de's marriage was fixed for Christmas eve, and Mr. Dinsmore and
Elsie decided to take their trip to Louisiana at once, that they might be
able to return in season for the wedding, at which Elsie was to be first
bridesmaid.

It was Elsie herself who broke the news of her intended journey to her
faithful old nurse, explaining why she felt it her duty to go, and kindly
leaving to Chloe's own decision whether she would accompany her or not.

The dusky face grew very sad for a moment, tears springing to the dark
eyes; but the voice was almost cheerful as she answered, "Yes, you's
right, honey darlin' you's all right to go and see 'bout dem poor souls
and let 'em see dere beau'ful young missus; and your ole mammy 'll go
'long too, for she neber could stay and let her chile run all dem risks on
de boats an' cars an' she no dar to take care ob her."

"That's right, my own dear old mammy. I shall be glad to have you along,
and hope you will find it pleasanter than you expect; but we must trust
the Lord to take care of us all; for He only can prevent the accidents you
fear."

"Yes, yes, honey, dat's de truff; an' we'll trust Him an' not be 'fraid,
'cause don't He say, 'Not a hair ob your head shall perish.'"

"'What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee,'" murmured Elsie, softly.
"Ah, the joy, the peace, of knowing that His presence and His love will
ever go with us everywhere; and that He has all power in heaven and in
earth."

A week later, Mr. Dinsmore was showing his daughter the beauties of New
Orleans, where they had arrived without accident or loss. They remained in
the city long enough to attend thoroughly to the business which had called
them there, and to see everything worth looking at.

Elsie's plantation was in the Teche country, the very loveliest part of
grand old Louisiana. In order that suitable preparations might be made for
their reception, word had been sent that they might be expected on a
certain day.

"We have allowed more time than necessary for this place," said Mr.
Dinsmore to his daughter one evening on returning to their hotel, after
seeing the last of the lions of the Crescent City; "we have two days to
spare; what shall be done in them?"

"Let us go on to Viamede at once then, papa," replied Elsie, promptly. "I
have been regretting that we sent notice of our coming. I doubt if it
would not have been wiser to take them by surprise."

"There would not be the same preparations for your comfor