The eldest of the little girls--she is in her fifth year--is Elsie Alicia, named for her two grandmothers; we call her Alie.

And the youngest--that two-year-old darling--we call Vi.

She is named for her aunt, Mrs.Raymond." "And Mrs.Travilla lives here with her daughter ?" "No; she is paying a visit of a few days, as she often does since her daughter-in-law, Aunt Zoe, has undertaken the most of the housekeeping at Ion." "She certainly looks very young to be mother and grandmother to so many," sighed the invalid, catching sight of her own sallow, prematurely wrinkled face reflected in a large mirror on the opposite side of the room.

"But she has had an easy life, surrounded by kind, affectionate, sympathising friends, while I--miserable woman that I am--have been worried, brow-beaten, robbed, till nothing is left me but ill-health and grinding poverty." "Mother, mother dear, don't talk so while I am left you and have enough to keep us both, with care and economy," entreated Evelyn in a voice half choked with sobs.

"It will be joy to me to share with you and do all I can to make your last days comfortable and happy." "Then you haven't lost all your love for your mother in our years of separation ?" "No, no indeed!" answered Evelyn earnestly.