Ml FI
li
%130NV-S01
<*IVER% vvlOS'ANCElfjv
* .4 f *<___& &
i iutj s
g
S 1
i I
-n O
^ %
? 8
<-i "-
5
I r S
^vlOS-ANGElfj> ^UIBRARYOc,
I g
5
s ?
I
^
30 3
? "i
rS
5
?J V
s
I s
s
^ "U
f *,
u
A LIST OF THE ELSIE BOOKS AND
OTHER POPULAR BOOKS
BY
MARTHA FINLEY
"ELSIE 'DINSMORE.
ELSIE'S HOLIDAYS AT ROSELANDS.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
ELSIE'S WOMANHOOD.
ELSIE'S MOTHERHOOD.
ELSIE'S CHILDREN.
'ELSIE'S WIDOWHOOD.
GRANDMOTHER ELSIE.
ELSIE'S NEW RELATIONS.
ELSIE AT NANTUCKET.
THE TWO ELSIES.
ELSIE'S KITH AND KIN.
'ELSIE'S FRIENDS AT WOODBURN.
CHRISTMAS WITH GRANDMA ELSIE.
ELSIE AND THE RAYMONDS.
ELSIE YACHTING WITH THE RAYMONDS.
ELSIE'S VACATION.
ELSIE AT VIAMEDE.
'ELSIE AT ION.
ELSIE AT THE WORLD'S FAIR.
ELSIE'S JOURNEY ON INLAND WATERS.
ELSIE AT HOME.
ELSIE ON THE HUDSON.
ELSIE IN THE SOUTH.
ELSIE'S YOUNG FOLKS.
ELSIE'S WINTER TRIP.
ELSIE AND HER LOVED ONES.
MILDRED KEITH.
MILDRED AT ROSELANDS.
MILDRED'S MARRIED LIFE.
MILDRED AND ELSIE.
MILDRED AT HOME.
MILDRED'S BOYS AND GIRLS.
MILDRED'S NEW DAUGHTER.
'CASELLA.
SIGNING THE CONTRACT AND WHAT IT COST
THE TRAGEDY OF WILD RIVER VALLEY.
OUR FRED.
AN OLD-FASHIONED BOY.
WANTED, A PEDIGREE.
THE THORN IN THE NEST.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD
A SEQUEL TO
"ELSIE DINSMORE" AND "ELSIE'S HOLI-
DAYS AT ROSELANDS"
BY
MARTHA FINLEY
'Oh! time of promise, hope, and innocence,
Of trust, and love, and happy ignorance !
Whose every dream is heaven, in whose fair joy
Experience yet has thrown no black alloy."
THOUGHTS OF A RECLUSE
NEW YORK
DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
>>PWaeHT, 1872, BY DODD, MBAJJ is Conuwv.
PEEFACE.
SOME years have now elapsed since my little
heroine " ELSIE DINSMORE " made her debut into
the great world. She was sent out with many an
anxious thought regarding the reception that
might await her there. But she was kindly wel-
comed, and such has been the favor shown her
ever since that Publishers and Author have felt
encouraged to prepare a new volume in which will
be found the story of those years that have carried
Elsie on from childhood to womanhood the
years in which her character was developing, and
mind and body were growing and strengthening
for the real work and battle of life.
May my readers who have admired and loved
her as a child find her still more charming in her
fresh young girlhood; may she prove to all a pleas-
ant companion and friend; and to those of them
now treading the same portion of life's pathway
a useful example also, particularly in her filial
love and obedience.
M. F.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
CHAPTER I.
It is a busy, talking world.
HOWE.
"I THINK I shall enjoy the fortnight we are
to spend here, papa; it seems such a very pleas-
ant place/' Elsie remarked, in a tone of great
satisfaction.
" I am glad you are pleased with it, daughter/'
returned Mr. Dinsmore, opening the morning
paper, which John had just brought up.
They Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie, Rose and Ed-
ward Allison were occupying very comfortable
quarters in a large hotel at one of our fashion-
able watering-places. A bedroom for each, and a
private parlor for the joint use of the party, had
been secured in advance, and late the night be-
fore they had arrived and taken possession.
It was now early in the morning, Elsie and her
papa were in his room, which was in the second
story and opened upon a veranda, shaded by tall
trees, and overlooking a large grassy yard at the
side of the building. Beyond were green fields,
woods, and hills.
" Papa," said Elsie, gazing longingly upon
2 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
them, as she stood by the open window, " can'i
we take a walk?"
" When Miss Rose is ready to go with us."
"May I run to her door and ask if she is?
and if she isn't, may I wait for her out here on
the veranda?"
"Yes."
She skipped away, but was back again almost
immediately. "Papa, what do you think? It's
just too bad! "
" What is too bad, daughter? I think I never
before saw so cross a look on my little girl's face,"
he said, peering at her over the top of his news-
paper. " Come here, and tell me what it is all
about."
She obeyed, hanging her head and blushing.
"I think I have some reason to be cross, papa,"
she said; " I thought we were going to have such
a delightful time here, and now it is all spoiled.
You could never guess who has the rooms just
opposite ours; on the other side of the hall."
"Miss Stevens?"
" Why, papa; did you know she was here? "
" I knew she was in the house, because I saw
her name in the hotel book last night when I
went to register ours."
" And it just spoils all our pleasure."
" I hope not, daughter. I think she will hardly
annoy you when you are close at my side; and
that is pretty much all the time, isn't it? "
"Yes, papa, and I'll stick closer than ever to
you if that will make her let me alone," she cried,
with a merry laugh, putting her arm round his
neck and kissing him two or three times.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 3
" Ah, now I have my own little girl again," He
said, drawing her to his knee and returning her
caresses with interest. " But there, I hear Miss
Hose's step in the hall. Eun to mammy and have
your hat put on."
Miss Stevens' presence proved scarcely less
annoying to Elsie than the child had anticipated.
She tried to keep out of the lady's way, but it was
quite impossible. She could scarcely step out on
the veranda, go into the parlor, or take a turn in
the garden by herself, but in a moment Miss
Stevens was at her side fawning upon and flatter-
ing her telling her how sweet and pretty and
amiable she was, how dearly she loved her, and
how much she thought of her papa too: he was so
handsome and so good; everybody admired him
and thought him such a fine-looking gentleman;
so polished in his manners, so agreeable and
entertaining in conversation.
Then she would press all sorts of dainties upon
the little girl in such a way that it was next to
impossible to decline them, and occasionally even
went so far as to suggest improvements, or rather
alterations, in her dress, which she said was en-
tirely too plain.
" You ought to have more flounces on your
skirts, my dear," she remarked one day.
" Skirt flounced to the waist are so very pretty
and dressy, and you would look sweetly in them,
but I notice you don't wear them at all. Do ask
your papa to let you get a new dress and have
it made so; I am sure he would consent, for any
one can see that he is very fond of you. He
doesn't think of it; we can't expect gentlemen to
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
notice such little matters; you ought to Have a
mamma to attend to such things for you. Ah!
if you were my child, I would dress you sweetly,
you dear little thing! "
" Thank you, ma'am, I daresay you mean to be
very kind," replied Elsie, trying not to look an-
noyed, "but I don't want a mamma, since my
own dear mother has gone to heaven; papa is
enough for me, and I like the way he dresses me.
He always buys my dresses himself and says how
they are to be made. The dressmaker wanted to
put more flounces on, but papa didn't want them
and neither did I. He says he doesn't like to see
little girls loaded with finery, and that my clothes
shall be of the best material and nicely made, but
neat and simple/'
" Oh, yes; I know your dress is not cheap; I
didn't mean that at all: it is quite expensive
enough, and some of your white dresses are beau-
tifully worked; but I would like a little more
ornament. You wear so little jewelry, and your
father could afford to cover you with it if he
chose. A pair of gold bracelets, like mine for in-
stance, would be very pretty, and look charming
on your lovely white arms: those pearl ones you
wear sometimes are very handsome any one
could tell that they are the real thing but you
ought to have gold ones too, with clasps set with
diamonds. Couldn't you persuade your papa to
buy some for you? "
"Indeed, Miss Stevens, I don't want them! I
don't want anything but what papa chooses to
buy for me of his own accojfd. Ah! there is
Miss Eose looking for me, I must go," and the
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 5
little girl, glad of an excuse to get away, ran joy-
fully to her friend who had come to the veranda,
where she and Miss Stevens had been standing,
to tell her that they were going out to walk, and
her papa wished to take her along.
Elsie went in to get her hat, and Miss Stevens
came towards Rose, saying, " I think I heard you
say you were going to walk; and I believe, if you
don't forbid me, I shall do myself the pleasure of
accompanying you. I have just been waiting for
pleasant company. I will be ready in one mo-
ment." And before Eose could recover from her
astonishment sufficiently to reply she had disap-
peared through the hall door.
Elsie was out again in a moment, just as the
gentlemen had joined Eose, who excited their
surprise and disgust by a repetition of Miss
Stevens' speech to her.
Mr. Dinsmore looked excessively annoyed, and
Edward " pshawed, and wished her at the bottom
of the sea."
" No, brother," said Eose, smiling, " you don't
wish any such thing; on the contrary, you would
be the very first to fly to the rescue if you saw her
in danger of drowning."
But before there was time for anything more
to be said Miss Stevens had returned, and walk-
ing straight up to Mr. Dinsmore, she put her arm
through his, saying with a little 1-ugh, and what
was meant for a very arch expression, " You see
I don't stand upon ceremony with old friends,
Mr. Dinsmore. It isn't my way."
" No, Miss Stevens, I think it never was/' he
replied, offering the other arm to Rose.
6 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
She was going to decline it on the plea that the
path was too narrow for three, but something in
his look made her change her mind and accept;
and they moved on, while Elsie, almost ready to
cry with vexation, fell behind with Edward Alli-
son for an escort.
Edward tried to entertain his young com-
panion, but was too much provoked at the turn
things had taken to make himself very agreeable
,to any one; and altogether it was quite an un-
comfortable walk: no one seeming to enjoy it
but Miss Stevens, who laughed and talked inces-
santly; addressing nearly all her conversation to
Mr. Dinsmore, he answering her with studied
politeness, but nothing more.
Miss Stevens had, from the first, conceived a
great antipathy to Rose, whom she considered a
dangerous rival, and generally avoided, excepting
when Mr. Dinsmore was with her; but she always
interrupted a tete-a-tete between them when it
was in her power to do so without being guilty
of very great rudeness. This, and the covert
sneers with which she often addressed Miss Alli-
son had not escaped Mr. Dinsmore's notice, and
it frequently cost him quite an effort to treat Miss
Stevens with the respectful politeness which he
considered due to her sex and to the daughter
of his father's old friend.
"Was it not too provoking, papa?" exclaimed
Elsie, as she followed him into his room on their
return from their walk.
"What, my dear?"
" Why, papa, I thought we were going to have
such a nice time, and she just spoiled it all."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 7
"She? who, daughter?"
"Why, papa, surely you know I mean Miss
Stevens! "
" Then why did you not mention her name, in-
stead of speaking of her as she? That does not
sound respectful in a child of your age, and I
wish my little girl always to be respectful to
those older than herself. I thought I heard you
the other day mention some gentleman's name
without the prefix of Mr., and I intended to re-
prove you for it at the time. Don't do it again."
" No, sir, I won't," Elsie answered with a blush.
" But, papa," she added the next moment, " Miss
Stevens does that constantly."
" That makes no difference, my daughter," he
aaid gravely. " Miss Stevens is the very last per-
son I would have you take for your model; the
less you resemble her in dress, manners, or any-
thing else, the better. If you wish to copy any
one let it be Miss Allison, for she is a perfect lady
in every respect."
Elsie looked very much pleased. " Yes, in-
deed, papa," she said, " I should be glad if I could
be just like Miss Eose, she is always kind and
gentle to everybody; even the servants, whom
Miss Stevens orders about so crossly."
"Elsie!"
"What, papa?" she asked, blushing again, for
his tone was reproving.
" Come here and sit on my knee; I want to talk
to you. I am afraid my little daughter is grow-
ing censorious," he said, with a very grave look as
he drew her to his side. " You forget that we
ought not to speak of other people's faults."
8 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"I will try not to do it any more, papa," sTie
replied, the tears springing to her eyes ; " but you
don't know how very annoying Miss Stevens is.
I have been near telling her several times that I
did wish she would let me alone."
" No, daughter, don't do that. You must be-
have in a lady-like manner whether she does or
not. We must expect annoyances in this world,
my child ; and must try to bear them with pa-
tience, remembering that God sends the little
trials as well as the great, and that He has com-
manded us to 'let patience have her perfect work.'
I fear it is a lack of the spirit of forgiveness that
makes it so difficult for us to bear these trifling
vexations with equanimity. And you must re-
member too, dear, that the Bible bids us be cour-
teous, and teaches us to treat others as we our-
selves would wisli to be treated."
" I think you always remember the command
to be courteous, papa," she said, looking affec-
tionately into his face. " I was wondering all
the time how you could be so very polite to Miss
Stevens ; for I was quite sure you would rather
not have had her along. And then, what right
had she to take vour arm without being asked ? "
and Elsie's face flushed with indignation.
Her father laughed a little. " And thus de-
prive my little girl of her rights," he said, softly
kissing the glowing cheek. " Ah ! I doubt if you
would have been angry had it been Miss Rose,"
he added, a little mischievously.
" Oh, papa, you know Miss Rose would never
have done such a thing ! " exclaimed the little
girl warmly.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Ah! well, dear," he said in a soothing tone;
" we won't talk any more about it. I acknowl-
edge that I do not find Miss Stevens the most
agreeable company in the world, but I must treat
her politely, and show her a little attention some-
times; both because she is a lady and because her
father once saved my father's life; for which I
owe a debt of gratitude to him and his chil-
dren."
" Did he, papa? I am sure it was very good of
him, and I will try to like Miss Stevens for that.
But won't you tell me about it? "
"It was when they were both quite young
men," said Mr. Dinsmore, " before either of them
was married: they were skating together and
your grandfather broke through the ice, and
would have been drowned, but for the courage
and presence of mind of Mr. Stevens, who saved
him only by very great exertion, and at the risk
of his own life."
A few days after this, Elsie was playing on the
veranda, with several other little girls. "Do
you think you shall like your new mamma,
Elsie? " asked one of them in a careless tone, as
she tied on an apron she had just been making
for her doll, and turned it around to see how it
fitted.
" My new mamma! " exclaimed Elsie, with un-
feigned astonishment, dropping the scissors with
which she had been cutting paper dolls for some
of the little ones. " What can you mean, Annie?
I am not going to have any new mamma."
"Yes, indeed, but you are though," asserted
Annie positively; " for I heard my mother say so
10 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
only yesterday; and it must be so, for she said
Miss Stevens told it herself."
"Miss Stevens! and what does she know about
it? what has she to do with my papa's affairs?"
asked Elsie indignantly, the color rushing over
face, neck, and arms.
" Well, I should think she might know, when
she is going to marry him," returned the other
vith a laugh.
" She isn't! it's false! my "but Elsie checked
herself and shut her teeth hard to keep down the
emotion that was swelling in her breast.
"It's true, you may depend upon it," replied
Annie; " everybody in the house knows it, and
they are all talking about what a splendid match
Miss Stevens is going to make; and mamma was
wondering if you knew it, and how you would
like her; and papa said he thought Mr. Dinsmore
wouldn't think much of her if he knew how she
flirted and danced until he came, and now pre-
tends not to approve of balls, just because he
doesn't."
Elsie made no reply, but dropping scissors,
paper, and everything, sprang up and ran swiftly
along the veranda, through the hall, upstairs,
and without pausing to take breath, rushed into
her father's room, where he sat quietly reading.
"Why, Elsie, daughter, what is the matter?"
he asked in a tone of surprise and concern, as he
caught sight of her flushed and agitated face.
" Oh, papa, it's that hateful Miss Stevens; I
can't bear her! " she cried, throwing herself upon
his breast, and bursting into a fit of passionate
weeping.
!
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 11
Mr. Dinsmore said nothing for a moment; but
thinking tears would prove the best relief to her
overwrought feelings, contented himself with
simply stroking her hair in a soothing way, and
once or twice pressing his lips gently to her fore-
head.
"You feel better now, dearest, do you not?"
he asked presently, as she raised her head to wipe
away her tears.
" Yes, papa."
" Now tell me what it was all about."
"Miss Stevens does say such hateful things,
papa! "
He laid his finger upon her lips. " Don't use
that word again. It does not sound at all
like my usually gentle sweet-tempered little
girl."
" I won't, papa," she murmured, blushing and
hanging her head. Then hiding her face on his
breast, she lay there for several minutes perfectly
silent and still.
"What is my little girl thinking of?" he
asked at length.
"How everybody talks about you, papa; last
evening I was out on the veranda, and I heard
John and Miss Stevens' maid, Phillis, talking
together. It was moonlight, you know, papa,"
she went on, turning her face toward him again:
" and they were out under the trees and John had
his arm round her, and he was kissing her, and
telling her how pretty she was; and then they be-
gan talking about Miss Stevens and you, and
John told Phillis that he reckoned you were going
to marr} r her "
12 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Who? Phillis? " asked Mr. Dinsmore, looking
excessively amused.
" Oh, papa; no; you know I mean Miss Ste-
vens," Elsie answered in a tone of annoyance.
"Well, dear, and what of it all?" he asked,
soothingly. " I don't think the silly nonsense of
the servants need trouble you. John is a sad
fellow, I know; he courts all the pretty colored
girls wherever he goes. I shall have to read
him a serious lecture on the subject. But it is
very kind of you to be so concerned for Phillis."
" Oh, papa, don't! " she said, turning away her
face. " Please don't tease me so. You know I
don't care for Phillis or John; but that isn't
all." And then she repeated what had passed
between Annie and herself.
He looked a good deal provoked as she went
en with her story; then very grave indeed. He
was quite silent for a moment after she had done.
Then drawing her closer to him, he said tenderly,
"My poor little girl, I am sorry you should be
so annoyed; but you know it is not true, daugh-
ter, and why need you care what other people
think and say? "
" I don't like them to talk so, papa! I can't
bear to have them say such things about you! "
she exclaimed indignantly.
He was silent again for a little; then said
kindly, " I think I had better take you away
from these troublesome talkers. What do you
say to going home?"
"Oh, yes, papa, do take me home," she an-
swered eagerly. " I wish we were there now.
I think it is the pleasantest place in the world
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 1>
and it seems such a long, long while since we
came away. Let us start to-morrow, papa; can't
we?"
"But you know you will have to leave Miss
Kose."
"Ah! I forgot that," she said a little sadly;
but brightening again, she asked: " Couldn't you
invite her to go home with us and spend the
winter? Ah! papa, do! it would be so pleasant
to have her."
" No, my dear, it wouldn't do," he replied with
a grave shake of the head.
"Why, papa?" she asked with a look of keen
disappointment.
" You are too young to understand why," he
said in the same grave tone, and then relapsed
into silence; sitting there for some time stroking
her hair in an absent way, with his eyes on the
carpet.
At last he said, " Elsie! " in a soft, low tone
that quite made the little girl start and look up
into his face; for she, too, had been in a deep
reverie.
"What, papa?" she asked, and she wondered
to see how the color had spread over his face,
and how bright his eyes looked.
" I have been thinking," he said, in a half
hesitating way, " that though it would not do to
invite Miss Rose to spend the winter with us, it
might do very nicely to ask her to come and live
at the Oaks."
Elsie looked at him for a moment with a be-
wildered expression; then suddenly comprehend-
ing, her face lighted up.
14 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Would you like it, dearest?" he asked; "or
would you prefer to go on living just as we have
been, you and I together? I would consult your
happiness before rny own, for it lies very near
my heart, my precious one. I can never forgive
myself for all I have made you suffer, and when,
you were restored to me almost from the grave,
I made a vow to do all in my power to make
your future life bright and happy."
His tones were full of deep feeling, and as he
spoke he drew her closer and closer to him and
kissed her tenderly again and again.
" Speak, daughter, and tell me what you wish,"
he said, as she still remained silent.
At last she spoke, and he bent down to catch
the words. " Dear papa," she whispered, " would
it make you happy? and do you think mamma
knows, and that she would like it?"
"Your mamma loves us both too well not to
be pleased with anything that would add to our
happiness," he replied gently.
"Dear papa, you won't be angry if I ask an-
other question?"
" No, darling; ask as many as you wish."
"Then, papa, will I have to call her mamma?
and do you think my own mamma would like
it?"
" If Miss Allison consents to take a mother's
place to you, I am sure your own mamma, if she
could speak to you, would tell you she deserved
to have the title; and it would hurt us both
very much if you refused to give it. Indeed, my
daughter, I cannot ask her to come to us unless
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 15
you will promise to do so, and to love and obey
her just as you do me. Will you? "
"I will try to obey her, papa; and I shall
love her very dearly, for I do already; but I can
not love anybody quite so well as I love you, my
own dear, dear father! " she said, throwing her
arms around his neck.
He returned her caress, saying tenderly, " That
is all I can ask, dearest; I must reserve the first
place in your heart for myself ."
"Do you think she will come, papa?" she
asked anxiously.
" I don't know, daughter; I have not asked
her yet. But shall I tell her that it will add to
your happiness if she will be your mamma? "
" Yes, sir; and that I will call her mamma,
and obey her and love her dearly. Oh, papa, ask
her very soon, won't you?"
"Perhaps; but don't set your heart too much
on it, for she may not be quite so willing to take
such a troublesome charge as Miss Stevens seems
to be," he said, returning to his playful tone.
Elsie looked troubled and anxious.
" I hope she will, papa," she said; " I think
she might be very glad to come and live with you;
and in such a beautiful home, too."
"Ah! but everyone does not appreciate my
society as highly as you do," he replied, laughing;
and pinching her cheek; " and besides, you forget
about the troublesome little girl. I have heard
ladies say they would not marry a man who had
a child."
"But Miss Hose loves me, papa; I am sure
16 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
she does," she said, flushing, and the tears start
ing to her eyes.
" Yes, darling, I know she does/' he answered
soothingly. " I am only afraid she loves you bet-
ter than she does me."
A large party of equestrians were setting out
from the hotel that evening soon after tea, and
Elsie, in company with several other little girls,
went out upon the veranda to watch them mount
and ride away. She was absent but a few mo-
ments from the parlor, where she had left her
father, but when she returned to it he was not
there. Miss Eose, too, was gone, she found upon
further search, and though she had not much
difficulty in conjecturing why she had thus, for
the first time, been left behind, she could not
help feeling rather lonely and desolate
She felt no disposition to renew the afternoon's
sonversation with Annie Hart, so she went
quietly upstairs to their private parlor and sat
down to amuse herself with a book until Chloe
came in from eating her supper. Then the little
girl brought a stool, and seating herself in the
old posture with her head in her nurse's lap, she
drew her mother's miniature from her bosom, and
fixing her eyes lovingly upon it, said, as she had
done hundreds of times before: " Now, mammy,
please tell me about my dear, dear mamma."
The soft eyes were full of tears; for with all
her joy at the thought of Eose, mingled a strange
sad feeling that she was getting farther away
irom that dear, precious, unknown mother, whose
image had been, since her earliest recollection,
enshrined in her very heart of hearts.
CHAPTER II.
O lady ! there be many things
That seem right fair above ;
But sure not one among them all
Is half so sweet as love ;
Let us not pay cur vows alone,
But join two altars into one.
O. W.
Here still is the smile that no cloud can o'ercast,
And the heart, and the hand, all thy own to the last.
MOORE.
MB. HOEACE DINSMORE was quite remarkable
for his conversational powers, and Rose, who had
always heretofore found him a most entertain-
ing companion, wondered greatly at his silence
on this particular evening. She waited in vain
for him to start some topic of conversation, but
as he did not seem disposed to do so, she at
length made the attempt herself, and tried one
subject after another. Finding, however, that
she was answered only in monosyllables, she toe
grew silent and embarrassed, and heartily wished
for the relief of Elsie's presence.
She had proposed summoning the child to ac-
company them as iisual, but Mr. Dinsmore re-
plied that she had already had sufficient exercise,
and he would prefer having her remain at home.
They had walked some distance, and coming
to a rustic seat where they had often rested, they
&at down. The moon was shining softly dowa
i?
18 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
apon them, and all nature seemed hushed and
still. For some moments neither of them spoke,
but at length Mr. Dinsmore broke the silence.
" Miss Allison," he said, in his deep, rich tones,
"I would like to tell you a story, if you will do
me the favor to listen."
It would have been quite impossible for Eose
to tell why her heart beat so fast at this very
commonplace remark, but so it was; and she
could scarcely steady her voice to reply, " I
always find your stories interesting, Mr. Dins-
more."
He began at once.
" Somewhere between ten and eleven years ago,
ft wild, reckless boy of seventeen, very much
spoiled by the indulgence of a fond, doting
father, who loved and petted him as the only
son of his departed mother, was spending a few
months in one of our large Southern cities, where
he met, and soon fell desperately in love with,
a beautiful orphan heiress, some two years his
junior.
" The boy was of too ardent a temperament,
and too madly in love, to brook for a moment
the thought of waiting until parents and guard-
ians should consider them of suitable age to
marry, in addition to which he had good reason
to fear that his father, with whom family pri'de
was a ruling passion, would entirely refuse his
consent upon learning that the father of the
young lady had begun life as a poor, uneducated
boy, and worked his way up to wealth and posi-
tion by dint of hard labor and incessant applica
tion to business.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 10
11 The boy, it is true, was almost as proud him-
self, but it was not until the arrows of the boy-
god had entered into his heart too deeply to be
extracted, that he learned the story of his charm-
er's antecedents. Yet I doubt if the result would
have been different had he been abundantly fore-
warned; for oh, Miss Eose, if ever an angel
walked the earth in human form it was she!
so gentle, so good, so beautiful! "
He heaved a deep sigh, paused a moment, and
then went on:
" Well, Miss Eose, as you have probably sur-
mised, they were privately married. If that
sweet girl had a fault, it was that she was too
yielding to those she loved, and sheSlid love her
young husband with all the warmth of her
young guileless heart; for she had neither par-
ents nor kinsfolk, and he was the one object
around which her affections might cling. They
were all the world to each other, and for a few
short months they were very happy.
" But it could not last; the marriage was dis-
covered her guardian and the young man's
father were both furious, and they were torn
asunder; she carried away to a distant planta-
tion, and he sent North to attend college.
" They were well-nigh distracted, but cher-
ished the hope that when they should reach their
majority and come into possession of their prop-
erty, which was now unfortunately entirely in.
the hands of their guardians, they would be
reunited.
" But it is the old story their letters were
intercepted, and the first news the young hus
20 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
band received of his wife was that she Had died
a few days after giving birth to a little daugh-
ter/'
Again Mr. Dinsmore paused, then continued:
* It was a terrible stroke! For months, reason
seemed almost ready to desert her throne; but
time does wonders, and in the course of years it
did much to heal his wounds. You would per-
haps suppose that he would at once or at least
as soon as he was his own master have sought
out his child, and lavished upon it the wealth of
his affections: but no; he had conceived almost
an aversion to it; for he looked upon it as the
cause innocent, it is true but still the cause of
his wife's death. He did not know till long
years afterwards that her heart was broken by
the false story of his desertion and subsequent
death. Her guardian was a hard, cruel man,
though faithful in his care of her property.
"With him the child remained until she was
about four years old when a change was made
necessary by his death, and she, with her faithful
nurse, was received into her paternal grandfa-
ther's family until her father, who had then gone
abroad, should return. But my story is grow-
ing very long, and you will be weary of listening.
I will try to be as brief as possible.
" The little girl, under the care of her nurse
and the faithful instructions of a pious old
Scotchwoman who had come over with the
child's maternal grandparents, and followed the
fortunes of the daughter and granddaughter,
always living as housekeeper in the families
where they resided had grown to be a sweet,
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 21
engaging child, inheriting her mother's beauty
and gentleness. She had also her mother's crav-
ing for affection, and was constantly looking and
longing for the return of her unknown father,
which was delayed from time to time until she
was nearly eight years of age.
"At last he came; but ah, what a bitter dis-
appointment awaited the poor child! His mind
had been poisoned against her, and instead of the
love and tenderness she had a right to expect, he
met her with coldness almost with aversion.
Poor little one! she was nearly heartbroken, and
for a time scarcely dared venture into her father's
presence. She was gentle, submissive, and pa-
tient; he cold, haughty, and stern. But she
would love him, in spite of his sternness, and at
length she succeeded in winning her way to his
affections, and he learned to love her with pas-
sionate tenderness.
" Still her troubles were not over. She was
sincerely pious, and conscientiously strict in
many things which her father deemed of little
i importance; especially was this the case in
regard to the observance of the Sabbath. He
was a man of iron will, and she, though perfectly
submissive in other respects, had the firmness of
a martyr in resisting any interference with her
conscience.
"Well, their wills came in collision. He
required her to do what she considered a viola-
tion of God's law, although he could see no harm
in it, and therefore considered her stubborn and
disobedient. He was firm, but so was she. He
tried persuasions, threats, punishments all with-
22 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
out effect. He banished her from his arms, from
the family circle, deprived her of amusements,
denied her to visitors, broke off her correspond-
ence with a valued friend, sent away her nurse;
and finding all these acts of severity ineffectual,
he at length left her, telling her he would return
only when she submitted; and even refusing her
a parting caress, which she pleaded for with
heart-breaking entreaties."
Mr. Dinsmore's voice trembled with emotion,
but recovering himself, he went on:
"Don't think, Miss Allison, that all this time
the father's heart was not bleeding; it was, at
every pore; but he was determined to conquer,
and mistook the child's motives and the source
of her strength to resist his will.
" He had bought a beautiful estate; he caused
the house to be handsomely fitted up and fur-
nished, especially lavishing trouble and expense
upon a suite of rooms for his little girl, and when
all was completed, he wrote to her, bidding her
go and see the lovely home he had prepared for
her reception as soon as she would submit, and
presenting, as the only alternative, banishment
to a boarding-school or convent until her educa-
tion was finished. This was the one drop which
made the cup overflow. The poor suffering
child was prostrated by a brain fever which
brought her to the very gates of death. Then
the father's eyes were opened; he saw his folly
and his sin, and repented in sackcloth and ashes;
and God, in His great mercy, was pleased to
spare him the terrible crushing blow which
seemed to have already fallen; for at one time
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 23
they told him his child was dead. Oh, never,
never can he forget the unutterable anguish of
that moment! "
Mr. Dinsmore paused, unable to proceed. Eose
had been weeping for some time. She well knew
to whose story she was listening, and her gentle,
loving heart was filled with pity for both him
and for his child.
" I have but little more to tell," he resumed;
"the child has at length entirely recovered her
health; she is dearer to her father's heart than
words can express, and is very happy in the
knowledge that it is so, and that henceforward
he will strive to assist her to walk in the narrow
way, instead of endeavoring to lead her from it.
" Their home has been a very happy one; but
it lacks one thing the wife and mother's place
is vacant; she who filled it once is gone never
to return! but there is a sweet, gentle lady
who has won the hearts of both father and
daughter, and whom they would fain persuade
to fill the void in their affections and their
home.
" Miss Kose, dare I hope that you would ven-
ture to trust your happiness in the hands of a
man who has proved himself capable of such
cruelty? "
Eose did not speak, and he seemed to read in
her silence and her averted face a rejection of
his suit.
"Ah, you cannot love or trust me!" he ex-
claimed bitterly. "I was indeed a fool to hope
it. Forgive me for troubling you; forgive my
presumption in imagining for a moment that I
24 ELSIE'S GIBLHOOD.
might be able to win you. But oh, Rose, could
you but guess how I love you better than aught
else upon earth save my precious child! and even
as I love her better than life. I said that our
home had been a happy one, but to me it can
be so no longer if you refuse to share it with me! "
She turned her blushing face towards him for
a single instant, and timidly placed her hand in
his. The touch sent a thrill through her whole
frame.
"And you will dare trust me?" he said in a
low tone of intense joy. " Oh, Rose! I have not
deserved such happiness as this! I am not worthy
of one so pure and good. But I will do all that
man can do to make your life bright and happy."
"Ah, Mr. Dinsmore! I am very unfit for the
place you have asked me to fill," she murmured.
"I am not old enough, or wise enough to be a
mother to your little girl."
"I know you are young, dear Rose, but you
are far from foolish," he said tenderly, " and my
little girl is quite prepared to yield you a daugh-
ter's love and obedience; but I do not think she
will be a care or trouble to you; I do not intend
that she shall, but expect to take all that upon
myself. Indeed, Rose, dearest, you shall never
know any care or trouble that I can save yon
from. No words can tell how dear you are to
me, and were it in my power I would shield you
from every annoyance, and give you every joy
that the human heart can know. I have loved
you from the first day we met! ah, I loved you
eveflQ before that, for all your love and kindness
to my darling child; but I scarcely dared hope
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 25
that you could return my affection, or feel willing
to trust your happiness to the keeping of one who
had shown himself such a monster of cruelty in
his treatment of his little gentle daughter. Are
you not afraid of me, Eose? "
His arm was around her waist, and he was
bending over her, gazing down into her face, and
eagerly awaiting her answer.
Presently it came, in calm, gentle tones; " N"o,
Horace; 'perfect love casteth out fear/ and I
cannot judge you hardly for what may have been
only a mistaken sense of duty, and has been so
bitterly repented."
" Heaven bless you, dearest, for these words/*
he answered with emotion, " they have made me
the happiest of men/'
Horace Dinsmore wore upon his little finger a
splendid diamond ring, which had attracted a
good deal of attention, especially among the
ladies, who admired it extremely, and of which
Miss Stevens had hoped to be one day the happy
and envied possessor. Taking Rose's small white
hand in his again, he placed it upon her slender
finger.
" This seals our compact, and makes you mine
forever," he said, pressing the hand to his lips. -
" With the consent of my parents," murmured
Rose, a soft blush mantling her cheek.
Elsie was still in her papa's private parlor, for
though it was long past her usual hour for retir-
ing, she had not yet done so; her father having
left a message with Chloe to the effect that she
might, if she chose, stay up until his return.
Chloe had dropped asleep in her chair, and the
26 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
little girl was trying to while away the time with
a book. But she did not seem much interested
in it, for every now and then she laid it down to
run to the door and listen. Then sighing to her-
self, " They are not coming yet," she would go
back and take it up again. But at last she started
from her seat with an exclamation of delight that
awoke Chloe; for this time there could be no
doubt; she had heard his well-known step upon
the stairs.
She moved quickly towards the door stopped
hesitated, and stood still in the middle of the
room.
But the door opened, and her father entered
with Miss Kose upon his arm. One look at his
radiant countenance, and Bose's blushing, happy
face told the whole glad story. He held out his
hand with a beaming smile, and Elsie sprang
towards him.
" My darling," he said, stooping to give her a
kiss, " I have brought you a mother."
Then taking Eose's hand, and placing one of
Elsie's in it, while he held the other in a close,
loving grasp, he added: " Eose, she is your daugh-
ter also. I give you a share in my choicest
treasure."
Bose threw her arm around the little girl and
kissed her tenderly, whispering: "Will you love
me, Elsie, dearest? you know how dearly I love
you."
" Indeed I will; I do love you very much, and
I am very glad, dear, darling Miss Eose," Elsie
replied, returning her caress.
Mr. Dinsmore was watching them with a heart
ELSIE S GIRLHOOD, 8?
swelling with joy and gratitude. He led Rose to
a sofa, and seating himself by her side, drew Elsie
in between his knees, and put an arm round each.
"My two treasures," he said, looking affection-
ately from one to the other. " Rose, I feel my-
self the richest man in the Union."
Rose smiled, and Elsie laid her head on her
father's shoulder with a happy sigh.
They sat a few moments thus, when Rose made
a movement to go, remarking that it must be
growing late. She felt a secret desire to be safe
within the shelter of her own room before the
return of the riding party should expose her to
Miss Stevens' prying curiosity.
" It is not quite ten yet," said Mr. Dinsmore,
looking at his watch.
" Late enough though, is it not? " she answered
with a smile. " I think I must go. Good-night,
dear little Elsie." She rose, and Mr. Dinsmore,
gently drawing her hand within his arm, led her
to her room, bidding her good-night at the door,
and adding a whispered request that she would
wait for him to conduct her down to the break-
fast room in the morning.
" Must I go to bed now, papa ? " asked Elsie, as
he returned to the parlor again.
" Not yet," he said; " I want you." And, sit-
ting down, he took her in his arms. " My dar-
ling, my dear little daughter!" he said; "were
you very lonely this evening? "
" No, papa; not very, though I missed you atid
Miss Rose."
He was gazing down into her face; something
in its expression seemed to strike him, and he
28 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOL.
suddenly turned h^r towards the light, and look-
ing keenly at her, said, " You have been crying;
what was the matter? "
Elsie's face flushed crimson, and the tears
started to her eyes again. " Dear papa, don't
be angry with me," she pleaded. "I couldn't
help it; indeed I could not."
" I am not angry, darling; only pained that my
little girl is not so happy as I expected. I hoped
that your joy would be unclouded to-night, as
mine has been; but will you not tell your father
what troubles you, dearest?"
"I was looking at this, papa," she said, draw-
ing her mother's miniature from her bosom, and
putting it into his hand; " and mammy was tell-
ing me all about my own mamma again; and, papa,
you know I love Miss Rose, and I am very glad
she is coming to us, but it seems as if as if "
She burst into a flood of tears, and hiding her
face on his breast, sobbed out, " Oh, papa, I can't
help feeling as though mamma my own dear
mamma is farther away from us now; as if she
is going to be forgotten."
There were tears in his eyes, too; but gently
raising her head, he pushed back the curls from
her forehead, and kissing her tenderly, said, in
low, soothing tones, "No, darling; it is only a
feeling, and will soon pass away. Your own dear
mother my early love can never be forgotten
by either of us. Nor would Eose wish it. There
is room in my heart for both of them, and I do
not love the memory of Elsie less because I have
given a place in it to Rose."
There was a momentary silence; then she
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 29
looked up, asking timidly, "You are not vexed
with me, papa? "
" No, dearest; not at all; and I am very glad
you have told me your feelings so freely," he said,
folding her closer and closer to his heart. "I
hope you will always come to me with your sor-
rows, and you need never fear that you will not
find sympathy, and help too, as far as it is in my
power to give it. Elsie, do you know that you
are very like your mother? the resemblance
grows stronger every day; and it would be quite
impossible for me to forget her with this living
image always before me."
'-Am I like her, papa? I am so glad!" ex-
claimed the little girl eagerly, her face lighting up
with a joyous smile.
It seemed as though Mr. Dinsmore could hardly
bear to part with his child that night; he held
her a long time in his arms, but at last, with an-
other tender caress, and a fervent blessing, he
bade her good-night and sent her away.
CHAPTER III.
She twin'd and her mother's gaze brought back
Each hue of her childhood's faded track.
Oh ! hush the song, and let her tears
Flow to the dream of her early years 1
Holy and pure are the drops that fall
When the young bride goes from her father's hall ;
She goes unto love yet untried and new
She parts from love which hath still been true.
MRS. HEMANS' POEMS.
" How did it happen that Mr. Dinsmore was
not of your party last night, Miss Stevens? " in-
quired one of the lady boarders the next morning
at the breakfast-table.
" He had been riding all the morning with his
little girl, and I presume was too much fatigued
to go again in the evening/' Miss Stevens coolly
replied, as she broke an egg into her cup, and
proceeded very deliberately to season it.
" It seems he was not too much fatigued to
walk," returned the other, a little maliciously;
" or to take a lady upon his arm."
Miss Stevens started, and looked up hastily.
" I would advise you to be on your guard, and
play your cards well, or that quiet Miss Allison
may prove a serious rival," the lady continued.
" He certainly pays her a good deal of attention."
" It is easy to account for that," remarked
Miss Stevens, with a scornful toss of the head;
" he is very fond of his little girl, and takes her
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 31
out walking or riding every day, and this Miss
Allison who is, I presume, a kind of governess
indeed, it is evident that she is, from the care
she takes of the child goes along as a matter of
course; but if you think Horace Dinsmore would
look at a governess, you are greatly mistaken, for
he is as proud as Lucifer, as well as the rest of
his family, though he does set up to be so very
pious! "
" Excuse me, madam," observed a gentleman
sitting near, " but you must be laboring under a
misapprehension. I am well acquainted with the
Allison family, and can assure you that the father
is one of the wealthiest merchants in Phila-
delphia."
At this moment 'Mr. Dinsmore entered^ with
Eose upon his arm, and leading Elsie with the
other hand. They drew near the table; he
handed Miss Allison to a seat and took his place
beside her.
A slight murmur of surprise ran round the
table, and all eyes were turned upon Rose, who,
feeling uncomfortably conscious of the fact, cast
down her own in modest embarrassment, while
Elsie, with a face all smiles and dimples, sent a
triumphant glance across the table at Annie
Hart, who was whispering to her mother, " See,
mamma, she has Mr. Dinsmore's ring! "
That lady immediately called Miss Stevens' at-
tention to it, which was quite unnecessary, as she
was already burning with rage at the sight.
" They walked out alone last evening, and that
ring explains what they were about," said Mrs.
Hart, in an undertone. " I am really sorry for
32 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
you, Miss Stevens; for your prize has certainly
slipped through your fingers."
" I am much obliged to you," she replied, with
a toss of her head; " but there are as good fish in
the sea as ever were caught."
The next moment she rose and left the table,
Mrs. Hart following her into the public parlor,
and continuing the conversation by remarking,
" I would sue him for breach of promise if I were
you, Miss Stevens. I understood you were en-
gaged to him."
"I never said so; so what right had you to
suppose it?" returned Miss Stevens snap-
pishly.
