Classic Audiobook Collection - Elsie's Children by Martha Finley ~ Full Audiobook [family]

Episode Date: November 13, 2023

Elsie's Children by Martha Finley audiobook. Genre: family In Elsie's Children, Martha Finley returns to the warm, orderly world of Viamede, where Elsie Travilla's greatest work is not managing an estate but shaping the hearts of the lively young people who call her 'mamma.' The household is stirred by the arrival of a new baby, a joy that brings laughter to the nursery even as it tests Elsie's strength and patience. As days unfold, the Travilla home becomes a refuge for others in need - including an injured young cousin and a nearly blind child connected to Elsie's past - and each new guest adds pressure to an already bustling family circle. While Mr. Travilla offers steady support, Elsie must navigate misunderstandings, childhood quarrels, and the first hints that her children are growing up faster than she can hold them close. Through moments of tenderness and trials touched by sorrow, Elsie clings to the faith that has guided her since girlhood, determined to teach her children courage, kindness, and duty. But when old troubles resurface and new attachments begin to form, Elsie must decide how to protect her family without hardening their hearts. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 00 (00:01:18) Chapter 01 (00:09:20) Chapter 02 (00:26:33) Chapter 03 (00:34:49) Chapter 04 (00:45:32) Chapter 05 (00:56:58) Chapter 06 (01:07:25) Chapter 07 (01:18:19) Chapter 08 (01:30:17) Chapter 09 (01:46:00) Chapter 10 (01:58:16) Chapter 11 (02:15:24) Chapter 12 (02:31:08) Chapter 13 (02:38:25) Chapter 14 (02:58:47) Chapter 15 (03:13:25) Chapter 16 (03:26:25) Chapter 17 (03:43:11) Chapter 18 (03:57:33) Chapter 19 (04:18:33) Chapter 20 (04:34:00) Chapter 21 (04:48:03) Chapter 22 (05:07:57) Chapter 23 (05:23:22) Chapter 24 (05:35:57) Chapter 25 (05:49:55) Chapter 26 (05:57:36) Chapter 27 (06:10:56) Chapter 28 (06:27:18) Chapter 29 (06:38:59) Chapter 30 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elsie's Children by Martha Finley. Preface. With this volume, bringing the story of Elsie and her children down to the present time, the series closes. It was not by request of the author's personal friends that either this or any one of the previous volumes was written, but in acquiescence with the demands of the public, the friends and admirers of Elsie herself, and we know that as child, as young girl, as wife and mother, she has had many friends who have been loath to part with her. May they find neither her nor her children less lovable in this than in her early volumes,

and may their society prove sweet, comforting, and helpful to many readers and friends, both old and new. M. F. End of preface. chapter one of elsie's children this is a livervox recording all livervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox dot org recording by anna malard elsie's children chapter one of all the joys that brightens suffering earth what joy is welcomed like a newborn child mrs norton a merry scene in the nursery at viamid where the little travillas are waiting for their morning half-hour with dear mamma mammy coming in smiling and mysterious her white apron thrown over something held carefully in her arms bids the children guess what it is a new dolly for me says v i'm going to have a birthday to-morrow a kite ventured harold noah balloon a tight a tight cried little herbert clapping his hands shaw it's nothing but a bun

of clothes Mammy's been doing up for one of you girls, said Eddie. I see a bit of lace or work or something hanging down below her apron. Is it an address for V, Mammy? asked Elsie, putting her arm around her sister and giving her a loving kiss. Yeah, yeah, you ain't nowhere nigh yet, Chilins, laughed Mammy, dropping into a chair and warding off an attempt on the part of Little Herbert to seize her prize and examine it for himself. Oh, it's alive! cried Harold, half-breathedlessly. I saw it move. Then, as a slight sound followed the movement,

"'A baby, a baby!' they all exclaimed. "'Oh, Mammy, whose is it? Where did you get it? Oh, sit down and show it to us.' "'Why, chill, I reckon it longs to us,' returned Mammy, complying with the request, while they gathered closely about her with eager and delighted faces. "'Ours, Mammy?' "'Then I'm glad it isn't black or yellow like the baby's down at the quarter,' said Harold. eyeing it with curiosity and interest. So am I, too, remarked Violet, but it's got such a red face and hardly any hair on the top of its head. Well, don't you remember that's the way Herbie looked when he first came, said Eddie.

And he grew very white in a few weeks, remarked Elsie. But is it mammoth baby, Mammy? Yes, honey, dada damn. Shows you're born another pet for old Mammy. Depressive little darmy. "'She answered, pressing the little creature to her breast. "'The information was received with the chorus of exclamations of delight and admiration. "'Tate a bite a cracker, boy,' said Herbert, offering her cracker which he was eating with evident enjoyment.

"'Mammy explained, amid the good-natured laughter of the older children, "'that the newcomer had no teeth and couldn't eat anything but milk. "'Oh, poor little thing!' he said, softly touching its velvet cheek. Won't you turn and play with Herbie?" "'No, it can't play,' said Violet. "'It can't walk, and it can't talk.' "'Where's Mama, Mammy?' asked Eddie, glancing at the clock. "'It's past her time.

I wonder, too, she didn't come and show us the new baby herself.' "'She's sick, child,' returned Mammy, a grave and anxious look coming into her old eyes. "'Mama's sick?' exclaimed, little Elsie. Oh, may I go to her? Mammy shook her head. Not just now, honey, darling. Bye and by, when she's better.

Mamma sick? echoed Violet. Oh, I'm so, so sorry. Don't fret, chill. The good Lord will make her well again soon, said Mammy, with cheerful hopefulness. For she could not bear to see how sad each little face had grown, how the young lips quivered and the bright eyes filled with tears, for dearly, dearly they all loved their sweet, gentle mother.

Herbie wants mamma, sobbed the baby boy, clinging to his eldest sister. Don't cry, Pet, Elsie said chokingly, hugging him close and kissing away his tears, we'll ask God to make her well, and I'm sure he will. Why, why, what's the matter here? cried a teary voice, as the door opened and Mr. Trevea stepped into their midst. What's the matter with Papa's darling? He repeated, gathering them all into his arms and caressing each in turn. "'Is Mama, dear Mama, very sick?' they asked, V immediately adding in joyous tones.

"'No, no, she isn't. "'Or Papa wouldn't look so happy.' "'I am very happy,' he said with emotion, glancing towards the bundle in Mammy's lap. "'We are both very happy over the new treasure God has given us, "'and I trust she will soon be well.' "'Can we go and speak to her?' they asked. After a while, he said,

She's trying to sleep now. What do you all think of your little sister? Sister, cried Elsie. Oh, that is nice, nice. I thought it was a boy. What's its name, Papa? It hasn't none yet. I sorry for it,

remarked Herbert, gazing with curious interest at the tiny creature. I sorry for it. Because can't walk, can't talk, can't eat good things, "'Dot no teeth to eat with.' "'Do, boy, try to eat cacker. "'Cackard, do it. Herbie likes.'

"'In breaking off a fragment, he would have forced it into the wee mouth "'if Papa and Mammy had not interfered for its protection. "'No, no, my son, you would choke it,' said Mr. Trevea, "'gently drawing him away.' "'It isn't a boy, it's a girl, Herbie,' corrected Harold. "'Oh!' cried V, who was gently feeling the top of the tiny head, and she looked aghast at her father. Oh, Papa, it's heads rotten.

No, daughter, don't be alarmed, he said, smiling lightly. There's nothing wrong there. All young baby's heads are soft like that on the top. Oh, are they? She said with a sigh of relief. If I was afraid it would spoil soon and we couldn't keep her. No, she seems to be all right, he said with a grave and tender smile. God has been very good to us.

Yes, Papa. Oh, such a pretty darling as it is. said Elsie. Yes, indeed, chimed the others. V, adding, and I'm so glad she's a girl, because now we have two sisters, Elsie, just the same as the boys. Oh, but we have three now, said Eddie, laughing good-naturedly at V's crestfallen look. Oh, yes, she acknowledged them brightening, but we have three brothers, and you only have two, so it's even all around, after all, isn't it, Papa?

The children were full of delight over their treasure and eager to show it to Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Rosie, Aunt Wealthy and Aunt May, regretting much that the rest of their friends had left Via Mead before the advent of the little stranger. She proved a frail, gentle little creature, with violet eyes and pale golden hair, so fair and delicate that Lily was the name that most readily suggested itself, and the one finally settled upon as really hers. Lily became a great pet with them all, but Violet claimed a special property in her, because, as she would say, the darling came to us almost on my birthday, and she's just the sweetest, prettiest birthday present

Mama ever gave me. The weather was growing very warm at Via Mead, and Aunt Wealthy and the little Duncans found the heat oppressive. So when Lily was three weeks old and the dear Mama able to be up again looking bright and well, the party bade goodbye and set out on their return to Lansdale. The Densmoors and the Trevias lingered into the middle of May, when they too set their faces northward not part in company till very near to ion and the oaks end of chapter one chapter second of elsie's children this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recording by lynn thompson elsie's children by martha finley chapter second envy is but the smoke of low estate ascending still against the fortunate brook it was dark and raining a little when the carriage turned into the avenue at ion

but the whole front of the house was ablaze with lights the hall-door stood wide open and a double line of servants in holiday attire each sooty face dressed in smiles stood waiting to welcome the weary traveller's home there were many hearty shakings and kissings of hands many fervent ejaculations god bless you massa and mrs t'ang de lord you's got home again honey we've been pining for you darlings and for de sight of the new baby and with the last words the voices were lowered at a sign from aunt chloe in whose arms the little lily lay sleeping sweetly there were some fretting among the weary little ones but mamma and nurses were nurses were kind and gentle, and a good supper and bread soon cured all their troubles for that night. Little Elsie was roused from her slumbers by a gentle shake, and starting up in bed, found the sun shining, and vise standing by her bed with eager, excited face. Come, come to the window, she cried. It does seem as if I must be dreaming. It wasn't there before, I'm sure. What? asked Elsie, springing.

out upon the floor and hurrying after by to the window from which she had witnessed the burning of the schoolhouse there said violet pointing her finger there can you see it too oh exclaimed elsie clasping her hands in a sort of ecstasy of delight oh aunt papa and mamma good how did they ever come to think of it and how could they get it done while they were away grandpa uncle horace and cow suggested by oh aren't you glad aren't you glad elsie i should think so and the boat is ever so pretty let's hurry and get dressed and go down and see it closer rowing and sailing upon the bayou and lakelet had been the children's greatest pleasure at viamead their greatest regret in leaving it knowing this their ever-indulgent parents had prepared a pleasant surprise for them causing a small tract of barren land on the iron estate to be turned into an artificial lake it was this shining in the golden beams of the morning sun and a beautiful boat moored to the hither shore that had had been made into an artificial lake it was this shining in the golden beams of the morning sun and a beautiful boat moored to the hither shore that had had had been a called forth from the lips of the little girls, those exclamations of almost incredulous wonder and delight. Yes, our ring for diner, cried Vye, skipping across the room, and putting out her hand to lay hold of the bell-pull. Wait, fine, our prayers first, you know, said Elsie. Oh yes, I do want to thank God for being so good to us, the pretty lake and boat and all.

Dear kind parents safe journey home too, and owe more things than we can count, added Elsie as they knelt down side by side. This duty performed, with no irreverent haste, the maid was summoned and a careful toilet-maid in season to afford them time for a walk before Mama would be ready to see them. They found their father in the lower veranda talking with the overseer, while Solon stood waiting with Beppo's bridle in his hand, the horse pouring the ground with impatience. Eddie was there, too, caressing Bruno, who seemed as glad to be at home again as any of the rest. Uttering a joyous bark, he left his young master and bounded to meet the little girls. Mr. Trevilla turned at the sound, and with a kind fatherly smile held out his hands. Oh, papa, they cried running to him.

how good of you to have made it for us good morning my darlings he said giving and receiving caresses but what are you talking about why the lake papa the lake and the boat lake exclaimed eddie why where oh you couldn't see it from your windows said elsie papa papa papa may we go now and look at it yes he said taking a hand of each larkin i'll see you again again after breakfast come eddie my son you too and bruno a brisk five minutes walk brought them to the shore of the lake a tiny one scarce a quarter of a mile in circumference not very deep and the water so clear that the pebbly bottom could be distinctly seen gold and silver fish too gliding hither and thither while a pretty gaily painted roboat lying at the water's edge rot gently in the morning breeze eddy hailed the scene with a shout of delight the little girls danced about gleefully vye clapping her hands and asking eagerly if they might get into the boat papa looked at his watch yes there will be time for a row one trip around the lake step in all of you and i will take the oars vi was quite ready and eddy gallantly handed her in then turned and offered his hand to elsie she demurred but mamma shouldn't we have mamma with us the first time and she looked up inquiring into her father's face yes yes of course cried the others making haste to step ashore again we want dear mamma with us the very first time papa smiled approval then we will go back he said and after breakfast if mamma is willing we will all come and take a row together the boat is large enough to carry us all at once

mamma's consent was readily obtained for to please her children was her great delight so shortly after breakfast they all repaired to the lake and rode round and across it several times a merry happy party at roselands the family were gathered about the breakfast-table and the principal topic of conversation was the return of the party from via mead calhoun had been to the oaks the previous evening and learned of their safe arrival. We must all go this morning and call upon them, said Mr. Dinsmore. We'll divide our forces, said Cal, laughing. Suppose Grandpa, mother, and Aunt Henna go first to the Oaks, and we younger ones to Ion. Very well, replied the old gentleman, I shall spend an hour with my son, then ride over to see Elsie and her little flock. How many of you, young folks, want to go to iron in the first division? I, and I? and i cried one and another but you can't go all at once returned their grandfather looking around upon them with an amused smile the carriage is roomy but really you are too many for it besides wouldn't there be some danger of overwhelming your cousins

well i'm going let who will stay at home observed molly percival with cool decision the boys can ride i mean cal and art and dick and wall they are all have ponies, and the two carriages will hold the rest of us, if we crowd a little. I'm not going to be bothered with Bob or Betty, said her mother. They may go with you, or wait till another time. Then they'll wait, remarked Isidore Connolly, for I shall wear my best silk suit, and I have no notion of having it tumbled. Last year's suit is quite good enough for the occasion, said her mother. They're only cousins. But rich ones, they can afford to dress and I'll not go a step if I have to look shabby. Nor I, chimed in her sister.

So, Mama, you may as well resign yourself to the situation. It's no good finding fault or objecting, she added with a laugh. Take your own way, then, returned her mother indifferently. But remember, there'll be no more new dresses this season. Dear me, why aren't we as rich as a trivial as pouted Isidore? I do think things are very unequally divided in this world. Never mind. The wheel of fortune often takes a turn, said her mother. You may have money left you some day.

Some of your father's relations are still rich. And you may make a grand match. How long will it take you girls to don your finery? asked Cow, pulling out his watch. We'd better start as soon as we can. The sun will be getting hot. I'm done, said Molly, jumping out. up and I'll be ready by the time the carriage can be brought to the door. Come, Issa and Virgie,

you've eaten enough. Cousin Elsie will be sure to treat us to something good, and she ran gaily from the room. Molly, just turned thirteen, and already as tall as her mother, was a bright, lively girl, full of fun and frolic. She was not a beauty, but had a clear complexion, and fine, dark eyes, and good humour and intelligence lent a charm to her face that made it more than ordinarily attractive. Dick had always been fond of her, and was beginning to take a brotherly pride in her good looks and intellectual gifts. Enna's feeling toward her were divided between motherly pride and affection on the one hand, and on the other the dread of being made to appear old by the side of so tall a daughter, a dread that made her jealous of Dick also.

the connoy girls too were growing fast giving promise of fair graceful womanhood is a door particularly of great beauty which her mother fondly hoped would be the means of securing her a wealthy husband for mrs connolly's affections were wholly set upon the things of this life by her and her sister enna wealth and beauty were esteemed the highest good and their children were trained in accordance with that view the moral atmosphere of the house being very different from that of iron where the lives and conversation of the parents were such as to leave no doubt in the minds of their children that to them the things of time and sense were as nothing in comparison with those of eternity Anna followed her daughter into the dressing-room they used in common. "'Were the very best you have, Molly,' she said. "'I don't want you to be looked down upon as a poor relation, or to have it said that the Connly's dress better than my children.' "'I'm sure they don't,' said Molly, ringing for the maid,

though they'd like to if they could, and are always jealous when Grandpa makes me a present. Of course they are, and they manage to get more than their fair share, too. acquiesce the mother in a tone of irritation but do you see to it that they don't get ahead of you at iron remember elsie is as rich as a jew and likes the credit of being generous so keep on the right side of her if you want handsome presence i'm sure she is generous and doesn't give only for the credit of it said molly don't give me any impudence returned her mother sharply rachel to the maid who just then came in in answer to the bell dress miss molly first and be quick about it enna superintended the business in person and in a way that sorely tried the temper and nerves of both molly and the maid the child's sash must be tied and retied her hat bent this way and that her collar and brooch changed again and again till she was ready to cry with impatience and when at last she started for the door she was called back and rachel ordered to change her slippers for gaita boots i don't want to wear them cried molly fairly stamping with impatience the heels are so high and narrow i can't bear them they're just the style and make your foot look beautiful said her mother sit down and let rachel put them on you

grandpa says they're dangerous and so does dr barton too grumbled molly put them on her rachel commanded enna molly behave yourself or you'll stay at home the child submitted rather sullenly muttering that she would be late rachel was farcelling the second boot when isidore and virginia were heard running down the stairs calling out that the carriage was at the door there i knew you'd make me too late cried molly oh rachel do hurry yes miss molly best i ken da that's the last button up sprang molly and away in hot haste she gained the landing caught her heel in the carpet on the first step of the next flight and a wild shriek rang through the house accompanied by the sound of a heavy body tumbling and rolling down the stairs echoing the scream enna rushed out into the upper hall calhoun at the foot of the stairs was picking molly up is she hurt is she killed asked the mother molly molly how did you come to be so awkward i wasn't it was those heels i knew they'd throw me down some day, cried the child in tones of mingled anger, fright and pain. Hmm, you're not killed. Haven't even had the temper knocked out of you, remarked Enna, going back to her dressing.

Poor child, you must be hurt, said Calhoun, laying her gently on a sofa. But no bones broken, I hope. I don't know, sobbed Molly. It's my back. Oh, dear, oh dear! "'Oh, Molly, are you much hurt? Shall I go for the doctor?' asked Dick, coming to her side, pale, with fright. Max right here at the door, ready saddled and bridled, and—' "'Go for the doctor?' interrupted Molly. "'No, indeed. It's very good in you, Dick, but I don't want him. I am going to iron with the rest of you. I'm ready now.' "'You don't look much like it. You're as pale as a ghost,' he said, Calhoun, adding.

you'd better lie still for a while, Molly. Dick or I will take you over this evening, if you can find yourself able to go then. Thank you, but I'm going now, she answered with decision, getting up and taking Dick's arm. He held her to the carriage where Isidore, Virginia, and some of the younger ones sat waiting, and placed her in it. She wiped away her tears and tried to smile while answering the questions and condolences of the others, and the party move, on. By the time iron was reached, most of them had nearly forgotten Molly's accident, till Elsie remarked that she was looking pale, and asked if she were quite well. That brought out the story of her fall. Elsie heard it with grave concern, but asked few questions,

as Molly seemed annoyed that the subject had been introduced. It was a habit of her mothers to scold her for awkwardness, but the child was sensitive on that point. when the young people had left and the older members of the rosalind's family called elsie seized a favorable opportunity to speak of molly's pale looks and urged the importance of calling in a physician that if there were any reason to apprehend serious results from the fall measures might be promptly taken to avert the danger she can't have been seriously hurt returned enna coldly or she wouldn't have been ready to get into the carriage the next minute and ride over here by the way said her father i haven't heard what caused her for she's an awkward child always tumbling about returned enna reddening especially since she wears those fashionable boots with the high narrow heels he remarked had she them on when she fell ena reluctantly admitted that such was the fact i'll send them into town to-day with orders that the full half the heel shall be taken off he said with angry decision end of chapter the second chapter the third of elsie's children this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recording by lyn thompson elsie's children by martha finley chapter the third tis a goodly scene yon river like a silvery snake lays out his coil in the sunshine lovingly hunt

the family at iron presently fell into the old routine of study work and play elsie resuming the duties of governess but as the heated term drew on she and the little ones especially the babe began to droop. You must go north for the summer, said Dr. Barton. Start as soon as possible, and don't return till October. Would you recommend the seashore? asked Mr. Trevilla. Hmm, that might answer very well, but mountain air would, I think, be better. Oh, then, Mama, cried Vi, who was present and had been an eager but hitherto silent, listener. Won't you accept Aunt Lucy's invitation?

perhaps daughter elsie said smiling indulgently into the bright little face but we will take time to consider what will be best where is that asked the doctor lucy ross i suppose but i've forgotten where they live on the banks of the hudson a few miles south of newburgh the cracks they call the place and a beautiful one it is twas only yesterday i received a letter from lucy urging us to come and spend the summer with her i should say go by all means said the doctor taking leave there were reasons for hesitation on the part of the careful parents of which the physician knew nothing the young rosses all unused to control were a willful set not likely to exert a beneficial influence over other children that was the demur however the final decision was in favor of the visit and a few days later they set out upon their journey mr horace dinsmore taking charge of them as business made it inconvenient for mr travilla to leave just at that time from new york they passed up the hudson in a steamboat the carriage from the crags was found in waiting at the landing and a short drive brought them to the house which stood high up above the river in the midst of magnificent mountain scenery the iron children taught from early infancy to notice the beauties of nature were in ecstas of delight exclaiming anew at every turn in the road calling each other's mamma's or grandpah's attention to the sparkling river the changing shadows on the mountain sides here a beetling crag there a waterfall or secluded glen having rested the previous night sleeping soundly at a hotel they were not wearied with travel but seemed fresher now than when they were not wearied with travel but seemed fresher now than when they were rested the previous night sleeping soundly at a hotel having rested the previous night sleeping soundly at a hotel they were

they were not wearied with travel but seemed fresher now than when they left their home lucy and her little flock gathered on the french porch to receive their guests gave them a warm welcome the two ladies had lost none of the affection for each other which had been one of the happinesses of their childhood and early youth and each loved the children of the other for the mother's sake if not for their own they numbered the same but sophy's youngest was now in her fifth year and baby lily was greeted with many expressions and demonstrations of delight lucy excused her husband's absence he was away on business she said but would be at home before night where's phil asked eddie turning to gertrude oh he's at boarding school don't you know she answered he'll be home in vacation but that doesn't begin for two weeks yet mr dinsmore tarried for a few days and returned to the neighbourhood of philadelphia where he had left his wife and rosy who were visiting their northern relatives miss fiske was still governess at the crags and when the children had had a week of play together it was thought best by the mamma's that two hours of each morning should be devoted to lessons knowing miss fiske to be not only well educated and refined but also a conscientious and good woman, Elsie was willing to entrust her children to her care, the more so because Lily in her feeble state required much of her own time and attention. In the midst of a beautiful

grove of oaks and maples on the side of a hill scarce more than a stone's throw from the mansion, and within full view of its windows, stood a small brick building owned by Mr. Ross, and used as a summer a schoolroom for the children. It was a cool, shady spot, enlivened by the songs of the wild birds who built their nests in the trees, and the musical tinkle of a little waterfall that came tumbling down from the heights above, not half a dozen yards from the door. Mr. Ross had furnished the room with comfortable and convenient chairs and desks, and Lucy had made it pretty and tasteful, with white muslin curtains and neatly papered walls of a soft neutral tin. enlivened by a few gaily coloured pictures.

Woodwork and floor were stained a rich dark brown. Bright, soft rugs were scattered here and there, and altogether the place was as inviting as a lady's parlour. The iron children were well content to spend here two or three hours of that part of the day when the sun was too hot for them to be exposed to his rays with safety and comfort. The others found lessons made much more agreeable by the companionship of their young guests,

and Miss Fisk was glad to take them under her charge, because by their intelligence they added greatly to the interest of her work, while their respectful, obedient behaviour exerted an excellent influence upon her other pupils. Before leaving home, Elsie, after careful and prayerful consideration, thought it best to have a plain talk with her older children. about the temptations that were likely to assail them during their visit to the cracks. They had had some past experience of the ways of Lucy's children, and she knew they had not forgotten it,

and reminding them of the Bible declaration that evil communications corrupt good manners, she bade them, while refraining as far as possible from judging their little friends, at the same time to carefully avoid following their example in anything they knew to be wrong. mamma said by perhaps sometimes we mightn't know if it was wrong i think you will daughter if you take a moment to think and if you are doubtful you may be pretty sure it is wrong mamma we mustn't tell tales to you no dear but perhaps you can consult me without that and do not forget that you can always lift up your heart to god for help to know and do the right yes mamma returned the little girl thoughtfully, and I do believe Elsie will most always be there and know what's right. I'm not sure, said her sister with a grave shake of the head. I wish we could always have

Mama by to tell us. But Mama cannot be with you always, darling's, Elsie said, regarding them with yearning tenderness, and so, as your papa and I have often told you, you must learn to think and decide for yourselves. About some of your little. Some things now, and about others as you grow older and wiser. Some things the Bible tells us plainly, and in regard to those we have nothing to do but obey. End of Chapter 3rd. Chapter 4 of Elsie's children. This is the Libri-Vox recording.

All Libri-Fox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libbyfox.org. Recording by Gabrielle C. children by Martha Finley, Chapter 4th. A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Proverbs 2915. Lucy, too, had a talk with her children in which he begged them quite pathetically, not to disgrace her before the expected guests, Mr. Dinsmore especially,

who was so very strict in his ideas of how children ought to be brought up and how they should behave. They promised readily enough to behave splendidly, and for a few days did so astonishing well that as she laughingly said she began to grow frightened lest they were becoming too good to live but she need not have been alarmed the reaction was not long in coming and was sufficient to relieve all apprehension that they were in a median danger from an overplus of goodness it began on the morning after mr dinsmore's departure gertrude was late to breakfast and when reproved by her mother answered in a manner so disrespectful as to quite astonish the young travillas they expected to see her her banished at once from the table in the room. But her mother only looked grave and said in a tone of displeasure, Gertrude, I cannot have you speak to me in that way. Don't do it again. I don't care. You needed scold so about every little trifle then, muttered the delinquent in an

undertone, pulling the dish of meat toward her, helping herself and spilling the gravy on the clean tablecloth. Mrs. Ross did not seem to hear. She was spreading a piece of bread with the sweetest and freshest of butter for Sophie. I don't want it. I want waffles, screamed the child, snatching up the bread the instant it was laid on her plate and dashing it onto the carpet. You are not well this morning, dear, and Mama thinks waffles might make her darling worse, said Lucy in a soothing tone. Come now be a good baby and eat the bread. Shall Mama spread another piece? No, no, naughty mama, I'll just throw it on the floor if you do, cried the child, bursting into angry sobs.

"'Shall Mama have some toast made for her?' coaxingly. "'No, no. Waffles, and butter on waffles and lasses on butter and sugar on lasses.' The mother laughed. It seemed to irritate the child still further, and she screamed louder than ever, slid down from her chair and stamped her foot with rage. Mrs. Ross was deeply mortified at the exhibition. "'Pick her up and carry her to the nursery,' she said to her servant. "'Sophie kicked and struggled, but the girl, a strong and determined one, carried her away by main force. "'I dreadfully ashamed of her, Elsie,' Lucy said, turning to her friend. "'But he's a nervous little creature, and we must try to excuse her.'

"'A few hearty slaps were reversed a nervous current and do her an immense amount of good, Mrs. Ross,' remarked the governess in her slow, precise way. "'Slaps, Miss Fisk,' returned Lucy reddening, i don't approve a corporal punishment as i have told you more than once i was never whipped and i don't intend that any of my children shall be most assuredly not madam but i was recommending it not as a punishment for disobedience or el temper but simply as a medial agent i have never experienced anything of the kind myself mrs ross and i have heard a remark that nervous-niscation's greater suffering than what is generally understood by the term pain therefore i suggested it as i should the amputation of a disease member when necessary in order to preserve life. Permit me to remark, returned Lucy, that unmasked advice is seldom acceptable, and now a truce to discussion, if you please.

My dear Elsie, turning to Mrs. Trevilla, I beg you to excuse her ill manners. It strikes me that none of us are behaving quite as we got this morning. Helen Argy, what's wrong between you now? For the two boys seated side by side, we're scowling at each other and muttering angrily half under their breath. "'Why, ma, he went and took the very piece of me, I just said I was going to have,' "'went Bart Archie digging his fists into his eyes. "'Well, I don't care,' retorted Art Harry. "'I had as good as right as you, and I was ready first.'

"'Hare from a part of it, can't you?' said his mother. "'Take more than I want myself.' "'I won't have it after he's been on his plate,' explained both together. "'Boys, I'm ashamed of you,' said Lucy. "'I wish your father were here to keep you straight. you don't dare behave so before him i'm sure your little friends would never act so don't you see how your noddingness astonishes them fly would you talk to your mamma as my children do to me the large blue eyes opened wide upon the questioner and half incredulous reproachful surprise then turned upon the beautiful gentle face of mrs travilla with an expression of ardent affection mingled with admiration and respect oh aunt lucy did you believe i do that to my mamma the very thought of wounding that tender mother heart was evidently so full of pain to the little one that elsie could not refrain from responding to the appeal mamma knows you were not darling oh no mamma cause i love you cried the child yet the unfaced growing bright with smiles

atmospheric influence have often a great deal to do with these things do you not find it so elsie said turning to her friends yes i have noticed that lucy said catching gladly at the suggestion. The air is certainly unusually impressive this morning. I feel nervous myself. I think we'll have a guest before night. The last words were spoken in an undertone, but the quick air of Gertree caught them. Then I shan't go to school, she announced decidedly. Nonsense, said her mother. Don't be here till afternoon, probably not till night, if at all. Now, Ma, you're just saying that. And Elsie, do you really think it won't come soon? glancing through the open window at the mountains in the sky, Elsie answered that she saw no present indications of a storm.

There was nothing to be tokened at the heat and the closeness of the air. Are you afraid of thunder, Aunt Elsie? asked Harry. Lightning, you silly boy, corrected Gertrude. Nobody's afraid of thunder. Yes, you are, he retorted. You just have to see Ed how scared she gets. And Harry laughed scornfully. Gertrude was ready with an indignant retort, but her mother's

stopped her. If you were really brave, Gertrude, you can have an excellent opportunity to show it when the storm comes. Then to Harry, light your sister alone or I'll send you from the room. The gusts, a very severe one, came in the afternoon. Before it was fairly upon them, Lucy, her self-paralled with terror, had collected her children in a darkened room and seated them all on a feather bed, where they remained during the storm, half-spifled by the heat, the little ones clinging to their mother, hiding their heads in her lap. and crying with fear. Elsie and her children formed a different group,

the mother, the central figure here also. Her darlings gather closely about her in her dressing room, at a safe distance from the open windows, watching with odd delight the bursting of the storm clouds over the mountaintops, the play of the lightning, the sweep of the rain down from the heights into the valleys and river below, listening to the crash and roar of the thunder as it reverberated among the hills. One echo taking it up after another,

and repeating it to the next, till it sounded like the explosions of many batteries of heavy artillery, now near at hand, now farther and farther away. "'Mama, isn't it grand?' exclaimed Eddie, in one of the brief pauses in the wild uproar of elements. "'Yes,' she said, the thunder of his power who can understand?' "'Is it God, Mama? Does God make it?' asked Little Herbert. "'Yes, dear. When he uttereth his voice, There is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth.

He maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treacheries. You need him be afraid, Mama? No, darling, no, for God is our father. He loves us and will take care of us. The storm was very violent while it lasted, but soon passed away. The sun shone out, and a beautiful rainbow spanned the eastern sky by the mountaintops. Elsie's children clapped their hands in ecstasy, and ran to call her little friends to enjoy the sight with them. Mrs. Voss followed, looking so pale and exhausted,

that Elsie inquired with concern if she were ill. Oh, it was the storm, she said. Wasn't it fearful? I was sure the house would be struck and some of us killed. Were you frightened? No, Elsie said, with the kindly reassuring smile. I presume my nerves are stronger than yours, and I am not naturally timid in regard to Venter and lightning.

Besides, I know so well that he who guides and controls it is my father or my friend. Come, look at his bow of promise. The children were in a group about the window, gazing and admiring. Let's ask Mama for the story of it, I was saying. The story of it? repeated Archie Boss. Yes, don't you know about Noah and the flood? I never heard it. Oh, Archie is in the Bible.

Grandma told it to us once, exclaimed Sister Gertrude. I didn't hear it anyhow, persisted the boy. Do you, if I, coaxie and Elsie to tell it? The petition was readily granted. Mrs. Trevella was an inimitable storyteller, and Lucy, whose knowledge of scripture history was but superficial, listened to the narrative with almost as much interest and pleasure as of the children. I would give anything for your talent for storytelling, Elsie, she said at its conclusion.

Oh, another, another, please tell us another, cried the chorus of young voices. mrs travilla drew out her watch and holding it up with a smile not just now my dears she said see it is almost tea-time and she added playfully some of us half need to change our dresses and smooth our tangled tresses that is true said lucy rising hastily and i expect my husband home i must send the carriage off at once to the depot for the train is nearly due thereupon a cry was raised among the rosses as they flew after their mother i went to go for papa and i it's my turn i say and i will go you shan't for it's mine end of chapter fourth recording by gabrie l c chapter five of elsie's children this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libravox dot org elsie's children by martha finley chapter five she led me first to god her word words and prayers from my young spirits do. Pierpont Hello, this looks like a welcome. Every one of you have been crying,

Mr. Ross said, catching up Sophie in his arms, and glancing about upon his group of children, after an affectionate greeting to his wife, and a cordially kind one to their guest. What's the trouble? So sorry Papa was coming home, eh? No, that wasn't.

it, Papa, they cried, crowding round him, each eager to claim the first caress. It wasn't that, but we wanted to go for you, and Mama wouldn't let us. Yes, said Lucy, they all wanted to go, and as that couldn't be, and no one would give up to the others, I kept them all at home. Quite right, he said gravely. I'm afraid you hardly deserve the pretty gifts I've brought. Oh, yes, yes, Papa, we'll be good next time. Indeed we will. i coax him yes do let them have them phil urged his wife where would be the use of keeping the things back after spending your money for them to teach them a good lesson i'm afraid both you and i are foolishly indulgent lucy oh they'll be good next time

this once then but only this once unless they keep their word he said producing his gifts a book or toy for each of his own children and a package of sweetmeats which he devour ride it among all present he had brought a new dog home with him but no one but eddy had noticed it yet he was stroking and patting it saying poor fellow what kind of dog are you a french poodle said mr ross coming up to them a good watch-dog and excellent for scaring up the wild ducks for the sportsman do you and papa keep up the shooting lessons master eddy yes sir papa has always said he meant to make me as good a shot as himself and my mother's "'Mama says it was never his way to give up till things thoroughly done,' returned the boy happily. "'And you don't equal him as a shot yet, eh?' "'No, sir, no indeed. Why, even cousin Cal Conley, a big man, can't shoot as well as Papa.'

