"Please excuse me, sir, and don't tell it 'less you want to." "No, no; it will give me pleasure, my dear.

I enjoy talking of my darlings; especially now when they are so far away." He seemed about to begin, when Elsie, blushing deeply, said, "Excuse me, sir, I have been very remiss in my hospitalities.

It is early, and perhaps you have not breakfasted." "Yes, thank you my dear, I took breakfast at the village hotel, where I arrived last night." "But you will take a cup of coffee and some fruit--" Her sentence was broken off; for at that instant a lady and gentleman came galloping up the avenue and the little ones hailed them with a joyous shout, "Papa and mamma!" Another moment and Mr.Travilla had dismounted, gallantly assisted his wife to do the same and together they stepped into the veranda.

Both bowed politely to the stranger, and the children running to them cried, "Mamma, mamma, it is your cousin from Scotland." She turned inquiringly to him, a flush of pleasure on her face.
He had risen from his seat, and was coming toward her with outstretched hand and earnest, admiring gaze.

"My name is Ronald Lilburn; your maternal grandmother and mine were sisters," he said, "your grandmother's marriage was displeasing to her father and all intercourse between her and the rest of the family was broken off in obedience to his stern command; and thus they lost sight of each other.