"Yes," and while Elsie went on to repeat the substance of what she
had told Lucy, the latter slipped away to her mamma's room to make
arrangements about the work, and ask if they would not all like to
come and listen to the reading.

"Is it the kind of book to interest an old body like me?" asked Mrs.
Norris.

"I don't know, grandma; but Elsie says Mr. Travilla and her papa were
both delighted with it. Mr. Dinsmore, though, had not read the whole
of it."

"Suppose we go and try it for a while then," said Mr. Morris, laying
down his paper. "If our little Elsie is to be the reader, I for one am
pretty sure to enjoy listening, her voice is so sweet-toned and her
enunciation so clear and distinct."

"That's you, grandpa!" cried Lucy, clapping her hands in applause.
"Yes, you'd better all come, Elsie is to be the reader at the start;
she says she does not mind beginning the story over again."

Mrs. Carrington began gathering up her work, laying the garments
already cut out in a large basket, which was then carried by her maid
to the veranda. In a few moments Elsie had quite an audience gathered
about her, ere long a deeply interested one; scissors or needle had
now and again to be dropped to wipe away a falling tear, and the voice
of the reader needed steadying more than once or twice. Then Herbert
took his turn at the book, Elsie hers with the needle, Mrs. Carrington
half reluctantly yielding to her urgent request to be allowed to
assist them.