"'What an ugly dog!' exclaimed the other children, gathering round. "'What did you buy it for, Papa?' asked Ertrude. "'Not for beauty, certainly,' laughed Mr. Ross, stroking and patting the shaggy head of the dog who was covered with curly hair of a dirty white modeled with dull brown but for worth which is far better isn't it ranger a wag of his bushy tail was ranger's only reply will he bite asked little herbert shrinking back as the newcomer turned toward him tramps and burglars but not good children replied mr ross you needn't be afraid of him my little man through the evening there was a great deal of romping between the children and the new dog but little elsie seemed unusually quiet scarcely stirring from her mother's side she was suffering with toothache but kept her trouble to herself principally because she had a great dread of the dentist's instruments but in the night the pain grew so severe that she could not keep from crying and groaning she did not want to wake any one so buried her face in the pillow to smother the night the pain grew so she could not keep from crying and groaning she did not want to wake any one so buried her face in the pillow to smother the to smother the sound of her soves, but presently a gentle hand touched her caressingly,

and Mama's sweet voice asked, What ails my little daughter? Oh, Mama, I do not mean to wake you, cried the little girl, setting up with her hand pressed to her cheek. But the pain was so bad I couldn't help making a noise. My poor, dear little girl, did you think your mother would want to sleep when her child was in pain? Elsie said, clasping her in her arms. indeed so do not try to bear the pain alone another time mamma's loving sympathy was very sweet the pain was soon relieved too by some medicine she put into the tooth and presently all was forgotten in sound refreshing sleep

elsie came into her mamma's dressing-room the next morning along with the others looking as bright and well as was her wont yet with the boding fear that something would be said to her about having the troublesome tooth extracted however to her relief the subject was not broached at all they had their usual reading and prayer recitation of texts and talk with mamma about the lessons contained in them and then the breakfast bell summoned them to their morning meal the tooth was quiet for a few days then ached again for several hours harder than ever oh mamma mamma what shall i do sobbed the child in the midst of her pain couldn't my little girl pluck up courage enough to have it out asked the mother tenderly oh mamma don't say i must please don't i'm so frightened at the very thought ah if i could only bear it for you my darling but you know i cannot no dear mamma and i couldn't be so selfish as to let you if you could but must i have it out i have not said so i would far rather my dear daughter would say must to herself ought i mamma ought you not the tooth has only become a source of pain and trouble to you if left it will cause the others to decay and decayed teeth injure the health health is one of god's best gifts and it is our duty to use every means and our power to preserve it yes mamma but oh i'm so afraid cried the child trembling and weeping my darling resolved to do your duty with god's help and he will fulfil his promise to you as thy days so shall by strength be little elsie had long ago given her heart to jesus love to him was the ruling motive of her life and to please and honour him she was ready to do or to endure anything

i will try mamma she said and you too will ask god to help me mamma gave the promise sealing it with a very tender kiss mr ross was going down to new york next morning and it was soon arranged that his wife mrs travilla and little elsie should accompany him mrs ross had some shopping to do but would first take the two elsie's to her dentist so that the little girl's trial might be over as soon as possible and she be able to enjoy some sight-seeing afterwards baby lily was better and could be safely entrusted for the day to aunt chloe's faithful care the plan was concealed from the ross children because as their mother said it was the only way to have any peace so they were allowed to sleep until the travellers had taken in early breakfast and gone the little travellers however were up and saw the departure bidding a cheerful good-bye to mamma and sister elsie and sending wistful longing looks after the carriage as it rolled away making no complaint that they were left behind poor dear elsie vry said with tears in her eyes it's just dreadful that she must have that tooth extricated extracted corrected eddie by you seem to forget what mamma says that you should never use a big word unless you are sure you have it right or when a little one would do as well what little one pulled couldn't it be pulled and not come out well then you might say pulled out i like the other word best persisted by but we needn't be particular about words when elsie's going to be so dreadfully hurt herbert burst out crying at that why herbie what ails you asked fie putting her arms round his neck and giving him a kiss i don't want the man's to hurt my elsie sobbed the little fellow maybe they'll kill her

oh no they won't mamma will never let them do that they'll only take away the naughty tooth that hurts her so come let's go and walk round the garden said eddie taking herby's hand mamma said we're might. The breakfast bell called the men to find the Rosses making a perfect bedlam in their anger and disappointment at being left behind by their parents. Sophie was screaming and stamping with rage. The boys and Kate were whimpering and scolding. And Gertrude walking about with flashing eyes was saying, I'll never forgive Mama for this. No, I never will, for she promised to take me along next time she went to the city. Violet, Eddie, and Harold, hearing these words, looked at each other in horrified silence. How could she speak so of her own mother?

Mrs. Fisk came in, and in her quiet, deliberate way, stood looking for a moment, from one to another of her pupils, in a sort of amazed, reproving silence, that presently had the effect of quieting them down a little. Then she spoke, Young ladies and young gentlemen, I am astonished. especially at your expressions and behaviour miss gertrude ross how can you permit yourself to indulge in such infectives against parents so extremely indulgent as mr and mrs ross i cannot conceive sophy whose screams had sunk to sobs now permitted the servant to lift her to her high-chair kate and the boys slunk shamefacedly into their seats and gertrude muttering something about people not keeping them their promises followed their example come sit down my dears miss fiske said turning to viola and her brothers the tempest seems to have nearly subsided and i hope will not resume its violence herbie was clinging to vie in a frightened way sobbing i wupe mamma and harold's eyes too were full of tears it took coaxing and soothing to restore their equanimity and then the breakfast proceeded everybody seeming to grow brighter and more good-humored with the satisfying of the appetite for food. Vye was a merry little creature, a veritable bit of sun-shine wherever she went,

and under the influence of her bright looks and ways, sweet rippling laughter and amusing speeches, the whole party at length grew quite merry, especially after Miss Fisk had announced that there were to be no lessons that day, but instead a picnic in the woods. End of Chapter 5. of Elsie's Children by Martha Finley This is a Libravox recording All Libravox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer, please visit

Libravox.org Recording by Sweet Bee Chapter 6 By sports like these are all their cares beguiled The sports of children satisfy the child Goldsmith Good good cried the children Oh delightful! But where are we going?

"'To the grove adjacent to the schoolhouse,' replied the governess. "'We could not find a lovelier spot, and its proximity to the mansion renders it most eligible.' "'Proximity, eligible, adjacent. What do you mean by those words, Miss Fisk?' asked Gertrude, "'a little contemptuously. I desire you to consult one of our standard lexographers. You will then be far more likely to retain the definitions in your memory,' returned the governess. ignoring the tone of her pupil. Gertrude shrugged her shoulders, with impatience, muttering audibly,

I wish you'd talk like other people and not like a dictionary. You quarrel with my phraseology because you do not understand it, observed Miss Fisk nonchalantly, which is very irrational, since were I never to employ in conversing with you, words beyond your comprehension, you would lose the advantage of being induced to increase your stock of information

by a search for their meaning. If that's what you do it for, you may as well give it up at once, returned Gertrude, for I don't care enough about your meaning to take half that trouble. Miss Gertrude, permit me to remark that you are lacking in respect to your instructress, returned Miss Fisk, reddening. Do you mean that it is convenient because of being so near this house, Miss Fisk? asked Eddie respectfully. Yes, convenient and safe, on which account, both Mrs. Trevilla and Mrs. Ross,

stipulated that our picnic for today should be held there well let's go right away said gertrude jumping up and pushing back her chair immediately miss ross corrected the governess right away is exceedingly inelegant how tiresome muttered gertrude then allowed to violet as the governess left the room i say bye does your mamma revue for saying right away i don't remember that i ever said it mamma said it interrupted gertrude with a twinkle of fun in her eye why don't you say you used the expression my dear mimicking miss fiske's tones you should never condescend to make use of a sixpenny word when a fifty-cent one would express your sentiments fully as correctly or perchance even more so by could not help joining in the laugh with which gertrude concluded though feeling rather ashamed of herself as she seemed to see the grave look of disapproval mamma would have given her if present oh gertrude she said we oughtn't to yes we ought returned gertrude as the round out of the room together, Mama always laughs, when I take off old Finnequin Fisk. She wouldn't have me talk like her for the world. Would your mama wish you to? No, but she never says, right away? No, of course not, she says immediately, or at once, or something that sounds nice.

Well, so I will when I'm grown up. Miss Fisk was on the porch, taking an observation of the weather, the children crowding about her, and clamoring to be allowed to set out immediately for the grove. the day was fine and there seemed every indication that it would continue so yes said the governess you may request your maids to see that you are suitably for the occasion and as promptly as possible and we will repair to the appointed place taking our departure hence in precisely thirty minutes the children were ready and impatiently waiting when miss fiske came down from her room suitably arrayed for the occasion they set out at once the whole party in high good-humour the boys carrying their balls marbles and fishing rods, the girls their dolls and a set of toy dishes to play tea-party with. Miss Fisk had a bit of fancy work in a book, and two servants brought up the rear with camp-chairs and afghan and rugs to make a couch for the little ones when they should go sleepy.

Luncheon was in course of preparation by the cook, and was to be sent by the time the young picnickers were likely to feel an appetite for it. The boys took the lead, bounding on some distance ahead, with Ranger in their midst. They were in no mood just then for sitting still, so depositing their fishing tackle in the schoolhouse, went roving about in search of more active amusement than that of cashing trout. That'll be good fun when we want to sit down and rest, said Eddie. "'Oh, I see a bird's nest, and I'm going to have it,' exclaimed Archie, beginning to climb a tree. "'Oh, don't!' cried Harold. "'Mama says it's very cruel and weakened to rob the poor little birds.'

"'Poo! You're a baby!' answered Archie, half-breathlessly, pulling herself up higher and higher. there i'll have it in a minute reaching out his hand to lay hold of the branch that held the nest ranger was barking loudly at the foot of the tree harry and eddy were calling to archie to take care and he hardly knew how it was himself but he missed the branch lost hold of the tree and fell lighting upon rangers back the boy gave a scream the dog yelp and the rest of the party came running to ask what was the matter archie picked himself up looking quite crestfallen and the fright of the others was turned to laughter as they discovered that he had received no damage beyond a slight scratch on his head and a rent in his jacket. Miss Fisk, making him promise not to repeat the experiment, went back to her seat under the trees, and the book she had brought from the house for her own enjoyment. The morning passed without any further incident worth recording, the children amusing themselves with various quiet plays,

the girls keeping house, each under her own particular tree and exchanging visits, the boys catching trout which they sent to the house to be cooked for dinner they wanted to make a fire and cook them themselves but miss fiske wisely forbade it she would have had the meal served in the school-house but yielded to the clamour for an outdoor repast several desks were brought out into the shade of the trees a dainty table-cloth spread over them and the party presently sat down to a delightful collation to which they brought keen appetites ranger had disappeared they missed him as they were leaving the the table. "'Where can he have gone?' Harry was saying. When Vye cried out, "'Oh, yonder he is! And he has a dear little bird in his mouth! Oh, you wicked, cruel dog!' And running to him, she tried to take it from him. Be dropped it and snapped at her. Eddie, jerking her back just in time to save her from his teeth, while Archie, who was very fond of Vye, struck the dog a blow with a stick, crying furiously,

"'You just do that again, sir, and I'll kill you!' Ranger then flew at him. but the boy avoided the attack by jumping nimbly behind a tree. The other children were screaming with fright, and a catastrophe appeared imminent, but one of the maids came running with some tempting morsels for Ranger, which appeased his wrath, and the danger was averted. Ranger's attention being absorbed, with the satisfying of his appetite, the children now looked about for the bird.

It was not quite dead, but soon breathed its last in Vye's lap, with her tears dropping fast upon it. "'Oh, don't, Vie,' said Archie, I can't bear to see you fear so sorry, and the bird isn't being hurt now, you know, twon't ever be hurt any more, will it, Ed? No, said Harry, we may as well let the dog have it. No, no, said Eddie. It would just encourage him to catch another.

So it would, said Gertrude. Let's make a grand funeral and bury it at the foot of a tree, if we only knew which one it used to live on. The motion was about to be carried by acclamation, but Vye entered a decided protest. No, no, I want to keep it. "'But you can't vie,' remonstrated, Eddie. "'Dead things have to be buried, you know.' "'Not the skin and feathers, Eddie.

"'They do stuff them sometimes, "'and I'll ask Mama to let me have this one done.' "'Oh, what's the use?' "'Expostulated Gertrude. "'It's only a common robin.' "'But I love it, the poor dear little thing. "'And Mama will let me, I know she will return by, "'wiping her tears as though comforted by the very thought.

"'The other children wandered off to their play, "'leaving her sitting where she was, "'on a fallen tree, far and. the bird, but Archie soon came back and seated himself by her side. "'Such a pity, isn't it?' he said. "'I hate that ranger, don't you, Vye?' "'No, I hope not, Archie,' she answered doubtfully. "'Folks kill birds to eat them, and maybe taint any worse for dogs,' she added,

with a fresh burst of tears. "'Poor little birdie! And maybe there are some young ones in the nest that have no mama now to feed or care for them.' "'That old ranger! "'And he snapped at you, too. "'Here he comes again. "'I'll kill him!' cried the boy with him.

the behemmence. Oh, no, I know what I'll do. Here, Ranger, here, Ranger! And starting up, he rushed away in a direction to take him farther from the schoolhouse and the rest of his party. He had spied in the distance, a farmer's boy, a lad of fourteen, with whom he had some slight acquaintance. Hello, Jared Bates, he shouted, Well, what's wanton? And Jared stood still, drawing the lash of his Carter's whip slowly between his fingers. Hurry up now, for I've got to go back to my team. Whose dog's that? as ranger came running up and saluted him with a sharp bow wow wow wow ars said archie and i'm mad at him cause he killed a bird and tried to bite vi trevilla when she went to take it from him like enough returned jared grinning but what about it i thought maybe you'd like to have him so i would what'd you sell him for ten cents i hain't got but two haven't you jared truly now no nary red stepped them and diving into his pant-balloon's pocket jerry had produced a handful of odds and ends

a broken knife a plug of tobacco some rusty nails a bit of twine etc from which he picked out two nickels there thims em and they's all i got in the world he said gravely passing them over to archie well it's very cheap observed the latter pocketing the cash but you can have him good-bye and away he ran to the spot where he had left by here green un laughed gerard looking after him then whistling to the dog to follow he went on his way end of chapter six chapter seven of elsie's children by martha finley this is a livervox recording all liverbox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox.org recording by anna casty elsie's children by martha finley chapter seven but this i say he which so as sparingly shall reap also sparingly and he which so bountifully shall reap also bountifully second corinthians chapter eleven verse six all the children gurgud accepted were gathered on the front porch fee with the dead burden her hands when the carriage drove up with the returning travellers there was a glad chorus of welcome and most of the young faces were bright and happy elsie's troop had nothing but smiles caresses and loving words for her and tender anxious inquiries about sister elsie if the tooth were out and if the dentists had hurt her much it was hard to bear she said but the doctor was very kind and tried not to hurt her and oh mamma made her such a lovely present for being brave and willing to have her tooth out and she took a beautiful little gold watch and chain from her bosom and held them up to their admiring gaze oh i'm so glad so glad dear mamma how good of you cried v without a touch of envy embracing first her sister and then her mother.

Eddie and the two younger ones seem equally pleased, and Sister Elsie allowed each intern to closely inspect her treasure. In the meantime, Mr. and Mrs. Ross have been busy bestowing creases and small gifts upon their children, who received them with noisy, equally mingled with some reproaches because they have been left at home. Come, come, no complaints to their father. I think you have fared well. A holiday, a picnic, and these pretty presents? Where's Gertrude?

Sure enough, where is she? asked Lucy, looking round from one to another. she's mad because you do not take her along remarked terry she says you didn't keep your promise dear me i'd forgotten all about it exclaimed mrs ross i shouldn't have taken her though but there wasn't time to get her up and dressed gertrude gertrude conross in tones of authority gertrude come here and show yourself at that the child came slowly out from the hall which she had been watching the scene through the crack behind the door looking red and angry what's the matter with you asked her father with some displeasure in his tones nothing i'm not crying nor pounding either i suppose what's it all about well i promised to take me along the next time she went to the city perhaps she will the next time but this was the next time because she promised it when she went before and took kate while such promises are always conditional she took no in this time but me and there was a good reason why gertrude smiled slightly then laughed out right as she glanced up into his face saying i thought it was you poppet that took mamma oh now you begin to look so something like a little girl I'm used to hearing called Gertrude Ross, than what I like to buy presents for. The other one that was here just a moment ago gets nothing bought with my money.

See here? said her mother. With a cry of delight, Gertrude sprang forward and caught from her hand a watch and chain very nearly the counterparts of those little Elsie was displaying her sister and brothers. Oh, joy, joy! she cried dancing at me and down. Thank you, Mama, thank you, Papa. I'd rather have this than a dozen visits to New York. See, Kate, isn't it a beauty? Yes, returned her sister still.

lonely but i don't see why you should have a watch and i only this ring you're hardly more than a year older than i and not a bit better girl come come don't pout kitty said her father stroking her hair your time will come harry's and archie's too and even little sophie's he added catching the household pet up into his arms to give her a hug and kiss it was not till after tea that mr ross missed his dog where's ranger he asked one of his servants dat sir i don't know she answered sure he went to the picnic with the rest of the children's and it's m'suff that hasn't seen a man since. Harry, stepping out on the porch with the children except the very little ones who had already been sent up to bed were sitting listlessly about, too weary with the day sports to care for any more active amusement. Where's Ranger? Ranger, cried Harry with a start. Why, sure enough, I haven't seen him since he came home, and I don't think he came with us either. No, he didn't, said several young voices. I wonder where he can be, pursued Harry. Shall I go and look for him, Papa? Mr. Ross was about to say yes when his eyes fell upon the face of his youngest son,

who, he noticed, looked very red and somewhat troubled. What do you know about it, Archie? He asked, can you tell us what has become a franger? He behaved very bad indeed, Papa, stammered the boy. He killed a dear little bird and tried to bite thee and me too, and I sold him. The truth was out, and Archie he'd just sigh of relief. Sold him, repeated his father in a tone of mingled surprise and displeasure. Yes, sir.

To Jared Bates for two cents. Here they are. I suppose they belong to you. you said the little fellow tugging at his pocket for two cents exclaimed mr ross laughing in spite of himself you'll never grow rich my boy making such bargains as that but see here he added growing grave again whose dog was it i i thought it was ours papa ours yours to play with but only mine to sell or give away you'll have to go to jerry to-morrow return his two cents and tell him the dog is mine and you sold what did not belong to you oh where's my bird cried violet reminded of it by this little episode i laid it down to look at elsie's watch and oh it's gone mamma mamma i'm so sorry i am too dear for your sake the mother said putting an arm about her and kissing the wet cheek for the tears i began to flow again was it the bird ranger killed yes mamma i was going to ask you to get it stuffed for me some cat has got it no doubts mr ross but don't cry it couldn't hurt it you know after it was dead if it only had a heaven to go to too, Salfi?

Perhaps it has, said the gentleman kindly. I really don't think, turning to Miss Trevella, that the Bible says anything to the contrary, it seems to me, to simply leave the matter and doubt. I know, she answered thoughtfully. That is the generally accepted belief that there is no hereafter for the lower animals, yet it has occurred to me, too, that the Bible does not positively assert it, and some of the poor creatures have such a suffering life in this world, then it makes my heart ache to think there is no other for them.

Papa asked Archie, don't you think Ranger deserved to be sold for killing the little bird and trying to bite me? That's a question you should have propounded before selling him, that in another, may I sell him? I'd wish you'd let Thelium go by and back,

remarked the boy, looking very uncomfortable at the thought of having to do the errand himself. No sir, returned the father decidedly. Mischief you have done, you must undo yourself. Ah, Harry, go and ask if any letters came today. I asked, Sir Gertrude, there is just one, from Phil, and she drew it from her pocket and handed it to her father.

What does he say, Mrs. Ross inquired when he had glanced over it? Not much, except that he used to be here tomorrow and once a carriage sent to the depot for him, he answered handing it to her. Good, said Gertrude with much satisfaction. We always have more fun than Phil's at home. Except when he picks a quarrel with you or some of us, remarked Terry. For shame, how, said his mother, the quarrels, if there are any, are as likely to be begun by you as anyone else. Lucy was proud and fond of her firstborn and always ready to shield him from blame.

He was in his mother's eyes as the king who could do no wrong, but to others a spoiled child, a willful had strong demuring boy. Yet he was not without his good qualities, brave, frank, affectionate and generous to a fault. Many hearts besides those of his doting parents were drawn to him in sincere affection. Elsie's among the rest, yet she dreaded exposing her little sons to Phil's influence, edward especially as nearer phil's age and because though much improved by good training his natural disposition was very similar but she had not seen philip for two years and hoped he might have changed for the better it seemed so at first he was a bright handsome youth and came home in fine spirits and with a manner full of affection for parents brothers and sisters she did not wonder at lucy's fond pride in her eldest son phil said his mother following him into his room that night you've made a good impression and i'm very anxious you shouldn't spoil it so do you try to keep on your good behavior while the travilla stay i intend to mrs ross he returned with a laugh elsie

elsie little elsie's been my little lady love since the first time my eyes lighted on her and i know that if i want to secure the prize i've got to keep on the right side of her father and mother lucy laughed you are beginning early phil she said i advise you not to say a word of your hopes in their hearing for ten years to come trust me for managing the thing, Ma, he returned nodding his head wisely. But do you suppose now that they'd be so outrageously unreasonable as to expect a fella be quite perfect, he acquired, striking a match and lighting a cigar? Phil, Phil throw that away, she said, trying to snatch it from him. He sprang emily aside. No, you don't, ma, why shouldn't I smoke as well as my father? Ministers smoke, too, and lots of good people.

But you're too young to begin yet, and I know your aunt else would be horrified. She'd think you a very fast boy and hurry away with her children unless they should be contaminated by your bad example. Well, he answered, puffing away, I'll not let her know, or them. I'll only smoke up here and at night, and the smell will be off my breath by morning. I'd wish you'd give it up entirely.

Where did you ever learn it? Comes natural. I guess I inherited the taste, but nearly all the fellows at school do it on the slide. Oh, Phil, I'm afraid you're a sad fellow, Lucy said, shaking her head reprovingly, but he could see the smile shining in her fond, admiring eyes and lurking about the corners

of her mouth. oh come now mom not so bad not the worst fellow in the world i wouldn't do a mean thing no of course not she said kissing him good-night and leaving him with a parting don't forget to say your prayers though mr and mrs ross were not christian parents careful and solicitous about the temporal welfare of their children they gave little thought to their spiritual needs lucy taught them in their infancy to say their prayers before lying down to rest at night as they grew older sent them to sunday school and took them to church on pleasant sabbath mornings when it was convenient and she felt inclined to go her and provided each one with a copy of the bible this was about the extent of the religious training they received and it was strongly contradicted by the worldly atmosphere of their home the worldly examples set them by their parents and the worldly maxims and precepts constantly instilled into their young minds from these they learned to look upon the riches honors and pleasures of earth as the things to be most earnestly coveted most worthy of untiring efforts to secure life at the cracks was a strange puzzle to the eye and children no blessing at the table no gathering of the family morning or evening for prayer our praise are the reading of God's word. Mama, what does it mean?

They asked. Why doesn't Uncle Ross do his Papa does? Elsie scarce knew how to answer them. Don't let us talk about it, dear, she said. But whatever others may do, let us serve God ourselves and seek His favor above everything else, for in his favor is life and his loving kindness is better than life. End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of Elsie's children.

This is a Libravox recording. all Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Sweet Pea. Elsie's Children by Martha Finley. Chapter 8 To each his sufferings, all our men, condemned alike to groan, the tender for another's pain, the unfeeling for his own.

Gray. The weather was delightful, because of Phil's return, the children were excused altogether from lessons, and nearly every day was taken up with pictures. riding, driving, and boating excursions up and down the river. They were never allowed to go alone on the water or behind any horse but old nan, an old slow-moving creature that Phil said could not be persuaded or forced out of a quiet, even trot that was little better than a walk for five consecutive minutes. The mothers were generally of the party,

Lily continuing so much better that Elsie could leave her, without anxiety, in the faithful care of her old mammy, and always one or two trusty service, were taken along. One day Philip got permission to take old Nan and the Fayton and drive out with the two older girls, Gertrude and Elsie. They were gone several hours and on their return, while some miles from home were overtaken by a heavy shower, from which they took refuge in a small log house standing a few yards back from the road. It was a rude structure built in a wild spot among the rocks and trees, and evidently the abode of pinching poverty, but everything was a road. was clean and neat, and the occupants, an elderly woman reclining in a high-backed wooden rocking-chair with her feet propped up on a rude bench, and a young girl who sat sewing by a window overlooking the road, wore an air of refinement and spoke English more correctly, and, with a purer accent than sometimes is heard in the abodes of wealth and fashion. The door stood wide open, and the moment Philip drew rein, the girl at the window called to them to come in

out of the wet, and directed the lad to shelter his horse and phaeton underneath a shed at the side of the house. Gertrude ran lay in with a laugh and a jest, Elsie following close at her heels. The girl rose, and, setting out two unpainted wooden chairs, invited them to be seated, remarking as she resumed her work, that the shower had come up very suddenly, but she hoped they were not wet. "'Not enough to hurt us,' said Gertrude. "'Hardly at all, thank you,' said Elsie. "'I hope our mammas will not be alarmed about us, Gertie.'

"'I don't think there need be so long as there's no thunder and lightning,' answered Gertrude. "'Ah, see how it is pouring over yonder on the mountain, Elsie!' The pale face of the woman in the rocking-chair, evidently an invalid, had grown still paler and her features worked with emotion. "'Child, child!' she cried, fixing her wild eyes. on Elsie. Who are you? They're the young ladies from the Craig's mother, said the girl, soothingly. I know that, Sally, she answered peevishly, but one's a visitor and the other one called her

Elsie. She's just the age and very image of, child, what is your family name? Trevilla, madame, the girl replied with a look of surprise. Oh, you're her daughter, yes, of course I might have known it. And so she married him, her father's friend, and so many years older. The words were spoken as if to herself, and she finished with a deep-drawn sigh. This woman had loved Trevilla, all unsuspected by him, but he was not such a conceited man, and there had been a time when she would have almost given her hopes of heaven for a return of her affection. "'Is it my mother, you mean? Did you know her when she was a little girl?' asked Elsie,

rising and drawing near the woman's chair. "'Yes, if she was Elsie Dincemore and lived at Roselands, how many years ago?' let me see it was a good many long before i was married to john gibson that was mamma's name and that was where she lived with her grandpa while her papa was away in europe so many years returned the little elsie then asked with eager interest but how did you happen to know her did you live near roselands i lived there but i was a person of no consequence only a poor governess remarked the woman in a bitter tone an expression of angry discontent settling down upon her poor features are you miss day i am a poor asked Elsie, retreating a step or two with a look as if she had seen a serpent. Her mother had seldom mentioned Miss Day to her, but from her aunt's Adelaide and Laura, she had heard of her many acts of cruelty and injustice to the little motherless girl committed to her care. I was Miss Day. I'm Mrs. Gibson now. I was a little hard on your mother sometimes, as I see you've

been told, but I had a great deal to bear, for they were a proud, haughty family of those dinsmore's. I was not treated as one of themselves, but as a sort of of upper servant, though a lady by birth breeding and education, the woman remarked, her tone growing more and more bitter as she proceeded. But was it right? Was it just and generous to vent your anger upon a poor, innocent little girl who had no mother and father there to defend her, as the child, her soft eyes, reeling with tears? Well, maybe not, but it's the way people generally do.

Your mother was a good little thing, provokingly good sometimes, pretty, too, and heiress, they said, to an immense fortune. Is she rich still, or did she lose it all by the war? She did not lose it all, I know, said Elsie, but how rich she is I do not know. Mama and Papa seldom talk of any but the true riches. Just like her for all the world, muttered the woman. Then aloud and sneeringly, Pray, what do you mean by the true riches?

Those which can never be taken from us, treasure laid up in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and thieves break not through to steal. The sweet child voice ceased and silence reigned in the room for a moment, while the splashing of the rain upon the roof could be distinctly heard. Mrs. Gibson was the first to speak again. Well, I'd like to have that kind, but I'd like wonderfully well to try the other a while first. Elsie looked at the thin, sallow face with its hollow cheeks and sunken eyes,

and wished Mama were there to talk of Jesus to this poor woman, who surely had but little time to prepare for another world. is your mother at the crags asked mrs gibson turning to her again elsie answered in the affirmative adding that they had been there for some time and would probably remain a week or two longer do you think she would be willing to come here to see me was the next question almost eagerly put mamma is very kind and i'm sure she will come if you wish to see her answered the child then tell her i do tell her i her old governess am sick and poor and in great trouble Tears rolled down her cheeks, and for a moment her eyes rested upon her daughter's face with an expression of keen anguish. She's going blind, she whispered in Elsie's ear, drawing the child toward her, and nodding in the direction of Sally, stitching away at the window. "'Blind! Oh, how dreadful!' exclaimed the little girl, in low-moved tones, the tears springing to her eyes.

"'I wish she could go to Dr. Thompson! "'Dr. Thompson! Who is he?' "'On oculist. He lives in Philadelphia.' a friend of mammas had something growing over her eyes so that she was nearly blind and he cut it off and she can see now as well as anybody i don't think that is the trouble with sally's though of course i can't tell but she's always had poor sight and now that she has to support the family with her needle her eyes are nearly worn out sally had been for several minutes making vain attempts to thread a needle elsie sprang to her side with a kindly eager let me do it won't you it was done in a trice and the girl thanked her with lips and eyes it often takes me a full five or ten minutes she said and sometimes i have to get mother to do it for me what a pity it must be a great hindrance to your work yes indeed and my eyes ache so but i have to make so that i can seldom sew or read for more than an hour or two at a time ah i'm afraid i'm going to lose my sight altogether the tone was inexpressibly mournful and elsie's eyes filled again don't fret about it she said i think i hope you can be cured the rain had nearly ceased anne philip saying the worst was over and they were in danger of being late at dinner hurried the girls into the phaeton what was that woman whispering to you asked gertrude as soon as they were fairly off elsie looked uncomfortable

it was something i was to tell mamma she replied but what is it i am afraid she wanted to keep it a secret from you gerty or she would have spoken out loud i think you're very mean and disobliging retorted gertrude beginning to pouch no she isn't said philip pompously she's honorable and one of the few females who can keep a secret but i overheard it elsie and feel pretty sure that the reason she whispered it was to keep the poor girl from hearing it's very natural she shouldn't want her to know she's afraid her sights leaving her oh yes i suppose that was it returned elsie but you are very wise to think of it phil don't flatter him said gertrude he thinks a great deal too much of himself already dinner was just ready when they reached home and their mammas were on the porch looking for them so there you are at last what detained you so long said mrs ross went further than we intended and then in the rain you know said philip and oh we had an adventure cried the girls and hastened to tell it mrs travilla had not forgotten her old governess and though no pleasant recollection of her lingered in her memory neither was there any dislike or revengeful feeling there she heard of her sorrows with commiseration and rejoiced in the ability to alleviate them that mrs gibson exclaimed lucy i've seen her many a time at the door or window and driving past and have often thought there was something familiar in her face but never dreamed who she was. That hateful miss day, as I used to call her, Elsie, I wouldn't do a thing for her if I were you. Why she treated you with absolute cruelty! She was sometimes just an unkind,

said Mrs. Trevella, smiling at her friend's vehemence, but probably my sensitiveness, timidity, and stupidly were often very trying. No such thing, if you will excuse me for contradicting you. Everybody that knew you then would testify that you were the sweetest, yours, most patient, little thing that ever was made elsie laughed and shook her head ah lucy you always flattered me never were jealous even when i was held up to you as a pattern and evidence that yours was a remarkably sweet disposition now tell me please if you know anything about these gibson's not much they came to that hut years ago evidently very poor and quite as evidently so report says having seen better days the husband and father drank deeply and the wife earned a scanty support for the family by sewing and knitting that is about all i know of them except that several of their children died of scarlet fever within a few days of each other soon after they came to the neighborhood and that a year ago last winter the man coming home very drunk fell into a snowdrift and next day was found frozen to death i was told at the time that they had only two children a son who was following in his father's footsteps and this daughter poor woman sighed elsie she is sorely tried and afflicted i must go to her at once do mamma and get a doctor for her said little elsie she looked so sick and miserable mrs ross offered her a carriage and the shower having cooled the air elsie went shortly after the conclusion of the meal end of chapter eight recording by sweet-pea

chapter nine of elsie's children this is a libervox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit l'bervox elsey's children by martha finley chapter nine i'll not chide thee let shame come when it will i do not call it shakespeare i never saw such a likeness in my life so mrs gibson looking after the phaeton as it drove away she's the very image of her mother i could have just believed it was the very little elsie dinsmore i used to teach more than twenty years ago she's lovely exclaimed sally with enthusiasm mother did you see what a pretty watch she had yes gloomily some folks seem to have nothing but prosperity and others nothing but poverty and losses and crosses there is rich as croasus and we have hardly enough to keep us from starving better times may come said sally trying to speak hopefully tom may reform and go to work i do think mother if he'd try to hush i'm a deal better to him than he deserves it was some moments before sally spoke again then it was only to ask will you have your dinner now mother no there's nothing in the house but bread and potatoes and i couldn't swallow either dear me what a table they used to set at roselins enough to tempt the appetite of an epicure i must rest my eyes a little i can't see any longer said the girl laying down her work and going to the door it's just dreadful sighed her mother but don't get out of heart these people will help us, and it is possible some skillful oculist might understand your case and be able to help you.

The girl's eyes were fixed upon the distant mountain tops, where, through a rift in the clouds, the sun shone suddenly out for a moment. I will lift up mine eyes into the hills, from whence cometh my help, she murmured softly to herself. Then from a full heart went up a strong cry, "'Oh, God, my father, save me! I beseech thee from this bitter trial that I so dread. nevertheless not as i wilt but as thou wilt will help me to be content with whatsoever thou shalt send sally you're standing there a long time it was the mother's querulous voice again

the girl turned toward her answering in a patient tone yes mother it rests my eyes to look at the sky and the mountains or any distant object you'd better get yourself something to eat it must be six or eight hours at least since breakfast an hour later sally again busy to with her sewing, by the window, lifted her head at the sound of wheels, and exclaimed in a low tone, "'There was the same carriage again. It has stopped, and a lady is getting out of it.' But turning her head, she perceived that her mother, who is now lying on the bed, had fallen asleep. Dropping her work, she stepped quickly to the door in time to prevent a rap. She recognized the lady at once from her likeness to her namesake daughter, and holding out her hand with a joyful, admiring smile, said, mrs travilla is it not thank you for coming i am so glad and mother will be so delighted to see you but she is sleeping just now she had spoken softly and elsie answered in the same subdued tone as she took the offered hand then stepped in and sat down in a chair the girl hastened to set for her that is well we must not wake her a long talk followed in which elsie by her ready tact and sweet sympathy

free from the slightest approach to patronage drew from the girl the story of their sorrows privations and fears for the future for a while they had contracted by their united efforts to make the two ends meet her mother had been gradually failing for some time though she really did not know what was the nature of the disease but now that all depended upon her with her poor sight it was no longer possible how are your eyes affected asked elsie the sight is dim i can scarcely see to set my stitches i have great difficulty in threading a needle i always had i could never read fine print never read through a long sentence without shutting my eyes for an instant and looking off the book it has always been an effort to see and now i am forced to use my eyes so constantly that they grow worse and pain me very much at times a mist comes over them so that i cannot see at all until i rest them a little indeed i often seem to be going blind and i am afraid i shall she added with a tremble in her tones and a tear rolling down her cheek but she hastily wiped it away my poor child i hope not said elsie laying a hand softly on hers there have been wonderful cures of diseased eyes you must go to an oculist the expense would be far beyond our means you must let me assume that no don't shake your head i have abundant means the lord has given me far more of this world's goods than i ought to use for myself or my family and i know it is because he would have me to be his almoner the girl wept for joy and thankfulness oh how kind you are she cried i believe the lord sent you and that my sight will be spared for i have prayed so that it might that he would send me help somehow but mother what can she do without me i will see that she has medical advice nursing and everything she needs

sally tried to speak her thanks but her tears and sobs came instead the sound woke mrs gibson elsie dinsmore she cried and feeble but excited tones with difficulty raising herself to a sitting posture i should have known you anywhere i cannot say the same you are much changed elsie said going to the bedside and taking the thin feverish hand in hers yes i've grown an old woman while you are fresh and young and no wonder for your life has been all prosperity and mine nothing but trouble and trial from beginning to end oh mother dear we have had a great many mercies said sally and your life has not ended i hope your good times are yet to come well maybe so if mrs travilla can help us to the medical aid we need and put us in the way of running a good living afterward. "'I shall do my best for you in both respects,' Elsie said kindly, accepting a chair of Sally set for her near the bed. "'I knew you would. You always were generous,' remarked her seat of aunt-governness, prompt too in bestowing your favours,

but it is easy to be generous with a large and well-filled purse. "'Very true,' said Elsie with a smile. "'And now, what can I do for you?' "'Ah, I had forgotten. Mrs. Ross, hearing you were ill, and knowing that to the sick, something sent by a neighbor was often more relished than home food, however nice, put a basket of dainties into the phaeton. Stepping to the door, she signed to the servant, who immediately brought in a hamper of provisions such as had not been seen under that roof for many months. Mrs. Gibson's eyes glistened at the sight of a basket of fine fresh fruit and a bowl of delicious custard. "'I will go now and call again tomorrow,' said Elsie,

as the man carried away the empty hamper, grasping Sally's hand cordially and parting, she left something in it. "'Mother!' cried the girl breathlessly, holding it up to view. "'It's a check for a hundred dollars.' "'Tisn't possible, let me see,' cried Mrs. Gibson, laying down the spoon with which she was eating raspberries and custard, and holding out her hand for the check.

"'Yes, it is. What a godsend! I didn't think even she was so generous. But dear me, she's rolling in wealth, and it's no more to her, or even as much, as ten cents would be to you or me. Oh, mother, said Sally reproachfully. We have no claim on her, and if she has a good deal of money,

she must have hundreds of calls for it. No claim on her. Why, people take care of old servants, and a governess ought to be considered of a good deal more account. Tom mustn't know about this mother. no indeed the greater part of it would soon go for liquor or at the gaming table if he did here give it to me i'll hide it under my pillow the saucer of raspberries was scarcely disposed up before a second visitor arrived dr morton was considered the most skillful practitioner in the neighborhood mrs travilla meeting him and returning to the crags had begged him to take charge in mrs gibson's case and also to look at sally's eyes engaging to settle his bill herself

on his way home he called at the crags with his report the mother he said was very much out of health but not incurable he had promised to send her some medicine a month or two at the seashore would do her good perhaps restore her entirely then she must go said elsie i will see at once what arrangements can be made but now what if the girl doctor she seems in pretty good health but her eyes the nerve is affected there is no help for her are you quite sure quite i have paid a good deal of attention to the eye and i assure you that a case like hers is incurable then you decline to attempt to do anything for her i do mrs travilla because there is absolutely nothing to be done poor girl how sorry i am for her blindness must be so terrible lucy remarked to her friend after the doctor had gone yes elsie answered thoughtfully but i do not give up hope for her yet "'Dr. Morton is considered very skillful. "'Still, you may be mistaken, "'and I shall not rest until I have made every attempt to save her sight. "'Little Elsie and her sister have become deeply interested in poor Sally,

"'and were already laying plans to help her. "'What can we do, Elsie?' queried V, in an undertone, drawing her sister aside. "'She'll want clothes she had on a very old, faded calico dress. "'And not a bow or a pen, just an old linen collar around her neck.' remarked Gertrude, joining them, and her dress was ever so old-fashioned and patched besides. "'Let's put our money together and buy her a new dress,' proposed Rye. "'And make it for her,' added Elsie. "'It hurts her eyes to sew, and you know Dina could fit it.

