During an extended stay at Viamede, the family is blessed with a new addition, Lily, "on loan" from heaven for a short time. Soon they return to Ion, where Elsie takes in Cousin Molly, a young girl who has been injured in a fall. Elsie makes a commitment to nurture, educate, and encourage Molly in the faith. Because of Lily's failing health, the family make and extended visit to Elsie's childhood friend, Lucy Ross. There, Elsie befriends a nearly blind child of her former governess. The famliy decides to take a trip to the Centennial in New York, and Ronald once again joins the family. As Elsie's children move from childhood into adulthood, young Elsie's heart is captured by a fine young man.