Enna was the more bitter and outspoken of the two, but even Louise seldom treated her niece to anything better than the most distant and frigid politeness.
In a truly Christian spirit Elsie returned them pity and compassion, because of their widowhood and straitened circumstances, invited them to her house, and when they came received them with kindness and cordiality.
Her grandfather had grown very fond of her and her children, was often at Ion, and for his sake she occasionally visited Roselands.

Adelaide's presence had drawn her there more frequently of late.

The invitation Mr.
Travilla carried was to the grandfather, three aunts and all their children.
Adelaide and Enna were in the drawing-room when the Ion carriage drew up at the door.
"There's Travilla, the old scalawag: how I hate him! Elsie too, I presume," exclaimed the latter, glancing from the window; "I'll leave you to entertain them," and she hastily left the room.
Adelaide flashed an indignant look after her, and hurried out to meet and welcome the callers.

Mr.Travilla had alighted and was coming up the steps of the veranda.
"How d'ye do.

I'm _very_ glad to see you," cried Adelaide, extending her hand, "but where is Elsie ?" "Left at home for once," he answered gayly, "but I come this morning merely as her ladyship's messenger." "But won't you come in; you and the children ?" "Thanks, no, if you will permit me just to deliver my message and go; for I am in haste." Mrs.Allison accepted the invitation for herself and children with evident pleasure, engaged that her sisters would do the same; then went to the carriage window for a moment's chat with the little ones, each of whom held a large place in her warm heart.