Mother had her taught the trade, and she says she fits and sows very nicely.' "'Oh, what's the use of giving our money?' exclaimed Gertrude impatiently. "'We wanted ourselves, and your mama has such loads and loads of money, hasn't she, Eddie?' turning to him as he stood near i don't know he answered she never told us she had she never talks much about money except to tell us it all belongs to god who only limbs it to us and that we must give it to the poor and needy said why because it's more blessed to give than to receive added elsie well i'm sure she has said gertrude for my mamma often says so and i'm sure she knows but even if she has mamma's money is not ours but even if she has mamma's money is not ours and it's a duty and a very great pleasure to give of our own everyone to their taste i haven't a bit more money than i want myself said gertrude walking away with her chin in the air curdie said elsie running after her don't be vexed we weren't meaning to ask you for anything but only talking about our own duty oh i can take a hint as well as other folks said gertrude tossing her head what's this all about asked kate coming up to them but they paid her no heed and she went to vie for the desired information why i'll help of course i will she said i guess i've got some money i'll look after tea there's the bell now elsie seized an opportunity to petition her mother for a longer talk than usual in her dressing-room that evening and most of it was taken up in discussion and arranging of plans for helping mrs gibson and her daughter

what an unconscionable time you've been upstairs elsie philip remarked in a bantering tone coming to her side as she and her mother returned to the drawing-room i've been dying to speak with you as the girls say all girls don't talk so phil you don't i know would you like a gallop before breakfast to-morrow morning yes indeed she answered her eyes sparkling it's what i'm used to at home papa rides with us almost every morning will i do for an escort "'Oh, yes, if Mama consents. "'Curt will go her too, won't she?' "'No, she prefers her morning nap.' "'Philip was a manly boy, and the neighborhood a safe one, "'and the pony Elsie would ride, well broken and not too-spirited. "'So Mama's consent was readily given,

"'with the proviso that they should not go before sunrise "'or choose a lonely road.' "'By the way,' she added, "'I should like you to do an errand for me at Mrs. Gibson.' "'As Sally Gibson was sweeping the step the next morning, a couple of ponies dashed up to the gate. In his riders, she instantly recognized Elsie Travella and Philip Ross. Hello, shouted the latter.

This young lady has something for you. Good morning, Elsie said, reaching out a little gloved hand as the girl drew near. Mama bad me bringing you this note and ask how your mother is today. A little better, thank you. It has done her a world of good to have her mind so relieved, and the doctor's medicine seems to have helped too. how very very kind mrs travilla is she added with tears in her eyes and mrs ross won't you come in not this morning thank you and away they galloped sally looking after them with admiring eyes and a murmured exclamation how pretty and sweet she is it was not an envious sigh that accompanied the words but born of mingled emotions the half-formed thought shall i ever know such pleasures alas they are not for me

quickly succeeded by another ah that sweet child cannot live to maturity and always be as happy and free from care as now her mother's shrill voice recalled her to herself why do you stand there what's that they gave you a note mother it's directed to me then make hasten read it shall i not give you your breakfast first no no do as i bid you so the girl read the missive aloud without the way it was from mrs travilla and stated that she had already written to engage a room for mrs gibson in a cottage in a quiet little seaside town a place recommended by dr morton as very suitable and that she would secure a competent nurse to go with her why can't she send you two instead of hiring a stranger to go with me here interrupted mrs gibson angrily wait mother said sally in quivering tones tears of joy and gratitude filling her her eyes she dashed them away and read on i have another plan for you dr morton has told you his opinion that your case was hopeless but do not despair mistakes are often made even by the most skilful men a friend of mine his trouble was very similar to yours consulted a number of excellent oculists all of him told her that the nerve of her eye was effective and there was no help for it she would certainly go blind then as a last hope she went to dr thompson of Philadelphia, who succeeded in giving her entire relief. If you are willing, I will send you to him. And now, the first thing is to provide your mother and yourself each with a suitable outfit.

Come up to the cracks early this morning, as soon as you can, and we will make arrangements. End of Chapter 9. Recording by Elena May. Chapter number 10 of Elsie's children. This is a Libravox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. more information or to volunteer please visit libravox dot org elsie's children by martha finley chapter ten when we see the flower-seeds wafted from the nurturing mother tree tell we can wherever planted what the harvesting will be never from the blasting thistle was there gathered golden grain thus the seal the child receive it from its mother will remain mrs hale for once mrs gibson had the grace to feel a pashing a moment

of gratitude to this kind benefactor and a shame that she herself had been so ready with fault-finding instead of thanks as for sally she was completely overcome and dropping into a chair hid her face and cried heartily come don't be a fool said her mother at last there's too much to be done now to waste time and crying and besides you'll hurt your eyes sally rose hastily removing the traces of her tears and began setting the table for their morning meal how soon are you going her mother asked at its conclusion just as soon as i can get the things cleared away and the dishes washed if you think you can spare me of course i can i feel well enough this morning to help myself to anything i'm likely to want there was still half an hour to spare before breakfast when after a round of five or six miles on their ponies philip and elsie reached the crags what shall you do with yours asked philip remarking upon that fact read she answered looking back at him with a smile as she tripped lightly up the stairs dinah was waiting to smooth her hair and hope her changed the pretty writing hat and habit for a dress better suited to the house then elsie left alone seated herself by a window with her bubble in her hand for a moment her eyes rested upon the blue distant mountains softly outlined against the deeper blue of the sky watch the cloud shadows floating over the nearer hills and valleys here wooded there covered with fields of waving grain her ear the wild drinking in with delight many a sweet rural sound the songs of birds the distant lowing of cattle and bleeding of sheep her heart swelling was ardent love and thankfulness to him who had given her so much to enjoy dinah had left the door open that the fresh air might course freely through the room and gertrude coming some minutes later in search of a friend stood watching elsie for a little unperceive "'Dear me!' she exclaimed at length.

"'How many times a day do you pour over that book?' "'Elsey looked up with a smile as sweet as the morning. "'I am allowed to read it as often as I please.' "'Allowed? Not compelled? Not ordered?' "'No, only I must have a text ready for Mama every morning.' "'Get one ready for tomorrow?' "'No, just reading. I had time only for a verse or two before my ride.' "'Well, that would be plenty for me.

i can read it too as often as i like but a chapter or two on sunday generally does for me all the week there's the bell come let's go down vye met them at the door of the breakfast-room oh elsie did you have a pleasant ride is sally gibson coming soon i don't know mamma said i need not wait for an answer there was time for no more and vi must put a restraint upon herself repressing excitement and curiosity for the present as mamma expected her children to be quiet and unobtrusive at table went away from home vi was delighted when just as they were leaving the table a servant announced that a young person who called herself miss gibson was asking for miss travilla for vi never liked waiting and was always eager to carry out immediately any plan that had been set on foot mrs gibson was not troubled with any delicacy of feeling about asking for what she wanted and had made out a list of things to be provided for herself and sally which the girl was ashamed to show so extravagant seemed its demands When urged by her benefactress, she mentioned a few of the most necessary articles, modestly adding that the generous gift Mrs. Travella had already bestowed ought to be sufficient to supply all else that might be required. Elsie, seating herself at her writing desk and taking out pen, ink, and paper,

looked smilingly into the eager faces of her two little girls. "'What do you think about it, dears?' "'Oh, they must have more things, a good many more, and we went to help pay for them with our money. You see, Miss Sally, they will be sadly disappointed if you refuse to accept their gifts, Elsie said. Now I am going to make out a list, and you must all help me, lest something should be forgotten. Mrs. Ross has kindly offered us the use of her carriage,

and we will drive into the nearest town and see what we can find there. The rest we will order from New York. The list was made out amid much innocent jesting and merry laughter of both mother and children. Sally, a deeply interested and delighted spectator of their pleasing intercourse, the mother so sweet, gentle, and affectionate, the children so respectful and loving to her, so kind and considerate to each other. In fact, the girl was so occupied in watching them that she was not aware till Mrs. Travella read it over aloud that this new list was longer and more extravagant than the one she had suppressed. Oh, this is too much, Mrs. Travella,

she cried, the tears starting through her eyes. "'My dear child,' returned Elsie playfully, "'I'm a willful woman, and will have my own way. "'Come, the carriage is waiting, and we must go.' The shopping expedition was quite a frolic for the children, and a great treat to poor, overworked Sally. "'She looks so shabby, I'd be ashamed to go with her to the stores, or anywhere, "'or to have her ride in the carriage with me,' Gertrude had said to Vye,

"'as the little girls were having their hats put on. but vi answered indignantly she's clean and tidy and she isn't vulgar or rude and i do believe she's good and mamma says dresses and riches don't make the person and that seemed to be the feeling of all elsie too had purposely dressed herself and her children as plainly as possible so that sally though at first painfully conscious of the deficiencies of her attire soon forgot all about them and gave herself up to the thorough enjoyment of the pleasures provided for her she felt that it would be very ungrateful if she did not share the hearty rejoicing of the children over her pretty things as they eagerly selected and paid for them with their own pocket-money seeming fully to realize the truth of the master's declaration it is more blessed to give than to receive vi would have had the making as the new dresses began at once wanting sally to return with them to the crags and let diana fit her immediately but was overruled by her mamma no my dear sally must go home to her sick mother now and dinah shall go to them after dinner but mamma i want to begin my part you know you said i could hem nicely and might do some on the ruffles or something yes daughter and so you shall but must rest a while first violet had often to be held back in starting upon some new enterprise, and afterward encouraged or compelled to persevere, while Elsie was more deliberate at first, more steadfast in carrying out what she had once undertaken.

Each had what the other lacked, and both were very winsome and lovable, and they were extremely fond, one of another, scarcely less so, their brothers and darling baby sister. "'When may I begin, Mama?' asked of I somewhat impatiently. "'After breakfast to-morrow morning you may spend an hour at your needle.' only an hour, mama? It would take all summer at that right. Ah, what a doleful countenance, daughter, mine, Elsie said laughingly, as she bent down and kissed the rosy cheek. You must remember that my two little girls are not to carry the heavy end of this, and the sewing will be done in good season without overworking them.

I could not permit that. I must see to it that you have plenty of time for rest and healthy play. I appoint you one hour a day, and shall allow you to spend one way. more if you wish but that must be all violet had been trained to cheerful acquiescence in the decisions of her parents and now put it in practice yet wished very much that mamma would let her work all day for sally till her outfit was ready she was sure she should not tire of it but she learned her new the lessons she had learned a hundred times before that mamma knew best the first day she would have been willing to sew a little longer after the second hour's task was done the next two hours were fully sufficient to satisfy her appetite for work on the third it was a weariness before the end of the first hour on the fourth she would have been glad to beg off entirely but her mother said firmly no dear one hour's work is not too much for you and you know i have allowed you to undertake it only on condition that you would persevere to the end yes mamma but i'm very tired and i think i'll never undertake anything again and with a little sigh the child seated herself and began her task ask. Mama smiled sympathizingly, softly smoothed the golden curls, and said in her own gentle voice, "'Let us not be weary and well-doing. Do you remember the rest of it?'

"'Yes, Mama. For in due season we shall reap if we faint not, and you told us that the faint was to get tired and stop. But Mama, what shall I reap by keeping on with this?' "'A much need of lesson and perseverance for one thing, I hope, my little daughter, and for another the promise given in the forty-first song Blessed is he that considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him

alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth, and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing. Thou wilt make all his bed and sickness. How would you like to hear a story while you sit here sewing by my side?

Oh, ever so much, Mama! A story, a story! and all the little flock clustered about Mama's chair, for they dearly loved her stories. This was an old favorite, but the narrator added some new characters and new scenes, spinning it out, yet keeping up the interest, till it and the hour came to an end very nearly together. Then the children, finding that was to be all for the present, scattered to their play. Mrs. Ross had come in a few minutes before, and, signing to her friend to proceed, had joined the group of listeners.

dear me elsie how can you take so much trouble with your children she said you seem to be always training and teaching them in the sweetest gentlest way and of course they're good and obedient i'm sure i love mine dearly but i could never have the patience to do all you do my dear friend how can i do less when so much of their future welfare for time and for eternity depends upon my faithfulness yes said lucy slowly but the mystery to me is how you can keep that in mind all the time and how you can contrive always to do the right thing i wish i did but it is not so i make many mistakes i don't see it you do so wonderfully well anyhow and i want to know how you manage it i devote most of my time and thoughts to it i try to study the character of each child and above all i pray a great deal for wisdom and for god's blessing on my efforts not always on my knees for it is a blessed truth that we may lift our hearts to him at any time and in any place oh lucy she exclaimed with tearful earnestness if i can but train my children for god and for heaven what a happy woman shall i be the longing desire of my heart for them is that expressed in the stanza of what's cradle him mayst they love to know and fear him trust and serve him all thy days then go and dwell forever near him see his face and sing his praise end of chapter ten of elsie's children recording by elina may chapter eleventh of elsie's children this is the librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recording by sweet pea elsie's children by martha finley chapter eleventh

beware the bull though rich and bright its rubies flash upon the sight an adder coils its depths beneath whose lure is woe whose sting is death street mrs ross had found a nurse for mrs gibson and a seamstress to help with the sewing a good many of the needed garments were ordered from new york ready-made and in a few days the invalid was comfortably established in the seaside cottage recommended by dr morton in another week sally found herself in possession of a wardrobe that more than satisfied her modest desires she called up the crags in her new travelling dress to say good-bye looking very neat and ladylike happy too in spite of anxiety in regard to her sight not used to the world timid and retiring she had felt a good deal of nervous apprehension about taking the journey alone but business called mr ross to philadelphia and he offered to take charge of her and see her safe in the quiet boarding-place already secured for her by mrs edward allison to whom elsie had written on her behalf adelaide had never felt either love or respect for the ill-tempered governess of her younger brothers and sisters but readily undertook to do a kindness for her child have you the doctor's address mr ross asked when taking leave of the girl in her new quarters yes sir mrs travilla gave it to me on a card and i have it safe a letter of introduction too from dr morton he says he is not personally acquainted with dr thompson but knows him well by reputation and if anybody can help me he can that is encouraging and i hope you will have no difficulty in finding the place it is in the next street and only a few squares from here sally thought she could find it readily mrs travilla had given her very careful directions about the streets and numbers in philadelphia besides she could inquire if she were at a loss

when mr ross returned home he brought some one with him at sight of whom the ion children uttered a joyous cry and who stepping from the carriage caught their mother in his arms and held her to his heart as if he meant never to let her go papa papa cried the children we did not know you were coming mamma did not tell us mamma did you know yes mamma had known they saw it in her smiling eyes and now they knew why it was that she had watched and listened so eagerly for the coming of the carriage even more so than aunt lucy who was expecting uncle philip and who was very fond of him too but then he had left her only the other day and mamma and papa had been parted for weeks mr travilla had rented a furnished cottage at cape may and come to take them all there the doctors thought that would be best for lily now the young folks were greatly pleased and ready to start at once they had enjoyed their visit to the crags but had missed papa sadly and now they would have him with them all the time grandpa and the whole family from the oaks too for they were occupying an adjoining cottage and the delicious salt sea-breeze oh how pleasant it would be mrs ross was sorry to part with her guests had hoped to keep her friend with her all summer but a good deal comforted in her disappointment by the knowledge that their mother sophy and her children would soon take their places as for young philip he was greatly vexed and chagrined it is really too bad he said seeking little elsie out and taking a seat by her side she was on the porch at some little distance from the others and busied in turning over the pages of a new book her papa had brought her what is too bad phil she asked closing it and giving her full attention to him

that you must be hurried away so soon i've hardly been at home two weeks and we hadn't seen each other before for two years well a fortnight is a good while and you will soon have your cousins here herbert meta herbert he interrupted impatiently who cares for him and metta prying meddling telltell meta is worse than nobody but there don't look so shocked as if i had said an awfully wicked thing i really don't hate her at all though she got me into trouble more than once with grandma and aunt sophy that winter we spent at ashlands ah a bright thought strikes me indeed may i have the benefit of it asked the little girl smiling archly that you may it is that you might as well stay on another week as long as you will thank you but you must remember the doctor says we should go at once on baby's account i know that but i was speaking only of you personally baby doesn't need you and papa could take you to your father and mother after a while let them all go and leave me behind oh phil i couldn't think of such a thing the travillas had been occupying their seaside cottage for two weeks when a letter came from sally gibson the first she had written them though she had been notified at once of their change of address told them that they would be glad to hear how she was and what dr thompson thought of her case an accordial invitation given to her to come to them to rest and recruit as soon as she was ready to leave her physician elsie's face grew very bright as she read what does she say asked her husband there is first an apology for not answering sooner her eyes were so full of belladonna that she could not see to put pen to paper and she had no one to write for her then a burst of joy and gratitude to god and to the doctor and to me success beyond anything she had dared to hope but she will be with us to-morrow and tell us all about it and she won't be blind mamma queried violet joyously no dear i think she must mean that her eyes are cured or her sight made good in some way

oh then i'll just love that good doctor cried the child clasping her hands in delight the next day brought sally but they scarcely recognized her she had grown so plump and rosy and there was so glad a light in the eyes that looked curiously at them through glasses clear as crystal mrs travilla took her by both hands and kissed her welcome sally i am glad to see you but should scarcely have known you had we met in a crowd you were looking so well and happy and so i am my dear kind friend the girl answered with emotion and i can see see to read fine print that is all a blur to me without these glasses and all the pain is gone the fear the distress of body and mind oh the lord has been good good to me and the doctor so kind and interested i shall be grateful to him and to you as long as i live oh did he make you those glasses what did he do to you asked the eager curious children children tell us all about it please but mamma said no she is too tired now she must go to her room and lie down and rest till tea-time little elsie showed her the way saw that nothing was wanting that could contribute to her comfort then left her to her repose it was needed after all the excitement and the hot dusty ride in the cars but she came down from it quite fresh and as ready to pour out the whole story of the experiences of the past two weeks as the children could desire when tea was over they clustered round her on the cool breezy veranda overlooking the restless murmuring sea and by her invitation questioned her to their heart's content is he a nice kind old man like our doctor at ion began little harold quite as nice and kind i should think but not very old did he hurt you very much asked elsie who had great sympathy for suffering whether mental or physical oh no not at all he said direct you very much asked elsie who had great sympathy for suffering whether mental or physical oh no not at all he said direct

that the eyes were not diseased the trouble was malformation and could be remedied by suitable glasses and oh how glad i was to hear it i thought mamma read from your letter that he put medicine in your eyes yes bella donna that was only to make them sick so that he could examine them thoroughly and measure them for the glasses turning to mrs travilla he is very kind and pleasant to every one so far as i could see making no difference between rich and poor but deeply interested in each case in turn always giving his undivided attention to the one he has in hand at the moment, putting his whole heart and mind into the work. Which is doubtless one great reason why he is so successful, remarked Mrs. Trevilla, adding, Remember that, my children, half-hearted work accomplishes little for this world or the next. Weren't you afraid the first time you went? asked timid little Elsie.

My heart beat pretty fast, said Sally, smiling. I am rather bashful, you see, and worse. than that, I was afraid the doctor would say like the others, that it was the nerve and I would have to go blind, or some dreadful operation would be necessary, but after I had seen him, and found out how kind and pleasant he was, and that I had nothing painful or dangerous to go through, and might hope for good sight at last, I didn't mind going at all. It was a little tedious sitting there in the outer office among strangers with no one to speak to, and nothing to do for hours at a time, but that was nothing compared to what I was to

gained by it. Then the children wanted to know what the doctor measured eyes with and how he did it, and Sally amused them very much by telling how she had to say her letters every day, and look at the gaslight and tell what shape it was, etc., etc. The doctor told me, she said, addressing Mrs. Trevilla, that I would not like the glasses at first. Hardly anyone does, but I do, though not so well, I dare say, as I shall after a while when I get used to them. Mrs. Gibson's health was improving so that she was in a fair way to recover, and she was well taken care of and did not need her daughter. Sally felt at liberty to stay with these kind friends and enjoy herself. She resolved to put away care and anxiety for the future and take the full benefit of her present advantages,

yet there was one trouble that would intrude itself and rob her of half her enjoyment. Tom, her only and dearly loved brother, was fast traveling the downwind. road, seeming wholly given up to the dominion of the love of strong drink and kindred vices. It was long since she had seen or heard from him, and she knew not where he was. He had been in the habit of leaving their poor home on the Hudson without deigning to give her or his mother any information as to whether he was bound or when he would return, sometimes coming back in a few hours, and again staying away for days, weeks, or months. One day Elsie saw Sally turn suddenly pale while glancing over the morning paper,

and there was a keen distress in the eyes she lifted to hers as the paper fell from her nerveless hand. "'Poor child, what is it?' Elsie asked compassionately, going to her and taking the cold hand in hers. "'Anything that I can relieve or help you to bear?' "'Tom!' and Sally burst into almost hysterical weeping. He had been arrested in Philadelphia for drunkenness and disorderly. conduct, fined and sent to prison till the amount should be paid. Elsie did her best to comfort the poor sister, who was in an agony of shame and grief. Oh, she sobbed, he is such a dear fellow if only he could let drink alone,

but it's been his ruin, his ruin. He must feel so disgraced that all his self-respect is gone, and he'll never hold up his head again or have the heart to try to do better. Don't despair, poor child, said Elsie. he has not fallen too far for the grace of God to reclaim him behold the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear and oh I cried day and night to him for my poor Tom so weak so beset with temptations exclaimed the girl and will he not hear me at last he will if you ask in faith pleading the merits of his son returned her friend in moved tones he must be saved mr travilla said with energy when elsie repeated to him this conversation with sally i shall take the next train for philadelphia and try to find him tom was found his fine paid his release procured his regs exchanged for a neat gentlemanly attire hope of better things for this world and the next set before him and with self-respect and manhood partially restored by all this and the kindly considerate brotherly manner of his benefactor he was persuaded to go with the latter to share with sally for a few weeks the hospitality of that pleasant seaside home

he seemed scarcely able to lift his eyes from the ground as mr travilla led him into the branda where the whole family were gathered eagerly awaiting their coming but in a moment sally's arms were round his neck her kisses and tears warm on his cheek as she sobbed out in excess of joy oh tom dear tom i'm so glad to see you then mrs travilla's soft white hand grasped his in cordial greeting and her low sweet voice bade him welcome and the children echoed her words apparently with no other thought of him than that he was sally's brother and it was perfectly natural he should be there with her so he was soon at ease among them but felt very humble kept close by sally and used his eyes and ears far more than his tongue. His kind entertainers exerted themselves to keep out of the way of temptation and to help him to conquer the thirst for intoxicating drink. Mrs. Trevilla giving Sally carte blanche to go into the kitchen and prepare him a cup of strong coffee whenever she would. Sally, he said to his sister, one evening when they sat alone together on the veranda, what a place this is to be in. It's like a little heaven below. There is so much of peace and love,

The moral atmosphere is so sweet and pure. I feel as though I had no business here, such a fallen wretch as I am, he concluded with a groan, hiding his face in his hands. Don't Tom, dear Tom, she whispered, putting her arms about his neck and laying her head on his shoulder. You've given up that dreadful habit? You're never going back to it?

I don't want to. God knows I don't, he cried as in an agony of fear. But that awful thirst, you don't know what it is, and I am weak as water. Oh, if there was none of the accursed thing on the face of the earth, I might hope for salvation. Sally, I'm afraid of myself, of the demon that is in me. Oh, Tom, fly to Jesus, she said, clinging to him.

He says, in me is thine help. Fear not, I will help thee. And he never yet turned a deaf ear to any poor sinner that cried to him for help. Cast yourself wholly on him, and he will give you strength, for everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh, findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. There was a moment of silence, in which Sally's heart was going up in earnest prayer for him. Then Mr. Trevilla joined them, and addressing Tom, said,

My wife and I have been talking about your future, indeed Sally's also, for we suppose you would like to keep together. That we should, they said. "'Well, how would you like to immigrate to Kansas and begin life anew, away from all old associates? "'I need not add that if you decide to go the means shall not be wanting. "'Thank you, sir. You have been the best of friends to us both, and to our mother, you and Mrs. Trevilla,' said Tom with emotion, "'and this is just what Sally and I have been wishing we could do. "'I understand something of farming, and should like to take up a claim out there in some good location where land is given to those who will settle on it.

And if you, sir, can conveniently advance the few hundred dollars we shall need to carry us there and give us a fair start, I shall gladly and thankfully accept it as a loan, hoping to be able to return it in a year or two. This was the arrangement made, and preparations to carry it out were immediately set on foot. In a few days the brother and sister bade goodbye to their kind entertainers, their mother, now nearly recovered, joined them in Philadelphia, and the three together turned their faces westward. In bidding adieu to Elsie, Sally whispered with tears of joy the good news that Tom was trusting

in a strength mightier than his own, and so as years rolled on these friends were not surprised to hear of his steadfast adherence to the practice of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks and his growing prosperity. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12th of Elsie's children. Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Jennifer Duval. Elsie's Children by Martha Finley, Chapter 12th. You may as well forbid the seas to obey the moon, as or by oath, remove or counsel, shake the fabric of her folly. Shakespeare. scarcely had the gibson's departed when their places were more than filled by the unexpected arrival of a large party from roselands comprising old mr dinsmore with his daughter mrs conley and her entire family with the exception of calhoun who would follow shortly

they were welcomed by their relatives with truth southern hospitality and assured that the two cottages could readily be made to accommodate them all comfortably what news of molly was the first question after the greetings had been exchanged. Mrs. Conley shook her head inside. Hasn't been able to set her foot on the floor for weeks, and I don't believe she ever will. That's Dr. Pancoast's opinion, and he's good authority. T'was her condition that brought us north. We've left her and her mother at the Continental in Philadelphia. There's to be a consultation tomorrow of all the best surgeons in the city. And I wanted me to stay with her till that was over, but I couldn't think of it with all these children fretting and worrying to get down here out of the heat. heat. So I told her I'd leave Cal to take care of her and Molly. Dicks with them, too. He's old enough to be

useful now, and Molly clings to him far more than to her mother. Isn't it dreadful, said Virginia, to think that that fall down stairs has made her a cripple for life, though nobody thought she was much hurt at first. Poor child, how does she bear it? asked her uncle. She doesn't know how to bear it at all, said Mrs. Conley. She nearly cries her eyes out. No wonder, remarked the grand. father. It's a terrible prospect she has before her to say nothing of the present suffering, and her mother has no patience with her, pities herself instead of the child. No, said Mrs. Conley, and it was never known to have much patience with anybody or anything. But Dick's good to her, remarked Isidore. Yes, said Arthur, it's really beautiful to see his

devotion to her and how she clings to him, and it's doing the lad good, making a man of him. surely Anna must feel for her child, Elsie said, thinking of her own darlings and how her very heart would be torn with anguish at the sight of one of them and so distressing a condition. Yes, of course, she cried bitterly over her when first the truth dawned upon her that Molly was really so dreadfully injured. But of course that couldn't last, and she soon took to be wailing her own hard fate and having such a burden on her hands, a daughter who must always live single and could never be anything but a helpless invalid. Elsie understood how it was, for had she not known Anna from a child, her heart ached for Molly, and as she told her own little ones of her poor cousin's

hopeless, hopeless state, she mingled her tears with theirs. "'Mama, won't you invite her to come here?' pleaded Harold. "'Yes, dear Mama, do,' urge the others, and let us all try to amuse and comfort her. If I do, my dears, you may be called upon at times to give up your plight. pleasures for her. Do you think you would be willing to do so?" At that the young faces grew very grave, and for a moment no one spoke. Quick impulsive Violet was the first to answer. "'Yes, Mama, I'm willing. I do feel so sorry for her. I'd do anything to help her bear her pain.'

"'Mama,' said Elsie softly, "'I'll ask Jesus to help me, and I'm sure he will.' "'So am I, daughter, and I think Vi means to ask his help, too.' oh yes mamma i do and i and i and i responded the others so the invitation was sent for molly and her mother and brother to come and pay as long a visit as they would a letter came in a few days accepting it and giving the sorrowful news that all the surgeons agreed in the opinion that the poor girl's spine had been so injured that she would never again have any use of her lower limbs it was mrs conley who brought the letter to her niece having come in one address to herself she expressed strong sympathy for molly but was much taken up with the contents of another letter received by the same mail i've just had a most generous offer for mr conley's sister mrs delaford she said to her niece. She has no children of her own, is a widow and very wealthy, and she's very fond of my Isidore, who is her godchild a namesake. She offers now to clothe and educate her with the view of making the child her heir, and also to pay for Virgie's tuition if I will

send them both to the convent where she herself was educated. Aunt Louise, you will not think of it surely, cried Elsie, looking much disturbed. And why not pray? asked Mrs. Conley, drawing herself up and speaking in a tone of mingled hoteer peak and annoyance. You would not wish them to become Romanists. No, of course not, but that need not follow. It is very apt to follow. Nonsense, I should exact a promise that their faith would not be interfered with. But would that avail, since no faith with heretics has been for centuries the motto of the

infallible, unchangeable, Church of Rome? I think you are inclined to see danger where there is none, returned the aunt. I would not for the world be as anxious and fussy about my children as you are about yours. Besides, I think it quite right to let their father's relatives do for them when they are both able and willing. But Aunt Louise, there, don't let us talk any more about the matter today, if you please, interrupted Mrs. Conley, rising. I must go now and prepare for my bath. I'll be in again this evening to see Anna and the others. They'll be down by the afternoon train.

Good morning. and she sailed away, leaving Elsie sad and anxious for the future of her young cousins. "'What is it, daughter?' Mr. Dinsmore asked, coming in a moment later. "'I have seldom seen you look so disturbed.' Her face brightened, as was its want under her father's greeting, but this time only momentarily. "'I am troubled papa,' she said, making room for him on the sofa by her side. "'Here is a note from Anna. The doctors give Molly no hope that she will ever walk again. not help feeling very sad for her, poor child. And besides, something Aunt Louise has been telling

me makes me anxious for Isidore in Virginia. He was scarcely less concerned than she, when he heard what that was. I shall talk to Louise, he said. It would be the height of folly to expose her daughters to such influences. It is true I once had some thoughts of sending you to a convent school, under the false impression that the accomplishments were more thoroughly taught there than in the Protestant seminaries, but with the light I have since gained upon the subject, I know that it would have been a fearful mistake. Dear Papa, she said, putting her hand into his and looking at him with loving eyes, I am so thankful that you did not, so thankful that you taught me yourself, the remembrance of the hours we spent together as T-Shram pupil has always been very sweet to me.

To me also, he answered with a smile. The expected guests arrived at the appointed time, Anna looking worn, faded, and fretful, Dick, sad and anxious, poor Molly, weary, exhausted, despairing as if life had lost all brightness to her. Her proud spirit rebelled against her helplessness, against the curious, even the pitying looks it attracted to her from strangers in the streets and public conveyances. The transit from one vehicle to another was made in the strong arms of a stalwart negro, whom they had brought with them from Roselands, Dick following closely to guard his sister from accident and shield her as much as possible from observation, while Anna and Cal brought up the rear. A room on the ground floor had been appropriated to Molly's

use, and thither she was carried at once and gently laid upon a couch. Instantly her cousin Elsie's arms were about her, her head pillowed upon the gentle breast, while tears of loving sympathy fell fast upon her poor pale face, mingled with tender caresses and whispered words of endearment. It did the child good. The tears and sobs that came in response relieved her aching heart of half its load, but it vexed Anna. What folly, Elsie, she said. Don't you see how you're making the child cry? And I've been doing my best to get her to stop it, for of course it does no good and only injures her eyes. Forgive me, dear child, if I have hurt you, Elsie said low and tenderly, as she laid Molly's head gently back against the pillows. You haven't, you

haven't, you've done me good, cried the girl, flashing an indignant glance at Anna. Oh, mother, if you treated me so, it wouldn't be half so hard to bear. I've learned not to expect anything but ingratitude from my children, said Anna, coldly returning Elsie's kind greeting. But Dick grasped his cousin's hand warmly, giving her look of grateful affection and accepted with delight her offered kiss. Now I will leave you to rest, she said to Molly, and when you feel like seeing your cousins, they will be glad to come in and speak to you. They are anxious to do all they can for your entertainment while you are here.

Yes, but I want to see Grandpa and Uncle Horace now, please. They just kissed me in the car and that was all. They came in at once, full of tender sympathy for the crippled suffering child. They're so kind, sobbed Molly as they left the room. Yes, you can appreciate everybody's kindness but your mother's, remarked Anna in a piqued tone, and everybody can be sorry for you, but my feelings are lost sight of entirely. Oh, mother, don't, sighed Molly. I'm sure I have enough to bear without your reproaches.

I'd appreciate you fast enough if you were such a mother as cousin Elsie. Or as Aunt Louise, why don't you say, said Mrs. Conley coming in, going up to the couch and kissing her. How do you do, Anna? Yes, even you are sorrier for me than mother is, I do believe, turned Molly bursting into tears, and if it was Iza or Virgie, you'd be ever so good to her, and not scold her as mother does me. Why, I'm just worn out and worried half to death about that girl, said Anna, in answer to her sister's query, she'll never walk a step again, all the doctors say that. At these words Molly was almost convulsed with sobs, but Anna went on relentlessly.

And when they asked her how it happened, she up and told him her high-heeled shoes threw her down, and that she didn't want to wear them but i made her do it and so you did and i only told it because one of the doctors asked if i didn't know they were dangerous and when i said yes he wanted to know how i came to be so foolish as to wear them and then he lectured me anna went on as if it was all my fault when of course it was her own carelessness for if it wasn't why haven't some of the rest of us fallen down accidents happen when nobody's to blame i came near falling the other day myself said mrs Conley, and I'll never wear a high-heel, narrow heel again, nor let one of my girls do so. Now I'm going out. You two ought to take a nap, Molly especially, poor child. I'm very sorry for you, but don't cry any more now. It will only hurt your eyes. Mrs. Conley was to stay to tea and spend the evening. Stepping into the parlor, she found all the adult members of the family there. I want to have a talk with you, Louise, her brother said, seating her comfortably on a sofa and

drawing up a chair beside her. And I think I know what about, she returned with heightened color, glancing toward Elsie, but let me tell you beforehand, Horace, that you may as well spare yourself the trouble. I have already accepted Mrs. Delaford's offer. Louise, how could you be so hasty and so important a matter? Permit me to answer that question with another, she retorted, drawing herself up haughtily. What right have you to call me to an account for so doing. Only the right of an older brother to take a fraternal interest in your welfare and that of his nieces. What is it, mother? asked Calhoun. She told him in a few words, and he turned to his uncle with the query why he so seriously objected to her acceptance of what seemed so favorable

an offer. Because I think it would be putting in great jeopardy the welfare of your sisters temporal and spiritual. What nonsense, Horace, exclaimed Mrs. Conley, Angerner. of course i shall expressly stipulate that their faith is not to be interfered with and just as much of course the promise will be given and systematically broken without the slightest compunction because in the creed of rome the end sanctifies the means and no end is esteemed higher or holier than that of adding members to her communion well said louise i must say you judge them hardly i am sure there are at least some pious ones among them and of course they wouldn't lie you forget that the more pious they are the more more obedient they will be to the teachings of their church, and when she tells them it is a pious act to be false to their word or oath for her advancement, or to burn, kill, and destroy, or to break any other commandment of the decalogue, they will obey believing that thus they do God's service. Really, the folly and credulity of Protestant parents who commit their children to the

care of those who teach and put in practice, too, these two maxims so utterly destructive of all truth and honesty, all confidence between. man and man, the end sanctifies the means and no faith with heretics is to me perfectly astounding. "'So you consider me a fool,' said Mrs. Conley, bridling. "'Thanks for the compliment.' "'It is you who make the application, Louise,' he answered. "'I had no thought of doing so, and still hope you will prove your wisdom by reconsidering and letting Mrs. Delaford know that you revoke your decision.'

