ladies are agreed to invite them I shall raise no objection."

"Shall we not, mamma?" Elsie asked, and Rose gave a hearty assent.

"Now, how much dressmaking has to be done before the family can be ready
for the trip?" asked Mr. Dinsmore.

"Very little," the ladies told him, Elsie adding, "At least if you are
willing to let me wear black dresses when it is too cool for white,
papa. Mamma, he has asked me to lay aside my mourning."

"I knew he intended to," Rose said, "and I think you are a dear good
daughter to do it."

"It is nothing new; she has always been the best of daughters," Mr.
Dinsmore remarked, with a tenderly affectionate look at Elsie. "And, my
dear child, I certainly shall not ask you to stay a day longer than
necessary in this hot place, merely to have new dresses made when you
have enough even of black ones. We must set sail as soon as possible.
Now, I must have a little business chat with you. Don't go, Rose; it is
nothing that either of us would care to have you hear."




CHAPTER II.

"Where the broad ocean leans against the land."

--_Goldsmith_.