And upon reflecting a moment, Mrs. Hart could
not remember that she had ever said so in plain
terms, although she had hinted it many times
talking a great deal of Mr. Dinsmore's splendid
establishment, and frequently speaking of the
changes she thought would be desirable in Elsie's
dress, just as though she expected some day to
have it under her control. Then, too, she had
always treated Mr. Dinsmore with so much
familiarity that it was perfectly natural strangers
should suppose they were engaged, even though
he never reciprocated it; for that might be only
because he was naturally reserved and undemon-
strative; as indeed Miss Stevens frequently
averred, seeming to regret it very deeply.
Presently she burst out, "I don't know why
people are always so ready to talk! I don't care
for Horace Dinsmore, and never did! There was
never anything serious between us, though I must
say he has paid me marked attentions, and given
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 33
me every reason to suppose he meant something
by them. I never gave him any encouragement,
however; and so he has been taken in by that
artful creature. I thought he had more sense,
and could see through her maneuvers coaxing
and petting up the child to curry favor with the
father! I thank my stars that I am above such
mean tricks! I presume she thinks, now, she is
making a splendid match; but if she doesn't re-
pent of her bargain before she has been married
a year, I miss my guess! She'll never have her
own way not a bit of it I can tell her that.
Everybody that knows him will tell you that he is
high-tempered and tyrannical, and as obstinate
as a mule."
" The grapes are very sour, I think," whispered
Mrs. Hart to her next neighbor, who nodded and
laughed.
" There is Elsie out on the veranda, now," said
Annie. "I mean to go and ask her what Miss
Allison had her father's ring for; may I,
mamma? "
" Yes; go, child, if you want to; I should like to
hear what she will say; though, of course, every-
body understands that there must be an engage-
ment."
" Well, Elsie, what made you run away in such
a hurry yesterday? " asked Annie, running up to
our little friend. " Did you ask your papa about
the new mamma? "
" I told him what you said, Annie, and it wasn't
true," Elsie answered, with a glad look of joy.
" I am going to have a new mother though, and
papa said I might tell you; but it is Miss Allison
34 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
instead of Miss Stevens, and I am very glad, be-
cause I love her dearly."
"Is she your governess?"
"No, indeed! what made you ask?"
" Miss Stevens said so," replied Annie, laugh-
ing and running away. And just then Elsie's
papa called her, and bade her go upstairs and
have her hat put on, as they were going out to
walk.
Edward Allison had been talking with his sis-
ter in her room, and they came down together to
the veranda, where Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie were
waiting for them. Edward was looking very
proud and happy, but Eose's face was half hidden
by her veil. She took Mr. Dinsmore's offered
arm, and Elsie asked, " Aren't you going with us,
Mr. Edward? "
" Not this time," he answered, smiling. " I
have an engagement to play a game of chess with
one of the ladies in the parlor yonder."
" Then I shall have papa's other hand," she
said, taking possession of it.
She was very merry and talkative, but neither
of her companions seemed much disposed to an-
swer her remarks. They were following the
same path they had taken the night before, and
the thoughts of both were very busy with the past
and the future.
At length they reached the rustic seat where
they had sat while Mr. Dinsmore told his story,
and he inquired of Eose if she would like to stop
and rest.
She assented, recognizing the place with a
smile and a blush, and they sat down.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 35
" Papa," said Elsie, " I am not tired, mayn't I
run on to the top of that hill yonder? "
" Yes, if you will not go out of sight or hear-
ing, so that I can see that you are safe, and within
call when I want you," he replied, and she
bounded away.
Eose was sitting thoughtfully, with her eyes
upon the ground, while those of her companion
were following the graceful figure of his little
girl, as she tripped lightly along the road.
" Mr. Dinsmore," Eose began.
" I beg pardon, but were you speaking to me? "
he asked, turning to her with a half smile.
" Certainly," she replied, smiling in return;
" there is no one else here."
"Weil then, Eose, dear, please to remember
hat I don't answer to that name from your lips,
at least not when we are alone. I am not Mr.
Dinsmore to you, unless you mean to be Miss
Allison to me," he added, taking her hand and
gazing tenderly into her blushing face.
" Oh! no, no; I would not have you call me
that!"
" Well then, dear Eose, I want you to call me
Horace. I would almost as soon think of being
Mr. Dinsmore to Elsie, as to you. And now,
what were you going to say to me ? "
" Only that I wish to set out on my homeward
way to-night, with Edward. I think it would be
best, more especially as mamma has written com-
plaining of our long absence, and urging a speedj
return."
" Of course your mother's wishes are the first
to be consulted, until you have given me a prior
36 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
right," he said, in a playful tone; " and so I sup*
pose Elsie and I will be obliged to continue our
journey by ourselves. But when may I claim you
for my own indeed? Let it be as soon as possible,
dearest, for I feel that I ought to return to my
home ere long, and I am not willing to do so with-
out my wife."
" I must have a few weeks to prepare; you
know a lady's wardrobe cannot be got ready in a
day. What would you say to six weeks? I am.
afraid mamma would think it entirely too short.'*
" Six weeks, dear Eose? why that would bring
us to the middle of November. Surely a month
will be long enough to keep me waiting for my
happiness, and give the dressmakers sufficient
time for their work. Let us say one month from
to-day."
Eose raised one objection after another, but he
overruled them all and pleaded his cause so ear-
nestly that he gained his point at last, and the
wedding was fixed for that day month, provided
the consent of her parents, to so sudden a parting
with their daughter, could be obtained.
While Eose was at home making her prepara-
tions, Mr. Dinsmore and his daughter were visiting
the great lakes, and travelling through Canada.
He heard frequently from her, and there were
always a few lines to Elsie, which her father
allowed her to answer in a little note enclosed in
his; and sometimes he read her a little of his own,
or of Miss Eose's letter, which she always con-
sidered a very great treat.
New York City was their last halting place on
their route, and there they spent nearly two
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 37
weeks in shopping and sight-seeing. Mr. Pins-
more purchased an elegant set of furniture for
his wife's boudoir, and sent it on to his home,
with his orders to Mrs. Murray concerning its ar-
rangement. To this he added a splendid set of
diamonds as his wedding gift to his bride, while
Elsie selected a pair of very costly bracelets as
hers.
They arrived in Philadelphia on Tuesday after-
noon, the next morning being the time appointed
for the wedding. Mr. Dinsmore himself went to
his hotel, but_sent Elsie and her nurse to Mr. Alli-
son's, as he had been urgently requested to do,
the family being now in occupation of their town
residence.
Elsie found the whole house in a bustle of
preparation. Sophy met her at the door and
carried her off at once to her own room, eager to
display what she called "her wedding dress."
She was quite satisfied with the admiration Elsie
expressed. " But I suppose you bought ever so
many new dresses, and lots of other pretty things,
in New York? " she said inquiringly.
" Yes; papa and I together. And don't you
think, Sophy, he let me help him choose some of
his clothes, and he says he thinks I have very
good taste in ladies' and gentlemen's dress too."
" That was right kind of him, but isn't it odd,
and real nice too, that he and Rose are going to
get married? I was so surprised. Do you like
it, Elsie? and shall you call her mamma?"
" Oh, yes, of course. I should be quite
wretched if papa were going to marry any one
else; but I love Miss Eose dearly, and I am very
38 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
glad she is coming to us. I think it is very good
of her, and papa thinks so too."
" Yes/' replied Sophy honestly, " and so do I;
for I am sure I shouldn't like to leave papa and
mamma and go away off there to live, though I
do like you very much, Elsie, and your papa too.
Only think! he is going to be my brother; and
then won't you be some sort of relation too? I
guess I'll be your aunt, won't I? "
'' I don't know; I haven't thought about it,"
said Elsie; while at the same instant Harold put
his head in at the half-open door, saying, " Of
course you will; and I'll be her uncle."
The little girls were quite startled at first, but
seeing who it was, Elsie ran towards him, holding
out her hand.
" How do you do, Harold? " she said; " I am
glad to see you."
He had his satchel of books on his arm.
" Thank you, how are you? I am rejoiced to see
you looking so well, but, as for me, I am quite
sick of lessons," he replied in a melancholy
tone, and putting on a comically doleful ex-
pression.
Elsie laughed and shook her head. " I thought
you were a good boy and quite fond of your
books."
" Commonly, I believe I am, but not in these
wedding times. It's quite too bad of your father,
Elsie, to be carrying off Rose, when he won't let
us have you. But never mind, I'll be even with
him some of these days;" and he gave her a mean-
ing look.
" Come in, Harold, and put your books down/'
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 39
said Sophy; "you can afford to spend a few
minutes talking to Elsie, can't you?"
" I think I will! " he replied, accepting her in-
vitation.
They chatted for some time, and then Adelaide
came in. Elsie had heard that she was coming,
on to be first bridesmaid. " Elsie, dear, how glad
I am to see you! and how well and happy you are
looking! " she exclaimed, folding her little niece
in her arms, and kissing her fondly. " But
come," she added, taking her by the hand and
leading her into the next room, " Miss Kose came
in from her shopping only a few minutes ago, and
she wants to see you."
Eose was standing by the toilet-table, gazing
intently, with a blush and a smile, at something
she held in her hand. She laid it down as they
came in, and embracing the little girl affection-
ately, said how very glad she was to see her.
Then, turning to the table again, she took up
what she had been looking at which proved to
be a miniature of Mr. Dinsmore and handed it
to Adelaide, saying, "Is it not excellent? and so
kind and thoughtful of him to give it to me."
" It is indeed a most perfect likeness," Ade-
laide replied. " Horace is very thoughtful about
these little matters. I hope he will make you
very happy, dear Kose. I cannot tell you how
glad I was when I heard you were to be my
sister."
" You have seemed like a sister to me ever since
the winter I spent with you," said Eose. And
then she began questioning Elsie about her jour-
ney, and asking if she were not fatigued, and
40 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
would not like to lie down and rest a little before
tea.
"No thank you," Elsie said; "you know it is
only a short trip from New York, and I am not
at all tired."
Just then the tea-bell rang, and Rose laughed
and said it was well Elsie had not accepted her
invitation.
On going down to tea they found Mr. Dinsmore
and Mr. Travilla there. Elsie was delighted to
meet her old friend, and it was evident that he
had already made himself a favorite with all the
children, from Harold down to little May.
The wedding was a really brilliant affair. The
bride and her attendants were beautifully dressed
and, as every one remarked, looked very charm-
ing. At an early hour in the morning carriages'
were in waiting to convey the bridal party and
the family to the church where the ceremony was
to be performed. When it was over they re-
turned to the house, where an elegant breakfast
was provided for a large number of guests; after
which there was a grand reception for several
hours. Then, when the last guest had departed,
Eose retired to her own room, appearing shortly
afterwards at the family dinner-table in her
pretty travelling dress, looking very sweet and
engaging, but sober and thoughtful, as were also
her father and brothers; while Mrs. Allison's eyes
were constantly filling with tears at the thought
of losing her daughter.
There was very little eating done, and the con-
versation flagged several times in spite of the
efforts of the gentlemen to keep it up. At length
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 41
ail rose from the table, and gathered in the par-
lor for a few moments. Then came the parting,
and they were gone; and Mrs. Allison, feeling
almost as if she had buried her daughter, tried to
forget her loss by setting herself vigorously to
work overseeing the business of putting her
house in order.
Eose's feelings were mingled. She wept for a
time, but the soothing tenderness of her hus-
band's manner, and Elsie's winning caresses, soon
restored her to herself, and smiles chased away
the tears.
They had a very pleasant journey, without ac-
cident or detention, and arrived in due time at
their own home, where they were welcomed with
every demonstration of delight.
Eose was charmed with the Oaks, thought it
even more lovely than either Eoselands or Elin-
grove, and Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie intensely en-
joyed her pleasure and admiration.
Then came a round of parties, which Elsie
thought extremely tiresome, as she could have no
share in them, and was thus deprived of the com-
pany of her papa and mamma almost every even-
ing for several weeks. But at last that too was
over, and they settled down into a quiet, home
life, that suited them all much better, for neither
Mr. Dinsmore nor Eose was very fond of gayety.
And now Elsie resumed her studies regularly,
reciting as before to her father; while Eose under-
took to instruct her in the more feminine
branches of housekeeping and needlework, and a
master came from the city several times a week
to give her lessons in music and drawing. She
42 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
had been so long without regular employment
that she found it very difficult at first to give her
mind to her studies, as she had done in former
days; but her father, though kind and consider-
ate, was very firm with her, and she soon fell into
the traces and worked as diligently as ever.
Elsie did not find that her father's marriage
brought any uncomfortable change to her.
There was no lessening of his love or care; she
saw as much of him as before, had full possession
of her seat upon his knee, and was caressed and
fondled quite as often and as tenderly as ever.
And added to all this were Rose's love and
sweet companionship, which were ever grateful to
the little girl, whether they were alone or with
her father. Elsie loved her new mamma dearly
and was as respectful and obedient to her as to
her father, though Rose never assumed any au-
thority; which, however, was entirely unneces-
sary, as a wish or request from her was sure to be
attended to as if it had been a command.
And Rose was very happy in her new home.
Mr. Dinsmore's family were pleased with the
match and treated her most kindly, while he was
always affectionate, thoughtful, and attentive;
not less devoted as a husband than as a father.
They were well suited in taste and disposition;
seldom had the slightest disagreement on any
subject, and neither had ever cause to regret the
step they had taken, for each day they lived to-
gether seemed but to increase their love for each
other, and for their little daughter, as Mr. Dins-
more delighted to call her, always giving Rose a
share in the ownership.
CHAPTER IV.
Of ali the joys that brighten suffering earth
WLat joy is welcomed like a new-born child?
MRS. NOKTON.
" MASSA wants you for to come right along to
him in de study, darlin', jis as soon as your ole
mammy kin get you dressed/' said Chloe, one
morning to her nursling.
"What for, mammy?" Elsie asked curiously,
for she noticed an odd expression on her nurse's
face.
" Massa didn't tell me nuffin 'bout what he
wanted, an' I spects you'll have to ax hisself," re-
plied Chloe evasively.
Elsie's curiosity was excited, and she hastened
to the study as soon as possible. Her father laid
down his paper as she entered, and held out his
hand with a smile as he bade her good-morning,
and it struck her that there was an odd twinkle
in his eye also, while she was certain that she
could not be mistaken in the unusually joyous
expression of his countenance.
" Good-morning, papa. But where is mam-
ma?" she asked, glancing about the room in
search of her.
" She is not up yet, but do you sit down here
in your little rocking chair. I have something
for you."
He left the room as he spoke, returning again
43
44 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
in a moment, carrying what Elsie thought was a
strange-looking bundle.
"There! hold out your arms/' he said; and
placing it in them., he gently raised one corner of
the blanket, displaying to her astonished view a
tiny little face.
" A baby! Oh, the dear little thing! " she ex-
claimed in tones of rapturous delight. Then
looking up into his face, " Did you say I might
have it, papa? whose baby is it? "
" Ours; your mamma's and my son, and your
brother," he answered, gazing down with intense
pleasure at her bright, happy face, sparkling all
over with delight.
" My little brother! my darling little brother,"
she murmured, looking down at it again, and ven-
turing to press her lips gently to its soft velvet
cheek. " Oh, papa, I am so glad, so glad! I have
eo wanted a little brother or sister. Is not God
very good to give him to us, papa? " And happy,
grateful tears were trembling in the soft eyes as
she raised them to his face again.
" Yes," he said, bending down and kissing first
her cheek, and then the babe's, " I feel that God
has indeed been very good to me in bestowing
upon me two such treasures as these."
" What is his name, papa? " she asked.
" He has none yet, my clear."
" Then, papa, do let him be named Horace, for
you; won't you if mamma is willing? And then
I hope he will grow up to be just like you; as
handsome and as good."
" I should like him to be a great deal better,
daughter/' he answered with a grave smile; " and
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 45
about the name I don't know yet; I should pre-
fer some other, but your mamma seems to want
that, and I suppose she has the best right to name
him; but we will see about it."
" Better give little marster to me now, Miss
Elsie," remarked his nurse, stepping up, "I
reckon your little arms begin to feel tired." And
taking the babe she carried him from the
room.
Nothing could have better pleased Mr. Dins-
more than Elsie's joyous welcome to her little
brother; though it was scarcely more than he had
expected.
" My own darling child; my dear, dear little
daughter," he said, taking her in his arms and
kissing her again and again. " Elsie, dearest,
you are very precious to your father's heart."
" Yes, papa, I know it," she replied, twining
her arms about his neck, and laying her cheek to
his; " I know you love me dearly, and it makes
me so very happy."
"May I go in to see mamma?" she asked
presently.
"No, darling, not yet: she is not able to see
you; but she sends her love, and hopes she may
be well enough to receive a visit from you to-
morrow."
" Poor mamma! I am sorry she is ill," she said
sorrowfully; "but I will try to keep everything
Very quiet that she may not be disturbed."
That evening, after tea, Elsie was told that she
would be allowed to speak to her mamma for a
moment if she chose, and she gladly availed her-
self of the privilege.
46 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Dear Elsie," Eose whispered, drawing her
down to kiss her cheek, " I am so glad you are
pleased with your little brother."
" Oh, mamma, he is such a dear little fellow 1 "
Elsie answered eagerly; " and now, if you will onty
get well we will be happier than ever."
Rose smiled and said she hoped soon to be
quite well again, and then Mr. Dinsmore led Elsie
from the room.
Eose was soon about again and in the enjoy-
ment of her usual health and strength. Elsie's
delight knew no bounds the first time her mamma
was able to leave her room, and take her place at
the table with her father and herself. She doted
on her little brother, and, if allowed, would have
had him in her arms more than half the time;
but he was a plump little fellow, and soon grew so
large and heavy that her father forbade her carry-
ing him lest she should injure herself; but she
would romp and play with him by the hour while
he was in the nurse's arms, or seated on the bed;
and when any of her little friends called, she
could not be satisfied to let them go away with-
out seeing the baby.
The first time Mr. Travilla called, after little
Horace's arrival, she exhibited her treasure to
him with a great deal of pride, asking if he did
not envy her papa.
" Yes," he said, looking admiringly at her, and
then turning away with a half sigh.
A few minutes afterwards he caught hold of
her, set her on his knee, and giving her a kiss,
said, " I wish you were ten years older, Elsie, or I
ten years younger."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 49
"Why, Mr. Travilla?" she asked rather won-
deringly.
" Oh, because we would then be nearer of an
age, and maybe you would like me better."
" No, I wouldn't, not a bit," she said, putting
her arm round his neck, " for I like you now just
as well as I could like any gentleman but papa."
The elder Mr. Dinsmore was very proud of his
little grandson and made a great pet of him, com-
ing to the Oaks much more frequently after his
birth than before.
Once he spoke of him as his first grandchild.
" You forget Elsie, father," said Horace, put-
ting his arm round his little girl, who happened
to be standing by his side, and giving her a ten-
der, loving look.
He greatly feared that the marked difference
his father made between the two would wound
Elsie's sensitive spirit, and perhaps even arouse a
feeling of jealousy towards her little brother;
therefore, when his father was present, he was
even more than usually affectionate in his manner
towards her, if that were possible.
But Elsie had no feeling of the kind; she had
long ceased to expect any manifestation of affec-
tion from her grandfather towards herself, but
was very glad indeed that he could love her dear
little brother.
" Ah, yes! to be sure, I did forget Elsie," re-
plied the old gentleman carelessly; " she is the
first grandchild of course; but this fellow is the
first grandson, and quite proud of him I am. He
is a pretty boy, and is going to be the very image
of his father."
48 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"I hope lie will, father," said Rose, looking
proudly at her husband. And then she added,
with an affectionate glance at Elsie: " If he is
only as good and obedient as his sister, I shall be
quite satisfied with him. "We could not ask a
better child than our dear little daughter, nor
love one more than we do her; she is a great com-
fort and blessing to us both/'
The color mounted to Elsie's cheek, and her
eyes beamed with pleasure. Mr. Dinsmore, too,
looked very much gratified, and the old gentle-
man could not fail to perceive that the difference
he made between the children was quite distaste-
ful to both parents.
CHAPTER V.
A lovely being, scarcely formed or moulded,
A rose with all its sweetest leaves yet folded.
BYKON.
ELSIE was nearly twelve when her little brother
was born. During the next three years she led a
life of quiet happiness, unmarked by any striking
event. There were no changes in the little
family at the Oaks but such as time must bring
to all. Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore perhaps looked a
trifle older than when they married, Elsie was
budding into womanhood as fair and sweet a
flower as ever was seen, and the baby had grown
into a healthy romping boy.
At Eoselands, on the contrary, there had been
many and important changes. Louise and Lora
were both married; the former to a resident of
another State, who had taken her to his distant
home; the latter to Edward Howard, an older
brother of Elsie's friend Carrie. They had not
left the neighborhood, but were residing with
bis parents.
For the last two or three years Arthur Dins-
more had spent his vacations at home; he was
doing so now, having just completed his freshman,
year at Princeton. On his return Walter was to
accompany him and begin his college career.
Miss Day left soon after Lora's marriage and
50 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
no effort had been made to fill her place, Adelaide
having undertaken to act as governess to Enna,
now the only remaining occupant of the school-
room.
Taking advantage of an unusually cool hreezy
afternoon, Elsie rode over to Tinegrove, Mr.
Howard's plantation to make a call. She found
the family at home and was urged to stay to tea;
but declined, saying she could not without per-
mission, and had not asked it.
"You will at least take off your hat," said
Carrie.
" No, thank you," Elsie answered, " it is not
worth while, as I must go so soon. If you will
excuse me, I can talk quite as well with it on/
They had not met for several weeks and found
a good deal to say to each other. At length Elsie
drew out her watch.
"Ah!" she exclaimed, "I have overstayed my
time! I had no idea it was so late you have
been so entertaining; but I must go now." And
she rose hastily to take leave.
" Nonsense! " said her Aunt Lora in whose
boudoir they were sitting, " there is no such great
hurry, I am sure. You'll get home long before
dark."
" Yes, and might just as well stay another five
or ten minutes. I wish you would; for I have
ever so much to say to you," urged Carrie.
" It would be very pleasant, thank you, but in-
deed I must not. See how the shadows are
lengthening, and papa does not at all like to have
me out after sunset unless he is with me."
" He always was overcaref ul of you, erring on
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 51
the right side, I suppose, if that be an allowable
expression," laughed Lora, as she and Carrie fol-
lowed Elsie to the door to see her mount her
horse.
The adieus were quickly spoken and the young
girl, just touching the whip to the sleek side of
her pony, set off at a gallop, closely followed by
her faithful attendant Jim.
Several miles of rather a lonely road lay be-
tween them and home, and no time was to be
lost, if they would reach the Oaks while the sun
was still above the horizon.
They were hardly more than half a mile from
the entrance to the grounds, when Elsie caught
sight of a well-known form slowly moving down
the road a few paces ahead of them. It was
Arthur, and she soon perceived that it was his
intention to intercept her; he stopped, turning
his face toward her, sprang forward as she came
up. and seized her bridle.
" Stay a moment, Elsie," he said, " I want to
speak to you."
" Then come on to the Oaks, and let us talk
there; please do, for I am in a hurry."
" No, I prefer to say my say where I am. I'll
not detain you long. You keep out of earshot,
Jim. I want to borrow a little money, Elsie; a
trifle of fifty dollars or so. Can you accommo-
date me?"
"Not without papa's knowledge, Arthur. So
I hope you do not wish to conceal the matter
from him."
" I do. I see no reason why he should know all
about my private affairs. Can't you raise that
52 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
much without applying to him? Isn't your al-
lowance very large now?"
" Fifty dollars a month, Arthur, but subject to
the same conditions as of old. I must account
to papa for every cent.' 5
" Haven't you more than that in hand now? "
" Yes, but what do you want it for? "
" That's neither your business nor his; let me
have it for two weeks, I'll pay it back then,
and in the meantime he need know nothing
about it."
" I cannot; I never have any concealments from
papa, and I must give in my acount in less than a
week."
" Nonsense! You are and always were the most
disobliging creature alive!" returned Arthur
with an oath.
" Oh, Arthur, how can you say such wicked
words," she said, recoiling from him with a shud-
der. " And you quite misjudge me. I would be
glad to do anything for you that is right. If you
will let me tell papa your wish, and he gives con-
sent, you shall have the money at once. Now
please let me go. The sun has set and I shall be
so late that papa will be anxious and much dis-
pleased."
"Who cares if he is!" he answered roughly,
still retaining his hold upon her bridle, and com-
pelling her to listen while he continued to urge
his request; enforcing it with arguments and
threats.
They were alike vain, she steadfastly refused
to grant it except on the conditions she had
aamed, and which he determinately rejected
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 53
and insisted being left free to pursue her home-
ward way.
He grew furious, and at length with a shock-
ing oath released her bridle, but at the same in-
stant struck her pony a severe blow upon his
haunches, with a stout stick he held in his hand.
The terrified animal, smarting with the pain,
started aside, reared and plunged in a way that
would have unseated a less skilful rider, and had
nearly thrown Elsie from the saddle: then darted
off at the top of its speed; but fortunately turned
in at the gate held open by Jim, who had ridden
on ahead and dismounted for that purpose.
" Whoa, you Glossy! whoa dere! " he cried,
springing to the head of the excited animal, and
catching its bridle in his powerful grasp.
" Just lead her for a little, Jim," said Elsie
"There, there! my poor pretty Glossy, be quiet
now. It was too cruel to serve you so; but it
shan't happen again if your mistress can help it,"
she added in a voice tremulous with sympathy
and indignation, patting and stroking her pony
caressingly as she spoke.
Jim obeyed, walking on at a brisk pace, lead-
ing Glossy with his right hand, and keeping the
bridle of the other horse over his left arm.
" I'll walk the rest of the way, Jim," said Elsie
presently, " just stop her and let me get down.
There," springing lightly to the ground, "you
may lead them both to the stable now."
She hurried forward along the broad, gravelled
winding carriage road that led to the house. The
next turn brought her face to face with her,
father.
54 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"What, Elsie! alone and on foot at this late
hour? " he said in a tone of mingled surprise and
reproof.
" I have been riding, papa, and only a mo-
ment since dismounetd and let Jim lead the
horses down the other road to the stables."
" Ah, but how did you come to be so late? " he
asked, drawing her hand within his arm and lead-
ing her onward.
" I have been to Tinegrove, sir, and Aunt Lora,
Carrie, and I found so much to say to each other,
that the time slipped away before I knew it."
" It must not happen again, Elsie."
" I do not mean it shall, papa, and I am very
sorry."
" Then I excuse you this once, daughter; it is
not often you give me occasion to reprove
you."
"Thank you, papa," she said with a grateful,
loving look. "Did you come out in search of
me?"
" Yes, your mamma and I had begun to grow
anxious lest some accident had befallen you.
Our little daughter is such a precious treasure
that we must needs watch over her very care-
fully," he added in a tone that was half playful,
half tender, while he pressed the little gloved
hand in his, and his eyes rested upon the sweet
fair face with an expression of proud fatherly
affection.
Her answering look was full of filial reverence
and love. " Dear papa, it is so nice to be so loved
and cared for; so sweet to hear such words from
your lips. I do believe I'm the very happiest girl
ELSIE 8 GIRLHOOD. M
in the land." She had already almost forgotten'
Arthur and his rudeness and brutality.
"And I the happiest father," he said with a
pleased smile. " Ah, here comes mamma to meet
us with little Horace."
The child ran forward with a glad shout to
Meet his sister, Eose met her with loving words
and a fond caress; one might have thought from
their joyous welcome, that she was returning
after an absence of weeks or months instead of
hours. Letting go her father's arm as they
stepped upon the piazza Elsie began a romping
play with her little brother, but at a gentle re-
minder from her mamma that the tea bell would
soon ring, ran away to her own apartments to
have her riding habit changed for something
more suitable for the drawing room.
Chloe was in waiting and her skilful hands
made rapid work, putting the last touches to her
nursling's dress just as the summons to the sup-
per table was given.
Mr. Dinsmore was quite as fastidious as in for-
mer days in regard to the neatness and tasteful-
Bess of Elsie's attire.
"Will I do, papa?" she asked, presenting her-
self before him, looking very sweet and fair in
a simple white dress with blue sash and ribbons.
"Yes," he said with a satisfied smile, "I see
nothing amiss with dress, hair, or face."
"Nor do I," said Kose, leading the way to the
supper room, " Aunt Chloe is an accomplished
tirewoman. But come, let us sit down to our
meal and have it over."
On their return to the drawing room they;
56 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
found Mr. Travilla comfortably ensconced in an
easy chair, reading the evening paper. He was an
almost daily visitor at the Oaks, and seldom came
without some little gift for one or both of his
friend's children. It was for Elsie to-night.
When the usual greetings had been exchanged, he
turned to her, saying, " I have brought you j
treat. Can you guess what it is? "
"A book!'"'
"Ah, there must be something of the Yankee
about you," he answered, laughing. " Yes, it is
a book in two volumes; just published and a most
delightful, charming story," he went on, drawing
them from his pockets, and handing them to her
as he spoke.
" Oh, thank you, sir! " she cried with eager
gratitude, " I'm so glad, if if only papa will al-
low me to read it. May I, papa? "
" I can tell better when I have examined it, my
child," Mr. Dinsmore answered, taking one of the
volumes from her hands and looking at the title
on the back. < The Wide, Wide World! ' What
sort of a book is it, Travilla? "
" A very good sort, I think. Just glance
through it or read a few pages, and Fm pretty
cure it will be sufficient to satisfy you of, not only
its harmleesness, but that its perusal would be a
benefit to almost any one."
Mr. Dinsmore did so, Elsie standing beside him,
her hand upon his arm, and her eyes on his face
anxiously watching its changes of expression as
he read. They grew more and more satisfactory;
the book was evidently approving itself to his
taste and judgment, and presently he returned it
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 57
fo her, saying, \vith a kind fatherly smile, " Yes,
my child, you may read it. I have no doubt it de-
serves all the praise Mr. Travilla has given it.'
" Oh, thank you, papa, I'm very glad," she an-
swered joyously, " I am just hungry for a nice
story." And seating herself near the light, she
was soon lost to everything about her in the deep
interest with which she was following Ellen
Montgomery through her troubles and trials.
She was loath to lay the book aside when at the
usual hour a quarter before nine the bell rang
for prayers. She hardly heeded the summons
till her papa laid his hand on her shoulder, say-
ing, " Come, daughter, you must not be left be-
hind,"
She started up then, hastily closing the book,
and followed the others to the dining room,
where the servants were already assembled to
take part in the family devotions.
Mr. Travilla went away immediately after and
now it was Elsie's bed-time. Her father re-
minded her of it as, on coming back from seeing
his friend to the door, he found her again poring
over the book.
" Oh, papa, it is so interesting! could you let
me finish this chapter? " she asked with a very
entreating look up into his face as he stood at
her side.
" I suppose I could if I should make a great
effort," he answered laughingly. " Yes, you may,
for once, but don't expect always to be allowed
to do so."
" No, sir, oh, no. Thank you, sir."
"Well, have you come to a good stopping-
58 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
place? " he asked, as she presently closed the book
and put it aside with a slight sigh.
"No, sir, it is just as bad a one as the other.
Papa, I wish I was grown up enough to read an-
other hour before going to bed."
" I don't," he said, drawing her to a seat upon
his knee, and passing his arm about her waist,
" I'm not ready to part with my little girl yet."
"Wouldn't a fine young lady daughter be just
as good or better ? " she asked, giving him a hug.
" No, not now, some of these days I may think
80."
" But mayn't I stay up and read till ten to-
night?"
He shook his head. "Till half-past nine,
then?"
" No, not even till quarter past. Ah, it is that
now," he added, consulting his watch.
" You must say good-night and go. Early
hours and plenty of sleep for my little girl, that
she may grow up to healthful, vigorous woman-
hood, capable of enjoying life and being very use-
ful in the church and the world." He kissed her
with grave tenderness as he spoke.
" Good-night then, you dear father," she said,
returning the caress. " I know you would in-
dulge me if you thought it for my good."
" Indeed I would, pet. Would it help to recon-
cile you to the denial of your wish to know that I
shall be reading the book, and probably enjoying
it as much as you would? "
" Ah yes, indeed, papa ! it is a real pleasure to
resign it to you," she answered with a look of de-
light. " It's just the nicest story! at least as far
ELBE'S GIRLHOOD. 5*
as I've read. Eead it aloud to mamma, won't
you?'
" Yes, if she wishes to hear it. Now away with
you to your room and your bed."
Only waiting to bid her mamma an affection-
ate good-night, Elsie obeyed, leaving the room
with a light step, and a cheerful, happy face.
" Dear unselfish child! " her father said, look-
ing after her.
" She is that indeed," said Rose. " How happy
shall I be if Horace grows up to be as good and
lovable."
Elsie was a fearless horsewoman, accustomed
to the saddle from her very early years. Thus
Arthur's wanton attack upon her pony had failed
to give her nerves the severe shock it might have
caused to those of most young girls of her age.
Her feeling was more of excitement, and of in-
dignation at the uncalled-for cruelty to a dumb
animal, especially her own pet horse, than of
fright at the danger to herself. But she well
knew that the latter was what her father would
think of first, and that he would be very angry
with Arthur; therefore she had tried, and suc-
cessfully, to control herself and suppress all signs
of agitation on meeting him upon her return.
She felt glad now as the affair recurred to her
recollection while preparing for the night's rest,
that she had been able to do so. For a moment
she questioned with herself whether she was quite
right to have this concealment from her father,
but quickly decided that she was. Had the wrong-
doing been her own that would have made ik
altogether another matter.
60 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
She was shocked at Arthur's wickedness,
troubled and anxious about his future, but freely
forgave his crime against her pony and herself,
and mingled with her nightly petitions an ear-
nest prayer for his conversion, and his welfare
temporal and spiritual.
CHAPTER VI.
O love ! thou sternly dost thy power maintain,
And wilt not bear a rival in thy reign.
DRYDEN.
IT was the middle of the forenoon, and Elsie in
her own pretty little sitting room was busied with
her books; so deep in study indeed, that she never
noticed a slight girlish figure as it glided in at
the glass doors opening upon the lawn, to-day
set wide to admit the air coming fresh and cool
with a faint odor of the far-off sea, pleasantly
mingling with that of the flowers in the garden,
on the other side of the house.
"Buried alive in her books! Dear me! what
a perfect paragon of industry you are," cried the
intruder in a lively tone. "I wish you would
imbue me with some of your love of study."
" Why, Lucy Carrington! how did you get
here?" and Elsie pushed her books away, rose
hastily and greeted her friend with an affectionate
embrace.
" How? I came in through yonder door, miss;
after riding my pony from Ashlands to the front
entrance of this mansion," replied Lucy, courtesy-
ing low in mock reverence. " I hope your ladyship
will excuse the liberty I have taken in venturing
uninvited into your sanctum."
" Provided your repentance is deep aad sin*
cere," returned Elsie in the same jesting tone,
2 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Certainly, I solemnly pledge myself never to
do it again till the next time."
" Sit down, won't you? " and Elsie pushed for-
ward a low rocking chair. " It's so pleasant to
gee you. But if I had thought about it at all I
should have supposed you were at home, and as
busy over books and lessons as I."
"No; my respected governess, Miss Warren,
not feeling very well, has taken a week's holiday,
and left me to do the same. Fancy my afflicted
state at the thought of laying aside my beloved
books for seven or eight whole days."
'* You poor creature! how I pity you," said
Elsie, laughing; " suppose you stay here and share
the instructions of my tutor; I have no doubt
I could persuade him to receive you as a
pupil."
" Horrors! I'm much obliged, very much, but
I should die of fright the first time I had to re-
cite. There, I declare I'm growing poetical, talk-
ing in rhyme all the time."
" Let mammy take your hat and scarf," said
Elsie. " You'll stay and spend the day with me,
won't you? "
" Thank you, no; I came to carry you off to
Ashlands to spend a week. Will you come ? "
" I should like to, dearly well, if papa gives per-
mission."
" Well, run and ask him."
" I can't; unfortunately he is out, and not ex-
pected to return till tea-time."
" Oh, pshaw! how provoking! But can't your
mamma give permission just as well? "
"If it were only for a day she might, but I
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 6S
know she would say the question of a longer visit
must be referred to papa."
"Dear me! I wouldn't be you for something.
Why, I never ask leave of anybody when I want
to pay a visit anywhere in the neighborhood. I
tell mamma I'm going, and that's all-sufficient.
I don't see how you stand being ordered about
and controlled so."
" If you'll believe me," said Elsie, laughing a
gay, sweet, silvery laugh, " I really enjoy being
controlled by papa. It saves me a deal of trouble
and responsibility in the way of deciding for my-
self; and then I love him so dearly that I almost
always feel it my greatest pleasure to do what-
ever pleases him."
" And he always was so strict with you."
" Yes, he is strict; but oh, so kind."
" But that's just because you're so good; he'd
have an awful time ruling me. I'd be in a
chronic state of disgrace and punishment; and
he obliged to be so constantly reproving me and
frowning sternly upon my delinquencies that he'd
never be able to don a smile of approval or slip
in a word of praise edgewise."
" Indeed you're not half so bad as you pre-
etnd," said Elsie, laughing again; "nor I half
so good as you seem determined to believe
me."
" No, I've no doubt that you're an arch hypo-
crite, and we shall find out one of these days that
you are really worse than any of the rest of us.
But now I must finish my errand and go, for I
know you're longing to be at those books. Do
you get a ferruling every time you miss a word?
4 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
and enjoy the pain because it pleases papa to in-
flict it?"
" Oh, Lucy, how can you be so ridiculous? " and
a quick, vivid blush mounted to Elsie's very hair.
" I beg your pardon, Elsie, dear, I had no busi-
ness to say such a thing," cried Lucy, springing
up to throw her arms round her friend and kiss
her warmly; "but of course it was nothing but
the merest nonsense. I know well enough your
papa never does anything of the kind."
" No; if my lessons are not well prepared they
have to be learned over again, that is all; and if
I see that papa is displeased with me, I assure you
it is punishment enough."
" Do you think he'll let you accept my invita-
tion?"
" I don't know, indeed, Lucy. I think he will
hardly like to have me give up my studies for that
length of time, and in fact I hardly like to do so
myself."
" Oh, you must come. You can practise on
my piano every day for an hour or two, if you
like. We'll learn some duets. And you can
bring your sketch-book and carry it along when
we walk or ride, as we shall every day. And we
might read some improving books together,
you and Herbert, and I. He is worse again, poor
fellow! so that some days he hardly leaves his
couch even to limp across the room, and it's
partly to cheer him up that we want you to come.
There's nothing puts him into better spirits than
a sight of your face."
" You don't expect other company? "
"No, except on our birthday; but then we're
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 65
going to have a little party, just of our own set,
we boys and girls that have grown up or are
growing up together, as one may say. Oh, yes,
1 want to have Carrie Howard, Mary Leslie, and
Enna stay a day or two after the party. Now
coax your papa hard, for we must have you," she
added, rising to go.
" That would be a sure way to make him say
no," said Elsie, smiling; " he never allows me to
coax or tease; at least, not after he has once an-
swered my request."
"Then don't think of it. Good-bye. No,
don't waste time in coming to see me off, but go
back to your books like a good child. I mean to
have a little chat with your mamma before I go."
Elsie returned to her lessons with redoubled
energy. She was longing to become more inti-
mately acquainted with Ellen Montgomery, but
resolutely denied herself even so much as a peep
at the pages of the fascinating story-book until
her allotted tasks should be faithfully performed.
These, with her regular daily exercise in the
open air, filled up the morning; there was a half
hour before, and another after dinner, which she
could call her own; then two hours for needle-
work, music, and drawing, and she was free to
employ herself as she would till bed-time.
That was very apt to be in reading, and if the
weather was fine she usually carried ner book to
an arbor at some distance from the house. It
was reached by a long shaded walk that led to it
from the lawn, on which the glass doors of her
pretty boudoir opened. It was a cool, breezy,
guiet spot, on a terraced hillside, commanding a
66 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
lovely view of vale, river, and woodland, and from
being so constantly frequented by our heroine,
had come to be called by her name, " Elsie's
Arbor." Arthur, well acquainted with these
tastes and habits, sought and found her here on
the afternoon of this day found her so deeply
absorbed in Miss Warner's sweet story that she
was not aware of his approach so full of sym-
pathy for little Ellen that her tears were dropping
upon the page as she read.
" What, crying, eh? " he said with a sneer, as
he seated himself by her side, and rudely pulled
one of her curls, very much as he had been used
to do years ago. " Well, I needn't be surprised,
for you always were the greatest baby I ever saw."
" Please let my hair alone, Arthur; you are not
very polite in either speech or action," she an-
swered, brushing away her tears and moving a
little farther from him.
" It's not worth while to waste politeness on
you. What's that you're reading? "
" A new book Mr. Travilla gave me."
" Has no name, eh? "
Yes, < Wide, Wide World.' "
*' Some namby-pamby girl's story, I s'pose,
since you're allowed to read it; or are you doing
it on the sly?"
" No, I never do such things, and hope I never
shall; papa gave me permission."
" Oh; ah! then I haven't got you in my power:
\yish I had."
"Why?"
*' Because I might turn it to good account. I
know you are as afraid as death of Horace."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 67
"No, I am not!" cried Elsie indignantly, the
rich color rushing all over her fair face and neck;
" for I know that he loves me dearly, and if I had
been disobeying or deceiving him I would far
sooner throw myself on his mercy than on yours."
"You would, eh? How mad you are; your
face is as red as a beet. A pretty sort of Chris-
tian you are, aren't you? "
"I am not perfect, Arthur; but you mustn't
judge of religion by me."
