding or driving
over to Ion, unless his darling first appeared at the Oaks.

Aunt Wealthy and Lottie came to Ion within a fortnight after the return
from Viamede; and while the former divided the rest of her stay at the
South between Ion and the Oaks, Lottie spent nearly the whole of hers with
Elsie.

In May, Harry Duncan came for his aunt, and Miss King returned with them
to her paternal home. Our friends at Ion and the Oaks decided to spend
their summer at home this year.

"We have traveled so much of late years," said Rose, "that I am really
tired of it."

"And home is so dear and sweet," added Elsie. "I mean both Ion and the
Oaks, Edward and papa; for somehow they seem to me to be both included in
that one dear word."

"That is right," responded her father.

"Yes; we seem to be all one family," said Mr. Travilla, contentedly,
fondling Rosebud, whom he had coaxed to a seat upon his knee; "and like a
good spouse, I vote on the same side with my wife."

"I too," said his mother, looking affectionately upon them both. "I have
no inclination to travel, and shall be much happier for having you all
about me."

The summer glided rapidly by, an