Mr. Travilla, too, declined the invitation, on the plea of an engagement to meet a gentleman on business.
So presently, when they reached the spot where their roads parted, Elsie and her papa were left to pursue their way alone.
“Now for a race to the Oaks, Elsie,” Mr. Dinsmore said gayly; “let us see if we can get there in time to receive our friends on their arrival.”
So the horses were urged till they almost flew over the ground. Elsie had never ridden so fast before, and enjoyed it keenly.
They arrived so much in advance of the carriage that she had time to run to her dressing-room and have her riding habit exchanged for a white cashmere and pink ribbons, then join her papa and mamma in the principal entrance hall as the carriage drew up before the door.
The warmest of welcomes awaited the weary travellers. “Never were guests more welcome!” was Mr. Dinsmore’s salutation.
Rose embraced Mildred with sisterly affection, saying, “I am so very glad you have come. I am sure we shall love each other.”
“I do not doubt it,” Mildred answered; “I was prepared to love you for your husband’s sake, and now I see that I shall for your own.”
“And, mamma, this is Annis,” Elsie said, releasing the latter from a vigorous hug, and drawing her toward Rose. “Annis, this is my pretty new mamma that I told you I was going to have, when I was at your house.”
“She is pretty, and looks very kind, too,” Annis exclaimed, in a burst of honest admiration.