cided to
again visit Europe for an indefinite period, the length of their stay to
depend upon circumstances.

It was in June, 1860, they left their homes; and traveling northward, paid
a short visit to relatives and friends in Philadelphia; then took the
steamer for Europe.

A few weeks later found them cozily established in a handsome villa
overlooking the beautiful bay of Naples.

They formed but one family here as at the Oaks; each couple having their
own private suite of apartments, while all other rooms were used in common
and their meals taken together; an arrangement preferred by all; Mr.
Dinsmore and his daughter especially rejoicing in it, as giving them
almost as much of each other's society as before her marriage.

In this lovely spot they planned to remain for some months, perchance a
year; little dreaming that five years would roll their weary round ere
they should see home and dear native land again.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST.

"He who loves not his country can love nothing."
--BYRON.

"There were sad hearts in a darken'd home,
When the brave had left their bower;
But the strength of prayer and sacrifice
Was with them in that hour."
--MRS. HEMANS.

The sea voyage had done much for the health of both ladies, and the soft
Italian air carried on the cure. Mr. Dinsmore, too, had recovered his
usual strength, for the first time since his attack of fever.

There was no lack of good society at their command; good both socially and
intellectually. American, English, Italian, French, etc.; many former
friends and acquaintances and others desiring to be introduced by these;
but none of our party felt disposed at that time to mix much with the
outside world.

Elsie's deep mourning was for her sufficient excuse for declining all
invitations; while Rose could plead her still precarious state of health.

She wore no outward badge of mourning for Mrs. Travilla, but felt deep and
sincere grief at her loss; for the two had been intimate and dear friends
for many years, the wide disparity in age making their intercourse and
affection much like that of mother and daughter.

The condition of political affairs in their own country was another thing
that caused our friends to feel more exclusive and somewhat reluctant to
mingle with those of other nationalities. Every mail brought them letters
and papers from b