ly inquired her father.

"Well, papa, after breakfast and prayers--how some of the old servants
seemed to enjoy them last night--I think of going down to the quarter to
see what may be needed there. Unless you have some other plan for me," she
added quickly.

"Suppose we first mount our horses and ride over the estate, to learn for
ourselves whether Mr. Spriggs has been as faithful as he would have us
believe."

"Ah yes, papa; yours is always the better plan."

Their ride in the clear, sweet morning air was most delightful, and both
felt gratified with the fine appearance of the crops and the discovery
that Spriggs' boast was no idle one; everything being in the nicest order.

They took the quarter on the way to the house, and dismounting, entered
one neatly whitewashed cabin after another, kindly inquiring into the
condition and wants of the inmates, Elsie making notes on her tablets that
nothing might be forgotten.

Everywhere the visit was received with joy and gratitude, and an almost
worshipful homage paid to the sweet young mistress whom they seemed to
regard as akin to the angels: probably in a great measure because of her
extraordinary likeness to her mother, of whom, for so many years they had
been accustomed to think and speak as one of the heavenly host.

Spriggs' victim of the previous day was in bed, complaining much of a
misery in back and head and limbs.

"De doctah hab been heyah," she said, "an' leff me dese powdahs to take,"
drawing a tiny package from under her pillow.

Elsie spoke soothingly to her; said she should have some broth from the
house, and should be excused from work till the doctor pronounced her
quite fit for it again; and left her apparently quite happy.

It was the intention of our friends to spend some weeks at Viamede.

"I want you to have every possible enjoyment while here, my darling," Mr.
Dinsmore said, as they sat together resting after their ride, in the wide
veranda at the front of the house, looking out over the beautiful lawn,
the bayou, and the lovely scenery beyond. "There are pleasant neighbors
who will doubtless call when they hear of our arrival."

"I almost wish they may not hear of it then," Elsie said half laughing; "I
just want to be left free from the claims of society for this short time,
that I may fully enjoy being alone with my father and attending to the
comfort of my people. But excuse me, dear papa, I fear I interrupted you."

"I excuse you on