The Two Elsies | Page 6

was seen approaching through the avenue.
In another moment it had drawn up before the entrance, and Mr.
Dinsmore and his daughter alighted. With the quick eye of affection the
mother at once noted the sadness of her daughter's countenance, of
Lester's also, and scarcely had she exchanged the morning greetings
with them ere she inquired the cause.
Lester silently handed her Eric's open letter.

Tears trembled in the soft brown eyes as she read.
In compliance with a mute request from Lester, she passed it on to her
father.
There was a moment of silence after Mr. Dinsmore had finished
reading, then the elder Elsie said in low, sympathizing tones,
"My dears, you will go to him? Delightful as it would be to have you
with us, I could not wish you to refuse such a request from one so near
and dear."
"No, mamma dear, nor could we think of refusing," answered her
daughter, quickly, glancing tenderly at her husband as she spoke, and
receiving a grateful, loving look in return.
"Certainly not," said Mr. Dinsmore; "but I see no reason why you
should not accompany us on our voyage, spend a few days at Nantucket,
and then go on to New York. Do you, Lester?"
"No, sir; and if my little wife approves of that plan, we will adopt it,"
He turned inquiringly to her.
"I should like it very much," she said. "If you are quite sure it will not
delay us too long," she added as an after-thought.
"No, scarcely at all, I think," returned Lester; "so we will consider that
settled."
"Ah, I am glad that we shall not lose your company altogether," Mrs.
Travilla said. "And do not despair for your brother, Lester, for many
very sick people have recovered, even after being given up by the
doctors. We know, too, that with God nothing is impossible, and that
He is the hearer and answerer of prayer. We will unite our petitions in
behalf of Eric, and if it shall be for God's glory and his good, he will be
restored to health."
"Yes, mother; I have not a doubt of that," returned Mr. Leland, "nor of

my dear brother's safety in any case. He is one who has lived the life of
a Christian for years, and I am sure dying grace will be given him for
dying time--whenever that shall come."
"And well may you be," said Mrs. Travilla, "for not one of all God's
promises ever fails, and to each of His children He has said, 'As thy
days, so shall thy strength be.'"
"If you want to answer your letter by return of mail, Lester, do not let
us hinder you," said Mr. Dinsmore. "We are going to the village
presently, and will mail it for you, if you like."
"Thank you; then I shall write at once," Lester replied, as he rose and
left them.
"This change of plan will involve some change in your intended
preparations, will it not, Elsie?" asked Mrs. Travilla.
"Not very much, mamma, as we are not likely to take part in any
gayeties. I shall not need to have any new dresses made; indeed, I think
I have already a full supply of everything necessary or desirable, in the
way of dress, for both baby and myself."
"Then you will be ready for the trip as soon as any of us?" her
grandfather said inquiringly.
"Yes, sir; I could pack to-day and start this evening if desired to do so,"
she answered with a smile.
"We will not put you to the test," he said, "but we hope to sail next
Tuesday."

CHAPTER III.
"We all do fade as a leaf." (Is. lxiv. 6.)
A fortnight had passed since the day of the reader's introduction to the

dwellers in Crag Cottage; the June roses were blooming about it in
even richer profusion than before; tree, and shrub and vine were laden
with denser foliage; the place looked a very bower of beauty to the eyes
of Lester and his Elsie as the hack which had brought them from the
nearest steamboat-landing slowly wound its way up the hill on which
the cottage stood.
On the vine-covered porch Eric lay in a hammock, his little daughter,
as usual, by his side.
Though losing flesh and strength day by day, he still persevered with
his work; had spent some hours over it this morning, but was resting
now, his cheek fanned by the pure, sweet air from the mountain and
river, his eyes now feasting upon the beauties of the surrounding
scenery, and anon turning with fond, fatherly affection upon the face of
the child he loved so well.
She was proving herself an excellent nurse for one of her age; never
weary of waiting upon