"I shall, though. Don't you wish I'd go
away? " he added teasingly, again snatching at
her curls.
But she eluded his grasp, and rising, stood be-
fore him with an air of gentle dignity. " Yes,"
she said, " since you ask me, I'll own that I do.
I don't know why it is that, though your manners
are polished when you choose to make them so,
you are always rude and ungentlemanly to me
when you find me alone. So I shall be very glad
if you'll just go away and leave me to solitude
and the enjoyment of my book."
" I'll do so when I get ready; not a minute
sooner. But you can get rid of me just as soon
as you like. I see you take. Yes, I want that
money I asked you for yesterday, and I am bound
to have it."
"Arthur, my answer must be just the same
that it was then; I can give you no other."
"You're the meanest girl alive! To my cer-
tain knowledge you are worth at least a million
and a half, and yet you refuse to lend me the
pitiful sum of fifty dollars."
"Arthur, you know I have no choice in the
68 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
mattei. Papa has forbidden me to lend you
money without his knowledge and consent, and I
cannot disobey him."
"When did he forbid you?"
" A long while ago; and though he has said
nothing about it lately, he has told me again and
again that his commands are always binding until
he revokes them."
" Fifteen years old, and not allowed to do as
you please even with your pocket money! " he
said contemptuously. " Do you expect to be in
leading-strings all your life? "
" I shall of course have control of my own
money matters on coming of age; but I expect to
obey my father as long as we both live," she an-
swered, with gentle but firm decision.
"Do you have to show your balance in hand
when you give in your account? "
"No; do you suppose papa cannot trust my
word?" she answered, somewhat indignantly.
" Then you could manage it just as easily as
not. There's no occasion for him to know
whether your balance in hand is at that moment
in your possession or mine; as I told you before,
I only want to borrow it for two weeks. Come,
let me have it. If you don't, the day will come
when you'll wish you had."
She repeated her refusal; he grew very angry
and abusive, and at length went so far as to strike
her.
A quick step sounded on the gravel walk, a
strong grasp was laid on Arthur's arm, he felt
himself suddenly jerked aside and flung upon his
knees, while a perfect rain of stinging, smarting
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 9
blows descended rapidly upon his back and shoul-
ders.
" There, you unmitigated scoundrel, you mean,
miserable caitiff; lay your hand upon her again
if you dare! " cried Mr. Travilla, finishing the
castigation by applying the toe of his boot to Ar-
thur's nether parts with a force that sent him
reeling some distance down the walk, to fall with
a heavy thud upon the ground.
The lad rose, white with rage, and shook his
fist at his antagonist. "I'll strike her when I
please," he said with an oath, " and not be called
to account by you for it either; she's my niece,
and nothing to you."
" I'll defend her nevertheless, and see to it that
you come to grief if you attempt to harm her in
any way whatever. Did he hurt you much, my
child ? " And Mr. Travilla's tone changed to one
of tender concern as he turned and addressed
Elsie, who had sunk pale and trembling upon the
rustic seat where Arthur had found her.
" No, sir, but I fear you have hurt him a good
deal, in your kind zeal for my defence," she an-
swered, looking after Arthur, as he limped away
down the path.
" I have broken my cane, that is the worst of
it," said her protector coolly, looking regretfully
down at the fragment he still held in his hand.
" You must have struck very hard, and oh, Mr.
Travilla, what if he should take it into his head
to challenge you?" and Elsie turned pale with
terror.
" Never fear; he is too arrant a, coward for that;
!he knows I am a good shot, and that, as the chal-
70 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
lenged party, I would have the right to the choice
of weapons."
" But you wouldn't fight, Mr. Tra villa? you do
not approve of duelling? "
" No, no indeed, Elsie; both the laws of God
and of the land are against it, and I could not
engage in it either as a good citizen or a Chris-
tian."
" Oh, I am so glad of that, and that you came
to my rescue; for I was really growing frightened,
Arthur seemed in such a fury with me."
"What was it about?"
Elsie explained, then asked how he had hap-
pened to come to her aid.
" I had learned from the servants that your
father and mother were both out, so came here
in search of you," he said. " As I drew near I
saw that Arthur was with you, and not wishing to
overhear your talk, I waited at a little distance
up there on the bank, watching you through the
trees. I perceived at once that he was in a tow-
ering passion, and fearing he would ill-treat you
in some way, I held myself in readiness to come to
your rescue; and when I saw him strike you, such
a fury suddenly came over me that I could not
possibly refrain from thrashing him for it."
"Mr. Tra villa, you will not tell papa?" she
said entreatingly.
" My child, I am inclined to think he ought to
hear of it."
" Oh, why need he? It would make him very
angry with Arthur."
" Which Arthur richly deserves. I think your
father should know, in order that he may take
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 71
measures for your protection. Still, if you
promise not to ride or walk out alone until Arthur
has left the neighborhood, it shall be as you wish.
But you must try to recover your composure, or
your papa will be sure to ask the cause of your
agitation. You are trembling very much, and
the color has quite forsaken your cheeks."
"I'll try," she said, making a great effort to
control herself, " and I give you the promise."
" This is a very pleasant place to sit with book
or work." he remarked, " but I would advise you
not even to come here alone again tillArthur has
gone."
" Thank you, sir, I think I shall follow your
advice. It will be only a few weeks now till he
and Walter both go North to college."
" I see you have your book with you," he said,
taking it up from the seat where it lay. " How
do you like it?"
" Oh, so much! How I pity poor Ellen for
having such a father, so different from my dear
papa; and because she had to be separated from
her mamma, whom she loved so dearly. I can't
read about her troubles without crying, Mr.
Travilla."
" Shall I tell you a secret," he said, smiling; " I
shed some tears over it myself." Then he went
on talking with her about the different characters
of the story, thus helping her to recover her com-
posure by turning her thoughts from herself and
Arthur.
When, half an hour later, a servant came to
summon her to the house, with the announcement
that her father had returned and was readv to
72 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
hear her recitations, all signs of agitation had
disappeared; she had ceased to tremble, and her
fair face was as sweet, bright, and rosy as its
wont.
She rose instantly on hearing the summons.
" You'll excuse me, I know, Mr. Travilla. But
will you not go in with me ? We are always glad
to have you with us. I have no need to tell you
that, I am sure."
" Thank you/' he said, " but I must return to
Ion now. I shall walk to the house with you
though, if you will permit me," he added, think-
ing that Arthur might be still lurking somewhere
within the grounds.
She answered gayly that she would be very
glad of his company. She had lost none of her
old liking for her father's friend, and was wont
to treat him with the easy and affectionate famil-
iarity she might have used had he been her uncle.
They continued their talk till they had reached
the lawn at the side of the house on which her
apartments were; then he turned to bid her good-
bye.
" I'm much obliged! " she said, taking his
offered hand, and looking up brightly into his
face.
" Welcome, fair lady; but am I to be dismissed
without any reward for my poor services? "
" I have none to offer, sir knight, but you may
help yourself if you choose," she said, laughing
and blushing, for she knew very well what he
meant.
He stooped and snatched a kiss from her ruby
lips, then walked away sighing softly to him-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. V3
self, " Ah, little Elsie, if I were but ten years
younger! "
She tripped across the lawn, and entering the
jpen door of her boudoir, found herself in he*
father's arms. He had witnessed the little scene
just enacted between Mr. Travilla and herself.
had noticed something in his friend's look and
manner that had never struck him before. He.
folded his child close to his heart for an instant,
then held her off a little, gazing fondly into her
face.
" You are mine; you belong to me; no other
earthly creature has the least shadow of a right
or title in you; do you know that? "
" Yes, papa, and rejoice to know it," she mur-
mured, putting her arms about his neck and lay-
ing her head against his breast.
"Ah!" he said, sighing, "you will not always
be able to say that, I fear. One of these days
you will " He broke off abruptly, without
finishing his sentence.
She looked up inquiringly into his face.
He answered her look with a smile and a ten-
der caress. " I had better not put the nonsense
into your head: it will get there soon enough
without my help. Come now, let us have the
lessons. I expect to find them well prepared, as
usual/'
" I hope so, papa/' she answered, bringing her
books and seating herself on a stool at his feet,
he having taken possession of an easy-chair.
The recitations seemed a source of keen enjoy-
ment to both; the one loving to impart, and the
other to receive, knowledge.
?4 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Mr. Dinsmore gave the deserved meed of warm
praise for the faithful preparation of each al-
lotted task, prescribed those for the coming day,
and the books were laid aside.
" Come here, daughter," he said, as she closed
her desk upon them, " I have something to say
to you."
" What is it, papa? " she asked, seating herself
upon his knee. " How very grave you look."
But there was not a touch of the old fear in her
face or voice, as there had been none in his of
the old sternness.
" Yes, for I am about to speak of a serious
matter," he answered, gently smoothing back the
clustering curls from her fair brow, while he
looked earnestly into the soft brown eyes. " You
have not been lending money to Arthur, Elsie?"
The abrupt, unexpected question startled her,
and a crimson tide rushed over her face and neck;
but she returned her father's gaze steadily: "No,
papa; how could you think I would disobey you
so?"
" I did not, darling, and yet I felt that I must
ask the question and repeat my warning, my com-
mand to you never to do so without my knowl-
edge and consent. Your grandfather and I are
much troubled about the boy."
"I am so sorry, papa; I hope he has not been
doing anything very bad."
" He seems to have sufficient cunning to hide
many of his evil deeds," Mr. Dinsmore said, with
a sigh; "yet enough has come to light to con-
vince us that he is very likely to become a shame
and disgrace to his family. We know that he is
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 75
profane, and to some extent, at least, intemperate
and a gambler. A sad, sad beginning for a boy
of seventeen. And to furnish him with money,
Elsie, would be only to assist him in his down-
ward course."
" Yes, papa, I see that. Poor grandpa, I'm so
sorry for him! But, papa, God can change Ar-
thur's heart, and make him all we could wish."
" Yes, daughter, and we will agree together to
ask Him to do this great work, so impossible to
any human power; shall we not? "
" Yes, papa." They were silent a moment;
then she turned to him again, told of Lucy Car-
rington's call and its object, and asked if she
might accept the invitation.
He considered a moment. " Yes," he said
kindly, " you may if you wish. You quite de-
serve a holiday, and I think perhaps would really
be the better of a week's rest from study. Go and
enjoy yourself as much as you can, my darling."
" Thank you, you dearest, kindest, and best of
papas," she said, giving him a hug and kiss.
"But I think you look a little bit sorry. You.
would rather I should stay at home, if I could
content myself to do so, and it would be a strange
thing if I could not."
" No, my pet, I shall miss you, I know; the
house always seems lonely without you; but I can
spare you for a week, and would rather have you
go, because I think the change will do you good.
Besides, I am willing to lend my treasure for a
few days to our friends at Ashlands. I would
gladly do more than that, if I could, for that poor
suffering Herbert"
CHAPTER VII.
How many pleasant faces shed their light on every side.
T UPPER.
" REMEMBEE it is for only one week; you must
be back again next "Wednesday by ten o'clock; I
can't spare you an hour longer," Mr. Dinsmore
said, as the next morning, shortly after breakfast,
he assisted his daughter to mount her pony.
" Ten o'clock at night, papa? " asked Elsie in
a gay, jesting tone, as she settled herself in the
saddle, and took a little gold-mounted riding whip
from his hand.
" No, ten A. M., precisely."
" But what if it should be storming, sir? "
" Then come as soon as the storm is over."
" Yes, sir; and may I come sooner if I get home-
sick?"
Just as soon as you please. Now, good-bye,
my darling. Don't go into any danger. I know
I need not remind you to do nothing your father
would disapprove."
" I hope not, papa," she said, with a loving
look into the eyes that were gazing so fondly
upon her. Then kissing her hand to him and her
mamma and little Horace, who stood on the
veranda to see her off, she turned her horse's
head and cantered merrily away, taking the road
to Ashlands on passing out at the gate.
It was a bright, breezy morning, and her heart
76
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 77
felt so light and gay that a snatch of glad song
rose to her lips. She warbled a few bird-like
notes, then fell to humming softly to herself.
At a little distance down the road a light wagon
was rumbling along, driven by one of the man-
servants from the Oaks, and carrying Aunt Chloe
and her young mistress' trunks.
"Come, Jim," said Elsie, glancing over her
shoulder at her attendant satellite, " we must
pass them. Glossy and I are in haste to-day.
Ah, mammy, are you enjoying your ride?" she
called to her old nurse as she cantered swiftly by.
"Yes, dat I is, honey!" returned the old
woman. Then sending a loving, admiring look
after the retreating form so full of symmetry and
grace, "My bressed chile!" she murmured,
" you's beautiful as de mornin', your ole mammy
tinks, an' sweet as de finest rose in de garden;
bright an' happy as de day am long, too."
" De beautifullest in all de country, an' de
finest," chimed in her charioteer.
The young people at Ashlands were all out on
the veranda enjoying the fresh morning air
Herbert lying on a lounge with a book in his
hand; Harry and Lucy seated on opposite sides of
a small round table and deep in a game of chess;
two little fellows of six and eight John and
Archie by name were spinning a top.
" There she is! I had almost given her up; for
I didn't believe that old father of hers would let
her come," cried Lucy, catching sight of Glossy
and her rider just entering the avenue; and she
sprang up in such haste as to upset half the men
upon the board.
78 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Hollo! see what you've done!" exclaime3
Harry. " Why, it's Elsie, sure enough! " and he
hastily followed in the wake of his sister, who had
already flown to meet and welcome her friend;
while Herbert started up to a sitting posture, and
looked enviously after them.
" Archie, John," he called, " one of you please
be good enough to hand me my crutch and cane.
Dear me, what a thing it is to be a cripple! "
" I'll get 'em, Herbie, this minute! Don't you
try to step without 'em," said Archie, jumping up
to hand them.
But Elsie had already a-'^hted from her horse
with Harry's assistance, and shaken hands with
him, returned Lucy's rapturous embrace as
warmly as it was given, and stepped upon the
veranda with her before Herbert was fairly upon
his feet. As she caught sight of him she
hurried forward, her sweet face full of tender
pity.
" Oh, don't try to come to meet me, Herbert,"
she said, holding out her little gloved hand; "I
know your poor limb is worse than usual, and you
must not exert yourself for an old friend like
me."
" Ah," he said, taking the offered hand, and
looking at its owner with a glad light in his eyes,
"How like you that is, Elsie! You always were
more thoughtful of others than any one else I
ever knew. Yes, my limb is pretty bad just now;
but the doctor thinks he'll conquer the disease
yet; at least so far as to relieve me of the pain I
suffer."
"I hope so. indeed. How patiently you have
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 79
borne it all these long years," she answered with
earnest sympathy of tone and look.
" So he has ; he deserves the greatest amount of
credit for it," said Lucy, as John and Archie in
turn claimed Elsie's attention for a moment.
" But come now, let me take you to mamma and
grandma, and then to your own room. Aunt
Chloe and your luggage will be along presently,
I suppose."
" Yes, they are coming up the avenue now."
Lucy led the way to a large pleasant, airy apart-
ment in one of the wings of the building, where
they found Mrs. Carrington busily occupied in
cutting out garments for her servants, her parents
Mr. and Mrs. Norris with her, the one reading a
newspaper, the other knitting. All three gave
the young guest a very warm welcome. She was
evidently a great favorite with the whole family.
These greetings and the usual mutual inquiries
in regard to the health of friends and relatives
having been exchanged, Elsie was next carried off
by Lucy to the room prepared for her special use
during her stay at Ashlands. It also was large,
air}-, and cheerful, on the second floor opening
upon a veranda on one side, on the other into a
similar apartment occupied by Lucy herself.
Fine India matting, furniture of some kind of
yellow grained wood, snowy counterpanes, cur-
tains and toilet covers gave them both an air of
coolness and simple elegance, while vases of fresh
flowers upon the mantels shed around a slight but
delicious perfume.
Of course the two girls were full of lively,
innocent chat. In the midst of it Elsie ex-
80 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
claimed, " Oh, Lucy! I have just the loveliest
book you ever read! a present from Mr. Travilla
the other day, and I've brought it along. Papa
had begun it, but he is so kind he insisted I should
bring it with me; and so I did."
*' Oh, I'm glad! we haven't had anything new
in the story-book line for some time. Have you
read it yourself?"
" Partly: but it is worth reading several times;
and I thought we would enjoy it all together one
reading aloud."
" Oh, 'tis just the thing! I'm going to help
mamma to-day with the sewing, and a nice book
read aloud will make it quite enjoyable. We'll
have you for reader, Elsie, if you are agreed."
" Suppose we take turns sewing and reading?
I'd like to help your mamma, too."
" Thank you; well, we'll see. Herbert's a good
reader, and I daresay will be glad to take his turn
at it too. Ah, here comes your baggage and Aunt
Chloe following it. Here, Bob and Jack," to the
two stalwart black fellows who were carrying the
trunk, " set it in this corner. How d'ye do, Aunt
Chloe?"
" Berry well, tank you, missy," replied the old
nurse, dropping a courtesy. "I'se berry glad to
see you lookin' so bright dis here mornin'."
" Thank you. Now make yourself at home and
take good care of your young mistress."
" Dat I will, missy; best I knows how. Trus'
dis chile for dat."
Elsie's riding habit was quickly exchanged for
a house dress, her hair made smooth and shining
as its wont, and securing her book she returned
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 81
with Lucy to the lower veranda, where they found
Herbert still extended upon his sofa.
His face brightened at sight of Elsie. He had
laid aside his book, and was at work with his
knife upon a bit of soft pine wood. He whiled
away many a tedious hour by fashioning in this
manner little boxes, whistles, sets of baby-house
furniture, etc.,, etc., for one and another of his
small friends. Books, magazines, and newspapers
filled up the larger portion of his time, but could
not occupy it all, for, as he said, he must digest
his mental food, and he liked to have employ-
ment for his fingers while doing so.
" Please be good enough to sit where I can look
at you without too great an effort, won't you? "
he said, smiling up into Elsie's face.
" Yes, if that will afford you any pleasure," she
answered lightly, as Lucy beckoned to a colored
girl, who stepped forward and placed a low rock-
ing chair at the side of the couch.
" There, that is just right. I can have a full
view of your face by merely raising my eyes,"
Herbert said with satisfaction, as Elsie seated
herself in it. " What, you have brought a book? "
" Yes," and while Elsie went on to repeat the
substance of what she had told Lucy, the latter
slipped away to her mamma's room to make ar-
rangements about the work, and ask if they
would not all like to come and listen to the read-
ing.
" Is it the kind of book to interest an old body
like me? " asked Mrs. Norris.
"I don't know, grandma; but Elsie says Mr.
Travilla and her papa were both delighted witli
82 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
it. Mr. Dinsmore, though, had not read tfif
whole of it."
" Suppose we go and try it for a while then,"
said Mr. Norris, laying down his paper. " If our
little Elsie is to be the reader, I for one am pretty
sure to enjoy listening, her voice is so sweet-
toned and her enunciation so clear and dis-
tinct."
" That's you, grandpa! " cried Lucy, clapping
her hands in applause. " Yes, you'd better all
come, Elsie is to be the reader at the start; she
says she does not mind beginning the story over
again."
Mrs. Carrington began gathering up her work,
laying the garments already cut out in a large
basket, which was then carried by her maid to
the veranda. In a few moments Elsie had quite
an audience gathered aboiit her, ere long a deeply
interested one; scissors or needle had now and
again to be dropped to wipe away a falling tear,
and the voice of the reader needed steadying more
than once or twice. Then Herbert took his turn,
at the book, Elsie hers with the needle, Mrs. Car-
rington half reluctantly yielding to her urgent
request to be allowed to assist them.
So the morning, and much of the afternoon
also, passed most pleasantly, and not unprofitably
either. A walk toward sundown, and afterward
a delightful moonlight ride with Harry Carring-
ton and Winthrop Lansing, the son of a neigh-
boring planter, finished the day, and Elsie retired
to her own room at her usual early hour. Lucy
followed and kept her chatting quite a while, for
which Elsie's tender conscience reproached her
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 83
somewhat; yet she was not long in falling
asleep after her head had once touched her
pillow.
The next day was passed in a similar manner,
still more time being given to the reading, as they
were able to begin it earlier: yet the book was not
finished; but on the morning of the next day,
which was Friday, Lucy proposed that, if the plan
was agreeable to Elsie, they should spend an
hour or two in a new amusement; which was no
other than going into the dominions of Aunt
Viney, the cook, and assisting in beating eggs and
making cake.
Elsie was charmed with the idea, and it was
immediately carried out, to the great astonish-
ment of Chloe, Aunt Viney, and all her sable
tribe.
" Sho, Miss Lucy! what fo' you go for to fotch
de company right yere into dis yere ole dirty
kitchen?" cried Aunt Viney, dropping a hasty
courtesy to Elsie, then hurrying' hither and
thither in the vain effort to set everything to
rights in a moment of time. " Clar out o' yere,
you, Han an' Scip," she cried, addressing two
small urchins of dusky hue and driving them be-
fore her as she spoke, " dere aint no room yere
fo' you, an' kitchens aint no place for darkies o*
your size or sect. I'll fling de dishcloth at yo'
brack faces ef yo' comes in agin fo' you sent for.
I 'clare Miss Elsie, an' Miss Lucy, dose dirty nig-
gahs make sich a muss in yere, dere aint a char
fit for you to set down in," she continued, hastily
cleaning two, and wiping them with her apron.
" I'se glad to see you, ladies, but ef I'd knowed
84 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
you was a-comin' dis kitchen shu'd had a cleanin'
up f o' shuah."
" You see, Aunt Viney, you ought to keep it in
order, and then you would be ready for visitors
whenever they happened to come," said Lucy
laughingly. " Why, you're really quite out of
breath with whisking about so fast. We've come
to help you."
The fat old negress, still panting from her un-
wonted exertions, straightened herf-elf, pushed
back her turban, and gazed in round-eyed wonder
upon her young mistress.
"What! Missy help ole Aunt Viney wid dose
lily-white hands? Oh, go 'long! you's jokin' dis
time fo' shuah."
" No indeed; we want the fun of helping to
make some of the cake for to-morrow. You know
we want ever so many kinds to celebrate our two
birthdays."
" Two birthdays, Miss Lucy? yo's and Massa
Herbert's? Yes, dat's it; I don't disremember de
day, but I do disremember de age."
" Sixteen; and now we're going to have a nice
party to celebrate the day, and you must see that
the refreshments are got up in your very best
style."
" So I will, Miss Lucy, an' no 'easion for you
and Miss Elsie to trouble yo' young heads 'bout
de makin' ob de cakes an' jellies an' custards an*
sich. Ole Aunt Viney can 'tend to it all."
" But we want the fun of it," persisted Lucy;
" we want to try our hands at beating eggs, roll-
ing sugar, sifting flour, etc., etc. I've got a grand
new receipt book here, and we'll read out the
ELSIE'S aiRLHOOD. 8S
recipes to you, and measure and weigh the
materials, and you can do the mixing and
baking."
" Yes, missy, you' lily hands no' hab strength
to stir, an' de fire spoil yo' buful 'plexions for
ehuah."
"I've brought mamma's keys," said Lucy;
"come along with us to the store-room, Aunt
Viney, and I'll deal out the sugar, spices, and
whatever else you want."
" Yes, Miss Lucy; but 'deed I don't need no
help. You's berry kind, but ole Viney kin do it
all, an' she'll have eberything fus'-rate fo' de
young gemmen an' ladies."
" But that isn't the thing, auntie; you don't
seem to understand. Miss Elsie and I want the
fun, and to learn to cook, too. Who knows but
we may some day have to do our own work? "
"Bress de Lord, Miss Lucy, how you talk,
honey! " cried the old negress, rolling up her eyes
in horror at the thought.
"Take care; Miss Elsie will think you very
wicked if you use such exclamations as that."
" Dat wrong, you t'ink, missy?" asked Aunt
Viney, turning to the young visitor, who had
gone with them to the store-room, and was assist-
ing Lucy in the work of measuring and weighing
the needed articles.
"I think it is," she answered gently; "we
should be very careful not to use the sacred name
lightly. To do so is to break the third command-
ment."
" Den, missy, dis ole gal won't neber do it no
more."
86 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Chloe had been an excellent cook in her young
days, and had not forgotten or lost her former
skill in the preparation of toothsome dainties.
She, too, came with offers of assistance, and the
four were soon deep in the mysteries of pastry,
sweetmeats, and confections. Novelty gave it an
especial charm to the young ladies, and they grew
very merry and talkative, while their ignorance
of the business in hand, the odd mistakes they
fell into in consequence, and the comical ques-
tions they asked, gave much secret amusement
to the two old servants.
" What's this pound cake to be mixed up in,
Aunt Viney?" asked Lucy.
" In dis yere tin pan, missy."
" Is it clean? "
" Yes, missy, it's clean; but maybe 'taint suf-
fishently clean, I'll wash it agin."
"How many kinds of cake shall we make?"
asked Elsie.
" Every kind that Chloe and Aunt Viney can
think of and know how to make well. Let me
see delicate cake, gold, silver and clove, fruit-
cake, sponge, and what else?"
" Mammy makes delicious jumbles."
" Will you make us some, Aunt Chloe? "
Chloe signified her readiness to do whatever
was desired, and began at once to collect her im-
plements.
"Got a rollin' pin, Aunt Viney?" she asked.
" Yes, to be shuah, a revoltin' roller, de very
bes' kind. No, Miss Elsie, don' mix de eggs dat
way, you spile 'em ef you mix de yaller all up wid
de whites. An' Miss Lucy, butter an' sugar mus*
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 87
tie worked up togedder fus', till de butter resolve
de sugah, 'fore we puts de udder gredinents in."
" Ah, I see we have a good deal to learn before
we can hope to rival you as cooks, Aunt Viney,"
laughed Lucy.
" I spec' so, missy; you throw all de gredinents
in togedder, an' tumble your flouah in all at once,
an' you nebber get your cake nice an light."
They had nearly reached the end of their labors
when sounds as of scuffling, mingled with loud
boyish laughter, and cries of " That's it, Scip, hit
him again! Pitch into him, Han, and pay him
off well for it! " drew them all in haste to the
window and door.
The two little darkies who had been ejected
from the kitchen, were tussling in the yard, while
their young masters, John and Archie, looked on,
shaking with laughter, and clapping their hands
in noisy glee.
"What's all this racket about?" asked Grand-
pa Norris, coming out upon the veranda, news-
paper in hand, Herbert limping along by his side.
" The old feud between Eoman and Cartha-
ginian, sir," replied John.
"Why, what do you mean, child?"
" Hannah Ball waging a war on Skipio, you
know, sir."
"History repeating itself, eh?" laughed Her-
bert.
"Ah, that's an old joke, Archie," said his
grandfather. " And you're too big a rogue to set
them at such work. H*m and Scip, stop that at
once."
CHAPTER VIII.
" All your attempts
Shall fall on me like brittle shafts on armor."
LUCY came into Elsie's room early the next
morning to show her birthday gifts, of which she
had received one or more from every member of
her family. They consisted of articles of jewelry,
toilet ornaments, and handsomely-bound books.
They learned on meeting Herbert at breakfast
that he had fared quite as well as his sister.
Elsie slipped a valuable ring on Lucy's finger and
laid a gold pencil-case beside Herbert's plate.
" Oh, charming! a thousand thanks, mon ami! "
cried Lucy, her eyes sparkling with pleasure.
" Thank you, I shall value it most highly; espe-
cially for the giver's sake/' said Herbert, examin-
ing his with a pleased look, then turning to her
with a blush and jo) r ous smile, " I am so much
better this morning that I am going out for a
drive. "Won't you and Lucy give me the added
pleasure of your company?"
" Thank you, I^can answer for myself that I'll
be very happy to do so."
" I, too," said Lucy. " It's a lovely morning
for a ride. We'll make up a party and go, but
we must be home again in good season; for Carrie
and Enna promised to come to dinner. So I'm
glad we finished the book yesterday, though we
were all so sorry to part from little Ellen."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 89
They turned out quite a strong party; Herbert
and the ladies filling up the family carriage,, while
Harry on horseback, and John and Archie each
mounted upon a pony, accompanied it, now rid-
ing alongside, now speeding on ahead, or per-
chance dropping behind for a time as suited their
fancy.
They travelled some miles, and alighting in a
beautiful grove, partook of a delicate lunch they
had brought with them. Then, while Herbert
rested upon the grass the others wandered hither
and thither until it was time to return. They
reached home just in season to receive their ex-
pected guests.
Carrie Howard was growing up very pretty and
graceful; womanly in her ways, yet quite un-
assuming in manner, frank and sweet in disposi-
tion, she was a general favorite with old and
young, and could already boast of several suitors
for her hand.
Enna Dinsmore, now in her fourteenth year,
though by some considered even prettier, was far
less pleasing pert, forward, and conceited as she
had been in her early childhood; she was tall for
her age, and with her perfect self-possession and
grown-up air and manner, might be easily mis-
taken for seventeen. She had already more
worldly wisdom than her sweet, fair niece would
ever be able to attain, and was, in her own esti-
mation at least, a very stylish and fashionable
young lady. She assumed very superior airs to-
ward Elsie when her brother Horace was not by,
reproving, exhorting, or directing her; and was
very proud of being usually taken by strangers
&0 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
for the elder of the two. Some day she would not
think that a feather in her cap.
Elsie had lost none of the childlike simplicity
of five years ago; it still showed itself in the sweet,
gentle countenance, the quiet graceful carriage,
equally removed from forwardness on the one
hand, and timid self-consciousness on the other.
She did not consider herself a personage of impor-
tance, yet was not troubled by her supposed in-
significance; in fact seldom thought of self at all,
so engaged was she in adding to the happiness of
others.
The four girls were gathered in Lucy's room.
She had been showing her birthday presents to
Carrie and Enna.
" How do you like this style of arranging the
hair, girls?" asked the latter, standing before a
mirror, smoothing and patting, and pulling out
her puffs and braids. " It's the newest thing out.
Isabel Carleton just brought it from New York.
I saw her with hers dressed so, and sent Delia
over to learn how."
Delia vas Miss Enna's maid, and had been
brought along to Ashlands that she might dress
her young lady's hair in this new style for the
party.
" It's pretty/' said Lucy. " I think I'll have
Minerva dress mine so for to-night, and see how
it becomes me."
" Delia can show her how," said Enna. " Don't
you like it, Carrie? "
" Pretty well, but if you'll excuse me for say-
ing so, it strikes me as rather grown up for a
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 91
young lady of thirteen/' answered Carrie in a
good-naturedly bantering tone.
Enna colored and looked vexed. " I'm nearly
fourteen," she replied with a slight toss of the
head; " and I overheard Mrs. Carleton saying to
mamma the other day, that with my height and
finished manners I might pass anywhere for sev-
enteen."
" Perhaps so; of course, knowing your age, I
can't judge so well how it would strike a stran-
ger."
" I see you have gone back to the old childish
way of arranging your hair. What's that for? "
asked Enna, turning to Elsie" " I should think it
was about time you were beginning to be a little
womanly in something."
" Yes, but not in dress or the arrangement of
my hair. So papa says, and of course I know he
is right."
" He would not let you have it up in a comb? "
" N"o," Elsie answered with a quiet smile.
" Why do you smile? Did he say anything
funny when you showed yourself that day? "
" Oh, Elsie, have you tried putting up your
hair? " asked Carrie; while Lucy exclaimed,
" Try it again to-night, Elsie, I should like to see
how you would look."
" Yes," said Elsie, answering Carrie's query
first. " Enna persuaded me one day to have
mammy do it up in young-lady fashion. I liked
it right well for a change, and that was just what
mamma said when I went into the drawing-room
and showed myself to her. But when papa came
92 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
in, he looked at me with a comical sort of surprise
in his face, and said. ' Come here; what have you
been doing to yourself ?' I went to him and he
pulled out my comb, and ordered me off to
mammy to have my hair arranged again in the
usual way, saying, ' I'm not going to have you
aping the woman already; don't alter the style of
wearing your hair again, till I give you per-
mission.' "
" And you walked off as meek as Moses, and did
his bidding," said Enna sarcastically. " No man
shall ever rule me so. If papa should undertake
to give me such an order, I'd just inform him
that my hair was my own, and I should arrange
it as suited my own fancy."
" I think you are making yourself out worse
than you really are, Enna," said Elsie gravety.
" I am sure you could never say anything so ex-
tremely impertinent as that to grandpa."
"Impertinent! Well, if you believe it neces-
sary to be so very respectful, consistency should
lead you to refrain from reproving your aunt."
" I did not exactly mean to reprove you, Enna,
and you are younger than I."
"Nobody would think it," remarked Enna
superciliously and with a second toss of her head,
as she turned from the glass; "you are so ex-
tremely childish in every way, while, as mamma
says, I grow more womanly in appearance and
manner every day."
'"Elsie's manners are quite perfect, I think,"
said Carrie; " and her hair is so beautiful, I don't
believe any other style of arrangement could im-
prove its appearance in the least."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 93
" But it's so childish, so absurdly childish! just
that great mass of ringlets hanging about her
neck and shoulders. Come, Elsie, I want you to
have it dressed in this new style for to-night."
" No, Enna, I am perfectly satisfied to wear it
in this childish fashion; and if I were not, still I
could not disobey papa."
Enna turned away with a contemptuous sniff,
and Lucy proposed that they should go down to
the drawing-room, and try some new music she
had just received, until it should be time to drees
for the evening.
Herbert lay on a sofa listening to their playing.
" Lucy," he said in one of the pauses, " what
amusements are we to have to-night? anything
beside the harp, piano, and conversation? "
" Dancing, of course. Cad's fiddle will pro-
vide as good music as any one need care for, and
this room is large enough for all who will be here.
Our party is not to be very large, you know."
" And Elsie, for one, is too pious to dance/*
sneered Enna.
Elsie colored, but remained silent.
"Oh! I did not think of that! " cried Lucy.
" Elsie, do you really think it is a sinful amuse-
ment?"
" I think it wrong to go to balls; at least that
it would be wrong for me, a professed Christian,
Lucy."
"But this will not be a ball, and we'll have
nothing but quiet country dances, or something
of that sort, no waltzing or anything at all objec-
tionable. What harm can there be in jumping
about in that way more than in another? "
94 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" None that I know of," answered Elsie, smil-
ing. " And I certainly shall not object to others
doing as they like, provided I am not asked to
take part in it."
" But why not take part, if it is not wrong? "
asked Harry, coining in from the veranda.
" Why, don't you know she never does anything
without asking the permission of papa? " queried
Enna tauntingly. " But where's the use of con-
sulting her wishes in the matter, or urging her to
take part in the wicked amusement? she'll have
to go to bed at nine o'clock, like any other well-
trained child, and we'll have time enough for our
dancing after that."
" Oh, Elsie, must } r ou? must you really leave
us at that early hour? Why, that's entirely too
bad! " cried the others in excited chorus.
" I shall stay up till ten," answered Elsie
quietly, while a deep flush suffused her cheek.
" That is better, but we shall not know how to
spare you even that soon," said Harry. " Couldn't
you make it eleven? that would not be so very
late just for once."
"No, for she can't break her rules, or disobey
orders. If she did, papa would be sure to find it
out and punish her when she gets home."
" For shame, Enna! that's quite too bad! " cried
Carrie and Lucy in a breath.
Elsie's color deepened, and there was a flash of
anger and scorn in her eyes as she turned for an
instant upon Enna. Then she replied firmly,
though with a slight tremble of indignation in
her tones: "I am not ashamed to own that I do
find it both a duty and a pleasure to obey my.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 95
father, whether he he present or absent. I have
confidence, too., in both his wisdom and his love
for me. He thinks early hours of great impor-
tance, especially to those who are young and
growing, and therefore he made it a rule that I
shall retire to my room and begin my prepara-
tions for bed by nine o'clock. But he gave me
leave to stay up an hour later to-night, and I in-
tend to do so."
" I think you are a very good girl, and feel just
right about it," said Carrie.
" I wish he had said eleven, I think he might
this once," remarked Lucy. " Why, don't you. re-
member he let you stay up till ten Christmas Eve
that time we all spent the holidays at Koselands,,
which was five years ago ? "
" Yes," said Elsie, " but this is Saturday night,
and as to-morrow is the Sabbath, I should not
feel it to be right to stay up later, even if I had
permission."
"Why not? it isn't Sunday till twelve," said
Herbert.
" No, but I should be apt to oversleep myself,
and be dull and drowsy in church next morning."
" Quite a saint! " muttered Enna, shrugging
her shoulders and marching off to the other side
of the room.
" Suppose we go and select some flowers for
our hair," said Lucy, looking at her watch.
" 'Twill be tea-time presently, and we'll want 'to
dress directly after."
" You always were such a dear good girl,"
whispered Carrie Howard, putting her arm about
Elsie's waist as they left the room.
96 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Enna was quite gorgeous that evening, in a
bright-colored silk, trimmed with multitudinous
flounces and many yards of ribbon and gimp.
The young damsel had a decidedly gay taste, and
glanced somewhat contemptuously at Elsie's dress
of simple white, albeit 'twas of the finest India
muslin and trimmed with costly lace. She wore
her pearl necklace and bracelets, a broad sash of
rich white ribbon; no other ornaments save a
half-blown moss rosebud at her bosom, and an-
other amid the glossy ringlets of her hair, their
green leaves the only bit of color about her.
" You look like a bride," said Herbert, gazing
admiringly upon her.
"Do I?" she answered smiling, as she turned
and tripped lightly away; for Lucy was calling to
her from the next room.
Herbert's eyes followed her with a wistful,
longing look in them, and he sighed sadly to him-
self as she disappeared from his view.
Most of the guests came early; among them,
Walter and Arthur Dinsmore; Elsie had not seen
the latter since his encounter with Mr. Travilla.
He gave her a sullen nod on entering the room,
but took no further notice of her.
Chit-chat, promenading and the music of the
piano and harp were the order of the evening for
a time; then games were proposed, and " Conse-
quences," "How do you like it?" and "Genteel
lady, always genteel," afforded much amusement.
Herbert could join in these, and did with much
spirit. But dancing was a favorite pastime with
the young people of the neighborhood, and the
clock had hardly struck nine when Cadmus and
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 97
his fiddle were summoned to their aid, chairs and
tables were put out of the way, and sets began to
form.
Elsie was in great request; the young gentle-
men nocked about her, with urgent entreaties that
she would join in the amusement, each claiming
the honor of her hand in one or more sets, but
she steadily declined.
A glad smile lighted up Herbert's counte-
nance, as he saw one and another turn and walk
away with a look of chagrin and disappointment.
" Since my misfortune compels me to act the
part of a wallflower, I am selfish enough, I own,
to rejoice in your decision to be one also," he said
gleefully. " Will you take a seat with me on this
sofa? I presume your conscience does not for-
bid you to watch the dancers? "
" No, not at all," she answered, accepting his
invitation.
Elsie's eyes followed with eager interest the
swiftly moving forms, but Herbert's were often
turned admiringly upon her. At length he asked
if she did not find the room rather warm and
close, and proposed that they should go out upon
the veranda. She gave a willing assent and they
passed quietly out and sat down side by side on a
rustic seat.
The full moon shone upon them from a beau-
tiful blue sky, while a refreshing breeze, fragrant
with the odor of flowers and pines, gently fanned
their cheeks and played among the rich masses of
Elsie's hair.
They found a good deal to talk about; they
always did, for they were kindred spirits. Their
98 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
chat was now grave, now gay generally the lat-
ter; for Cad's music was inspiriting; but whatever
the theme of their discourse, Herbert's eyes were
constantly seeking the face of his companion.
" How beautiful you are, Elsie! " he exclaimed
at length, in a tone of such earnest sincerity that
it made her laugh, the words seemed to rush spon-
taneously from his lips. " You are always lovely,
but to-night especially so."
" It's the moonlight, Herbert; there's a sort of
witchery about it, that lends beauty to many an
object which can boast none of itself."
" Ah, but broad daylight never robs you of
yours; you always wear it wherever you are, and
however dressed. You look like a bride to-night;
I wish you were, and that I were the groom."
Elsie laughed again, this time more merrily
than before. " Ah, what nonsense we are talk-
ing we two children," she said. Then starting
to her feet as the clock struck ten " There, it is
my bed-time, and I must bid you good-night,
pleasant dreams, and a happy awaking."
" Oh, don't go yet! " he cried, but she was al-
ready gone, the skirt of her white dress just dis-
appearing through the open hall door.
She encountered Mrs. Carrington at the foot
of the stairs. "My dear child, you are not leav-
ing us already?" she cried.
" Yes, madam; the clock has struck ten."
" Why, you are a second Cinderella."
" I hope not," replied Elsie, laughing. " See,
my dress has not changed in the least, but is
quite as fresh and nice as ever."
"Ah, true enough! there the resemblance fails
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
entirely. But, my dear child, the refreshments
are just coming in, and you must have your share.
I had ordered them an hour earlier, but the serv-
ants were slow and dilatory, and then the danc-
ing began. Come, can you not wait long enough
to partake with us? Surely, ten o'clock is not
late."
" No, madam; not for another night of the
week, but to-morrow's the Sabbath, you know,
and if I should stay up late to-night I would be
likely to find myself unfitted for its duties. Be-
sides, papa bade me retire at this hour; and he
does not approve of my eating at night; he thinks
it is apt to cause dyspepsia."
"Ah, that is too bad! Well, I shall see that
something is set away for you, and hope you will
enjoy it to-morrow. Good-night, dear; I must
hurry away now to see the rest of my guests, and
will not detain you longer," she added, drawing
the fair girl toward her and kissing her affection-
ately, then hastening away to the supper-room.
Elsie tripped up the stairs and entered her
room. A lamp burned low on the toilet table,
she went to it. turned up the wick, and as she did
so a slight noise on the veranda without startled
her. The windows reached to the floor and were
wide open.
