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 tastefully, appropriately, and luxuriously furnished
as the others," was Elsie's comment on the library. "I seem to see the