"That is a beautiful maple yonder," remarked Mr. Travilla. "Yes, sir," returned Harry; "we have a row of them all along the front of the lot; and as Mrs. Dauber says, they are 'perfectly gordeous' in the fall." "The maple is my favorite among the shade leaves," remarked Miss Stanhope, joining in the talk, "from the time it trees out in the spring till the bare become branches in the fall. Through this month and next they're a perpetual feast to the eye." "Aunt, how did you decide in regard to that investment you wrote to consult me about?" asked Mr. Dinsmore, turning to her. "Oh, I concluded to put in a few hundreds, as you thought it safe, on the principle of not having all my baskets in one egg." "Small baskets they would have to be, auntie," Harry remarked quietly. "Yes, my eggs are not so many, but quite enough for an old lady like me." As the evening shadows crept over the landscape the air began to be chilly, and our friends adjourned to the parlor. Here all was just as when Elsie last saw it; neat as wax, everything in place, and each feather-stuffed cushion beaten up and carefully smoothed to the state of perfect roundness in which Miss Stanhope's soul delighted. Mrs. Travilla, who had heard descriptions of the room and its appointments from both her son and Elsie, looked about her with interest: upon the old portraits, the cabinet of curiosities, and the wonderful sampler worked by Miss Wealthy's grandmother. She examined with curiosity the rich embroidery of the chair cushions, but preferred a seat upon the sofa. "Dr. and Mrs. King and Miss Lottie!" announced Simon's voice from the doorway, and the three entered. Lively, cordial greetings followed, especially on the part of the two young girls. Mrs. Travilla was introduced, and all settled themselves for a chat; Lottie and Elsie, of course, managing to find seats side by side. "You dearest girl, you have only changed by growing more beautiful than ever," cried Lottie, squeezing Elsie's hand which she still held, and gazing admiringly into her face. Elsie laughed low and musically. "Precisely what I was thinking of you, Lottie. It must be your own fault that you are still single. But we won't waste time in flattering each other, when we have so much to say that is better worth while." "No, surely; Aunt Wealthy has told me of your engagement." "That was right; it is no secret, and should not be from you if it were from others. Lottie, I want you to be one of my bridesmaids. We're going to carry Aunt Wealthy off to spend the winter with us, and I shall not be content unless I can do the same by you.' "A winter in the 'sunny South!' and with you; how delightful! you dear, kind creature, to think of it, and to ask me. Ah, if I only could!" "I think you can; though of course I know your father and mother must be consulted; and if you come, you will grant my request?" "Yes, yes indeed! gladly."