"Who's there?" she asked.
" I," was answered, in a rough, surly tone, and
Arthur stepped in.
"Is it you?" she asked in surprise and indig-
nation. "Why do you come here? it is not fit
you should, especially at this hour."
" It is not fit you should set yourself up to re-
100 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
prove and instruct your uncle. I've come for
that money you are going to lend me."
" I am not going to lend you any money."
" Give it then; that will be all the better for
my pocket.
" I have none to give you either, Arthur; papa
has positively forbidden me to supply you with
money."
" How much have you here? "
" That is a question you have no right to
ask."
" Well, I know you are never without a pretty
good supply of the needful, and I'm needy. So
hand it over without any more ado; otherwise I
shall be very apt to help myself."
" No, you will not," she said, with dignity.
"If you attempt to rob me, I shall call for as-
sistance."
" And disgrace the family by giving the tattlers
a precious bit of scandal to retail in regard to us/*
" If you care for the family credit you will go
away at once and leave me in peace."
"I will, eh? I'll go when I get what I came
for, and not before."
Elsie moved toward the bell rope, but antici-
pating her intention, he stepped before it, saying
with a jeering laugh, " No, you don't! "
" Arthur," she said, drawing herself up, and
speaking with great firmness and dignity, " leave
this room; I wish to be alone."
"Hoity-toity, Miss Dinsmore! do you suppose
Fm to be ordered about by you? No, indeed!
And I've an old score to pay off. One of these
days 111 be revenged on you and old Travilla, too;
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 101
nobody shall insult and abuse me with impunity.
Now hand over that cash! "
" Leave this room! " she repeated.
" None of your impudence! " he cried
fiercely, catching her by the arm with a grasp that
wrong from her a low, half-smothered cry of
pain.
But footsteps and voices were heard on the
stairs, and he hastily withdrew by the window
through which he had entered.
Elsie pulled up her sleeve and looked at her
arm. Each fimger of Arthur's hand had left its
mark. " Oh, how angry papa would be! " she
murmured to herself, hastily drawing down her
skeve again as the door opened and Chloe came
in, followed by another servant bearing a small
silver waiter loaded with dainties.
" Missus tole me f otch 'em up with her com-
pliments, an' hopes de young lady '11 try to eat
some," she said, setting it down on a table.
" Mrs. Carrington is very kind. Please return
her my thanks, Minerva," said Elsie, making a
strong effort to steady her voice.
The girl, taken up with the excitement of what
was going on downstairs, failed to notice the
slight tremble in its tones. But not so with
Chloe. As the other hurried from the room, she
took her nursling in her arms, and gazing into
the sweet face with earnest, loving scrutiny,
asked, "What de matter, darlin'? what hab re-
sturbed you so, honey? "
" You mustn't leave me alone, to-night,
mammy," Elsie whispered, clinging to her, and
half hiding her face on her breast. "Don't go
102 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
out of the room at all, unless it is to step on the
veranda."
Chloe was much surprised, for Elsie had never
been cowardly.
" 'Deed I won't, darlin'," she answered, caress-
ing the shining hair, and softly rounded cheek.
" But what my bressed chile 'f raid of ? "
" Mr. Arthur, mammy," Elsie answered scarcely
above her breath. "He was in here a moment
since, and if I were alone again he might come
back."
" An' what Marse Arthur doin' yer dis time ob
night, I like ter know? what he want fright-
enin' my chile like dis? "
" Money, mammy, and papa has forbidden me
to let him have any, because he makes a bad use
of it." Elsie knew to whom she spoke. Chloe
was no ordinary servant, and could be trusted.
" Dear, dear, it's drefful that Marse Arthur
takes to dem bad ways! But don't go for to fret,
honey; we'll 'gree together to ask de Lord to turn
him to de right."
" Yes, mammy, you must help me to pray for
him. But now I must get ready for bed; I have
stayed up longer than papa said I might."
" Won't you take some of de 'f reshments fust,
honey?"
Elsie shook her head. " Eat what you want ol
them, mammy. I know I am better without."
CHAPTEK IX.
There's not a look, a word of thine
My soul hath e'er forgot ;
Thou ne'er hast bid a ringlet shine,
Nor given thy locks one graceful twine,
"Which I remember not.
MOORE.
THE clock on the stairway was just striking
nine, as some one tapped lightly on the door of
Elsie's room, leading into the hall. Chloe rose
and opened it. " Dat you, Scip? "
"Yes, Aunt Chloe; de missis say breakop's is
ready, an' will Miss Dinsmore please for to come
if she's ready. We don't ring de bell fear wakin'
up de odder young ladies an' gemmen."
Elsie had been up and dressed for the last
hour, which she had spent in reading her Bible;
a book not less dear and beautiful in her esteem
now than it was in the days of her childhood.
She rose and followed Scip to the dining-room,
where she found the older members of the family
already assembled, and about to sit down to the
table.
" Ah, my dear, good-morning," said Mrs. Car-
rington; " I was sure you would be up and
dressed: but the others were so late getting to
bed that I mean they shall be allowed to sleep as
long as they will. Ah! and here comes Herbert,
too. We have quite a party after all."
106
J04 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" I should think you would need a long nap
this morning more than any one else," Elsie said,
addressing Herbert.
" No/' he answered, coloring. " I took ad-
vantage of my semi-invalidism, and retired very
shortly after you left us."
" You must not think it is usual for us to be
quite so late on Sunday morning, Elsie," observed
Mr. Carrington as he sent her her plate, " though
I'm afraid we are hardly as early risers, even on
ordinary occasions, as you are at the Oaks. I
don't think it's a good plan to have Saturday-
night parties," he added, looking across the table
at his wife.
" N"o," she said lightly; " but we must blame
it all on the birthday, for coming when it did.
And though we are late, we shall still be in time
to get to church. Elsie, will you go with us?"
" In the carriage with mother and me? " added
Herbert.
Elsie, had she consulted her own inclination
merely, would have greatly preferred to ride her
pony, but seeing the eager look in Herbert's eyes,
she answered smilingly that she should accept
the invitation with pleasure, if there was a seat
in the carriage which no one else cared to oc-
cupy.
" There will be plenty of room, my dear," said
Mr. Carrington; "father and mother always go
by themselves, driving an ancient mare we call
old Bess, who is so very quiet and slow that no
one else can bear to ride behind her; and the
boys and I either walk or ride our horses."
It was time to set out almost immediately upoD
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 105
leaving the table. They had a quiet drive
through beautiful pine woods, heard an excellent
gospel sermon, and returned by another and
equally beautiful route.
Elsie's mind was full of the truth to which
she had been listening, and she had very little
to say. Mrs. Carrington and Herbert, too, were
unusually silent; the latter feeling it enjoyment
enough just to sit by Elsie's side. He had known
nd loved her from their very early childhood;
with a love that had grown and strengthened
year by year.
"You seem much fatigued, Herbert," his
mother said to him, as a servant assisted him
from the carriage, and up the steps of the ve-
randa. " I am almost sorry you went."
" Oh, no, mother, I'm not at all sorry," he
answered cheerfully; " I shall have to spend the
rest of the day on my couch, but that sermon
was enough to repay me for the exertion it cost
me to go to hear it." Then he added in an
undertone to Elsie, who stood near, looking at
him with pitying eyes, " I shan't mind having
to lie still if you will give me your company for
even a part of the time."
" Certainly you shall have it, if it will be any
comfort to you/" she answered, with her own
sweet smile.
" You must not be too exacting towards Elsie,
my son," said his mother, shaking up his pillows
for him, and settling him comfortably on them;
" she is always so ready to sacrifice herself for
others that she would not, I fear, refuse such
a request, however much it might cost her to
106 ELSIE'S GIELEOOD.
grant it. And no doubt she will want to be with
the other girls."
" Yes, it was just like my selfishness to ask it,
Elsie, and never think how distasteful it might
be to you. I take it all back," he said, blushing,
but with a wisti'ul look in his eyes that she could
never have withstood, had she wished to do so.
" It's too late for that, since I have already
accepted," she said with an arch look as she
turned away. " But don't worry yourself about
me; I shall follow my own inclination in regard
to the length of my visit, making it very short
if I find your society irksome or disagreeable."
The other girls were promenading on the up-
per veranda in full dinner dress.
Carrie hailed . Elsie in a lively tone. " So
you've been to church, like a good Christian, leav-
ing us three lazy sinners taking our ease at home.
We took our breakfasts in bed, and have only
just finished our toilets."
"Well, and why shouldn't we?" said Enna;
" we don't profess to be saints."
" No, I just said we were sinners. But don't
think too ill of us, Elsie, it was so late or rather
early well on into the small hours when we
retired, that a long morning nap became a ne-
cessity."
" I don't pretend to judge you, Carrie," Elsie
answered gently, " it is not for me to do so; and
I acknowledge that though I retired much earlier
than you, I slept a full hour past my usual time
for rising."
"You'll surely have to do penance for that/ 1
sneered Enna.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 107
"No, she shan't/' said Lucy, putting her arm
around her friend's slender waist. " Come, prom-
enade with me till the dinner-bell rings, the ex-
ercise will do you good."
The lively chat of the girls seemed to our hero-
ine so unsuited to the sacredness of the day that
she rejoiced in the excuse Herbert's invitation
gave her for withdrawing herself from their so-
ciety for the greater part of the afternoon. She
found him alone, lying on his sofa, apparently
asleep; but at the sound of her light footstep he
opened his eyes and looked up with a joyous
smile. " I'm so glad to see you! how good of you
to come!" he cried delightedly. "It's abomin-
ably selfish of me, though. Don't let me keep
you from having a good time with the rest."
"The Sabbath is hardly the day for what
people usually mean by a good time, is it ? " she
said, taking possession of a low rocking-chair
that stood by the side of his couch.
" No, but it is the day of days for real good,
happy times; everything is so quiet and still that
it is easier than on other days to lift one's
thoughts to God and Heaven. Oh, Elsie, I owe
you a great debt of gratitude, that I can never
repay."
"For what, Herbert?"
"Ah, don't you know it was you who first
taught me the sweetness of carrying all my trials
and troubles to Jesus? Years ago, when we
were very little children, you told me what com-
fort and happiness you found in so doing, and
begged me to try it for myself."
"And you did?"
SOtt ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Yes, and have continued to do so ever
since."
" And that is what enables you to be so patient
and uncomplaining."
" If I am. But ah! you don't know the dread-
fully rebellious feelings that sometimes will take
possession of me, especially when, after the dis-
ease has seemed almost eradicated from my sys-
tem, it suddenly returns to make me as helpless
and full of pain as ever. Nobody knows how
bard it is to endure it; how weary I grow of life;
how unendurably heavy my burden seems."
" Yes, He knows," she murmured softly. " In
all their afflictions He was afflicted; and the angel
of His presence saved them."
"Yes, He is touched with the feeling of our
infirmities. Oh, how sweet and comforting it is! "
They were silent for a moment; then turning
to her, he asked, " Are you ever afraid that your
troubles and cares are too trifling for His notice?
that you will weary and disgust Him with your
continual coming? "
" I asked papa about that once, and I shall
never forget the tender, loving look he gave me
as he said: ' Daughter, do I ever seem to feel
that anything which affects your comfort or hap-
piness one way or the other, is too trifling to
interest and concern me?' 'Oh, no, no, papa/
I said; 'you have often told me you would be
glad to know that I had not a thought or feeling
concealed from you; and you always seem to like
to have me come to you with every little thing
that makes me either glad or sorry/ ' I am, my
darling/ he answered, ' just because you are so
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 109
very near and dear to me ; and what does the
Bible tell us? " Like as a father pitieth his chil-
dren, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him! "'"
" Yes," said Herbert, musingly. " Then that
text somewhere in Isaiah about His love being
greater than a mother's for her little helpless
babe."
"And what Jesus said : 'Are not two spar-
rows sold for a farthing ? and not one of them
shall fall to the ground without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than
many sparrows.' And then the command : * In
everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God.' Papa reminded me, too, of God's in-
finite wisdom and power, of the great worlds,
countless in number, that He keeps in motion
the sun and planets of many solar systems be-
sides our own and then the myriads upon myri-
ads of tiny insects that crowd earth, air, and
water ; God's care and providence ever over them
all. Oh, one does not know how to take it in !
one cannot realize the half of it. God does not
know the distinctions that we do between great
and small, and it costs Him no effort to attend
at one and the same time, to all His creatures
and all their affairs."
"No, that is true. Oh, how great and how
good He is! and how sweet to know of His good-
ness and love ; to feel that he hears and answers
prayer ! I would not give that up for perfect
health and vigor, and all the wealth of the worl<J
beside."
110 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" I think I would give up everything else first";
and oh, I am so glad for you, Herbert," she said
softly.
Then they opened their Bibles and read sev-
eral chapters together, verse about, pausing now
and then to compare notes, as to their under-
standing of the exact meaning of some particu-
lar passage, or to look out a reference, or consult
a commentary.
"I'm excessively tired of the house; do let's
take a walk," said Enna, as they stood or sat
about the veranda after tea.
"Do you second the motion, Miss Howard?"
asked Harr} r .
" Yes," she said, rising and taking his offered
arm. " Elsie, you'll go too? "
" Oh, there's no use in asking her! " cried
Enna. " She is much too good to do anything
pleasant on Sunday."
"Indeed! I was not aware of that." And
Harry shrugged his shoulders, and threw a comi-
cal look at Elsie. " What is your objection to
pleasant things, Miss Dinsmore? To be quite
consistent you should object to yourself."
Elsie smiled. " Enna must excuse me for say-
ing that she makes a slight mistake; for while it
is true my conscience would not permit me
to go pleasuring on the Sabbath, yet it does not
object to many things that I find very pleasant."
" Such as saying your prayers, reading the
Bible, and going to church?"
"Yes, Enna; those are real pleasures to me."
" But to come to the point, will you walk with
us ? " asked Lucy.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. Ill
" Thank you, no: not to-night. But please
'don't mind me. I have no right, and don't pre-
sume to decide such questions for anyone but
myself."
" Then, if you'll excuse us, we'll leave mamma
and Herbert to entertain you for a short time."
The short time proved to be two hours or
more, and long before the return of the little
party, Mrs. Carrington went into the house, leav-
ing the two on the veranda alone.
They sang hymns together for a while, then
fell to silent musing. Herbert was the first to
speak. He still lay upon his sofa; Elsie sitting
near, her face at that moment upturned to the
sky, where the full moon was shining, and look-
ing wondrous sweet and fair in the soft silvery
light. Her thoughts seemed far away, and she
started and turned quickly toward him as he
softly breathed her name.
" Oh, Elsie, this has been such a happy day to
me! What joy, what bliss, if we could be always
together! "
" If you were only my brother! I wish you
were, Herbert."
" No, no, I do not; for I would be something
much nearer and dearer. Oh, Elsie, if you only
would! " he went on, speaking very fast and ex-
citedly. " You thought I was joking last night,
but I was not, I was in earnest; never more so
in my life. Oh, do you think you could like me,
Elsie? "
" Why, yes, Herbert; I do, and always have ever
wince we first became acquainted."
" No, I didn't mean like, I meant love. Elsie,
212 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
could you love me love me well enough to marry
me?"
" Why, Herbert; what an idea! " she stam-
mered, her face flushing visibly in the moonlight.
" You don't know how you surprise me; surely
we are both too young to be thinking of such
things. Papa says I am not even to consider my-
self a young lady for three or four years yet. I'm
nothing but a child. And you, Herbert, are not
much older."
" Six months; but that's quite enough differ-
ence. And your father needn't object on the
score of our youth. You are as old now as I've
been told your mother was when he married her,
and another year will make me as old as he was.
And your Aunts Louisa and Lora were both en-
gaged before they were sixteen. It's not at all
uncommon for girls in this part of the country
to marry before they are that old. But I know
I'm not half good enough for you, Elsie. A king
might be proud to win you for his bride, and I'm
only a poor, good-for-nothing cripple, not worth
anybody's aceptance." And he turned away his
face, with something that sounded very like a
sob.
Elsie's kind heart was touched. "No, Her-
bert, you must not talk so. You are a dear, good,
noble fellow, worthy of any lady in the land/"'
she said, half playfully, half tenderly and laying
her little soft white hand over his mouth.
He caught it in his and pressed it passionately
to his lips, there holding it fast. " Oh, Elsie, if
it were only mine to keep!" he cried, "I'd be
the happiest fellow in the world."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 113
She looked at his pale, thin face., worn \vitK
suffering, into his eyes so full of pasionate en-
treaty; thought what a dear lovable fellow he had
always been, and forgot herself entirely forgot
everything but the desire to relieve and comfort
him, and make him happy.
" Only tell me that you care for me, darling,
and that you are willing some day to belong to
me! only give me a little hope; I shall die if you
don't! "
" I do care for you, Herbert; I would do any-
thing in my power to make you happy."
" Then I may call you my own! Oh, darling,
God bless you for your goodness! "
But the clock was striking nine, and with the
sound, a sudden recollection came to Elsie. " It
is my bed-time, and and, Herbert, it will all
have to be just as papa says. I belong to him,
and cannot give myself away without his permis-
sion. Good-night." She hastily withdrew the
hand he still held, and was gone ere he had time
to reply.
" What had she done something of which
papa would highly disapprove? Would he be
very much vexed with her? " Elsie asked herself
half-tremblingly, as she sat passively under her
old mammy's hands; for her father's displeasure
was the one thing she dreaded above all others.
She was just ready for be^l when a light tap
on the door was followed by the entrance of Mrs.
Carrington.
" I wish to see your young mistress alone for
a few moments, Aunt Chloe," she said, and the
faithful creature went from the room at once.
114 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Mrs. Carrington threw her arms around Elsie,
folded her in close, loving embrace, and kissed
her fondly again and again. " My dear child,
how happy you have made me! " she whispered
at last. '' Herbert has told me all. Dear boy, he
could not keep such good news from his mother.
I know of nothing that could have brought me
deeper joy and thankfulness, for I have always
had a mother's love for you."
Elsie felt bewildered, almost stunned. " I
I'm afraid you he has misunderstood me; it
it must be as papa says," she stammered; " I can-
not decide it for myself, I have no right."
" Certainly, my dear, that is all very right, very
proper; parents should always be consulted in
these matters. But your papa loves you too well
to raise any objection when he sees that your
heart is interested. And Herbert is worthy of
you, though his mother says it; he is a noble,
true-hearted fellow, well-educated, handsome,
talented, polished in manners, indeed all that
anybody could ask, if he were but well; and we
do not despair of seeing him eventually quite re-
stored to health. But I am keeping you up, and
I know that your papa is very strict and particu-
lar about your observance of his rules; so good-
night." And, with another caress, she left her.
Thought was very busy in Elsie's brain as she
laid her head upon her pillow. It was delightful
to have given such joy and happiness to Herbert
and his mother. Lucy, too, she felt sure would
be very glad to learn that they were to be sisters.
But her own papa, how would he feel what
would he say? Only the other day he had re-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD, 115
minded her how entirely she belonged to him
that no other had the slightest claim upon her,
and as he spoke, the clasp of his arms seemed
to say that he would defy the whole world to take
her from him. No, he would never give her up;
and somehow she was not at all miserable at the
thought; but on the contrary it sent a thrill of
joy to her heart; it was so sweet to be so loved and
cherished by him, " her own dear, dear papa! "
But then another thing came to her remem-
brance; his pity for poor suffering Herbert; his
expressed willingness to do anything he could to
make him happy and again she doubted whether
he would accept or reject the boy's suit for her
hand.
Carrie and Enna were to leave at an early hour
on Monday morning. They came into Elsie's
room for a parting chat while waiting for the
ringing of the breakfast bell; so the three went
down together to answer its summons, and thus
she was spared the necessity of entering the din-
ing room alone an ordeal she had really
dreaded; a strange and painful shyness toward
the whole family at Ashlands having suddenly
come over her. She managed to conceal it pretty
well, but carefully avoided meeting Herbert's eye,
or those of his parents.
The girls left directly on the conclusion of
the meal, and having seen them off, Elsie slipped
away to her own room. But Lucy followed her
almost immediately, fairly wild with delight at
the news Herbert had just been giving her.
" Oh, you darling ! " she cried, hugging her
friend with all her might. " I never was so glad
116 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
in all my life! To think that I'm to have you
for a sister! I could just eat you up! "
" I hope you won't/' said Elsie, laughing and
blushing, as she returned the embrace as heartily
as it was given. " But we must not be too sure;
I'm not at all certain of papa's consent/'
" No, I just expect he'll object to Herbie on
account of his lameness, and his ill health. I
don't think we ought to blame him if he does
either." And Lucy suddenly sobered down to
more than her ordinary gravity. " Ah, I forgot/'
she said, a moment after; " Herbert begs that
you will come down and let him talk with you a
little if you are not particularly engaged."
Elsie answering that she had nothing to do,
her time was quite at his disposal, the two tripped
downstairs, each with an arm about the other's
^raist, as they had done so often in the days of
their childhood.
They found Herbert on the veranda, not lying
down, but seated on his sofa. " You are better
this morning?" Elsie said with a glad look up
into his face, as he rose, leaning on his crutch, and
gave her the other hand.
" Yes, thank you, much better. Joy has proved
so great a cordial that I begin to hope it may
work a complete cure." He drew her to a seat
by his side, and Lucy considerately went away
and left them alone.
"You have not changed your mind, Elsie?"
His tone was low and half tremulous in its eager-
ness.
" N"o, Herbert; but it all rests with papa, you
know."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 117
"I hardly dare ask him for you, it seems like
such presumption in a a cripple like me."
"Don ? t say that, Herbert. Would you love
me less if I should become lame or ill?"
" No, no, never! but I couldn't bear to have any
such calamity come upon you. I can hardly
bear that you should have a lame husband. The
thought of it makes my trial harder to bear than
ever."
" It is God's will, and we must not fight against
it," she said softly.
They conversed for some time longer. He was
very anxious to gain Mr. Dinsmore's consent to
their engagement, yet shrank from asking it,
fearing an indignant refusal; most of all, he
dreaded a personal interview; and, but ill able to
take the ride to the Oaks, it was finally decided
between them that he should make his applica-
tion by letter, doing so at once.
A servant was summoned to bring him his
writing materials, and Elsie left him to his trying
task, while she and Lucy and Harry mounted
their horses and were away for a brisk, delightful
ride through the woods and over the hills.
"It's gone, Elsie," Herbert whispered, when
she came down dressed for dinner. " I wrote it
twice; it didn't suit me then, but my strength
was quite exhausted, so it had to go. I hope the
answer will come soon, but oh, I shall be almost
afraid to open it."
" Don't feel so; papa is very good and kind.
He pities you so much, too," and she repeated
what he had said about being willing to do any*
thing he could for him.
118 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Herbert's face grew bright with hope as he
listened. "And do you think he'll answer at
once?" he asked.
" Yes, papa is always very prompt and decided;
never keeps one long in suspense."
Mr. Carrington met our heroine at the dinner*
table with such a bright, glad smile, and treated
Jier in so kind and fatherly a manner that she
felt sure he knew all, and was much pleased with
the prospect before them. But she was afraid
Harry did not like it did not want her for a
sister. lie was usually very gay and talkative,
full of fun and frolic. He had been so during
their ride, but now his manner seemed strangely
altered; he was moody and taciturn, almost cross.
CHAPTER X.
Keen are the pangs
Of hapless love and passion unapproved.
SMOLLETT'S " REGICIDE."
HARDLY anything could have been more dis-
tasteful to Horace Dinsmore than the state of
affairs revealed to him by Herbert Carrington's
note. He was greatly vexed, not at the lad'q
manner of preferring his request, but that it
should have been made at all. He was not ready
yet to listen to such a proposal coming from any
person, however eligible, much less from one so
sadly afflicted as poor Herbert. He sought his
wife's presence with the missive in his hand.
" What is the matter, my dear? " she asked;
"I have seldom seen you so disturbed."
"The most absurd nonsense! the most ridicu-
lously provoking affair! Herbert Carrington
asking me to give him my daughter! I don't
wonder at your astonished look, Rose; a couple of
silly children. I should have given either of them
credit for more sense."
" It has certainly taken me very much by sur-
prise," said Rose, smiling. " I cannot realize that
Elsie is grown up enough to be beginning with
such things; yet you know she has passed her
fifteenth birthday, and that half the girls about
here become engaged before they are sixteen/'
120 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"But Elsie shall not. I'll have no nonsense
of the kind for years to come. She shall not
marry a day before she is twenty-one, I had
nearly said twenty-five; and I don't think I'll al-
low it before then."
Eose laughed. " My dear, do you know what
my age was when you married me?"
" Twenty-one, you told me."
" Don't you think my father ought then to
have kept us waiting four years longer?"
"No," he answered, stooping to stroke her
hair, and snatch a kiss from her rich red lips.
She looked up smilingly into his face. " Ah,
consistency is a jewel! and pray how old were you
when you married the first time? and what was
then the age of Elsie's mother?"
" Your arguments are not unanswerable, Mrs.
Dinsmore. Your father could spare you, having
several other daughters; I have but one, and
can't spare her. Elsie's mother was not older
when I married her, it is true, than Elsie is now,
but was much more mature, and had neither the
happy home nor the doting father her daughter
has. And as for myself, though much too young
to marry, I was a year older than this Herbert
Carrington; and I was in sound and vigorous
health, while he, poor fellow, is sadly crippled,
and likely always to be an invalid, and very un-
likely to live to so much as see his majority. Do
you think I ought for a moment to contemplate
allowing Elsie to sacrifice herself to him? "
"It would seem a terrible sacrifice; and yet
after all it will depend very much upon the state
of her own feelings."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 121
"If she were five or six years older, I should
say yes to that; but girls of her age are not fit
to choose a companion for life; taste and judg-
ment are not matured, and the man who pleases
them now may be utterly repugnant to them in
after years. Is not that so ? "
" Yes; and I think your decision is wise and
kind. Still, I am sorry for the poor boy, and
hope you will deal very gently and kindly with
him."
" I shall certainly try to do so. I pity him,
and cannot blame him for fancying my lovely
daughter I really don't see how he or any young
fellow can help it, but he can't have her, and of
course I must tell him so. I must see Elsie first
however, and have already sent her a note order-
ing her home immediately."
" Come into my room for a little, dear," Mrs.
Norris whispered to Elsie as they rose from the
dinner table. " Herbert must not expect to mo-
nopolize all your time."
It turned out that all the old lady wanted was
an opportunity to express her delight in the pros-
pect of some day claiming Elsie as her grand-
daughter, and to pet and fondle her a little. Mr.
Norris did his share of that also, and when at
length they let her go she encountered Mr. Car-
rington in the hall, and had to submit to some
thing more of the same sort from him.
" We are all heartily rejoiced, little Elsie," he
said, " all of us who know the secret; it is to be
kept from the children, of course, till your
father's consent has made all certain. But there
is Lucy looking for you; Herbert has sent her,
122 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
I daresay. No doubt he grudges every moment
that you are out of his sight."
That was true, and his glad look, as she took
her accustomed place by the side of his couch,
was pleasant to see. But he was not selfish in
his happiness, and seemed well satisfied to sharp
Elsie's society with his sister.
The three were making very merry together,
when a servant from the Oaks was seen riding
leisurely up the avenue. He had some small
white object in his hand which he began waving
about his head the moment he saw that he had
attracted their attention.
" It's a letter! " exclaimed Lucy. " Han, Scip,"
to the two little blacks who, as usual, were tum-
bling over each other on the grass near by, " run,
one of you and get it, quick now! "
"What who Miss Lucy?" they cried, jump-
ing up.
"Yonder; don't you see Mr. Dinsmore's map
with a letter? Run and get it, quick! "
" Yes'm! " and both scampered off in the di-
rection of the horseman, who, suddenly urging
on his steed , was now rapidly nearing the house.
"Hollo! dar now, you ole Jim! " shouted Scip,
making a dash at the horse, " who dat lettah fur?
You gub urn to me."
A contemptuous sniff was the only answer, and
dashing by them, Jim drew rein close to the
veranda. " Massa he send dis for you, Miss El-
sie," he said, holding out the letter to her.
She sprang forward, took it from his hand and
hastily tore open the envelope, the rich color com-
ing and going in her cheek. A glance was suffi-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 123
cient, and turning her flushed face to the
anxious, expectant Herbert: " Papa has sent fou
me to return home immediately " she said; "I
must go."
" Oh, Elsie, must you indeed? and is there no)
word for me none at all?"
" Yes, he says you shall hear from Kim to-dajij
or to-morrow."
She had gone close to him and was speaking
in a low tone that the servants might not hear.
Herbert took both her hands in his. " Oh, I am
so sorry! You were to have stayed two days
longer. I fear this sudden recall does not argue
well for me. Is he angry, do you think?"
" I don't know, I can't tell. The note is sim-
ply an order for me to come home at once and!
the message to you that I have given; nothing
more at all. Jim is to see me safely to the
Oaks." Then turning to the mesenger, " Go and!
saddle Glossy, and bring her round at once, Jim,"
she said.
" Yes, Miss Elsie, hab her roun' in less dan noi
time."
" Go with Jim to the stables, Han," said Her-
bert, sighing as he spoke.
" Elsie, I can't bear to have you leave us so sud-
denly," cried Lucy; "it does seem too bad of
your father, after giving you permission to stay.
a whole week, to go and dock off two days."
" But papa has a right, and I can't complain.
I've nothing to do but obey. I'll go up and have
my riding-habit put on, while Glossy is being
eadled."
"Miss Elsie," said Jim, leisurely dismounting,
124 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" massa say de wagon be here in 'bout an hour
for de trunk, an' Aunt Chloe mus' hab 'em ready
by dat time; herself too."
" Very well., she shall do so," and with anothen
whispered word to Herbert, Elsie went into the
house, Lucy going with her.
" Why, my dear, this is very sudden, is it not?'*
exclaimed Mrs. Carrington, meeting her young
guest as she came down dressed for her ride. " I
thought you were to stay a week, and hoped you
were enjoying your visit as much as we were."
" Thank you, dear Mrs. Carrington; I have
had a delightful time, but papa has sent for me."
" And like a good child, you obey at once."
"My father's daughter would never dare to
Ho otherwise," replied Elsie, smiling; " though
I hope I should not, if I did dare."
" You'll come again soon often, till I can get
strength to go to you?" Herbert said entreat-
ingly, as he held her hand in parting. " And
we'll correspond, won't we? I should like to write
and receive a note every day when we do not
meet."
" I don't know; I can promise nothing till I
have asked permission of papa."
"But if he allows it?"
."If he allows it, yes; good-bye."
Dearly as Elsie loved her father, she more than
half dreaded the meeting with him now; so en-
tirely uncertain was she how he would feel in re-
gard to this matter.
He was on the veranda, watching for her.
Xiifting her from her horse, he led her into his
study. Then putting an arm about her waist,
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 125
his other hand under her chin so that her blush-
ing, downcast face was fully exposed to his gaze,
*' What does all this mean?" he asked. "Look
up into my face and tell me if it is really true-
that you want me to give you away? if it is pos-
sible that you love that boy better than your
father?"
She lifted her eyes as he bade her, but dropped
them again instantly; then as he finished his sen-
tence, "Oh, no, no, papa! not half so well; how-
could you think it?" she cried, throwing her
arms about his neck, and hiding her face on his
breast.
" Ah, is that so? " he said, with a low, gleeful
laugh, as he held her close to his heart. "But
he says you accepted him on condition that papa
would give consent, that you owned you cared
for him."
" And so I do, papa; I've always loved him as
if he were my brother; and I'm so sorry for all
he suffers, that I would do anything I could to
make him happy."
"Even to sacrificing yourself? It is well in-
deed for you that you have a father to take care
of you." '
"Are you going to say 'No' to him, papa?"
she asked, looking up half beseechingly.
a Indeed I am."
" Ah, papa, he said it would kill him if yoo
did."
" I don't believe it; people don't die so easily.
And I have several reasons for my refusal, each
one of which would be quite sufficient of itself.
But you just acknowledged to me that you don't
126 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
love him at all as you ought. Why, my child,
when you meet the right person you will find that
your love for him is far greater than what you
feel for me."
" Papa, I don't think that could be possible,"
she said, clinging closer to him than before.
" But you'll be convinced when the time conies,
though I hope that will not be for many a long
year yet. Then Herbert's ill health and lame-
ness are two insuperable objections. Lastly, you
are both entirely too young to be thinking of
such matters."
" He didn't mean to ask you to give me to him
now, papa; not for a year or two at the very
least."
" But I won't have you engaging yourself while
you are such a mere child. I don't approve of
long engagements, or intend to let you marry
for six or seven years to come. So you may as
well dismiss all thoughts on the subject; and if
any other boy or man attempts to talk to you as
Herbert has, just tell him that your father ut-
terly forbids you to listen to anything of the
kind. What! crying! I hope these are not re-
bellious tears?"
" No, papa; please don't be angry. It is only
that I feel so sorry for poor Herbert; he suffers
so, and is so patient and good."
"I am sorry for him too, but it cannot be
helped. I must take care of you first, and not
allow anything which I think will interfere \riths
your happiness or well being."
" Papa, he wants to correspond with me."
"lehall not allow i*-"
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 127
** May we see each other often? "
" No; not at all for some time. He must get
fcver this foolish fancy first, it cannot be anything
more; and there is great danger that he will not
unless you are kept entirely apart."
Elsie sighed softly, but said not a word. There
was no appeal from her father's decisions, no ar-
gument or entreaty allowed after they were once
announced.
Little feet were heard running down the hall;
then there was the sound of a tiny fist thumping
en the door, and the voice of little Horace call-
ing, " Elsie, Elsie, turn out! me wants to see you! "
" There, you may go now," her father said, re-
leasing her with a kiss, " and leave me to write
that note. Well, what is it?" for she lingered,
looking up wistfully into his face.
" Dear papa, be kind to him for my sake," she
murmured softly, putting her arm about his neck
again. "He is such a sufferer, so patient and:
good, and it quite makes my heart ache to think
how grievously your refusal will pain him."
"My own sweet child! always unselfish, always
concerned for the happiness of others," thought
the father as he looked down into the pleading
face; but he only stroked her hair, and kissed
her more tenderly than before, saying, " I shall
try to be as kind as circumstances will allow,
daughter. You shall read the letter when it is
done, and if you think it is not kind enough it
shall not be sent."
She thanked him with a very grateful look,
then hurried away, for the tiny fists were re-
doubling their blows upon the door, while the
128 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
baby voice called more and more clamorously for
^sister Elsie."
She stooped to hug and kiss the little fellow,
then was led off in triumph to " mamma," whose
greeting, though less noisy, was quite as joyous
and affectionate.
u Oh, how nice it is to get home! " cried Elsie,
and wondered within herself how she had been
contented to stay away so long. She had hardly
finished giving Rose an animated account of her
visit, including a minute description of the birth-
day party, when her father's voice summoned
her to the study again.
" Does it satisfy you? " he asked when she had
read the note.
"Yes, papa; I think it is as kind as a refusal
could possibly be made."
" Then I shall send it at once. And now this
settles the matter, and I bid you put the whole
affair out of your mind as completely as possible,
Elsie."
" I shall try, papa," she answered in a submis-
sive and even cherful tone.
That note, kindly worded though it was, caused
great distress to Herbert Carrington. He passed
an almost sleepless night, and the next morn-
ing, finding himself quite unable to rise from his
couch, he sent an urgent entreaty that Mr. Dins-
more would call at Ashlands at his earliest con-
venience.
His request was granted at once, and the lad
pleaded with all the eloquence of which he was
master for a more favorable reception of his
euit.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 129
Had he been as well acquainted with Horace
Dinsmore's character as Elsie was. he would have
known the utter uselessness of such a proceeding.
He received a patient hearing, then a firm, though
kind denial. Elsie was entirely too young to be
allowed even to think of love or matrimony, her
father said; he was extremely sorry the subject
had been broached to her; it must not be again,
for years. He would not permit any engagement,
correspondence, or, for the present at least, any
exchange of visits; because he wished the matter
to be dropped entirely, and, if possible, forgotten.
Nor would he hold out the slightest hope for the
future; answering Herbert's petition for that by
a gentle hint that one in his ill health should be
content to remain single.
" Yes, you are right, Mr. Dinsmore, and I don't
blame you for refusing to give me your lovely
daughter; I'm entirely unworthy of such a treas-
ure," said the poor boy in a broken voice.
"Not in character, my dear boy," said Mr.
Dinsmore, almost tenderly; " in that you are all
I could ask or desire, and it is all that you are
responsible for. And now while she is such a
mere child, I should reject any other suitor for
her hand, quite as decidedly as I do you."
"You don't blame me for loving her?"
"No; oh, no!"
"I can't help it. I've loved her ever since I
first saw her, and that was before I was five years
old."
" Well, I don't object to a brotherly affectioa,
and when you can tone it down to that, shall not
forbid occasional intercourse. And now, witli
ISO ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
the best wishes for your health and happiness, I
must bid you good-bye."
" Good-bye, sir; and thank you for your kind-
ness in coming," the boy answered with a quiver-
ing lip. Then, turning to his mother, as Mr.
Dinsmore left the room, " I shall never get over
it," he said. " I shall not live long, and I don't
want to; life without her isn't worth having."
Her heart ached for him, but she answered
cheerily: " Why, my dear child, don't be so de-
spondent; I think you may take hope and courage
from some things that Mr. Dinsmore said. It is
quite in your favor that he will not allow Elsie
to receive proposals from any one at present, for
who knows but by the time he considers her old
enough, you may be well and strong."
Mrs. Carrington's words had a very different
effect from what she intended. The next time
Herbert saw his physician, he insisted so strongly
on knowing exactly what he might look forward
to that there was no evading the demand; and on
learning that he was hopelessly crippled for life,
he sank into a state of utter despondency, and
from that moment grew rapidly worse, failing
visibly day by day.
Elsie, dutifully abstaining from holding any
communication with Ashlands, and giving all her
thoughts as far as possible to home duties and
pleasures knew nothing of it till one day Enna
came in, asking, " Have you heard the news? "
" No," said Elsie, pausing in a game of romps
with her little brother; "what is it?"
"It! You should rather say they. There's
more than one item of importance." And Ennai
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 131
straightened herself and smoothed out her dress
with a very consequential air. " In the first place
Arthur has been found out in his evil courses;
he's been betting and gambling till he's got him-
self over head and ears in debt. Papa was so
angry, I almost thought he would kill him. But
he seemed to cool down after he'd paid off the
debts; and Arthur is, or pretends to be, very peni-
tent, promises never to do the like again, and so
he's got forgiven, and he and Walter are to start
for college early next week. They've both gone
to the city to-day with papa. Arthur seems to be
mad at you; he says that you could have saved
him from being found out, but didn't choose to,
and some day he'll have his revenge. Now, what
was it you did, or didn't do?"
"He wanted money, and I refused to lend it
because papa had forbidden me."
" You're good at minding, and always were,"
was Enna's sneering comment. "No, 111 take
'that back; I forgot that time when you nearly died
rather than mind."
An indignant flush suffused Elsie's fair face for
an instant; but the sneer was borne in utter si-
lence. Rose entered the room at that moment,
and, having returned her greeting, Enna pro-
ceeded to give another important bit of news.
"Herbert Carrington is very ill; not confined
to his bed, but failing very fast. The doctors ad-
vised them to take him from home; because they
said they thought he had something on his mind,
and taking him into new scenes might help him
to forget it. They think he's not likely to live
long anyhow, but that is the last hope. His
J32 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
mother and Lucy started North with him this
morning."
Elsie suddenly dropped the ball she was tossing
for Horace and ran out of the room.
" Why, what did she do that for? " asked Enna,
in a tone of surprise, turning to Rose for an ex-
planation. " Is she in iove with him,, do you
suppose?"
" No, I know she is not; but I think she lias a
strong sisterly regard for him, and I am sorry the
news of his increased illness was told her so
abruptly."
" Such a baby, as she always was," muttered
Enna, " crying her eyes out about the least little
thing."
"If she lacks sufficient control over her feel-
ings it is almost the only fault she has," replied
Rose warmly. "And I think, Enna, you are
hardly capable of appreciating her delicately
sensitive nature, and warm, loving heart, else
you would not wound her as you do. She cer-
tainly controls her temper well, and puts up with
more from you than I should."
"Pray, what do you mean, Mrs. Dinsmore?
what have I done to your pet? " asked the young
lady angrily.
" She is older than you, yet you treat her as if
she were much younger. Your manner toward
her is often very contemptuous, and I have fre-
quently heard you sneer at her principles and
taunt her with her willing subjection to her
father's strict rule; for which she deserves noth-
ing but the highest praise."
"Nobody could ever rule me the way Horace
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 133
does her! " cried Enna, with a toss of her head.
" And as to her being older than I am, I'm sure
no one would think it; she is so absurdly childish
in her way; not half so mature as I, mamma says."
"I'm glad and thankful that she is not," an-
swered Eose, with spirit; " her sweet childish
simplicity and perfect naturalness are very charm-
ing in these days, when they are so rarely found
in a girl who has entered her teens."
Little Horace, standing by the window, ut-
tered a joyous shout, " Oh, papa tumin'! " and
rushed from the room to return the next moment
clinging to his father's hand, announcing as they
came in together, " Here papa is; me found him! "
Mr. Dinsmore shook hands with his sister, ad-
dressed a remark to his wife, then, glancing about
the room, asked, " Where is Elsie ? "
" She left us a moment since, but did not say
where she was going," said Eose.
" I presume you'll find her crying in her bou-
doir or dressing room," added Enna.