"'Indeed I shall not. I consider that I have no right to throw away Isidore's fortune. Have you then a greater right to imperil her soul's salvation? he asked with solemn earnestness. Pasha! What a serious thing you make of it, she exclaimed, yet with an uneasy and troubled look. Uncle, cried Calhoun and surprised, do you not think there have been and are some real Christians in the Romish church? No doubt of it, Cal. Some who, spite of her idolatrous teachings, worship God alone and put their trust solely in the atoning blood and imputed righteousness of Christ. yet who can fail to see in the picture of babylon the great so graphically drawn in revelation a faithful portraiture of rome and the command is come out of her my people that ye be not partaker of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues mr dinsmore paused but no one seeming to have anything to say in reply went on to give his sister a number of instances which had come to his knowledge of the perversion of protestant girls while being educated and convents well she said at last i'm not going to draw back now but i shall be on the watch and if they do begin to tamper with my girl's faith i'll remove them at once there now i hope you are satisfied

not quite louise he said they are accomplished proselyters and may have the foundations completely and irremediably undermined ere you suspect that they have begun end of chapter twelfth chapter thirteen of elsie's children this is a liver-book recording all livervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox dot org elsie's children by martha finley chapter thirteenth affliction is the wholesome soil of virtue when patience honor sweet humility calm fortitude take root and strongly flourish mallet and thompson's alfred a bath a nap and a dainty supper had refreshed molly somewhat before the children were admitted to her room, but they found her looking pale and thin, and oh, so sorrowful, so different from the bright, merry, happy cousin Molly of six months ago. Their little hearts swelled with sympathetic grief and tears filled their eyes as one after another they took her hand and kissed her lovingly. "'Poor child! I so sorry for, ooh!' said Herbert, and Molly laughed hysterically,

then put her hands over her face and sobbed as though her heart would break. First it was the oddity of being called child by such a mere baby. Then it was the thought that she had become an object of pity to such a one. Don't kai, he said, pulling away her hand to kiss her cheek. Herbie didn't mean to make U-Kai. Come, Herbie dear, let us go now. We mustn't tease poor sick cousin, whispered his sister Elsie, drawing him gently away. No, no, let him stay, let him love me, sob Molly. He is a dear little fellow, she added, returning his caresses and wiping away her tears. Herbie will love, O poor old Singh, he said, stroking her face, and Mama and Papa and all the folks will be ever so due to O. Molly's laugh is more

natural this time, and under its enlivening influence, the little ones grew quite merry, really amusing her with their prattle, till their mummy came to take them to bed. Elsie was beginning to say good-night, too, thinking there was danger of wearying the invalid, But Molly said, I don't wonder you want to leave me. Mother says nobody could like to stay with such a... She broke off suddenly. Again, she hid her face in her hands and wept bitterly. Oh, no, no, I was only afraid of tiring you, Elsie said, leaning over her and stroking her hair with a soft, gentle touch.

I should like to stay and talk, if you wish, to tell you all about our visit to the Craigs and Mama's old governess and... Oh, yes, do, anything to help me forget, even for a few minutes. "'Oh, I wish I was dead. I wish I was dead. I can't bear to live and be a cripple.' "'Dear Molly, don't cry. Don't feel so dreadfully about it,' Elsie said, "'weeping with her. Jesus will help you bear it. He loves you and is sorrier for you than anybody else is. He won't let you be sick or in pain in heaven.' "'No, he doesn't love me. I'm not good enough, and if he did, he wouldn't have let me get such a dreadful fault.' little elsie was perplexed for the moment and knew not what to answer couldn't he have kept me from falling demanded mollie almost fiercely yes he can do everything then i hate him for letting me fall elsie was inexpressibly shocked oh molly

an odd frightened tone was all that she could say i'm awfully wicked i know i am but i can't help it why did he let me fall i couldn't bear to let a dog be so dreadfully hurt if i could help it molly the bible says god is love and in another place god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life god commendeth his love toward us in that will we were yet sinners christ died for us he must have loved you molly when he died that dreadful death to save you not me yes if you will believe whosoever believeth it was just for everybody in a lump said mollie sighing wearily not for you or me or anybody in particular at least not for anybody that's living now because we weren't made then so how could he but mamma says he knew he was going to make us just the same as he does now and that he thought of each one and loved and died for each one just as much as if there was only one well it's queer if he loved me so well as that and yet would let me fall and be so awfully injured. What's this? You didn't have it before you came north, taking hold of the gold chain about Elsie's neck. Out came the little watch, and Elsie told her about the aching tooth and the trip to New York to have it extracted. Seems to me, was Molly's comment, you have all the

good things, such as a nice mother and everything else, such a good father too, and mine was killed when I was a little bit of a thing, and mother so cross. But Dick's good to me, dear old Dick. she added looking up at him with glistening eyes as he came in and going up to her couch asked how she was you'd better go to sleep now he said you've been talking quite a while haven't you at that elsie slipped quietly away and went in search of her mother she found her alone on the veranda looking out meditatively upon the restless moonlit waters of the sea mamma said the child softly i should like a stroll on the beach with you can we go alone i want to talk with you about something come then daughter and hand in hand they sought the beach only a few yards distant it was a clear still night the moon nearly full and the cool salt breeze from the silver-tipped waves was exceedingly refreshing after the heat of the day which had been one of the hottest of the season for a while they paced to and fro in silence then little elsie gave her mother the substance of her conversation with molly in which the latter expressed her disbelief in god's love for her because he had not prevented her fall mamma she said in conclusion how i wished you were there to make her understand poor child said the mother in low-moved tones only he who permitted this sore trial can convince her that it was sent in love but you will talk to her mamma yes when a suitable opportunity offers what prayer can do more for her than any words of ours addressed to her the presence of molly and her mother proved a serious drawback to the enjoyment of the party during the remainder of their sojourn at the seashore

the burden fell heaviest upon elsie and her children as the principal entertainers and the mother had often to counsel patience and forbearance and to remind her darlings of their promise to be ready to do all they could for the comfort and happiness of the sufferer. All made praiseworthy efforts to fulfill their engagement, and Elsie and Vye, particularly the former, as nearest to Molly in age, and therefore most desired by her as a companion, gave up many a pleasure excursion for her sake, staying at home to talk with and amuse her while all the rest were out driving or boating. End of Chapter 13th. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain.

For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Richard Caulfield, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom. Else's Children by Martha Finley, Chapter 14. Ah! Who can say, however fair his view? through what sat scenes his path may lie. Mrs Connolly adhered to her resolve in regard to the education of her daughters and about the middle of September

left with them and her younger children for a visit to Mrs. Delaford at whose house the wardrobe of the two girls were being made ready for their first school year at the convent chosen by their aunt. Arthur went with them as their escort A week later the rest of the Rosalind's party returned home, and early in October the Oaks and Iron rejoiced in the return of the families. Baby Lily had been so benefited by the trip that Elsie felt warranted in resuming her loved employment as acting governess to her older children.

They fell into the old routine in duties and pleasures, as loving and happier family as one was. might wish to see, a striking and most pleasant contrast to the one at Rosalind's, that of Enna and her offspring, where the mother fretted and scolded, and the children, following her example, were continually at war with one another. Only between Dick and Molly was their peace and love. The poor girl led a weary life, pinned to a couch or chair, wholly dependent upon others for means of locomotive, motion and for anything that was not within reach of her hand. She had not yet learned submission under her trial,

and her mother was far from being any assistance in bearing it. Molly was greatly depressed in spirits, and her mother's scolding and fretting were often almost beyond endurance. Her younger brother and sister thought it troubled to wait on her, and usually kept out the way. But Dick, when present, was her faithful slave, always ready to lift and carry her, or to bring her anything she wanted. But much of Dick's time was necessarily occupied with his studies, and in going to and from his school, which was two or three miles in distance. He was very thoughtful for her comfort, and it was through his suggestion that their grandfather directed that one of the pleasantness rooms in the house overlooking the average.

you so that all the coming and going could be seen from its windows should be appropriated to Molly's use. There Dick would seat her every morning before starting for school in an imbalet's easy chair presented to her by her cousin Elsie, and there he would be pretty sure to find her upon his return. Unless, as occasionally happened, their grandfather, Uncle Horace, Mr Trevillea or some of the other relatives had taken her out for a drive. One afternoon about the last of November, Molly, weary of sewing and reading, weary, inexpressibly weary, of her confinement and in force quietitude, was gazing longily down the avenue, wishing that someone would come to take her out for an airing,

when the door opened and her mother came in dressed for the open. in a hat, cloak, and furs. I want you to butter my glove, Molly, she said, holding out her wrist. Rachel's so busy on my new silk, and you have nothing to do. What a fortunate child you are to be able to take your ease all the time. My ease, cried Molly bitterly, I'd be glad than words can tell to change places with you for a while. "'H! You don't know what you're wishing.

The way I have to worry over my sewing for fall besides myself is enough to try the patience of a saint. By the way, it's high time you began to make yourself useful in that line. With patience, you might soon learn to accomplish a great deal, having nothing to do but stick at it from morning through till night. Molly was in the act of buttoning the second glove. tears sprang to her eyes at this evidence of her mother's heartlessness and one bright drop fell on enna's wrist there you've stayed my glove she exclaimed angrily what a baby you are will you never have done with this continued crying it seems to be very easy for you to bear my troubles mother returned paul molly raising her head proudly and dashing away

the tears. I will try to learn to bear them too and never again appeal to my mother for sympathy. You get enough of that from Dick. He cares ten times much for you as he does for me. His own mother. At that moment, Betty came running in. Mother! The carriage is at the door and grandpa's ready. Molly? Grandpa said he'll take you too if you want to go. Molly's face brightened. But before before she could speak, Enna answered for her. No, she can't. There isn't time to get her ready. Mrs. Johnson hurried from the room.

Betty followed close at her heels, and Molly was left alone in her grief and weariness. She watched the carriage as it rolled down the avenue, then, turning from the window, indulged in a hearty cry. At length, exhausted by her emotion, She laid her head back and fell asleep in her chair. How long she had slept she did not know.

Some unusual noise downstairs woke her. And the next moment, Betty rushed in screaming, Oh, Molly! Molly! Mother and grandfather's killed! Both of them! Oh dear! Oh dear! For an instant, Molly seemed stunned. She scarcely comprehended Betty's words. then as the child repeated, They're killed! They're both killed!

The horses ran away and threw them out! She too uttered a cry of anguish and grasped the arms of her chair, made desperate efforts to rise, but all in vain, and with a groan she sank back in covering her face with her hands, shed the bitterest tears

her impotence had ever yet cost her. Betty had run away again, and once again she was all alone. Oh, how hard it was for her to be chained there, in such an agony of doubts and distress. She forcibly restrained her groans and sobs, and listened intently. The Connlies, except Cal, were still at the north.

The house seemed strangely quiet, only now and then a stealthy step were a murmur of voices, and occasionally a half-smothered cry from Bob, Betty. A horseman came dashing furiously up the avenue. It was her uncle Mr. Horace Dinsmore. He threw himself from the saddle and hurried into the house and the next minute two more followed at the same headlong pace. These were Cal and Dr. Barton and they also dismounted in hot haste and disappeared from her sight beneath the veranda. Certainly something very dreadful had happened. Oh, would anybody come and tell her? The minutes dragged their slow length along,

seemingly like hours. She lay back in a chair in an agony of suspense, the perspiration standing in cold drops on her brow. But the sound of wheels roused her, and, looking out, she saw the oaks and iron carriages drive up, young Horace and Rosie alight from one, Mr Trevelya and Elsie from the other. Oh, thought Molly, cousin Elsie. We'll be sure to think of me directly. I should not be much left longer in this horrible suspense. Her confidence was not misplaced.

Not many minutes had lapsed when her door was softly opened. A light step crossed the floor and a sweet, fair face full of tender compassion bent over the grief-stricken girl. Molly tried to speak, her tongue refused its office, but Elsie quickly answered the mute questioning of the wild, frightened, anguished eyes. There is life, she said, taking the cold hands in hers.

Life in both, and while there is life, there is hope. Our dear old grandfather has a broken leg and an arm and a few slight cuts and bruises, but is restored to consciousness now and able to speak. Your poor mother has fared still worse, we fear, as the principal injury is to her head, but we will hope for the best in her case also. Molly dropped her head on her cousin's shoulder,

while a burst of weeping brought partial relief to the overburdened heart. Elsie clasped her arms about her, and strove to soothe and comfort her. with caresses and endearing words if i could only nurse mother now sobbed the girl how glad i'd be to do it oh cousin it most breaks my heart now to think how i vexed and worried her sense since this dreadful trouble came to me i'd give anything never to have said a cross disrespectful word to her and now i can do nothing for her and now i can do nothing for you for her, nothing, nothing! And she wrung her hands in grief and despair. Yes, dear child, there is one thing you can do, Elsie answered, weeping with her.

What, what is that? asked Molly, half incredulously, half hopefully. What can I do, chained here? Pray for her, Molly. Plead for her with him, unto whom belonged the issues from death. to him who has all the power in heaven and in earth and who is able to save to the uttermost. No, no, even that I can't do, Sop Molly. I've never learned to pray and he isn't my friend as he is yours and your children's. Then first of all, make him your friend.

Oh, he's so kind and merciful and loving. He says, Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. Oh, if only I knew how, sighed Molly.

Nobody needs such a friend more than I. I'd give all the world to have him for mine. but you cannot buy his friendship his salvation it is without money and without price what it is to come to him just go and take him at his word and give yourself to him and believe his promise that he will not cast you out

there was a tap at the door and Rosie came in putting her arms around Molly kissed her and wept with her then young horace followed and after that his father both seemed to feel very much for molly and to be anxious to do everything within their powers to help and comfort her mr dinsmore was evidently in deep grief and soon withdrew elsie going with him they stood together for a few minutes in the hall my dear father how i feel for you elsie said laying her hand on his arm and looking up at him through gathering tears thank you my child your sympathy is always very sweet to me he said and you have mine for i know this trial touches you also though somewhat less than myself is grandpa suffering much she said very much and at this age i will not anticipate sorrow we know that we know that

that the event is in the hands of him who doth all things well ah if he were only a christian and enna oh poor enna sobs and cries coming from the nursery broke in upon the momentary silence that followed the exclamation poor little bob and betty i must go to them elsie said gliding away in the direction of the sounds while mr dinsmore returned to the room where his father laid groaning with the pain of his wounds. Mr. Trevelyar, Calhoun and the doctor were with him, but he was asking for his son. Horace, he said. Can't you stay with me? Yes, father, night and day while you want me. That's right. It's a good thing to have a good son.

Dr. Barton, where are you going? To your daughter, sir, Mrs. Johnson. "'Enna? Is she much hurt?' asked the old man, starting up, but falling back instantly with almost a scream of pain. "'You must lie still, sir.' "'Indeed you must,' said the doctor, coming back to the bed. "'Your life depends upon you keeping quiet and exciting yourself as little as possible.' "'Yes, yes, but, but Anna!' "'Has no broken bones.'

"'Thank God for that.' then she'll do go doctor but don't leave the house without seeing me again they were glad he was so easily satisfied but knew he would not be if his mind were quite clear dick had come home in a strong excitement rumours of the accident had met him on the way the horses had taken fright of the sudden shriek of a locomotive and the breaking of a defective had deprecated bit had deprecable The old gentleman of the power to control them. They ran madly down a steep embankment, wrecking the carriage and throwing both passages out upon a bed of stones. Pale and trembling,

the lad went straight into his mother's room where he found her lying, moaning on the bed, recognising no one, unconscious of anything that was going on about her. He discovered that he loved her far more than he would have believed. he thought her dying his heart smote him as mebra recalled many a passionate undutiful word he had spoken to her often it is true under great provocation but oh what he would now not have given to have recalled them he had much ado to control his emotion sufficiently to ask the doctor what he thought of a case he was somewhat comforted by the reply

the injury to the head is very serious yet i by no means despair of her life what can i do for her was the boy's next question in an imploring tone as though he would esteem it aboon to be permitted to do something for her relief nothing we have plenty of help here and you are too inexperience for a nurse dr barton said not unkindly but see to your sister molly he added poor child she will feel this sorely the admonition was quite superfluous dick was already hastening to her another moment and she was weaning out her sorrow and anxiety on his shoulder oh dick she sobbed i'm afraid i can never speak to her again and-and my last words to her just before she went were a reproach I said I'd never ask her for sympathy again, and now I never can. Oh, isn't it dreadful, dreadful? And she wept, as if her very heart would break.

Oh, don't, Molly, he said hoarsely, pressing her closely to him and mingling his tears with hers. Who could blame you? You poor suffering thing. and I'm sure you must have provoked to it. She hasn't been saying anything kind to you lately. Molly shook her head with a fresh burst of grief. No, oh no, no, no, if we'd parted like Cousin Elsie and her children always do

with kind, loving words and caresses. But we're not that sort, you know, returned Dick with an awkward attempt in consolation. And I'm worse than you. a great deal for I've talked up to mother many many a time and didn't have the same excuse there was a sickness at Pine Grove mrs. Howard was slowly recovering from an attack of typhoid fever this is why she had not hastened to Rosalind's to the assistance of her injured father and sister and Mrs. Rose Dinsmore was at

Ashlands helping Sophie nurse her children through the scarlet fever and so Mrs. Conley, being still absent at the north, the burden of these new responsibilities must fall upon Mr Horace Dinsmore and his children. Rosie volunteered to see that Molly was not neglected and to exert herself for the poor girl's entertainment and Bob and Betty were sentenced to the Oaks to be looked after by Mrs. Murray and their cousin Horace.

It would be no easy or agreeable task for the old lady but she was sure not to object in view of the fact that quiet was essential to the recovery of the sufferers at Roselands. End of Chapter 14. Recording by Richard Caulfield, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom. Chapter 15 of Elsie's children. This is a Liberbox recording. All Liberbox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibraVox.com.

Recording by Esther and Simonides Elsie's Children by Martha Finley Chapter 15 Great minds like heaven are pleased in doing good, though the ungrateful subjects of their favors are bared when in return. Row The short winter dig was closing in. At Ion, five eager, expectant little faces were looking out upon the avenue,

where slowly and softly tiny snowflakes were falling, the only moving thing within range of their vision. Oh dear, what does keep Papa and Mama so long? Prided by, impatiently. It seems most like a year since they started. Oh, no, Vi, not half a day yet. I don't mean it is, Eddie, but it does seem like it to me. Elsie, do you think anything's happened?

What of the horses may have lost a shoe, Elsie said, trying to be very cheerful and putting her arm around Violet as she spoke. I remember that happened once a good while ago, but if Mama were here, don't you know what she would say, little sister? Yes. Don't fret, don't me trouble halfway, but trust in God, our father, who loves us so dearly that he will never let any real harm come to us. I think our mama is very wise, remarked Eddie. So very much wise in the love with Aunt Lucy, who gets frightened to every little thing.

Oh, Eddie, dear, would Mama or Papa like that? said I'll see softly. Well, it's true, he said, threatening. But they both told us that unkind remarks should not be made, even if true, unless it is quite necessary. Oh, why don't Papa and Mama come? Oh, I wish they would. I'm so tired watching for him. First out, Harold and Herbert, nearly ready to cry. Look, look, cried the others in course.

They're coming. The carriage is just turning in at the gate. But it was growing so dark now, and the tiny flakes were coming down so thick and fast, and none of them were quite sure the carriage was their own, until it drew up before the door, and two dear familiar forms alighted and came up the brand of steps. They were greeted with as joyous and welcome as if they had been absent for weeks or months,

and returned the sweet caresses as lovingly as they were bestowed, smelling tenderly upon a darling of their hearts. But almost instantly little Elsie perceived something unusual in a sweet, fair face she loved so dearly, and was wont to study with such fond, tender scrutiny. Mama, dear Mama, what is wrong? she asked. A sad accident, dear, Elsie answered. Her voice faltered with emotion. Poor Grandpa and Anne Jenna have been badly hurt. our dear grandpa mamma they all asked lips and voice his tremorless with grief no darling it's not my own dear father the mother answered with a heart full of gratitude that it was not here but our poor old grandfather who lives at roselands

my dear little why you were too much overcome to talk any more just now mr trevilla said yielding an easy tear to the fire seating her in it and removing her hat and clothes with all the tender gallanter of the days when he wooed and won his bride let me tell it he took a seat near her side lifted bit herbie to his knee and with the others gathered close about him briefly told how the accident had happened and that he and their mother had met a messenger coming to acquaint them with the disaster and summon them to rosalinds then give the children some idea of the present situation of their injured relations when he had finished and his young hearers had expressed their sorrow and sympathy for the sufferers a moment of silence ensued broken by little elsie mamma who will take care of them god said herbert won't he papa but i mean who will nurse them while they are sick said i'll see my father will take care of grandpa mrs travilla answered uncle horace and papa helping when needed and aunt dana mamma well daughter who do you think should nurse her aunt louise is away aunt laura sick herself grandma at ashlands with aunt sophia and her sick children oh mamma it won't have to be you will it the child asked her imploring "'Oh, Mama, no, how could we do without you?' "'Timmed in the others,' her adding tearfully. "'Mama, stay with us. We can't do without you.'

They left their father to cluster about and cling to her, with caresses and entreaties. "'My darling,' she said, returning their endowments, "'can you not feel willing to spare your mother for a little while to poor suffering, "'Anda?' "'Mama, they have plenty of servants.' "'Yes, bye, but she is so very ill that we cannot hope she'll get well without more careful, and her nursing than any servant would give her. Mama, it will be very hard to do without you.

I'm very hard for me to stay away from my dear children, but what does the Bible say? Seek your own pleasure and profit, and let others take care of themselves? Oh, Mama, no! That shall love thy neighbor is thyself. Be good to them that hate you, quoted Eddie in an undertone. But we were not speaking of enemies, my son, so they said in surprise. I think Hannah is your enemy, Mama.

I think she hates you, piece of her flesh. I have many a time here say very hateful things to you. Mama, don't look so sorry at me. How can I help being angry at people that say unkind things to you? Forgive and you shall be forgiven, she said gently. Do good and lend. Can't you lend your mother for a few weeks, dear? Weeks! Mama, oh so long! they cried. How can we? Who will take care of us and hear our lessons?

And he teaches to be good. Dina will wash and dress you. Elsly help you little ones to lend your lessons. And I think Papa, looking at him, will hear you recite. we'll hear you recite yes he said smiling on them we will do our best that dear mamma may not be anxious and troubled about it in addition to all the care and anxiety for the suffering ones at roselands yes papa they answered returning a smile half cheerfully then questioned her mother as to when she must go and whether they should see her at all while aunt anna was sick i can wait only long enough to take supper with me and have our talk together afterwards she said because i am needed at roselands perhaps papa will bring you there sometimes to see me for a little while he'll be very quiet and it may be only for a few days that i shall be wanted there i cannot tell about that yet she spoke cheerfully but it cost her effort because of the grieved troubled looks and the dear little faces but baby mamma cried five baby can't do without you no dear she and mammy must go with me they were not the usual merry party at the tea-table and the good many cheers were shed during the talk with mamma afterwards they all consented to her going but the partying with her and the thought of doing without her for so long were the greatest trials they had ever known

she saw all the younger ones in bed kissed each one good-night and reminded them of their heavenly father was always with them and that she would not be too far away to come at once to them as needed she left them to their sleep elsie followed her mother to her dressing-room and watched for every opportunity to assist in her preparations for her absence they were not many and with some parting injunction to the little daughter and the servant she announced herself ready to go elsie clung to her with tears at the last as they stood together in the lower hall waiting for the others mamma what shall i do without you i've never been away from you a whole day in all my life no dearest but be very brave helpful little girl you must try to film mother's place to the little one i don't be far away you know and your dear father will be here nearly all the time and don't forget darling that your best friend is always with you no mamma said the child smiling through her tears it is so sweet to know that and please don't trouble about us at home i'll do my vest for papa and the children that is right daughter you are a very great comfort to me now and always the mother said that is right daughter you are a very great comfort to me now and always the one said with the last press, other husband joined her and gave her his arm to lead her to the carriage. Don't come out in the cold, daughter, he said, seeing the child about to follow. Mammy had just come down with the sleeping babe in her arms, warmly wrapped up to heal her from the cold. Elsie sprang to her side, lifted the veil that covered a little face, and softly touched her lips with a delicate cheek.

Goodbye, baby, darling. Oh, Mammy, we'll miss her sadly, and you too! Don't fret, honey, suspect we all be coming back soon. Aunt Chloe whispered, re-adjusting the veil, and hurrying after her. mistress. Kelsey flew to the window and watched the carriage roll away down the avenue, to her loss to sight in the darkness, tears trembling her eyes, but a thrill of joy mingling with her grief. It was so sweet to be at comfort and help did your mama. She set herself to considering how she might be the same to her father and brothers and sister, what she could do now. She remembered that her father was very fond of music, and then her mother often played

and sang from him in the evening. He had said he would probably return in an hour, and going to the piano. She spent the intervening time and the diligent practice of a new piece of music he had brought her a day or two before. At the sound of the carriage wheel she ran to meet her, her face bright with welcoming smiles. My little sunbeam, he said taking her in his arms. You have been nothing but a comfort and blessing to your mother and me since the day you were born. Dear Papa, how kind in you to tell me that, she said, her cheek flushing and her eyes glistening with pleasure. He kept her with him till after her usual hour for retiring, listening to and praising her music

and talking with her quite as if she were fit to be a companion for him. both fiendered ones were very ill for some weeks but by means of competent medical advice and careful nursing their lives were safe yet neither recovered entirely from the effects of the incident mr dinsmore was feeble and ailing and walked with a limp for the rest of his days enna though her bodily health was quite restored rose from her bed with an impaired intellect her memory gone her reasoning power scarcely equal to those of an ordinary child of five or six she had not recognized her children or indeed any one she had everything to relearn and went back to childless amusements dolls baby-houses and other toys the sight was inexpressibly painful to dick and molly far worse than following her to her grave she remained at her father's a capable and kind woman being provided to take constant charge of her while wove and betty stayed on at the oaks their uncle and aunt bringing them up with all the care and kindness to start upon their own children, and Dick and Molly made their home at Ion. The latter was removed thither as soon as the danger to her mother's life was passed, the change being considered only temporary at that time, though afterwards decided to make it permanent,

in accordance with the kind and generous invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Trevilla to her and her brother, and their offer to become responsible for the education and present support of birth. Little Elsie, bravely and earnestly striving to fill her mother's place in the household, making yourself companionable to her father, helping Eddie, Vi, and Harold with their lessons, comforting Herbie when his baby heart ached so sorely with his longing for Mama, and his all little graced and troubles, and settling the slightest difference that would sometimes arrive between the children of the servants, found Molly an additional burden, for she too must be cheered and insult and was often fretful, unreasonable, and exacting. Still the little girl struggled on, now feebly and almost ready to despair, now with renewed hope and courage gathered from an interview with her earthly or heavenly father. Mr. Trevilla was very proud of the womanly way in which she acquitted herself at this time,

her diligence, utter unselfishness, patience, and thoughtfulness for others, and did not withhold the meat of well-earned praise. This was his advice and sympathy did much to enable her to persevere to the end. But oh, what relief in joy when at last the dear mother was restored to them, and the unaccustomed burden lifted from the young shoulders. It would have been impossible to say who rejoiced most heartily in the reunion, father, mother, or children. But every heart leaped lightly, every face with bright with smiles.

Mrs. Trevilla knew she was adding greatly to her cares, and to the annoyances and petty trials of every day, life, and taking Dick and especially Molly into her family. But she realized it more and more, as the months and years rolled on, both had been so spoiled by Anna's unwise and capricious treatment that it was a difficult thing to control them. And poor Molly's sad affliction caused her frequent fits of depression, which rendered her a burden to herself and to others.

also she inherited to some extent her mother's infirmities of temper and her envy jealousy and unreasonableness make her presence in the family a trial for young cousins the mother had to teach patience meekness and forbearance by precept and example ever holding up as the grand motive love to jesus and her desire to please and honor him such constant sewing of the good seed such patient careful weeding out of the tears such watchfulness and prayerfulness as elsie bestowed upon the children god had given her could not fail the reward from him who has said whatever a man soweth that he shall he also reap and as the years rolled on she had the unspeakable joy of seeing her darlings one after another gathered into the fold of the shod shepherd consecrating themselves in the dew of their youth the service of him who would love them and wash them from their sins in his own blood she was scarcely less earnest and persistent in her efforts to promote the welfare temporal and spiritual of mollie and dick she far more than supplied the place of the mother now almost worse than lost to them they had always liked to respect her they soon learned to love her dearly and grew happier and more lovable under the refining elevating influence of her conduct and conversation she and her husband gave to both the best advantages for education that money could recur aroused in the desire and stimulated them to earnest effort to become useful members of society Elsie soon discovered that one grand element of Molly's depression was the thought that she was cut off from all the activities of life and doomed by her sad affliction to be a useless burden upon others. My poor dear child, she said, clasping the weeping girl in her arms, that would be a sad fate indeed, but it need not be yours. There are many walks of these schools still open to you.

Literature, several of the arts and sciences, music, painting, authorship, to say nothing of needlework both plain and fancy. the first thing will be a good education and the ordinary acceptation of this term, and you can take as easily as one who has use of all their limbs. Books and masters shall be at your command, and when you have decided to what employment you will especially devote yourself, every facility shall be given you for perfecting yourself in it. Oh, cousin Elsie, cried the girl, cried Eyes Shining. Do you think I could ever write books or paint pictures? I mean, such as would be really worth of doing, such as would make Dick proud of me and perhaps give me money to help him with. because you know the poor phile must make his own way in the world i scarcely know how to answer that question elsie said smiling at her sudden enthusiasm but i do know that patience and perseverance flew wonders and if you practice them faithfully it will not surprise me to see you some day turn out a great author or artist but don't fret because dick has not a fortune to begin with our very noblest and most successful men have been those who had to win their way by dint of heart and determined struggling with early disadvantages young trees ruth are faster for shaking shatter with a smile oh then dick will succeed i know dear noble fellow cried mollie flushing the sister replied from that time she took heart and there were occasional returns of despondency and gloom she strove to banish them and was upon the whole brave cheerful and energetic and carrying out the plans her cousin had suggested End of chapter 15.

Recording by Esther insominius. Chapter 16th of Elsie's children. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Sweet P. Elsie's Children by Martha Finley. Chapter 16th

It is as if the night should shade noonday, or that the sun was here but forced away. and we were left under that hemisphere where we must feel it dark for half a year ben johnson since the events recorded in our last chapter six years have rolled their swift though noiseless round ere we look in upon our friends again six years bringing such changes as they must growth and development to the very young a richer maturity a riper experience to those who had already attained to adult life and to the aged increasing infirmities reminding them that their race is nearly run it may be so with others it must be so with them there have been gains and losses sickness and other afflictions but death has not yet entered any of their homes at ion the emerald velvety lawn the grand old trees the sparkling lake-lit the flower-garden and conservatories gay with rich autumn leaves were looking their loveliest in the light of a fair september morning the sun was scarcely an hour high and except in the region of the kitchen and stables quiet rains within and without the mansion doors and windows stood wide open and servants were busied here and there cleaning and sitting in order for the day but without noise or bustle in the avenue before the front entrance stood zolan with the pretty gray ponies prince and princess

ready saddled and bridled while on the veranda sat a tall dark-eyed handsome youth a riding whip in one hand the other gently stroking and patting the head of bruno as it rested on his knee the dog receiving the caress with demonstrations of delight a light springing step passed down the broad stairway crossed the hall and a slender fairy-like form appeared in the doorway it was violet now thirteen and already a woman in height though the innocent childlike trust in the sweet fair face and azir eyes told another tale good morning eddy she said i am sorry to have kept you waiting oh good morning he cried jumping up and turning toward her no need for apology vi i've not been here over five minutes he handed her gallantly to the saddle then mounted himself try to cheer up little sister one should not be sad such a lovely morning as this he said as they trotted down the avenue side by side oh eddie she answered with tears in her voice i do try but i can't yet it isn't like home without them no no indeed why how could it be mr and mrs daly are very kind yet not in the least like our father and mother but it would be impossible for any one to take their places in our hearts or home the only way to feel it all reconciled is to keep looking forward to the delight of seeing them return with our darling lily well and strong vi said, struggling bravely with her tears, and Eddie answered, I cannot help hoping that may be, in spite of all the discouraging things the doctors have said.

Lily, always frail and delicate, had dripped more and more during the past year, and only yesterday the parents had left with her for the north, intending to try the effect of different watering places, in the faint hope that the child might yet be restored to health, or her life at least be prolonged for a few years. aunt chloe and uncle jo were not of the party increasing infirmity compelling them to stay behind the separation from her idolized mistress cost the former many tears but she was much comforted by elsie's assurance that to have her at home to watch over the children there would be a great comfort and relief from anxiety on their account it had seemed to mr and mrs travilla a very kind providence that had sent them an excellent tutor and housekeeper in the persons of mr and mrs daly their former guests at since the winter spent together there an occasional correspondence had been kept up between the two families and learning from it that mr daly was again in need of a change of climate and that just as they were casting about for some suitable persons to take charge of their house and children during their contemplated abscesses

from home, Elsie suggested to her husband that the situations should be offered to him and his wife. Mr. Trevilla approved the offer was made at once, and promptly and thankfully accepted. Frank Daly, now a fine lad of eleven, was invited to come with his parents and to share his father's instructions. They had now been in the house for more than a week, and seemed eminently suited to the duties they had undertaken. Yet home was sadly changed. to the children, deprived for the first time in their lives of the parents whom they so dearly loved, and who so thoroughly understood and sympathized with them. Eddie was growing very manly, and was well advanced in his studies, easy and polished in manner,

and Vey and the younger ones looked up to him with pride and respect, as the big brother who knew a great deal, and in Papa's absence would be their leader and protector. He, on his part, was fond and proud. of them all, but more especially of Elsie and Vye, who grew daily in beauty and grace. You can't think how sorely I have missed Elsie this morning, Vye said, breaking a slight pause in their talk, and yet I am glad she went too. She will be such a comfort to Mama and Lily, and she promised me to write every day, which of course Mama could not find time to do. Yet in her absence will give you an opportunity for practice in that line, and in being

motherly to Rosie, Eddie said with a smile. To Herbie, too, she answered. We are to meet in Mama's dressing-room every morning, just as usual, only it will be a strange half-hour without Mama, but we will say our text to each other, talk them over, and read together. Yes, I promised Mama that I would be with you. Which way now? he asked, as they came to the crossroads. To the Oaks, I want to see Grandpa.

A caress, or even a worse smile from him, would do me. good this morning. He may not be up. But I think he will. You know he likes to keep early hours. Mr. Dinsmore was up, and pacing the veranda thoughtfully to and fro, as the young riders came in sight. He welcomed them with a smile, and lifting vye from her pony, held her close to his heart as something very dear and precious. My darling, he said, your face is sad this morning, and no wonder. Yet cheer up, we will hope to see our dear travellers, at home again in a few weeks, our poor fading flower restored to bloom and beauty. He made them sit down and regale themselves with some fresh oranges, which he summoned a servant

to bring. Their grandma, aunts, and uncle joined them presently, and they were urged to stay to breakfast, but declined. The little ones must not be left alone this first morning without Papa and Mama. On their return, Rosie, a merry, healthy, romping child of five, with a rich, creamy complexion, dark hair and eyes, forming a strong contrast to Vy's blonde beauty, came bounding to me. Oh, bye, I've been wanting you. You'll have to be Mama to us now, you know, till our real own Mama comes back. And Eddie, you'll have to be the Papa.

What do you, Vi? Come, let's all go to Mama's dress room. My verse is ready. What is your text, Rosie? Violet asked, when they had reached the room, sitting down and drawing the child to her side. take me on your lap like mamma does and i'll say it now then by said complying with the request when my father and my mother forsake me then the lord will take me up who taught you that pet asked by with a slight tremble in her low sweet tones cousin molly i was crying for mamma and papa and she called me in there and told me i mustn't cry because jesus loves me and will never never go away from me that's like my text said herbert mamma gave it to me for to-day i will never leave thee nor forsake thee and mine said harold lo i am with you always even until the end of the world

this god is our god for ever and ever he will be our guide even unto death repeated vi feelingly that's a nice one said rosy yes said eddie and this is a nice one for us to remember just us now in connection with the dear ones on their journey and for ourselves when we go away yes now and at all times behold i am with thee and we'll keep thee in all places whither thou goest and will bring thee again into this land isn't the bible the sweetest book exclaimed by the book of books it has a comforting word for everybody and every time of need the breakfast bell rang oh dear cried roe Rosie clinging to Violet, her bosom heaving with sobs, How can we go to the table and eat without Papa and Mama? Don't cry, little pet, don't cry. You know they want us to be cheerful and make it pleasant for Mr. and Mrs. Daly, the others said, and with a great effort the child swallowed her sobs,

then wiping away her tears, suffered Vide to lead her down to the breakfast room. Mrs. Daly met them there with a smiling face and kind motherly. greeting. Mr. Daly had a pleasant word for each and talked so entertainingly all through the meal that they had scarcely time for sad or lonely thoughts. Family worship followed immediately after breakfast, as was the custom of the house. Mr. Daly's prayer was short, comforting them all, and simple enough for even little rose to understand. There was still time for a walk before school, but first Vi went to Molly to ask how she was and to carry her a letter from Dick, which had come by the morning mail.

Dick was in Philadelphia studying medicine. He and Molly corresponded regularly, and she knew no greater treat than a letter from him. Vi was glad she could carry it to her this morning. It was so great a pleasure to be the bearer of anything so welcome. There were no pleasanter or better furnished rooms in the house than those appropriated to the use of the poor dependent crippled cousin. Molly herself, tastefully and becomingly dressed, blooming, bright and cheerful,

sat in an invalid chair by the open window. She was reading, and so absorbed in her book, that she did not hear the light step of her young relative. Vye paused in the doorway a moment, thinking what a pretty picture Molly made, with her intellectual countenance, clear complex, reflection, rosy cheeks, bright eyes and glossy braids, framed in by the vine-wreathed window. Molly looked up and laying aside her book, Ah, Vi, this is kind, she said.

