CHAPTER Seventh.
"Disguise, I see thou art a wickedness, Wherein the pregnant enemy does much." -- SHAKESPEARE'S TWELFTH NIGHT.
"Will you walk into the library, gentlemen?
I have just received a package of new books, which, perhaps, you would like to examine," said Mr.Travilla to his guests as they left the tea-table.
"Presently, thank you," Mr.Dinsmore answered, catching Elsie's eye, and perceiving that she had something for his private ear.
She took his arm and drew him out to her flower garden, while her husband and Calhoun sought the library.
"Papa, I want a word with you about Cal.

I do not like Foster and Boyd; that is, they seem to me to be unprincipled men, of violent temper and altogether very bad associates for him; and you must have noticed how intimate he is with them of late." "Yes, I regret it, but have no authority to forbid the intimacy." "I know; but, papa, you have great influence; he is proud to be known as your nephew; and don't you think you might be able to induce him to give them up for some better friend; my brother, for instance?
Papa, he is twenty-one now, and are not his principles sufficiently fixed to enable him to lead Cal and Arthur, doing them good instead of being injured by association with them ?" "Yes, you are right; Horace is not one to be easily led, and Calhoun is.
I am glad you have spoken and reminded me of my duty." "My dear father, please do not think I was meaning to do that," she cried, blushing, "it would be stepping out of my place.

But Edward and I have had several talks about Cal of late, and decided that we will make him very welcome here, and try to do him good.

Edward suggested, too, what a good and helpful friend Horace might be to him, if you approved, and I said I would speak to you first, and perhaps to my brother afterward." "Quite right.

I think Horace will be very willing.