t is
impossible! yes, yes, it _is_, my own little Elsie!"

For at that instant their eyes met, and uttering a joyful exclamation,
the little girl darted across the room, and threw herself into the lady's
arms, crying, "Oh, Miss Rose! dear, dear Miss Rose, how glad I am!"

"Elsie! darling! why, where did you come from?" and Rose's arms were
clasped about the little girl's waist, and she was showering kisses upon
the sweet little face.

"I did not even know you were in the North," she said presently,
releasing her from her embrace, but still keeping fast hold of her hand,
and looking down lovingly into her face. "When did you come? and who is
with you? but I need scarcely ask, for it must be your papa, of course."

"Yes, ma'am," replied Elsie, looking round, "there he is, and see! he is
coming toward us. Papa, this is Miss Rose."

Rose held out her hand with one of her sweetest smiles. "I am very glad
to see you, Mr. Dinsmore, especially as you have brought my dear little
friend with you. This is my brother Edward," she added, turning to her
companion. "Mr. Dinsmore, Edward, and little Elsie, of whom you have so
often heard me speak."

There was a cordial greeting all around; then questions were asked and
answered until everything had been explained; Mr. Dinsmore learning that
Mr. Allison's family were out of the city, passing the summer at their
country-seat, and had never received his cards; but that to-day, Rose and
her brother had come in to do a little shopping, and finding that they
had an hour to spare, had fortunately decided to pay a visit to the
Academy.

When these explanations had been made, Edward and Rose urged Mr. Dinsmore
to return with them to their home and pay them a long visit, saying that
they knew nothing else would at all satisfy their parents, and at length
he consented to do so, on condition that they first dined with him at his
hotel, to which they finally agreed.

Elsie was delighted with the arrangement, and looked happier, her father
laughingly affirmed, than she had done for a week.

She was seated by Miss Rose at dinner, and also in the carriage during
their ride, which was a beautiful one, and just long enough to be
pleasant.

They had passed a number of very handsome residences, which Rose had
pointed out to Elsie, generally giving the name of the occupant, and
asking how she liked the place. "Now, Elsie, we are coming to another,"
she said, laying her hand on the little girl's