It was much admired by all; but there was great lamentation, especially amongst the younger members of the family, when it was announced that their guests were to leave them so soon.
"Why couldn't Elsie stay always ?" they asked.

"Why couldn't she live with them?
they would only be too glad to have her." Mr.Dinsmore laughed, and told them he could not possibly spare Elsie, for she was his only child, and he had no one else to share his home.
"But you may stay too, Mr.Dinsmore," said Sophy; "there's plenty of room, and mamma and Rose like to have you read to them." Rose blushed, and shook her head at Sophy, and Mr.Dinsmore replied that it would be very pleasant to live at Elmgrove, but that Elsie and he had a home of their own to which they must soon return, and where she would be very glad to receive a visit from any or all of them..