the offender, giving Elsie a look of scorn and aversion.

"Be quiet, will you, Madam Johnson," said her old father; "it would be no
more than right if Horace should turn you out of the house. Elsie," seeing
tears coursing the cheeks of the latter, "don't distress yourself, child;
she's not worth minding."

"That is quite true, little wife," said Mr. Travilla; "and though you have
felt for her sorrows, do not let her unkindness wound you."

Elsie wiped away her tears, but only waiting to speak to Mrs. Murray and
the servants, retired immediately to the privacy of her own apartments,
Mr. Travilla accompanying her with their children and attendants.

Wearied with her journey, and already saddened by the desolations of the
country over which they had passed, this cold, and even insulting
reception from the aunts--over whose bereavements she had wept in tender
sympathy--cut her to the quick.

"Oh, Edward, how can they behave so to papa and mamma in their own house!"
she said, sitting down upon a sofa in her boudoir and laying aside her
hat, while her eyes again overflowed; "dear papa and mamma, who are always
so kind!"

"And you, too, dearest," he said, placing himself by her side and putting
an arm about her. "It is shameful conduct, but do not allow it to trouble
you."

"I will try not to mind it, but let me cry; I shall get over it the
sooner. I never thought to feel so uncomfortable in my father's house. Ah,
if Ion were only ready for us!" she sighed.

"I am glad that your home must be with me for the present, daughter, if
you can only enjoy it," said her father, who, still ever watchful over
her happiness, had followed to soothe and comfort her. "It grieves me that
your feelings should have been so wounded," he added, seating himself on
the other side, and taking her hand in his.

"Thank you, dear papa; it is for you and mamma, even more than myself,
that I feel hurt."

"Then never mind it, dearest. Enna has already coolly told me that she and
Louise have settled themselves in the west wing, with their children and
servants; where they purpose to maintain a separate establishment, having
no desire to associate with any of us; though I, of course, am to supply
their table at my own expense, as well as whatever else is needed," he
added, with a slight laugh of mingled amusement and vexation.

"Considering it a great privilege to be permitted to do so, I presume,"
Mr. Travilla remarked, a little sarcastically.