“That’s our private affair,” replied Lulu, coloring.

“Oh! is it indeed?” and she walked off with an offended air.

Lulu was too much agitated by contending emotions to care whether she had given offence or not.  She sat still, watching from afar the interview between Mr. Dinsmore and Max.  She saw the latter hand her note to the former, who took it with a pleased look, read it, said something to Max, then alighted and came toward her, Max accompanying him.

She watched their approach in some agitation, and noticed that Max seemed to be talking fast and earnestly as they moved slowly onward.

At length they were close beside her.

She rose with a respectful “Good-morning, Grandpa Dinsmore,” and, taking her hand in his, he bent down and kissed her, saying, “I am very glad, my dear, to be able to take you back into favor.”  Then he sat down on one side of her, Max on the other.

CHPTER XXII.

SKIES BRIGHTEN.

“Oh, Grandpa Dinsmore!” cried Lulu, with a burst of sobs and tears, “do you think it’s true that—­that papa’s ship is lost?”

“I hope it is not,” he said, “such reports have often proved false.  So do not grieve too much over it:  it is never wise to break our hearts over possibilities.”

“But I know you and Max cannot help feeling anxious about both your father and your little sisters; and that being the case, I do not think you can study to any profit; and as the term has so nearly expired, I shall, if you wish it, take you away from here at once.

“Not to Viamede, of course, but to Magnolia Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Embury having sent you a warm invitation to make their house your home for the present.  What do you say to my proposition?”

“Oh, Grandpa Dinsmore, how nice and kind is Cousin Molly and her husband!” exclaimed Lulu.  “I shall be, oh, so glad to go away from, here, especially to such a lovely home as theirs.”

“Very well, then,” he said with a smile, “go and gather up your belongings, while I settle matters with Professor Manton; then I will drive you both over to Magnolia Hall, for Max is included in the invitation.”

Lulu needed no second bidding, but started up at once to obey.

“I’ll go with you, sis, and help you pack, if you like,” said Max.  The offer was accepted gladly; and as Mr. Dinsmore’s business with the professor would take him to the house, all three walked thither together.

An hour later the children had bidden a final good-by to Oakdale, and were on their way to Magnolia Hall.

Arrived there, they received a warm welcome, and Lulu was greatly pleased to find Evelyn a guest also, and that they were to share the same room.

“Oh, Eva!” she cried, “I’m delighted that you are here; but I thought you were staying at the parsonage.”

“So I was,” Evelyn said, “and Rosie was here; but we have exchanged; she and Walter have gone to visit Cousin Isa, while you, Max, and I let Cousin Molly entertain us in her turn.  I find it delightful at both places.”