They afterward attacked the place, wounded and drove him into the woods, but were held at bay and finally driven off by the gallant defence of her home made by my aunt, assisted by her son, then quite a young boy.
"But get Elsie to tell you the story; she can do it far better than I; especially as she was living at Ion at that time, and though a mere child, has still a vivid recollection of all the circumstances." "Yes," Elsie said, "including the attacks upon Ion--first the quarter, when they burnt the schoolhouse, and afterward the mansion--and several sad scenes connected with them." "How interesting to hear all about them from an eye-witness," exclaimed Evelyn.

"I am eager to have you begin, Aunt Elsie." "Perhaps I may be able to do so this evening," returned her aunt; "but now I must give my orders for the day, and then it will be time for our drive." "What does your mamma say ?" asked Lester of Evelyn, when Elsie had left them alone together.
"Not very much that I care for, uncle," sighed the little girl.

"She's in good health, but very tired of foreign cookery; wishes she could have such a breakfast every morning as she has been accustomed to at home.
Still she enjoys the sights, and thinks it may be a year, or longer, before she gets back.

She describes some of the places, and paintings and statuary she has seen; but that part of the letter I have not read yet." "Do you wish you were with her, Eva ?" he asked, smoothing her hair as she stood by his side, and gazing down affectionately into her eyes.
"No, uncle; I should like to see mamma, of course, but at present I like this quiet home far better than going about among crowds of strange people." He looked pleased.

"I am glad you are content," he said.
Elsie was full of life and gayety as they set out upon their drive.