Elsie's Womanhood: Complete

After a half hour of waiting for her son's return, Mrs. Travilla sat down to her lonely cup of tea.There was no lack of delicacies on the table, and in all Edward's taste had been consulted. To makehim comfortable and happy was, next to serving her God, the great aim and object of his mother'slife; and, in a less degree, of that of every servant in the house. They had all been born and broughtup at Ion, and had all these years known him as the kindest, most reasonable and considerate ofmasters."Wish Massa Edard come. Dese waffles jes' prime to-night, an' he so fond ob dem," remarked apretty mulatto girl, handing a plate of them to her mistress."Yes, Prilla, he expected to be at home, but is probably taking tea at the Oaks or Roselands." Andthe old lady supped her tea and ate her waffles with a serene, happy face, now and then lighted up bya pleased smile which her attendant handmaiden was at a loss to interpret.Having finished her meal, Mrs. Travilla threw a shawl about her shoulders and stepped out upon theveranda; then, tempted by the beauty of the night, walked down the avenue to meet her son or see ifthere were any signs of his approach.She had not gone half the distance ere the sound of horses' hoofs reached her ear-distant at firstbut coming rapidly nearer, till a lady and gentleman drew rein at the gate, while the servant who hadbeen riding in the rear dismounted and threw it open.They came dashing up, but paused and drew rein again at sight of the old lady standing there underthe trees."Mother," cried her son, springing from the saddle, "you were not alarmed? anxious? surely.""No, no, Edward, but glad to see you and Elsie my dear child, this is very kind.""Not at all, dear Mrs. Travilla; it is so lovely an evening for a ride; or walk either," she added, givingher hand to her escort and springing lightly to the ground.Mr. Travilla put the hand into that of his mother. "Take her to your heart, mother; she is mine-ours " he said, in low tones tremulous with joy.The old lady folded the slight girlish form to her breast for a moment, with a silence more eloquentthan words.