Elsies Womanhood | Page 3

and almost
breathless with astonishment, took the first opportunity, after all were
seated in the drawing-room, to prefer a whispered request to be taken to
Elsie's own private apartment for a moment, to see that her hair and
dress were in proper order.
They had come to spend the day, and bonnets and shawls had already
been carried away by the servants in attendance.
"Now girls, don't run off for an interminable chat by yourselves," said
Mrs. Howard, as the two rose and crossed the room together.
"No, Aunt Lora, we'll not stay long," said Elsie; "for I want to improve
every moment of your visit, in renewing my acquaintance with you and
my young cousins."
"Your family has grown, Lora," remarked her brother.

"Yes, rather faster than yours," she said, looking round with pride upon
her little group of four boys, and a girl yet in her nurse's arms. "Go and
speak to your uncle, Ned, Walter, Horace, and Arthur. You see I have
given you a namesake; and this little pet we call Rose Louise, for her
two aunties. Yours is Rose, too! and what a darling! and how little
Horace has grown!"
"Elsie, it can't be possible!" cried Carrie, the instant they found
themselves alone.
"What can't?" and Elsie's blush and smile were charming.
"That you and Mr. Travilla are lovers! I saw it in your faces; but, 'tis
too absurd! Why, he's your father's friend, and nearly as old."
"All the wiser and better for that, Carrie, dear. But he is young in heart,
and far from looking old, I think. I have grown so sick of your silly,
brainless fops, who expect women neither to talk sense nor understand
it."
"Ah, I dare say! and Mr. Travilla is the most sensible and polished of
men--always excepting my own spouse, of course. And you won't be
taken away from us; so I give my consent."
Elsie's only answer was a mirthful, amused look.
"Oh, but I am glad to see you back!" Carrie ran on. "It seems an age
since you went away."
"Thank you. And your husband? what is he like?"
"I was never good at description, but he is a fine specimen of a
Kentucky planter, and very fond of his wife. By the way, you must
blame me that Edward and Lora were so late in welcoming you home. I
arrived only yesterday morning, quite fatigued with my journey, and
begged them to wait till to-day, and bring me with them."
"That was right. We have not seen Enna yet, or Arthur. Grandpa and

Mrs. Dinsmore and Walter called yesterday. But there is the dinner-bell.
Let me conduct you to the dining-room."
They were just in time to sit down with the others.
Elsie quickly perceived by her Aunt Lora's look and manner, that she,
too, had heard the news, but no remark was make on the subject till the
ladies had retired to the drawing-room, leaving the gentlemen to the
enjoyment of their after-dinner cigars.
Then Mrs. Howard, facing round upon her niece as they entered the
room, exclaimed, "Elsie, you naughty child! are you not ashamed of
yourself?"
"On account of what, auntie?"
"Such unconscious innocence!" cried Lora, throwing up the white and
jeweled hands she had rested lightly for an instant upon the young girl's
shoulder, while gazing steadily into the smiling, blushing, sparkling
face. "You haven't been planning and promising to give Adelaide and
me a nephew older than ourselves? I tell you, miss, I refuse my consent.
Why, it's absurd! the very idea! I used to think him almost an elderly
gentleman when you were a chit of eight or nine."
"I remember having had some such idea myself; but he must have been
growing young since then," returned Elsie, demurely.
"He seems to have been standing still (waiting for you, I suppose); but I
never was more astonished in my life!" said Lora, dropping into a chair.
"It has been a genuine surprise to us all," remarked Rose.
"To me as much as anyone, mamma," said Elsie. "I--had thought he
was engaged to you, Aunt Adie."
"To me, child!"
"Why, my dear, I surely told you about her engagement to my brother
Edward?" exclaimed Adelaide and Rose simultaneously.

"You tried, mamma, and it was all my own fault that I did not hear the
whole truth. And, Aunt Adie, I cannot understand how he could ever
fancy me, while he might have hoped there was a possibility of
winning you."
"'Twould have been a much more suitable match," said Lora. "Though
I'd have preferred the one in contemplation, except that in the other
case, she would not be carried quite away from us. But suppose we
proceed to business. We should have a double wedding, I think."
"Oh, don't talk