cious of the fact, and inwardly dwelt with
mortification and chagrin upon the contrast presented by her own faded
face to that of Elsie, so fair and blooming, so almost childish in its
sweet purity and innocence of expression.

"So you are single yet," Enna said, with a covert sneer; "and not likely
to marry either, so far as I've been able to learn. They'll soon begin to
call you an old maid."

"Will they?" said Mr. Dinsmore, with a laugh in which all present joined,
Enna herself excepted; "well, if she is a fair specimen of that
much-abused class, they are far more attractive than is generally
supposed."

"You needn't laugh," said Enna; "I was four years younger than she is now,
when I married. I wasn't going to wait till they began to call me an old
maid."

"To bear that reproach is not the worst calamity that can befall a woman,"
replied Mr. Dinsmore gravely; then changed the subject by a kind inquiry
in regard to Arthur.

"Slowly and steadily improving," answered Walter. "The doctors are now
satisfied that he is not permanently crippled, though he still uses a
crutch."

CHAPTER SECOND.

"Mutual love, the crown of all our bliss."
--MILTON'S PARADISE LOST.

After a half hour of waiting for her son's return, Mrs. Travilla sat down
to her lonely cup of tea. There was no lack of delicacies on the table,
and in all Edward's taste had been consulted. To make him comfortable and
happy was, next to serving her God, the great aim and object of his
mother's life; and, in a less degree, of that of every servant in the
house. They had all been born and brought up at Ion, and had all these
years known him as the kindest, most reasonable and considerate of
masters.

"Wish Massa Edard come. Dese waffles jes' prime to-night, an' he so fond
ob dem," remarked a pretty mulatto girl, handing a plate of them to her
mistress.

"Yes, Prilla, he expected to be at home, but is probably taking tea at the
Oaks or Roselands." And the old lady supped her tea and ate her waffles
with a serene, happy face, now and then lighted up by a pleased smile
which her attendant handmaiden was at a loss to interpret.

Having finished her meal, Mrs. Travilla threw a shawl about her shoulders
and stepped out upon the veranda; then, tempted by the beauty of the
night, walked down the avenue to meet her son or see if there were any
signs of his approach.

She had not gone half the distance ere the sound of horse