" Crying! Why, what is wrong with her? "
" Nothing that I know of, except that I told
her of Herbert Carrington's being so much
worse that they've taken him North as a last
hope."
" Is that so? " and Mr. Dinsmore looked much
concerned.
"Yes, there can be no doubt about it, for T
heard it from Harry himself this morning."
Mr. Dinsmore rose, and, putting his little son
gently aside, left the room.
Elsie was not in her own apartments; he passed
through the whole suite, looking for her; tnen,
134 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
going on into the grounds, found her at last in
her favorite arbor. She was crying bitterly, but
at the sound of his step checked her sobs, and
hastily wiped away her tears. She thought he
would reprove her for indulging her grief, but
instead he took her in his arms and soothed her
tenderly.
" Oh, papa," she sobbed, " I feel as if I had
done it as if I had killed him."
" Darling, he is not past hope; he may recover,
and in any event not the slightest blame belongs
to you. I have taken the whole responsibility
upon my shoulders."
She gave him a somewhat relieved and very
grateful look, and he went on: " And even if I
had allowed you to decide the matter for yourself,
you would have done what was your duty in re-
fusing to promise to belong to one whom you
love less than you love your father."
Some months later there came news of Her-
bert's death. Elsie's grief was deep and lasting.
She sorrowed as she might have done for the loss
of a very dear brother; while added to that was a
half-remorseful feeling which reason could not
control or entirely relieve; and it was long ere she
was quite her own bright, gladsome sunny self
again.
CHAPTER XL
The bloom of opening flowers' unsullied beauty-
Softness and sweetest innocence she wears,
And looks like nature in the world's first spring.
ROWE'S "TAMERLANE.*
"WHAT a very peculiar hand, papa; so stiff
and cramped and old-fashioned," Elsie remarked,
as her father laid down a letter he had just been
reading.
" Yes. Did you ever hear me speak of Aunt
Wealthy Stanhope? "
His glance seemed to direct the question to
Rose, who answered, with a look of surprise and
curiosity, " No, sir. Who is she? "
"A half-sister of my own mother. She was
the daughter of my maternal grandfather by Ms
first wife, my mother was the child of the second,
and there were some five or ten years between
them. Aunt Wealthy never married, would
never live with any of her relatives, but has al-
ways kept up a cosey little establishment of her
own."
"Do you know her, papa?" asked Elsie, who
was listening with eager interest.
" I can hardly say that I do. I saw her once,
nearly eighteen years ago, about the time you
were born but I was not capable of appreciating
her then; indeed, was so unhappy and irritable as
to be hardly in a condition to either make or re-
136 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
ceive favorable impressions. I now believe her to
be a truly good and noble little woman, though
decidedly an oddity in some respects. Then I
called her a fidgety, fussy old maid."
"And your letter is from her?" Eose said in-
quiringly.
" Yes; she wants me to pay her a visit, taking
Elsie with me, and leaving her there for the
summer."
"There, papa! where?"
" Lansdale, Ohio. Should you like to go? '
" Yes, I think I should like to go, papa, if you
take me; but whether I should like to stay all
summer I could hardly tell- till I get there."
"You may read the letter," he said, handing
it to her.
" It sounds as though it might be very pleasant,
papa," she said, as she laid it down after an at-
tentive perusal.
It spoke of Lansdale as a pretty, healthful
village, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and
boasting of some excellent society: of two lively
young girls, living in the next house to her own,
who would be charming companions for Elsie,
etc.
" Your remark that your aunt was an oddity in
some respects has excited my curiosity," said
Eose.
" Ah! and I am to understand that you would
like me to gratify it, eh? " returned her husband,
smiling. " Her dress and the arrangement of
her hair are in a style peculiarly her own (unless
she has become more fashionable since I saw her,
which is not likely); and she has an odd way of
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 137
transposing her sentences and the names of those
she addresses or introduces, or calling them by;
some other name suggested by some association
with the real one. Miss Bell, for instance, she
would probably call Miss Ring; Mr. Foot, Mr.
Shoe, and so on."
"Does she do so intentionally, papa?" Elsie
asked.
" No, not at all; her mistakes are quite inno-
cently made, and are therefore very amusing."
Mrs. Horace Dinsmore's parents had been urg-
ing her to visit them, and after some further con-
sideration it was decided that the whole family
should go North for the summer, Mr. Dinsmore
see his wife and little son safe at her father's,
then take Elsie on to visit his aunt; the length of
the visit to be determined after their arrival.
It was a lovely morning early in May; the air
was vocal with the songs of birds and redolent
with the breath of flowers all bathed in dew; deli-
cate wreaths of snowy vapor rose slowly from the
rippling surface of the river that threaded its
way through the valley, and folded themselves
about the richly-wooded hill-sides, behind which
bright streaks of golden light were shooting up-
ward, fair heralds of the coming of the king of
day. On the outskirts of the pretty village of
Lansdale, and in the midst of a well-kept garden
and lawn, stood a tasteful dwelling, of Gothic
architecture. Roses, honeysuckle, and Virginia
creeper clambered over its walls, twined them-
selves about the pillars of its porticos and
porches, or hung in graceful festoons from its
138 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
many gables; the garden was gay with sweet
spring flowers; the trees, the grass on the lawn,
and the hedge that separated it from the road, all
were liveried in that vivid green so refreshing to
the eye.
"Phillis! Simon!' called a sweet-toned voice
from the foot of the back staircase; " are you up?
It's high time; nearly five o'clock now, and the
train's due at six."
" Coming, ma'am. I'll have time to do up all
my chores and git to the depot 'fore de train; you
neber fear," replied a colored lad of fifteen or
sixteen, hurrying down as he spoke.
A matronly woman, belonging to the same race,
followed close in his rear.
"You're smart dis mornin', missis," she said,
speaking from the middle of the stairway. " I
didn't 'spect you'd git ahead o' me, and de sun
hardly showin' his face 'bove de hill-tops yit."
" I woke early, Phillis, as I always do when
something's going to happen that I expect. Si-
mon make haste to feed and water your horses
and be sure you have old Joan in the carriage
and at the gate by a quarter before six/*
"Am I to drive her to the depot, ma'am?"
" No, Miss Lottie Prince will do that, and you
are to take the one-horse wagon for the trunks.
Did you go to Mr. Laugh's and engage it, as I
told you yesterday?"
" I went to Mr. Grinn's and disengaged de one-
horse wagon, ma'am; yes'm."
"Very well. Now come into the sitting room
and I'll show you the likenesses of the lady and
gentleman, and the old colored woman they're
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 139
going to bring with them," replied the mistress,
leading the way into an apartment that, spite of
its plain, old-fashioned furniture, wore a very at-
tractive appearance, it was so exquisitely neat;
and the windows, reaching to the floor, opened
upon one side into conservatory and garden, on
the other upon a porch that ran the whole length
of the front of the house. Taking a photograph
album from a side-table, she showed the three
pictures to Simon, who pronounced the gentle-
man very handsome, the lady the prettiest he
ever saw, and was sure he should recognize both
them and their servant.
" Now, Phillis, we'll have to bestir ourselves,"
said Miss Stanhope, returning to the kitchen.
" Do you think you can get breakfast in less than
an hour? such a breakfast as we should have this
morning one fit for a king."
"Yes, Miss Wealthy; but you don't want it
that soon, do you? Folks is apt to like to wash
and dress 'fore breakfast."
" Ah, yes! sure enough. Well, we'll give them
half an hour."
A few moments later, as Miss Stanhope was
busy with broom and duster in the front part of
the house, a young girl opened the gate, tripped
gayly up the gravel walk that led from it across
the lawn, and stepped upon the porch. She was
a brunette with a very rich color in her dark
cheek, raven hair, and sparkling, roguish black
eyes. She wore a suit of plain brown linen, with
snowy cuffs and collar, and a little straw hat.
" Good-morning, Aunt Yfealthy! " she cried, in a
lively tone. " You see I'm in good time. v
140 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Yes, Lottie, and looking as neat as a pin, too.
It's very kind in you, because of course I want to
be here to receive them as they come, to offer to
introduce yourself and drive down to the depot
for them."
" Of course I'm wonderfully clever, consider-
ing that I don't at all enjoy a drive in this sweet
morning air, and aint in a bit of a hurry to see
your beautiful young heiress and her papa. Net
wonders at my audacity in venturing to face them
alone; but I tell her I'm too staunch a republican
to quail before any amount of wealth or conse-
quence, and if Mr. and Miss Dinsmore see fit to
turn up their aristocratic noses at me, why I'll
just return the compliment."
" I hope they're not of that sort, Lottie; but if
they are, you will serve them right."
" She does not look like it," observed the young
girl, taking the album from the table and gaz-
ing earnestly upon Elsie's lovely countenance.
" What a sweet, gentle, lovable face it is ! I'm
sure I shall dote on her; and if I can only per-
suade her to return my penchant, won't we have
grand good times while she's here? But there's
Simon with old Joan and the carriage. He'll
hunt them up for me at the depot; won't he,
Aunt Wealthy? "
" Yes, I told him to."
The shrill whistle of the locomotive echoed and
re-echoed among the hills.
" Lansdale! " shouted the conductor, throw-
ing open the car door.
"So we are at our destination at last, and I
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 141
am very glad for your sake, daughter, for you are
looking weary/' said Mr. Dinsmore, drawing
Elsie's shawl more closely about her shoulders.
"Oh, I'm not so very tired, papa," she an-
swered, with a loving look and smile, " not more
so than you are, I presume. Oh, see! papa, what
a pretty girl in that carriage there! "
" Yes, yes ! Come to meet some friend,
doubtless. Come, the train has stopped; keep
close to me," he said. " Aunt Chloe, see that you
have all the parcels."
"Dis de gentleman and lady from de South,
what Miss Stanhope's 'spectin' ? " asked a colored
lad, stepping up to our little party as they
alighted.
"Yes."
" Dis way den, sail, if you please, sah. Here's
de carriage. De lady will drive you up to de
house, and I'll take your luggage in de little
wagon."
" Very well; here are the checks. You will
bring it up at once? "
" Yes, sah, have it dar soon as yourself, sail.
Dis cullad person better ride wid me and de
trunks."
They were nearing the carriage and the pretty
girl Elsie had noticed from the car window.
" Good-morning! Mr. and Miss Dinsmore, I pre-
sume?" she said with a bow and smile. "Will
you get in? Let me give you a hand, Miss Dins-
more. I am Lottie King, a distant relative and
near neighbor of your aunt, Miss Stanhope."
"And have kindly driven down for us. We
are much obliged, Miss King," Mr. Dinsmore an-
142 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
swered, as he followed his daughter into the
vehicle. " Shall I not relieve you of the reins ? "
" Oh, no, thank you; I'm used to driving, and
fond of it. And, besides, you don't know the
way."
" True. How is my aunt? "
"Quite well. She has been looking forward
with great delight to this visit, as have my sister
Nettie and I also," Lottie answered, with a back-
ward glance of admiring curiosity at Elsie. " I
hope you will be pleased with Lansdale, Miss
Dinsmore; sufficiently so to decide to stay all
summer."
" Thank you; I think it is looking lovely this
morning. Does my aunt live far from the
depot?"
"Not very; about a quarter of a mile."
" Oh, what a pretty place, and what a quaint-
looking little old lady on its porch! " Elsie pres-
ently cried out. " See, papa! "
"Yes, that's Aunt Wealthy, and doesn't she
make a picture standing there under the vines in
her odd dress?" said Miss King, driving up to
the gate. " She's the very oddest, and the very
dearest and sweetest little old lady in the world."
Elsie listened and looked again; this time with
eager interest and curiosity.
Certainly, Aunt Wealthy was no slave to
fashion. The tyrannical dame at that time pre-
scribed gaiter boots, a plain pointed waist and
straight skirt, worn very long and full. Miss
Stanhope wore a full waist made with a yoke and
belt, a gored skirt, extremely scant, and so short
as to afford a very distinct view of a well-turned
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 143
ankle and small, shapely foot encased in snowy
stocking and low-heeled black kid slipper. The
material of her dress was chintz white ground
with a tiny hrown figure finished at the neck
with a wide white ruffle; she had black silk mittf
on her hands, and her hair, which was very gray
was worn in a little knot almost on the top or
her head, and one thick, short curl, held in place
by a puff-comb, on each side of her face.
At sight of the carriage and its occupants, she
came hurrying down the gravel walk, meeting
them as they entered the gate. She took Mr.
Dinsmore's hand, saying, " I am glad to see you,
nephew Horace," and held up her face for a kiss.
Then turning to Elsie, gave her a very warm em-
brace. " So, dear, you've come to see your old
auntie? That's right. Come into the house."
Elsie was charmed with her and with all she
saw; all without was so fresh and bright, every-
thing within so exquisitely neat and clean. The
furniture of the whole house was very plain and
old-fashioned, but Miss Stanhope never thought
of apologizing for what to her wore the double
charm of ownership, and of association with the
happy days of childhood and youth, and loved
ones gone. Nor did her guests deem anything of
the kind called for in the very least; house and
mistress seemed well suited the one to the other;
and Elsie thought it not unpleasant to exchange,
for a time, the luxurious furnishing of her home
apartments for the simple adornments of the one
assigned her here. The snowy drapery of its bed
and toilet-table, its wide-open casements giving
glimpses of garden, lawn, and shrubbery, and the
144 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
beautiful hills beyond, looked very inviting.
There were vases of fresh flowers too, on mantel
and bureau, and green vines peeping in at the
windows. It seemed a haven of rest after the
long, fatiguing journey.
" The child is sweet and fair to look upon,
Horace, but I see nothing of you or my sister in
her face," observed Miss Stanhope, as her nephew
entered the breakfast-room, preceding his daugh-
ter by a moment or two. " Whom does she re-
semble? "
" Elsie is almost the exact counterpart of her
own mother, Aunt Wealthy, and looks like no one
else," he answered, with a glance of proud
fatherly affection at the young creature as she
entered and took her place at the table.
" Now my daughter," he said, at the conclusion
of the meal, " you must go and lie down until
near dinner-time, if possible."
" Yes, that is excellent advice," said Miss Stan-
hope. " I see, and I'm glad, she's worth taking
care of, as you are sensible, Horace. You shall
be called in season, dear. So take a good nap."
Elsie obeyed, retired to her room, slept several
horus, and woke feeling greatly refreshed. Chloe
was in waiting to dress her for dinner.
"Had you a nap too, my poor old mammy?"
asked her young mistress.
"Yes, darlin', I've been lying on that couch,
and feel good as ever now. Hark! what dat?"
" It sounds like a dog in distress," said Elsie, as
they both ran to the window and looked out.
A fat poodle had nearly forced his plump
body between the palings of the front gate in the
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD 145
effort to get into the street, and sticking fast, was
yelping in distress. As they looked Miss Stan-
hope ran quickly down the path, seized him by
the tail, and jerked him back, he uttering a louder
yelp than before.
" There, Albert/' she said, stroking and patting
him, " I don't like to hurt you, but how was I to
get you out, or in? You must be taught that
you're to stay at home, sir. Thomas! Thomas!
come home, Thomas! " she called; and a large cat
came running from the opposite side of the street.
" So those are Aunt Wealthy's pets. What an
odd name for a cat," said Elsie, laughing.
" Yes, Miss Elsie, dey's pets, sure nuff : Phillis
says Miss Wealthy's mighty good t'em."
" There, she is coming in with them, and,
mammy, we must make haste. I'm afraid it's
near dinner-time," said Elsie, turning away from
the window.
Her toilet was just completed when there was
a slight tap on the door, and her father's voice
asked if she was ready to go down.
" Yes, papa," she answered, hurrying to him as
Chloe opened the door.
" Ah, you are looking something like yourself
again," he said, with a pleasant smile, as he drew
her hand within his arm, and led her down the
stairs. " You have had a good sleep? "
" A delicious rest. I must have slept at least
four hours. And you, papa?"
"I took a nap of about the same length, and
feel ready for almost anything in the shape of
dinner, etc. And there is the bell."
Miss Stanhope cast many an admiring glance
146 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
at nephew and niece during the progress of the
meal.
"I'm thinking, Horace," she said at length,
" that it's a great shame I've been left so many
years a stranger to you both."
" I'm afraid it is, Aunt Wealthy; but the great
distance that lies between our homes must be
taken as some excuse. We would have been glad
to see you at the Oaks, but you never came to
visit us."
" Ah, it was much easier for you to come here,"
she replied, shaking her head. " I've been an old
woman these many years. Come," she added,
rising from the table, " come into the parlor, chil-
dren, and let me show you the olden relics of time
I have there things that I value very highly,
because they've been in the family for genera-
tions."
They followed her Elsie unable to forbear a
smile at hearing her father and herself coupled
together as " children " and looked with keen
interest upon some half dozen old family por-
traits, an ancient cabinet of curiosities, a few
musty, time-worn volumes, a carpet that had been
very expensive in its day, but was now somewhat
faded and worn, and tables, sofas, and chairs of
solid mahogany; each of the last-named covered
with a heavily-embroidered silken cushion.
" That sampler," said Aunt Wealthy, pointing
to a large one with a wonderful landscape worked
upon it, that, framed and glazed, hung between
two of the windows, " is a specimen of my pater-
Dai grandmother's handiwork; these chair-
cushions, too, she embroidered and filled with her
ELSIE'S GIKLHOOD. 147
own feathers, so that I value them more than
their weight in gold/'
" My great-grandmother kept a few geese, I
presume/' Mr. Dinsmore remarked aside to Elsie
with a quiet smile.
Having finished their inspection of the parlor
and its curiosities, they seated themselves upon
the front porch, where trees and vines gave a
pleasant shade. Miss Stanhope had her knitting,
Mr. Dinsmore the morning paper, while Elsie sat
with her pretty white hands lying idly in her lap,
doing nothing hut enjoy the beautiful prospect
and a quiet chat with the sweet-voiced old lady.
The talk between them was quite brisk for a
time, but gradually it slackened, till at length
they had been silent for several minutes, and
Elsie, glancing at her aunt, saw her nodding over
her work.
" Ah, you must excuse me, dear," the old lady
said apologetically, waking with a start; " I'm not
very well, and, deary, I woke unusually early this
morning, and have been stirring about ever
since."
"Can't you afford yourself a little nap,
auntie?" Elsie asked in return. "You mustn't
make company of me; and, besides, I have a book
that I can amuse myself with."
"You would be quite alone, child, for I see
your father has gone in."
" I shall not mind that at all, auntie. Do go
and lie down for at least a little while."
" Well, then, dear, I will just lie down on the
sofa in the sitting room, and you must call me if
any one comes."
148 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOL,.
"Aunt Wealthy couldn't have meant for a
child like that, unless she comes on some impor-
tant errand," thought Elsie, as, a few moments
later, a little girl came slowly across the lawn
and stepped upon the porch.
The child looked clean and decent, in a neat
calico dress and gingham sun-bonnet. At sight
of Elsie she stood still, and, gazing with open-
mouthed curiosity, asked, " Be you the rich young
lady that was coming to see Miss Wealthy from
'way down south? "
" I have come from the South to see Miss
Stanhope. What do you wish? "
" Nothin', I just come over 'cause I wanted to."
"Will you take a seat?"
" Yes," taking possession of the low rocking
chair Miss Stanhope had vacated.
"What's your name?" inquired Elsie.
"Lenwilla Ellawea Schilling," returned the
child, straightening herself up with an air of im-
portance; " mother made it herself."
"I should think so," replied Elsie, with a
sparkle of fun in her eye. " And your mother is
Mrs. Schilling, is she?"
"Yes, and pap, he's dead, and my brother's
named Corbinus."
" What do they call you for short? "
" Willy, and him Binus."
" Where do you live? "
" Over yonder," nodding her head towards the
opposite side of the street. ".Mother's comin*
over to see you some time. I guess I'll be going
now." And away she went.
" What did that child want? " asked Miss Stan-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 1*9
hope, coming out just in time to see the little
maiden pass through the gate.
" Nothing but to look at and question me, I be-
lieve." Elsie answered, with an amused smile.
" Ah! she generally comes to borrow some little
thing or other. They're the sort of folks that
always have something they're out of. Mrs. Six-
pence is a very odd sixpence indeed."
" I think the little girl said her last name was
Schilling."
"Ah, yes, so it is: but I'm always forgetting
their exact commercial value," and Aunt Wealthy,
laughed softly. " In fact, I've a very good for-
getting of my own, and am more apt to get names
wrong than right."
" Mrs. Schilling must have an odd taste for
names," said Elsie.
" Yes, she's a manufacturer of them; and very
proud of her success in that line."
Miss Stanhope was a great lover of flowers,
very proud of hers, cultivated principally by her
own hands. After tea she invited her nephew
and niece to a stroll through her garden, while
she exhibited her pets with a very excusable pride
in their variety, beauty, and fragrance.
As they passed into the house again, Phillis
was feeding the chickens in the back yard.
" You have quite a flock of poultry, aunt," re-
marked Mr. Dinsmore.
"Yes, I like to see them running about, and
the eggs you lay yourself are so much better than
any you can buy, and the chickens, too, have quite
another taste. Phillis, what's the matter with
that speckled hen?"
150 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Dunno, mistis; she's been crippled dat way
all dis week."
"Well, well, I dare say it's the boys; one of
them must have thrown a stone and hit her be-
tween her hind legs; they're great plagues. Poor
thing! There, Albert, don't you dare to meddle
with the fowls! Come away, Thomas. That cat
and dog are nearly as bad and troublesome to the
boys as the poultry."
Puss and the poodle followed their mistress
into the house, where Albert lay down at her feet,
while Thomas sprang into her lap, where he stood
purring and rubbing his head against her arm.
" You seem to have a good many pets, auntie,"
Elsie remarked.
" Yes, I am fond of them. A childless old
woman must have something to love. I've an-
other that I'm fonder of than any of these though
my grand-nephew, Harry Duncan. He's away
at school now; but I hope to show him to you one
of these days."
" I should like to see him. Is he a relative of
ors?" Elsie asked, turning to her father.
"No, he belongs to the other side of the
house."
" How soft and fine this cat's fur is, aunt; he's
quite handsome," remarked Elsie, venturing to
stroke Thomas very gently.
" Yes, I raised him, and his mother before him.
My sister Beulah was first husband's child of
Harry's grandmother twice married, and my
mother. Yes, I think a great deal of him, but
was near losing him last winter. A fellow in our
town he's two years old now wanted a buffalo
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 181
robe for his sleigh, and undertook to make it out
of cat-skins. He advertised that he'd give ten
cents for every cat-skin the hoys would hring him.
You know the old saying that you can't have
more of a cat than its skin, and hardly anybody's
was safe after that; they went about catching all
they could lay hands on, even borrowing people's
pets and killing them."
Elsie turned to her father with a very perplexed
look, puzzled to understand who it was that had
married twice, and whether her aunt had stated
Harry's age or that of the cat.
But at that instant steps and voices were heard
upon the porch, and the door-bell rang.
" It's Lottie and her father/' said Miss Stan-
hope, pushing Thomas from her lap. " Come in,
friends, and don't stand for ceremony." For
both doors stood wide open.
" Good-evening," said the young lady, coming
forward, leaning upon the arm of a middle-aged
gentleman. " Mr. Dinsmore, I have brought my
father, Dr. King, to see you."
The gentlemen shook hands, the doctor ob-
serving, " I am happy to make your acquaintance,
Mr. Dinsmore. I brought my daughter along to
introduce me, lest our good Aunt Wealthy here,
in her want of appreciation of nobility and birth,
should, as she sometimes does, give me a rank
lower than my true one, making me to appear
only a Prince, while I am really a King."
A general laugh followed this sally, Miss Stan-
hope insisting that that was a mistake she did
not often make now. Then Elsie was introduced,
and, all being seated again, Dr. King turned to
153 ELSIE "8 GIRLHOOD.
his hostess with the laughing remark, "Well,
Aunt Wealthy, hy way of amends, I'll own up that
my wife says that you're the better doctor of the
two. That bran has done her a world of good."
"Bran?" said Mr. Dinsmore inquiringly.
" Yes, sir; Mrs. King was suffering from indi-
gestion; Miss Stanhope advised her to try eating
a tablespoonful or so of dry bran after her meals,
and it has had an excellent effect/'
" My father learnt it from an old sea-captain,"
said Miss Stanhope; " and it has helped a great
many I've recommended it to. Some prefer to
mi* it with a little cream, or take a little water
with it but the best plan's to take it dry if you
can."
CHAPTEE XII.
When to mischief mortals bend their will,
How soon they find fit instruments of ill.
POPE'S " RAPE OF THE LOCK."
u WHAT, Art, are you going out? "
" Yes."
" Do you know it's after ten? "
" Yes, you just mind your own business, Wai;
learn your lessons, and go off to bed like a good
boy when you get through. I'm old enough to
take care of myself."
" Dear me! I'm awfully afraid he's gone back
to his evil courses, as father says," muttered Wal-
ter Dinsmore to himself, as the door closed upon
his reckless elder brother. " I wonder what I
ought to do about it," he continued, leaning his
head upon his hand, with a worried, irresolute
look; " ought I to report to the governor? No,
I shan't, there then; I don't know anything, and
I never will be a sneak or a tell-tale." And he
drew the light nearer, returned to his book with
redoubled diligence for some ten or fifteen
minutes more; then, pushing it hastily aside, with
a sigh of relief, started up, threw off his clothes,
blew out the light, and tumbled into bed.
Meanwhile Arthur had stolen noiselessly from
the college, and pursued his way into the heart of
the town. On turning a corner he came sud-
denly upon another young man, who seemed to
153
154 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
have been waiting for him; simply remarking,
" You're late to-night, Dinsmore," he faced about
in the same direction, and the two walked on to-
gether.
" Of course; but how can a fellow help it when
he's obliged to watch his opportunit} 7 till the Ar-
gus eyes are closed in sleep, or supposed to be
BO? " grumbled Arthur.
" True enough, old boy; but cheer up, your day
of emancipation must come some time or other,"
remarked his companion, clapping him familiarly
on the shoulder. " Of age soon, aren't you? "
" In about a year. But what good does that
do me? I'm not so fortunate as my older brother
shall have nothing of my own till one or other
of my respected parents sees fit to kick the bucket,
and leave me a pile; a thing which at present
neither of them seems to have any notion of
doing/'
" You forget your chances at the faro-table."
" My chances! You win everything from me,
Jackson. I'm a lame duck now, and if my luck
doesn't soon begin to turn, I'll do something
desperate, I believe."
The lad's tone was bitter, his look reckless and
half despairing.
" Pooh, don't be a spooney! We all have our
aps and downs, and you must take your turn at
both, like the rest."
They had ascended a flight of steps, and Jack-
son rang the bell as he spoke. It was answered
instantly by a colored waiter, who with a silent
bow stepped back and held the door open for their
entrance. They passed in and presently found
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 155
themselves in a large, well-lighted, and hand-
somely-furnished room, where tables were set out
with the choicest viands, rich wine, and trays of
fine cigars.
They seated themselves, ate and drank their fill,
then, each lighting a cigar, proceeded to a saloon,
on the story above, where a number of men were
engaged in playing cards gambling, as was evi-
dent from the piles of gold, silver, and bank-notes
lying here and there upon the tables about which
they sat.
Here also costly furniture, bright light, and
rich wines lent their attractions to the scene.
Arthur took possession of a velvet-cushioned
chair on one side of an elegant marble-topped
table, his companion placing himself in another
directly opposite. Here, seated in the full blaze
of the gas-light, each face was brought out into
strong relief. Both were young, both handsome;
Jackson, who was Arthur's senior by five or six
years, remarkably so; yet his smile was sardonic,
and there was often a sinister expression in his
keen black eye as its glance fell upon his victim,
for such Arthur Dinsmore was no match for his
cunning and unscrupulous antagonist, who was a
gambler by profession.
Arthur's pretended reformation had lasted
scarcely longer than until he was again exposed
to temptation, and his face, as seen in that bril-
liant light, wore unmistakable signs of indulgence
in debauchery and vice. He played in a wild,
reckless way, dealing out his cards with a trem-
bling hand, while his cheek burned and his eye
flashed.
156 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
At first Jackson allowed him to win, and filled
with a mad delight at the idea that " his luck had
turned," the boy doubled and trebled his stakes.
Jackson chuckled inwardly, the game went
on, and at length Arthur found all his gains sud-
denly swept away and himself many thousands of
dollars in debt.
A ghastly pallor overspread his face, he threw
himself back in his chair with a groan, then start-
ing up with a bitter laugh, " Well, I see only one
way out of this," he said. " A word in your ear,
Tom; come along with me. I've lost and you
won enough for one night; haven't we, eh? "
" Well, yes; I'm satisfied if you are." And the
two hurried into the now dark and silent street,
for it was long past midnight, and sober and re-
spectable people generally had retired to their
beds.
" Where are you going? " asked Jackson.
" Anywhere you like that we can talk without
danger of being overheard."
" This way thon, down this street. You see
'tis absolutely silent and deserted."
They walked on, talking in an undertone.
"You'd like your money as soon as you can
get it? " said Arthur.
" Of course; in fact I must have it before very
long, for I'm hard pushed now."
" Suppose I could put you in the way of marry-
ing a fortune, would you hold me quit of all your
claims against me? "
" H'm, that would depend upon the success of
the scheme."
"And that upon your own coolness and skill.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD, 157
I
I think I've heard you spoken of as a woman-
killer? "
"Ha, ha! Yes, I flatter myself that I have
won some reputation in that line, and that not a
few of the dear creatures have been very fond of
me. It's really most too bad to break their soft
little hearts; but then a man can't marry 'em all;
unless he turns Mormon."
Arthur's lips curled with scorn and contempt,
and he half turned away in disgust and aversion;
but remembering that he was in the power of this
man, whom, too late, alas! he was discovering to
be an unscrupulous villain, he checked himself,
and answered in his usual tone, " No, certainly
not; and so you have never yet run your neck into
the matrimonial noose? "
"No, not I, and don't fancy doing so either,
yet I own that a fortune would be a strong temp-
tation. But, I say, lad, if it's a great chance, why
do you hand it over to me? Why not try for it
yourself? It's not your sister, surely? "
" No, indeed; you're not precisely the sort of
brother-in-law I should choose," returned the
boy, with a bitter, mocking laugh. " But stay,
don't be insulted " for his companion had drawn
himself up with an air of offended pride " the
lady in question is but a step farther from me;
she is my brother's daughter."
"Eh! you don't say? A mere child, then, I
presume."
" Eighteen, handsome as a picture, as the say-
ing is, and only too sweet-tempered for my taste."
"And rich you say? that is her father's
wealthy, eh? "
158 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Yes, he's one of the richest men in out
county, but she has a fortune in her own right,
over a million at the very lowest computation."
"Whew! You expect me to swallow that?"
"It's true, true as preaching. You wonder
that I should be so willing to help you to get her.
Well, I owe her a grudge, I see no other way to
get out of your clutches, and I shall put you in
the way of making her acquaintance only on con-
dition that if you succeed we share the spoils."
" Agreed. Now for the modus operandi. You
tell me her whereabouts and provide me with a
letter of introduction, eh? "
" No; on the contrary, you are carefully to con-
ceal the fact that you have the slightest knowl-
edge of me. The introduction must come from
quite-another quarter. Listen, and I'll communi-
cate the facts and unfold my plan. It has been
running in my head for weeks, ever since I heard
that the girl was to spend the summer in the
North with nobody but an old maiden aunt, half-
cracked at that, to keep guard over her; but I
couldn't quite make up my mind to it till to-night,
for you must see, Tom," he added with a forced
laugh, " that it can't be exactly delightful to my
family pride to think of bringing such a dissi-
pated fellow as you into the connection."
" Better look at home, lad. But you are right;
one such scamp is, or ought to be, all-sufficient
for one family."
Arthur said, " Certainly," but winced at the
insinuation nevertheless. It was not a pleasant
reflection that his vices had brought him down to
a level with this man who lived by his wits or
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 159
perhaps more correctly speaking, his rascalities -
of whose antecedents he knew nothing and whom,
with his haughty Southern pride, he thoroughly
despised.
But scorn and loathe him as he might in his
secret soul, it was necessary that he should be
conciliated, because it was now in his power to
bring open disgrace and ruin upon his victim.
So Arthur went on to explain matters and, with
Jackson's assistance, to concoct a plan of getting
Elsie and her fortune into their hands.
As he had said, the idea had been in his mind
for weeks, yet it was not until that day that he
could see clearly how to carry it out. Also, his
family pride had stood in the way until the ex-
citement of semi-intoxication and his heavy
losses had enabled him to put it aside for the
time. To-morrow he would more than half re-
gret the step he was taking, but now he plunged
recklessly into the thing with small regard for
consequences to himself or others.
" Can you imitate the chirography of others? "
he asked.
" Perfectly, if I do say it that shouldn't."
" Then we can manage it. My brother Walter
has kept up a correspondence with this niece ever
since he left home. In a letter received yester-
day she mentions that her father was about leav-
ing her for the rest of the summer. Also that
Miss Stanhope, the old aunt she's staying with,
was formerly very intimate with Mrs. Waters of
this city.
" It just flashed on me at once that a letter of
introduction from her would be the very thing to
160 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
put you at once on a footing of intimacy in Misg
Stanhope's house; and that if you were good at
imitating handwriting we might manage it by
means of a note of invitation which I received
from Mrs. Waters some time ago, and which, as
good luck would have it, I threw into my table
drawer instead of destroying/'
"But who knows that it was written by the
lady herself?"
" I do, for I heard Bob Waters say so."
" Good! have you the note about you? n
" Yes, here it is." And Arthur drew it from
his pocket. " Let's cross over to that lamp-post."
They did so, and Jackson held the note up to
the light for a moment, scanning it attentively.
" Ah, ha! the very thing! no trouble at all about
that," he said, pocketing it with a chuckle of de-
light, " But," and a slight frown contracted his
brows, " what if the old lady should take it into
her head to open a correspondence on the subject
with her old friend?"
" I've thought of that too, but fortunately for
our scheme Mrs. Waters sails for Europe to-mor-
row; and by the way that should be mentioned in
the letter of introduction."
" Yes, so it should. Come to my room at the
Merchants' House to-morrow night, and you shall
find it ready for your inspection. I suppose the
sooner the ball's set in motion the better? " he
added as they moved slowly on down the street.
" Yes, for there's no knowing how long it may
take you to storm the citadel of her ladyship's
heart, or how soon her father may come to the
conclusion that he can't do without her, and go
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 161
and carry her off home. And I tell you, Tom,
you'd stand no chance with him, or with her if
he were there. He'd see through you in five
minutes."
" H'm! What sort is she? "
"The very pious!" sneered Arthur, "and
you're bound to take your cue from that or you'll
make no headway with her at all."
" A hard role for me, Dinsmore. I know noth-
ing of cant."
" You'll have to learn it then; let her once sus-
pect your true character a drinking, gambling,
fortune-hunting roue and she'll turn from you
with the same fear and loathing that she would
feel for a venomous reptile."
"Ha, ha! you're in a complimentary mood to-
night, Dinsmore. Well, well, such a fortune as
you speak of is worth some sacrifice and effort,
and I think I may venture the character of a per-
fectly moral and upright man with a high respect
for religion. The rest I can learn by degrees
from her; and come to think of it, it mightn't be
a bad idea to let her imagine she'd converted
me."
" Capital! The very thing, Tom! But good-
night. I must be off now to the college. I'll
come to your room to-morrow night and we'll
finish the arrangement of all preliminaries."
More than a fortnight had passed since the ar-
rival of Miss Stanhope's guests. It had been a
season of relaxation and keen enjoyment to them,,
to her, and to Dr. King's family, who had joined
them in many a pleasant little excursion to points
of interest in the vicinity, and several sociable
162 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
family picnics among the surrounding hills and
woods. A warm friendship had already sprung
up between the three young girls,, and had done
much toward reconciling Elsie to the idea of
spending the summer there away from her father.
She had finally consented to do so, yet as the
time drew near her heart almost failed her. In
all these years since they went to live together at
the Oaks, they had never been far apart except
once or twice for a few days when he had gone to
New Orleans to attend to business connected with
the care of her property; and only on a very few
occasions, when she paid a little visit in their
own neighborhood, had they been separated for
more than a day.
She could not keep back her tears as she hung
about his neck on parting. " Ah, papa, how can
I do without you for weeks and months?" she
sighed.
" Or I without you, my darling? " he re-
sponded, straining her to his breast. " I don't
know how I shall be able to stand it. You need
not be surprised to see me again at any time, re-
turning to claim my treasure; and in the mean-
while we will write to each other every day. I
shall want to know all you are doing, thinking,
and feeling. You must tell me of all your pur-
suits and pleasures; your new acquaintances,
too, if you form any. In that you must be guided
by the advice of Aunt Wealthy, together with
your father's known wishes. I am sure I can
trust my daughter to obey those in my absence
as carefully as in my presence."
" I think you may, papa. I shall try to do
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD, 163
nothing that you would disapprove, and to at-
tend faithfully to all your wishes."
Mr. Dinsmore left by the morning train, di-
rectly after breakfast. It was a bright, clear
day, and Miss Stanhope, anxious to help Elsie
to recover her spirits, proposed a little shopping
expedition into the village.
" You have not seen our stores yet/' she said,
" and I think we'd better go now before the
sun gets anv hotter. Should you like it, my
dear?"
"Thank you, yes, auntie. I will go and get
ready at once."
Elsie could hardly forbear smiling at the quaint
little figure that met her in the porch a few mo-
ments later, and trotted with quick, short steps
by her side across the lawn and up and down, the
village streets. The white muslin dress with its
short and scanty skirt, an embroidered scarf of
the same material, the close, old-fashioned leg-
horn bonnet, trimmed with one broad strip of
white mantua ribbon, put straight down over the
top and tied under the chin, and the black mitts
and morocco slippers of the same hue, formed
a tout ensemble which, though odd, wat* not un-
pleasant to look upon. In one hand the little
lady carried a very large parasol, in the other a
gayly-colored silk reticule of corresponding size,
this last not by a ribbon or string, but with its
hem gathered up in her hand. All in singular
contrast to Elsie with her slight, graceful form,
fully a head taller, and her simple yet elegant
costume. But the niece no more thought of feel-
ing ashamed of her aunt, than her aunt of her.
164 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD,
They entered a store, and the smiling mer
chant asked, "What can I do for you to-day,
ladies?"
" I will look at shirting muslin, if 3 r ou please,
Mr. Under," replied Miss Stanhope, laying para-
sol and reticule upon the counter.
" Over, if you please, Miss Stanhope," he an-
swered with an amused look. " Just step this
way, and I'll show you a piece that I think will
suit."
" I beg your pardon, I'm always making mis-
takes in names," she said, doing as requested.
" Anything else to-day, ladies ? " he asked when
the muslin had been selected. " I have quite a lot
of remnants of dress goods, Miss Stanhope.
Would you like to look at them? "
" Yes," she answered almost eagerly, and he
quickly spread them on the counter before her.
She selected quite a number, Elsie wondering
what she wanted with them.
" I'll send the package at once," said Mr. Over,
as they left the store.
They entered another where Miss Stanhope's
first inquiry was for remnants, and the same thing
was repeated till, as she assured Elsie, they had
visited every dry-goods store in the place.
" Pretty nice ones, too, some of them are; don't
you think so, dear?"
" Yes, auntie; but do you know you have
etrongly excited my curiosity? "
"Ah! how so?"
" Why, I cannot imagine what you can want
with all those remnants. I'm sure hardly one of
them could be made into a dress for yourself or
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 165
for PhilliSj and you have no little folks to pro-
vide for."
" But other folks have, child, and I shall use
some of the smallest for patchwork."
"Dere's a lady in de parlor, Miss Stanhope,"
said Chloe, meeting them at the gate;. "kind of
lady/' she added with a very broad smile, " come
to call on you, ma'am, and Miss Elsie too."
" We'll just go in without keeping her wait-
ing to take off our bonnets," said Aunt Wealthy,
leading the way.
They found a rather gaudily-dressed, and not
very refined-looking woman, who rose and came
forward to meet them with a boisterous manner,
evidently assumed to cover a slight feeling of em-
barrassment. " Oh, I'm quite ashamed, Aunt
Wealthy, to have been so long in calling to see
your friends; you really must excuse me; it's not
been for want of a strong disinclination, I do
assure you: but you see I've been away a-nursing
of a sick sister."
" Certainly, Mrs. Sixpence."
" Excuse me. Schilling."
" Oh no, not at all, it's my mistake. Elsie,
Mrs. Schilling. My niece, Miss Dinsmore. Sit
down, do. I'm sorry you got here before we were
through our shopping."
"I'm afraid it's rather an early call," began
Mrs. Schilling, her rubicund countenance grow-
ing redder than ever, " but "
" Oh, aunt did not mean that," interposed El-
sie, with gentle kindliness. " She was only re-
gretting that you had been kept waiting."
"Certainly," said Miss Stanhope. "You
166 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
know I'm a sad hand at talking, always getting
the horse before the cart, as they say. But tell
me about your sister. I hope she has recovered.
What ailed her? "
" She had inflammation of the tonsils; she's
better now though; the tonsils is all gone, and
I think she'll get along. She's weak yet; but
that's all. There's been a good bit of sickness
out there in that neighborhood, through the win-
ter and spring; there were several cases of scarlet
fever, and one of small-pox. That one died, and
what do you think, Aunt Wealthy; they had a
reg'lar big funeral, took the corpse into the
church, and asked everybody around to come
to it."
" I think it was really wicked, and that if I'd
been the congregation, every one of me would
have staid away."
