"I'm very sorry I'm late, papa," she said in a low tone, and casting
down her eyes. "I'd been so busy talking with Gracie that I hadn't my
hair smoothed when the bell rang."

"It has been a very exciting morning for you, daughter, and I'll excuse
you this time," he returned, speaking kindly and in as low a key as her
own; "it is not often I find you unpunctual."

Lulu heaved a sigh of relief, her countenance brightened, and her eyes
were lifted to her father's face with a grateful, loving look that
brought a smile to his lips and eyes.

She was very quiet during the meal, speaking only when spoken to, but
her father kept an eye on her plate and saw that her wants were
abundantly supplied.

On leaving the table all repaired to the parlor and Lulu and Grace,
seizing the first opportunity offered them by a pause in the talk of
their elders, told of their plan, and asked permission to carry it out.

It was received with entire approval by all present, their father
included.

"I have no doubt that Rosie and Evelyn will be glad to join you in
forming a Dorcas society," said Grandma Elsie, "and if you like I shall
be happy to cut out garments for you to work upon, and to teach you how
to do it for yourselves."

"Oh thank you, ma'am!" responded the little girls; "we were sure you
would and it will be ever so nice."

"Taridge tumin'! two taridge tumin'!" cried little Elsie, who had
climbed on a chair, and was gazing out of a window looking upon the
drive.

They proved to be the Ion and Fairview carriages, bringing the whole
family of the latter place and all of the other who were not already
present.

"We have come in a body, as you see, to learn all about the strange
occurrences of last night and the consequent doings in the magistrate's
office this morning," Grandpa Dinsmore remarked, as he shook hands with
the captain and kissed Violet, first on one cheek, then on the other.

"Tiss Elsie too, danpa," cried the little one toddling up to him; "oo
mustn't fordet to tiss oor 'ittle dirl."

"Certainly not," he said, taking her into his arms to kiss her several
times, then sitting down with her on his knee. "Do you know that you are
my great-granddaughter?"

"Ess, Elsie knows dat," she answered, nodding her curly head wisely.

Meantime greetings had been exchanged among the others, and the four
little girls had got into a corner by themselves.

"O Lu, do tell us all about it!" cried Rosie. "I never did hear o