"What is it? off to Europe?" asked Mrs. Conly in surprise. "What should call you two children there at this time?" Mr. Dinsmore briefly stated the facts, giving the news of the morning, Elsie's wish, and Edward's offer to be her escort to Italy. "If she were a daughter of mine, I should consider a female companion an absolute necessity," was Mrs. Conly's comment. "She will take her maid of course," said Mr. Dinsmore and Edward, both speaking at once. "Pooh! a maid! I mean a lady relative or friend. I said a companion, and that a maid could not be." "I should be extremely glad if such could be found in the few hours that we have for our preparations," said her brother, "but I know of none; the Fairview family are absent, Violet is too young----" "Of course," interrupted Mrs. Conly; "but there are other relatives. I would go myself if my means would warrant the expense." "If you are in earnest, Louise, you need not hesitate for a moment on that score; it shall not cost you a penny," her brother said, looking at her in pleased but half-incredulous surprise. "I was never more in earnest," she answered. "I don't think you give me much credit for affection for your grandchildren, yet I certainly care too much for the one in question to willingly see her undertake such a journey without the support of female companionship. And I can be spared from home if you and Arthur will look after father; I have no young child now, and Aunt Maria is fully capable of taking charge of all household matters. If you wish me to go you have only to say so and guarantee my expenses, and I shall go home, oversee the packing of my trunks, and be ready as soon as the young people are." "Your offer is a most kind one, Louise, and I accept it even without waiting to consult with my daughter," Mr. Dinsmore said. "Then I must go home at once, and set about my preparations immediately," she said, rising to take leave. Arthur Conly as well as Edward Travilla had been a surprised but silent listener to the short dialogue. "Can you spare your mother, Arthur?" his uncle asked. "We must, sir, if it pleases her to go, and for the sake of my two sweet cousins--Elsie senior and Elsie junior--I willingly consent. You take the night train I understand?" turning to Edward. "Yes; to-night." "I shall see that my mother is at the depot in season;" and with that they took their departure, Mr. Dinsmore saying, as he bade them adieu, that he should ride over presently to see his father. Turning toward Edward, he saw that the lad's eyes were following the Roselands' carriage down the avenue, his face wearing a rueful look. "Grandpa," he said with a sigh, "I see no necessity for Aunt Louise's company, and, indeed, should very much prefer to be without it." "You forget that you are speaking to your grandfather of his sister," Mr. Dinsmore answered, with a touch of sternness in his tone.