When I spoke to her she smiled, it is true; but ah! such a sad, hopeless, dreary sort of smile--it was far more touching than tears, and then she turned away, as if she had scarcely heard or understood what I said.

Mother, you must go to her; she needs just the sort of comfort you understand so well how to give, but which I know nothing about.

You will go, mother, will you not ?" "Gladly, Edward! I would go this moment, if I thought I would be permitted to see her, and could do her any good." "I hardly think," said her son, "that even Mrs.Dinsmore would refuse you the privilege of a private interview with the child should you request it, mother; but, no doubt, it would be much pleasanter for all parties if we could go when Elsie is at home alone; and fortunately such will be the case to-morrow, for, as I accidentally learned, the whole family, with the exception of Elsie and the servants, are expecting to spend the day abroad.

So if it suits you, mother, we will drive over in the morning." Mrs.Travilla expressed her readiness to do so; and about the middle of the forenoon of the next day their carriage might have been seen turning into the avenue at Roselands.
Pomp came out to receive the visitors.

"Berry sorry, Massa and Missus," he said, making his best bow to them as they alighted from the carriage, "dat de family am all from home with the single 'ception of little Miss Elsie.