Elsie's New Relations

owed him throug

tant s

ow

about her like a golden cloud, stood before her dressing-table, gazing t

u now, love?" she

entle, tender accents, "In God's keeping, my darlin

her tears. "Ah, what comfort in both assurances, and in the precious promise, 'Behold, I a

is very happy in her husband and baby, Edward in his wife; they need me but little, comparatively, but

I am happier and less lonely for having my husband's children with me, especially my darling little Gr

easure to me to help you care for her, and the others als

cie with a murmured word of endearment drew the child clos

the little face by her side. The pallor and look of exhaustion it had worn the n

nd thankfulness, and raising herself upon her elbo

eet engaging smile, she asked, "Have you

ad a long sleep, dear; d

is such a nice soft bed, and I lik

ear. I like to have your pa

eet, pretty new mamma. I told him so one day," remarke

d with an amused smile

ight and kissed me ever so many times. D

us love one another. And s

amma, I feel a

it she will wash and dress you. We will all have to hurry a little to be ready in good time for breakfast,"

into Miss Elsie's room, Miss Wilet," remarked Agnes,

, with a pleased look. "Lulu ha

he children, who had scarce anything to do but enjoy themselves. The weather was all

but some one of the older people could always find time to be with the children, while Zoe neve

s were paid to Fairview, the Laurels, the Pines, the Oaks, Roselands and Ash

ide on horseback, and great was their delight on

given them, now by Mr. Dinsmore and now by Edward, who was a great admirer of his brother-in-law,

ough, and when not able to go with the others on their expeditions, was well enterta

otherly love and care; she warmly returning the affection of b

nd sister, and when, near the end of the week, Dr. Arthur, to whom she was becoming much attached, set her on the back of a Shetland pony an

ctual and well prepared for recitations as pupils in an ordinary school, but at the same time great care was taken that neither mind n

school-room in study and recitation, under the su

sks having been attended to, they might stay and amuse themselves quietly, or

e two little girls, so far as concerned Latin and arithmetic. Rosie and Max were together in both these studies, but Lulu-because of being younger and not so far advanced

and though he had never shown her any sternness, she was

g. She had a good mind, quick discernment and retentive memory, and she was quite resolved to be industrious and to keep her p

ce to plain sewing, therefore looked ill-pleased enough upon

"and when I'm old enough to do as I plea

girls had just repaired to the school-room in obedience t

which Grandma Elsie was busily cutting out garments that seemed to be intended for a chil

ll find it more agreeable now than you expect. You are a kind-hearted little girl, I know, and when I tell you these

she said with a little hesitation,

Mamma Vi is basting a seam for you

'll be some nice story read aloud,

e the reader to-day, and the b

ht; "it's such a lovely book, and si

ter's opinion," l

esent, I presume,"

so appreciative an audie

te invitation to take

olor, "I can't sew as well as Gracie, and I

"See, this is the way," taking a few stitches. "Your father told me he wanted his dear little girls to learn every womanly accomplishment, and I feel sure

returned the little girl,

ayn't I have some work, too? I like sewing better than

tle fair cheek, "but must stop the minute you begin to feel fatigue

eemed able to listen with enjoyment except Lulu, who bent over her task with

he work from her, said in a pleasant undertone, "You are getting your stitches t

r succeed, if I try ever so har

encouraging smile. "Keep trying, and you will

and under Violet's pleased look and warm praise Lulu's ruf

the quiet ease of one accustomed to its use, making

ved brother and sister, and when at the close of the sewing hour Gracie's work was handed a

little sister with a flush of pride in her skill, "a great

sat beside Aunt Beulah and learned to hem and back-stitch and run and ov

from one to the other; "I am quite sure she will if she continues to try as she has don

cause she's hardly ever naughty," s