which I am sure you would be heartily ashamed to be guilty." "Certainly I should, mamma; one might as well steal as refuse to pay what one honestly owes; unless it be entirely out of one's power." "You are speaking of pecuniary obligations. Now apply the same rule to this other: you have taken something from Lulu's peace of mind (a possession more valuable than money), and can you refuse an honest endeavor to restore it?" 66 'Mamma, you have a most convincing way of putting things," Rosie said, between a smile and a sigh. "I will do as you wish, and try not to repeat the offence which calls for so humiliating a reparation." So saying, she rose and left the room, anxious to have the disagreeable duty over as soon as possible. Rightly conjecturing Lulu's whereabouts, she went directly to the work-room and found her and Evelyn chatting there together. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, but a frown suddenly darkened Lulu's brow as she turned her head at the opening of the door and saw who was there. "Excuse the interruption, girls," Rosie said pleasantly. "I only want to say a few words and then I will go. Lulu, I have come to pay that debt. Mamma has convinced me that I have done very wrong in teasing you, and ought to apologize. I therefore ask your pardon for any and every unpleasant word I have ever addressed to you." Before Rosie had fairly finished what she had to say, warm-hearted, impulsive Lulu had risen to her feet, run hastily to her and thrown her arms round her neck. "Oh, Rosie," she cried, "I've been just too hateful for anything! I ought to be able to stand a little teasing, and you needn't apologize for vexing such a quick-tempered piece as I am." "Yes, I should," returned Rosie. "Mamma has shown me that I have been greatly to blame. But I trust we shall be good friends after this." "So do I," said Lulu. CHAPTER XV. ""Tis a goodly scene Yon river, like a silvery snake, lays out HUNT. "OH, isn't this just the loveliest, loveliest country!" exclaimed Evelyn, rapturously; "what does anybody want to go to Europe for? If for beautiful scenery, I should advise them-all Americans, I mean-to travel over their own land first." "So should I," responded Lulu. "I don't believe there can be lovelier scenery on this earth than what we have been passing through for hours past! I wonder how near we are now to Viamede?" "We are beside it-the estate-at this moment," remarked Mr. Dinsmore, overhearing their talk; "this orange-orchard is a part of it." Exclamations of delight followed the announcement. Everybody on board the little steamer that had been threading its way up Teche Bayou and through lake and lakelet, past swamp, forest, plantation and plain, miles upon miles of smooth, velvety lawns, dotted with magnificent oaks and magnolias, and lordly villas peering through groves of orange-treeseverybody, although they had greatly enjoyed the short voyage, was glad to know they were nearing their desired haven. A glad welcome awaited them there. As they rounded to at the little pier they could see a crowd of relatives and retainers gathered beside it, watching and waiting with faces full of joyous eagerness. And as the voyagers stepped ashore what affectionate embraces, what glad greetings were exchanged! Cyril and Isa Keith were there with their two little ones; Dick Percival, Bob and Betty Johnson-and could it be possible? was that Molly Embury, on her feet, standing by Mr. Embury's side and leaning only slightly on his arm? Yes, it can be no other; and-oh, wonder of wonders!-she comes nearer, actually walking upon the feet that no one thought would ever again be able to bear her weight. How they gathered about her with exclamations of astonishment and delight, and question upon question as to the means by which this wondrous change had been wrought! And with what tears of joy and thankfulness, and in tones how tremulous with deep gratitude, she and her husband told of the experiments of a rising young surgeon which, by the blessing of God, had resulted in this astonishing cure! "Oh, Uncle Horace, Aunt Rose, Cousin Elsie," Molly exclaimed, glancing from one to the other, "I think I am surely the happiest woman in the world, and the one who has the greatest reason for thankfulness! See, here is another precious treasure the Lord has sent me in addition to the many I had before;" and turning, she beckoned to a middle-aged colored woman standing a little in their rear, who immediately came forward bearing an infant of a few weeks in her arms. "My Elsie, named for you, dear cousin," Molly said, taking the child and holding it proudly up to view. "I only hope she may, if God spares her life, grow up to be as dear and sweet and good, as kind and true and loving, as she whose name she bears." "The darling!" Elsie said, bending down to press a kiss on the velvet cheek of her tiny namesake. And how kind in you, Molly, to name her for me! Oh, it makes me so happy to see you able to move about, and with this new treasure added to your store!" The others added their congratulations; and Mr. Embury remarked, with a happy laugh, "Molly certainly thinks there was never another baby quite equal to hers in any respect." "Which is very natural," said Mrs. Dinsmore. |