" So would I. There now, I'm bound to tell
you something that happened while I was at
father's. My sister had a little girl going on two
years old, and one day the little thing took up a
flat iron, and let it fall on her toe, and mashed
it so we were really afraid 'twould have to be
took off. We wrapped it up in some kind o' salve
mother keeps for hurts, and she kept crying and
screamin' with pain, and we couldn't peacify her
nohow at all, till a lady that was visiting next
door come in and said we'd better give her a few
drops of laud'num. So we did, and would you
believe it? it went right straight down into her
toe, and she stopped cryin', and pretty soon
dropped asleep. I thought it was the curiosest
thing I ever heard of."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 167
"It was a wise prescription, no doubt," re-
turned Miss Stanhope, with a quiet sinile.
" Oh, Aunt Wealthy, won't you tell me how
you make that Farmer's fruit-cake?" asked the
visitor, suddenly changing the subject. " Miss
Dinsmore, it's the nicest thing you ever eat.
You'd be sure it had raisins or currants in it."
" Certainly, Mrs. Schilling. You must soak
three cups of dried apples in warm water over
night, drain off the water through a sieve, chop
the apples slightly, them simmer them for two
hours in three cups of molasses. After that add
two eggs, one cup of sugar, one cup of sweet milk
or water, three-fourths of a cup of butter or lard,
one-half teaspoonful of soda, flour to make a
pretty stiff batter, cinnamon, cloves, and other
spices to suit your taste."
" Oh, yes! but I'm afraid I'll hardly be able to
remember all that."
" I'll write the receipt and send it over to you,"
said Elsie.
Mrs. Schilling returned her thanks, sat a little
longer, conversing in the same lucid style, then
rose and took leave, urging the ladies to call soon,
and run in sociably as often as they could.
She was hardly out of the door before Aunt
Wealthy was beating up her crushed chair-cush-
ions to that state of perfect roundness and
smoothness in which her heart delighted. It
amused Elsie, who had noticed that such was her
invariable custom after receiving a call in her
parlor.
Lottie King and Mrs. Schilling passed each
other on the porch, the one coming in as the
168 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
other went out. Kind Aunt Wealthy, intent on
preventing Elsie from grieving over the empti-
ness of her father's accustomed seat at the table,
had invited her young friend to dinner. The
hour of the meal had, however, not yet arrived,
and the two girls repaired to Elsie's room to
spend the intervening time.
Lottie, in her benevolent desire to be so enter-
taining to Elsie that her absent father should
not be too sorely missed, seized upon the first
topic of conversation which presented itself and
rattled on in a very lively manner.
" So you have begun to make acquaintance
with our peculiar currency, mon ami! An odd
sixpence as Aunt Wealthy calls her. Two of
them I should say, since it takes two sixpences
to make a shilling."
"I don't know; I'm inclined to think Aunt
Wealthy's arithmetic has the right of it, since
she was never more than a shilling, and has lost
her better half," returned Elsie, laughing.
"Better half, indeed! fie on you, Miss Dins-
more! have you so little regard for the honor of
your sex as to own that the man is ever that?
But I must tell you of the time when she sus-
tained the aforesaid loss; and let me observe, sus-
tained is really the proper very properest of
words to express my meaning, for it was very far
from crushing her. While her husband was ly-
ing a corpse, mother went over with a pie, think-
ing it might be acceptable, as people are not apt
to feel like cooking at such a time. She did
not want to disturb the new-made widow in the
jnidst of her grief, and did not ask for her; but
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 169
Mrs. Schilling came to the door. 'Oh, I'm so
much obliged to you for bringing that pie! ' she
said. 'It was so good of you. I hadn't any ap-
petite to eat while he was sick, but now that he's
dead, I feel as if I could eat something. You
and your girls must come over and spend a day
with me some time soon. He's left me full and
plenty, and you needn't be afraid to take a meal's
victuals off me' ! "
"How odd! I don't think she could be quite
broken-hearted."
" No, and she has apparently forgotten him,
and bestowed her affections upon another; a wid-
ower named Wert. Mr. Was, Aunt Wealthy usu-
ally calls him. They both attend our church,
and everybody notices how impossible it seems
to be for her to keep her eyes off him; and you can
never be five minutes in her company without
hearing his name. Didn't she talk of him to-
day?"
" Oh, yes, she spoke of Mr. Wert visiting some
sick man, to talk and pray with him, and re-
joiced that the man did not die till he gave evi-
dence that he was repaired."
" Yes, that sounds like her," laughed Lottie.
" She's always getting the wrong word. I told
you she never could keep her eyes off Mr. Wert.
Well, the other day three or four weeks ago
coming from church he was behind her; she kept
looking back at him, and presently came bump
up against a post. She made an outcry, of course
everybody laughed, and she hurried off with a
very red face. That put an idea into my head,
and " Lottie paused, laughing and blushing-
170 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" I'm half ashamed to tell you, but I believe I
will Nettie and I wrote a letter in a sort of
manly hand, signed his initials, and put it into an
iron pot that she keeps standing near her back
door. The letter requested that she would put
her answer in the same place, and she did. Oh,
it was rich! such a rapture of delight; and such
spelling and such grammar as were used to ex-
press it! It was such fun that we went on, and
there have been half a dozen letters on each side.
I daresay she is wondering why the proposal
doesn't come. Ah, Elsie, I see you don't approve;
you are as grave as a judge."
" I would prefer not to express an opinion; so
please don't ask me."
" But you don't think it was quite right, now
do you?"
" Since you have asked a direct question, Lottie,
dear," Elsie answered, with some hesitation, " I'll
own that it does not seem to me quite according
to the golden rule."
" No," Lottie said, after a moment's pause, in
which she sat with downcast eyes, and cheeks
crimsoning with mortification. " I'm ashamed of
myself, and I hope I shall never again allow my
love of fun to carry me so far from what is true
and kind.
" And so Aunt Wealthy took you out shopping/
and secured the benefit of your taste and judg-
ment in the choice of her remnants?" she ex-
claimed, with a sudden change to a lively, mirth-
ful tone.
" How do you know that she bought rem-
nants ? " asked Elsie, in surprise.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 171
'* Oh, she always does; that's a particular hobby
of the dear old body's; two or three times in a sea-
son she goes around to all the stores, and buys
up the most of their stock; they save the best of
them for her, and always know what she's after
the moment she shows her pleasant face. She
gives them away, generally, to the minister's wife,
telling her the largest are to be made into dresses
for her little girls; and the poor lady is often in
great tribulation, not knowing how to get the
dresses out of such small patterns, and afraid to
put them to any other use, lest Miss Stanhope
should feel hurt or offended. By the way, what
do you think of Aunt Wealthy's own dress?"
" That it is very quaint and odd, but suits her
as no other would."
" I'm so glad! It's just what we all think,
but before you came we were much afraid you
would use your influence to induce her to adopt
a more fashionable attire."
CHAPTER XIII.
Bear fair presence, though your heart be tainted ;
Teach sin the carriage of a holy saint.
SHAKESPEARE'S " COMEDY OF EBRORS.
" IT'S a very handsome present, child, very;
and your old auntie will be reminded of you every
time she uses it, or looks at it."
" Both beautiful and useful, like the giver," re-
marked Lottie.
" It " was a sewing-machine, Elsie's gift to
Aunt Wealthy, forwarded from Cincinnati, by
Mr. Dinsmore; the handsomest and the best to
be found in the city; so Elsie had requested that
it should be, and so he had written that it was.
" I am glad you like it, auntie, and you too,
Lottie," was all she said in response to their
praises, but her eyes sparkled with pleasure at
the old lady's evident delight.
" It " had arrived half an hour before, on this
the second morning after Mr. Dinsmore's depart-
ure, and now stood in front of one of the win-
dows of Aunt Wealthy's bedroom a delightfully
shady, airy apartment on the ground floor, back
of the parlor, and with window and door opening
out upon a part of the lawn where the trees were
thickest and a tiny fountain sent up its showers
of spray.
172
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 178
Miss Stanhope stood at a table, cutting out
shirts. Lottie was experimenting on the machine
with a bit of muslin., and Elsie sat near by with
her father's letter in her hand, her soft dark eyes
now glancing over it for perhaps the twentieth
time, now at the face of one or the other of her
companions, as Lottie rattled on in her usual gay,
flighty style, and Aunt Wealthy answered her
sometimes with a straightforward sentence, and
again with one so topsy-turvy that her listeners
could not forbear a smile.
"For whom are you making shirts, aunt?"
asked Elsie.
" For my boy Harry. He writes that his last
set are going wonderfully fast; so I must send up
another to make."
" You must let us help you, Lottie and I; we
have agreed that it will be good fun for us."
" Thank you, dearie, but I didn't suppose plain
sewing was among your accomplishments."
"Mamma says I am quite a good needle-wo-
man," Elsie replied with a smile and a blush,
" and if I am not it is no fault of hers. She took
great pains to teach me. I cut out a shirt for
papa once, and made every stitch of it myself."
" And she can run the machine too," said Lot-
tie, " though her papa won't let her do so for
more than half an hour at a time, lest she should
hurt herself."
" He's very careful of her, and no wonder,"
Aunt Wealthy responded, with a loving look at
the sweet, fair face. " You may help me a little,
now and then, children, when it just suits your
humor, but I want you to have all the rides and
174 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
walks, the reading and recreation of every sort
that you can enjoy."
" Here comes Lenwilla Ellawea Schilling," said
Lottie, glancing from the window.
" What do you want, Willy? " asked Miss Stan-
hope, as the child appeared in the doorway with
a teacup in her hand.
" Mother wants a little light'ning to raise her
bread."
" Yeast? Oh, yes, just go round to Phillis, and
she'll give you some."
The door-bell rang.
" It's a gentleman," said the child, " I seen him
a-coming in at the gate."
Chloe answered the bell and entered the room
the next moment with a letter, which she handed
to Miss Stanhope.
The old lady adjusted her spectacles and broke
the seal. " Ah, a letter of introduction, and from
my old friend and schoolmate Anna Waters;
wishes me to treat the young man with all the
courtesy and kindness I would show to her own
son, for she esteems him most highly, etc., etc.
Aunt Chloe, what have you done with him?"
" Showed him into de parlor, mistis, and leff
him a-sittin' dar."
"What's his name, auntie?" asked Lottie, as
the old lady refolded the letter and took off her
glasses.
"Bromly Egerton; quite romantic, isn't it?
Excuse me for a few minutes, dears; I must go
and see what he wants."
Aunt Wealthy found a well-dressed, handsome
joung man sea f< ?d on one of her softly-cushioned
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 175
chairs. He rose and came forward to meet her
with courtly ease and grace. " Miss Stanhope, I
presume? "
"You are right, Mr. Ledgerfield. Pray be
seated, sir."
" Thank you, madam, but let me first help you
to a seat. Excuse the correction, but Egerton is
my name."
"Ah, yes! For the sake of my friend, Mrs.
Waters, I welcome you to Lansdale. Do you ex-
pect to make some stay in our town? "
" Well, madam, I hardly had such expectation
before arriving here, but I find it so pretty a place
that I begin to think I can scarcely do better.
My health has been somewhat impaired by very
strict and close attention to business; and my
physician has ordered entire relaxation for a time,
and fresh country air. Can you recommend a
boarding-place in town? Some quiet, private
hotel where drinking and things of that kind
would not be going on. I'm not used to it, and
should find it very disgusting."
" I'm glad to hear such sentiments, young man;
they do you honor. I daresay Mrs. Sixpence,
no, Mrs. Schilling, just opposite here, would take
you in. She told me some weeks ago that she
would be glad to have one or two gentlemen
boarders."
" Thank you, the location would suit me well;
and you think she could give me comfortable ac-
commodations? "
"I do; she has pleasant rooms and is a good
cook."
A widow?"
176 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Yes, not very young, and has two children.
But they are old enough not to be annoying to
a boarder."
" What sort of woman is she? "
" A good manager, neat, industrious, honest^
and obliging. Very suitable for a landlady, if
you are not looking in the person of your hostess
for an intellectual companion."
" Oh, not at all, Miss Stanhope, unless unless
you could find it in your benevolent heart to take
me in yourself; " and his smile was very insinu-
ating. " In that case I should have the luxury of
intellectual companionship superadded to the
other advantages of which you have spoken."
The old lady smiled, but shook her head quite
decidedly. " I have lived so long in the perfect
house that I should not know how to give it up.
I have come to think men a care and a trouble
that I cannot take upon me in my old age."
" Excuse me, my dear madam, for the unwar-
rantable liberty I took in asking it," he said in
an apologetic tone, and with a slightly embar-
rassed air. " I beg ten thousand pardons."
" That is a great many," she answered with a
smile, "but you may consider them all granted.
I hope you left my friend Mrs. Waters well? I
must answer her letter directly."
" Ah, then you are not aware that she is al-
ready on her way to Europe? "
"No, is she indeed?"
"Yes, she sailed the day after that letter was
written; which accounts for the date not being
a very recent one. You see I did not leave imme-
diately on receiving it from her."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. Ill
She was beginning to wish that he would go,
but he lingered for some time, vainly hoping for
a glimpse of Elsie. On finally taking his leave,
he asked her to point out Mrs. Schilling's house,
and she noticed that he went directly there.
" Keally, auntie, we hegan to think that your
visitor must intend to spend the day," cried Lot-
tie, as Miss Stanhope returned to her room and
her interrupted employment.
"Ah? Well it was not my urging that kept
him; I was very near telling him that he was
making me waste a good deal of time " replied
the old lady; then seeing that Lottie was curious
on the subject, she kindly went on to tell all that
she had learned in regard to the stranger and his
intentions.
Elsie was amusing herself with Thomas, trying
to cajole him to return to the frolicsomeness of
his long-forgotten kittenhood, and did not seem
to hear or heed. What interest for her had this
stranger, or his doings?
" Young and handsome, you say, Aunt
Wealthy? and going to stay in Lansdale all sum-
mer? Would you advise me to set my cap for
him? "
" No, Lottie; not I."
"You were not smitten with the gentleman,
eh?"
" Not enough to spare him to you anyhow, but
he may improve upon acquaintance."
" I don't approve of marrying, though, do you,
auntie? Your practice certainly seems to speak
disapproval."
" Perhaps every one does not have the oppor-
178 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
tunity, my dear," answered the old lady, with a
quiet smile.
" Oh, but you must have had plenty of them.
Isn't that so? and why did you never accept? "
Elsie dropped the string she had been waving
before the eyes of the cat, and looked up with
eager interest.
"Yes, I had offers, and one of them I ac-
cepted," replied Aunt Wealthy, with a slight sigh,
while a shade of sadness stole over her usually
happy face, " but my friends interfered and the
match was broken off. Don't follow my example,
children, but marry if the right one comes
along."
" Surely you don't mean if our parents refuse
their consent, auntie?" Elsie's tone spoke both
surprise and disapproval.
"No, no, child! It is to those who keep the
fifth commandment God promises long life and
prosperity."
" And love makes it so easy and pleasant to
keep it." murmured Elsie, softly, and with a
sweet, glad smile on her lips and in her eyes,
thinking of her absent father, and almost uncon-
sciously thinking aloud.
"Ah, child, it can sometimes make it very
hard," said Miss Stanhope, with another little
sigh, and shaking her head rather sadly.
"Elsie, you must have had lots of lovers be-
fore this, I am sure! " exclaimed Lottie, stopping
her machine, and facing suddenly round upon
her friend. " No girl as rich and beautiful as
you are could have lived eighteen years without
such an experience."
FLSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 179
Elsie only smiled and blushed.
" Come now, am I not right? " persisted Lottie.
"I do assure you that I have actually lived
to this mature age quite heart-whole/' laughed
Elsie. " If I have an idol, it is papa, and I don't
believe anybody can ever succeed in displacing
him."
"You have quite misunderstood me, wilfully
or innocently I asked of your worshippers, not
of your idols. Haven't you had offers?"
" Several; money has strong attractions for
most men, papa tells me."
" May the Lord preserve you from the sad fate
of a woman married for her money, dear child! "
ejaculated Aunt Wealthy, with a glance of anx-
ious affection at her lovely niece. " I'm some-
times tempted to think a large amount of it alto-
gether a curse and an affliction."
"It is a great responsibility, auntie," replied
Elsie, with a look of gravity beyond her years.
Then after a moment's pause, her expression
changing to one of gayety and joy, " Now, if yon
and Lottie will excuse me for a little, I'll run up
to my room, and answer papa's letter," she said,
rising to her feet. " After which I shall be ready
to make myself useful in the capacity of seam-
stress. Au revoir." And she tripped away with
a light, free step, every movement as graceful as
those of a young gazelle.
Mr. Bromly Egerton, alias Tom Jackson, was
fortunate enough to find Mrs. Schilling at home.
It was she who answered his knock,
" Good-day, sir," she said. " Will you walk in?
Just step into the parlor here, and take a seat."
180 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
He accepted the invitation and stated his busi-
ness without preface, or waiting to be questioned
at all.
She seemed to be considering for a moment.
" Well, yes, I can't say as I'd object to taking a
few gentlemen boarders, but I'd want to know
who you be, and all about you."
" Certainly, ma'am, that's all right. I'm from
the East; rather broken down with Lard work
a business man, you see and want to spend the
summer here to recruit. Pitched upon your town
because it strikes me as an uncommonly pretty
place. I brought a letter of introduction to your
neighbor, Miss Stanhope, and she recommended
me to come here in search of board, saying you'd
make a capital landlady."
' " Well, if she recommends you, it's all right.
Would you like to look at the rooms ? "
She had two to dispose of one at the back and
the other in the front of the house, both cheer-
ful, airy, of reasonable size, and neatly furnished.
He preferred the latter, because it overlooked
Miss Stanhope's house and grounds.
As he stood at the window, taking note of this,
a young girl appeared at the one opposite. For
one minute he had a distinct view of her face as
she stood there and put out her hand to gather
a blossom from the vine that had festooned itself
so gracefully over the window.
He uttered an exclamation of delighted sur-
prise, and turning to his companion asked, " Who
ig she?"
" Miss Dinsmore, Miss Stanhope's niece. She's
here on a visit to her aunt. She's from the South,
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 181
and worth a mint of money, they say. Aint she
handsome though? handsome as a picture?"
"Posh! handsome doesn't begin to express it!
Why, she's angelic! But there! she's gone! " And
he drew a long breath as he turned away.
" You'd better conclude to take this room if
you like to look at her," artfully suggested Mrs.
Schilling. "That's her bedroom window, and
she's often at it. Besides, you can see the whole
front of Miss Stanhope's place from here, and
watch all the comings and goings o' the girls
Miss Dinsmore, and Miss Nettie and Lottie
King."
"Who are they?"
" Kind o' fur-off cousins to Miss Stanhope.
They live in that next house to hern, and are
amazin' thick with her, runnin' in and out all
times o' day. Nice, spry, likely girls they be too,
not bad-lookin' neither, but hardly fit to hold a
candle to Miss Dinsmore, as fur as beauty's con-
cerned. Well, what do you say to the room,
Mr. Egerton? "
" That I will take it, and would like to have
immediate possession."
"All right, sir; fetch your traps whenever
you've a mind; right away, if you like."
There was no lack of good society in Lansdale.
It had even more than the usual proportion of
well-to-do, intelligent, educated, and refined
people to be found in American villages of its
size. They were hospitable folks, too, disposed to
be kind to strangers tarrying in their midst, and,
Miss Stanhope being an old resident, well known
and highly esteemed, spite of her eccentricities,
182 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
her friends had received a good deal of attention.
Elsie had already become slightly acquainted with
a number of pleasant families; a good many
young girls, and also several young gentlemen
had called upon her, and Lottie assured her there
were many more to come.
" Some of the very nicest are apt to be slow
about calling we're such busy folks here," she
said, laughing. " I've a notion, too, that several
of the beaux stood rather in awe of your papa."
They were talking together over their sewing,
after Elsie had come down from finishing her let-
ter, and sent Chloe to the post-office with it.
"I don't wonder," she answered, looking up
with a smile; " there was a time, a long while ago,
when I was very much afraid of .him myself; and
even now I have such a wholesome dread of his
displeasure as would keep me from any act of
disobedience, if love was not sufficient to do that
without help from any other motive."
" You are very fond of him, and he of
you? "
"Yes, indeed! how could it be otherwise when
for so many years each was all the other had?
But I'm sure, quite sure that neither of u-s loves
the other less because now we have mamma and
darling little Horace."
" I should like to know them both," said Miss
Stanhope. " I hope your father will bring them
with him when he comes back for you."
" Oh, I hope he will! I want so much to have
you know them. Mamma is so dear and sweet,
almost as dear as papa himself. And Horace
well, I can't believe there ever was quite such an-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 183
other darling to be found," Elsie continued, with
a light, joyous laugh.
" Ah! " said Aunt Wealthy with a sigh and a
smile, " it is a good and pleasant thing to be
young and full of life and gayety, and to have
kind, wise parents to look to for help and guid-
ance. You will realize that when you grow old
and have to be a prop for others to lean upon
instead."
" Yes, dear auntie," Elsie answered, giving her
a look of loving reverence, " but surely the pass-
ing years must have brought you so much wisdom
and self-reliance that that can be no such very
hard task to you."
" Ah, child! " replied the old lady, shaking her
head, " I often feel that my stock of those is very
small. But then how sweet it is to remember
that I have a Father to whom I never shall grow
old; never cease to be His little child, in constant
need of His tender, watchful care to guard and
guide. Though the gray hairs are on my head,
the wrinkles of time, sorrow, and care upon my
brow, He does not think me old enough to be left
to take care of myself. No; He takes my hand in
His and leads me tenderly and lovingly along,
choosing each step for me, protecting me from
harm, and providing for all my needs. What
does He say? 'Even to your old age I am He;
and even to hoar hairs will I carry you' ! "
" Such sweet words! They almost reconcile
one to growing old," murmured Lottie, and Aunt
Wealthy answered, with a subdued gladness in
her tones, " You need not dread it, child, for does
not every year bring us nearer home? "
184 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
The needles flew briskly until the dinner-bell
sounded its welcome summons.
" We shall finish two at least this afternoon,
I think," said Lottie, folding up her work.
" No, we've had sewing enough for to-day," re-
plied Miss Stanhope. " I have ordered the car-
riage at two. We will have a drive this afternoon,
and music this evening; if you and Elsie do not
consider it too much of a task to play and sing
for your old auntie."
" A task, Aunt Wealthy! It would be a double
delight giving you pleasure and ourselves en-
joying the delicious tones of that splendid piano.
Its fame has already spread over the whole town,"
she added, turning to Elsie, "and between its
attractions and those of its owner, I know there'll
be a great influx of visitors here."
Elsie was a very fine musician, and for her ben-
efit during her stay in Lansdale, Mr. Dinsmore
had had a grand piano sent on from the East, or-
dering it in season to have it arrive almost as
soon as they themselves.
" Yes, Lottie is quite right about it, Aunt
Wealthy, and you shall call for all the tunes you
want," Elsie said, noticing her friend's prediction
merely by a quiet smile.
" You don't know how I enjoy that piano,"
Lottie rattled on as they began their meal. " It
must be vastly pleasant to have plenty of money
and such an indulgent father as yours, Elsie. Not
that I would depreciate my own at all I
wouldn't exchange him even for yours but he,
you see, has more children and less money."
"Yes, I think we are both blessed in our
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 185
fathers/' answered Elsie. " I admire yours very
much; and mine is, indeed, very indulgent, though
at the same time very strict; he never spares ex-
pense or trouble to give me pleasure. But the
most delightful thing of all is to know that he
loves me so very, very dearly; " and the soft eyes
shone with the light of love and joy.
It was nearly tea time when the)'' returned
from their drive, some lady callers having pre-
vented them from setting out at the early hour
intended.
" Now I must run right home/' said Lottie, as
they alighted. " Mother complains that she gets
no good of me at all of late."
"Well, she has Nettie," returned Miss Stan-
hope, " and she told me Elsie and I might have
all we wanted of you till the poor child gets a
little used to her father's absence."
" Did she, Aunt Wealthy? There, I'll remind
her of that, and also of the fact that Nettie is
worth two of me any day."
" And you'll come back to spend the evening?
Indeed you must, or how is Elsie to learn her
visitors' names? You know I could never get
them straight. But there's the tea-bell, so come
in with us. No need to go home till bed-time,
or till to-morrow, that I can see."
" Thank you, but of course, auntie, I want to
primp a bit, just as you did in your young days,
when the beaux were coming. So good-bye for
the present," she cried, skipping away with a
merry laugh, Miss Stanhope calling after her to
bring Nettie along when she returned.
" We have so many odd names in this town,
186 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
and I such an odd sort of memory, that I make a
great many mistakes," said the old lady, leading
the way to the house.
Elsie thought that was all very true, when in
the course of the evening she was introduced to
Mr. Comings, Mr. Tizard, Mr. Stop, Miss Lock,
and Miss Over, and afterward heard her aunt ad-
dress them variously as " Mr. In-and-out," " Mr.
Wizard," "Mr. Lizard," "Mr. Quit," "Miss Un-
der," and " Miss Key."
But the old lady's peculiarity was so well
known that no one thought of taking offence; and
her mistakes caused only mirth and amusement.
Lottie's prediction was so fully verified that
Elsie seemed to be holding a sort of levee.
" What faultless features, exquisitely beautiful
complexion, and sweet expresion she has."
" What a graceful form, what pleasant, affable
manners, so entirely free from affectation or hau-
teur; no patronizing airs about her either, 'but
perfect simplicity and kindliness." " And such
a sweet, happy, intelligent face." " Such beauti-
ful hair too; did you notice that? so abundant,
soft and glossy, and such a lovely color." " Yes,
and what simple elegance of dress." " She's an
accomplished musician, too, and has a voice as
sweet, rich, and full as a nightingale's," remarked
one and another as they went away. The unani-
mous verdict seemed to be, that the young-
stranger was altogether charming.
Across the street, Mrs. Schilling's boarder
paced to and fro, watching the coming and going,
listening to the merry salutations, and gay adieux,
the light laughter, and the sweet strains of music
ELSIE'S GIELHOOD. 187
and song, till the desire to make one of the happy
throng grew so strong upon him that it was no
longer to be resisted.
" I will go in with those," he muttered, cross-
ing over just in time to enter directly in the rear
of a lady and gentleman, whom he saw coming
up the street. " Miss Stanhope invited me to call
again, without particularizing how soon, and I
can turn my speedy acceptance into a compliment
to their music, without even a white lie, for it
does sound extremely attractive to a lonely, idle
fellow like me."
Miss Stanhope met him at the door, would
scarce listen to his apology insisting that " none
was needed; one who had come to her with such
an introduction from so valued a friend as Mrs.
Waters, must always be a welcome guest in her
house " and ushering him into the parlor, in-
troduced him to her niece, and all others
present.
A nearer and more critical view of Elsie only
increased his admiration; he thought her the love-
liest creature he had ever seen. But it did not
suit his tactics to show immediately any strong
attraction toward her, or desire to win her regard.
For this evening he devoted himself almost ex-
clusively to Miss Stanhope, exerting all his powers
to make a favorable impression upon her.
In this he was entirely successful. He had,
when he chose, most agreeable and polished man-
ners. Also he had seen much of the world, pos-
sessed a large fund of general information, and
knew exactly how to use it to the best advantage.
With these gifts, very fine, expressive eyes, regu-
188 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
lar features, and handsome person, no wonder
he could boast himself " a woman-killer."
Aunt Wealthy, though old enough to be invul-
nerable to Cupid's arrows, showed by her warm
praises, after he had left that evening, that she
was not proof against his fascinations.
CHAPTER XIY.
Your noblest natures are most credulous.
CHAPMAN.
BKOMLY EGERTOX (we give him the name by
which he had become known to our friends in
Lansdale) considered it "a very lucky chance"
that had provided him a boarding-place so near
the temporary home of his intended victim. He
felicitated himself greatly upon it, and lost no
time in improving to the utmost all the advan-
tages it conferred. It soon came to be a custom-
ary thing for him to drop in at Miss Stanhope's
every day, or two or three times a day, and to
join the young girls in their walks and drives,
for, though at first paying court to no one but
the mistress of the mansion, he gradually turned
his attention more and more to her niece and
Miss King.
As their ages were so much nearer his this
seemed perfectly natural, and excited no suspi-
cion or remark. Aunt "Wealthy was quite willing
to resign him to them; for a very child in inno-
cent trustfulness she had no thought of any
evil design on the part of the handsome, attract-
ive young stranger so warmly recommended to
her kindness and hospitality by an old and val-
ued friend, and only rejoiced to see the young
folks enjoying themselves so much together.
Before leaving Lansdale Mr. Dinsmore had
190 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
provided his daughter with a gentle, but spirited
and beautiful little pony, and bade her ride out
every day when the weather was favorable, as was
her custom at home. At the same time he cau-
tioned her never to go alone: but always to have
Simon riding in her rear, and, if possible, a lady
friend at her side.
Dr. King was not wealthy, and having a large
family to provide for, kept no horse except the
one he used in his practice; but Elsie, with her
well-filled purse, was more than content to fur-
nish ponies for her friends Lottie and Nettie
whenever they could accompany her; and mat-
ters were so arranged by their indulgent mother
that one or both could do so every day.
It was not long before Mr. Egerton joined them
in these excursions also, having made an arrange-
ment with a livery-stable keeper for the daily use
of a horse. And gradually his attention, in the
beginning about equally divided between the two,
or the three, were paid more and more exclusively
to Elsie.
She was not pleased with him in their earlier
interviews, she could scarcely have told why; but
there was an intuitive feeling that he was not
one to be trusted. That, however, gradually gave
way under the fascinations of his fine person,
agreeable manners, and intellectual conversation.
He was very plausible and captivating, ehe full
of charity and ready to believe the best of every-
body, and so, little by little, he won her confi-
dence and esteem so completely that at length
she had almost forgotten that her first impres-
sion had not been favorable.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 191
He went regularly to the church she, her aunt,
and the Kings attended, appearing an interested
listener, and devout worshipper; and that not on.
the Sabbath only, but also at the regular week-
day evening service; he seemed also to choose his
associates among good, Christian people. The
natural inference from all this was that he too
was a Christian, or at least a professor of re-
ligion; and thus all our friends soon came to look
upon him as such, and to feel the greater friend-
ship for, and confidence in him.
He found that Elsie's beauty would bear the
closest scrutiny, that her graces of person and
mind were the more apparent the more thor-
oughly she was known; that she was highly edu-
cated and accomplished, possessed of a keen in-
tellect, and talents of no common order, and a
wonderful sweetness of disposition. He ac-
knowledged to himself that, even leaving money
out of the question, she was a prize any man.
might covet; yet that if she were poor, he would
never try to win her. A more voluptuous woman
would have suited him better. Elsie's very purity
made her distasteful to him, his own character
seeming so much blackened by contrast that at
times he could but loathe and despise himself.
But her fortune was an irresistible attraction,
and he resolved more firmly than ever to leave
no stone unturned to make himself master of it.
He soon perceived that he had many rivals,
but he possessed one advantage over them all in
his entire leisure from business, leaving him at
liberty to devote himself to her entertainment
during the day as well as the evening.
192 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
For a while he greatly feared that he had at
more dangerous rival at a distance; for, watch-
ing from his windows, he saw that every morning
Simon brought one or more letters from the post,
and that Elsie was usually on the front porch
awaiting his coming; that she would often come
flying across the lawn, meet her messenger at the
gate, and snatching her letter with eager, joyful
baste, rush back to the house with it, and disap-
pear within the doorway. Then frequently he
would see her half an hour later looking so rosy
and happy, that he could hardly hope her corres-
pondent was other than an accepted lover.
For weeks he tormented himself with this idea;
the more convinced that he was right in his con-
jecture, because she almost always posted her re-
ply with her own hands, when going out for her
daily walk, or sent it by her faithful Chloe; but
oae day, venturing a jest upon the subject, she
answered him, with a merry laugh, " Ah, you are
no Yankee, Mr. Egerton, to make such a guess
as that! I have a number of correspondents, it
is true; but the daily letter I am so eager for
comes from my father."
"Is it possible, Miss Dinsmore! do you really
receive and answer a letter from your father
every day? "
" We write every day, and each receives a let-
ter from the other every day but Sunday; on that
day we never go or send to the post-office; and
we write only on such subjects as are suited to
the sacredness of its Sabbath rest. I give papa
the text and a synopsis of the sermon I have
heard, and he does the same by me."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 193
" You must be extremely strict Sabbath-
keepers."
" We are, but not more so than the Bible
teaches that we should be."
" But isn't it very irksome? don't you find the
day very long and tedious?"
" Not at all; I think no other day in the week
is quite so short to me, none, I am sure, so de-
lightful."
" Then it isn't only because your aunt is strict
too, that you go on keeping your father's rules,
while you are at a safe distance from him? " he
queried in a half jesting tone.
Elsie turned her soft eyes full upon him, as she
answered with gentle gravity: " I feel that the
commands of both my earthly and my heavenly
Father are binding upon me at all times, and ia
all places, and I hope I may ever be kept from
becoming an eye-servant. Love makes it easy to
obey, and God's commands are not grievous to
those who love him."
" I beg your pardon," he said; " but to go back
to the letters, how can you fill one every day to
your father? I can imagine that lovers might, in
writing to each other, but fathers and daughters
would not be apt to indulge in that sort of non-
sense."
'' But Mr. Dinsmore and Elsie are no common
father and daughter," remarked Lottie, who had
not spoken for the last ten minutes.
" And can find plenty to say to each other,"
added Elsie, with a bright look and smile.
" Papa likes to hear just how I am spending my
time, what I see in my walks, what new plants
194 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
and flowers I find, etc., etc.; what new acquaint-
ances I make, what books I am reading, and what
I think of them."
" The latter or the former? " he asked, resum-
ing his jesting tone.
"Both. And I tell him almost everything.
Papa is my confidant; more so than any other
person in the world."
They were returning from a walk over the
hills, and had just reached Miss Stanhope's gate.
Mr. Egerton opened it for the ladies, closed it
after them, bowed a good-morning and retired,
wondering if he was mentioned in those letters
to Mr. Dinsrnore, and cautioning himself to be
exceeding careful not to say or do a single thing
which, if reported there, might be taken as a
warning of danger to the heiress.
The girls ran into Miss Wealthy's room, and
found her lamenting over a white muslin apron.
"What is it, auntie?" Elsie asked.
" Why, just look here, child, what a hole I have
made in this! It had got an ink-stain on it, and
Phillis had put one of Harry's new shirts into a
tin basin, and iron-rusted it; so I thought I would
try some citric acid on them both; and I did; but
probably made it too strong, and this is how it
served the apron."
"And the shirt? "'asked Lottie, interested for
the garment she had helped to make.
" Well, it's a comfort I handled it very gingerly,
and it seems to be sound yet, after I saw what
this has come to."
"It is quite a pity about the apron; for it
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 195
really is a very pretty one," said Elsie, " the acid
must have been very strong."
" Yes, and I am sorry to have the apron ruined,
but after all, I shall not care so very much, if it
only doesn't eat Harry's tail off, and it will make
a little one for some child."
Both girls laughed. It was impossible to re-
sist the inclination to do so.
" The shirt's tail I mean, of course, and a little
apron/' said Miss Wealthy, joining in the mirth;
" that's where the spots all happen to be, which
is a comfort in case a piece should have to be
set in."
" There comes Lenwilla Ellawea; for some more
light'ning, I suppose, as I see she carries a teacup
in her hand," whispered Lottie, glancing from
the window, as a step sounded upon the gravel
walk. " Good-morning, little sixpence; what are
you after now? " she added aloud, as the child ap-
peared in the open doorway.
"Mother's out o' vinegar, and dinner's just
ready, and the gentleman '11 want some for his
salad, and there aint no time to send to the
grocery. And mother says, will you lend her a
teacupful, Aunt Wealthy? And she's goin' to
have some folks there to-night, and she says
you're all to come over."
" Tell her we're obliged, and she's welcome to
the vinegar," said Miss Stanhope, taking the cup
and giving it to Chloe to fill. " But what sort of
company is it to be? "
"I dunno; ladies and gentlemen, but no
married folks, I heard her say. She's goin' to
29S ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
have nuts, and candies, and things to hand round,
and you'd better come. I hope that pretty lady
will," in a stage whisper, bending toward Miss
Stanhope, as she spoke, and nodding at Elsie.
All three laughed.
" Well, I'll try to coax her," said Aunt Wealthy,
as Chloe re-entered the room. " And here's your
vinegar. You'd better hurry home with it."
"Aunt Wealthy, you can't want me to go
there! " cried Elsie, as the child passed out of
hearing. " Why, the woman is not a lady, and I
am sure papa would be very unwilling to have me
make an associate of her. He is very particular
about such matters."
" She is not educated or very refined, it is true,
my child; and I must acknowledge is a little silly,
too; but she is a clever, kind-hearted woman, a
member of the same church with myself, and a
near neighbor whom I should feel sorry to hurt;
and I am sure she would be much hurt if you
should stay away, and deeply gratified by your
attendance at her little party."
" I wouldn't miss it for anything! " cried
Lottie, pirouetting about the room, laughing and
clapping her hands; " she has such comical ways
of talking and acting. I know it will be real fun.
You won't think of staying away, Elsie?"
" I really do not believe your father would
object, if he were here, my child," added Miss
Stanhope, laying her hand on her niece's shoul-
der and looking at her with a kindly persuasive
smile.
" Perhaps not, auntie; and he bade me obey
you in his absence; so if you bid me, I will go,"
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 197
Elsie answered, returning the smile, and touch-
ing her ruby lips to the faded cheek.
" That's a dear/' cried Lottie. " Hold her to
her word, Aunt Wealthy. And now I must run
home, and see if Nettie's had an invite, and what
she's going to wear."
The ladies were just leaving the dinner-table,
when Mrs. Schilling came rushing in. " Oh, ex-
cuse my informality in not waiting to ring, Miss
Stanhope; but I'm in the biggest kind of a hurry.
I've just put up my mind to make some sponge-
cake for to-night, and I thought I'd best run
over and get your prescription; you always have so
much better luck than me. I don't know whether
it's all in the luck though, or whether it's partly
the difference in prescriptions I know some fol-
lows one, and some another and so, if you'll
let me have yours, I'll be a thousand times
obliged."
" Certainly, Mrs. Sixpence, you'll be as many
times welcome," returned Aunt Wealthy, going
for her receipt-book. " It's not to be a large
party, is it? " she asked, coming back.
" No, ma'am, just a dozen or so of the young
folks; such ladies and gentlemen which I thought
would be agreeable to meet Miss Dinsmore. I
hope you'll both be over and bright and early too;
for I've heard say you don't never keep very late
hours, Mise Dinsmore."
" No, papa does not approve of them; not for
me at least. He is so careful of me, so anxious
that I should keep my health."
" Well, I'm sure that's all right and kind. But
yoirll come, both of you, won't you? " And re-
198 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
ceiving an assurance that such was their inten-
tion, she hurried away as fast as she had come.
" I wonder she cares to make a party when she
must do all the work of preparing for it herself,"
said Elsie, looking after her as she sped across
the lawn.
" She is strong and healthy, and used to work;
and doubtless feels that it will be some honor and
glory to be able to boast of having entertained the
Southern heiress who is visiting Lansdale," Miss
Stanhope answered in a half-jesting tone.
Elsie looked amused, then grave, as she replied:
" It is rather humbling to one's pride to be valued
merely or principally on account of one's wealth.'"'
" Yes; but, dearie, those who know you don't
value you for that, but for your own dear, lovable
self. My darling, your old aunt is growing very
fond of you, and can hardly bear to think how
soon your father will be coming to carry you
away again," she added, twinkling away a tear,
as she took the soft, white hand, and pressed it
affectionately in both her own.
" And I shall be so sorry to leave you, auntie.
I wish we could carry you away with us. I have
so often thought how happy my friend Lucy Car-
rington ought to be in having such a nice grand-
ma. I have never had one, you know; for papa's
stepmother would never own me for her grand-
child; but you seem to be the very one I have
always longed for."
" Thank you, dear," and Miss Stanhope sighed
slightly. " Had your own grandmother, my
sweet and dear sister Eva, been spared to this
time, you would have had one to love and be
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 199
proud of. Now, do you want to take a siesta?
you must feel tired after this morning's long
tramp, I should think, and I want you to be very
bright and fresh to-night, that it may not harm
you if you should happen to be kept up a little
later than usual. You see I want to take such
care of you, that when your father comes he can
see only improvement in you, and feel willing to
let me have you again some day."
" Thank you, you dear old auntie! " Elsie an-
swered, giving her a hug. '* I'm sure even he
could hardly be more kindly careful of me than
you are. But I am not very tired, and sitting in
an easy-chair will give me all the rest I need.
Haven't you some work for me? I've done noth-
ing but enjoy myself in the most idle fashion all
day."
" No, my sewing's all done now that the shirts
are finished. But I must lie down whether you
will or not. I can't do without my afternoon
nap."
" Yes, do, auntie; and I shall begin to-morrow's
letter to papa; finishing it in the morning with
an account of the party."
She was busy with her writing when Lottie
burst in upon her.
" I ran in," she said, " to propose that we all
go over there together, and to ask you to come
into our house when you're dressed. Nettie and
I are going to try a new style of doing up our hair,
and we want your opinion about its becoming-
ness."
" 111 be happy to give it for what it is worth."
" By the way, I admire your style extremely;
200 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
but of course no one conld imitate it who was not
blessed with a heavy suit of natural curls. You
always wear it one way, don't you? "
" Yes, papa likes it so, but until within the
last year, he would not let me have it in a comb
at all."
She wore it now gathered into a loose knot be-
hind, and falling over a comb, in a rich mass of
shining curls, while in front it waved and rippled
above her white forehead, or fell over it, in soft,
tiny, golden brown rings.
