This news of his aunt's illness caused Edward regret not wholly unmingled
with satisfaction in the thought of being spared her companionship on the
voyage and afterward.

He read the message aloud to Ben. "You see it would have done no good if
we could have gone for her," he remarked. "But go, make haste to have the
baggage sent ashore to the address given here."

Elsie's state-room adjoined her brother's. She too had been roused by
Ben's knock and overheard a part of what passed between him and his young
master. Dinah also was listening.

"What dat dey say, Miss Elsie?" she queried in a startled tone, "Miss
Louise sick?"

"I think that was what Master Edward said; but go to his door, Dinah, and
ask."

Edward came himself with his answer and bringing a second telegram; this
time from their grandfather, saying the children were decidedly better,
all the rest of the family well.

"Oh, what good news!" exclaimed Elsie. "But poor Aunt Louise! I wish we
knew her exact condition. Do you not think it must have been a sudden
seizure?"

"Yes, of either illness or desire to remain behind. Don't let it worry
you, sister dear. You have already quite enough of anxiety to endure."

"No," she said, with a sweet, patient smile, "I am trying not to be