CHAPTER VIII.
"Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see, My heart untravelled fondly turns to thee." -- Goldsmith.
"How very pretty, Zoe!" said Violet, examining her young sister-in-law's work, a piece of black satin upon which she was embroidering leaves and flowers in bright-colored silks.
"Oh, isn't it!" cried Lulu, in delighted admiration.

"Mamma Vi, I'd like to learn that kind of sewing." "So you shall, dear, some day; but mamma's theory is that plain sewing should be thoroughly mastered first.

That has been her plan with all her children, and Rosie has done scarcely any fancy work yet." "But mamma has promised to let me learn all I can about it this winter," remarked Rosie, with much satisfaction.
"Mamma," Zoe said, with a blush, "I'm afraid I ought to join your plain-sewing class.

I should be really ashamed to exhibit any of my work in that line." "Well, dear child, I shall be glad to receive you as a pupil if you desire it," Elsie returned, giving her a motherly glance and smile.
"Hark!" exclaimed Zoe, hastily gathering up her work, her cheeks rosy and eyes sparkling with pleasure.

"I hear Edward's step and voice," and she tripped out of the room.
"How fond she is of him!" Violet remarked, looking after her with a pleased smile.
"Yes," said her mother, "it does my heart good to see how they love each other.