The Two Elsies A Sequel to Elsie at Nantucket, Book 10

g, and Time

s, though sto

muffled drum

rches to t

GFE

us with sunlight, sweet with the fragr

e of Mr. George Leland, architect and artist, was very fine, embracing, a

look north and south over wooded mountain, hill and vall

ve, grounds; a flower-garden and lawn with a winding

ed the window without greatly obstructing the view, and it was there the master of the house

ith books and papers, he busied in drawing plans

a deep sigh from her father,

she started up in alarm, and springing to his side, exclaimed, "Dear papa, I am sure you are not well! Do stop working,

sad sort of smile, gently pressing the hand she had laid in his, as he spo

ill, Eric?" asked a lady who had entered the

e replied; "yet not much more so than I di

is a delightful day! warm, to b

" remarked Evelyn, "but we are wel

dy said, addressing her husband; "come, cha

to go to gratify you, but really I

think you will find amusement in watching the crowd, while the fresh air, change of scene, and re

self agreeable. I have no right to inflict my companionship on Mrs. Ross's guests on any

ake," she returned in a piqued tone, "but wives are not to expect the atte

talk so to poor papa!" exclaimed

er in a gently reproving tone, "be

to her mother, "I beg your pardon, mamma, I did not mean to be rude; bu

, as the child paused with a slight look

g, mamm

rect taste disappro

and gay enough for a ball-room; but-wouldn't a simp

dress! You spoil her, Eric; making so much of her and allowing her to have and express an opinion on any and every subjec

er her, "Patrick is to go

answered, and the next moment the carr

an I shall not marry unless I feel that I can always be conte

ng always at home," he said, softly smoothing her hair, then bending to touch his lips to her smooth

and kind as you are, papa. B

e world surely contains many

if any one else said that to

leased laugh. "We love each other very dearly, do

iously up into his face. "How pale and i

le farther," he said, putting her gently aside

window, exclaiming, "Can mamma be coming back already? She has perhaps changed her mind abo

ere," said Mr. Leland; "and as I desire a private intervi

t will make you well directly," the little girl replied, bestowing a l

graceful courtesy of a refined lady, ushered him into the libra

d the walks, climbed the walls, and wreathed themselves about the pillars of the porches, filling the

l and sweet-scented of its floral treasures, arranging them in a bouquet for her father; then crossed the

acing some of the grandest scenery of that region; and to Evelyn and her f

ed some moments in absorbed, delighted contem

had not yet entered her youthful mind, and she was serenely happy as she sat there

her, Mrs. Leland's time being too fully occupied with her onerous d

to the care of the servants; but to him the formation of his child's character, the cultivation of her mind and

een, more companionable than her mother had ever been; taking an enthusiastic interest in his professional work,

plan a house so well for comfort, convenience, and beauty combined. Also h

y, that her mother fa

ling his pulse, listening to the beating of his heart, sounding his lungs and looking at his

everything?" he

is moment. And now, doctor, I want you to be equally fr

y," was the unwilling reply; "but ther

ave a clearer understanding of your verdict; do you mean that I may have year

ar sir?" returned the physician inquiringly

know the worst and face it in the strength Go

I may err in judgment, but I see no reason to hope that your life on earth will be prolonged for mo

first judge of the full

th his face half

lor said, low and feelingly, "You are a Christian, my dear sir, and

for those who must be left behind; but oh, the parting from helpless dear ones fo

ve them alive; and let thy widows trust in Me,

ed Mr. Leland. "And you, doctor, for reminding me of it,

of the many sweet and comforting promises of God's Word were

of restoration to health. I cannot do that, but will write you a prescription which w

ome," sighed the patient. "Ah, if I ca

t rest and ease you can," was the

said to herself several times before her eyes were gladdene

inging to her feet and hu

ng on a sofa, his face v

leep; but as she reached the side of his couch he opened

spered, putting his arm about her and

stling closer to him and laying her cheek to h

led at her father's silence, suddenly raised her h

nking," he said, "of a text in the psalm we read together this morning-'My soul, wait thou

nd for the d

complish His designs without. He has provided remedies, and I think it is His will that we should use t

have some medic

out a good deal

mer-house and lie in the hammock there,

st," he said, putting her gently aside an

ow, papa?" she asked. "You

on's mail, that, if possible, it may reach Fairview before they have arranged their plan

you know, and I quite fell in love with Aunt Elsie and the bab