Come in, do, I'm ever so glad to see you. And what of this? asked Vi, holding out the letter. Oh, delightful, dear old fellow, to write so soon, I was not expecting it till tomorrow. I knew you'd be glad, Bai said, putting it into her. hand and now I'll just kiss you good morning and run away but you may enjoy it fully before lesson time Rosie's voice was summoning Vi the children were in the veranda ready for their morning walk waiting only for sister Vi let's go to the oaks said Rosie slipping her hand into vies it's a shady walk and I like to throw pebbles into the

water but I'll feed the fishes first see what a bag full of crumbs mammy has given me violet was very patient and indulgent toward the little pet sister yet obliged to cut short her sport with the pebbles and the fishes because the hour for lessons drew near end of chapter sixteenth chapter seventeenth of elsie's children this is the libravox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libervox dot org recording by sweetby elsie's children by more martha finley chapter seventeenth the lilies faintly to the roses yield as on their lovely cheek they struggling by and thoughts are in thy speaking eyes revealed pure as the fount the prophet's rod unsealed hoffman dr arthur left dis for you miss wadet said one of the maids meeting her young mistress on the verandah and handing her note cousin arthur was he here yes miss he asked for you miss but he had no time to stop not even to see pull miss molly expect somebody's mighty sick arthur conley had entered the medical profession and for the last two years had been practising in partnership with dr barton vi glanced over the note and hastened to eddie whom she found in the schoolroom is only occupant at the moment here's a note from isa asking me to bring rosy and come to rosy for the rest of the day after lessons are done she thinks i must be lonely it is very kind but what shall i do about it rosy would enjoy going but would it be kind to you boys or mollie

i might take the boys over to the oaks but i don't know oh i think molly would probably prefer solitude as i happen to know that she has some writing to do well what now seeing a hesitating perplexed look on vi's face i cannot ask permission of papa or mamma no of course not we must go to mr daly for that now i don't like it she answered coloring it does seem as if nobody has the right to control us except our father and mother and our grandparents only that they have given them the right for the present mr daly came in at that instant and vi placing the note in his hand said will you please look at this sir and tell me if i may accept the invitation i see no objection he said returning it with a kindly smile provided your lessons are well recited mr daly was an excellent teacher thoroughly prepared for his work by education native talent for imparting the knowledge he possessed love for the employment and for the young teachers entrusted to his care. The liking was mutual, and study hours were soon voted only less enjoyable than when Mama was their loved instructress. Molly occupied her place in the schoolroom as regularly as the others. It adjoined her apartments, and her wheeled chair required a very slight exertion of strength on the part of friend or servant to propel it from room to room.

Molly had already made herself a very thorough French and German scholar, and was hoping to turn her ability to translate to good account in the way of earning her own support, for there was no pauper instinct in the girl's fine nature, and able and willingness her cousin was to support her, she greatly preferred to earn her own living, though at the cost of much wearisome labor of hand and brain. she was not of those who seemed to forget that the command six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work is equally binding with that other in it the seventh day thou shalt not do any work this lesson that industry is commanded idleness forbidden was one which elsie had ever been careful to instill into the minds of her children from their earliest infancy nor was it enough she taught them that they should be doing something they must be usefully employed remembering that they were but student stewards who must one day give an account to their lord of all they had done with the talents entrusted to them is dick well was it a nice letter violet asked leaning over her cousin's chair when lessons were done oh very nice he's well in doing famously i must answer it this afternoon then you will not care for company not particularly why vye told of her invitation go by all means said molly you know virgy has a friend with her-a miss reed i want you to see her and tell me what she's like i fear you'll have to see her yourself to find that out i'm now portrait painter violet said with a smile as she ran lightly away to order the carriage and see to her own toilet and rosy's they were simple enough white dresses with a blue sash and ribbons for vie ditto of pink for rosy miss reed dressed in a stiff silk and loaded with showy jewelry sat in the drawing-room at roselands in a bay window overlooking the avenue she was gazing eagerly toward its entrance as a-ohered in the drawing-room at roselands in a bay window overlooking the avenue she was gazing eagerly toward its entrance as as though expecting someone. Yes, I've heard of the travillas, she said in answer to a remark from Virginia Coney,

who stood by her side almost as show aria tired of herself. I've been told she was a great heiress. She was, and he was rich, too, though I believe he lost a good deal during the war. They live splendidly, I suppose. They've everything money can buy, but are nearly breaking their hearts just now, over one of their little girls, who seems to have some incurable disease. is that so well they ought to have some trouble as well as other folks i'm sorry though for i'd set my heart on being invited there and seeing how they live oh they're all gone away except vi and rosy and the boys but maybe vi will ask us there to dinner or tea ah here they come what splendid match-horses what an elegant carriage exclaimed miss reed as a beautiful barraush drawn by a pair of fine bays came building up the avenue

yes they've come it's the ion carriage but that's a young lady pomps handing out of it exclaimed miss reed the next moment and my fight you said it was only two children you expected yes vye's only thirteen answered virginia running to the door to meet her vi my dear how good of you to come how sweet you look kissing her rosy too bestowing a caress upon her also pink's so becoming to you little pet and blue equally so to vie this is my friend miss reed vi i've been telling her about you violet gave her hand then drew black blushing and slightly disconcerted by the almost rude stare of the black eyes that seemed to be taking an inventory of her personal appearance and attire where isa she asked here and very glad to see you vi answered a silvery voice and a tall queenly-looking girl of twenty in rustling black silk and with roses in her hair and at her throat took wallet's hands in hers and kissed her on both cheeks, then, letting her go, saluted the little one in like manner. "'Why don't you do that to me? "'Guess I like kisses as well as other folks, ha-ha!' cried a shrill voice,

and a little withered-up faded woman with a large wax doll in her arms came skipping into the room. Her hair, plentifully sprinkled with grey, hung loosely about her neck, and she had be-deazened herself with rubens and faded artificial flowers of every hue. well griselda she continued addressing the doll which she dandled in her arms regarding it with a look of fond admiration we don't care do we dear we love and embrace one another and that's enough oh go back to your own room said virginia in a tone of annoyance we don't want you here i'll go when i get ready and not a minute sooner was the rejoinder in a pettish tone oh here's visitors what a pretty little girl what's your name little girl won't you you come play with me i'll lend you grimalkin my other wax doll she's a beauty almost as pretty as griselda now don't get mad at that grisie dear kissing the doll again and again

rose was frightened and clung to her sister trying to hide behind her it's aunt anna she won't hurt you whispered vi she never hurts anyone unless she is teased or worried into a passion won't she make me go with her oh don't let her by no dear you shall stay with me and here's the nurse to come take her her away. Violet answered, as the poor lunatic was led from the room by her attendant. Dear me, exclaimed Miss Reed, who had not seen her heard of Enna before, turning to Virginia, does she be long in the house? Aren't you afraid of her? Not at all. She is perfectly harmless. She is my mother's sister, and lost her reason some years ago, by an accidental injury to the head. I wonder you don't send her to an asylum. Perhaps it might be as well, returned Virginia indifferently, but it's not my affair. Grandpa would never hear

of such a thing, said Isidore indignantly. Mama would not either, I am sure, said Violet. Poor Aunt Anna, should she be sent away from all who love her, just because she is unfortunate? Everyone to their taste, remarked the visitor, shrugging her shoulders.

I inquired for her Aunt Louise, and the younger members of the family, and was told that they and the grandfather were spending the day at Pine Grove. I was glad they decided to to go to-day said isidore seating vying herself comfortably on a sofa then taking rose on her lap and caressing her because i wanted you here and to have you to myself you see these two young ladies glancing smilingly at her sister and guest are so fully taken up with each other that for the most of the time i am quite detroit and must look for entertainment elsewhere than in their society yes the virginia with more candour than politeness josie and i are all sufficient for you each other are we not mon ami very true ma cherie yet i enjoy ise's company and am extremely delighted to have made the acquaintance of your charming cousin remarked miss reed with an insinuating bow directed to violet

you do not know me yet said vi modestly though so tall i am only a little girl and do not know enough to make an interesting companion for a young lady quite a mistake vi said isadora rising but there is the dinner bell come some let us try the soothing and exhilarating effect of food and drink upon our flagging spirits we will not wait for art there's no knowing when he can leave his patience and cows away on business on leaving the table isdor carried off her young cousins to her own apartments rose was persuaded to lie down and take a nap while the older girls conversed together in an adjoining room isn't it delightful to be at home again after all those years in the convent queried by i enjoy home certainly replied isa yet i deeply regretted leaving the sisters for you cannot think how good and kind they were to me shall i tell you about it about my life there oh do i should so like to hear it isidore smiled at the eager tone the bright interested look and at once began a long and minute description of the events of her school days at the nunnery ending with a eulogy upon convent life in general and the nuns who had been her educators in particular they lived such wholly devoted lives were so kind so good so self-denying violet listened attentively making no remark but isodore read disapproval more than once in her speaking countenance i wish your mamma would send you and elsie there to finish remarked isa breaking the pause which followed the conclusion of her narrative she do not like to go no oh no no why not iza i could never never do some of those things you say they require bow to images or pictures or kneel before them or join in prayers or hymns to the virgin i don't know how you could be so wicked as to refuse she is the queen of heaven and mother of god

i saw and violet looked inexpressibly shocked you can't deny it wasn't jesus god yes he is god in the beginning was the word and the word was with god and the word was god and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us ah and was not the virgin mary his mother violet looked perplexed for a moment then brightening ah i know now she said jesus was god and man both well and mamma told me mary was the mother of his human nature only and it is blasphemous to call her the mother of god and to do her homage is idolatry so i thought before i went to the convent said isodore but the sisters convinced me of my error vi i should like to show you something can you keep a secret i have never had a secret from mamma i do not wish to have any but you can't tell her everything now while she's away and this concerns no one but myself i know i can trust to your honor and taking by his hand she opened a door and drew her into a large closet lighted by a small circular window quite high up in the wall the place was fitted up as an oratory with a picture of the virgin and child and a crucifix standing on a little table with a prayer book and rosary beside it. Fye had never seen such things, but she had heard of them and knew what they signified. Glancing from the picture to the crucifix, she started back in horror, and without a word hastily retreated to the dressing-room, where she dropped into a chair,

pale, trembling, and distressed. Isidore, Isidore, she cried, clasping her hands and lifting her troubled eyes to her cousin's face. Have you, have you become a papist? I am a member of the one true church, remarked her cousin coldly. how bigoted you are violet i could not have believed it of so sweet and gentle a young thing as you i trust you will not consider it your duty to betray me to mamma betray you can you think i would so aunt louise does not know oh isa can you think it right to hide it from her your own mother yes because i was directed to do so by my father confessor and because my motive is a good one and the end sanctifies the means isa mamma has taught me and the bible says it is too that it is never right to do evil that good may come perhaps you and your mamma do not always understand the real meaning of what the bible says it must be that many people misunderstand it else why are there so many denominations of protestants teaching opposite doctrines and all professors to get them from the bible violet in her extreme youth and want of information and ability to argue was not prepared with an answer does vergie know she asked about my change of views and my oratory yes and does she

vergi is altogether worldly and cares nothing for religion of any kind vye's face was full of distress isa she said may i ask you a question what is it when you prayed Do you kneel before that—that crucifix? Sometimes. At others before the Virgin and child. By shuddered, O Isa, have you forgotten the Second Commandment? Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them.

I have not forgotten, but I am content to do as the church directs. returned isidore coldly isa didn't they promise aunt louise that they would not interfere with your religion yes and then broke their promise how can you think they are good they did it to save my soul was that not a good and praiseworthy motive yes but if they thought it was their duty to try to make you believe as they do they should not have promised not to do so but in that case i should never have been placed in the convent and they would have had no opportunity to labor for my conversion earnestly constantly had elsie endeavored to obey the command therefore shall ye lay up these words in your heart and in your soul and bind them for a sign upon your hand that they may be as frontlets between your eyes and ye shall teach them to your children speak of them when thou sittest in thy house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down and when thou risest up thus violet's memory was stored with texts and these words from isaiah suggested themselves as a fit comment upon isador's last remark woe unto them that call evil good and good evil that put darkness for light and light for darkness that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter end of chapter seventeenth recording by sweetpee Chapter 18th of Elsie's Children. This is a Libravox recording.

All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Sweetpee. Elsie's Children by Martha Finley. Chapter 18th But all's not true that suppositions sayeth, nor have the mightiest arguments most faith. Drayton

examples I could cite you more, but be contented with these four, for when one's proofs are aptly chosen, four are as valid as four dozen, prior. Issa's perversion, Issa's secret, weighed heavily upon the heart and conscience of poor Violet. The child had never been burdened with a secret before. She thought Aunt Louise ought to know, yet was not at all clear that it was her duty to tell her. she wished it might be discovered in some way without her agency for it was a dreadful thing for isa to be left to go on believing and doing as she did oh if only she could be talked to by some one old enough and wise enough to convince her of her errors isidore with the zeal of a young convert had set herself the task of bringing vie over to her new faith the opportunity afforded by the absence of the vigilant parents was too good to be lost and should be improved to the utmost she made daily errands to ion some trifling gift to molly often being the excuse was sweet and gracious to all but devoted herself especially to violet insisting on sharing her room when she stayed over night coaxing her out for long walks and drives rowing with her on the lake learning to handle the oars herself in order that they might go alone

and all the time she was on the watch for every favorable opening to say something to undermine the child's faith or bias her mind in favor of the tenets of the church of rome violet grew more and more troubled and perplexed and now not on ices account alone she could not give up the the faith of her fathers, the faith of the Bible, to that inspired word she clung as to the rock which must save her from being engulfed in the wild waters of doubt and difficulty that were surging around her. But neither could she answer all of Isidore's questions and arguments, and there was no one to whom she might churn in her bewilderment, lest she should betray her cousin's secret. She prayed for guidance and help, searching the scriptures and comparing spiritual things with spiritual, and thus was kept from the snares laid for her inexperienced feet. She stumbled and walked with uncertain step for a time, but did not fall.

Those about her, particularly Eddie and her old mommy, noticed the unwanted care and anxiety in her innocent face, but attributed it wholly to the unfavorable news in regard to Lily's condition, which reached them from time to time. The dear invalid was reported as making little or no progress toward recovery, and the hearts of brothers and sisters were deeply saddened by the tidings miss reed was still at roselands and had been brought several times by virginia for a call at ion and at length violet having written for and obtained permission of her parents and consulted mrs daly's convenience in reference to the matter invited the three girls for a visit of several days stipulating however that it was not to interfere with lessons to this the girls readily assented they would make the three girls for a visit of several days stipulating however that it was not to interfere with lessons to this the girls readily assented they would make themselves quite at home and find their own amusement, it was what they should like above all things. The plan worked well, except that under this constant association with Isidore,

Vye, grew daily more careworn and depressed. Even Mr. Daly noticed it, and spoke to her of Lily's state as hopefully as truth would permit. Do not be too much troubled, my dear child, he said, taking her hand in a kind fatherly manner. She's in the hands of one who loves her even better than her parents brothers and sisters do and will let no real evil come nigh her he may restore her to health but if not if he takes her from us it will be to make her infinitely happier with himself for we know that she has given her young heart to him violet bowed a silent assent then hurried from the room her heart too full for speech she was troubled sorely troubled for her darling suffering little sister and with this added anxiety her burden was hard indeed to bear. Mr. Daly was reading in the library that afternoon, when Violet came running in as if in haste, a flush of excitement on her fair face. "'Ah, excuse me, sir, I fear I have disturbed you,' she said, as he looked up from his book.

"'But, oh, I'm glad to find you here, for I think you will help me. I came to look for a Bible in concordance.' "'They are both here on this table,' he said. "'I am glad you are wanting them, for we cannot study them too much. but in what can I help you by? Is it some theological discussion between your cousins and yourself? Yes, sir, we were talking about a book, a story book that Miss Reed admires,

and I said Mama would not allow us to read it, because it teaches that Jesus Christ was only a good man, and Miss Reed said that was her belief, and yet she professes to believe the Bible, and I wish to show her that it teaches that he was very God as well as man. That will not be difficult, he said, for no words could state it more directly and clearly than these. Christ, who is, over all, God lest forever, amen.

And opening the Bible at the ninth chapter of Romans, he pointed to the latter clause of the fifth verse. "'Oh, let me show her that,' cried Vye. "'Suppose you invite them in here,' he suggested, and she hastened to do so.' Miss Reed read the text as it was pointed out to her. "'I don't remember noticing that before,' was all she said. silently Mr. Daly turned over the leaves and pointed out the twentieth verse of the first epistle of John, where it is said of Jesus Christ,

This is the true God and eternal life, and then to Isaiah, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, and several other passages equally strong and explicit in their declaration of the divinity of Christ. Well, said Miss Reed, if he was God, why didn't he say so? He did again and again, was the reply. Here, John 8, 58. We read, Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I am. I don't see it, she said sneeringly.

You do not? Just compare it with this other passage, Exodus 3, 14, 15. And God said unto Moses, I am that I am, and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you. And God said, moreover, unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto thee, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,

hath sent me unto you. This is children of Israel. The Lord God of your fathers, my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. the jews who were present understood those words of jesus as an assertion of his divinity and took up stones to cast at him issdor seemed interested in the discussion but virginia showed evident impatience what's the use of bothering ourselves about it she exclaimed at length what difference does it make whether we believe in his divinity or deny it a vast deal of difference young lady said mr daly if christ be not divine it is idolatry to worship him if he is divine and we fail to acknowledge it and to trust him for salvation we must be eternally lost for neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved but whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins virginia fidgeted uneasily and miss reed inquired with affected politeness if that were all no he said far from it

yet if the bible be as i think we all acknowledge the inspired word of god one plain declaration of a truth is as authoritative as a dozen suppose i don't believe it is all inspired queried miss reed still since jesus asserts his own divinity we must either accept him as god or believe him to have been an impostor and therefore not even a good man he must be to us everything or nothing there is no neutral ground he says he that is not with me is against me and there is only one true church remarked isidore forgetting herself the holy roman church and none without her pail can be saved mr daly looked at her in astonishment violet was at first greatly startled then inexpressibly relieved since isa's secret being one no longer a heavy weight was removed from her heart and conscience virginia was the first to speak there she said you've let it out yourself i always knew you would sooner or later well returned isidore drawing herself up haughtily determined to put a brave face upon the matter now that there was no retreat i am not ashamed of my faith nor afraid to attempt its defence against any who may see fit to attack it she added with a defiant look at mr daly he smiled a little sadly i am very sorry for you miss conley he said and do not feel at all deligerent toward you but let me entreat you to rest your hopes of salvation only upon the atoning blood and imputed righteousness of jesus christ i must do good works also she said yes as an evidence but not as the ground of your faith we must do good works not that we may be saved but because we are saved if a man love me he will keep my words

well my little vi what is it for she was looking at him with eager questioning eyes oh mr daly i want you to answer some things isa has said to me isa i have never mentioned it to any one before i have kept your secret faithfully till now that you have told it yourself i don't blame you vye she answered colouring i presume i shall be blamed for my efforts to bring you over to the true faith but my conscience acquits me of any bad motive i wanted to save your soul mr daly i will be blamed for my efforts to bring you over to the true faith but my conscience acquits me of any bad motive i wanted to save your soul mr daly i i do not imagine you can answer all that i have to bring against the claims of protestantism pray where was that church before the reformation there was something annoying to the girl in the smile which he heard her question wherever the bible was made the rule of faith and practice he said there was protestantism though existing under another name all through the dark ages when popery was dominant almost all over the civilized world the light of a pure gospel the very same that the reformation was a the light of a pure gospel the very same that the reformation spread abroad over other parts of europe burned brightly among the secluded valleys of piedmont and twelve hundred years of bloody persecution on the part of apostate rome could not quench it i know that popery lays great stress on her claims to antiquity but paganism is older still an evangelical religion which as i have already said is protestantism under another name is as old as the christian era as the human nature of its founder the lord jesus christ you are making assertions said isidur a bridling but where are your proofs they are not wanting he said suppose we undertake the study of ecclesiastical history together and see how popery was the growth of centuries as one error after another crept into the christian church i don't believe she was ever the persecutor you make her out to have been said isidor popish historians bear witness to it as well as protestant he answered

well it's persecution to bring up those old stories against her now is it when she will not disavow them but maintains that she has always done right and more than that tells us she will do the same again if ever she has the power i'm sure all romanists are not so cruel as to which to torture or kill their protestant neighbors cried isidore indignantly and i quite agree with you there he said i have not the least doubt that many of them are very kind-hearted but i was speaking not of individual but of the romish church as such she is essentially a persecuting power well being the only true church she has the right to compel conformity to her creed ah you have already imbibed something of her spirit but we contend that she is not the true church to the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them brought to the touchstone of god's revealed word she has proved to be reprobate silver, her creeds spurious Christianity. In 2nd Thessalonian second chapter, we have a very clear description of her as that wicked whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth

and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. Also, in the 17th of Revelation, where she is spoken of as Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. How do you know she is meant there? cried Isidore, growing red and angry. because she and she alone answers to the description it is computed that fifty millions of protestants have been slain in her persecutions may it not then be truly said of her that she is drunken with the blood of the saints i think what you have been saying slows that the priests are right in teaching the bible is a dangerous book in the hands of the ignorant and should therefore be withheld from the laity

retorted isidore hotly but returned mr daly jesus said search the scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life and they are they which testify of me end of chapter eighteenth chapter nineteenth of elsie's children this is a libervox recording all livervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox dot org recording by sweet pee elsie's children by martha finley chapter nineteenth let us go back again mother oh take me home to die and so isa my uncle's predictions that your popish teachers would violate their promise not to meddle with your faith have proved only too true said cowhound conley stepping forward as mr daly finished his last quotation from the scriptures in the heat of their discussion neither the minister nor isidore had noticed his entrance but he had been standing there an interested listener long enough to learn the sad fact of his sister's perversion they only did their duty and i shall not have them blamed for it she said haughtily they richly deserve blame and you cannot prevent it from being given them he answered firmly and with flashing eyes i have come by my mother's request to take you and virginia home inviting miss reed to accompany us i am ready said isidor rising the others doing likewise but you will stay to tea violet said cal you are not in too great haste for that i am afraid i am little cousin he answered with a smile of acknowledgment for her hospitality i must meet a gentleman on business half an hour from now

vi expressed her regrets and ran after the girls who had already left the room to prepare for their drive they seemed in haste to get away we've had enough of mr daly's prosing about religion said virginia i'm sick of it chimed in miss reed what difference does it make what you believe if only you're sincere and live right with the heart man believeth unto righteousness said violet and the just shall live by faith you're an apt pupil sneered virginia it is mamma's doing that my memory is stored with texts returned the child reddening isidore was silent and gloomy and took leave of her young cousin so coldly as to quite saddened her sensitive spirit violet had enjoyed being made much of by isa who was a beautiful and brilliant young lady and this sudden change in her manner was far from pleasant still the pain it gave it gave to her way to her way she was far from pleasant still the pain it gave her was greatly overbalanced by the relief of having her perplexities removed her doubts set at rest standing on the veranda she watched the carriage as it rolled away down the avenue then hailed with delight a horseman who came galloping up alighted and giving the bridle to solon turned her with open arms and a smile that proclaimed him the bearer of good tidings before he uttered a word grandpa she cried springing to his embrace oh is lily better yes he said caressing her then turning to greet rosy and the boys who had come running at the sound of his voice i have had a letter from your mother in which she says the dear invalid seems decidedly better oh joy joy cried the children rosy hugging and kissing her grandfather the boy is capering about in a transport of gladness and will they come home soon grandpa asked eddie nothing is said about that i presume they will linger at the north till the weather begins to grow too cool for lily mr dinsmore answered shaking hands with mr daly who hearing his voice on the veranda stepped out to inquire for news of the absent ones

while they talked together vye ran away in search of aunt chloe she found her on the back verandah enjoying a chat with aunt dicey and uncle joe oh mammy good news good news vi cried half breathless with haste and happiness grandpa had a letter from mamma and our darling lily is better much better brash de lord ejaculated her listeners in chorus brese his holy name i hope de child am goin to discover her health again added uncle joe ee ee hae been a preyin powerful strong for her spect there has been more new at that business uncle joe remarked aunt dicey speck i know's one old nigger that didn't fail to disremember de little darling at the throne of grace de brese-lame murmured aunt chloe dropping a tear on violet's golden curls as she clasped her to her breast she's de lord's own an he'll take de best care of her in dis world an in de necks be sure dat honey i's mighty glad for her and my dear mrs and for you too miss violet you's been fretting your heart out bout miss lily i've been very anxious about her mammy and something else has been troubling me too but it's all right now violet answered with a glad look then releasing herself ran back to her grandfather she had seen less than usual of him for several weeks past and wanted an opportunity to pour out all her heart to him he had gone up to mollie's sitting-room and she followed him thither with rosy on his knee harold and herbert standing on either side and eddy sitting near he was chatting gaily with his crippled niece who was as bright and cheery as any of the group all of whom were full of joy over the glad tidings he had brought

grandpa said vi joining them it seems a good while since you were here for more than a short call won't you stay now for the rest of the day yes and i propose that we drive down to the lake molly and all and have a row i think it would do you all good the weather is delightful the motion was carried by acclamation molly's maid was summoned eddy went down to order the carriage and the rest scattered to prepare for the expedition it was a lovely october day the arabommy the woods gorgeous and their richly colored autumn robes gold scarlet and crimson russet and green mingled in gay profusion the slanting beams of the descending sun fell athwart the lake-lit like a broad band of shimmering gold here and there lent an added glory to the trees the boat glided swiftly over the rippling waters now in sunshine now in shadow and the children hushed their merry clatter silenced by the beauty and stillness of the scene tea was waiting when they returned and on leaving the table the younger ones bade good-night and went away with vi to be put to bed she had a story or some pleasant talk for them every night doing her best to fill mamma's place vye was glad to find her grandpa alone in the library when she came down again come sit on my knee as your dear mamma used to do at your age he said and tell me what you have been doing these past weeks while i have seen so little of you it is so nice she said as she took the offered seat and he passed his arm about her so nice to have a grandpa to pet me especially when I have no father or mother at home to do it.

So we are mutually satisfied, he said. Now what have you to tell me, any questions to ask, any doubts or perplexities to be cleared away? Grandpa, has anybody been telling you anything? She asked. No, nothing about you. Then I'll just tell you all. And she gave him a history of Isidore's efforts to pervert her

and their effect upon her, also of the conversation of that afternoon, in which Mr. Daly had answered the questions of Isidore that had most perplexed and troubled her. Mr. Dinsmore was grieved and distressed by Issa's defection from the evangelical faith, and indignant at her attempt to lead via stray also. Are you fully satisfied now on all the points, he asked? There are one or two things I should like to ask you about, Grandpa, she said. Issa thinks a convent life,

so beautiful and holy so shut out from the world with all its cares and wickedness she says so quiet and peaceful so full of devotion and the self-denial the lord jesus taught when he said if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me do you think leaving one's dear home and father and mother and brothers and sisters to be shut up for life with strangers in a convent was the cross he meant grandpa no i am perfectly sure it was not the bible teaches us to do our duty in the place where god puts us it recognizes the family relationships teaches the reciprocal duties of kinsmen parents and children husbands and wives but has not a word to say to monks or nuns it bids us to take to monks or nuns it bids us to take to take to the reciprocal duties of kinsmen parents and children husbands husbands but has not a word to say to monks or nuns it bids us to take up the cross god lays upon us and not one of our own invention nor did one of the holy men and women it tells of live the life of an anchorite nor can peace and freedom from temptation and sin be found in a convent any more than elsewhere because we carry our evil natures with us wherever we go no peace and happiness are to be found only in being followers of god as dear children doing our duty in that situation in life where he has placed us our motive loved to him leading us to desire above all things to live to his honor and glory violet sat with downcast eyes her face full of earnest thought she was silent for a moment after mr dinsmore had ceased speaking then lifting her head and turning to him with a relieved look thank you grandma she said i am fully satisfied on that point now there is just one more isa says the divisions among protestants show that the bible is not a book for common people to read for themselves they cannot understand it right if they did they would all believe alike

mr dinsmore smiled who is to explain it he asked oh isa says that is for the priests to do and they and the people must accept the decisions of the church well my child it would take too much time to tell you to tell you that is for the priests to do and they and the people must accept the decisions of the church well my child it would take too much time to tell you tell you just how impossible it is to find out what are the authoritative decisions of the Romish Church on more than one important point, how one council would contradict another, one Pope affirm what his predecessors had denied, and vice versa. Councils contradict popes and popes councils. As to the duty of studying the Bible for ourselves, we have the master's own command, search the scriptures, which settles the question at once for all his obedient disciples. and no one who sets himself to the work humbly and teachably,

looking to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, will fail to find the path to heaven. The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Jesus said, The comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things. And, my child, none of us is responsible

for the interpretation that his neighbor puts upon God's word. His letter addressed to us all, each of us must give account of himself to God. God. Violet's doubts and perplexities had vanished like morning mist before the rising sun. Her natural gaiety of spirits returned, and she became again as was her wont, the sunshine of the house, full of life and hope, with a cheery word and sunny smile for everyone, from Mr. Daly down to Rosie and from Aunt Chloe to the youngest child at the quarter. She had not been so happy since the departure of her parents. Eddie, Molly, and the younger ones,

in some measure her bright hopefulness and the renewed ardor with which she pursued her studies and for some days all went on prosperously at ion then came a change one evening vi having seen rosy in bed and bade harold and herbert good-night also returned to the schoolroom where eddie and their cousin were busied with their preparations for the morrow's recitations she had settled herself before her desk and was taking out her books when the sound of horses hoofs coming swiftly up the avenue caused her to spring up and run to the window it is grandpa she said he seldom comes so late oh eddie and she dropped into a chair her heart beating wildly don't be alarmed eddie said rising and coming toward her his own voice trembling with apprehension it may be good news again oh do you think so can it be she asked surely vi uncle would come as fast as possible if he had good news to bring said mollie perhaps it is that they are coming home it is getting so late in the fall now that i am expecting every day to hear that let's go down to grandpa said vi rising while a faint color stole into her cheek which had grown very pale at the thought that the little pet sister might be dead or dying no no as a step was heard on the stairs he is coming to us the door opened and mr dinsmore entered one look into his grief-stricken face and violet threw herself into his arms and wept upon his breast he soothed her with silent caresses his heart almost too full of her speech but at length it is not the worst he said in low-moved tones she lives but has had a relapse and they are bringing her home home to die echoed violet's heart and she clung about her grandfather's neck weeping almost convulsively

tears coursed down mollie's cheeks also and eddie hardly less overcome than his sister asked tremulously how soon may we expect them grandpa in about two days i think and my dear children we must school ourselves to meet lily with calmness and composure lest we injure by exciting and agitating her we must be prepared to find her more feeble than when she went away and much exhausted by the fatigue of the journey worse than when she went away and even the doctors gave no hope it was almost as if they already saw her lying lifeless before them they wept themselves to sleep that night and in the morning it was though death had already entered the house a solemn stillness reigned in all its rooms and the quiet tread the sad subdued tones the oft-falling tear attested the warmth of affection in which the dear dying child was held a parlor car was speeding southward its occupants a noble-looking man a lovely matron a blooming beautiful girl of seventeen a rosy babe in his nurse's arms and a pale fragile golden-haired blue child of seven lying now on a couch with her head in her mother's lap now resting in her father's arms for a little she seemed the central figure of the group all eyes turning ever and anon upon her in tenderest solicitude, every irritative to her slightest plaint, every hand ready to minister to her wants. She was very quiet, very patient, answering their anxious questioning words and

looks with many a sweet, affectionate smile or whisper of grateful appreciation of their ministry of love. Sometimes she would beg to be lifted up for a moment that she might see the rising or setting sun or gaze upon the autumnal glories of the woods, and, as they drew near their journey's end, she would ask, Are we almost there, Papa? Shall I soon see my own sweet home and dear brothers and sisters? At last the answer was, Yes, my darling, in a few moments we shall leave the car

for our own easy carriage, and one short stage will take us home to Ion. Mr. Dinsmore, his son and Arthur Cohnley, met them at the station, and told how longingly their dear one. at home were looking for them the sun had set and shadows began to creep over the landscape as the carriage stopped before the door and lily was lifted out borne into the house and gently laid upon her own little bed she was nearly fainting with fatigue and weakness and dearly as the others were loved father and mother had no eyes for any but her no word of greeting as the one bore her past the other hastily followed with the doctor and grandfather to her room but Elsie and Vi were quickly locked in each other's arms mingling their tears together while Rosie and the boys gathered round awaiting their turn oh sobbed Rosie

Mama didn't speak to me she didn't look at me she doesn't love me anymore No my papa either Yes they do a little pet Elsie said leaving Violet to embrace the little sister and sister Elsie loves you dearly dearly Harold and Herbert too as well as our big oldest brother, smiling up at Eddie through her cheers as he stood by her side. He bent down to kiss her sweet lips. Lily, he said in a choking voice. With a great effort, Elsie controlled her emotion

and answered low and tremulously, She is almost done with pain. She is very happy, no doubt, no fear, only gladness that soon she will be safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on his gentle breast. eddie turned away with a broken sob vye uttered a low cry of anguish and rosy and the boys broke into a wail of sorrow till that moment they had not given up hope that the dear one might even yet be restored in the sick room the golden head lay on a snow-white pillow the blue eyes were closed and the breath came pantingly from the pale parted lips cousin arthur had his finger on the slender wrist counting its pulsations while father and grandfather stood looking in on anxious solicitude and the mother bent over her fading flower asking in tender whispered accents are you in pain my darling no mamma only so tired so tired so tired

Only the mother's quick ear, placed close to the pale lips, could catch the low-breathed words. The doctor administered a cordial, then a little nourishment was given, and the child fell asleep. The mother sat watching her, lost to all else in the world. Arthur came to her side with a whispered word about her own need of rest and refreshment after her fatiguing journey. How long, she asked in the same low tone. glancing first at the white face on the pillow than at him some days i hope and she is likely now to sleep for hours let me take your place elsie bent over the child listening for a moment to her breathing then accepting his offer followed her husband and father from the room rosy waiting and watching in the hall without sprang to her mother's embrace with a low joyful cry mamma mamma oh you've been gone so long so long i thought you'd never come back mamma is very glad to be with you again elsie said holding her close for a moment then resigning her to her father she sought the others all near at hand and waiting eagerly for a sight of her loved face a word from her gentle lips

they were all longing for one of the old confidential talks violet perhaps more than the others but it could not be now the mother could scarcely allow herself time for a little rest ere she must return to her station by the side of the sick-bed but mollie was not forgotten or neglected elsie went to her with kind inquiries loving cheering words and a message from dick whom she had seen a few days before mollie sat thinking it over gratefully after her cousin had longed left the room how kind and thoughtful for others she is how sweet and gentle how patient and resigned i will try to be more like her how truly she obeys the command be pitiful be courteous but why should one so lovely so devoted a christian be visited with so sore trial i can see why my trials were sent i was so proud and worldly and they were necessary to show me my need of jesus but she has loved and leaned upon him since she was a little child. End of chapter 19th. Chapter 20th of Elsie's children. This is a Libravox recording.

All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Sweet P. Chapter 20th. Let them die. Let them die now, thy children. So thy heart shall wear their beautiful, image, all undimmed, within it to the last, Mrs. Hemmonds.

Lily seemed a little stronger in the morning, and the brothers and sisters were allowed to go in by turns and speak to her. Violet chose to be the last, thinking that would perhaps secure a little longer interview. Lily, with Mama by her side, lay propped up with pillows, her eyes bright, a lovely color on her almost transparent cheek, her luxurious hair lying about her like keeps of shining gold, her red lips smiling a joyous welcome, as Vi stooped over her. Could it be that she was dying? Oh, darling, you may get well even yet, cried Vi, in tones tremulous with joy and hope. Lily smiled and stroked her sister's face lovingly with her little thin white hand.

Violet was startled by its scorching heat. You are burning up with fever, she exclaimed, tears gushing from her eyes. Yes, but I shall soon be won. well said the child clasping her sister close i'm going home to the happy land to be with jesus vi oh don't you wish you were going to mamma i'm tired please tell vi my text and the inhabitants shall not say i am sick the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their in their iniquity the mother repeated in a low sweet voice for jesus sake softly added the dying one he has loved me and washed me from my sins in his own blood. Vi fell on her knees by the bedside and buried her face in the clothes, vainly trying to stifle her bursting sobs. Poor Vi! sighed Lily. Mama comfort her. Mama drew the weeper to her bosom and spoke tenderly to her of the loving Savior and the home he has gone to prepare for his people.

