But what a lovely place! a paradise upon earth! And, Elsie, you, in those dainty white robes, look the fit presiding genius." Elsie laughed and shook her head.

"Don't turn flatterer, Harold; though I do not object to praise of Viamede." "I have not heard from Rose in a long time," he said, addressing Mr.
Dinsmore.

"She and the little folks are well, I hope ?" "I had a letter this morning, and they were all in good health when it was written." The servants had come trooping down from the house, and seizing Harold's baggage had it all ready in the guest-chamber to which Aunt Phillis ordered it.

Aunt Chloe now drew near to pay her respects to "Massa Harold," and tell him that his room was ready.
"Will you go to it at once?
or sit down here and have a little chat with papa and me first ?" asked Elsie.
"Thank you; I think I shall defer the pleasure of the chat till I have first made myself presentable for the evening." "Then let me conduct you to your room," said Mr.Dinsmore, leading the way to the house.
Elsie had come in the course of years to look upon the older brothers of her stepmother as in some sort her uncles, but for Harold, who was so much nearer her own age, she entertained a sincere sisterly regard.

And he was worthy of it and of the warm place his many noble qualities had won for him in Mr.Dinsmore's heart.
They did all they could to make his visit to Viamede a pleasant one; there were daily rides and walks, moonlight and early morning excursions on the bayou, rowing parties; oftenest of the three alone, but sometimes in company with gallant chivalrous men and refined, cultivated women and charming young girls from the neighboring plantations.
One of these last, a beautiful brunette, Elsie had selected in her own mind for Harold, and she contrived to throw them together frequently.
"Don't you admire Miss Durand ?" she asked, after they had met several times.