CHAPTER XV.
"'Tis a goodly scene-- Yon river, like a silvery snake, lays out His coil i' th' sunshine, lovingly; it breathes Of freshness in this lap of flowery meadows." HUNT.
"Oh, isn't this just the loveliest, _loveliest_ country!" exclaimed Evelyn, rapturously; "what does anybody want to go to Europe for?
If for beautiful scenery, I should advise them--all Americans, I mean--to travel over their own land first." "So should I," responded Lulu.

"I don't believe there can be lovelier scenery on this earth than what we have been passing through for hours past! I wonder how near we are now to Viamede ?" "We are beside it--the estate--at this moment," remarked Mr.Dinsmore, overhearing their talk; "this orange-orchard is a part of it." Exclamations of delight followed the announcement.

Everybody on board the little steamer that had been threading its way up Teche Bayou and through lake and lakelet, past swamp, forest, plantation and plain, miles upon miles of smooth, velvety lawns, dotted with magnificent oaks and magnolias, and lordly villas peering through groves of orange-trees--everybody, although they had greatly enjoyed the short voyage, was glad to know they were nearing their desired haven.
A glad welcome awaited them there.

As they rounded to at the little pier they could see a crowd of relatives and retainers gathered beside it, watching and waiting with faces full of joyous eagerness.
And as the voyagers stepped ashore what affectionate embraces, what glad greetings were exchanged! Cyril and Isa Keith were there with their two little ones; Dick Percival, Bob and Betty Johnson--and could it be possible?
was that Molly Embury, on her feet, standing by Mr.Embury's side and leaning only slightly on his arm?
Yes, it can be no other; and--oh, wonder of wonders!--she comes nearer, actually walking upon the feet that no one thought would ever again be able to bear her weight.
How they gathered about her with exclamations of astonishment and delight, and question upon question as to the means by which this wondrous change had been wrought! And with what tears of joy and thankfulness, and in tones how tremulous with deep gratitude, she and her husband told of the experiments of a rising young surgeon which, by the blessing of God, had resulted in this astonishing cure! "Oh, Uncle Horace, Aunt Rose, Cousin Elsie," Molly exclaimed, glancing from one to the other, "I think I am surely the happiest woman in the world, and the one who has the greatest reason for thankfulness! See, here is another precious treasure the Lord has sent me in addition to the many I had before;" and turning, she beckoned to a middle-aged colored woman standing a little in their rear, who immediately came forward bearing an infant of a few weeks in her arms.
"My Elsie, named for you, dear cousin," Molly said, taking the child and holding it proudly up to view.

"I only hope she may, if God spares her life, grow up to be as dear and sweet and good, as kind and true and loving, as she whose name she bears." "The darling!" Elsie said, bending down to press a kiss on the velvet cheek of her tiny namesake.