"Ah, Aunt Louise, how d'ye do ?" She nodded indifferently, listening with some curiosity for her brother's reply.
"Yes," he said; "and I think you should leave to-night; for by so doing you will reach New York in time to take the next steamer, if you meet with no great detention on the way.

Do you think you can both be ready ?" "I certainly can, sir, and have no doubt Elsie will also." "What is it?
off to Europe ?" asked Mrs.Conly in surprise.

"What should call you two children there at this time ?" Mr.Dinsmore briefly stated the facts, giving the news of the morning, Elsie's wish, and Edward's offer to be her escort to Italy.
"If she were a daughter of mine, I should consider a female companion an absolute necessity," was Mrs.Conly's comment.
"She will take her maid of course," said Mr.Dinsmore and Edward, both speaking at once.
"Pooh! a maid! I mean a lady relative or friend.

I said a companion, and that a maid could not be." "I should be extremely glad if such could be found in the few hours that we have for our preparations," said her brother, "but I know of none; the Fairview family are absent, Violet is too young----" "Of course," interrupted Mrs.Conly; "but there are other relatives.

I would go myself if my means would warrant the expense." "If you are in earnest, Louise, you need not hesitate for a moment on that score; it shall not cost you a penny," her brother said, looking at her in pleased but half-incredulous surprise.
"I was never more in earnest," she answered.