and early spring we have had here," he
continued after a pause; "but it is now growing so warm that I think we
must soon be moving northward."

"Yes, sir; when the last arrivals have had a week or more of the
enjoyment to be found in this lovely region of country."

"Yes; they are enjoying it," he said, with a pleased smile; "the younger
ones especially, the children of your brother and sister not less than
the others. And by the way, daughter, I think you will be doing no
little kindness to your cousins Cyril and Isadore by giving Virginia a
home here."

"Yes, I think their home life will be more peaceful," she said in
assent. "Poor Virgie seems to be not of--the happiest or most contented
disposition."

"No, she never was," said Mr. Dinsmore; "a discontented, fretful,
complaining creature she has always been since I have known her, and she
was a very little child when our acquaintance began."

In the course of that day Elsie's plans were made known to the Keiths,
Virginia, and her cousins Dick Percival and his half-brother Bob
Johnson, joyfully accepted by the two gentlemen, and half ungraciously
by Virginia, who said complainingly, that "Viamede was a pretty enough
place, to be sure, but would be dreadfully lonesome for her when the
boys were away."

"Then you can amuse yourself with a book from the library, a ride or
drive, as the horses and carriages will be left here for your use and
that of Dick and Bob," Elsie answered pleasantly, while Isadore,
blushing vividly for her sister, exclaimed, "O Virgie, you could not
have a lovelier, sweeter home, and I think Cousin Elsie is wonderfully
kind to offer it!"

"Of course, I'm greatly obliged to her," Virginia said, coloring
slightly as though a trifle ashamed of her want of appreciation of the
kind offer "and I'll not damage anything, so that the house will be none
the worse for my occupancy, but possibly a little better."

"Yes, perhaps it may," Elsie said pleasantly, "though the servants
usually left in charge are careful about airing it and keeping
everything neat and clean. I really think you will have no trouble with
your housekeeping, Virgie."

"That seems a pleasant prospect, for I never liked housekeeping,"
returned Virginia, "and I really am much obliged to you, Cousin Elsie."

"You are very welcome, and I hope will be happy here," was the kindly
reply.

Another fortnight of constant intercourse between the three
places--Viamede, Magnolia Hall,