dfather Grayson seems to have been a man of
cultivated taste, as well as great business talent."

"Yes, papa. What is it, mammy?"

"Does you want me, darlin'?"

"No, not now. Go and enjoy yourself with your husband and old friends."

Chloe expressed her grateful thanks, and withdrew.

Elsie found the paintings and statuary a study, and had scarcely finished
her survey of the drawing-room and its treasures of art, when Aunt Phillis
came to ask if they would have tea served up immediately.

Elsie looked at her father.

"Yes," he said; "you will feel stronger after eating, and it is about our
usual time."

"Then let us have it, Aunt Phillis. How is that poor creature now?" asked
her young mistress.

"Suse, honey? oh, she'll do well 'nuff; don't do her no harm to take some
ob de lazy blood out. Massa Spriggs not so terrible cross, Miss Elsie; but
he bound de work git done, an' Suse she mighty powerful lazy, jes' set in
de sun an' do nuffin' from mornin' to night, ef nobody roun' to make her
work."

"Ah, that is very bad; we must try to reform her in some way. But perhaps
she's not well."

"Dunno, missus; she's always 'plaining ob de misery in her back, an'
misery in her head; but don't ebery one hab a misery, some kind, most
days? an' go on workin' all de same. No, missus, Suse she powerful lazy
ole nigga."

With that Phillis retired, and shortly after, tea was announced as ready.

Elsie played the part of hostess to perfection, presiding over the tea-urn
with ease and grace, and pressing upon her father the numerous dainties
with which the table was loaded. She seemed to have recovered her spirits,
and as she sat there gayly chatting--of the room, which pleased her as
entirely as the other, and of her plans for usefulness and pleasure during
her stay, he thought he had never seen her look happier or more beautiful.

"What rooms have you prepared for your mistress, Aunt Phillis?" asked Mr.
Dinsmore, as they rose from the table.

"De same whar she was born, massa, an' whar her dear bressed ma stay when
she livin' heyah."

A slight shadow stole over Elsie's bright face. "That was right," she
said, low and softly. "I should prefer them to any others. But where are
papa's rooms?"

"Jes' across de hall, Miss Elsie."

"That is a good arrangement," said Mr. Dinsmore. "Now, daughter, I think
we should repair to the library. It is near the hour you appointed for Mr.
Spriggs."

"Just as handsome, as tastefull