“I should think so, with three daughters, two sons, and as many sons-in-law, to say nothing of father and mother,” remarked Violet, with a tearful smile.  “Levis, you will spare me to her as long as I am needed?”

“Certainly, my love,” he replied, without a moment’s hesitation; “there is nothing we could refuse, or grudge to our beloved mother at this, or indeed at any time.”

“O grandma, may we go to her now?” queried Rose and Walter in a breath.

“I think not yet, dears; she must be kept very, very quiet,” was the gently spoken reply.  “I know it would be a joy to both you and her to meet and exchange a few words, but it might be a risk for her; and I know you would far rather deny yourselves the gratification than do anything to increase her suffering; to say nothing of endangering her precious life.”

“O grandma, neither of us would be willing to do that for the wealth of the world!” exclaimed Rosie, with starting tears.

“No, indeed!” cried Walter.  “It is very hard to refrain, but we would not injure our mother for the world; our dear, dear mother!”

“I am sure of it,” said Grandma Rose, smiling kindly upon him.  “And now, Walter, would not you and Rosie like to go over to Fairview and carry the good news to Eva and Gracie?  They are there with the little ones, and I know would be very glad to hear that your dear mother is over the worst of her trial.”

“I am going over there for Gracie, Elsie, and Ned, to take them home to Woodburn for a while,” said Captain Raymond, “and if you two would like it, will take you both with me, leave you there, bring you back here, or carry you on to Woodburn, as you may prefer.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Rosie.  “I will be pleased to go as far as Fairview with you, but not on to Woodburn at this time:  because I do not feel at all sure that mamma may not be taken worse.  So I shall not stay long away from home.”

Walter’s reply was to the same effect, and as the captain’s carriage and horses were already at the door, the three were presently on their way to Fairview.

Grace and Evelyn were rejoiced to see them, and having been in great anxiety about their dear “Grandma Elsie,” felt much relieved by the news of her which they brought.

The captain was in some haste to return to Woodburn, and Rosie and Walter, finding they wanted to stay a while with Evelyn and their sister Elsie’s children, decided to walk back to Ion; the distance being none too great for either their strength or enjoyment.

Home and Sister Lu held strong attractions for Grace, Elsie, and Ned, and they were full of delight as papa lifted them into the carriage and took his seat beside them.

“Et Ned sit on oo knee, papa,” pleaded the baby, and was at once lifted to the desired place.

“Papa’s dear baby boy,” the captain said, smoothing his curls and smiling down into the pretty blue eyes.  “How glad Sister Lulu will be to see you and Elsie, and Gracie!”