stood at her side, "the deed is indeed done, and another claims my
first-born darling as his own."

"You have not lost her, Elsie dearest, but have gained a son; and I trust
we shall have them both with us ere long," he responded, bending down to
touch his lips to the brow still as smooth and fair as in the days of her
girlhood.

"Poor dear Elsie! how she must have missed and longed for you, dearest
mamma!" Violet sighed, kneeling close to her mother's chair and putting
her arms around her.

"What is it? all about Elsie's wedding?" asked Herbert. "Please let us
hear it, mamma. The telegram told nothing but the hour when it was to be,
and I was so surprised, for I never understood that that was what she went
away for."

"Nor I," said Harold; "though I suppose it was very stupid in us not to
understand."

"Who did get married with my sister Elsie, mamma?" asked little Walter.

"Mr. Leland, my son."

"But I thought he was most dead," remarked Rosie in surprise.

"He has been very ill," her mother said, "but is improving fast, though
not yet able to sit up."

Rosie, opening her eyes wide in astonishment, was beginning another