There was a cordial greeting all around; then questions were asked and answered until everything had been explained; Mr. Dinsmore learning that Mr. Allison’s family were out of the city, passing the summer at their country-seat, and had never received his cards; but that to-day, Rose and her brother had come in to do a little shopping, and finding that they had an hour to spare, had fortunately decided to pay a visit to the Academy.

When these explanations had been made, Edward and Rose urged Mr. Dinsmore to return with them to their home and pay them a long visit, saying that they knew nothing else would at all satisfy their parents, and at length he consented to do so, on condition that they first dined with him at his hotel, to which they finally agreed.

Elsie was delighted with the arrangement, and looked happier, her father laughingly affirmed, than she had done for a week.

She was seated by Miss Rose at dinner, and also in the carriage during their ride, which was a beautiful one, and just long enough to be pleasant.

They had passed a number of very handsome residences, which Rose had pointed out to Elsie, generally giving the name of the occupant, and asking how she liked the place.  “Now, Elsie, we are coming to another,” she said, laying her hand on the little girl’s arm, “and I want you to tell me what you think of it.  See! that large, old-fashioned house built of gray stone; there, beyond the avenue of elms.”

“Oh, I like it so much! better than any of the others!  I think I should like to live there.”

“I am very glad it pleases you,” Rose answered with a smile, “and I hope you will live there, at least for some weeks or months.”

“Oh, it is your home? how glad I am!” exclaimed the little girl as the carriage turned into the avenue.

“This is a very fine old place, Miss Allison,” remarked Mr. Dinsmore, turning toward her; “I think one might well be content to spend his days here.”

Rose looked gratified, and pointed out several improvements her father had been making.  “I am very proud of my home,” she said, “but I do not think it more lovely than Roselands.”

“Ah!  Miss Rose, but you ought to see the Oaks—­papa’s new place,” said Elsie, eagerly.  “It is much handsomer than Roselands, I think.  Miss Rose must visit us next time, papa, must she not?”

“If she will, daughter, Miss Allison, or any other member of her father’s family, will always find a warm welcome at my house.”

Rose had only time to say “Thank you,” before the carriage had stopped, and Edward, springing out, was ready to assist the others to alight.

Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were left standing upon the piazza, looking about them, while Edward was engaged for a moment in giving some directions to the coachman, and Rose was speaking to a servant who had come out on their approach.

“Mamma is lying down with a bad headache, Mr. Dinsmore, and papa has not yet returned from the city,” said Rose, turning to her guests; “but I hope you will excuse them, and Edward will show you to your room, and try to make you feel at home.”