Grandmother Elsie

l ingr

is mouth should

food to 't?"

r, isn't it?" Dr. Conly asked, as they drove t

d of it from their grandfather's lips; nor could have believed he would sanction such folly. They ought to make

sweet girl also," was

in novels that girls

nt's sake, it must be ver

removes the most serious objection; yet I have no idea

uld think it a great boon to be allowed this opportunity of going without expense and in the company of two young people of whom she is very fond. And you know, mother

n, Arthur," was the coldly spoken reply. "I

face from her with a scarcely audible sigh. He read her

ning forbade her attendance upon public assemblages of whatever kind, except church, and did not allow even so much as a for

it would give her a chance to see for herself what was the trouble with Virginia, whose letters of late had been

York and the sailing of the steamer, in which she could call to s

and the younger Elsie, though not fond of her Aunt Louise's society, felt that her presence might

could be spared from the sick-room, and Violet, Harold, and Herbert hung about her as a tre

and with many tears and embraces the

e strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them, for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with

s hand: "but rejoice in the thought that you

er side, and a third time when you have seen Lester and can report his exact condition," was Mr. D

d them at the dep?t,

had so tenderly cherished her from her birth and the sick little ones who, she feared, might not be there to welcome her return. Thinking t

ccident or detention. The steamer would not leave for some

rself in your state-room at once; and while Dinah unpacks what you will need on

nt Louise, will you not?"

her and yet to reach the vessel some time before the hour fixed for

's residence and leave you there? And I return for you aft

where would be the use? You may tell Ben to call a hack for me. I'll have

kind, hastened to carry out her wishes, bidding Ben engag

ia were living in other than aristocratic style, she would not for the world have it known among the relatives who had heard her boa

er as to its being one of the most fashionable for the abodes of the wealthy. The curiously scrutiniz

dered, drawing herself up and flashing an indi

ame," he returned, touchin

into such a vile region as this?" she demanded presently

place ye said ye wanted to go

ment. She was very weary with her long journey and mor

o wish she had been content to sail for Europe without trying to find Virginia. But a

and that, scanned the house before her, and ang

um; it's the place ye sai

n a voice she vainly tried to make coldly indifferent, inquired of some children who had gathere

e driver's assertion, a

ry front window, drawn thither by the unusual event of the stopping of a hack before the door of entrance. It s

re?" Mrs. Conly asked, addressin

ne. "Guess not,

t'other week," observed a third. "I'll show ye the way, lady," and h

r heart sinking like lead in her bosom. Could

r, the lad gave a thundering rap, then opened it, shouting,

scal?" demanded a shrill female voice, which Mrs. Conly instantly re

nes, putting a small coin into his hand; then staggering i

place as this?" she cried, as the latter started up from a lounge

most slatternly, and her surroundings wer

ion. "How did you get here? how did you come? You shoul

r Europe by to-day's steamer, with Elsie and Edward Travilla. Lester Leland's i

r and grandfather and the whole family accompany her

are down with the measle

, gambler, and rake; a man-or rather a brute-who lives by his wits, abuses me like the pickpocket that he is, half starves me, and expects me to do all the work, cookin

other, clasping her hands in an agony of distress, and gazi

d me into it lest grandpa, uncle, or brothers should interfere, find out that the man's

to their interference as I, Virginia!" the mot

y cradle. I tell you it was your doing; but I must reap what you have sowed. I wish I was dead!" She flung her

ne word of welcome or thanks for having turned as

ess child!'" exclaimed Mrs. Conly in anguished accents, ris

her side, half fr

!" she cried, stooping over her, loosening her bonnet-strings and dress, and trying vainly to lift her to the lounge,

he neighbors flocking upon the scene; some of the boldest opening t

've druv her to distraction; you shouldn't a ben so abusive; I could hear ye

lp, she had laid her mother, and wringing her hands in helpless distress. "Oh, she'll die! she'll

ear ye. An' if she did she couldn't speak. I'v

groaned the wretched daughter, dro

ty well over it and live on for years. Here, let me put another pillar under her

me hurrying in. His first act was to send every one fr

rginia besought him to

id, "but very little can be done at present.

other was fatigued with a long journ

glancing around the mean

d Virginia haughtily. "Can you not see that we are ladies? We are from the

near relatives who care to see her alive,

can't have her die. They'll say I killed her! But every word I said was true; she did all

!" the physician said in a tone of mingled contempt and indignation. "I hope y

or buy comforts for mother, and I know nothing about nursi

hackman; "he couldn't stay any longer if the lady w

and counting the remainder told the doctor there was enough to provide what would be needed for the patient unt

ndly offered to attend to s