"And so you have already been teasing poor mamma for stories?"
"Did we tease and trouble you, mamma?" asked Elsie, a little remorsefully,
going back to her mother's side.
"No, darling; it always gives me pleasure to gratify my dear children.
And, papa, they have been very good."
"I am glad to hear it."
"Mamma and papa, may we go down and play by that brook after breakfast?"
asked Elsie.
"And wade in the water like mamma did when she was a little girl?" added
Eddie.
"Yes, with Uncle Joe and Aunt Chloe to take care of you; if mamma is
willing," answered their father.
Mamma said yes, too, and made the little hearts quite happy.
They returned to the window, and presently sent up a joyous shout.
"Grandpa, our dear grandpa, is coming!"
"Shall I go down and bring him up here, mamma?" asked Elsie.
"No, dear, we will go down to grandpa, and not trouble him to come up.
Besides, Aunt Adelaide wants to see him as well as we."
"Yes, mamma's plan is the best," said Mr. Travilla, giving Elsie one hand
and Eddie the other, while his wife led the way with little Violet.
They found Mr. Dinsmore in the lower hall, with Adelaide weeping almost
hysterically in his arms.
"You are the only brother I have left," she sobbed. "Poor, poor dear
Walter and Arthur! Oh, that dreadful, dreadful war!"
He caressed and soothed her with tender words.
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