I doubt if it would not have been wiser to take them by surprise." "There would not be the same preparations for your comfort," replied her father, taking a seat by her on the sofa, for they were in their own private parlor; "you may find unaired bed-linen and an empty larder, which, beside inconveniencing yourself, would sorely mortify and trouble Aunt Phillis and her right-hand woman, Sarah, the cook." "I should be sorry you should have an inhospitable reception, papa, but fires are soon kindled and linen aired, and is not the pantry kept supplied with canned and preserved fruits?
and are there not fresh fruits, vegetables, chickens, and eggs at hand for immediate use ?" "Yes, certainly; and we are not likely to suffer.

We Will, then, leave here to-morrow, if you wish, taking the steamer for Berwick Bay.

But why prefer to come upon them unexpectedly ?" Elsie smiled, and blushed slightly.

"You know I never have any concealments from you, papa, and I will be frank about this," she said.

"I don't think I apt to be suspicious, and yet the thought has come to me several times within the last few days, that the overseer has had every opportunity to abuse my poor people if he happens to be of a cruel disposition.