CHAPTER XIV.
"How poor are they that have not patience!" SHAKESPEARE.
The next morning's mail brought a letter from Isadore Keith to her cousin, Mrs.Elsie Travilla.

It was dated "Viamede Parsonage," and written in a cheerful strain; for Isa was very happy in her married life.
She wrote rejoicingly of the prospect of seeing the Ion family at Viamede; the relatives of her husband who were now staying with them also urged an early arrival.
"We long to have you all here for the whole season," she said; "Molly and I are looking eagerly forward to your coming; and the old servants at the mansion beg for a Christmas with the family in the house.

Cannot Ion spare you to Viamede this year at that season?
"I know your and uncle's kind hearts would make you both rejoice in adding to our happiness, and theirs also.

And I have an additional inducement to offer.

A fine school has been opened lately in the neighborhood, near enough to all our homes for our children to attend.
Mine, of course, are still far too young, but I rejoice in the prospect for the future.
"It is both a boarding and day school, principally for girls of all ages from six or eight to eighteen or twenty; but they take a few boys, brothers of the girls who attend.
"A gentleman and his wife are the principals, two daughters assist, and there are French and music masters, etc.