CHAPTER TWELFTH.
"You may as well Forbid the seas to obey the moon, As, or by oath, remove, or counsel, shake The fabric of her folly." -- SHAKESPEARE.
Scarcely had the Gibsons departed when their places were more than filled by the unexpected arrival of a large party from Roselands, comprising old Mr.Dinsmore, with his daughter Mrs.Conly and her entire family, with the exception of Calhoun, who would follow shortly.
They were welcomed by their relatives with true southern hospitality and assured that the two cottages could readily be made to accommodate them all comfortably.
"What news of Molly ?" was the first question after the greetings had been exchanged.
Mrs.Conly shook her head and sighed, "Hasn't been able to set her foot on the floor for weeks, and I don't believe she ever will.

That's Dr.
Pancoast's opinion, and he's good authority.

'Twas her condition that brought us North.

We've left her and her mother at the Continental in Philadelphia.
"There's to be a consultation to-morrow of all the best surgeons in the city.

Enna wanted me to stay with her till that was over, but I couldn't think of it with all these children fretting and worrying to get down here out of the heat.