Elsie's New Relations

knows when we s

kesp

proud and fond of him, and the past few months of constant intercourse had greatly strengthened the bonds of affection between them. The boy's heart was sore at thought of the parting that must soo

id, with an admiring, affectionate look up into his fat

he hand lovingly in h

said, "but always remember my most ardent wish is to see you a

m said, "Good-mornin', cap'n. I's

you for bringing it," said the cap

touching his hat respectfully, then wal

remarked, more to himself tha

then asked, a little tremulousl

ing about it until after prayers, but let Mamma Vi

, I wish I was

our sisters woul

e they would. I had

to Mamma Vi as nearly as you can," add

rowing bright with pleased surprise. "I will t

d now let us go in, for it mu

meet them with a glad, "Good-morning, pap

athered them in his arms, saying in tender to

mmons. They found Violet already in the dining-room, and looking

muffins and coffee; but Max scarcely spoke, and occasionally had some difficulty in swallowing his fo

t and her husband stood together before the window looking

, while he put his

p at him with eyes full of tears, then her head dro

thed words of endearment; of hope, too, t

hispered Lulu, "has

three days," replied Max, in husky to

by a great effort she ke

oing into the other house, children," he

ey said, and Grace ran to her

ssembled in the parlor, discussing plans for the

omptly decided that they would all leave to-

st held themselves in readiness for sudden departure, this would a

ect, made themselves very merry over their packing. They were much like two children, and except when

sked Lulu, following Viol

rl. "I don't think you can pack your trunk, but you can be of use here by handing me things out of the bure

e not to do anything but sit in that easy-chair and give direc

y will carry without rumpling?" asked Vio

d that. Agnes may do that part of the

you the things,

id, "I like to see you

"Why, you are an excellent packer, Levis," she rema

am very glad to be able t

," she said. "It would ha

the result of a good deal of practice. And Lulu is qu

ck the other trunks, papa? Max's and Grade's an

r to both questio

x and Gracie?

he beach, and take care of and amuse her,"

play, too, Lulu?" asked Vio

in a quick, emphatic way. "I'd a great de

nd Violet said, "That is nice, Lulu; I

one of us!" exclaimed Lulu. "Pa

wife is fond of me also," with a smiling glance at

let, gayly. "Please, sir, will y

ed the room, "who, I dare say, can do it bett

sist Agnes, and Lulu was glad, because she w

room, but she detained him. "Papa," she said, c

her waist. "Well, daughter, what is it?" he asked kindly, s

m sorry for--" she stammered, her eye

rebellion?" he asked gently, as she p

ar to let you go away wit

ago, and you have been a pretty good girl

said earnestly, "but somehow the b

he better of us unless we are very determined and battle with it, not in our own stren

that we sin not with our tongues. Also to pray without ceasing. We need to cry often to God for help to overcome the evil that

into his face, "do you find i

u have, and I am the more sorry for you because I know

unishing me when I'm naughty,

times for patience with a n

long in this room," she said. "If I'd been in your place I'd have got a

t would have been

e before I'd have given up, but if I'd been in y

he said gravely. "Now come with me to Max's room, and

pack it myself after watchin

e quickly, with you to help in g

t night the two cottages that for months past had been s

principal hotels. There they spent the night, but the greater

cie cried herself sick, and Violet found it necessary to put aside the indulgence of her own grief in o

nances told of deep and sincere sorrow, and, in truth, they often felt ready to

them sympathy, pretty presents were made them, and they were

em at this time by her motherly tenderness and ca

at least one verse to memory every day, and a pretty purse with some spending money in it; for he knew

er all in gifts for others; a lovely new doll for Gracie, some books

eived it with warm thanks and a loving embrace. "My dear child, it was very kind in you to think

returning the embrace. "Surely we ought all to love you whe

y a lady if she was nothing at all to us and we lived in the same house with her, and h

children of my dear husband?" responded Violet, t

overheard part of a conversation be

mamma gives me fifty cents

ly, and Max and I have often talked together about how much we would like to hav

ing to find out what would be most acceptable, so was greatly p

around her, and kissing her affectionately, said, "Lulu, I have been thinking

hing else I can think of!" cried the litt

let said, taking out her purse and putting

how good and kind in

n she is a little older it shall be doubled. Don't you want the pleasure of telling M

am! Thank yo

y were staying-very much absorbed in a story-book; Lulu approached him softly, a g

?" he asked, loo

to have as much every

am I, r

d Gracie's to h

e cried, and hurried to Vi

olet's side, shared with her the pleasu

rning they left for Philadelphia, where they paid a short visit t