estate, yet with but
slight hope of reply, as all communication with the place had been cut off
for years, and it was more than likely that one or both had been driven,
or drifted away from his post during the progress of the war.

She was therefore greatly pleased when, on entering the parlor one morning
on her return from a drive, she found Mr. Mason there waiting for an
interview.

"You are not direct from Viamede!" she asked, when they had exchanged a
cordial greeting.

"No, Mrs. Travilla," he answered; "I stayed as long as I could, but not
being willing to go into the army, was finally compelled to leave. That
was more than two years ago. But I received a letter from Spriggs only
yesterday, written from the estate. He was in the Confederate service; and
when the struggle was over, went back to Viamede.

"He says it was not visited by either army, and has suffered only from
neglect. The old house-servants are still there--Aunt Phillis, Aunt Sally,
and the rest; many of the field hands, too, occupying their old quarters,
but looking ragged and forlorn enough.

"They are willing to work for wages, and Spriggs begs of me to find out
where you are, and tell you that, if you wish it and will furnish the
means, he will hire them, and do the best he can to restore the place and
make it profitable to you.

"I saw your name in the list of arrivals by a late steamer, and with some
little painstaking, at length learned where you were."

"I am very glad you have come, Mr. Mason; and I am inclined to think well
of Mr. Spriggs' proposition," Elsie answered; "but I must consult my--Ah,
here they are!" as the husband and father entered the room together.

The matter was under discussion for the next half-hour, when it was
decided to accept Mr. Spriggs' proposal, for the present at least.

Elsie then said to Mr. Mason that she hoped he was not engaged, as she
would be glad to have him return to Viamede and resume his former duties
there.

He colored and laughed, as he answered, "I am engaged, Mrs. Travilla,
though not in the sense you mean, and shall be glad to comply with your
wish, if you do not object to my taking a wife with me."

"Not at all," she answered, smiling; "the Bible says, 'it is not good for
man to be alone,' and I hope you will be all the happier and more useful
in the Master's service for having a better-half with you. A suite of
rooms shall be placed at your service and your wants attended to as
forme