Our darling will be so safe and happy there, she said, and she is glad to go to rest in his bosom and wait there for us, as in his own good time he shall call one after another to himself. Tis there we'll meet at Jesus' feet when we meet to part no more. Tears were coursing down the mother's cheeks as she spoke, but her manner was calm and quiet. To her, as to her child standing upon the very brink of Jordan, heaven seemed very near, very real, and while mourning that soon that beloved face and form would be seen no more on earth, she rejoiced with joy unspeakable for the blessedness that should be hers forever and forevermore there were no tears in lily's eyes mamma i'm so happy she said smiling dear vi you must be glad for me and not cry so i have no pain to-day and i'll never have any more when i get home where the dear saviour is mamma please read about the beautiful city elsie took up the bible that lay beside the pillow and opening at the revelation read its last two chapters the twenty-first and twenty-second lily lay intently listening violet's hand fast clasped in hers

darling vye she whispered you love jesus don't you violet nodded assent she could not speak and you're willing to let him have me aren't you dear yes yes but the tears fell fast and oh what shall i do without you she cried with a choking sob it won't be long said lily mamma says it will seem only a very little while when it is past her voice sank with the last words and she closed her eyes with a weary sigh go dear daughter go away for the present the mother said to violet who instantly obeyed lily lingered for several days suffering little except from weakness always patient and cheerful talking so joyfully of going home to jesus that death seemed robbed of all its gloom for it was none of the grave they thought in connection with her but of the glories of the upper sanctuary the bliss of those who dwell forever with the lord father brothers and sisters often gathered for a little while about her bed for she dearly loved them all but the mother scarcely left her day or night. The mother whose gentle teachings had guided her childish feet into the path that leads to God, whose ministry of love had made the short life bright and happy, spite of weakness and pain. It was in the early morning that the end came. She had been sleeping quietly for some hours, sleeping while darkness passed away, till day had fully dawned and the east was flushing with crimson and gold. Her mother,

mother sat by the bedside gazing with tender glistening eyes upon the little wan face thinking how placid was its expression what an almost unearthly beauty it wore when suddenly the large azure eyes opened wide gazing steadily into hers while the sweetest smile played about the lips mamma dear mamma how good you've been to me jesus is here he has come from me i'm going now dear darling mamma kiss me good-bye my darling my darling elsie cried cried, pressing a kiss of passionate love upon the sweet lips. Dear Mama, they faintly whispered and were still. Kneeling by the bedside, Elsie gathered the little wasted form in her arms, pillowing the beautiful golden head upon her bosom, while again and again she kissed the pale brow, the cheeks, the lips, then laying it down gently, she stood gazing upon it with unutterable love

and mingled joy in anguish. It was well with the child, and no rebellious thought arose in her heart, but ah, what an aching void was there, how empty were her arms, though so many of her darlings were still spared to her. A quiet step drew near, a strong arm was passed about her waist, and a kind hand drew her head to a resting place on her husband's breast. Is it so, he said in moved tones, gazing through a mist of tears upon the quiet face of the young sleeper. ah darling our precious lamb is safely folded at last he has gathered her in his arms and is carrying her in his bosom there was no bitterness in the tears that were shed to the memory of little lily her short life had been so full of suffering her passing away was so joyful that they must rejoice for her even while they wept for their own heavy loss they laid her body in the family burial ground and mamma and the children went very often to scatter flowers upon the graves reserving the fairest and sweetest for the little man that looked so fresh and new but she's not here rosy would say she's gone to the dear home above where jesus is and she's so happy and she's so happy she'll never be sick any more because she's not here rosy would say she's gone to the dear home above where jesus is and she's so happy she'll never be sick any more because it says, neither there shall be any more pain.

Lily was never spoken of as lost or dead. She had only gone before to the happy land where they were all journeying and where they should find her again blooming and beautiful. They spoke of her often, and with cheerfulness, though tears would sometimes fall at the thought that the separation must be so long. Elsie was much worn out with the long nursing, but she would not resign to other hands, and as Mr. and Mrs. Daly were well pleased to have it so arranged,

they still retained their posts in the household. But the children again enjoyed the pleasant evening walks, and the prized morning half-hour with Mama. They might go to her at other times also, and it was not long before Vye found an opportunity to unburden her mind by a full account of all the doubts and perplexities that had so troubled her, and the manner in which they had been removed to her great comfort and peace. It was in the afternoon of the second day after the funeral,

the two older girls being alone with their mother and her boudoir elsie was startled at the thought of the peril her child had been in i blame myself she said that i have not guarded you more carefully against these fearful errors we will now take up the subject together my children and i and study it thoroughly and we will invite isa and virgy to join with us in our search after truth mollie also mamma if she is willing suggested her namesake daughter certainly but i counter her among my children ah i have not seen her for several days i fear she has been feeling neglected i will go to her now she added rising from the couch on which she had been reclining and you may both go with me if you wish isa had been with mollie for the last half-hour i came on that unpleasant business in making a call of condolence she announced on her entrance but they told me cousin elsie was lying down to rest and her girls were with her elsie and vi so not wishing to disturb them i'll visit with you first if you like i'm glad to see you mollie said please be seated isadora seemed strangely embarrassed and sat for some moments without speaking what is the matter issa mollie asked at length "'I think it was really in kind in Mama to send me on this errand. "'It was her place to come, "'but she said Cousin Elsie was so bound up in that child

"'that she would be overwhelmed with grief, "'and she, Mama, would not know what to say. "'She always found it the most awkward thing in the world "'to try to console people under such afflictions. "'It will not be at all necessary,' returned Molly dryly. "'Cousin Elsie has all the consolation she needs. "'She came to me for a few moments the very day Lily died, "'and though I could see plainly that she,

she had been weeping, her face was perfectly calm and peaceful, and she told me that her heart sang for joy when she thought of her darling's blessedness. Asa looked very thoughtful. I wish I were sure of it, she said half unconsciously. She was such a dear little thing. Sure of what? cried Molly indignantly. Can you doubt for a moment that the child is in heaven? If she had only been baptized into the true church.

But there, don't look so angry, how can I help wishing it when I know it's the only way to be saved? But you don't know it, you can't know it, because it isn't so. Oh, Isidore, how could you turn Papus, then try to turn violet? So you've heard about it. I suppose you had, said Isidore coloring. I suppose, too, that Cousin Elsie is very angry with me, and that was why I thought it's so unkind in Mama to send me in her place, making an excuse of a headache.

Not a bad enough one to prevent her coming, I'm sure. I don't know how Cousin Elsie feels about it, or even whether she has heard it, said Molly, though I presume she has, as Vaya never conceals anything from her. Well, I've only done my duty, and can't feel that I'm deserving of blame, said Isidore, but such a time as I've had of it since my conversion became known in the family. Your perversion, you should say, interrupted Molly. Was Aunt Louise angry?

Very, but principally, I could see because she knew Grandpa and Horace would reproach her for sending me to the convent. And did they? Yes, Grandpa was furious, and of course Uncle said I told you. so. He has only reasoned with me, though he let me know he was very much displeased about Vi, Cal, and Art, too, have undertaken to convince me of my errors. While Virginia sneers and asks why I could not be content to remain a Protestant, and altogether I've had a sweet time of it for the last two weeks. There's a tap at the door. Will you please open it? said Molly.

It was Mrs. Trevilla, Alcy and Violet, which Isidore admitted. She recognized them with a deep blush and an embarrassed, appreciating air, for the thought instantly struck her that Vi had probably just been telling her mother what had occurred during her absence. "'Ah, Aisa, I did not know you were here,' her cousin said, taking her hand. "'I am pleased to see you.' The tone was gentle and kind, and there was not a trace of displeasure in look or manner. "'Thank you, cousin,' Issa said, trying to recover her composure. "'I came to—Mama has a headache, and sent me—'

"'Yes, never mind. I know all you would say, Elsie answered, tears trembling in her soft brown eyes, but a look of perfect peace and resignation on her sweet face. You feel for my sorrow, and I thank you for your sympathy. But, Issa, the consolations of God are not small with me, and I know that my little one is safe with him. Molly, my child, how are you today? Very well, thank you, Molly answered,

clinging to the hand that was offered her, and looking up with dewy eyes into the calm, beautiful face bending over her. how kind you are to think of me at such a time as this ah cousin it puzzles me to understand why afflictions should be sent to one who else he shook her head you cannot see my heart molly and the master knows just how many strokes of his chisel are needed to fashion the soul in his image he will not make one too many many besides should i grudge him one of the many darlings he has given me or her the bliss he has taken her to ah no no his will be done with me and mine she sat down upon a sofa and making room for isa who had been exchanging greetings with her younger cousins invited her to a seat by her side i want to talk with you she said gently vi has been telling me everything ah do not think i have any reproaches for you though nothing could have grieved me more than your success in what you attempted she then went on to give in her own gentle kindly way good and sufficient reasons for her dread and hatred of not papists but popery and concluded by inviting isa to join with them in a thorough investigation of its arrogant claims Issa consented, won by her cousin's generous forbearance and affectionate interest in her welfare, and arrangements were made to begin the very next day.

Molly's writing-desk stood open on the table by her side, and Violet's bright eyes catching sight of the address on a letter lying there, Oh, cousin, have you heard? she exclaimed, and is it good news? Yes, replied Molly, a flush of pride and pleasure mantling her cheek. I should have told you at once, if, under ordinary circumstances, but, and her eyes filled as she turned them upon mrs travilla dear child i am interested now and always in all your pains and pleasures responded the latter and shall heartily rejoice in any good that has come to you then mollie blushing and happy explained that she had been using her spare time for months past in making a translation of a french story had offered it for publication and after weeks of anxious waiting had that morning received a letter announcing its acceptance and enclosing a check for a hundred $100. My dear child, I am proud of you, at the energy, patience, and perseverance you have shown,

her cousin said warmly, and with a look of great gratification, success so gained must be very sweet, and I offer you my hearty congratulations. The younger cousins added theirs, Elsie and Vye, rejoicing at a great good to themselves, and Issa expressing extreme surprise at the discovery that Molly had attained to so much knowledge and possessed sufficient talent for such an undertaking. End of Chapter 20th. Chapter 21st of Elsie's children. This is a Libervox recording.

All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Sweet P. Elsie's Children by Martha Finley. Chapter 21st. Vice is a Monarchie. of so frightful mean as to be hated needs but to be seen yet seem too oft familiar with her face we first endure then pity then embrace pope the winter and spring passed very quietly at ion at roselands there was more gaiety the girls going out frequently and receiving a good deal of company at home virginia was seldom at ion but isidor spent an hour there almost every day pursuing the investigation proposed by her

cousin Elsie. She was an honest and earnest inquirer after truth, and at length acknowledged herself entirely convinced of the errors into which she had been led, entirely restored to the evangelical faith, and more than that, she became a sincere and devoted Christian, much to the disgust and chagrin of her worldly-minded mother and Aunt Delaford, who would have been far better pleased to see her a mere butterfly of fashion, as were her sister and most of her younger friends. But to her brother Arthur, and at both the oaks and ion the change in isa was a source of deep joy and thankfulness also it was the means of leading cowhound who had long been halting between two opinions to come out decidedly upon the lord's side old mr dinsmore had become quite infirm and cal now took entire charge of the plantation arthur was busy in his profession and walter was at west point preparing to enter the army herbert and met at carrington were at the north the one attending college the other at boarding-school old mrs carrington was still living making her home at ashlands and through her the rosses were frequently heard from they were still enjoying a large measure of worldly prosperity

mr ross being a very successful merchant he had taken his son philip into partnership a year ago and lucy's letter spoke much of the lad as delighting his father and herself by his business ability and shrewdness they have their city residence as well as their country's seat gertrude had made her debut into fashionable society in the fall and spent a very gay winter and the occasional letters she wrote to the younger elsie were filled with descriptions of the balls parties operas and theatricals and theatricals she attended, the splendors of her own attire and the elegant dresses worn by others. It may be that at another time Elsie, so unaccustomed to worldly pleasures, would have found these subjects interesting from their very novelty, but now, while the parting from Lily was so recent, when her happy death had brought the glories of heaven so near, how frivolous they seemed. They had more attraction for excitable excitement-loving Violet, yet even she, interested for the

moment, presently forgot them again, as something reminded her of the dear little sister, who was not lost but gone before to the better land. Fai had a warm, loving heart, no one could be fonder of home parents, brothers, and sisters than she, but as spring drew on, she began to have a restless longing for change of scene and employment. She had been growing fast and felt weak and languid. Both she and Elsie had attained their full height, Vye being a trifle the taller of the two, they grew daily in beauty and grace and were not more lovely in person than in character and mind. They were as open as the day with their gentle, tender mother, and their fond, proud father,

proud of his lovely wife and his sons and daughters, whose equals he truly believed were not to be found anywhere throughout the whole length and breadth of the land. So Vye was not slow in telling of her desire for change. It was on a lovely evening in May when the whole family were gathered in the veranda, serenely happy in each other's society the babe in his mother's arms rosy on her father's knee the others grouped about them doing nothing but enjoy the rest and quiet after a busy day with books and work mollie in her wheeled chair was there in their midst feeling herself quite one of them and looking as contented and even blithesome as any of the rest she was feeling very glad over her success in a second literary venture thinking of dick too and how delightful it would be if she could only talk it all over with him. He had told her in his last letter that she was making him proud of her,

and what a thrill of delight the words had given her. "'Papa and Mama!' exclaimed Violet, breaking a pause in the conversation. "'Home is very dear and sweet, and yet I'm afraid I ought to be ashamed to say it, but I do want to go away somewhere for a while, to the seashore, I think. That is if we can all go and be together.' i see no objection if all would like it her father said with an indulgent smile what do you say to the plan little wife i echo my husband's sentiments as a good wife should she answered with something of the sportiveness of other days and we echo yours mother said edward do we not appealing to the others oh yes yes they cried a summer at the sea-shore by all means in a cottage home of our own shall it not be papa asked elsie your mamma decides all such questions was his smiling rejoinder

i approve the suggestion it is far preferable to hotel life she said mollie my child you are the only one who has not spoken mollie's bright face had clouded a little i want you all to go and enjoy yourself she said though i shall miss you sadly miss us do you then intend to decline going along molly colored and hesitated i'm such a troublesome piece of furniture to move she said half jestingly bravely trying to cover up the real pain that came with the thought that is nothing said mr travilla so gently and tenderly that happy grateful tears sprang to her eyes you go of course with the rest of us unless there is some more insuperable objection such as a disinclination on your part and even that should perhaps be overruled for the change would do you good oh mollie you will not think of staying behind we should miss you sadly said elsie and vi and if you go you'll see dick suggested eddie molly's heart bounded at the thought oh she said her eyes sparkling how delightful that would be and since you are all so kind i'll be glad very glad to go here comes grandpa's carriage i'm so glad exclaimed herbert the first to spy it as he turned in at the avenue gate now i hope they'll say they'll all go too he had his wish the carriage contained mr and mrs dinsmore their son and daughter and it soon appeared that they had come to propose the very thing herbert desired viz that adjacent cottages at the seashore should be engaged for the two families and all spend the summer there together it was finally arranged that the dinsmore should proceed the others by two or three weeks then mr dinsmore returned for his daughter and her family and mr travilla follow a little later in the season also that the second party should make their journey by water it would be easier for molly and newer to all than the land route which they had taken much oftener in going north

dear me how i wish we were rich exclaimed virginia conley when she heard of it the next morning at breakfast from cal who had spent the evening at ion i'd like nothing better than to go north for the summer not to a dull prosy life in a cottage though but to some of the grand hotels where people dress splendidly and have hops in all sorts of gay times. If I had the means, I'd go to the seashore for a few weeks, and then off to Saratoga for the rest of the season. Mama, couldn't we manage it somehow? You ought to give Issa and I every advantage possible if you want us to make good matches. I shouldn't need persuasion to gratify you if I had the money, Virginia, she answered dryly, with a significant glance at her father and sons. There was no response from them,

for none of them felt able to supply the coveted funds. I think it very likely, Cousin Elsie will invite you to visit them, remarked Arthur at length, breaking the silence which had followed his mother's remark. I shall certainly accept if she does, said Issa, for I should dearly like to spend the summer with her there. Making garments for the poor, reading good books and singing songs, and hymns remarked virginia with a contemptuous sniff very good employments all of them returned arthur quietly though i feel safe in predicting that a good deal more time will be spent by the travillas in bathing riding driving boating and fishing they are no ascetics but the most cheerful happy family i have ever come across yes it's quite astonishing how easily they've taken the death of that child said mrs coneley ill-naturedly

mother how can you exclaimed arthur indignant at the insinuation oh mamma no one could think for a moment it was from want of affection cried isidore i have not said so but you didn't tell me i suppose how mollie assured you her cousin had no need of consolation yes mother but it was that her grief was swallowed up in the realizing sense of the bliss of her dear departed child oh they all talk of her to this day with glad tears in their eyes sorrowing for themselves but rejoicing for her elsie did give a cordial invitation to her aunt and the two girls to spend the summer with her and it was accepted at first but declined afterward when a letter came from mrs delaford inviting them to join her in some week's sojourn at her expense first at cape may and afterward at saratoga it would be the gay life of dressing dancing and flirting at great hotels for which virginia hungered and was snatched out with great avidity by herself and her mother isidore would have preferred to be with the travilla's but mrs conley would not hear of it aunt delaford would be mortally offended and then the idea of throwing away such a chance was i so crazy it would be well enough to accept elsie's offer to pay for their travelling expenses and provide each with a handsome outfit but her cottage would be no place to spend the summer in when they could do so much better they would meet few gentlemen there elsie and mr travilla were so absurdly absurdly particular as to whom they admitted to an acquaintance with their daughters if there was the slightest suspicion against a man's moral character he might as well wish for the moon as for the entry to their house or so much as a bowing acquaintance with elsie or vie it was really too absurd but mamma expostulated isidore surely you would not be willing that we should associate with any one who was not of irreproachable character mrs conley coloured and looked annoyed

there is no use in being too particular isidore she said one can't expect perfection young men are very apt to be a little wild and they often settle down afterward into very good husbands really i don't think any the worse of a young fellow for sowing a few wild oats remarked virginia with a toss of her head they're a great deal more interesting than your good young men such as cal and art suggested isa smiling slightly mamma don't you wish they'd be a little wild nonsense isidore your brothers are just what i would have them i don't prefer wild young men but i hope i have sense enough not to expect everybody's sons to be as good as mine and charity enough to overlook the imperfections of those who are not well mamma said isidore with great seriousness i have talked this matter over with cousin elsie and i think she takes the right view of it that the rule should be as strict for men as for women that the sin which makes a woman an out-groom from decent society, should receive the same condemnation when committed by a man, that a woman should require absolute moral purity in the man she marries as men do in the women they choose for wives, and so long as we are content with anything else, so long as we smile on men whom we know to be immoral, we are, in a measure responsible

for their vices. I endorse that sentiment, said Arthur, coming in from an adjoining room, it would be a great restraint upon men's vicious inclinations if they knew that indulgence and vice would shut them out of ladies society a truce to the subject i'm tired of it said virginia is it decided mamma that we take passage in the steamer with the travilla's yes and now let us turn our attention to the much more agreeable topic of dress there are a good many questions to settle in regard to it what we must have what can be got here and what after we reach philadelphia and how one dollar can be made to do the work of two added virginia for there are loads and loads of things i must have in order to make a respectable appearance at the watering-places and we have just two weeks in which to make our arrangements added her mother end of chapter twenty first recording by sweet pea chapter twenty second of elsie's children this is a libravox recording all livervox recordings are in the public-dom for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox dot org recording by sweet p elsie's children by martha finley chapter twenty second such sheets of fire such bursts of horrid bunder such groans of roaring wind and rain i never remember to have heard shakespeare early in the morning of a perfect june day our numerous party arrived at the wharf where the wharf where the

where lay the steamer that was to carry them to philadelphia the embarkation was made without accident molly had had a nervous dread of her share in it but under her uncle's careful supervision was conveyed safely on board the weather was very warm the sea perfectly calm but as they steamed out of the harbour a pleasant breeze sprang up and the voyage began most prosperously there were a hundred lady passengers and not more than a dozen gentlemen but to virginia's delight one of these last was a gay dashing young army officer with whom she had a slight acquaintance he caught sight of her directly hastened to greet her and they were soon promenading the deck together engaged in an evident flirtation mr dinsmore seated at some little distance with his daughter and her children about him watched his niece's proceedings with a deepening frown he was not pleased with either her conduct or her companion at length rising and approaching his sister do you know that young man louise he asked not intimately she returned bridling he is captain brice of the army do you know his character i have heard that he belongs to a good family and i can see that he is a gentleman i hope you are satisfied no i am not louise he is a wild reckless fellow fond of drink gambols and what of it she interrupted "'I don't suppose he's going to teach Virginia to do either.' "'He is no fit associate for her or for any lady.

"'Will you interpose your authority—' "'No, I won't. "'I'm not going to insult a gentleman, "'and I am satisfied that Virginia has sense enough to take care of herself.' "'Waving the question whether a man of his character is a gentleman, "'let me remark that it is not necessary to insult him "'in order to put a stop to this. "'You could call your daughter to your side,

keep her with you, take an early opportunity to inform her of the man's reputation, and bid her discourage his attentions. If you do not interfere, he added in his determined way, I shall take the matter into my own hands. Isidore, said Mrs. Conley, go and tell your sister I wish to speak to her. Virginia was extremely vexed at the summons, but obeyed it promptly. What can Mama want? I was having such a splendid time. time, she said pettishly to her sister when they were out of the captain's hearing. "'It is more Uncle Horace than Mama,' Virginia reddened.

She knew her uncle's opinions, and she was not entirely ignorant of the reputation born by Captain Bryce. She feigned ignorance, however, listened with apparent surprise to her uncle's account of him, and promised sweetly to treat him with the most distant politeness in future. Mr. Dinsmore saw through her, but what more could he do, except keep a strict watch over both? The captain, forsaken by Virginia, sauntered about the deck and presently approaching an elderly lady who sat somewhat apart from the rest, lifted his cap with a smiling, How do you do, Mrs. Noyes?

And taking an empty chair by her side, entered into a desultory conversation. By the by, he said, what an attractive family group! is that of a yonder, with a slight motion of his head in the direction of the Trevilla's. The mother is my beautiful ideal of a lovely matron, in appearance at least. I have not the happiness of her acquaintance, and the daughters are models of beauty and grace. They are from your neighborhood, I believe. Yes, I have a calling acquaintance with Mrs. Trevilla. She was a great heiress, has peculiar notions, rather puritanical, but is extremely,

extremely agreeable for all that." "'Could you give me an introduction?' She shook her head. "'I must beg you to excuse me.' "'But why?' "'Ah, Captain, do you not know that you have the reputation of being a naughty man? Not very, but then, as I have told you, the mother is very strict and puritanical in her ideas.

The father is the same, and I should only offend them without doing you any good. the girls would not dare, or even so much as wish, to look at or speak to you. Growing red at Agri, the captain stammered out something about being no worse than nine-tenths of the rest of the world. Very true, no doubt, she said, and please understand that you are not tabooed by me, I'm not so strict. But perhaps, she added laughing, it may be because I've no daughters to be endangered by young fellows who are as handsome and fascinating as they are naughty. He bowed his acknowledgments. Then, as a noble-looking young man was seen to approach the group,

with the manner of one on a familiar footing, inquired, Who is that fellow that seemed so much at home with them? His name is Leland, Lester Leland. He's a nephew of the Lelande who bought Fairview from the Fosters some years ago. He's an artist and poor, the nephew, he had to work his own way in the world, has to yet, for that matter. I should wonder at the notice the Trevilla's take of him. only that i've heard he's one of the good sort then besides you know he may make a great reputation some day a pious fortune-hunter i presume sneered bryce rising to give his seat to a lady then with a bow he turned and walked away

mr dinsmore was taking his grandsons over the vessel showing them the engine and explaining its complicated machinery edward who had quite a mechanical turn seemed to understand it nearly as well as his grandfather and Harold and Herbert, bright, intelligent boys of ten and twelve, looked and examined with much interest, asking sensible questions, and listening attentively to their replies. They were active, manly little fellows, not foolhardy or inclined to mischief, nor was their mother of the over-anxious kind. She could trust them,

and when the tour of inspection with their grandpa was finished, they were allowed to roam about by themselves. Captain Bryce took advantage of this to make acquaintance with them, and win their hearts by thrilling stories of buffalo hunts and encounters with wolves, grizzly bears, and Indians, in which he invariably figured as a conquering hero. He thought to make them stepping stones to an acquaintance with their sisters, and congratulated himself on his success when, on being summoned to return to their mother, they asked eagerly if he would not tell them more to-morrow. "'Just try me, my fine fellows,' he answered, laughing. "'Mama, what do you want with us?' they asked, running up to her. "'A gentleman was telling us such nice stories.' "'I think the call to supper will come very soon,' she said,

"'and I want you to smooth your hair and wash your hands. "'Dina will take you to your stateroom and see that you have what you need.' "'I'm afraid we're going to have a gust,' remarked Isidore, "'as the lads hurried away to do their mother's bidding, "'See how the clouds are gathering yonder in the northwest.' "'A thunderstorm at sea! How romantic!' said Virginia. "'Twill be something to talk about all our lives.' "'Silly child,' said her mother,

"'to hear you talk. One would think there was no such thing as danger.' "'Pshaw, Mama! We're hardly out of sight of land. "'Our own shores,' she retorted. "'That would but increase our danger, "'if the storm were coming from the opposite direction,' said her husband. uncle, but fortunately it is from a quarter to drive us out to sea. Do you think it will be a guest, Grandpa? asked Violet a little anxiously. I fear so. The heat has become oppressive. The breeze has entirely died down, and the clouds

look threatening. But my child do not fear. Our Father God rules upon the sea as well as the lads, the stormy wind fulfilling his word. The storm came up rapidly, bursting on them in its fury before they had left the tea-table. The lightnings flash and the crash and roll of the thunder followed in quick succession, the stentorian voices of the officers of the vessel, shouting their orders to the crew, the heavy, hasty tramp of the men's feet,

the whistling of the wind through the rigging, the creaking of the cornage, the blooming of the sea, mingling with the terrific thunder-claps and the downpouring of the rain, combined in an uproar fit to cause the stoutest heart to quake. Faces grew pale with fear, the women and children huddled together in frightened groups, the men looked anxiously at each other, and between the thunder-peels spoke in low tones of the danger

of being driven out to sea, and asked each other of the captain's skill, on what part of the coast they were, and whether the vessel were strong enough to outride the tempest, should it continue long. "'Oh, this is dreadful! I'm afraid we shall all go to the bottom if it keeps on much longer,' Mrs. Codley was saying to her niece, when there came a crash as if the very sky were falling, as if it had come down upon them, a shock that threw some from their seats, while others caught up the furniture to save themselves. The vessels shivered, from stem to stern, seemed to stand still for an instant,

then rushed on again. "'It struck! We're lost!' cried a number of voices, while many women and children screamed, and some fainted. "'Courage, my friends!' cried Mr. did some more in loud, clear toads that could distinctly be heard by all above the storm. All is not lost that is in danger, and the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither is ear heavy that it cannot hear. "'Yes, it is time to pray,' said an excited, answering voice.

The lightning has struck and shivered the mast, and look how it has run along over our heads and down yon mirror, as you may see by the melting of the glass. It has doubtless continued on to the hold and set fire. to the cotton stored there the speaker a thin nervous-looking mad who was pushing his way through the throng added in a whisper close to mr dinsmore's ear be quiet will you said the latter sternly these helpless women and children are sufficiently frightened already yes yes and i don't want to scare him unnecessarily but we'd better be prepared for the worst elsie had overheard the whispers and her cheek paled a look of keen distress coming into her face as she glanced from one to another of her loved ones, dearer far than her own life. But she showed no other sign of agitation, her heart sent up one swift cry to him, whom all power is given in heaven and earth, and faith and love triumphed over fear.

His love to her was infinite, nor was there any limit to his power. She would trust him that all would be well, whether in life or death. Even the wind and the sea obey him, she whispered to Violet, who was asking with pale trembling lips. "'Mama, Mama, what will become of us?' "'But Mama, they see the vessel is loaded with cotton, and that the lightning is probably set it on fire.' Still, my darling, he is able to take care of us. It is nothing with him to help, whether with many or with them that have no power. He is the Lord our God.'

Her father had come to her side. "'Ddaughter, my dear, dear daughter,' he said with emotion, taking her in his arms as was his wont in her early years. "'Oh, Grandpa, take care of Mama, whatever becomes of us!' exclaimed Elsie and Viya together. "'No, no,' she said. "'Save my children, and never mind me.' "'Mama, you must be our first care,' said Eddie hoarsely. "'Your sisters, my son, and your brothers, leave me to the last,' she answered firmly.

"'We will hope to save you all,' Mr. Dinsmore said, trying to speak cheerfully. but my child if you perish I perish with you Horace is it true is it true that the vessel is on fire gasped Mrs. Comley clutching his arm and staring in him in the face with eyes wild with terror try to calm yourself Louise he said kindly we did not know certainly yet though there is reason to fear it may be so horrible she cried wringing her hands i can't die i've never made any preparations for death oh save me horace if you can no no save my girls my poor dear girls and never mind me louise my poor sister he said deeply moved we will not despair yet of all being saved but try to prepare for the worst turn now to him who has said look unto me and be ye saved all ye ends of the earth virginia had thrown herself upon a sofa in strong hysterics and isidore stood over her with smelling salts and fan mrs conley hurried back to them with tears rolling down her cheeks oh what is to be done she sighed taking the fan from isa's hand if cow and aunt were but here to look after us your uncle has his hands full with his daughter and her children mamma let us ask god for help he and he only can give it whispered Isidore. "'Yes, yes, ask him.

You know how, and he will hear you. "'Bergy, my child, do try to calm yourself.' "'Aisand knelt by her sister's side. "'There were many on their knees crying for succor "'in this hour of terrible danger. "'The storm was abating. "'The rain had nearly ceased to fall, "'and the wind to lash the waves into fury.

"'The flashes of lightning were fewer and fainter, "'and the heavy claps of thunder had given place "'to distant mutterings. they would not be wrecked by the fury of the tempest, yet, alas, there still remained the more fearful danger of devouring fire. It was a night of terror, no one thought of retiring, and few but young children closed an eye. Every preparation was made for taking to the water and in moments' warning, those who had life-preservers, and all our party were supplied with them, brought them out and secured them to their persons. Boats were made ready to launch, and

those who retained sufficient presence of mind and forethought, selected and kept close at hand, such valuables as it seemed possible they might be able to carry about them. The Trevillas kept together, Mr. Dinsmore with them, and young Lalad also. He was to them only an ordinary friend, but one of them he would have died to save, and almost he would have done it for the others, for her sake. Poor Molly had never felt her helplessness more than now, fastened to her chair as with bands of steel there was less hope of escape for her than for others. Her thoughts flew to Dick in that first moment of terror, to Dick who loved her better than any other earthly thing. Alas, he was far away, but there was one near, her elder brother, who would never leave nor forsake her.

with that thought she grew calm and strong to wait and to endure. But her uncle did not forget her, and with his own hands he fastened a life-preserver about her. My poor helpless child, he said low and tenderly, do not fear that you will be forgotten should there be any chance for rescue. Thank you, dear, kind, uncle, she said with tears in her eyes. But leave me to the last. My life is worth so much less than theirs, glancing toward her cousins. There would only be Dick to mourn its loss.

No, no, Molly, we all love you, he interrupted. She smiled a little sadly, but went on, and it would be more difficult to save me than two others. Still, do not despair, he said. I will not leave you to perish alone, and I have hope that in the good providence of God we shall all be saved. Gradually the screaming, sobbing, fainting gave place to a dull despairing waiting, waiting with a trembling, sickening dread for the confirmation of their worst fears.

Rosie had fallen asleep upon a sofa with her head in her eldest sister's lap, lie on an ottoman beside them, tightly clasping a hand of each. Elsie had her babe in her arms, he was sleeping sweetly, and laying her head back, she closed her eyes, while her thoughts flew to Ion, to the husband and father, who would perhaps learn to-morrow of the loss of all his treasures. Her heart bled for him, as she seemed to see him bowed down with heart-breaking sorrow. Then arose the question, What should the end bring to them? Herself and her beloved children!

For herself, she could say, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Elsie, via and Eddie, she had good reasons to hope were true Christians, but Harold and Herbert! A pang shot through her heart. good obedient children though they were she yet knew not that they had ever experienced that new birth without which none can enter heaven jesus said verily verily i say unto thee except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of god mamma what is it eddie asked seeing her glance anxiously from side to side your brothers i do not see them where are they they went into their stateroom a moment since right here you know shall i call them yes yes i must speak to them

they came hand in hand in answer to eddy's summons herbert's eyes were full of tears not of terror or of grief there seemed a new happy light in each boyish face mamma whispered harold putting his arm round her neck his lips to her ear we went away to be alone herbie and i we knew what made you look so sorry at us because you were afraid we didn't love jesus but we do mamma and we went away to give ourselves to him and we mean to be his always whether we live or die glad tears rolled down her cheeks as she silently embraced first one than the other and so slowly the night wore away a reign of terror for hours while every moment they were watching with despairing hearts for the smell of fire or the bursting out of flames from the hold their fears gave way to a faint hope as time passed on and the catastrophe was still delayed a hope that grew gradually stronger and brighter till at last it was lost in glad certainty the electricity it appeared had scattered over the iron of the machinery instead of running on down into the hold some said what a lucky escape others what a kind providence end of chapter twenty seconds chapter twenty third of elsie's children this is a libervox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox dot org recording by sweet pea elsie's children by martha finley chapter twenty third sacred love is basely bought and sold wives are grown traffic marriage is a trade randolph they came safely into port a little crowd of eager expectant friends stood waiting on the wharf among them a tall dark-eyed young man with a bright intellectual face whom molly seated on the deck in the midst of the family group recognized with almost a cry of delight

the instant a plank was thrown out he sprang on board and in another moment she was in his arms sobbing oh dick dick i thought i'd never see you again why he said he said with a joyous laugh, we've not been gone so long or far apart that you need have been in despair of that. Then, as he turned to exchange greetings with the others, his ear caught the words, We had an awful night expecting every moment to see flames bursting out from the hold. What, what does it mean? he asked, grasping his uncle's hand, while his cheek paled, and he glanced hastily from side to side. We have had a narrow escape, said Mr. Dinsmore.

the main facts were soon given the details as they drove to their hotel and dick rejoiced with trembling as he learned how almost he had lost these dear ones a few days were spent in philadelphia then mr dinsmore and the travillas sought their seaside homes dick going with them their coming was hailed with joy by mrs dinsmore and her daughter rose who had been occupying their cottage for a week or more the conleys would linger some time longer in the city laying in a stock of finery for the summer campaign than joined by mrs delford they too would seek the seashore the cottages were quite out of the town built facing the ocean and as near it as consistent with safety and comfort the children hailed the first whiff of the salt sea-breeze with eager delight were down upon the beach within a few minutes of their arrival and until bedtime left it only long enough to take their tea finishing their day with a long moonlight jive along the shore they were given perfect liberty to enjoy themselves to the full the only restrictions being that they were not to go into danger or out of sight of the house or to the water's edge unless accompanied by some older member of the family or a trusty servant the next morning they were all out again for a ramble before breakfast and immediately after prayers vi rosy harold and herbert with a man-servant in attendance returned to the beach the girls were collecting shells and seaweed the two boys skipping stones on the water then the servant watching the sport with keen interest and occasionally joining in it absorbed in their amusements none of them noticed the approach of a young man in an undress uniform he followed them for some moments in a careless way as if he were but casually strolling in the same direction yet was watching with close attention every movement of vise graceful figure

she and rosy were unconsciously widening the distance between their brothers and themselves not noticing that the boys had become stationary perceiving this and that they were now out of earshot the stranger quickened his pace and coming up behind the lads hailed them with so here you are my fine fellows i am pleased to meet you again oh exclaimed herbert looking around it's the gentleman that tells such nice stories good morning sir we're glad to see you too yes indeed assented harold offering his hand which the stranger grasped and shook heartily were having a splendid time skipping stones did you ever do it many a time when i was a little chap like you i used to be a famous hand at it let's see if i can equal you now he was soon apparently as completely engrossed with the sport as any of them yet through it all was furtively watching vi and rosy as they strolled slowly onward now stooping to pick up a shell or pausing a moment to gaze out over the wide expanse of waters, then sauntering on again in careless, aimless fashion, thoroughly enjoying the entire freedom from ordinary tasks and duties. The boys knew nothing about their new companion except what they have seen of him on board the vessel. Their mother had not understood who was their storytelling friend,

and in the excitement of the storm and the hasty visit to the city, he had been quite forgotten by all three. Nor were any of the family aware of his vicinity, thus had happened, the lads had not been warned against him. Vi, however, had seen him with Virginia, and knew from what passed directly afterward between her grandfather and aunt, though she did not hear the conversation,

that the stranger was not one of whom Mr. Dinsmore approved. Not many minutes had passed before she looked back, and seeing that she had left her brothers some distance behind, hastily began to retrace her footsteps, Rosie, with her. The instant they turned to do so, the captain, addressing Harold, artfully inquired, Do you know that young lady? I should think so.