" It is so beautiful! " continued Lottie, passing
her hand caressingly over it; "and so is its
wearer. Oh, if I were only a gentleman! "
" You don't wish it," said Elsie, laughing. " I
don't believe a real, womanly woman ever does.'*
"You don't, hey? Well, I must go; for I've a
lot to do to Lot King's wearing apparel. Adieu,
mon cher. Nay, don't disturb yourself to come
to the door."
Elsie came down to tea ready dressed for the
evening, in simple white, with a white rose in her
hair.
" I like your taste in dress, child," said Aumt
Wealthy, regarding her with affectionate admira-
tion. " The rose in your hair is lovely, and you
seem to me like a fresh, fair, sweet flower, your-
self."
" Ah, how pleasant it is to be loved, auntie, for
love always sees through rose-colored spectacles,"
answered the young girl gayly.
"I promised Lottie to run in there for a mo-
ment to give my opinion about their appearance,"
she said, as they rose from the table. " I'll not
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD 201
be gone long; and they're to come in and go with
us."
She found her friends in the midst of their
hair-dressing.
"Isn't it a bore?" cried Lottie. "How for-
tunate you are in never having to do this for
yourself."
" Why," said Elsie, " I was just admiring your
independence, and feeling ashamed of my own
helplessness."
" Did you ever try it," asked Nettie; " doing
your own hair, I mean?"
" No, never."
" Did yon ever dress yourself? "
" No, I own that I have never so much as put
on my own shoes and stockings," Elsie answered
with a blush, really mortified at the thought.
" Well, it is rather nice to .be able to help your-
self," remarked Lottie complacently. " There!
mine's done; what do you think of it, Miss Dins-
more?"
" That it is very pretty and extremely becom-
ing. Girls, mammy will dress your hair for you
at any time, if you wish."
" Oh, a thousand thanks! " exclaimed Nettie.
" Do you think she would be willing to come over
and do mine now? I really can't get it to suit
me, and I know Lot wants to put on her dress."
" Yee, I'll go back and send her."
" Oh, no; don't go }^et; can't we send for her? "
" That would do; but I told Aunt Wealthy I
wouldn't stay long; so I think I'd better go. Per-
haps 1 can be of use to her."
* I don't believe she'll need any help with hei
202 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD
toilet," said Lottie, " she does it all her own way;
but I daresay she grudges every minute of your
company. I know I should. Isn't she sweet and
lovely, and good as she can be? " she added to her
sister as Elsie left the room.
" Yes, and how tastefully she dresses; every-
thing is rich and beautiful, yet so simply elegant;
what magnificent lace she wears, and what jew-
elry; yet not a bit too much of either."
"And she knows all about harmony of colors,
and what suits her style; though I believe she
would look well in anything."
There was a communicating gate between Dr.
King's grounds and Miss Stanhope's, and Elsie
gained her aunt's house by crossing the two gar-
dens. As she stepped upon the porch, she saw
Mr. Egerton standing before the door.
" Good-evening, Miss Dinsmore," he said, bow-
ing and smiling. " I was just about to ring; but
I presume that is not necessary now."
"No, not at all. Walk into the parlor, and
help yourself to a seat. And if you will please
excuse me I shall be there in a moment."
" I came to ask if I might have the pleasure of
escorting you to the party," he said laughingly,
as she returned from giving Chloe her directions,
and asking if her aunt needed any assistance.
" Thank you; but you are taking unnecessary
trouble," she answered gayly, " since it is only
across the street, and there are four of us to keep
each other company."
"The Misses King are going with you?"
" Yes; they are not quite ready yet; but it is
surely too early to think of going? "
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 203
" A little; but Mrs. Schilling is anxious to see
you as soon as possible; particularly as she under-
stands there is no hope of keeping you after ten
o'clock. Do you really always observe such early
hours ? "
" As a rule, yes. I believe the medical authori-
ties agree that it is the way to retain one's youth
and health."
"And beauty," he added, with an admiring
glance at her blooming face.
" I do believe we shall be almost the first; very
unfashionably early," remarked Nettie King, as
their little party crossed the street.
"We are not the first, I have seen several go
in," rejoined Aunt Wealthy, as Mr. Egerton held
open the gate for them to pass in.
Mrs. Schilling in gay attire, streamers flying,
cheeks glowing, and eyes beaming with delight,
met them at the door, and invited them to
enter.
" Oh, ladies, good-evening. How do you all
do? I'm powerful glad you came so early. Walk
right into the parlor."
She ushered them in as she spoke, Four or
five young misses were standing about the centre-
table, looking at prints, magazines, and photo-
graphs, while Lenwilla Ellawea, arrayed in her
Sunday best, had ensconced herself in a large
cushioned rocking-chair; she was leaning lazily
back in it, and stretching out her feet in a way to
show her shoes and stockings to full advantage.
Mrs. Schilling had singular taste in dress. The
child wore a Swiss muslin over a red flannel skirt,
204 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
and her lower limbs were encased in black stock-
ings and blue shoes.
"Daughter Lenwilla Ellawea, subside that
chair! ' exclaimed the mother, with a wave of her
hand. " You should know better than to take
the best seat, when ladies are standing. Miss
Stanhope, do me the honor to take that chair. I
assure you, you will find it most commodious.
Take a seat on the sofy, Miss Dinsmore, and ah,
that is right, Mr. Egerton, you know how to at-
tend to the ladies."
Greetings and introductions were exchanged;
an uncomfortable pause followed, then a young
lady, with a magazine open on the table before
her, broke the silence by remarking: " What sweet
verses these are! "
"Yes," said Mrs. Schilling, looking over her
shoulder, " I quite agree in that sentiment. In-
deed, she's mv favorite author."
"Who?" asked Mr. Egerton.
" Anon."
"Ah! does she write much for that period-
ical?" he asked, with assumed gravity.
" Oh, yes, she has a piece in nearly every num-
ber; sometimes two of 'em"
" That's my pap, that is," said Lenwilla Ellawea,
addressing a second young lady, who was slowly
turning the leaves of a photograph album.
"Is it?"
" Yes, and we've got two or three other picters
of him."
"Photographs, Lenwilla Ellawea/' corrected
her mother. " Yes, we've got several. Miss
Stanhope, do you know there's a sculpture in
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 205
town? and what do you think? He wants to
make a basque relief out o' one o' them photo-
graphs of my 'Lijah. But I don't know as I'll
let him. Would you? "
A smile trembled about the corners of Elsie's
lips, and she carefully avoided the glance of Lot-
tie's eyes, which she knew were dancing with fun,
while there was a half -suppressed titter from the
girls at the table.
" I really can't say I understand exactly what
it is," sai<J Aunt Wealthy dubiously.
" What sort of looking creature is a sculpture,
Mrs. Schilling? " asked Mr. Egerton.
"Excuse me; there's some more company
coming," she answered, hurrying from the
room.
" My good landlady is really quite an amusing
person," he observed in an aside to Elsie, near to
whom he had seated himself.
She made no response. The newly-arrived
guests were being ushered in, and there were
fresh greetings and introductions to be gone
through with. Then conversation became quite
brisk, and after a little, it seeming to be under-
stood that all invited, or expected, were present
some one proposed playing games. They tried
several of the quieter kind, then Lottie King pro-
posed " Stage-coach."
" Lot likes that because she's a regular romp,'*
said her sister.
" And because she tells the story so well; she's
just splendid at it! " cried two or three voices.
" Will you take that part if we agree to play it? **
" Yes, if no one else wants it."
206 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"No danger of that. We'll play it. Miss
Dinsmore, will you take part?"
" Thank you; I never heard of the game before,
and should not know what to do."
" Oh, it's easy to understand. Each player
except the story-teller takes the name of some
part of the stage-coach, or something connected
with it; one is the wheels, another the window,
another the whip, another the horses, driver, and
so on, and so on. After all are named and seated
leaving one of their number out, and no va-
cancy in the circle the one left out stands in the
centre, and begins a story, in which he or she
introduces the names chosen by the others as
often as possible. Each must be on the qui vive,
and the instant his name is pronounced, jump up,
turn round once and sit down again. If he neg-
lects to do so, he has to pay a forfeit. If the
word stage-coach is pronounced, all spring up and
change seats; the story-teller securing one, if he
can and leaving some one else to try his hand at
that."
Lottie acquitted herself well; Mr. Egerton fol-
lowed, doing even better; then Aunt Wealthy was
the one left out, and with her crooked sentences
and backward or opposite rendering of names
caused shouts of merriment. The selling of the
forfeits which followed was no less mirth-provok-
ing. Then the refreshments Avere brought in;
first, several kinds of cake the sponge and the
farmers' fruit-cake, made after Miss Stanhope's
prescription, as Mrs. Schilling informed her
guests, and one or two other sorts. Elsie de-
ELSIE "8 GIRLHOOD. 207
dined them all, saying that she never ate any-
thing in the evening.
" Oh, now that's too bad, Miss Dinsmore! do
take a little bit of something," urged her hostess;
" I shall feel real hurt if you don't; it looks just af
if you didn't think my victuals good enough foi
you to eat."
"Indeed you must not think that," repliec
Elsie, blushing deeply. " Your cake looks ver}
nice, but I always decline evening refreshments;
and that solely because of the injury it would be
to my health to indulge in them."
" Why, you aint delicate, are you? You don't
look so; you've as healthy a color as ever I see;
not a bit like as though you had the dyspepsy."
" No, I have never had a touch of dyspepsia,
and I think my freedom from it is largely owing
to papa's care of me in regard to what I eat and
when. He has never allowed me to eat cake in
the evening."
"Well, I do say! you're the best girl to mind
your pa that ever I see! But you're growed up
now 'most of age, I should judge and I reckon
you've a sort o' right to decide such little matters
for yourself. I don't believe a bit o' either of
these would hurt you a mite; and if it should
make you a little out o' sorts just you take a dose
of spirits of pneumonia. That's my remedy for
sick stomic, and it cures me right up, it does."
Elsie smiled, but again gently but firmly de-
clined. " Please don't tempt me any more, Mrs.
Schilling," she said; " for it is a temptation, I
assure you."
208 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Well, p'raps you'll like the next course bet-
ter," rejoined her hostess, moving on.
" She's a splendid cook and the cake is really
nice," remarked Lottie King in a low tone, close
at her friend's side.
" Yes, Miss Dinsmore, you'd better try a little
of it; I don't believe it would hurt you, even so
much as to call for the spirits of pneumonia," said
Egerton, laughing.
" Oh, look! " whispered Lottie, her eyes twin-
kling with merriment, " here comes the second
course served up in the most original style."
Mrs. Schilling had disappeared for a moment,
to return bearing a wooden bucket filled with a
mixture of candies, raisins and almonds, and was
passing it around among her guests, inviting each
to take a handful.
" Now, Miss Dinsmore, you won't refuse to try
a few of these?" she said persuasively, as she
neared their corner, " I shall be real disappointed
if you do."
"I am very sorry to decline your kind offer,
even more for my own sake than yours," re-
turned Elsie, laughing and blushing; " for I am
extremely fond of confectionery; but I must say
no, thank you."
" Mr. Egerton, do you think 'twas because my
cakes and things wasn't good enough for her
that she wouldn't taste 'em? " asked his landlady,
in an aggrieved tone, as the last of the guests
departed.
Elsie had gone an hour before, he having had
the pleasure of escorting her and Miss Stanhope
across the street, leaving them at their own door;
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
but he did not need to ask whom Mrs. Schil-
ling meant.
" Oh, no, not at all, my good woman! " he an-
swered. " It was nothing but filial obedience
joined to the fear of losing ker exuberant health.
Very wise, too, though your refreshments were
remarkably nice."
''Poor Mrs. Sixpence/' Lottie King was say-
ing to her sister at that moment, " she whis-
pered to me that though her party had gone off
so splendidly, she had had two great disappoint-
ments, in Mr. Wert's absenting himself, and the
refusal of the Southern heiress to so much as
taste her carefully prepared dainties."
CHAPTER XV.
A goodly apple rotten at the heart ;
O what a goodly outside falsehood hath I
SHAKESPEARE'S "MERCHANT OF VENICE."
IN mental power, education, good looks*
courtly manners, and general information Mr.
Egerton was decidedly superior to any of the
young men resident in Lansdale; and of this fact
no one was better aware than himself. He did
not confine his attentions to Elsie, and soon found
himself a prime favorite among the ladies of the
town. No female coquette ever coveted the ad-
miration of the other sex more than he, or sought
more assiduously to gain it. He carried on nu-
merous small flirtations among the belles of the
place, yet paid court to Elsie much oftener than
to any one else, using every art of which he was
master in the determined effort to win her affec-
tion and to make himself necessary to her happi-
ness.
He had read many books and seen much of
life, having travelled all over our own country,
and visited both Europe and South America; and
possessing a retentive memory, fine descriptive
powers, a fund of humor, and a decided talent
for mimicry, was able, when he chose, to make
his conversation exceedingly amusing and inter-
esting, and very instructive. Also, he seemed all
that was good and noble, and she soon gave him
210
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 211
ft very warm place in her regard; much warmer
than she herself at first suspected.
According to his own account and probably
it was the truth Bromly Egerton had had many
hair-breadth escapes from sudden and violent
death. He was telling of one of these in which
he had risked and nearly lost his life from mere
love of adventure. Elsie shuddered, and drew a
long breath of relief, as the story reached its
close,
" Does it frighten you to hear of such things? "
he asked, with a smile.
" Yes, it seems to me a dreadful thing to risk
the loss of one's life, when there is no good to
ourselves or others to be gained by it."
" Ah, if you were a man or boy you would un-
derstand that more than half the charm of such
adventures lies in the risk."
" But is it right, or wise? "
" A mere matter of taste, or choice, I should
say a long dull life, or a short and lively one/'
Elsie's face had grown very grave. " Are those
really your sentiments, Mr. Egerton? "she asked,
in a pained, disappointed tone. " I had thought
better of you."
" I do not understand; have I said anything
very dreadful?"
" Is it not a sin to throw away the life which
God has giveh us to be used in His service? "
" Ah, perhaps that may be so; but I had not
looked at it in precisely that way. I had only
thought of the fact that life in this world is not
BO very delightful that one need be anxious to
continue it for a hundred years. We grow tired
812 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
of it at times, and are almost ready to throw it
away; to use your expression."
<c Ah, before doing that we should be very sure
of going to a better place."
" But how can we be sure of that, or, indeed,
of anything? What is there that we know ab-
solutely, and beyond question? how can I be sure
of even my own existence? how do I know that
I am what I believe myself to be? There are
crazy men who firmly believe themselves kings
and princes, or something else quite as far from
the truth; and how do I know that I am not as
much mistaken as they? "
She gave him a look of grieved surprise, and he
laughingly asked, " Well, now, Miss Dinsmore,
is there anything of which you really are abso-
lutely certain? or you, Miss King? " as Lottie
drew near the log on which the two were seated.
They had taken a long ramble through the
woods that morning, and Egerton and Elsie had
some ten minutes before sat down here to rest
and wait for their companions, who had wan-
dered a little from the path they were pursu-
ing.
" Cogito, ergo sum," she answered gayly.
"Also I am sure we have had a very pleasant
walk. But isn't it time we were moving toward
home? "
" Yes," Elsie answered, consulting her watch.
" That's a pretty little thing," observed Eger-
ton. " May I look at it? " And he held out his
hand.
" One of papa's birthday gifts to his petted
only daughter," she said, with a smile, as she al-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 213
lowed him to take it. "I value it very highly
on that account even more than for its intrinsic
worth; though it is an excellent time-keeper."
" It must have cost a pretty penny; the pearls
and diamonds alone must be worth quite a sum,"
he said, turning it about and examining it with
eager interest. " I would be careful, Miss Dins-
more, how I let it be known that I carried any-
thing so valuable about me, or wore it into lonely
places, such as these woods/' he added, as he re-
turned it to her.
" I never come out alone," she said, looking
slightly anxious and troubled; "papa laid his
commands upon me never to do so; but I shall
leave it at home in future."
"Riches bring cares; that's the way I comfort
myself in my poverty," remarked Lottie, lightly.
"But, Elsie, my dear, don't allow anxious fears
to disturb you; we are a very moral people at Lans-
dale; I never heard of a robbery there yet."
" I believe I am naturally rather timid," said
Elsie, " yet I seldom suffer from fear. I always
feel very safe when papa is near to protect me,
and our Heavenly Father's care is always about
,us."
" That reminds me that you have not an-
swered my question," remarked Egerton, switch-
ing off the head of a clover-blossom with his cane.
"Is the care you speak of one thing of which
you feel certain? "
" Yes, and there are others."
"May I ask what?"
She turned her sweet, soft eyes full upon him
as she answered in low, clear tones, " ' I know that
214 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good
thing.' ' I know that my Kedeemer liveth.' ' I
know that it shall be well with them that fear
God/ "
"You are quoting?"
" Yes, from a book that I know is true. Do
you doubt it, Mr. Egerton? "
" Why, Miss Dinsmore, you do not take me for
an infidel, surely?"
" No, until to-day I had hoped you were a
Christian."
Her eyes were downcast now, and there were
tears in her voice as she spoke. He saw he had
made a false step and lowered himself in her
esteem, yet, remembering his talk with Arthur,
he felt certain he could more than retrieve that
error. And he grew exultant in the thought of
the evident pain the discovery of his unbelief had
caused her. " She does care for me; I believe the
prize is even now almost within my reach," he
said to himself, as they silently pursued their
way into the town, no one speaking again until
they parted at Miss Stanhope's gate.
Elsie, usually full of innocent mirth and glad-
ness, was very quiet at dinner that day, and Aunt
Wealthy, watching her furtively, thought she
noticed an unwonted shade of sadness on the fair
face.
"What is it, dear?" she asked at length;
" something seems to have gone wrong with you."
The young girl replied by repeating the sub-
stance of the morning's talk with Mr. Egerton,
and expressing her disappointment at the dis
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 21i
covery that he was not the Christian man she had
taken him to be.
" Perhaps what you have taken in earnest, was
but spoken in jest, my child," said Miss Stan-
hope.
" Ah, auntie, but a Christian surely could no
say such things even ^n jest," she answered, with
a little sigh, and a look of sorrowful concern on
her face.
Half an hour later, Elsie sat reading in the
abode of the vine-covered porch, while her aunt
enjoyed her customary after-dinner nap. She
presently heard the gate swing to, and the next
moment Mr. Egerton was helping himself to a
seat by her side.
"I hope I don't intrude, Miss Dinsmore," he
began, assuming a slightly embarrassed air.
" Oh, no, not at all," she answered, closing her
book; " but aunt is lying down, and "
" Ah, no matter; I wouldn't have her disturbed
for the world; and in fact I am rather glad of the
opportunity of seeing you alone. I I have been
thinking a good deal of that talk we had this
morning, and I am really quite shocked at the
sentiments I then expressed, though they were
spoken more than half in jest. Miss Dinsmore,
I am not a Christian, but but I want to be, and
would, if I only knew how; and I've come to you
to learn the way; for somehow I seem to feel that
you could make the thing plainer to me than any
one else. What must I do first? "
Glad tears shone in the soft eyes she lifted to
his face as she answered, " ' Believe on the Lord
216 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved/ Believe^
' only believe.' "
" But I must do something? "
" ' Let the wicked forsake his way and the un-
righteous man his thoughts, and let him return
unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him,
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.' "
The man was an arrant knave and hypocrite,
simulating anxiety about his soul's salvation only
for the purpose of ingratiating himself with El-
sie; but " the sword of the spirit, which is the
word of God," pricked him for the moment, as
she wielded it in faith and prayer. What ways,
what thoughts were his! Truly they had need to
be forsaken if he would hope ever to see that holy
city of which we are told " There shall in no wise
enter it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever
worketh abomination, or maketh a lie."
For a moment he sat silent and abashed before
the gentle, earnest young Christian, feeling her
very purity a reproach, and fearing that she must
read his hypocrisy and the baseness of his motives
in his countenance.
But hers was a most innocent and unsuspicious
nature, apt to believe others as true and honest
as herself. She went on presently. " It is so
beautifully simple and easy, God's way of sav-
ing us poor sinners: it is its very simplicity that
so stumbles wise men and women, while little
children, in their sweet trustfulness, just taking
God at His word, understand it without any diffi-
culty." She spoke in a musing tone, not looking
at Egerton at all, but with her eyes fixed medi-
tatingly upon the floor.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 217
He perceived that she had no doubts of his sin-
cerity^ and rallying from the thrust she had so
unconsciously given him, went on with the role
he had laid down for himself.
"I fear I am one of the wise ones you speak
of, for I confess I do not see the way yet. Can
you not explain it more fully? "
" I will try/' she said. " You believe that you
are a sinner deserving of God's wrath? "
"Yes."
" You have broken His law, and His justice
demands your punishment; but Jesus has kept
its requirements and borne its penalty in your
stead, and now offers you his righteousness and
salvation as a free gift, ' without money and
without price.' "
"But what ami to do?"
" Simply take the offered gift."
"But how? I fear I must seem very obtuse,
but I really do not comprehend."
" Then ask for the teachings of the Spirit; ask
Jesus to give you repentance and faith. ' Ask,
and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every
one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh,
findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be
opened."
Elsie's voice was low and pleading, her tones
were tremulous with earnest entreaty, the eyes
she lifted to his face were half filled with tears;
for she felt that the eternal interests of her
hearer were trembling in the balance.
He looked at her admiringly, and, lost in the
contemplation of her beauty, had almost betrayed
218 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
himself by his want of interest in what she was
saying. But just then Miss Stanhope joined
them, and shortly after he took his leave.
From this time Egerton played his part with
consummate skill, deceiving Elsie so completely
that she had not the slightest doubt of his being
an humble, penitent, rejoicing believer; and great
were her joy and thankfulness when he told her
that she had been the means of leading him to
Christ; that her words had made the way plain
to him, as he had never been able to see it before.
It seemed to her a very tender, strong tte between
them, and he appeared to feel it to be so also.
She was not conscious of looking upon him in
the light of a lover, but he saw with secret ex-
ultation that he was fast winning her heart; he
read it in the flushing of her cheek and the bright-
ening of her eye at his approach, and in many
other unmistakable signs. He wrote to Arthur
that the prize was nearly won; so nearly that he
had no doubt of his ultimate success.
"And I'll not be long now about finishing up
the job," he continued; " it's such precious hard
work to be so good and pious all the time, that
I can hardly wait till matters are fully ripe for
action. I'm in constant danger of letting the
mask slip aside in some unguarded moment, and
so undoing the whole thing after the world of
trouble it has cost me. It'b no joke, I can assure
you, for a man of my tastes and habits to lead
the sort of life I've led for the last three months.
I believe I'd give her up this minute, fortune and
all, if the winning of them would lay me under
the necessity of continuing it for the rest of my
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 219
days, or even for any length of time. But once
the knot is tied, and the property secured, there'll
be an end of this farce. I'll let her know I'm
done with cant, will neither talk it nor listen to
it."
Arthur Dinsmore's face darkened as he read,
and in a sudden burst of fury he tore the letter
into fragments, then threw them into the empty
grate. He was not yet so hardened as to feel
willing to see Elsie in the power of such a heart-
less wretch, such a villain as he knew Tom Jack-
son to be. Many times already had he bitterly
repented of having told him of her wealth, and
helped him to an acquaintance with her. His
family pride revolted against the connection, and
some latent affection for his niece prompted him
to save her from the life of misery that must be
hers as the wife of one so utterly devoid of honor
or integrity.
Yet Arthur lacked the moral courage to face
the disagreeable consequences of a withdrawal
from his compact with Jackson, and a confession
to his father or Horace of the wretch's designs
upon Elsie and his own disgraceful entanglement
with him. He concluded to take a middle course.
He wrote immediately to Jackson, somewhat
haughtily, advising him at once to give up the
whole thing.
" You will inevitably fail to accomplish your
end," he said. " Elsie will never marry without
her father's consent, and that you will find it
utterly impossible to gain. Horace is too sharp
to be hoodwinked or deceived, even by you. He
will ferret out your whole past, lay bare the whole
220 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
black record of your rascalities and hypocrisies,
and forbid his daughter ever again to hold the
slightest communication with you. And she will
obey if it kills her on the spot."
" There's some comfort in that last reflection,"
muttered Arthur to himself, as he folded and
sealed his epistle; "no danger of the rascal get-
ting into the family."
Two days later, Egerton took this letter from
the post-office in Lansdale. He read it with a
scowl on his brow. " Ah! I see your game, young
man," he muttered with an oath, " but you'll find
that you've got hold of the wrong customer. My
reply shall be short and sweet, and quite to the
point."
It ran thus: "Your warning and advice come
too late, my young friend; the mischief is al-
ready wrought, and however unworthy your
humble servant may be deemed by yourself or
others of its members to become connected with
the illustrious D family, they will find they
cannot help themselves; the girl loves me, and
believes in me, and I defy all the fathers and re-
lations in creation to keep us apart." Then fol-
lowed some guarded allusions to various sums of
borrowed money, and so-called " debts of honor,"
nnd to some compact by which they were to be
annulled, accompanied by a threat of exposure if
that agreement were not kept to the very letter.
CHAPTER XVI.
Thou shalt not see me blush,
Nor change my countenance for this arrest.
SHAKESPEARE'S " HENRY VI.," PART II.
IT was a sultry summer night. In the grounds
of one of the largest and most beautiful of the
many elegant country seats to be found in the
suburbs of Cincinnati two gentlemen were pacing
leisurely to and fro.
They were friends who had met that day for
the first time in several years; strongly attached
friends, spite of a very considerable difference in
their ages. They had had much to say to each
other for the first few hours, but it was now sev-
eral minutes since either had spoken.
The silence was broken by the younger of the
two exclaiming in a tone of hearty congratula-
tion, " This is a magnificent place, Beresford! It
does my heart good to see you so prosperous! "
" It is a fine place, Travilla, but/' and he
heaved a deep sigh, " I sometimes fear my wealth
is to prove anything but a blessing to my chil-
dren; that in fact my success in acquiring it is
to be the ruin of my first-born."
" Ah, I hope not! Is Rudolph not doing well? "
" Well? " groaned the father, dropping his head
upon his breast, " he seems to be rushing head-
long to destruction. Have you not noticed his
poor mother's sad and careworn look? or mine?
221
222 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
That boy is breaking our hearts. I could not
speak of it to every one, but to you, my long-
tried friend, I feel that I may unburden myself,
sure of genuine sympathy " And he went on
to tell how his son, becoming early imbued with
the idea that his father's wealth precluded all
necessity of exertion on his part, had grown up
in habits of idleness that led to dissipation, and
going on from bad to worse, was now a drunkard,
a gambler, and frequenter of low haunts of vice.
"Day and night he is a heavy burden upon
our hearts," continued the unhappy father;
"when he i? with us we find it most distressing
to behold the utter wreck his excesses are making
of him, and when he is out of our sight it is still
worse; for we don't know what sin or danger he
may be running into. Indeed at times we are
almost distracted. Ah, Travilla, much as I love
my wife and children, I am half tempted to envy
your bachelor exemption from such care and sor-
row! "
Mr. Travilla's kind heart was deeply moved.
He felt painfully conscious of his own inability to
comfort in such sorrow; but spoke of God's power
>,o change the heart of the most hardened sinner,
ais willingness to save, and his promises to those
who seek his aid in the time of trouble.
" Thank you. I knew you would feel for us;
your sympathy does me good," returned Mr.
Beresford, grasping his friend's hand and press-
ing it between his own; "your words too; for
however well we know these truths we are apt to
forget them, even when they are most needed.
" But it is growing late, and you must be
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 223
weary after your journey. Let me show you to
your room."
Three days passed in which Eudolph was not
once seen in his home., and his parents were left
in ignorance of his whereabouts. They exerted
themselves for the pleasure and entertainment of
their guest, but he could see plainly that they
were enduring torture of anxiety and suspense.
Late in the evening of the third day, Mr. Beres-
f ord said to him, " My carriage is at the door.
I must go into town and search for my boy. I
have done so vainly several times since he last
left his home, but I must try again to-night. "Will
you go with me?"
Travilla consented with alacrity, and they set
out at once.
While on their way to the city Mr. Beresford
explained that, for some time past, he had had
reason to fear that his son was frequenting one
of its gambling-hells; that thus far he had failed
in his efforts to gain admittance, in order to
search for him; but to-day, a professed gambler,
well known in the house, had come to him and
offered his assistance.
" As his convoy, I think we shall get in," added
Mr. Beresford. " I cannot fathom the man's mo-
tives, but suspect he owes a grudge to a new-
comer, who, he says, is winning large sums from
Eudolph. I shall drive to Smith's livery stable,
leave my horse and carriage there, then walk on
to the place, which is only a few squares distant.
Our guide is to meet us at the first corner from
Smith's."
This programme was carried out, their guide
224 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
was in waiting at the appointed place, and at
once conducted them to the gambling-house Mr.
Beresford had spoken of. They were admitted
without question or demur, and in another mo-
ment found themselves standing beside a table
where a number of men were at play, nearly all
so absorbed in their game as to seem entirely un-
conscious of the presence of spectators.
Two of them, pitted against each other, and
both young, though there must have been several
years' difference in their ages, particularly at-
tracted Travilla's attention; and glancing at his
friend, he saw that it was the same with him,
that his eyes were fixed upon the face of the
younger of the two, with an expression of keen
distress, while he trembled with emotion, and
almost gasped for breath, as he leaned toward
him, and whispered, " It is he my son."
At the same instant the young man's face grew
deadly pale, he started up with a wild, ringing
cry, " I am ruined! " drew a pistol from his breast,
and placed the muzzle to his mouth.
But Mr. Travilla, springing forward, struck it
from his hand ere he could pull the trigger.
A scene of much excitement and confusion fol-
lowed, in the midst of which young Beresford was
led away by his father and Travilla.
A week later the latter gentleman reached
Lansdale, arriving there in the early morning
train. He put up at its principal hotel, and hav-
ing refreshed himself by a few hours' sleep, a
bath, and breakfast, inquired the way to Miss
Stanhope's.
Elsie was just coming down the front stairway,
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 225
is he appeared before the open door, and was
about to ring for admittance.
" Oh, Mr. Tra villa, my dear old friend! who
would have expected to see you here? " she cried,
in delighted surprise, as she bounded forward to
meet him, with both hands extended in joyous
greeting.
He took them in his, and kissed her first on one
cheek, then on the other. "Still fresh and
blooming as a rose, and with the same happy light
in the sweet brown eyes," he said, gazing fondly
into their tender depths.
' And you are the same old flatterer," she an-
swered gayly, a rich color mantling her cheek.
" Come in and sit down. But oh, tell me when
did you see papa last? and mamma, and little
Horace? Ah! the sight of you makes me home-
sick for them."
" I left them at Cape May, about a fortnight
since, all well and happy, but missing you very
much. I think papa will hardly be able to do
without his darling much longer."
" Nor his darling without him. Oh, dear!
sometimes I get to wanting him so badly that I
feel as if I should have to write to him to come
for me at once. Buu excuse me while I go and
call Aunt Wealthy."
"Not yet; let us have a little chat together
first."
Of course, after so long a separation, such old
and tried friends would find a great deal to say
to each other. The time slipped away very fast,
and half an hour afterward Mr. Egerton, coming
in without ringing a liberty he sometimes took
226 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
of late found them seated close together on the
sofa, talking earnestly, Elsie with her hand in
that of her friend, and a face even brighter and
happier than its wont.
Mr. Travilla had one of those faces that often
seem to come to a stand-still as regards age, and
to scarcely know any change for many years.
He was at this time thirty-four, but would have
passed readily for twenty-five. Egerton thought
him no more than that, and at once took him for
a successful rival.
"Excuse me, Miss Dinsmore," he said, bowing
stiffly, "I should have waited to ring, but "
" Oh, never mind, Mr. Egerton," she said; " let
me introduce you to my old friend, Mr. Tra-
villa "
But she stopped in astonishment and dismay.
Mr. Travilla had risen, and the two stood con-
fronting each other like mortal foes.
Mr. Travilla was the first to speak. " I have
met you before, sir! " he said with stern indigna-
tion.
" Indeed! that must be a mistake, sir, for upon
my word and honor I never set eyes on you
before."
" Your honor! the honor of a sharper, a black-
leg, a '
" Sir, do you mean to insult me? by what right
do you apply such epithets to me? Pray where
did you ever meet me? "
" In a gambling-hell in Cincinnati; the time,
one week ago to-night; the occasion, the playing
of a game of cards between young Beresford and
yourself in which you were the winner b} r what
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 227
knavery you best know the stakes so heavy that,
on perceiving that he had lost, the young man
cried out that he was ruined, and in his mad de-
spair attempted self-destruction. It is quite
possible that you may not have observed me in
the crowd that gathered about your wretched
victim; but I can never forget the face of the man
who had wrought his ruin."
Egerton's countenance expressed the utmost
astonishment and incredulity. " I have not been
in Cincinnati for two months." he averred, " and
all I know of that affair I have learned from the
daily papers. But I shall not stay here to be in-
sulted by you, sir. Good-afternoon, Miss Dins-
more. I hope to be allowed an early oportunity
to explain this, and to be able to do so to your
entire satisfaction."
He bowed and withdrew, hastening from the
house with the rapid step of one who is filled with
a just indignation.
Mr. Travilla turned to Elsie. She was sitting
there on the sofa, with her hands clasped in her
lap, and a look of terror and anguish on her face,
from which every trace of color had fled.
His own grew almost as pale, and his voice
shook, as again sitting down beside her, and lay-
ing his hand on hers, he said, "My poor child!
can it be possible that you care for that wretch? "
" Oh, don't ! " she whispered hoarsely and turn-
ing away her face; " I cannot believe it; there
must be some dreadful mistake."
Then, recovering her composure by a mighty
effort, she rose and introduced her aunt, who
entered the room at that moment.
228 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Mr. Travilla sat for some time conversing witK
her, Elsie joining in occasionally, but with a tone
and manner from which all the brightness and
vivacity had fled; then he went away, declining
a pressing invitation to stay to dinner, but prom-
ising to be there to tea.
The moment he was gone Miss Stanhope was
busied in beating up her cushions, and Elsie flew
to her room, where she walked back and forth in
a state of great agitation. But the dinner-bell
rang, and composing herself as well as she could,
she went down. Her cheeks were burning, and
she seemed unnaturally gay, but ate very little as
her aunt noticed with concern.
The meal was scarcely over, when a ring at the
door-bell was followed by the sound of Mr. Eger-
ton's voice asking for Miss Dinsmore.
" Ah ! " said Miss Stanhope with an arch smile,
" he does not ask this hour for me; knowing it's
the time of my siesta."
Elsie found Egerton pacing the parlor floor to
and fro. He took her hand, led her to the sofa,
and sitting down by her side, began at once to de-
fend himself against Mr. Travilla's charge. He
told her he had never been guilty of gambling;
he had " sowed some wild oats," years ago get-
ting slightly intoxicated on two or three occa-
sions, and things of that sort but it was all over
and repented of; and surely she could not think it
just and right that it should be brought up
against him now.
As to Mr. Travilla's story the only way he
could account for the singular mistake was in
the fact that he had a cousin who bore the same
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD, 229
name as himself,, and resembled him so closely
that they had been frequently mistaken for each
other. And that cousin, most unfortunately,
especially on account of the likeness,, did both
drink and gamble. He was delighted by the look
of relief that came over Elsie's face, as he told
her this. She cared for him, then; yet her confi-
dence had been shaken.
" Ah, you doubted me, then? " he said in a
tone of sorrowful reproach.
"Oh! I could not bear to think it possible. I
was sure there must be a mistake somewhere/' she
said with a beautiful smile.
" But you are quite satisfied now?"
" Quite."
Then he told her he loved her very dearly, bet-
ter than his own soul; that he found he could not
live without her; life would not be worth having,
unless she would consent to share it with him.
" Would she, oh! would she promise some day to
be his own precious little wife? "
Elsie listened with downcast, blushing face,
and soft eyes beaming with joy; for the events of
that day had revealed to her the fact that this
man had made hims-elf master of her heart.
"Will you not give to me a word of hope?"
pleaded Egerton.
"I I cannot, must not, without my father's
permission," she faltered, "and oh! he forbade
me to listen to anything of the kind. I am too
young he says."
" When was that? "
" Three years ago."
"' Ah! but you are older now; and you will let
230 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
me write and ask his consent? I may say that
you are not quite indifferent to me? "
" Yes/' she murmured, turning her sweet,
blushing face away from his ardent gaze.
" Thank you, dearest, a thousand thanks! " he
cried, pressing her hand in his. " And now may
I ask who and what that Mr. Travilla is? "
She explained, winding up by saying that he
was much like a second father to her.
"Father!" he exclaimed, " he doesn't look a
day over twenty-five."
" He is about two years younger than papa and
doesn't look any younger, I think," she answered
with a smile. " But strangers are very apt to
take papa for my brother."
Egerton left an hour before Mr. Travilla came,
and that hour Elsie spent in her own room in a
state of great excitement, now full of the sweet
joy of loving and being loved, now trembling with
apprehension at the thought of the probable
effect of Mr. Travilla's story upon her father.
She was fully convinced of Egerton's truth and
innocence; yet quite aware that his explanation
might not prove so satisfactory to Mr. Dinsmore.
" Oh, papa, papa! " she murmured, as she paced
restlessly to and fro, " how can I obey if you bid
me give him up? And yet I must. I know it will
be my duty, and that I must."
" What a color you hab in your cheeks, darlin'!
an' how your eyes do shine. I'se 'fraid you's
gettin' a fever," said Chloe, with an anxious,
troubled gaze into her young lady's face, as she
came in to dress her for the evening.
" Oh, no, mammy, I am perfectly well," Elsie
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 231
answered with a slight laugh. Then seating her-
self before the glass, " Now do your best," she
said gayly, " for we are to have company to tea.
I doubt if you can guess whom? "
" Den 'spose my pet saves her ole mammy de
trouble. 'Taint massa, for sure?"
"No, not quite so welcome a guest; but one
you'll be delighted to see. Mr. Travilla."
" Ki, darlin'! he not here?"
"Yes, he came this morning. Ah! I knew
you'd be delighted."
Elsie knew that it would require the very
strongest proof to convince her father of the
truth of Mr. Egerton's story, but hoped to find
Mr. Travilla much more ready to give it credence.
She was proportionably disappointed when, on
hearing it from her, he scouted it as utterly un-
worthy of belief, or even examination.
" No, my child," he said, " the man's face is in-
delibly impressed upon my memory, and I can
not be mistaken in his identity."
Elsie's face flushed crimson, and indignant
tears sprang to her eyes and trembled in her voice
as she answered, " I never knew you so uncharit-
able before, sir. I could not have believed it of
my kind-hearted, generous old friend."
He gave her a very troubled, anxious look, as
he replied, " Why should you take it so to heart,
Elsie? Surely this man is nothing to you."
" He is- to be some day, if papa will permit,"
she murmured, turning away her blushing face
from his gaze.
Mr. Travilla uttered a groan, made two or
three rapid turns across the room, and coming
232 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
back to her side, laid his hand in an affectionate,
fatherly manner upon her shoulder.
"My dear," he said with emotion, "I don't
know when I have heard anything that distressed
me so much; or that could give such pain and dis-
tress to your doting father."
" Mr. Travilla, you will not, you cannot be so
unkind, so cruel, as to try to persuade papa to
think as you do of of Mr. Egerton? "
Her tone was half indignant, half imploring,
and her eyes were lifted pleadingly to his face.
" My poor child," he said, " I could not be so
cruel to you as to leave him in ignorance of any
of the facts; but I shall not attempt to bias his
judgment; nor would it avail if I did. Your
father is an independent thinker, and will make
up his mind for himself."
" And against poor Bromly," thought Elsie,
with an emotion of anguish, and something akin
to rebellion rising in her heart.
Mr. Travilla read it all in her speaking coun-
tenance. " Do not fear your father's decision, my
little friend," he said, sitting down beside her
again, " he is very just, and you are as the apple
of his eye. He will sift the matter thoroughly,
and decide as he shall deem best for your happi-
ness. Can you not trust his wisdom and his
love? "
" I know he loves me very dearly, Mr. Travilla,
but he is only human, and may make a mis-
take."
" Then try to leave it all in the hands of your
heavenly Father, who cannot err, who is infinitt
in wisdom, power, and in His love for you."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 233
" I will try," she said with a quivering lip.
" Now please talk to me of something else. Tell
me of that young man. Did you say he shot
himself ?"
"Young Beresford, my friend's son? No, he
was prevented." And he went on to tell of Ru-
dolph's horror and remorse on account of that
rash act, and of the excesses that led to it; also
of the tremhling hope his parents and friends
were beginning to indulge that he was now truly
penitent, and, clothed in his right mind, was
sitting at the Saviour's feet.
Elsie listened with interest. They had had
the parlor to themselves for an hour or more,
Miss Stanhope having received an unexpected
summons to the bedside of a sick neighbor.
She was with them at tea, and during most of
the evening, but left them alone together for a
moment just before Mr. Travilla took his leave,
and he seized the opportunity to say to Elsie that
he thought she ought to refrain from further
intercourse with Egerton till she should learn her
father's will in regard to the matter.
" I cannot promise I will think of it," she
said with a look of distress.
" You write frequently to your papa? "
" Every day."
" I know you would not wish to deceive him in
the least. Will you tell him what I conceive to
be the facts in regard to Mr. Egerton? or
shall I?"
" I cannot, oh, I cannot! " she murmured, turn-
ing away her face.
" Then I shall spare you the painful task, by
234 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
doing it myself, iny poor child. I shall write
to-night."
She was silent, but he could see the tumultuous
heaving of her breast, and the tears glistening on
the heavy drooping lashes that swept her pale
cheek. His heart bled for her, while his indig-
nation waxed hot against the hypocritical scoun-
drel who, he feared, had succeeded only too well
in wrecking her happiness.
