Some years have now elapsed since my little heroine "ELSIE DINSMORE"
made her debut into the great world. She was sent out with many an
anxious thought regarding the reception that might await her there.
But she was kindly welcomed, and such has been the favor shown her
ever since that Publishers and Author have felt encouraged to prepare
a new volume in which will be found the story of those years that have
carried Elsie on from childhood to womanhood--the years in which
her character was developing, and mind and body were growing and
strengthening for the real work and battle of life.

May my readers who have admired and loved her as a child find her
still more charming in her fresh young girlhood; may she prove to all
a pleasant companion and friend; and to those of them now treading the
same portion of life's pathway a useful example also, particularly in
her filial love and obedience.

M.F.




CHAPTER I.

It is a busy, talking world.

--ROWE.


"I think I shall enjoy the fortnight we are to spend here, papa; it
seems such a very pleasant place," Elsie remarked, in a tone of great