stood together in front of the fire, and gazing fondly down into the sweet
fair face.

Aunt Chloe answered the bell, bringing a lamp in her hand.

"That is right, mammy," Elsie said. "Now lead the way over the house."

As they passed from room to room, and from one spacious hall or corridor
to another, Elsie expressed her entire satisfaction with them and their
appointments, and accorded to Aunt Phillis the meed of praise due her
careful housekeeping.

"And here, my darling," Mr. Dinsmore said at length, leading the way
through a beautiful boudoir and dressing-room into an equally elegant and
attractive bedroom beyond, "they tell me you were born, and your beloved
mother passed from earth to heaven."

"An' eberyting in de room stands jees' as dey did den, honey," said Aunt
Chloe. And approaching the bed, her eyes swimming in tears, and laying her
hand upon the pillow, "jes' here my precious young missus lie, wid cheeks
'mos' as white as de linen, an' eyes so big an' bright, an' de lubly curls
streamin' all roun', an' she say, weak an' low, 'Mammy, bring me my baby.'
Den I put you in her arms, darlin', an' she kiss you all ober your tiny
face, an' de tears an' sobs come fast while she say, 'Poor little baby; no
fader no mudder to lub her! nobody but you, mammy; take her an' bring her
up to lub de dear Lord Jesus.'"

Silent tears rolled down Elsie's cheeks as she looked and listened; but
her father drew her to his breast and kissed them away, his own eyes
brimming, his heart too full for speech.