CHAPTER FIRST.

"Of all the joys that brighten suffering earth,
What joy is welcom'd like a new-born child."
--MRS. NORTON.



A merry scene in the nursery at Viamede, where the little Travillas are
waiting for their morning half hour with "dear mamma." Mammy coming in
smiling and mysterious, her white apron thrown over something held
carefully in her arms, bids the children guess what it is.

"A new dolly for me?" says Vi; "I'm going to have a birthday to-morrow."

"A kite," ventured Harold. "No, a balloon."

"A tite! a tite!" cried little Herbert, clapping his hands.

"Pshaw! it's nothing but a bundle of clothes mammy's been doing up for one
of you girls," said Eddie. "I see a bit of lace or work, or something,
hanging down below her apron."

"Is it a new dress for Vi, mammy?" asked Elsie, putting her arm about her
sister and giving her a loving kiss.