Grandmother Elsie

The sick ones ware sleeping quietly when the mother entered; the doctor had already breakfasted,and would assist Aunt Chloe and Dinah in watching beside them for the next hour, so the twoElsies-mother and daughter-went down together to the breakfast parlor.They were a more silent party than usual at meal-time, for no one could forget the two absentmembers of the family, or that they were suffering upon beds of sickness; yet there was no gloom inany face or voice: their few words were spoken in cheerful tones, and each seemed unselfishly intentupon promoting the comfort and happiness of all the others; on the part of the children, especiallyof their grandfather and mother; each young heart was evidently full to overflowing of tenderestsympathy and love for her.She had been closely confined to the sick-room for several days, so that it was a treat to have herwith them at breakfast and at family worship, which followed directly upon the conclusion of themeal.It surprised them a little that when the short service came to an end, she did not even then return atonce to her sick little ones, but putting on a garden hat invited her eldest daughter to do likewise andcome with her for a short stroll in the grounds."It will do us both good," she said as they stepped from the veranda upon the broad, gravelled walk,"the air is so sweet and pure at this early hour; and you have not been out in it at all, have you?""No, mamma; and what a treat it is to take it in your dear company," Elsie responded, gathering alovely, sweet-scented flower and placing it in the bosom of her mother's dress."Thank you, love," Mrs. Travilla said; then went on to speak feelingly of the beauty and fragrancethat surrounded them, and the unnumbered blessings of their lot in life."Mamma, you seem to have a heart always filled with love and gratitude to God, and never to betroubled with the least rebellious feeling, or any doubts or fears for the future," remarked Elsie,sighing slightly as she spoke.