misery in back and head and limbs.

"De doctah hab been heyah," she said, "an' leff me dese powdahs to take,"
drawing a tiny package from under her pillow.

Elsie spoke soothingly to her; said she should have some broth from the
house, and should be excused from work till the doctor pronounced her
quite fit for it again; and left her apparently quite happy.

It was the intention of our friends to spend some weeks at Viamede.

"I want you to have every possible enjoyment while here, my darling," Mr.
Dinsmore said, as they sat together resting after their ride, in the wide
veranda at the front of the house, looking out over the beautiful lawn,
the bayou, and the lovely scenery beyond. "There are pleasant neighbors
who will doubtless call when they hear of our arrival."

"I almost wish they may not hear of it then," Elsie said half laughing; "I
just want to be left free from the claims of society for this short time,
that I may fully enjoy being alone with my father and attending to the
comfort of my people. But excuse me, dear papa, I fear I interrupted you."

"I excuse you on condition that you are not again guilty of such a breach
of good manners. I was going on to say there are delightful drives and
walks in the vicinity, of which I hope we will be able to make good use;
also, we will have a row now and then on the bayou, and many an hour of
quiet enjoyment of the contents of the library."

"Yes, papa, I hope so; I do so enjoy a nice book, especially when read
with you. But I think that, for the present at least, I must spend a part