Gracie was shocked, "Lulu!" she said, just ready to cry, "how can you say such things? I just know nothing will ever make papa quit loving us. Can't he love us and the new baby too? and can't mamma?"
"Well, you'll see!" returned Lulu wisely.
There was no time for anything more; the good-bys were said, they were helped into the Ion carriage, waiting at the door, and driven rapidly homeward.
During the drive Grandma Rose noticed that while the other children were merry and talkative, Lulu was silent and sullen, and Gracie apparently just ready to burst into tears.
She more than half suspected what the trouble was, but thought best to seem not to see that anything was amiss.
Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter were on the veranda waiting to welcome the little party on their arrival, and Rosie and Walter were well content to stay with their mother for a little, while the others passed on up to Violet's rooms.
They found her in her boudoir, seated in an easy-chair, beside a window overlooking the avenue, and with her baby on her lap.
She was looking very young, very sweet and beautiful, happy, too, though a shade of anxiety crossed her features as the children came in.
"How are you, dears? I am very glad to see you again," she said, smiling sweetly and holding out her pretty white hand.
Gracie sprang forward with a little joyful cry. "O mamma, my dear, sweet, pretty mamma! I am so glad to get back to you!" and threw her arms about Violet's neck.