There have been gains and losses, sickness and other afflictions, but death has not yet entered any of their homes.

At Ion, the emerald, velvety lawn, the grand old trees, the sparkling lakelet, the flower gardens and conservatories gay with rich autumn hues, were looking their loveliest, in the light of a fair September morning.

The sun was scarcely an hour high, and except in the region of the kitchen and stables quiet reigned within and without the mansion; doors and windows stood wide open, and servants were busied here and there cleaning and setting in order for the day, but without noise or bustle.  In the avenue before the front entrance, stood Solon with the pretty grey ponies, Prince and Princess, ready saddled and bridled, while on the veranda sat a tall, dark-eyed, handsome youth, a riding whip in one hand, the other gently stroking and patting the head of Bruno, as it rested on his knee; the dog receiving the caress with demonstrations of delight.

A light, springing step passed down the broad stairway, crossed the hall, and a slender fairy-like form appeared in the doorway.  It was Violet, now thirteen, and already a woman in height; though the innocent childlike trust in the sweet fair face and azure eyes, told another tale.

“Good-morning, Eddie,” she said.  “I am sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“Oh, good-morning,” he cried, jumping up and turning toward her.  “No need for apology, Vi, I’ve not been here over five minutes.”

He handed her gallantly to the saddle, then mounted himself.

“Try to cheer up, little sister; one should not be sad such a lovely morning as this,” he said, as they trotted down the avenue side by side.

“Oh, Eddie,” she answered, with tears in her voice, “I do try, but I can’t yet; it isn’t like home without them.”

“No; no indeed, Vi; how could it be?  Mr. and Mrs. Daly are very kind, yet not in the least like our father and mother; but it would be impossible for any one to take their places in our hearts or home.”

“The only way to feel at all reconciled, is to keep looking forward to the delight of seeing them return with our darling Lily well and strong,” Vi said, struggling bravely with her tears; and Eddie answered, “I cannot help hoping that may be, in spite of all the discouraging things the doctors have said.”

Lily, always frail and delicate, had drooped more and more during the past year, and only yesterday the parents had left with her for the North, intending to try the effect of different watering places, in the faint hope that the child might yet be restored to health, or her life at least be prolonged for a few years.

They had taken with them their eldest daughter, and infant son, and several servants.

Aunt Chloe and Uncle Joe were not of the party, increasing infirmities compelling them to stay behind.

The separation from her idolized mistress, cost the former many tears, but she was much comforted by Elsie’s assurance, that to have her at home to watch over the children there, would be a great comfort and relief from anxiety on their account.