She's my own sister, said the boy proudly, the little one too. Pretty girls, both of them. Won't you introduce me? Yes, I suppose so, returned the boy a little doubtfully, and taking a more critical survey of his new acquaintance than he had thought necessary before. You're a gentleman and a good man, aren't you? Don't I look like it?

laughed the captain. Would you take me for a rogue? i-i don't believe you're a burglar or a thief but-well please don't think i mean to be rude sir but you broke the third commandment a minute ago the third which is that for i really don't remember i thought you'd forgotten it said herbert it's the one that says thou shalt not take the name of the lord thy god in vain answered harold in low reverent tones i own to being completely puzzled said the captain i certainly haven't been swearing no not exactly but you said by george and by heaven and mamma says such words are contrary to the spirit of the command and that no one who is a thorough gentleman and a christian will ever use them that's a very strict rule he said lifting his cap and bowing low to violet who was now close at hand she did not seem to notice it or to see him at all boys she said with gentle gravity let us go home now what for of i i'm not tired of the beach yet objected herbert i have something to tell you something else to propose won't you go with me yes and with a hasty good-bye to the captain they joined their sisters who were already moving slowly toward home what have you to tell us vi asked harold that i know grandpa does not approve of that man and i am quite sure mamma would not wish you to be with him the sun is getting hot and there are dick and molly on the veranda let's go and talk with them for a while it's nearly time now for our drive

miss wylet said ben coming up behind that fell as mighty powerful mad swore the big oath that you's proud as lufus sir oh then we won't have anything more to do with him exclaimed the boys herbert adding but i do wish he was good for he tells such famous stories they kept their word and were so shy of the captain that he soon gave up trying to cultivate their acquaintance or to make that of their sisters mrs noyes and he were boarding at the same hotel and he were boarding at the same hotel And from her he learned that Mrs. Delaford and the Conley's were expected shortly, having engaged rooms on the same floor with herself. The information was agreeable, as though he did not care particularly for Virginia, flirting with her would, he thought, be rather an enjoyable way of passing the time, all the more so that it would be in opposition to Mr. Dinsmore's wishes. For the captain knew very well why, and at whose suggestion, Virginia had been summoned away from his society on board the vessel, and had no love for the man who so highly disapproved of him.

The girl, too, resented her uncle's interference, and on her arrival, with the perversity of human nature, went farther in her encouragement of the young man's attentions than she perhaps would otherwise have done. Her mother and aunt looked on with indifference, if not absolute approval. Isidore was the only one who offered a remonstrance, and she was cut short with a polite request to mind her own business. "'I think I am, Virgie,' she answered pleasantly.

"'I'm afraid you're getting yourself into trouble, "'and surely I ought to try to save you from that.' "'I won't submit to surveillance,' returned her sister. "'I wouldn't live in the same house with Uncle Horace for anything. "'And if Mama and Aunt Delaford don't find fault, you needn't.' "'Isidore, seriously concerned for Virginia's welfare, "'was questioning in her own mind whether she ought to mention the matter to her uncle "'when her mother set that doubt at rest

by forbidding her to do so. Issa, who was trying to be a consistent Christian, would neither flirt nor dance, and the foolish, worldly-minded mother was more vexed at her behavior than at Virginia's. Issa slipped away to the cottage homes of the Dinsmore's and Trevillas whenever she could. She enjoyed the quiet pleasures

and the refined and intellectual society of her relatives and the privileged friends, both ladies and gentlemen, whom they gathered about them. Lester Leland, who had taken up his abode temporary, in that vicinity, was a frequent visitor and sometimes brought a brother artist with him. Dick's cronies came, too, and old friends of the family from far and near. Elsie sent an early invitation to Lucy Ross to bring her daughters and spend some weeks at the cottage. The reply was a hasty note from Lucy, saying that she deeply regretted her inability to accept,

but they were extremely busy making preparations to spend the season at Saratoga, had already engaged their rooms and could not draw back, besides, that Gertrude and Kate had set their hearts on going. However, she added, she would send Phil and her place. He must have a little vacation and insisted he would rather visit their old friends, the Trevillas, than go anywhere else in the world. He would put up at a hotel, being a young man, he would of course prefer that, but hoped to spend a good deal of time at the cottage.

He did so, and attached himself almost exclusively to the younger Elsie, with an heir of proprietorship which she did not at all relish. She tried to let him see it without being rude, but the blindness of egotism and vast self-appreciation was upon him, and he thought her only charmingly coy, probably with the intent to thus conceal her love and admiration. He was egregiously mistaken. She found him never, the most interesting of companions,

at times an intolerable bore, was constantly contrasting his conversation, which ran upon trade and money-making, stocks, bonds, and mortgages, to the exclusion of nearly everything else except fulsome flatteries of herself, with that of Lestre Leland, who spoke with enthusiasm of his art, who was a lover of nature and nature's god, whose thoughts dwelt among lofty themes, while at the same time he was entirely free, his manner as simple and unaffected as that of a little child. He was a favorite with all the family, his society enjoyed especially by the ladies. He devoted himself more

particularly to sculpture, but also sketched finely from nature, as did both Elsie and violet. The latter was beginning to show herself a genius in both that and music. Elsie had recently, under Lelan's instructions, done some very pretty wood carving and modeling in clay, and this similarity of tastes made them very congenial. Philip's stay was happily not lengthened, business calling him back to New York. Letters came now and then from Mrs. Ross, Gertrude, or Kate, telling of their gay life as Saratoga. the girls seemed to have no lack of gentlemen admirers among whom was a mr larraby from st louis who was particularly attentive to gertrude at length it was announced that they were engaged it was now the last of august the wedding was to take place about the middle of october and as the intervening six weeks would barely afford time for the preparation of the trousseau the ladies hurried home to new york

then kate came down to spend a week with the trevilla's she looked fagged and worn complained of anewi was already wearied of the life she had been leading and had lost all tastes for simple pleasures her faded cheek and languid air presented a strange conscience to the fresh bright beauty and animation of elsie and violet a contrast that pained the kind motherly heart of mrs travilla who would have been glad to make all the world as happy as she and her children were elsie and vied felt a lively interest in richard's prospects and had many questions to ask about her betrothed was he young was he handsome was he a good man but oh that was of course no not of course at all kate answered almost with impatience she supposed he was not a bad man but he wasn't good in their sense of the word not in the least religious and he was neither young nor handsome a moment of disappointed silence followed this communication then elsie said a little doubtfully well i suppose gertie loves him and is happy in the prospect of becoming his wife happy returned kate with a contemptuous sniff well i suppose she ought to be she is getting what she wanted plenty of money in a splendid establishment but as to loving mr victor larraby i could about as soon love a snake and so could she he always makes me think of one oh kate and will she marry him both exclaimed in horror she's promised to and doesn't seem inclined to draw back replied kate with indifference then bursting into a laugh girls she said i've had an offer too and mamma would have had me accepted but it didn't suit my ideas the man himself is well enough i don't really dislike him but such a name hog only think of it i told mamma that i didn't want to live in a stye if it was lined with gold no i don't believe i could feel willing to wear that name said violet laughing but-butt laughing but i didn't want to live in a stye if it was lined with gold no i don't believe i could feel willing to wear that name said violet laughing but

But if his name suited, would you marry him without loving him?" I suppose so. I like riches, and Mama says such wealthy men as Mr. Hogg and Mr. Larby are not to be picked up every day. But, oh, it wouldn't be right, Kate, because you have to promise to love. Oh, that's mere form, returned Kate with a yawn. Gertie says she's marrying for love. Not of the man but his money, and Kate laughed as if it was an excellent joke.

of the two looked grave and distressed. Their mother had taught them not to give the hand without the heart was folly and sin. End of Chapter 23rd Chapter 24 of Elsie's Children This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. Recording by Grace Byrne, oddlyaware.com elsie's children by martha finley chapter twenty four there's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip

the travillas were all invited to gertr's wedding but as it was to be a very grand affair the invitation was declined because of their recent bereavement mr ross had not seen his intended son-in-law nor did he know how mercenary were gertr's motives he took it for granted that she would not of her own free will, consent to marry a man was not at least agreeable to her, though he certainly thought it odd that she should fancy one over forty years older than herself. He made some inquiries relative to the man's character and circumstances, and learning that he was really very wealthy and bore a respectable reputation, as the world goes, gave his consent to the match. The preparations went on, dresses and jewels were ordered from Paris, invitations issued to several hundred guests, and the reception rooms of their city residents be furnished for the occasion.

Money was poured out without stint to provide the wedding feast flowers rich and rare for the adornment of the house and the persons of the girls. Gertrude did not seem unhappy, but was in a constant state of excitement, and would not allow herself a moment to think. Ten days before that appointed for their ceremony, the bridegroom arrived in the city and called upon the family. mr ross did not like his countenance and wondered more than ever at his daughter's choice he waited till mr larraby was gone then sent for her to come to him in the library she came looking surprised and annoyed what is it papa she said impatiently please be as brief as you can because i have a world of things to attend to so many that you have not a moment to spare for the father you are going to leave so soon he said a little sadly oh don't remind me of that she cried, a sudden change coming over her manner.

I can't bear to think of it. And creeping up to him, she put her arms round his neck while a tear trembled in her eye. No, I, he said, caressing her, not even if I knew you were going to be very happy, so far away from me, and I fear you are not. Gertrude, do you love that man? Why, what a question, coming from my practical father, she said, forcing a laugh. I am choosing for myself, marrying of my own free will. Is not that sufficient?

I tell you candidly, Gertrude, he answered, I do not like Mr. Lereby's looks. I cannot think it possible that you can love him, and I beg of you, if you do not, to draw back even now at this late hour. It is too late, Papa, she returned, growing cold and hard. And I do not wish it. Is this all you wanted to say to?

to me? Yes, he said, releasing her with a sigh. She glided from the room, and he spent the next half-hour pacing slowly back and forth with his head bowed upon his breast. The doorbell rang, and the servant came in with a card. Mr. Ross glanced at it, read the name with a look of pleased surprise, and said, show the gentleman in here. The next moment the two were shaking hands and greeting each other as old and valued friends. I'm very glad to see you, Gordon, exclaimed Mr. Ross. But what happy chance brought you here? Are you not residing somewhere in the West?

Yes, in St. Louis, and it is not a happy chance, but a painful duty that has brought me to you tonight. He spoke hurriedly, as if to be done with an unpleasant task, and Mr. Ross's pulses throbbed at the sudden recollection that... Lirabe was also a resident of St. Louis. He turned a quick inquiry to look at Pum's friend. Out with it, man, I'm in no mood to wait, whether it be good news or ill. Gordon glanced towards the door.

Mr. Ross stepped to it and turned the key, then, coming back, seated himself close to his friend with an air of one who was ready for anything. Fill my old drum, said Gordon, clapping you affectionately on the shoulder. I heard the other day in St. Louis. that Lereby was about to marry a daughter of yours, and I took the first eastern-bound train and traveled night and day to get here in time to put a stop to the thing. I hope I'm not too late.

What do you know of the man? asked Mr. Ross steadily, and looking gordon full in the eye, but with a paling cheek. Know of him, that he made all his money by gambling, that he is a murderer. The last word was spoken low and close to the listener's ear. Mr. Ross started back, horrified, deadly pale. Gordon, do you know where of you are firm?

He asked low and huskily. I do. I had the account from one who was an eyewitness of the fair. He is dead now, and I do not suppose it would be possible to prove the thing in a court of justice, but nevertheless I assure you it is true. It was thirty years ago, on the Mississippi steamer, running between St. Louis and New Orleans, that the deed was done. Lereby, then a professional blackleg, was aboard, plying his trade.

My informant, a man whose veracity, I could not doubt, was one of a group of bystanders who saw him, Leraby, fleece a young man out of several thousand dollars, all he had in the world, then, enraged by some taunting words from his victim, pull out a pistol and shoot him through the heart. just as they sat there on opposite sides of the gaming table then with his revolver still in his hand threatening with terrible oaths and curses to shoot down any man who should attempt to stop him he rushed on deck jumped into the river swam ashore and disappeared in the woods "'Horrible! Horrible!' grown, Mr. Ross, hiding his face in his hands.

"'And this murderer, this fiend and human form, would I have married my daughter?' he cried, starting up in strong excitement. "'Why was he suffered to escape? Where is he now?' The whole thing passed so quickly. My informant said that everyone seemed stunned, paralyzed with horror and fright till the scoundrel had made good of its escape. Besides, there were several others of the same stamp on board, desperate fellows, probably belonging to the same gang, who were evidently ready to make common cause with a ruffian. That part of our country was, you know, in those days, infested with desperadoes and outlaws.

Yes, yes, but what is to be done now? I shall of course send a note to Larraby at his hotel telling him that all is at an end between him and Gertrude, forbidding him in the house, and intimating that the sooner he leaves the vicinity the better. But, Gordon, I can never thank you sufficiently for this kindness. Will you add to it by keeping the thing to yourself for the present? I wouldn't for the world have the story get into the papers. Certainly Ross, returned his friend, grasping his hand in adieu, I understand how you feel.

There is but one person beside ourselves, who knows my errand here, and I can answer for his silence. Who is it? Mr. Hogg, a friend of your wife and daughters. The news brought by Mr. Gordon sent both Gertrude and her mother into violent hystrix, and Mr. Ross and an old nurse who had been in the family for years had their hands full for the rest of the night. It was a sore wound to the pride of both mother and daughter. The scoundrel, the wretch, the villain, cried Gertrude. I can never hold up my head again. Everybody will be talking about me, and those envious Miss Petit's and their mother will say, it's just good enough for her, serves her right for being so proud of the grand match she was going to make. Oh, dear, oh dear, why couldn't that Gordon have stayed away and

held his tongue? Gertrude, exclaimed her father, in anger and astonishment. Is this your gratitude to him for saving you from being the wife of a gambler and a murderer? You might well be thankful to him and to a higher power for your happy escape. Yes, of course, said Lucy, but what are we to do? The invitations are all out. Oh, dear, dear, was there ever such a wretched piece of business? Phil, it's real good in you not to reproach me. It would be useless now, he sighed.

And I think the reproaches of your own conscious must be sufficient. Not that I would put all the blame on you, though. The full share of it belongs to me." By morning both ladies have recovered some degree of calmness. But Gertrude obstinately refused to leave her room, or to see anyone who might call even her most intimate friend. Tell them I'm sick, she said. It'll be true enough, for I have an awful headache.

It was to her mother who had been urging her to come down to breakfast that she was speaking. "'Well, I shall send up a cup of tea,' said Mrs. Ross. "'But what is this?' "'As the maid entered with a note. "'It's directed to you, Gertrude.' "'From him, I presume,' Gertrude said, "'as the girl went out and closed the door, "'throw it into the fire, mother, or no, I'll send it back unopened.'

"'It is not his hand,' said Mrs. Ross, "'closely scrutinizing the address. "'Then give it to me, please,' and almost snatching it from her mother's hand gertrude tore it open and glanced hastily over its contents yes i'll see him he'll be here directly and i must look my best she exclaimed jumping up and beginning to take down her crimps see him gertrude are you mad your father will never allow it miss hogg mother oh they exchanged glances and smiles mrs ross hurried down to breakfast not to keep her husband waiting and gertrude presently followed in handsome morning toilet and in apparently quite gay spirits a trifle pale but only enough so to make her interesting her mother said mr ross and philip junior had already gone away to their place of business sophie and the younger boys to school and only mrs ross and kate were left the latter of whom had little to say but regarded her sister with a sort of contemptuous pity Gertrude had scarcely finished her meal when the door-bell rang, and she was summoned to the drawing-room to receive a visitor.

The wedding came off at the appointed time. There was a change of bridegrooms, that was all, and few could decide whether the invitations had been a ruse, so far as he was concerned, or that were not so how the change had been brought about. In a long letter to Violet Trevula, Kate Ross gave the details of the whole affair. A strange, sad story seemed to vie, and her sister. They could not in the least understand how Gertrude could feel or act as she has done, and feared she would find, as Kate expressed it. Even a gold-slined stye, but a hard bed to lie in, with no love to soften it.

Still, they said to each other, it was better, a thousand times better, than marrying that dreadful Mr. Larraby. Kate had assured them Mr. Hogg was an honest, Honourable Man and not ill-tempered only an intolerable war so stupid and uninteresting End of chapter 24 recording by Grace Byrne oddlyaware.com Chapter 25 of Elsie's Children by Martha Finley This is a Libervox recording all Libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit at liverbox.org.

Recording by Esther and Simon Idae's Children by Martha Finley. Chapter 25th Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6.7. Elsie and her children returned home healthful and happy, with scarce any but pleasing recollections of the months that had just passed. Not so as Mrs. Conley and Virginia, they seemed soured and disappointed.

Nothing had gone right with them. Their finer was all spoiled, and they were worn out with the journey they fed, but in reality far more by late hours and dissipation of one short and another. The flirtation with Captain Bryce had not ended in anything serious, except the establishing of a character for coquetry for Virginia, nor had several others which followed in quick succession. The girl had much ado to conceal her chagrin. She had started out with bright hopes of securing the brilliant match,

and now, though not yet twenty, began to be haunted with the terrible, boating fear of old maidenhood. She confided her troubles to Isidore one day, when a feat of extreme expression had made her unusually communicate. I was a good scarcely for fear smiling, but check the inclination. It is much too soon to despair, Virgie," she said. But indeed, I do not think the prospect of living single need make wretched. Perhaps not you who are an eric, but it's another thing for poor, pending on us to me.

Isidore acknowledged I probably did make a difference. But, she added, I hope neither of us will ever be so silly as to marry for money. I think it must be dreadful to live in such close connection with the man you'd be done. connection with the man you do not love, even if he is rolling in wealth, but supposes he loses his money directly. There you are, tied to him for life without even riches to compensate you for your loss of liberty. To me, is it how tiresome! What's the use of supposing he's going to lose all his money? Because it's something that's not all unlikely to happen. Riches do take wings and fly away. I do not feel certain that Aunt Delaford's money will ever come to me,

or that, if it does, I may not lose it. So I intend to prepare to support myself if it ever should become necessary. How? I intend to take up the English branches again, also the higher mathematics, and make myself thorough in them, which I am far from me now. They do not teach them thoroughly at the convent,

so that I may be able to command a good position as a teacher, and let me advise you to do the same. Indeed, I have no fancy for such hard work, said Virginia. I rather trust to luck. I'll be pretty sure to be taken care of somehow. I should think if anyone might feel justified in doing that, it would be cousin Elsie, said in the door.

but uncle horace educated her in a way to make her quite capable of earning her a living and she is doing the same by every one of her children such nonsense muttered virginia such prudence and forethought i should say laughed her sister a few days after this isidore was calling at ion and in the course of conversation mrs travilla marked with concern virginia really looks unhappy of late is her trouble anything it would be in my power to believe no unless she can listen to good counsel from you it is nothing really serious and yet yet really looks unhappy of late is her trouble anything it would be in my power to believe no unless she can listen to good counsel from you it is nothing really serious and yet I suppose it seems so to her. I'm almost ashamed to tell you, cousin, but as far as I can learn, it is nothing in the world but the fear of old maidenhood, is it answered, half laughing.

Elsie smiled. Tell her for me that there is plenty of time yet. She is two or three years younger than I was when I marry, and, she added with the bright, happy look, I have never lost anything by waiting. I'm sure you didn't, Mama, said Violet, who is present, but how very odd have urged you to trouble about that. I'm glad people don't have to marry,

because I shall never, never be willing to leave my dearer. home, and my mother and my father, especially not to live with some stranger. I hope it may be some youth before you change your mind in regard to that. Her mother responded with a loving look. Elsie was not bringing up her daughters to consider marriage the chief end of women. She had indeed said scarcely anything on the subject for her eldest was of an age to begin to mix a little in general society, and she talked quietly and seriously to them of the duties and responsibilities of the marrying state, and the vast importance of being a wise choice in selecting a partner for life. In this childhoods, a child's

she had never allowed them to be teased about beau she could offer her friend their hearing occasionally something of the kind but she did her best to counteract the evil influence and had succeeded so well in that and in making a delight that her children one and all shunned the thought of leaving it and her girls were easy and free from self-consciousness from the society of gentlemen and that of ladies never bowled or forward there was nothing in their manner that could give the slightest encouragement to undo familiarity and then both she and her father had so entwined themselves about the hearts of their offspring that all shared the feeling expressed by violet and truly believed that nothing less than death could ever separate them from these beloved parents there was a good deal to bring the subject of marriage prominently before their minds was the present for the event of the winter was the bringing home of a wife by their uncle horace and aunt rosy was to be married in the ensuing spring the approaching centennial was another topic of absorbing interest but they might reap the full benefits of the great exhibition they went north earlier than usual the middle of may finding them in quiet occupancy of a large handsome elegantly furnished mansion in the vicinity of the park here they kept open house entertaining a large circle of relatives and friends john another by a desire to see this great world's fair the dally's are with them husband and wife each in the same capacity as i am which left mr and mrs travilla free to come and go as they wished either with with their children or without their own carriages and horses and went at home trouble almost daily to the exhibition going there with parents and cheater and being able to devote so much time to it the young people gathered a great store of general information poor molly's inability to walk shut her out from several of the building but he gave them more time and careful studying for those whose contents were brought with and her reached by the rolling chairs.

Her cousins gave her glowing descriptions of the treasures of the art building, Porticultural Hall, Women's Department, etc., and sincerely sympathized with her inner deprivation of the pleasure of examining them for herself. But Molly was learning submission and content with her lot, and was smilingly replied that she considered herself highly favorite and being able to see so much, if there were millions of people even in our own means who could not visit the exhibition at all. One morning, early in this season, when as yet the crowd was not very great, the whole family had gone in a body to machinery hall to see the corless engines.

They were standing near it, silently gazing, when a voice was heard in the rear. Aha! Ah-ha! Ah-huh! Ah-huh! What think of that now, my lads? Is it worth looking at? That it is, sir!

Responded a younger voice in memory tongue, full of admiration, while at the same instant. Elsie turned out quickly round his exclamation. Cousin Ronald! Cousin Elsie! He responded, as hand grasped hand, and cords were greeting. I'm so glad to see you, she said. But why did you not let us know you were coming?

Did you not receive my invitation? No, I did not, cousin. I thought to give you a surprise. Ah, Trevella, the sight of your pleasant face was one good like a medicine. And these bunny lads and lasses, may be the little barns of eight years ago? How they have grown and increased in number, too, he said, glancing on the little circle. He took hands with each of them. Then introduced his sons, two, tall, well-built, coming young men, age respectively twenty and twenty-two, whom he had brought with him over the sea.

Malcolm was the name of the eldest, the other he called Hugh. they had arrived in philadelphia only the day before and were putting up at the continental that will not do at all cousin ronald elthie said one told us you must all come immediately to us and make our house your home as long as you stay mr treville a seconder invitation and after some urging it was accepted it proved an agreeable arrangement for all concerned cousin marmald was the same genial companion that he had been eight years before and the two lads were worthy of their sire intelligent and well-informed frank simple-hearted and true the young people made acquaintance very rapidly the expedition was a theme of great and common interest that sketched at every meal and on the days they stayed at home to rest for all found necessary to do so occasionally while some of the ladies and little ones could scarcely endure the fatigue of attending two days in then through the months of july and august they made excursions to various points of interest spending usually several days at each so as a week or two in this way they visited niagara falls lakes ontario george and shimplaine the white mountains and different seaside resorts and different seaside resorts At one of these last, they met Lester Leland again. The Chavillis had not seen him for nearly a year, but I'd heard of his welfare, with the Leland's of Fairview.

All seemed pleased to renew with the old familiar intercourse, an easy matter as they were staying at the same hotel. Lester was introduced to the Scotch cousin, as an old friend of the family. Mr. Lilburn and he exchanged a hearty greeting and chatted together very amiably, but Malcolm and Hugh were only distantly polite to the newcomer and eyed him a skin, jealous of the favour shown him by their young lady cousins, so sweet societies they would have been glad to monopolize. This they soon found was impossible, could they even have banished Newland for Herbert Carrington, Philip Ross, Dick Percibo and his friends, and several others, soon appeared

upon the scene. Elsie was now an acknowledged young lady, violent in her own estimation, and her parents still a mere child, but her height and graceful carriage and unaffected ease of madness, which lasts the combined result of the native refinement, and the constant association with the highly polished and educated. united to childlike simplicity of character and utter absence of self-consciousness often was strangers as a mistake as supposedly as much as her beauty too and her genius for music and painting added to her attractiveness so that altogether the gentleman were quite ready to be court to her as to her sister and had she been disposed to receive their attendance or to push herself forward in the least her parents would have found it difficult to prevent her entering society earlier than was good for her but like her mother before her of i was in no haste to assume the duties and responsibilities of womanhood only fifteen she was standing with reluctance be where the brook and rivermead womanhood and childhood

hugh lilburn and herbert careington both regarded her with covetous eyes and both asked permission of her father to pay their addresses or received the same answer that she was too young yet to be approached on the subject well mr gilillet if you say that to every one as no doubt you do i'm willing to wait said herbert going off childly contend the hugh reddening with his sudden recollection that violet was an ira and his portion of valour at once stammered out something about hoping he was not mistaken for a fortune-hundred and that he would make no ever to win her until he was in circumstances to do so with propriety my dear fellow said mr travilla not for a moment imagine that it has anything to do with my refusal i do not care to find rich husband to my daughter's from her violet of proper age should i have but one objection to you as a suitor that you would be likely to carry her far away from us no no sir i wouldn't exclaimed the lad warmer i like america and think i shall settle her and sir i think you most hardly fear kind words but as i've said i won't ask again till i can do so a propriety leelan too admired violet extremely and loved her with brotherly affection but it was elsie would want his heart but he had never whispered a word of this to her or to any human creature for he was both poor and proud and had firmly resolved not to seek her hand until his art should bring him fame and fortune to later similar considerations alone held malcolm lillburn back and each was torquered with the fear that the other would prove as successful rival philip ross too was waiting to go rich but feared no rival in the meantime so satisfied was he that no one could be so attractive to elsie himself she's waiting for me said his mother and she will wait she's just friendly and kind to those other fellows but it's plain she doesn't care a pin for any of them i'm not so sure of that phil returned mrs ross someone may cut you out have you spoken to her yet says there a regular engagement between you oh no but we understand each other always have since we are mere babies mrs ross and her daughters had accompanied philip to the shore and it pleased lucy greatman that they had been able to obtain rooms in the same house with their old friends and her illots mr hogg was of the first of the first of the first of the first of the first of the first of the first of the

party also, and Elsie and Violet now had an opportunity to get to the happiness of Gertr's married life. They were not gracily impressed with it. Husband and wives seemed to have few interests in common, and to be rather bored with each other's society. Mr. Hawke had a fine equipage, and who have had a good deal, sometimes with his wife, sometimes with his wife, sometimes with Elf both dressed handsomely, and spent money lavishly, but he did not look happy, and Gertrude went off regard for a discontented, care-worn expression. Mrs. Ross was full of cares and anxieties, and one day she burned her heart to her childhood's friend. they were sitting alone together in the brand of which mrs travillot's room opened waiting for the summons to the tea-table i have no peace of my life elsie mrs said fretley one can help sympathize me for his children and my girls don't seem happy like yours

he's lively and pleasant enough in company but at home she's dull and spiritless and though gertrude is made what is considered an excellent match she doesn't seem to enjoy life she's easily fretted and wants change in excitement all the time perhaps matters may improve with her elsie said longing to come but lucy some couples have to learn to accommodate themselves to each other well i hope it may be so lucy responded sighing as the hope of fate indeed and kate may grow happier too dear lucy if you could only lead her to christ i am sure she would elsie went on no and ten-nine mrs ross shook her head tears trembling her eyes how can i i have not found him myself yet ah elsie i wish i'd begun as you did you have some comfort in your children i've none in mine that is she added hastily of correcting yourself not as much as i ought to have except in phil he is doing well yet even he is not half so thoughtful and affectionate toward his father and mother as your boys are but then of course he's have a different disposition your younger boys seem fine lads elie said and sophie has a winning way lucy looks pleased then sighed they are nice children but so wilful and the boys so venturesome i've no peace when they're out of my sight lest they should be in some danger end of chapter twenty fifth recording by esther ben simon chapter twenty sixth of elsie's children this is the librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recording by sweet p elsie's children by martha finley chapter twenty sixth o lord methought what pain it was to drown shakespeare cousin ronald was a great favorite with his young relatives harold and herbert had long since voted him quite equal if not superior to captain bryce as a story-teller his narratives were fully as interesting and beside always contained a moral or some useful information there were tales of the sea wild tales of the highlands and of the scottish border stories of william wallace of the bruce and the black douglas in all of which the children greatly delighted

mr lilburn's ventriloical powers were used for their amusement also and altogether they found him a very entertaining companion rosy holding a shell to her ear one day was sent into ecstasies of delight by hearing low sweet strains of music apparently coming from the inside of it at another time as she stooped to pick up a dead crab while wandering along the beach she started back in dismay at hearing it scream out in a shrill tiny voice don't touch me i'll pinch you if you do the merry laughed of the boys told her that it was only cousin ronald but she let the crab alone keeping at a respectful distance from its claws this was on the evening's book in our last chapter and while her mamma and aunt lucy were chatting together in the verandah waiting for the call to tea it sounded presently and cousin ronald and the children started on a run for the house trying who could get there first harold showed himself the fleetest of foot herbert and frank daly were close at his heels while mr lilburn with rosy in one hand and little walter and the other came puffing and blowing not far behind won't you take us on another walk cousin asked rosy when they came out again after the meal yes he said this is a very pleasant time to be down on the beach come lads to harold and herbert will you go along they were only too glad to accept the invitation and the forest sauntered leisurely down to the water's edge where they strolled along watching the incoming tide i love the sea said rosy i wish we could take it home with us we have a lake and must be content with that said herbert picking up a stone and sending it far out to fall with a splash among the restless waves we can't have everything in one place did you ever see a mermaid rosy asked mr lilburn no sir what is it they're said to live in the sea and be half fish and half woman ugh that's dreadful i wouldn't like to be half of a fish but i wish i could see one are there any in our sea here cousin ronald

they're said to have very long hair he went on not noticing her query and to come out of the water and sit on the rock sometimes while they comb it out with their fingers and sing sing oh i like to hear em i wish one would come and sit on that big rock way out there look sharp now and see if there is one there hark don't you hear her sing rosy and the boys stood still listening intently and in another moment strains of music seemed to come to them from over the water from the direction of the rock Oh, I do, I do! screamed Rosie in delight. Oh, boys, can you hear her too? Can you see her? I hear singing, said Harold, smiling, but I think the rock is bare. I hear the music, too, remarked Herbert, but I suppose Cousin Ronald makes it. Our mermaids only a fabled creature.

Fabled? What's that? Only pretend. Ah, now, what a pity! At that instant, a piercing scream seemed to come from the sea out beyond the surf, some yards higher up the coast. Help, help! I'll drown! I'll drown! Instantly Harold was off like a shot, in the direction of the sound, tearing off his coat as he went, while Herbert screaming,

Somebody's drowning! The lifeboat! The lifeboat! rushed away toward the hotel. Lads, lads! cried Mr. Lilburn, putting himself to his utmost speed to overtake Harold in time to prevent him from plunging into the sea. Are you mad? Are you daft? "'There's nobody there, lads. "'Twas only cousin Ronald at his old tricks again.'

"'As he caught up to Harold, the boy's coat and vest lay on the ground, "'and he was down beside them, tugging at his boots, and shouting, "'Hold on, I'm coming!' "'While a great wave came rolling in and dashed over him, "'wetting him from head to foot. "'No, you're not!' cried Mr. Lilburn, "'lying a tight grasp upon his harm. "'There's nobody there, and if there was,

"'what could a bit frail laddie like you do to rescue him? "'You'd only be dragged under yourself.' "'Nobody there? Oh, I'm so glad!' cried Harold, with a hearty laugh, as he jumped up, snatched his clothes from the ground, and sprang hastily back just in time to escape the next wave. "'But you gave us a real scare this time, Cousin Ronald.' "'You gave me one,' said Mr. Lilburn, joining in the laugh. "'I thought you'd be in the sea and maybe out of reach of help before I could catch up to you. You took no time to deliberate.'

"'Deliberate when somebody was drowning? There wouldn't have been a second to lose!' "'You'd just have thrown your own life away, lad, if there had been anybody there. Don't you know it's an extremely hazardous thing for a man to attempt to rescue a drowning person? They're so apt to catch and grip you in a way to deprive you of the power to help yourself and drag you under with them. I honour you for your courage, but I wish, my boy, you'd promise me never to do the like again, at least not till you're grown up and have some strength.' "'And leave a fellow-creature to perish!' cried the boy almost indignantly.

"'Oh, cousin, could you ask me to be so selfish?' "'Not selfish, lad, only prudent. "'If you want to rescue a drowning man, throw him a rope, "'or reach him the end of a pool, "'or do anything else you can without putting yourself "'within reach of his hands.' "'Rosie, left behind by all her companions, "'looked this way and that in fright and perplexity,

"'then ran after Herbert, "'as that was the direction to take her to her father and mother. "'Mr. Trevilla and Eddie "'had started toward the beach to join the other, and were the first to hear Herbert's cry. Oh, it was Cousin Ronald, said the latter. Nobody goes in bathing at this hour. Probably, said his father, yet,

ah, there's the lifeboat out now and moving toward the spot. While they all ran in the same direction and came up to Mr. Lilburn and Harold, just as the boy had resumed his coat and the gentleman concluded his exhortation. They all saw at once that Eddie had been correct in his conducture. Hello, where's your drowning man? he called. Or was it a woman?

Ask Cousin Ronald, said Harold, laughing. He's best acquainted with the person. A hoax, was it? asked Mr. Trevilla. Well, I'm glad things are no worse. Run home, my son, and change your clothes. You're quite wet. I fear I owe you an apology, sir, said Mr. Lilburn. But the fact is, I had a great desire to try the medal of the lads, and I believe they're brave fellows both,

and not lacking in that very useful and commendable quality called presence of mind. Thank you, sir, Mr. Trevilla said, turning upon his boys a glance of fatherly pride that sent a thrill of joy to their young hearts. End of Chapter 26th. Chapter 27 of Elsie's children. This is a Librevox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Librivox.org. Recording by Brear Snow

Elsie's Children by Martha Finlay chapter twenty seventh nursed by the virtues she hath been from childhood's hour halleck count all the advantage prosperous vice attains tis but what virtue flies from and disdains and grant the bad what happiness they would one they must want which is to pass for good pope mrs travilla was sitting on the verandah at the hotel reading a letter her husband had handed her at the tea-table when Violet came in, rushing toward her in wild affright. Mama, Mama, something's wrong at the water. Something's happened. Herbie just came running up from the beach, calling for the lifeboats.

Papa and Eddie have gone back with him, running as fast as they can. Oh, I'm afraid Harold or Rosie has fallen into the water, she added, bursting into hysterical weeping. Her mother rose hastily, thrusting the letter into her pocket, pale but calm. daughter dear we will not meet trouble half-way i do not think it could be for they are not disobedient or venturesome but come and so together they hurried toward the beach in a moment they perceived that their fears were groundless for they could see their dear ones coming to meet them violet's tears were changed to laughter as harold gave a humorous account of cousin ronald's cell as he called it and the latter's praise that the boy's bravery and readiness to respond to the young to the cry for help brought proud happy smiles to the lips and eyes of both mother and sisters. Elsie had joined them, as had Mrs. Ross, and a handsome, richly-dress, middle-aged lady,

whom she introduced as her friend Mrs. Ford from Kentucky. They, as Lucy afterward told Elsie, had made acquaintance the year before at Saratoga, and were glad to meet again. Mrs. Ford was much taken with Elsie and her daughters, pleased indeed with the high. whole family and from that time forward sought their company very frequently. Elsie found her to be entertaining companion, polished in manners, refined, intelligent, highly educated and witty, but very worldly, caring for the pleasures and rewards of this life only. She was a wealthy widow with but one child, a grown son of whom she talked a great deal. Clarence Augustus was evidently, in his mother's

eyes, the perfection of manly beauty and grace, a great genius, and indeed everything that could be desired in a man. He is still single. She one day said significantly to the younger Elsie, though I know plenty of girls' desirable matches in every way who would have been delighted with the offer of his hand. Yes, my dear, I'm quite sure of it, she added, seeing a slight smile of incredulity on the young girl's face. Only wait till you have seen him. him, who will be here in the morrow. Elsie was quite willing to wait, and no dreams of Mrs. Ford's idol disturbed either her sleeping or waking hours. Clarence Augustus made his appearance duly the next day at the dinner table. He was a really handsome man, if regular features and fine coloring,

be all that it is necessary to constitute good looks. But his face wore an expression of self-satisfaction and contempt for others, which was not attractive to the iron-suit. clan. It soon became evident that to most of the other ladies in the house he was an object of admiration. His mother seized upon an early opportunity to introduce him to the Mrs. Trevilla, coming upon them as they stood talking together on the veranda. But they merely bowed and withdrew having, fortunately, an engagement to drive at that hour with their parents and cousins along the beach. What do you think of him? asked Violet, when they had. reach their room he has good features in a polished manner yes do you like his looks no i do not desire his acquaintance nor i he's not the sort that papa and grandpa would wish us to know no so let us keep out of his way but without seeming to do so

oh yes as far as we can we don't wish to hurt his feelings or his mothers they carried out their subtle plan of avoidance so skilfully that neither mother nor son was quite sure it was intended in fact it was difficult for them to believe that any young girl could wish to shun the attentions of a young man so attractive in every way as was clarence augustus ford i should like you to marry one of those girls the mother said to her son chatting alone with him in her own room you could not do better they are beautiful highly educated and accomplished and will have large fortunes which he added sententiously with a smile that seemed to say he was conscious that he only had to take his choice i don't care there's hardly a pin to choose between them just my opinion well i think i should go for the dark eyes you tell me the other is not out yet and i hear the father refuses on that plea to allow any one to court her they're between you and me mrs f i fancy he might make an exception in my favour it would not surprise me clarence augustus she responded regarding him with a proud fond smile i fancy he must be aware that there's no better match in the union but you have no time to lose they may leave here any day true but what's to hinder us from following however i will take your advice and lose no time let me borrow your writing-desk for a moment i'll ask her to drive with me this morning and while we're out secure her company for the boating party that's to come off to-morrow a few moments later the younger elsie came into a mother's room with a note written in a manly hand on delicate perfumed french paper what's what shall i do about it mamma she asked will you answer it for me of course you know i do not wish to accept i will daughter mrs travilla said that if he was such a man as i could receive into my family on friendly terms i should prefer to have you answer it yourself

mr ford's very handsome carriage and horses were at the door a liveried servant holding the reins the gentleman himself waited in the parlour for the coming of the young lady who he doubted not would be well pleased to accept his invitation he was not kept waiting long he had indeed scarcely seated himself and taken up the morning paper when mr travilla's ban appeared with a note presented in a grave silence and with a respectful bow withdrew hold on it may require an answer mr ford called after him no sir mr villas say does no answer returned ben looking back for an instant from the doorway and then van van van van van van vanquen's all right muttered clarence augustus opening the missive and glancing over the contents an angry flush suffusing his face as he read what is it she hasn't declined surely mrs ford asked in an undertone close at the side just that it's very farce the mother she thanks me for the invitation but respectfully declines not even condescending to a shadow with an excuse what can it mean i don't know i'm sure but if they knew it had serious intentions it might make a difference possibly or soon bring it to the proof he rose and went out in search of mr travilla he found him alone and at once asked his permission to pay court to elsie the request was courteously but decidedly and firmly refused used. May I ask why? Quirried the young man in anger and in astonishment? Because, sir, it would not be agreeable to even my daughter herself, or to her mother, or to me.

