Captain Raymond would have been much gratified could he have seen how, not only she, but all his children, were improving morally, mentally and physically in the wholesome atmosphere of their new home.

Gracie had gained largely in strength and vivacity, her cheeks were rounder and rosier than when she came to Ion, her eyes brighter; and though not yet equal to violent exercise, she could enjoy quiet plays, and would often laugh right merrily.

She had grown very fond of Dr. Conly, or Cousin Arthur as he told her to call him, and he of his little patient.  She was frequently hovering about him during Christmas day; and received a special invitation to Roselands.

“You and your mamma are to be my particular guests,” he said, “and if you fail to enjoy yourselves it shall be from no fault of mine.”

“We shall not fail,” Violet said with confidence.  “How could we with Cal and yourself for our hosts?”

The day proved propitious, all went and all enjoyed their visit, though to the older ones there was at first a feeling of subdued sadness in thinking of the old grandfather, whose chair was now vacant, and who had been wont to greet their coming with words of cordial welcome.

It was after dinner that Rose claimed her mother’s promise.

“Well,” said Elsie, glancing dreamily about, “this parlor where we are all sitting occupies the same part of the house, and is almost exactly like the one where the scenes I told you of took place.”

“What scenes?” asked Dr. Conly, drawing near, with a look of interest.

Mr. Dinsmore, too, turned to listen.

“I have been telling the children about the Christmas holidays at Roselands the first winter after my father’s return from Europe,” she answered.  “It was before you were born, Cousin Arthur, while your mother was still a very young girl.”

“Mamma,” asked Rosie, “where was grandpa sitting when you went to him and confessed that you had let Carry Howard cut off one of your curls?”

“Near yonder window.  Do you remember it, papa?” she asked, looking smilingly at him.

“Yes, I think I have forgotten very little that ever passed between us.  You were a remarkably honest, conscientious child—­would come and confess wrong-doing that I should never have known or suspected, even when you thought it likely I should punish you severely for it.”

“Now, mamma,” said Rosie, “won’t you go into the hall with us and show us just where papa caught you, and kissed you, and gave you the gold thimble?  And then your room and grandpa’s?”

“Arthur, have we your permission to roam over the house?” Elsie asked, turning to him.

“Yes; provided you will let me go along, for I am as much interested as the children.”

“Come, then,” she said, rising and taking Walter’s hand, Rosie, Lulu, and Gracie keeping close to her, and Mr. Dinsmore and Arthur following.