“I am very glad indeed that you and your husband have decided to settle in this neighbourhood,” said Mrs. Travilla; “glad that we are to have the pleasure of your society, and that Rosie’s married home will not be at a distance from that of her childhood.  I have been very fortunate in being able thus far to keep all my children near me.”

“Yes, I think so; and I do not wonder that they and you wish to keep together.  I feel just so in regard to my one.  Ah! who are those two ladies approaching on the driveway?”

“One I call mamma,” Mrs. Travilla said with a smile; “she is my father’s second wife, and has been my dear mother since I was a little girl of ten.  The other is Aunt Adelaide, a half sister of my father, who married a brother of Mamma Rose—­Mr. Edward Allison of Philadelphia.”

“Ah, yes!  I recognize Mrs. Dinsmore, now that they have drawn nearer, and Mrs. Allison as someone to whom I have been introduced; but I have met so many strangers in the last few days that I suppose I may be excused for not remembering her name and connection with you and our Rosie,” she concluded with a smile, adding, “You will excuse me, I know, for claiming Rosie as mine as well as yours, because it is so sweet to me to have a daughter at long last.”

“I am very glad you feel it so,” Mrs. Travilla returned with a sweet, sympathising look and smile, “and I hope my Rosie will prove to you the sweet and lovable daughter that she has always been to me.”

Just at that moment the other ladies joined them, and the four entered into a lively conversation, talking of Riverside and the improvements needed there, what a lovely home it would make for the Crolys, how pleasant it would be to have them so near, and how delightful for Rosie that thus she would escape the dreaded separation from her mother.

“Yes,” said Mrs. Croly, “I cannot tell you how glad I was to learn of this beautiful place, so near to Ion, for sale; for I felt badly over the thought that we were robbing Mrs. Travilla of the companionship of so sweet a daughter.  Besides I am anxious to remain in this neighbourhood, that I may continue under the care of Dr. Conly; for he has helped me more than any other physician I ever tried.”

That remark seemed gratifying to all three of her listeners, and Mrs. Dinsmore said:  “We are glad to hear it; for Dr. Conly is dear to us all, as relative, friend, and physician.”

“He has a lovely young wife,” was Mrs. Croly’s next remark; “and a darling baby boy of whom they are both very proud and fond.”

“Yes,” said Mrs. Travilla, “it does one good to see how happy they are in the possession of it and of each other.  Arthur remained single for years; I think to provide, or assist in providing, for his mother, sisters, and younger brothers, but he seems to be reaping his reward now in having a wife who is a great comfort and blessing to him.”

“She is that, indeed!” said Mrs. Allison emphatically.  “Ah! speak of angels—­here they come!” as Dr. Conly and his young wife were seen approaching, followed by a nurse carrying the infant.