"But we hope you will live to reach it," Elsie said, with an affectionate glance from one to the other.
"Would you keep us so long from home, my sweet cousin?" Mrs. Keith asked, something in her placid face seeming to tell of longing desire to be near and like her Lord."
"Only for the sake of those to whom you are so dear, Aunt Marcia," Elsie answered, her eyes glistening.
"I shall keep them as long as ever I can," said Annis.
There was a moment's silence; then Edward asked, "Now what about Isa's request?"
"What do you say, Elsie?" Mr. Dinsmore queried, looking at his daughter.
"That I am quite satisfied to go at whatever time will best suit the others; particularly our guests and yourself, papa."
"What do you say, Marcia?" he inquired of his cousin.
"That I find it delightful here, and feel assured it will not be less so at Viamede; so am ready to go at once, or to stay longer, as you please."
Mrs. Dinsmore, Mr. Keith, and Annis expressed themselves in like manner.