lated her listeners in chorus.

"Bress his holy name, I hope de chile am gwine to discover her health
agin," added Uncle Joe. "I'se been a prayin' pow'ful strong for her."

"'Spect der is been more'n you at dat business, Uncle Joe;" remarked Aunt
Dicey, "'spect I knows one ole niggah dat didn't fail to disremember de
little darlin' at de throne ob grace."

"De bressed lamb!" murmured Aunt Chloe, dropping a tear on Violet's golden
curls as she clasped her to her breast, "she's de Lord's own, and he'll
take de bes' care of her; in dis world and in de nex'; be sho' ob dat,
honey. Ise mighty glad for her and my dear missus; and for you too Miss
Wi'let. You's been frettin' yo' heart out 'bout Miss Lily."

"I've been very anxious about her, mammy; and something else has been
troubling me too, but it's all right now," Violet answered with a glad
look, then releasing herself, ran back to her grandfather.

She had seen less than usual of him for several weeks past, and wanted an
opportunity to pour out all her heart to him.

He had gone up to Molly's sitting-room, and she followed him thither.

With Rosie on his knee, Harold and Herbert standing on either side, and
Eddie sitting near, he was chatting gayly with his crippled niece, who
was as bright and cheery as any of the group, all of whom were full of
joy over the glad tidings he had brought.

"Grandpa," said Vi, joining them, "it seems a good while since you were
here for more than a short call. Won't you stay now for the rest of the
day?"

"Yes, and I propose that we drive down to the lake, Molly and all, and
have a row. I think it would do you all good. The weather is delightful."

The motion was carried by acclamation, Molly's maid was summoned, Eddie
went down to order the carriage, and the rest scattered to prepare for the
expedition.

It was a lovely October day, the air balmy, the woods gorgeous in their
richly colored autumn robes; gold, scarlet and crimson, russet and green
mingled in gay profusion; the slanting beams of the descending sun fell
athwart the lakelet, like a broad band of shimmering gold, and here and
there lent an added glory to the trees. The boat glided swiftly over the
rippling waters, now in sunshine, now in shadow, and the children hushed
their merry clatter, silenced by the beauty and stillness of the scene.

Tea was waiting when they returned, and on leaving the table the younger
ones bade good-night, and went away with Vi to be put