ned to the library for the morning service of prayer,
praise, and reading of the Scriptures, after which they scattered about
the house and grounds.

Captain Raymond's share of the mail had included some business letters,
and he called upon Lucilla to use her typewriter in preparing his
replies, which she did promptly and cheerfully.

"Thank you, daughter," he said when they had finished, "you and your
typewriter make my correspondence far less burdensome than it would be
otherwise."

"I am so glad, papa! so glad that I can be of at least a little help to
you," she said joyously. "It is such a privilege, and such a pleasure!"

"Dear child!" he said in response. Then, as the sound of wheels on the
drive without came to their ears, "Ah! our guests are beginning to
arrive, and we must go out and bid them welcome."

Several carriage loads were already there, and others quickly followed
till, in a very short time, all the expected relatives were present.

Then mirth and jollity ruled the hour, all--old and young--seeming in
gayest spirits and ready to join in any amusement that might be
proposed. Mr. and Mrs. Croly were among the guests. She had gained so
materially in health and strength that she was able--resting in an
easy-chair upon the veranda--to watch the sports of the younger and
healthier ones with interest and enjoyment; and to converse with one and
another as they came in turn to chat with her for a time. At length,
finding herself alone with Grandma Elsie for a while, she turned to her,
saying in a sprightly way:

"I am getting so much better under the skilful treatment of Dr. Conly
that I ventured on quite a drive this morning, and we went to look at a
little place, some ten or more acres in extent, about which your son
Doctor Harold was telling us yesterday. It is on the river bank, the
lawn sloping down to the water, and it is hardly farther from Ion than
this place. It is for sale. The house is small, but pretty, and could
easily be added to, and so made as large as one might wish."

"Riverside is the name of the estate?" Mrs. Travilla said inquiringly.

"Yes; a pretty one we both--Mr. Croly and I--think, and we have about
decided to buy it and enlarge and beautify the dwelling for our
children,--our son and your daughter,--if you think that would please
dear Rosie."

"I think it could not fail to do so," Mrs. Travilla replied, her eyes
sparkling with pleasure. "It will be a great pleasure to me to