"I had a letter this morning, and they were all in good health when it was
written."

The servants had come trooping down from the house, and seizing Harold's
baggage had it all ready in the guest-chamber to which Aunt Phillis
ordered it. Aunt Chloe now drew near to pay her respects to "Massa
Harold," and tell him that his room was ready.

"Will you go to it at once? or sit down here and have a little chat with
papa and me first?" asked Elsie.

"Thank you; I think I shall defer the pleasure of the chat till I have
first made myself presentable for the evening."

"Then let me conduct you to your room," said Mr. Dinsmore, leading the way
to the house.

Elsie had come in the course of years to look upon the older brothers of
her stepmother as in some sort her uncles, but for Harold, who was so much
nearer her own age, she entertained a sincere sisterly regard. And he was
worthy of it and of the warm place his many noble qualities had won for
him in Mr. Dinsmore's heart.

They did all they could to make his visit to Viamede a pleasant one; there
were daily rides and walks, moonlight and early morning excursions on the
bayou, rowing parties; oftenest of the three alone, but sometimes in
company with gallant chivalrous men and refined, cultivated women and
charming young girls from the neighboring plantations.

One of these last, a beautiful brunette, Elsie had selected in her own