"No, Aunt Lora, we'll not stay long," said Elsie; "for I want to improve
every moment of your visit, in renewing my acquaintance with you and my
young cousins."

"Your family has grown, Lora," remarked her brother.

"Yes, rather faster than yours," she said, looking round with pride upon
her little group of four boys, and a girl yet in her nurse's arms. "Go and
speak to your uncle, Ned, Walter, Horace, and Arthur. You see I have given
you a namesake; and this little pet we call Rose Louise, for her two
aunties. Yours is Rose, too! and what a darling! and how little Horace has
grown!"

"Elsie, it can't be possible!" cried Carrie, the instant they found
themselves alone.

"What can't?" and Elsie's blush and smile were charming.

"That you and Mr. Travilla are lovers! I saw it in your faces; but, 'tis
too absurd! Why, he's your father's friend, and nearly as old."

"All the wiser and better for that, Carrie, dear. But he is young in
heart, and far from looking old, I think. I have grown so sick of your
silly, brainless fops, who expect women neither to talk sense nor
understand it."

"Ah, I dare say! and Mr. Travilla is the most sensible and polished of
men--always excepting my own spouse, of course. And you won't be taken
away from us; so I give my consent."