"You, sir, will meet me in the library at eight o'clock this evening." Turning to the men, "Dig up that post, and split it into kindling-wood for the kitchen fire." Her father, while shaking hands with the blacks, speaking a kindly word to each, regarded her with mingled curiosity and admiration; thoroughly acquainted with his child as he had believed himself to be, he now saw her in a new character.
She took his arm, and he felt that she was trembling very much.

He supported her tenderly, while the women flocked about them, eagerly welcoming her to Viamede; kissing her hand, and declaring with tears in their eyes, that it was just their "dear dead young missus come back to them, like a beautiful white angel." The first who claimed her attention, introduced herself as "Aunt Phillis de housekeepah.

An' I'se got eberyting ready for you, honey; de beds is aired, de fires laid in de drawin'-room, an' library, an' sleepin' rooms, an' de pantry full ob the nicest tings dis chile an' ole Aunt Sally know how to cook; an' I sent Jack right to de house to start de fires de fust minute dese ole eyes catch sight ob massa an' young missus, an' knows dey heyah." "My dear child, all this is quite too much for you," said Mr.Dinsmore, attempting to draw his daughter away.
"Just a moment, papa, please," she answered in a slightly unsteady voice; "let me speak to them all." He yielded, but cut short the garrulity of some who would have liked to mingle reminiscences of her baby-hood with their rejoicing over her return, telling them they must reserve such communication for a more suitable time, as their young mistress was faint and weary, and must have rest.
The appearance of Chloe and her recovered husband upon the scene, now created a diversion in their favor, and he presently succeeded in leading Elsie to the house.
A young mulatto girl followed them into the drawing-room, where a bright wood-fire was blazing on the hearth, asking if she should take Miss Elsie's things.
"Yes," Mr.Dinsmore said, removing his daughter's hat and shawl, and handing them to her.
She left the room; and taking Elsie in his arms, and gently laying her head upon his breast, "Let the tears have their way, darling," he said, "it will do you good." For several minutes the tears came in floods.

"Oh, papa," she sobbed, "to think that my people, my poor people, should be so served.

It must never, never be again!" "No," he said, "we will find means to prevent it.