sighing at the thought that that
loved parent had left them to return no more. "It will not seem the same
without him; yet with so many dear ones left--especially our dear, dear
mother--our visit can hardly be otherwise than most enjoyable. Ah, Ned,
is not that our own orange orchard just coming into view?"

"It is, my dear sister; we will be there in a very few minutes now."

"At home and with mamma!" she exclaimed in joyous tones; then called to
her little sons, "Come here, Ned and Eric. We are almost at dear
grandmamma's house, and she will soon have you in her arms."

At that the little fellows came running to her with a joyous shout, for
they dearly loved their Grandma Elsie, and to their infant minds the
time of separation from her had seemed very long.

To their Aunt Adelaide, the Conleys--Arthur excepted--and the young
Dinsmores the scenes were equally new, and called forth from one and all
demonstrations of admiration and delight. Very soon the boat reached and
rounded to at the landing, where were gathered all the members of the
Viamede, Magnolia Hall, and parsonage families to meet and welcome these
dear ones from their own old homes farther to the north.

It was an altogether joyous meeting, Cousin Ronald and Virginia, as well
as the rest, receiving most kind and cordial greeting, though the latter
was an entirely unexpected guest.

Isadore took her sister in her arms, kissed and wept over her as a near
and dear one who had gone through great trials during the years of their
separation.

"What a long, long while it is since we parted, and what sore trials you
have gone through in the meantime, Virgie!" she sighed. "Ah, I hope the
future may have better things in store for you."

"I should say it ought indeed, considering all I've had to suffer in the
past," returned Virginia. "I've come to beg a home with you, Isa, as you
might have had to of me if I had been the lucky one in the matter of
drawing a prize in the matrimonial lottery."

"I will try to do the very best I can for you, Virgie," was Isadore's
pleasant toned reply, though it was not with unmingled satisfaction that
she saw opening before her the prospect of receiving this selfish,
indolent sister into her peaceful, well regulated household as a
permanent addition to it.

Zoe was in ecstasies over the beauties of Viamede--the large, palatial
mansion, the beautiful grounds, the lovely scenery.

"Oh, mamma," she exclaimed, pausing on the v