Lester silently handed her Eric’s open letter.

Tears trembled in the soft brown eyes as she read.

In compliance with a mute request from Lester, she passed it on to her father.

There was a moment of silence after Mr. Dinsmore had finished reading, then the elder Elsie said in low, sympathizing tones,

“My dears, you will go to him?  Delightful as it would be to have you with us, I could not wish you to refuse such a request from one so near and dear.”

“No, mamma dear, nor could we think of refusing,” answered her daughter, quickly, glancing tenderly at her husband as she spoke, and receiving a grateful, loving look in return.

“Certainly not,” said Mr. Dinsmore; “but I see no reason why you should not accompany us on our voyage, spend a few days at Nantucket, and then go on to New York.  Do you, Lester?”

“No, sir; and if my little wife approves of that plan, we will adopt it,”

He turned inquiringly to her.

“I should like it very much,” she said.  “If you are quite sure it will not delay us too long,” she added as an after-thought.

“No, scarcely at all, I think,” returned Lester; “so we will consider that settled.”

“Ah, I am glad that we shall not lose your company altogether,” Mrs. Travilla said.  “And do not despair for your brother, Lester, for many very sick people have recovered, even after being given up by the doctors.  We know, too, that with God nothing is impossible, and that He is the hearer and answerer of prayer.  We will unite our petitions in behalf of Eric, and if it shall be for God’s glory and his good, he will be restored to health.”

“Yes, mother; I have not a doubt of that,” returned Mr. Leland, “nor of my dear brother’s safety in any case.  He is one who has lived the life of a Christian for years, and I am sure dying grace will be given him for dying time—­whenever that shall come.”

“And well may you be,” said Mrs. Travilla, “for not one of all God’s promises ever fails, and to each of His children He has said, ’As thy days, so shall thy strength be.’”

“If you want to answer your letter by return of mail, Lester, do not let us hinder you,” said Mr. Dinsmore.  “We are going to the village presently, and will mail it for you, if you like.”

“Thank you; then I shall write at once,” Lester replied, as he rose and left them.

“This change of plan will involve some change in your intended preparations, will it not, Elsie?” asked Mrs. Travilla.

“Not very much, mamma, as we are not likely to take part in any gayeties.  I shall not need to have any new dresses made; indeed, I think I have already a full supply of everything necessary or desirable, in the way of dress, for both baby and myself.”

“Then you will be ready for the trip as soon as any of us?” her grandfather said inquiringly.

“Yes, sir; I could pack to-day and start this evening if desired to do so,” she answered with a smile.