to find much enjoyment in his society, her husband's, and Evelyn's, and
would have been very sorry had Laura returned home for her sake before
her visit to Newport was completed.

Evelyn, too, felt much chagrin on account of the lack of courtesy and
hospitality in her mother's behavior toward these relatives, esteemed by
herself and her father as worthy of all honor. She made no remark about
it to either of them, but tried very earnestly to fill her mother's place
as hostess during her absence.

She was a very womanly little girl, with a quaint, old-fashioned manner
which Elsie thought quite charming. It was touching to see the devoted
affection with which she hovered over and waited upon her sick father.
She was seldom absent from his side for more than a few minutes at a
time, except when he sent her out for air and exercise.

Elsie usually accompanied her on her walks and drives, while Lester
remained with his brother.

Eric seized these opportunities to open his heart to Lester in regard to
the future of his only and beloved child, his one great anxiety in the
prospect of death.

"I cannot leave her to her mother's care," he said, with a sigh and a
look of anguish. "It is a sad, a humiliating thing to say in regard to
one's wife, but I have been sorely disappointed in my choice of a partner
for life.

"We married for love, and she is very dear to me still, but our tastes
and views are widely dissimilar. She has no relish for the quiet