Then I must say, sir, that you, of all three, hard to please. But pray, sir, what is the objection? Do you insist upon knowing? I do, sir. Then let me answer your query of another. Would you pay court to a young woman, however wealthy, beautiful, low high-born, whose moral character was no better whose life had been no purer than your own. Of course not, exclaimed Ford, colouring violently. But who expects? I do, sir. I expect the husbands of my daughters be as pure and stainless as my son's wives. I'm as good as the rest, sir. You'll not find one young fellow in five hundred who was sowed fewer wild oats than I. I fear that may be true enough, but it does not alter my decision, returned Mr. Trevella, intimating by our bank,

in a slight wave of the hand that he considered the interview at an end. Ford withdrew in anger, but with an intensified desire to secure the coveted prize. The more difficult the acquisition, the more desirable it then seemed to him. He persuaded his mother to become his advocate with Mrs. Trevilla. She at first fully refused, but at length yielded to his entreaties, and undertook the difficult and to her haughty spirit humiliating mission. Requesting a private intervie. Requesting a private interview with Elsie, she told her with the wishes of Clarence Augustus, and pleaded his cause with all the eloquence of which she was mistress. My boy would make your daughter a good husband, she said. Indeed, I think any woman might feel honoured by the author of his hand. I do not understand how it is,

Mrs. Trevella, that the lady of your sense fails to see that. I appreciate your feelings, my dear Mrs. Ford, said Elsie, gently. I'm a mother, too, you know, and I have sons of my own. yes and what possible objection can you have to mind excuse my saying it but the one your husband advanced seems to me simply absurd nevertheless it is the only one except that our child's heart is not enlisted but even alone would be insuperable she hardly knows him yet could not fail to learn to love him if he did be persuaded my dear mrs travilla to give him a chance to try it is never well to be hasty especially in declining a good offer this let me tell you is such a one as you will not meet with every day lovely and attractive in every way as your daughters are ours is an old aristocratic family there is none better to be found in our state or in the union we have wealth too and i flatter myself that clarence augustus is as handsome a man as you would find anywhere he is amiable in this position also and would as i said before make an excellent husband will you not undertake his cause believe me it is painful for me to refuse but i could not in good conscience but why not simply for the reason my husband gave we both consider moral purity more essential than anything else in those we admit to even friendly acquaintance with our children especially on our young daughters my son is not a bad man mrs travilla very far from it mrs ford exclaimed in the tone of one who considers herself grossly and insulted not i am sure as the world looked upon those things said elsie but the bible is our standard and guided by its teaching we desire above all things else purity of heart and life in those who seek friendship of our children

we especially desire it in those who would become their partners for life in the future fathers or mothers of their offspring should it please god to give them any that is certainly looking ahead returned mrs ford with a polite light sneer not farther than it is our duty since after marriage it is too late to consider to any profit what kind of parent our already irrevocably chosen partner for life will probably make well well every one of her taste said mrs ford rising to go but had i a daughter i should infinitely prefer to her for her husband such a young man as my clarence augustus as if that poor artist was so attentive to miss travilla good morning i am sure i may try to you not to blasphorne this matter abroad you certainly may mrs ford elsie returned with sweet and gentle courtesy and believe me it has been very painful to speak word that have given pain to you what is what little wife mr travilla asked coming in a moment after mrs ford's departure and finding elsie alone and seemingly sunk in a painful reverie she repeated what had just passed and added i'm very glad now that we decided to return to philadelphia to-morrow could see mrs ford was deeply offended and it would be unpleasant for both of us to remain longer in the same house as she and her son go with a boating party to-day we leave early in the morning i trust we are not likely to encounter each other again yes it is all for the best he said but i wish i could have shield you from this trial end of chapter twenty seven chapter twenty eighth of elsie's children this is the libravox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recording by sweet p elsie's children by martha finley chapter twenty eight the brave man is not he who feels no fear for that we're stupid and irrational but he whose soul its fear subdues and bravely dares the danger nature shrinks from bailey

the travillas returned home to ion in november and took up with new zest the old and loved routine of study work and play elsie was no longer a schoolgirl but still devoted some hours of each day to the cultivation of her mind and the keeping up of her accomplishments also pursued her art studies with renewed ardor under the tuition of lester lalande who his health requiring during the winter a warmer climate than that of his northern home had come at the urgent request of his relatives to spend the season at fairview elsie had a number of gentlemen friends some of whom she highly esteemed but leicester's society was preferred to that of any other malcolm lilburn had grown very jealous of lester and found it difficult indeed to refrain from telling his love but had gone away without breathing a word of it to any one not to scotland however he and his father were travelling through the west visiting the principal points of interest and had partly promised to take eye on in their way as they returned which would probably not be before spring mr and mrs travilla were not exempt from the cares and trials incident to our fallen state but no happier parents could be found they were already reaping as they had sowed indeed it seemed to them but they had been reaping all the way along so sweet was the return of affection from the little clinging helpless ones the care of whom had been no less a pleasure than a sacred god-given duty but with each passing year the harvest grew richer and more abundant the eldest three had been very companionable and the intercourse between the two elsie's was more like that of sisters than of mother and daughter the young girl loved her mother's society above that of any other of her sex and mamma was still as she had ever been her most intimate friend and confident and was it not wise who so tender faithful and prudent a guiding counsellor as the mother to whom she was dearer dearer to whom she was dearer

in life. It was the same with the others also, both sons and daughters, and they were scarcely less open with their wisely indulgent father. Life was not all sunshine, the children had their faults which would occasionally show themselves, but the parents, conscious of their own imperfections, were patient and forbearing. They were sometimes tried with sickness, too, but it was born with cheerful resignation, and no one could say what the future held in store for any of them, but God reigned the god whom they had chosen as their portion and their inheritance forever and they left all with him striving to obey the command to be without carefulness the winter passed quietly almost without incident save one eddie had been spending the afternoon with his cousins at pine grove some of them were lads near his own age and fine intelligent good boys had stayed to tea and was riding home alone except that he had an attendant in the person of his own of a young negro boy, who rode some yards in his rear.

It was already dark when they started, but the stars shone down from a clear sky, although a keen, cold wind blew from the north. Part of the way lay through a wood, in the midst of which stood a hut occupied by the family by the name of Smith, belonging to the class known as poor whites, shiftless, lazy, and consequently very poor indeed they were. Many efforts had been put forth in their behalf by the families of the oaks and ion and by others also but thus far with small results for it is no easy matter to effectually help those who will not try to help themselves as eddy entered the wood he thought he smelt smoke and presently a sudden turn in the road brought into view the dwelling of the smiths all wrapped in flames putting spurs to his horse at the sight eddie flew along the road shouting at the top of his lungs fire Fire, fire, fire! Jim, his attendant, following his example.

But there was no one within hearing, save the Smiths themselves. The head of the family, half stupefied with rum, stood leaning against the fence, his hands in the pockets of his ragged coat, a pipe in his mouth, gazing in a daze sort of way upon the work of destruction, while the wife and children ran hither and thither, screaming and wringing their hands with never a thought of an attempt to extinguish the flames or save any of their few poor possessions. Sam Smith, shouted Eddie,

reining in his horse close to the individual addressed. Why don't you drop that old pipe? Take your hands out of your pocket and go to work to put out the fire. Hey? cried Sam, turning slowly round so as to face his interlocutor. Why, I... I couldn't do nothing. It's bound to go, that house is. Don't you see how the winds are blowing? "'Well, it ain't much count, nohow, and I wouldn't care.

"'Only she says she's left the baby in there, so she does.' "'The baby!' "'And almost before the words had left his lips. "'Eddy had cleared the rough rail fence at a bound "'and was rushing toward the burning house. "'How the flames crackled and roared, "'seeming like demons greedily devouring all that came their way. "'The horse-blanket, Jim!

"'Bring it here, quick, quick!' "'He shouted back to his servant. "'Bend to the half-haven. crazed woman where is your baby where did you leave it in there in there on the bed oh oh it's burning all up i forgot it and i couldn't get it back eddie made one step backward and ran his eye rapidly over the burning pile calmly taking in the situation considering whether the chances of success were sufficient to warrant the awful risk it was the work of an instant to do that snatched the blanket from jim wrap it around his person and plunge in a little bit of a little risk it was the work of an instant to do that snatch the blanket from jim wrap it around his person and plunge in a among the flames, smoke, and falling firebrands, regardless of the boy's frightened protest. Oh, Mr. Eddie, don't! You'll be killed! You'll burn all up! He had looked into the cabin but a day or two before, and remembered in which corner stood the

rude bed of the family, their only one. He groped his way to it, half suffocated by the heat and the smoke, and in momentary dread of the falling in of the roof, reached it at last and feeling about among the scanty coverings. laid hold of the child which was either insensible or sound asleep taking it in his young strong arms holding it underneath the blanket which he drew closer about his person he rushed back again stepping from the door just as the roof fell in with a crash the woman snatched her babe and its gallant rescuer fell fainting to the ground a falling beam had grazed his head and struck him a heavy blow upon the shoulder with a cry jim sprang forward dragged his young master out of reach of the flying sparks, the overpowering heat and suffocating smoke, and dropping, blubbering down by his side, tried to loosen his cravat. "'Fetch some water!' he called.

"'Quick, thou, you ungrateful white trash! You goin' let Marse Eddie die! When he done gone save your baby from burning up!' "'Take the gourd and run to the spring, Solicester Anne! Quick, quick as you can go!' said the mother, hugging up her rescued child, and wiping a tear from her eye with the corner of a very dirty apron. There ain't none, answered the child. We uniless ain't got nothing left. It's all burnt up.

But a keen, fresh air was already reviving our hero. Take me home, Jim, he said faintly. Stop that wagon! As one was heard rumbling down the road, still at some distance. Hello, Dare! Just stop and take a passenger aboard! shouted Jim, springing to his feet and rushing into the road. road, waving his cap above his head. "'Hello!' shouted back the other.

"'That you, Jim Yates! Burning down Smith's house! That's a plenipotentiary crime, dat is, sir!' "'Oh, go long, you fool, Pete White,' retorted Jim, as the other drew rein close at his side. "'You bet you don't catch this nigger a burn in no houses.' Speck old Smith set a defier going himself with that old pipe of his. "'And as Clara burg down to the ground,' observed Pete. gazing with eager interest at the smoltering ruins what dey s'pose dey's gwine to do for shelter for dem poor chillin dat ain't no concern o'bine returned jim indifferently

i's concern bout gettin yon goin goin ter safe home and don't care nothin for all the white trash in the country just hitch you a horse an help me lift em into the wagon what's de matter queried pete leisurely demounting and slowly hitching his horse to a tree oh you hurry up you old darky returned jim impatiently mr eddard's lyin thar in de cold catch his diff if you's gwine to be all night bout gitin to him i's got de rheumatiz child old folks can't turn round like young un returned pete quickening his movements somewhat as he clambered over the fence and followed jim to the spot where eddie lay hurt sir he asked a little i fear i can hardly sit my horse for this faintness eddy answered low un feebly can you put me into your wagon and drive me de ion yes sir with de greatest pleasure in life sir mr travilla and de ion lady's been very kind to me and my own woman into chillin." Mrs. Smith and her dirty, ragged little troop had gathered round, still crying over their fright and their losses, curious, too, about the young gentleman who had saved the baby, and was lying there on the ground so helpless.

"'Are you much hurt, Mr. Edward?' asked the woman. "'Oh, your mother will never forgive me for letting you risk your life that away.' "'I don't think the injury is serious, Mrs. Smith. At least I hope not, and you were not to blame,' he answered. so make yourself easy. Now Pete and Jim, give me an arm, each of you. They helped him into the wagon and laid him down, putting the scorched horse blanket under his head for a pillow.

Now drive a little carefully, Pete, he said, suppressing a groan, and look out for the ruts. I'd rather not be jolted. A new, Sim, ride on ahead and lead Prince. I want you to get in before us, ask for my father, and tell him I've had an accident, and not seriously hurt, but want my mother prepared she must not be alarmed by seeing me brought in unexpectedly in this state his orders were obeyed jim reached ion some ten minutes ahead of the wagon and gave due warning of its approach he met his master in the avenue and told his story in a tolerably straightforward manner where is mr edward now asked mr travilla de wagons just down to road dar a piece sir be here in about five minutes sir then off for the doctor jim as fast as you can go here give me prince's bridle now don't let the grass grow under your horse's feet either dr barton or dr arthur it doesn't matter which only get him here speedily

and vaulting into the saddle mr travilla rode back to the house dismounted throwing the bridle to solon and went in opening the door of the dry-yard and the dry room where the family were gathered. "'Wife,' he said cheerfully, "'will you please step here a moment?' She came at once and followed him down the hall, asking, "'What is it, Edward?' For her heart miss gave her that something was wrong.

"'Not much, I hope, dearest,' he said, turning and taking her in his arms. Our boy, Eddie, has done a brave deed and suffered some injury by it, but nothing serious, I trust. He will be here in a moment. He felt her cling to him with a comfort. of grasp. He heard her quick coming breath, the whispered words,

"'Oh, my son, dear Lord, help!' Then as the rumble of the wagon wheels was heard nearing the door, she put her hand in his, calm and quiet, and went forth with him to meet their wounded child. His father helped him to alight and supported him up the veranda steps. "'Don't be alarmed, Mother, I'm not badly hurt,' he said, but staggered as he spoke and would have fallen but for his father's sustaining arm. and by the light from the open door she saw his eyes closed and a deadly pallor overspread his face he's fainting she exclaimed springing to his other side oh my boy this is no trifle servants were already crowding about them and eddie was quickly born to his room laid upon the bed and restoratives administered fire his mother said with a start and a shudder pointing to his singed locks oh where has the child been

her husband told her in a few words and he has saved a life she cried with tears of mingled joy and grief proud of her brave son though her tender mother heart ached for his suffering thank god for that if he has not sacrificed his own the door opened and arthur conely came in consciousness was returning to the lad and looking up at his cousin as he bent over him tell mother he murmured that i'm not much hurt "'I have to find that out first,' said Arthur. "'Do you feel any burns, bruises, "'whereabouts are you injured, do you think?' "'Something, a falling beam, I suppose, "'grazed my head and struck me on the shoulder. "'I think, too, that my hands and face are scorched.'

"'Yes, your faces and your hands scorched, "'why they are badly burned, "'and your collar-bones broken. "'That's all, I believe, enough to satisfy you, I hope.' "'Quite,' Eddie returned with a faint smile. "'Don't cry, Mother's. dear, you see it's nothing but what can be made right in a few days or weeks. Yes, she said, kissing him and smiling through her tears, and oh, let us thank God that it is no worse.

Eddie's adventure created quite a stir in the family, and among outside relatives and friends, he was dubbed the hero of the hour, and attentions were lavished upon him without stint. He bore his honors meekly. "'Mother,' he said privately to her, "'I don't deserve all these encomiums, "'and they make me ashamed, for I am not really brave. "'In fact, I'm afraid I'm an errant coward, "'for do you know I was afraid to rush in among those flames,

"'but I could not bear the thought of leaving that poor baby to burn up, "'and you had taught me that it was right and noble "'to risk my own life to save another's. "'That was not cowardice, my dear boy,' she said, "'her eyes shining, but the truest courage. i think you deserve far more credit for bravery than you would if you had rushed in impulsively without a thought of the real danger you were encountering praise is very sweet from the lips of those i love especially my mother's he responded with a glad smile and what a nurse you are mother mine it pays to be ill when one can be so tended that is when one is not very seriously ill i suppose she said playfully stroking his hair by the way it will take longer to restore these damaged locks than to repair any of the other injuries caused by your escapade never mind he said they'll grow again in time what has become of the smiths your father is found temporary shelter for them at the quarter and is rebuilding their hut

i knew he would it is just like him always so kind so generous end of chapter twenty eighth chapter twenty ninth of elsie's children by martha finley this is a livervox recording all libervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libervox dot org recording by sweetfee chapter twenty-night oh gentle romeo if thou dost love pronounce it faithfully or if thou think'st i'm too quickly want i'll frown and be perverse and say thee nay so thou wilt woo but else not for the world shakespeare one lovely morning in the ensuing spring the younger elsie wandered out alone into the grounds and sauntering aimlessly along with the book in her hand at length found herself standing on the shore of the lakelet it was a lovely spot for the limpid waters reflected grassy banks sprinkled here and there with the wild violet and shaded by beautiful trees a gentle breeze just ruffled the glassy surface of the pond and rustic seats invited to rest it seemed just the place in time for her reverie and elsie with scarce a glance about her sat down to that enjoyment it was only of late that she had formed the habit but it was growing upon her she sat for some time buried in thought her cheek upon her hand her eyes upon the ground and smiles and blushes chasing each other over the fair sweet face the dip of an oar followed instantly by a discordant laugh in a shrill voice asking what are you sitting there for so still and quiet wouldn't you like to get in here with me caused her to start and spring to her feet with a cry of dismay about an hour before a little oddly dressed woman with gray hair hanging over her shoulders a large doll in one arm and a sun umbrella in the other hand might have been seen stealing along the road that led from roselands to ion keeping close to the head keeping close to the head of her head and a large doll in one arm and a sun umbrella in the other hand might have been seen stealing along the road that led from roselands to ion keeping close to the head

hedge that separated it from the fields, and now and then glancing over her shoulder, as if fearing or expecting pursuit. She kept up a constant gable, now talking to herself, now to the doll, hugging and kissing it, with a great show of affection. Got away safe this time, didn't we grizzy? And we're not going back in a hurry, are we dear? We've had enough of being penned up in that old house this ever so long, and now we'll have a day in the woods, a picnic all to ourselves. hark what was that did i hear wheels pausing a moment to listen no they haven't found us out yet grizzy so we'll walk on reaching the gate leading into the avenue at ion she stood a moment peering in between the bars seems to me i've been here before must have been a good while ago guess i won't go up to the house they might catch me and send me back but let us go in griselda and look about yonder's a garden full of flowers we'll pick what we want and nobody'll know it putting down her umbrella and pushing the gate open just far enough to enable her to slip through she stole cautiously in crossed the avenue in the lawn and entered the garden unobserved she wandered here and there about it plucking remorselessly whatever seized her fancy till she had an immense bouquet of the choicest blossoms at length leaving the garden she made a circuit through the shrubbery and finally came out upon the shore of the little lake

oh this is nice she said did i ever see this before it's cool and shady here we'll sit down and rest ourselves under one of these trees grizzy then catching sight of a pretty rowboat moored to the shore no we'll jump into this boat and take a ride and springing nimbly in she lay the doll down on one of the seats the bouquet beside it saying i'm tired carrying you griselda so you just lie there and rest then quickly loosening the little craft from its moorings and taking up the oars pushed off into the deep water. She laid down the oars presently, and amused herself with the flowers, picking them to pieces and scattering the petals in the water, leaning over the side of the boat, talking to the fishes,

and bidding them eat what she gave them, for it was good, much better and daintier than breadcrumbs. The breeze came from the direction to take her farther from the shore, and soon wafted her out to the middle of the lake, but she went on with her new diversion, taking no note of her whereabouts. It was just about this time that Elsie reached the spot and sat down to her daydreams.

Anna, for it was she who occupied the boat, did not see her niece at first, but after a little, growing weary of her sport with the flowers, she threw them from her, took up an oar again, and glancing toward the land, as she dipped it in the water. Her eye fell upon the graceful white-robed figure, seated there underneath the trees, and she instantly called out to her, as we have related. Elsie was much alarmed, concerned for the safety of the poor lunatic. There was no knowing what mad freak might seize her at any moment.

No one was within call, and that being the only boat there, there was no way of reaching her until she should return to the shore of her own accord. If indeed she was capable of managing the boat so as to reach the land if she desired to do so. Elsie did not lose her presence of mind, and she thought very rapidly. The breeze was wafting the boat farther from her, but nearer to the opposite shore, if let alone, it would arrive there in the course of time, and as she perceived, did not know how to propel it with the oars. "'Will you come?' she was asking again. "'Will you take a ride in this pretty boat with me?' "'I'll run round to the other side,' Elsie called in reply.

"'I wouldn't bother with those great heavy oars if I were you. "'Just let them lie in the bottom of the boat while you sit still and rest, and the wind will carry it to the land.' all right enna answered laying them down now you hurry up i will elsie said starting upon a run for the spot where she thought that the boat would be most likely to reach the shore she reached it at first and the boat being still several yards away floating upon very deep water she watched it a moment anxiously enna was sitting still in the bottom hugging the doll to her bosom and singing a lullaby to it but suddenly as elsie stood up to her bosom and singing a lullaby to it but suddenly as elsie stood waiting and watching in trembling suspense. She sprang up, tossed the doll from her, leaped over the side of the boat, and disappeared beneath the water. Elsie tore off her sash, tied a pebble to one end, and, as Anna rose to the surface, spluttering and struggling, threw it to her crying, Catch hold, and I will try to pull you out. Oh, don't! You will but sacrifice your own life,

cried a manly voice, in tones of almost agonizing treaty, and Lester Leland came dashing down the it was too light enna seized the ribbon with a jerk that threw elsie also into the water and they were struggling there together both in imminent danger of drowning it was but an instant before lester was there also death with elsie would be far preferable to life without her and he would save or perish with her it was near being the last would have been had not bruno come to his aid but with the good help of the faithful dog he at length succeeded in rescuing both ladies dragging them up the bank and laying them on the grass both in a state of insensibility go to the house bruno go and bring help he said pantingly for he was well-nigh overcome by his exertions and the dog bounded away in the direction of the house lord grant it may come speedily ejaculated the young man kneeling beside the apparently lifeless form of her he loved so well oh my darling have those sweet eyes closed forever he cried in anguish wiping the water from her face and chafing her cold hands in his elsie my love my life my all oh i would have died to save you enna had been missed almost immediately and calhoun arthur and several servants at once set out in different directions in search of her arthur and pomp got upon the right scent followed her to ion and joined by mr travilla soon traced her through the garden and shrubbery down to the lake coming upon the scene of the catastrophe or rather of the rescue but a moment after bruno left why what is this exclaimed mr travilla in alarm is it elsie can she have been in the water oh my child my darling instantly he was down upon the grass by her side assisting leicester's efforts to restore her to consciousness

for a moment she engrossed the attention of all to the utter exclusion from their thoughts of poor enna for whom none of them entertained any great amount of affection she lives her heart beats she will soon recover arthur said presently see a fate's color is coming into her cheek. Run, pomp! Bring blankets and more help. They must be carried at once to the house. He turned to his aunt, leaving Mr. Trevilla and Lester to attend to Elsie.

Anna seemed gone. He could not be sure that life was not extinct. Perhaps it were better so, but he would not give up till every possible effort had been made to restore her. Both ladies were speedily conveyed to the house,

Elsie, already conscious, committed to the care of her mother and aunt Chloe, while Arthur, Dr. Barton, and others used every exertion for Anna's resuscitation. They were at length successful, in fanning to a flame, the feeble spark of life that yet remained, but fever supervained, and for weeks afterwards she was very ill. Elsie kept her bed for a day, then took her place in the family again, looking quite herself, except a slight paleness. No, a close observer might have detected another change,

A sweet, glad light in the beautiful brown eyes that was not there before, full of peaceful content and quiet happiness as her young life had been. Lester's words of passionate love had reached the ear that seemed closed to all earthly sounds. They were heard as in a dream, but afterward recalled with a full apprehension of their reality and all of they meant to her and to him. Months ago she had read the same sweet story in his eyes, but how sweeter far it was to have heard it from his lips. She had sometimes wondered that he held his peace so long,

and again had doubted the language of his looks, but now those doubts were set at rest, and their next interview was anticipated with a strange flutter of the heart, a longing for he had half-shinking from the words he might have to speak. But the day passed, and he did not come, another and another and no word from him. How strange! He was still her preceptor in her arm.

art studies, did he not know that she was well enough to resume them? If not, was it not his place to inquire? Perhaps he was ill. Oh, had he risked his health, perhaps his life, in saving hers? She did not ask. Her lips refused to speak his name, and would nobody tell her. At last she overheard her father saying to Eddie, What has become of Lester Leland?

It strikes me as a little ungallant that he has not been in to inquire after the health of your aunt and sister. He has gone away, Eddie. answered, he'd left the morning after the accident. Gone away, echoed Elsie's sinking heart. Gone away and so suddenly, what could it mean? She stole away to her own room to indulge for a brief space in the luxury of tears, then, with a woman's instinct of pride, carefully removed their traces,

and rejoined the family with a face all wreathed in smiles. End of Chapter 29th. Recording by Sweetpey. Chapter 30th of Elsie's children This is the Libravox recording All Libravox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer Please visit Libravox.org Recording by Sweet Pete

Elsie's Children by Martha Finley Chapter 30th Love is not to be reasoned down or lost In high ambition or thirst for greatness Tis second life it grows into the soul warms every vein and beats in every pulse. I feel it here my resolution melts. Addison.

Anna lay at the point of death for weeks. Mrs. Trevilla was her devoted nurse, scarcely leaving her day or night and only snatching a few hours of rest occasionally on a couch in an adjoining room whence she could be summoned at a moment's notice. Mr. Trevilla at length remonstrated, My darling, this is too much.

You are risking your own life and health, which are far more valuable than hers. Oh, Edward, she answered, the tears shining in her eyes, I must save her if I can. I am praying, praying that reason may come back, and her life be spared till she has learned to know him, whom to know a right is life eternal. My precious, unselfish little wife, he said, embracing her with emotion, I believe your petition will be granted that the master will give you this soul for your hire, saying to you as one of old, according to your faith, be it unto you. But dearest, he added, you must allow

others to share your labor, others upon whom she certainly has a nearer claim. Where is Mrs. Conley? Aunt Louise says she has no talent for nursing, Elsie answered with a half-smile, and that Prilla, Mammy, and Dinah are quite capable, and I am very foolish to take the work off their hands. And I am partly of her opinion, he responded playfully, then more seriously, Will you not, for my sake and for your children's, spare yourself a little? And for your father's, added Mr. Dinsmore, whose quiet step as he entered the room they had not heard. Elsie turned to him with both hands extended, a smile in her lips, a tear in her eye. My dear father, how are you? Quite well, daughter, he said, taking the hands and kissing the rich

red lips, as beautiful and as sweet now as in her childhood or youth, but troubled and anxious about you, are you determined to be quite obstinate in this thing? No, she said, I hope not, but what is it that you and my husband would have me do? Take your regular rest at night, answered the one, the other adding, and go out for a little air and exercise every day. Arthur, coming in at that moment, from his morning visit to his patient, who lay in the next room joined his entreaties to theirs, and upon his assurance that Anna was improving, Elsie consented to do as they desired.

Still the greater part of her time was spent at Anna's bedside, and her family saw but little of her. This was a trial to them all, but especially to the eldest, who was longing for Mama's dear society. She fully appreciated Molly's and Eddie's companionship, dearly loved that of her father, and esteemed vise as very sweet, but no one could feel her mother's place. face probably not even to her would she have unburdened her heart she could scarce bear to look into it herself but the dear mother's very presence though she might only sit in silence by her side would be as balm to her troubled spirit she forced herself to be cheerful when with the others and to take an interest in what interested them but when left alone would drop her book or work and fall into her rivory or wander out into the grounds choosing the most quiet and secluded

parts, off from the shady banks of the lake lip, where she and Lester had passed many an hour together in days gone by. She had gone there one morning, leaving the others at home busy with their lessons. Seated on a rustic bench, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes on the ground, and a book lying unheated in the grass at her feet, she was startled by a sound as of some heavy body falling from a height and crashing through the branches of a thick clump of trees on the other side of the lake. she sprang up and stood looking and listening with a palpitating heart she could see that a large branch had broken from a tall tree and lay upon the ground and yes something else lay beside or on it half concealed from her view by the green leaves and twigs and did she hear a groan perhaps it was only fancy but it might be that someone was lying there in pain and needing assistance instantly she flew toward the spot her heart beating loudly she drew started back and caught at a young sapling for support yes there lay a motionless form among the fallen branches that of a man a gentleman as she discerned by what she could see of his clothing her heart told her the rest another moment and she was kneeling at his side gazing with unutterable anguish into the still white face he is dead the fall has killed him she had no hope of anything else at the moment there seemed no possibility of life in that rigid form and death

flight face, and she made no effort to give assistance or to call for it. She was like one turned to stone by the sudden crushing blow. She loved and she had lost. That was all she knew. But at length this stony grief gave place to a sharper anguish. A low cry burst from her lips, and hot, scalding tears fell upon his face. They brought him back to consciousness, and he heard her bitter sighs and moans. He knew she thought him dead and mourned as for wretched.

one who was very dear. He was in terrible pain, for he had fallen with his leg bent under him and it was badly broken, but a thrill of joy shot through his whole frame. For a moment more he was able to control himself and remain perfectly still, than his eyelids quivered and a groan burst from him. At the sound, Elsie started to her feet, and then bending over him, "'You're hurt, Lester,' she said, unconsciously addressing him for the first time by his Christian name, what can i do for you have me carried to fairview he said faintly my leg is broken and i cannot rise or help myself oh what can i do she cried how can i leave you alone in such pain ah as steps were heard approaching here is grandpa coming up in search of me she ran to meet him and told him what had happened he seemed much concerned solon is here with the carriage he said i was going to ask your company for a drive but we will have him take lelan to fairview first Strange, what could have taken him into that tree?

That broken limb kept Lester Leland on his back for six long weeks. His aunt nursed him with the utmost kindness, but could not refrain from teasing him about his accident, asking what took him into the tree, and how he came to fall. Till at last, in sheer desperation, he told her the whole story of his love, his hopelessness on account of his poverty, his determination not to go back to Ion to be thanked by Elsie and her parents for saving her life. his inability to go or stay far away from her and finally owned that he had climbed the tree simply that he might be able to watch her himself unseen well i must say you are a sensible young man laughed mrs lalande but it was very unromatic to be so heavy as to break the limb and fall

true enough he said half laughing half sighing while a deep flushed his face well what are you going to do next go off to italy i suppose What for? To try to make fame and money to lay at her feet. That is all very well that I think—well, it just struck me that I was about to give unasked advice, which is seldom relished by the recipient. Please go on. I should like to have it whether I make use of it or not. Well, I think the honest, straightforward, and therefore best course would be to seek an interview with the parents of the young lady. Tell them frankly your feelings toward her, your hopes and purposes,

and leave it with them to say whether you shall go without speaking to her. "'They will take me for a fortune-hunter, I fear,' he said, the color mounting to his very hair. "'I think not, but at all events I should risk it. I do not pretend to know Elsie's feelings, but if she cares for you at all, it would be treating her very badly indeed, to go away without letting her know yours,

unless her parents forbid it. There, I've said my say, and will not mention the subject again, till you do. but leave you to consider my advice at your leisure luster did so during the next week which was the last of the six enforced quietude and the more he pondered it the more convinced was he of the soundness of his aunt's advice and at length he fully resolved to follow it mr travilla had called frequently at fairview since his accident always inquiring for him sometimes coming up to his room and others merely leaving kind messages from himself wife and family or some dainty to tempt the appetite of the invalid eddie had been there too on similar errands but there was never a word from her whose lovely image was ever present to his imagination enna was recovering was now able to sit up and to walk about the room there was partial restoration of reason also. Elsie's prayer had been granted, and though still feeble and intellect,

Anna had sense enough to comprehend the plan of salvation, and seemed to have entered into the kingdom as a little child. She was gentle, patient, and submissive, very different indeed from the Anna of old. Elsie rejoiced over her with joy akin to that of the angels, over one sinner that repenteth. Elsie's children were full of content and happiness in having Mama again at leisure to bestow upon them, her wanted care and affection, her husband also, and that he was no longer deprived of the large share of her sweet society, which for weeks past had been bestowed upon Anna. "'Let us have a quiet walk together, little wife,' he said to her one lovely summer evening,

as she joined him in the veranda on coming down from seeing her little ones safe in their nest. Suppose we call in the Lalons. Lester, I hear, is talking of going north soon, and I believe contemplates a trip to Europe. and i have never seen him yet to thank him for saving our darling's life and emma's too yes let us go lester and his aunt were alone in the drawing-room at fairview when their visitors were announced there seemed a slight air of embarrassment about the young man at the moment of their entrance but it was quickly dispelled by the kindly warmth of their greeting the four chatted together for some time on indifferent topics when mrs laland found some excuse for leaving the room and mrs travilla seized the opportunity to pour out her thanks to elsie's rescuer from a watery grave this made a favourable opening for lester and modestly disclaiming any right to credit for what he had done he frankly told the parents all that was in his heart toward their daughter why he had refrained from speaking before and his purpose not to seek to win her until he could bring fame and fortune to lay at her feet he began in almost painful confusion but something in the faces of his listeners reassured him for they expressed neither surprise nor displeasure,

though tears were trembling in the soft brown eyes of the mother. Lester had concluded, and for a moment there was silence, then Mr. Trevilla said, a slight huskiness in his voice, Young man, I like your straightforward dealing, but do you know the worth of the prize you covet? I know, sir, that her price is above rubies, and that I am not worthy of her. Well, Mr. Lalonde, we will let her be the judge of that,

the father answered. shall we not little wife turning to elsie with a look that had in it all the admiring homage of the lover as well as the tender devotion of the husband yes she sighed seeming already to feel the pang of parting with her child do you mean that i may speak now lester asked half incredulous of his happiness yes mr travilla said though not willing to spare our child yet we would not have you part and doubt of each other's feelings and he added with a kindly smile if you have won your heart the want of wealth is not much against you worth makes the man they walked home together elsie and her husband sauntering along arm and arm by the silvery moonlight like a pair of lovers there was something very lover-like in the gaze he bent upon the sweet fair face at his side almost sad in its quietness what is it little wife he asked ah edward how can we spare her our darling our first-born perhaps we shall not be called upon to do so he may not have won her heart she shook her head with a faint smile she has tried to hide it dear innocent child but i know the symptoms i have not forgotten and she looked up into his face blushing and happy as in the days when he had wooed and won his bride yes dearest what a little while ago it seems ah those were gladsome days to us were they not gladsome ah yes their memory is sweet to this hour, yet I do not sigh for their return. I would not bring them back. A deeper, calmer,

blessedness is mine. My dear husband, I bless thee for the noble heart, the tender and the true, where mine hath found the happiest rest, that ere fond women's new. I bless thee faithful friend and guide for my own my treasured share, in the mournful secrets of thy soul and thy sorrow and they care. Thank you, my darling, he said, lifting her hand to his lips, his eyes shining. Yes, we have lived in love together through many changing years. We have shared each other's sorrows, and we've wept each other's tears. Let us hope the future, as the past has been may be. I'll share with thee thy sorrows, and thou my joys with me. The end. End of chapter 30th. End of Elsie's Children by Martha Finley