Elsie's New Relations

amilies, and a family is

d the eyes of Captain Raymond and his son as t

wife, his daughter Elsie and her children, Edward and Zoe, Elsie Leland with her husband and babe

, and Violet's bright face grew still brighter

o wonder what was ke

e," he returned. "I hope you have not d

e said. "Ah, there's the bell.

ed to the parlor, where they spen

sion of an ottoman and pushed it up as close to his side as

hair, then glanced about

but reading an invitation in his father'

they wished to make in Boston, New York

hats for Lulu and G

mma Vi," said Lulu; "a pre

liancy of their plumage?" Violet said with a troubled look. "I will not wear them on that ac

n't have a bird killed on purpose, but after t

use to buy them, the cruel business of killing them would soon cease?

one," pouted Lulu. "

that you can be so heartless. You can have just whatever Grandma Elsi

the rest of the evening h

aid presently to Gracie. "Papa will carry you ove

I--" she began; but he s

friends and come," he

y in strong contrast to Lulu's sullen and reluctant compliance,

mbled to her brother in an undertone, as they passed from

I for one am willing enough to obey him, seein

ed the veranda of

said; then as he closed the outer door after them, "Run into t

when they had done so, "My three dear children," he said in tender tones, glancing from one to another, "no words can tell

e Gracie put her small arms round his neck. Lulu rested her head o

ink of us, too?" h

of my mind, and nothing will make me happier than to h

th affectionate look and tone, "if it is on

you may please God and honor Him. Never forget, my children, that though your earthly fath

ildren, when at length, seeing Gracie's eyelids begin to droop

ill you come down aga

Lulu may go

od-night

," the captain said. "I shall see you b

a made you come home so soon?" asked

nice time, Max? Oh, if only we

't have so hard a time as we've had for

e said, turning to him as with a sudden thought, "w

I thought you looked very cross and rebellious about the hat and about having to come home so soon. I'm very sur

oked fr

for that, do you? He has been so kind and pleasant

laughed Max. "Good-night," and

through her preparations for bed, and as she heard her

ight-dress, just ready for bed. He caught up a heavy shawl, wr

mbling!" he exclaimed

for being so naughty this evening?" she aske

y know what to do with you. I am very loath to burden our kind friends-Grandpa Dinsmore and Grandma Elsie-with so rebellious a

body but you! Nobody else h

deserve it. And if you prove too troublesome for them, you are to be sent to a boarding-school, and

so cruel!" she said, bursting into te

" he said. "I have fondly hoped you were improving, but your conduct

o long, and I believe you would have let me have it,

t, if they were both in fav

, pa

t claim upon their kindness, and very few people in their case would have made such an offer. I really feel almost ashamed to accept so much without being able to make some return, even if I knew my children would all behave as dutifully and gratefull

e begged. "I'll try

ity of your mamma and her mother and grandfather as if it were mine; obeying their orders

ght punish me?" she asked, w

hority I give them, and I have told them they may use any measures with my children that they

it is t

n that and being sent

so hard!"

r father said. "In that case you will have a d

were wrung from her, then hid her face

l those evil passions are cast out of your heart. They are foes which you must fight and conquer by the help of Him who is mighty to save, or they will cost you

nly person God commands me to ob

heart. Go to Jesus for it, daughter; ask Him to wash away all your sins in His precious blood and to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spi

better girl," Lulu said, clasping her arms tightly about his neck,

than to know you to be a truly good child, trying to live right t

himself, "I wonder what keeps papa so lo

captain asked, as he ope

sponse; "it's early, you know,

you," said his father, sitting down on the

ird commandment, then his father called his attention to the words,

there is absolutely nothing to be gained by it; and the meanest of sins, for what c

any times. Do you think God will ever f

eth them shall have mercy.' 'I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgress

the determination to forsake them, asking forgiveness and help to overcome the evil of your nature, fo