lp. Then the next day brought a chaplain, who seemed in all
respects so well suited to his place as to entirely relieve her mind in
regard to the future welfare of her people. He entered into all her plans
for them, and promised to carry them out to the best of his ability.

So it was with a light heart, though not without some lingering regrets
for the sad ones and the loveliness left behind, that she and her father
set out on their homeward way.

Mr. Dinsmore's man John, Aunt Chloe, and Uncle Joe, went with them; and it
was a continual feast for master and mistress to see the happiness of the
poor old couple, especially when their grandchild Dinah, their only living
descendant so far as they could learn, was added to the party; Elsie
purchasing her, according to promise, as they passed through New Orleans
on their return trip.

Dinah was very grateful to find herself installed as assistant to her
grandmother, who, Elsie said, must begin to take life more easily now in
her old age. Yet that Aunt Chloe found it hard to do, for she was very
jealous of having any hands but her own busied about the person of her
idolized young mistress.

A glad welcome awaited them at home, where they arrived in due season for
Adelaide's wedding.

Sophie and Harry Carrington had returned from their wedding trip, and were
making their home with his parents, at Ashlands; Richard, Fred, and May
Allison, came with their brother Edward; but Harold, who was to meet them
at Roselands, was not there. He had engaged to act as second groomsman,
Richard being first, and there was much wondering over his absence; many
regrets were expressed, and some anxiety was felt.

But Elsie and her father kept their own counsel, and breathed no word of
the episode at Viamede, which would have explained all.

Harold's coming was still hoped for by the others until the last moment,
when Fred took his place, and the ceremony passed off as satisfactorily as
if there had been no failure on the part of any expected, to participate
in it.

It took place in the drawing-room at Roselands, in presence of a crowd of
aristocratic guests, and was considered a very grand affair. A round of
parties followed for the next two weeks, and then the happy pair set sail
for Europe.

CHAPTER NINTH.

"My plots fall short, like darts which rash hands throw
With an ill aim, and have too far to go."
--SIR ROBERT HOWARD.