"It will do us both good," she said as they stepped from the veranda upon
the broad, gravelled walk, "the air is so sweet and pure at this early
hour; and you have not been out in it at all, have you?"

"No, mamma; and what a treat it is to take it in your dear company," Elsie
responded, gathering a lovely, sweet-scented flower and placing it in the
bosom of her mother's dress.

"Thank you, love," Mrs. Travilla said; then went on to speak feelingly of
the beauty and fragrance that surrounded them, and the unnumbered
blessings of their lot in life.

"Mamma, you seem to have a heart always filled with love and gratitude to
God, and never to be troubled with the least rebellious feeling, or any
doubts or fears for the future," remarked Elsie, sighing slightly as she
spoke.

"Have we any right or reason to indulge repining, doubts, or fears, when
we know that all is ordered for us by One who loves us with an
everlasting and infinite love, and who is all-wise and all-powerful? O my
darling, no! Well may we say with the Psalmist, 'I will fear no evil, for
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord forever.' Oh what a blessed assurance! goodness and
mercy while here in this world of trial--all things working together for
our good, that so we may be brought at last safely to our desired
haven--and then to be forever with the Lord!"

"Mamma, I have been so anxious and troubled about my little brother and