The cover image was restored by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
ELSIE'S CABIN.
Copyright, 1902,
BY
Dodd, Mead & Company.
First edition published October, 1902.
ELSIE'S WINTER TRIP.
CHAPTER I.
"Lu, dear, can you give me an early breakfastto-morrow morning?" asked Chester, asthey made their preparations for retiringthat first night in their new home.
"I think so," she returned, giving him anaffectionate look and smile. "How earlywould you like to have it?"
"About seven, I think. I have told ourcoachman, Jack, that I want the carriage ateight. He will drive me into town and thenreturn, so that carriage and horses will beready at a reasonably early hour for the otherthree owners—our brother and sister andyourself."
"It was certainly very kind and thoughtfulin you to give such an order," she saidwith a smile, "but we would much prefer tohave your company in all our drives andvisits."
"And I should very much like to give it to[2]you; but there is business that should havebeen attended to some time ago, and mustnot be longer delayed."
"If it is, it shall not be your wife's fault,"she replied. "The cook is still in the kitchen,and I will go and give my order for a seven-o'clockbreakfast."
"Lu, dear," Chester said, on her return,"it will not be at all necessary for you to risein time for so early a breakfast, I can pourmy own coffee and eat alone."
"No, you can't have that privilege whileI'm your wife;" she responded, with a saucylook and smile. "I intend to pour your coffee,and see that you have an appetizingbreakfast and do justice to it."
"Your presence will make it doubly enjoyable,dearest," he returned, putting an armabout her, and giving her a look of lovingadmiration, "but you must not be robbed ofneeded rest and sleep."
"Thank you, my dear husband," she replied;"but I am accustomed to early risingand it agrees with me. Oh, I think I shall[3]greatly enjoy taking early breakfast withyou. Isn't it delightful to begin our marriedlife in so lovely a home of our very own?"
"It is, indeed! and we owe it to your good,kind, and most generous father."
"He is that, mo