uld be to resign the cares of
mistress of the household." Elsie yielded, making no further objection,
and presided with the same modest ease, dignity, and grace with which she
had filled the like position at Viamede. The experience there had
accustomed her to the duties of the place, and after the first moment she
felt quite at home in it.

Mr. Dinsmore's carriage was announced at the early hour he had named. The
conversation in the drawing-room had been general for a time, but now the
company had divided themselves into groups; the two older married ladies
and Aunt Wealthy forming one, Mr. Travilla and Miss King another, while
Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter had sought out the privacy of a sofa, at a
distance from the others, and were in the midst of one of the long,
confidential chats they always enjoyed so much.

"Ah, papa, don't go yet," Elsie pleaded, "we're not half done our talk,
and it's early."

"But the little folks should have been in their nests long before this,"
he said, taking out his watch.

"Then send them and their mammies home, and let the carriage return for
you and the ladies; unless they wish to go now."

He looked at her smilingly. "You are not feeling the need of rest and
sleep?"

"Not at all, papa; only the need of a longer chat with you."

"Then, since you had so good a rest last night, it shall be as you wish."

"Are you ready, my dear?" asked Rose, from the other side of the room.

"Not yet, wife; I shall stay half an hour longer, and if you ladies like
to do the same we will send the carriage home with the children and their
mammies, and let it return for you."

"What do you say, Aunt Wealthy and Miss Lottie?" inquired Mrs. Dinsmore.

"I prefer to stay and talk out my finish with Mrs. Travilla," said Miss
Stanhope.

"I cast my vote on the same side," said Miss King. "But, my dear Mrs.
Dinsmore, don't let us keep you."

"Thanks, no; but I, too, prefer another half hour in this pleasant
company."

The half hour flew away on swift wings, to Elsie especially.

"But why leave us at all to-night, auntie and Lottie?" she asked, as the
ladies began their preparations for departure. "You are to be my guests
for the rest of the winter, are you not?" Then turning, with a quick vivid
blush, to Mrs. Travilla, "Mother, am I transcending my rights?"

"My dearest daughter, no; did I not say you were henceforth mistress of
this house?"

"Yes, from its master down to the very horses in the