She had described to him Egerton's character
as he had made it appear to her, telling of their
conversations on religious subjects, his supposed
conversion, etc., etc.; thus unintentionally en-
abling Travilla to see clearly through the man's
base designs. He silently resolved to stay in
Lansdale and watch over her until her father's
arrival.
" You ride out daily? " he inquired.
"Yes, sir."
" May I be your escort to-morrow? "
She cast down her eyes, which she had lifted to
his face for an instant, blushing painfully. It
seemed an effort for her to reply, and the words
came slowly, and with hesitation. " I should
be glad to have you, sir; you know I have always
valued your society, but Mr. Egerton always
goes with us Lottie King and me of late; and
and I can hardly supose either of you would
now find the company of the other agreeable."
" No, Elsie; but what do you think your father
would wish? "
" I know he would be glad to have me under
your care, and if you don't mind the unpleasant-
ness."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 235
" My dear, I would cheerfully endure far more
than that, to watch over your father's child.
You will not let this unhappy circumstance turn
you against your old friend? I could hardly
bear that, little Elsie." And he drew her toward
him caressingly.
" Oh, no, no! I don't think anything could do
that; you've always been so good to me almost a
second father."
He released her hand with a slight involuntary
sigh, as at that instant Miss Stanhope re-entered
the room. The two were standing by the piano,
Mr. Travilla having risen from one of the cush-
ioned chairs to draw near to Elsie while talking to
her. Miss Stanhope flew to the chair, caught up
the cushion, shook it, laid it down again, and with
two or three little loving pats restored it to its
normal condition of perfect roundness. Mr. Tra-
villa watched her with a surprised, puzzled look.
"Have I done any mischief, Elsie?" he asked
in an undertone.
" Oh, no! " she answered with a faint smile,
"it's only auntie's way."
Their visitor had gone, and Elsie turned to her
aunt to say good-night.
" Something is wrong with you, child; can't
you tell the trouble to your old auntie, and let
her try to comfort you? " Miss Stanhope asked,
putting an arm about the slender waist, and scan-
ning the sweet face, usually so bright and rosy,
now so pale and agitated, with a look of keen but
loving scrutiny.
Then, in broken words, and with many a litle
half-sobbing sigh and one or two scalding tears,
S36 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
hastily brushed away, Elsie told the whole pain-
ful story, secure of warm sympathy from the kind
heart to which she was so tenderly folded.
Miss Stanhope believed in Bromly Egerton al-
most as firmly as Elsie herself; what comfort
there was in that! She believed too in the in-
spired assurances that " all things work together
for good to them that love God," and that He is
the hearer and answerer of prayer. She re-
minded her niece of them; bade her cast her bur-
den on the Lord and leave it there, and cheered
her with the hope that Bromly would be able to
prove to her father that Mr. Travilla was entirely
mistaken.
CHAPTER XVII.
My heart has been like summer skies,
When they are fair to view ;
But there never yet were hearts or skies
Clouds might not wander through.
MRS. L. P. SMITH.
WALTEB DINSMOEE was doing well at college,
studying hard, and keeping himself out of bad
company. In this last he might not have been so
successful but for his brother's assistance; for,
though choosing his own associates from among
the dissolute and vile, Arthur resolutely exerted
himself to preserve this young brother from such
contamination. " I've enough sins of my own to
answer for, Wai," he would say, sometimes almost
fiercely, " and I won't have any of yours added to
'"em; nobody shall say I led you into bad company,
or initiated you into my own evil courses."
For months Arthur's spirits had been very
variable, his frequent fits of gloom, alternating
with unnatural gayety, exciting Walter's wonder
and sympathy.
*' I cannot imagine what ails him," he said to
himself again and again; for Arthur utterly re-
fused to tell him the secret of his despondency.
It had been almost constant since the receipt
of Egerton's last epistle, and Walter was debat-
ing in his own mind whether he ought not to
speak of it in his next letter to their mother, when
238 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
One night he was wakened by a sudden blow front
Arthur's hand, and started up to find him rolling
and tbssing, throwing his arms about, and mut-
tering incoherently in the delirium of fever.
It was the beginning of a very serious illness.
It was pronounced such by the physician called in
by Walter at an early hour the next morning, and
the boy sat down with a heavy heart to write the
sad tidings to his parents.
While doing so he was startled by hearing
Arthur pronounce Elsie's name in connection
with words that seemed to imply that some dan-
ger threatened her. He rose and went to the
bedside, asking, "What's wrong with Elsie,
Art?"
" I say, Tom Jackson, she'll never take you.
Horace won't consent."
" I should think not, indeed! " muttered Wal-
ter. Then leaning over his brother, " Art, I say,
Art! what is it all about? Has Tom Jackson
gone to Lansdale? "
No answer, save an inarticulate murmur that
might be either assent or dissent.
The doctor had promised to send a nurse and,
as Walter now glanced about the room, the
thought occurred to him that it would seem very
disorderly to the woman. Arthur's clothes lay
in a heap over the back of a chair, just as he had
thrown them down on retiring.
"I can at least hang these in the closet/'
thought Walter, picking up the jacket.
A letter fell from the pocket upon the floor,
"Jackson's handwriting, I declare!" he ex-
claimed, with a start of surprise, as he stooped to
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 233
pick it up. It was without an envelope, written
in a bold, legible hand, and unintentionally he
read the date, "Lansdale, Ohio, Aug. 185--,"
and farther down the page some parts of sen-
tences connected with the " D family "
. . . "can't help themselves" . . . "the girl
loves me and believes in me."
He glanced at the bed. Arthur's eyes were
closed. He looked down at the letter again; there
was the signature " T. J., alias B. E."
" It's a conspiracy; there's mischief brewing,
and I believe I ought to read it," he muttered;
then, turning his back toward the bed, perused
every word of it with close attention.
It was sufficient to give him a clear insight into
the whole affair. Elsie's letters had of late
spoken quite frequently of Mr. Bromly Egerton,
and so he was the " T. J., alias B. E." of this
epistle, the Tom Jackson who had been the ruin
of Arthur.
" The wretch! the sneaking, hypocritical scoun-
drel! " muttered Walter between his teeth, and
glancing again at the bed, though the epithet was
meant to apply to Jackson and not to Arthur.
" What can I do to circumvent him? Write to
Horace, of course, and warn him of Elsie's dan-
ger." And though usually vacillating and infirm
of purpose, on this occasion Walter showed him-
self both prompt and decided. The next mail
carried the news of his discovery to Elsie's natural
protector, her father, who with Rose, the Alli-
son family, and little Horace, was still at Cape
May.
This letter and the three from Lansdale ward
240 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
handed Mr. Dinsmore together. He opened
Elsie's first. The contents puzzled, surprised, and
alarmed him. They were merely a few hastily
written lines of touching entreaty that he would
not be angry, but would please forgive her for giv-
ing her heart to one of whom he knew nothing,
and daring to let him speak to her of love; and
that he would not believe anything against him
until he had heard his defence.
With a murmured " My poor darling! you have
been too long away from your father," Mr. Dins-
more laid it down and opened the one directed in
a strange hand; rightly supposing it to come from
the person to whom she alluded.
Egerton spoke in glowing terms of his admira-
tion for Elsie's character and personal charms,
and the ardent love with which they had inspired
him, and modestly of his own merits. Ignoring
all knowledge of her fortune, he said that he had
none, but was engaged in a flourishing business
which would enable him to support her in com-
fort and to surround her with most of the elegan-
cies and luxuries of life to which she had been
accustomed. Lastly he alluded in a very pious
strain to the deep debt of gratitude he owed her
as the one who had been the means of his hopeful
conversion; said she had acknowledged that she
returned his affection, and earnestly begged for
the gift of her hand.
Mr. Dinsmore gave this missive an atten-
tive perusal, laid it aside, and opened Mr. Tra-
villa's.
Eose was in the room, putting little Horace to
bed. She had heard his little prayer, given him
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 241
his good-night kiss, and now the child ran to his
father to claim the same from him.
It was given mechanically, and Mr. Dinsmore
returned to his letter. The child lingered a mo-
ment, gazing earnestly into his father's face,
troubled by its paleness and the frown on his
brow.
" Papa," he said softly, leaning with confiding
affection upon his knee, " dear papa, are you
angry with me? have I been a naughty boy, to-
day?"
" No, son; but I am reading; don't disturb me
now."
Mr. Dinsmore's hand rested caressingly on the
curly head for an instant and the boy turned away
satisfied. But Rose was not. Coming to her
husband's side the next moment, and laying her
hand affectionately on his shoulder, " "What is it,
dear?" she asked, "has anything gone wrong
with our darling, or at home? "
" Trouble for her, I fear, Rose. Read these,"
he answered with emotion, putting Elsie's, Eger-
ton's, and Tra villa's letters into her hands, then
opening Walter's.
" Travilla is right! the man is an unmitigated
scoundrel! " he cried, starting up with great ex-
citement. "Rose, I must be off by the next
train; it leaves in half an hour. I shall go alone
and take only a portmanteau with me. Can it be
got ready in season? "
" Yes, dear, I will pack it at once myself. But
what is wrong? "Where are you going? and how
long will you be away?"
" To my brother's first Arthur is seriously ill.
242 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. f
and I must get hold of evidence that Walter can 1
supply then on to Lansdale with all speed to
rescue Elsie from the wiles of a gambling, swin-
dling, hypocritical, fortune-hunting rascal! "
At a very early hour of the next morning, Wal-
ter Dinsmore was roused from his slumbers by
a knock at his door.
"Who's there?" he asked, starting up in
bed.
" I, Walter," answered a well-known voice, and
with a joyful exclamation he sprang to the door,
and opened it.
" Horace! how glad I am to see you! I hardly
dared hope you could get here so soon."
" Your news was of the sort to hasten a man's
movements," returned Mr. Dinsmore, holding the
lad's hand in a warm brotherly grasp. " How are
you? and how's Arthur now? * ;
"About the same. Hark! you may hear him
moaning and muttering. This is our study. I
have had that cot-bed brought in here, and given
up the bedroom to him and the nurse; though I'm
with him a good deal too."
" You have a good nurse, and the best medical
advice?"
"Yes."
" You must see that he has every comfort, Wal-
ter; let no expense be spared, nothing left un-
done that may alleviate his sufferings or assist his
recovery. What is the phvsician's opinion of the
case? "
" He is not very communicative to me; may be
more so to you. You'll stay and see him when
he calls, won't you? "
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 243
" What time? I must be off again by the first
train. I want to reach Lansdale to-morrow."
" It will give you time to do that. He calls
early."
" Now take me to Arthur; and then I must see
that letter, and hear all you have to tell me in re-
gard to that matter."
"What does Elsie say?" asked Walter, with
intense interest; " do you think she cares for
him?"
"I'm afraid she does," and Mr. Dinsmore
shook his head sadly.
" Oh, dear! but you won't allow "
" Certainly not; 'twould be to entail upon her a
life of misery."
" It's her fortune he's after, that's evident, and
indeed I would hurry to Lansdale, if I were you,
lest they might take it into their heads to elope.
Such a shame as it would be for him to get her
the dear, sweet darling! "
" I have no fear that Elsie could ever be so lost
to her sense of filial duty; nor, I am sure, have
you, Walter," answered Mr. Dinsmore gravely.
"No, Horace; and it's the greatest relief and
comfort to me just now to know how truly obe-
dient and affectionate she is to you."
Horace Dinsmore omitted nothing that he
could do to add to the comfort of his brothers,
saw the physician and learned from him that he
had good hopes of a naturally vigorous constitu-
tion bringing Arthur safely through the attack
from which he was suffering, examined the evi-
dence Walter was able to furnish that Bromly
Egerton and Tom Jackson were one and the same
244 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
a man in whom every vice abounded found
time to show an interest in Walter's studies and
pastimes, and was ready to leave by the train of
which he had spoken.
Jackson had not been wary enough to disguise
his hand in either the letter that had fallen from
Arthur's pocket,, or the one written to Mr. Dins-
more, and a careful comparison of the two had
proved conclusively that they were the work of
the same person. The broken sentences that oc-
casionally fell from Arthur's lips in his delirious
ravings furnished another proof not less strong.
Also Walter had managed to secure an excellent
photograph of Jackson, which Mr. Dinsmore
carried with him, safely bestowed in the breast-
pocket of his coat. He had studied it attentively
and felt sure he should be able instantly to rec-
ognize the original.
Bromly Egerton lay awake most of the night
following his passage at arms with Mr. Travilla,
considering the situation, and how he would be
most likely to secure the coveted prize. He re-
membered perfectly well all that Arthur Dins-
more had said about the difficulty of deceiving or
outwitting his brother, and the impossibility of
persuading Elsie to disobedience. Of the latter,
he had had convincing proof that day, in her firm
refusal to engage herself to him without first ob-
taining her father's consent. The conclusion he
came to was, that should he remain inactive until
Mr. Dinsmore's arrival, his chances of success
were exceedingly small; in fact that his only hope
lay in running away with Elsie, and afterwards
persuading her into a clandestine marriage.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 245
Their ride was to be taken shortly after an
early breakfast, there being a sort of tacit under-
standing that he was to accompany the young
ladies; but before Elsie had left her room, Chloe
came up with a message. " Marse Egerton in de
parlor, darlin', axin could he see my young missis
for five minutes, just now/'
Elsie went down at once. Her visitor stood
with his back toward the door, apparently intently
studying the pattern of her great-great-grand-
mother's sampler, but turning instantly at the
sound of the light, quick footstep, came eagerly
toward her with outstretched hand.
" Excuse this early call, dearest, but ah, how
lovely you are looking this morning! " and bend-
ing his head he drew her toward him.
But she stepped back, avoiding the intended
caress, while a crimson tide rushed over the
fair face and neck, and her eyes sought the
carpet.
" We are not engaged, Mr. Egerton; cannot be
till papa has given consent."
" I beg ten thousand pardons," he said, color-
ing violently in his turn, and feeling his hopes
grow fainter.
" Will you not take a seat? " she asked, gently
withdrawing her hand from his.
" Thank you, no; I have but a moment to stay.
My errand was to ask if we could not so arrange
it as, for once at least, to have our ride alone to-
gether? Miss Lottie is a very nice girl, but I
would give much to have my darling all to myself
to-day."
" I would like it much too, very much, but pap*
246 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
bade me always have a lady friend with me; and
and besides," she added with hesitation, and
blushing more deeply than before, " papa's friend,
Mr. Travilla, is to go with us. I I have prom-
ised that he shall be my escort to-day/'
Egerton was furious, and had much ado to con-
ceal the fact; indeed, came very near uttering a
horrible oath, and thus forever ruining his hopes.
He bit his lips and kept silent, but Elsie saw that
he was angry.
" Do not be offended or hurt," she said; " do
not suppose that I followed my own inclination in
consenting to such an arrangement. No, I only
acted from a sense of dutj r ; knowing that it was
what papa would wish."
"And you would put his wishes before mine?
Love him best, I presume?"
" He is my father, and entitled to my obedi-
ence, whether present or absent."
" But what very strict ideas you must have on
that subject! do you really think it your duty to
obey his wishes as well as his command? "
" I do; that is the kind of obedience he has
taught me, that the Bible teaches, and that my
love for him would dictate. I love my father
very dearly, Mr. Egerton."
" I should think so, indeed; but you must par-
don me if at present I am far more concerned
about your love for me," he said, with a forced
laugh. "As for this Travilla, I can hardly be
expected to feel any great cordiality toward him
after his attack upon me yesterday; and I am
free to confess that it would not cause me great
grief to learn that some sudden illness or acei-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 247
Sent had occurred to prevent his spoiling our ride
to-day."
" Your feelings are perfectly natural; but, be-
lieve me, Mr. Travilla has the kindest of hearts,
and when he learns his mistake will be most anx-
ious to do all in his power to make amends for it.
Will you stay and take breakfast with us? " For
at that instant the bell rang.
" No, thank you/' he said, moving toward the
door. "But promise me, Elsie, that I shall be
your escort after this until your father comes.
Surely love may claim so small a concession from
duty."
She could not resist his persuasive look and
tone, but with a smile and a blush gave the
promise for which he pleaded.
Procuring as fine a horse as his landlord could
furnish, Mr. Travilla rode to Miss Stanhope's,
and alighting at the gate, walked up to the
house.
He found its mistress on the front porch, pick-
ing dead leaves from her vines. She had
mounted a step ladder to reach some that other-
wise were too high up for her small stature.
Turning at the sound of his approach, " Good-
morning, sir," she said. " You see I'm like the
sycamore tree that climbed into Zaccheus.
Shortness is inconvenient at times. My, what a
jar! " as she came down rather hard, missing the
last step " I feel it from the crown of my foot to
the sole of my head. Here, Simon, take away this
ladder-step; the next time I want it I think I'll
do without; I'm growing so old in my clumsy age.
Walk in and take a seat, Mr. Torville. Or shall
248 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
we sit here? It's pleasanter than indoors I
think/'
" I agree with you," he said, accepting her invi-
tation with a smile at the oddity of her address.
" You have a fine view here."
They sat there conversing for some time be-
fore Elsie made her appearance, Mr. Travilla both
charmed and amused with his companion, and she
liking him better every moment. When Elsie
did come down at last, looking wondrous sweet
and fair in a pretty, coquettish riding hat and
habit, her aunt informed her that she had been
urging " Mr. Vanilla " to come and make his
home with them while in town, and that he had
consented to let her send Simon at once for his
trunk.
"If it will be agreeable to my little friend to
have me here?" Mr. Travilla said, taking her
hand in his with the affectionate, fatherly man-
ner she had always liked so much in him.
Her face flushed slightly, but she answered
without an instant's hesitation that she hoped ha
would come.
The horses were already at the gate, Egerton
was seen crossing the street, and Lottie came trip-
ping in at a side entrance. She had heard a good
deal of Mr. Travilla from Elsie, and seemed
pleased to make his acquaintance.
Egerton came in, he and Mr. Travilla ex-
changed the coldest and most distant of saluta-
tions, and the party set off; Mr. Travilla riding by
Elsie's side, Egerton and Lottie following a little
in their rear.
Finding it almost a necessity to devote him-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 249
self to Mies King for the time being, Egerton
took a sudden resolution to make a partial con-
fidante of her, hoping thus to secure a powerful
ally. He told her of the state of affairs between
Elsie and himself, of Mr. Travilla's " attack upon
him;" how " utterly mistaken " it was, and how-
he presumed " the mistake " had occurred; giv-
ing the story he had told Elsie of the cousin who
bore so strong a likeness to him, and so bad a
character. He professed the most ardent, de-
voted affection for Elsie, and the most torturing
fears lest her father, crediting him with his
cousin's vices, should forbid the match and crush
all his hopes.
The warm-hearted, innocent girl believed every
word, and rushing into her friend's room on their
return, threw her arms about her, and hugging
her close, told her she knew all, was so, so sorry
for her, and for poor Egerton; and begged her not
to allow anything to make her give him up and
break his heart.
Elsie returned the embrace, shed a few tears,
but answered not a word.
"You do believe in him? and won't give him
up; will you? " persisted Lottie.
" I do believe in him, and will not give him up
unless unless papa commands it," Elsie an-
swered in a choking voice.
" I wouldn't for that! " cried Lottie.
" ' Children, obey your parents,' " repeated her
friend, tears filling the soft brown eyes, and
glistening on the drooping lashes. " It is God's
command."
" But you are not a child any longer."
250 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" I am papa's child; I always shall be. Oh, it
would break my heart if ever he should disowii
me and say, ' You are no longer my child! ' '
" How you do love him! "
"Better than my life!"
Mr. Travilla was already established at Miss
Stanhope's, and very glad to be there, that he
might keep the more careful and constant watch
and ward over his "little friend." Thoroughly
convinced of the vileness of the wretch who had
won her unsuspicious heart, he could scarce brook
the thought of leaving her alone with him, or of
seeing him draw close to her side, touch her hand.
or look into the soft, sweet eyes so full of purity
and innocence. Yet these things no one but her
father might forbid, and Mr. Travilla would not
force his companionship upon Elsie when he saw
cr felt that it was distasteful to her. The lovers
were frequently left to themselves in the parlor
or upon the porch, though the friendly guardian,
dreading he hardly knew what, took care always
to be within call.
Elsie longed for, yet dreaded her father's com-
ing. She knew he would not delay one moment
longer than necessary after receiving their letters,
yet he reached Lansdale almost a day sooner
than she expected him.
Sitting alone in her room, she heard his voice
and step in the hall below. She flew down to
meet him.
" Oh, papa, dear, dear papa! "
" My darling, precious child! " And her arms
were about his neck, his straining her to his heart.
The next moment she lifted her face, and her
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 25t
eyes sought his with a wistful, pleading, question
ing look. He drew her into the sitting-room, ank
Miss Stanhope closed the door, leaving them
alone.
" My darling," he said, " you must give him
up; he is utterly unworthy of you."
" Oh, papa! would you break my heart?"
" My precious one, I would save you from a life
of misery."
"Ah, papa! you would never say that if you
knew how how I love him," she murmured, a
deep blush suffusing her face.
"" Hush ! it horrifies me to hear you speak so of
so vile a wretch, a drinking, swearing gambler,
swindler, and rake; for I have learned that he is
all these."
" Papa, it is not true! I will not hear such!
things said of him, even by you! " she cried, the
hot blood dyeing her face and neck, and the soft
eyes filling with indignant tears.
He put his finger upon her lips. " My daugh-
ter forgets to whom she is speaking," he said with
something of the old sternness, though there was
tender pity also in his tones.
"Oh, papa, I am so wretched!" she sobbed,
hiding her face on his breast. " Oh, don't believe
what they say; it isn't, it can't be true."
He caressed her silently, then taking the pho-
tograph from his pocket, asked, " Do you know
that face?"
"Yes, it is his."
<e I knew it, and it is also the face of the man
whose character I have just described."
" Oh, no, papa! " and with breathless eagerness
332 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
she repeated the story with which Egerton had
swept away all her doubts. She read incredulity
in her father's face. " You do not believe it,
papa?"
"No, my child., no more than I do black is
white. See here! " and he produced Egerton's
letter to him., and the one to Arthur, made her
read and compare them, and gave her the further
proofs Walter had furnished.
She grew deathly pale, but was no more ready
to be convinced than he. " Oh, papa, there must
be some dreadful mistake! I cannot believe he
could be guilty of such things. The cousin has
been personating him, has forged that letter, per-
haps; and the photograph may be his also."
" You are not using your good common-sense,
Elsie; the proof is very full and clear to my mind.
The man is a fortune-hunter, seeking your wealth,
not you; a scoundrel whose vices should shut him
out of all decent society. I can hardly endure
the thought that he has ever known you, or dared
to address a word to you, and it must never be
again."
"Must I give him up?" she asked with pale,
quivering lips.
" You must, my daughter; at once and for
ever."
A look of anguish swept over her face, then she
started, flushed, and trembled, as a voice and step
were heard on the porch without.
"It is he?" her father said inquiringly, and
her look answered. " Yes."
He rose to his feet, for they had been sitting
side by side on the sofa while they talked. She
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 25?
sprang up also, and clinging to his arm, looked
beseechingly into his face, pleading in a hoarse
whisper, " Papa, you will let me see him, speak to
him once more? just a few words in your
presence oh, papa! "
" No, my darling, no; his touch, his breath, are
contamination; his very look is pollution, and
shall never rest upon you again if I can prevent it.
Eemember you are never to hold any comunica-
tion with him again by word, letter, or in any
other way; I positively forbid it; you must never
look at him, or intentionally allow him a sight of
your face. I must go now, and send him away."
He held her to his heart as he spoke; his tone was
affectionate, but very firm, and decided; he kissed
her tenderly, two or three times, placed her in an
easy-chair, saying, " Stay here till I come to you,'*
and left the room.
For a moment she lay back against the cushions
like one stunned by a heavy blow; then, roused
by the sound of the voices of the two she loved
best on earth, started and leaned forward in a
listening attitude, straining her ear to catch their
words. Few of them reached her, but her
father's tones were cold and haughty, Egerton's
at first persuasive, then loud, angry, and
defiant.
He was gone, she had heard the last echo of his
departing footsteps, and again her father bent
over her, his face full of tender pity. She lifted
her sad face to his, with the very look that had
haunted him for years, that he could never recall
without a pang of regret and remorse that
yleading, mournful gaze with which she had
254 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD
parted from him in the time of their estrange-
ment.
It almost unmanned him now, almost broke his
heart. " Don't, my darling, don't look at me so/*
he said in low, moved tones, taking her cold
hands in his. "You don't know, precious one,
how willingly your father would bear all this pain
for you if he could."
She threw herself upon his breast, and folding
her close to his heart, he caressed her with ex-
ceeding tenderness, calling her by every fond,
endearing name.
For many minutes she received it all passively,
then suddenly raising her head, she returned one
passionate embrace, withdrew herself from his
arms, and hurried from the room.
He let her go unquestioned; he knew she went
to seek comfort and support from One nearer and
dearer, and better able to give it than himself.
He rose and walked the room with a sad and
troubled countenance, and a heart filled with
grief for his child, with anger and indignation
toward the wretch who had wrecked her happi-
ness.
(Miss Stanhope opened the door and looked in.
" You have had no dinner, Horace. It will be
ready in a few moments."
" Thank you, aunt. I will go up to my room
first and try to get rid of some of the dust and
dirt I have brought with me."
" Stay a moment, nephew. I am sorely
troubled for the child. You don't approve of her
choice?"
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 255
" Very far from it. I have forbidden tKe man 1
ever to come near her again."
" But you won't be hard with her, poor dear? "
" Hard with her, Aunt Wealthy? hard and cruel
to my darling whom I love better than my life?
I trust not; but it would be the height of cruelty
to allow this thing to go on. The man is a vile
wretch guilty of almost every vice, and seeking my
child for her wealth, not for herself. I have for-
bidden her to see or ever to hold the slightest
communication with him again."
" Well, it is quite right if your opinion of him
is correct; and I hardly think she is likely to re-
fuse submission."
" I have brought up my daughter to habits of
strict, unquestioning obedience, Aunt Wealthy/'
he said, " and I think they will stand her in good
stead now. I have no fear that she will rebel."
A half hour with her best Friend had done
much to soothe and calm our sweet Elsie; she had
cast her burden on the Lord and He sustained
her. She knew that no trial could come to her
without His will, that He had permitted this foi
her good, that in His own good time and way He
would remove it, and she was willing to leave it all
with Him; for was He not all-wise, all-powerful,
and full of tenderest, pitying love for her?
She had great faith in the wisdom and love of
her earthly father also, and doubted not that he
was doing what he sincerely believed to be for
her happiness, giving her present pain only in
order to save her from keener and more lasting
distress and anguish in the future.
256 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
It was well for her that she had such trust in
him and that their mutual love was so deep and
strong; well too that she was troubled with no
doubts of the duty of implicit obedience to pa-
rental authority when not opposed to the higher
commands of God. Her heart still clung to
Egerton, refusing to credit his utter unworthi-
ness, and she felt it a bitter trial to be thus com-
pletely separated from him, yet hoped that at
some future, and perhaps not distant day, he
might be able to convince her father of his mis-
take.
Mr. Dinsmore felt it impossible to remain long
away from his suffering child; after leaving the
table, a few moments only were spent in conver-
sation with his aunt and Mr. Travilla, and then
he sought his darling in her room.
" My poor little pet, you have been too long
away from your father," he said, taking her in
his arms again. " I shall never forgive myself for
allowing it. But, daughter, why was this thing
suffered to go on? Your letters never spoke of
this man in a way to lead me to suppose that he
was paying you serious attention; and indeed I
did not intend to permit that from any one yet."
" Papa, I did not deceive you intentionally, I
did not mean to be disobedient," she said implor-
ingly. " Lottie and I were almost always to-
gether, and I did not think of him as a lover till
he spoke."
"Well, dearest, I am not chiding you; your
father could never find it in his heart to add one
needless pang to what you are already suffering."
His tone was full of pitying tenderness.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 257
She made no answer; only hid her face on his
breast and wept silently. " Papa," she mur-
mured at length. " I I do so want to break one
of your rules; oh, if you would only let me, just
this once! " \
" A strange request, my darling," he said, " but
which of them is it?"
" That when you have once decided a matter I
must never ask you to reconsider. Oh, papa, do,
do let me entreat you just this once! "
" I think it will be useless, daughter, only giv-
ing me the pain of refusing, and you of being re-
fused; but you may say on."
" Papa, it is that I may write a little note to
to Mr. Egerton," she said, speaking eagerly and
rapidJy, yet half trembling at her own temerity
the while, " just to tell him that I cannot do any-
thing against your will, and that he must not
come near me or try to hold any sort of inter-
course with me till you give consent; but that I
have not lost my faith in him, and if he is innocent
and unjustly suspected, we need not be wretched
and despairing; for God will surely some dayl
cause it to be made apparent. Oh, papa, may I
not? Please, please let me! I will bring it to
you when written, and there shall not be one word
in it that you do not approve." She had lifted
her face, and the soft, beseeching eyes were look-
ing pleadingly into his.
" My dearest child," he said, " it is hard to re-
fuse you, but I cannot allow it. There, there! do
not cry so bitterly; every tear I see you shed sends
a pang to my heart. Listen to me, daughter.
Believing what I do of that man, I would not for
258 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD,
Ok great deal have him in possession of a single
line of your writing. Have you ever given him
one?"
" No, papa, never," she sobbed.
"Or received one from him?"
"No, sir."
" It is well." Then as if a sudden thought had
struck him, " Elsie, have you ever allowed him to
touch your lips?" he asked almost sternly.
"No, papa, not even my cheek. I would not
while we were not engaged; and that could not be
without your consent."
" I am truly thankful for that! " he exclaimed
in a tone of relief; "to know that he had that
these sweet lips had been polluted by contact
with his would be worse to me than the loss of
half my fortune." And lifting her face as he
spoke, he pressed his own to them again and
again.
But for the first time in her life she turned
from him as if almost loathing his caresses, and
struggled to release herself from the clasp of his
*rm.
He let her go, and hurrying to the farther side
")f the room, she stood leaning against the win-
dow-frame, with her back toward him, shedding
yery bitter tears of mingled grief and anger.
But in the pauses of her sobbing a deep sigh
struck upon her ear. Her heart smote her at the
sound; still more as she glanced back at her
father and noted the pained expression of bis eye
as it met hers. In a moment she was at his side
again, down upon the carpet, with her head laid
lovingly on his knee.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 259
* Papa, I am sorry." The low, sweet voice was
tremulous with grief and penitence.
" My poor darling, my poor little pet! " he said,
passing his hand with soft, caressing movement
over her hair and cheek, " try to keep your love
for your father and your faith in his for you, how-
ever hard this rule may seem."
"Ah, papa, my heart would break if I lost
either," she sobbed. Then lifting her tear-
dimmed eyes with tender concern to his face,
which was very pale and sad, " Dear papa," she
said, "how tired you look! you were up all night,
were you not?"
" Last night and the one before it."
" That you might hasten here to take care of
me," she murmured in a tone of mingled regret
and gratitude. " Do lie down now and take a
nap. This couch is soft and pleasant, and I will
close the blinds and sit by your side to keep off
the flies."
He yielded to her persuasions, saying as he
closed his eyes, "Don't leave the room without
waking me."
She was still there when he woke, close at his
Bide and ready to greet him with an affectionate
look and smile, though the latter was touchingly
sad and there were traces of tears on her cheeks.
" How long have I slept? " he asked.
" Two hours," she answered, holding up her
watch, " and there is the tea-bell."
CHAPTEK XVIII.
What thou bidst,
Unargued I obey ; so God ordained.
MILTON.
" I HOPE you don't intend to hurry this child
away from me, Horace? " remarked Miss Stan-
hope inquiringly, glancing from him to Elsie, as
she poured out the tea.
"I'm afraid I must, Aunt Wealthy," he an-
swered, taking his cup from her hand, " I can't
do without her any longer, and mamma and little
brother want her almost as badly."
" And what am I to do? " cried Miss Stanhope,
setting down the teapot, and dropping her hands
into her lap. " It just makes a baby of me to
think how lonely the old house will seem when
she's gone. You'd get her back soon, for 'tisn't
likely I've got long to live, if you'd only give her
to me, Horace."
"No, indeed, Aunt Wealthy; she's a treasure
I can't spare to any one. She belongs to me, and
I intend to keep her," turning upon his daughter
a proud, fond look and smile, which was answered
by one of sweet, confiding affection.
" Good-evening! " cried a gay, girlish voice.
" Mr. Dinsmore, I'd be delighted to see you, if I
didn't know you'd come to rob us of Elsie."
"What, you too ready to abuse me on that
score, Miss Lottie? " he said laughingly, as he rose
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 261
to shake hands with her. "I think I rather
deserve thanks for leaving her with you so long."
" Well, I suppose you do. Aunt Wealthy, papa
found some remarkably fine peaches in the or-
chard of one of his patients, and begs you will
accept this little basketful."
" Why, they're beautiful, Lottie! " said the old
lady, rising and taking the basket from her hand.
" You must return my best thanks to your father.
I'll set them on the table just so. Take off your
hat, child, and sit down with us. There's your
chair all ready to your plate, and Phillis's farmer's
fresh fruit-cake, to tempt you, and the cream-
biscuits that you are so fond of, both."
" Thank you," said Lottie, partly in acknowl-
edgment of the invitation, partly of Mr. Travilla's
attention, as he rose and gallantly handed her to
her seat, " I can't find it in my heart to resist so
many temptations."
" Shall I bring a dish for de peaches, mistis? "
asked Chloe, who was waiting on the table.
"Yes."
" Oh, let us have them in that old-fashioned
china fruit-basket I've always admired so much,
Aunt Wealthy! " cried Lottie eagerly. "I don't
believe Elsie has seen it at all."
" No, so she hasn't; but she shall now," said
the old lady, hastening toward her china-closet.
" There, Aunt Chloe, just stand on the dish, and
hand down that chair from this top shelf. Or,
if you would, Horace, you're taller, and can reach
better. I'm always like the sycamore tree that
was little of stature, and couldn't see Zaccheua
till he climbed into it."
262 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Rather a new and improved version of the
Bible narrative, aunt, isn't it? " asked Mr. Dins-
more, with an amused look, as he came toward
her. " And I fear I'm rather heavy to stand on
a dish; but will use the chair instead, if you
like."
"Ah! I've put the horse before the cart as
usual, I see;" she said, joining good-humoredly
in the laugh the others found it impossible to
suppress. " It's an old trick of my age, that in-
creases with my advancing youth, till I some-
times wonder what I'm coming to; the words will
tangle themselves up in the most troublesome
fashion; but if you know what I mean, I suppose
it's all the same."
" Why, Aunt "Wealthy, this is really beauti-
ful," said Mr. Dinsmore, stepping from the chair
with the basket in his hand.
" Yes, it belonged to your great-grandmother,
Horace, and I prize it highly on that accdunt.
!N"o, Aunt Chloe, I shall wipe it out and put the
peaches into it myself; it will take but a mo-
ment, and it's too precious a relic to trust to any
other hands than my own."
Lottie was apparently in the gayest spirits, en-
livening the little party with many a merry jest
and light, silvery laugh, enjoying the good things
before her, and gratifying her hostess with
praises of their excellence. Yet through it all
she was furtively watching her friend, and
grieved to notice the unwonted paleness of her
cheek, the traces of tears about her eyes, that
her cheerfulness was assumed, and that if she ate
anything it was only from a desire to please her
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 263
father, who seemed never to forget her for a mo-
ment, and to be a good deal troubled at her want
of appetite. In all these signs Lottie read disap-
pointment of Egerton's hopes, and of Elsie's, so
far as he was concerned.
" So I suppose her father has commanded her
to give him up," she said to herself. " Poor
thing! I wonder if she means to be as submissive
as she thought she would."
The two presently slipped away together into
the garden, leaving the gentlemen conversing in
the sitting-room, and Miss Stanhope busied with
some household care.
" You poor dear, I am so sorry for you! " whis-
pered Lottie, putting her arm about her friend.
" Must you really quite give him up ? "
" Papa says so," murmured Elsie, vainly strug-
gling to restrain her tears.
" Is it that he believes Mr. Travi-la was not
mistaken? "
"Yes, and and he has heard some other
things against him, and thinks his explanation of
Mr. Travilla's mistake quite absurd. Oh, Lottie,
he will not even allow us one parting interview
and says I am never to see Mr. Egerton again, or
hold any comunicatioa with him in any way. If
I should meet him in the street I am not to recog-
nize him; must pass him by as a perfect stranger,
not looking at him or permitting him to see my
face, if I can avoid doing so."
"And will you really submit to all that? I
don't believe I could be so good."
"I must; papa will always be obeyed."
" But don't you feel that it's very hard? doesn't
264 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
it make you feel angry with your father and love
him a little less?"
" I was angry for a little while this afternoon,"
Elsie acknowledged with a blush, " but I am sure
I have no right to be; I know papa is acting for
my good, doing just what he believes will be
most likely to secure my happiness. He says it
is to save me from a life of misery, and certainly
it would be that to be united to such a man as he
believes Mr. Egerton is."
" But you don't believe it, Elsie? "
" No, no, indeed! I have not lost my faith in
him yet, and I hope he may some day be able to
prove to papa's entire satisfaction that he is
really all that is good, noble, and honorable."
" That is right; hope on, hope ever."
"Ah, I don't know how we could live without
hope," Elsie said, smiling faintly through her
tears. "But I ought not to be wretched oh,
very far from it, with so many blessings, so many
to love me! Papa's love alone would brighten
life very much to me. And then," she added in a
lower tone, "'that dearer Friend that sticketh
closer than a brother/ and who has promised, ' I
,will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' "
"And He will keep His promise, child," said
Aunt Wealthy, joining them in the arbor where
they had seated themselves. " I have proved His
faithfulness many times, and I know that it never
fails. Elsie, dear, your old auntie would save you
from every trial, but He is a far wiser and truer
friend, and will cause all things to work together
for your good, and never allow you to suffer one
unneeded pang." She softly stroke-d her niece's
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 265
gunny hair, as she spoke, and the kind old face
was full of pitying tenderness.
" Come back to the house now, dears," she
added, " I think the dew is beginning to fall, and
I heard my nephew asking for his daughter."
" How much longer may we hope to keep you,
Elsie?" Lottie asked as they wended their way
toward the house.
" Papa has set Monday evening for the time
of leaving."
" And this is Friday; so we shall have but two
more rides together. Oh, dear! how I shall miss
you when you're gone."
" And I you. I shall never forget what pleasant
times we have had together; Aunt Wealthy and
you and I. You musn't let her miss me too much,
Lottie." And Elsie turned an affectionate look
upon her aged relative.
" As if I could prevent it! But I'll do my best;
you may rest assured of that."
"You are dear girls, both of you," said Miss
Stanhope with a very perceptible tremble in her
voice, " and you have brightened my home won-
derfully; if I could only keep you! "
"Well, auntie, you're not likely to lose me al-
together for some time yet," returned Lottie
gayly, though the tears shone in her eyes.
Bromly Egerton went out from Mr. Dinsmore's
presence with his temper at a white teat, for he
had just been treated to some plain truths that
were far from palatable; besides which it seemed
evident that he had missed the prize he so coveted
and had made such strenuous efforts to win.
He had learned nothing new in regard to his own
268 ELSIE'S GIELHOOD.
character, yet somehow it had never looked so
black as now, when seen through the spectacles
of an upright, honest, vice-detesting Christian
gentleman. He writhed at the very recollection
of the disgust, loathing, and contempt expressed
in Mr. Dinsmore's voice and countenance as well
as in his words.
He scarcely gave a thought to the loss of Elsie
herself; he had no feeling for her at all worthy
of the name of love; his base, selfish nature was,
indeed, hardly capable of such a sentiment; espe-
cially toward one so refined, so guileless in her
childlike innocence and purity that to be with
her gave him an uncomfortable sense of his own
moral inferiority.
No, the wounds under which he smarted were
all stabs given to his self-love and cupidity. He
had learned how honest men looked upon him;
and he had failed in the cherished expectation of
laying his hands upon a great fortune, which he
had fondly hoped to have the opportunity of
spending.
Eushing into the street, boiling with rage and
shame, he hurried onward, scarcely knowing
or caring whither ke went; out into the open
country, and on through woods and over hills he
tramped, nor thought of turning back till the sun
had set, and darkness began to creep about his
path.
There was light in Miss Stanhope's parlor and
strains of rich melody greeted his ear as he passed.
He turned away with a muttered imprecation,
crossed the street, and entered Mrs. Schilling's
gate. She was sitting no her doorstep, resting
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 267
after her day's work, and enjoying the cool even-
ing air.
" Why, la me, Mr. Egerton! is that you? " she
cried, starting up, and stepping aside for him to
pass in. " I'd really begun to think you was lost.
The fire's been out and everything cleared away
this two hours. I kep' the table a-waitin' for you
a right smart spell, but finally come to the con-
clusion that you must 'a' stayed to Miss Stan-
hope's or someone else, to tea."
" No, I've not had supper," he answered gruffly.
"You haint, eh? and I 'spose you're hungry,
too. Well, sit down, and I'll hunt up something
or 'nother. But I'm afraid you'll get the dyspepsy
eatin' so late; why, it's nigh on to ten o'clock, and
I was just a-thinkin' about shuttin' up and going
off to bed."
" Well, you'll not be troubled with me long. I
shall leave the place in a few days."
" Leave Lansdale, do you mean? "
" Yes."
"Why, what's up?"
" The time I had appropriated to rest and rec-
reation. Business men can't play forever."
"Well, I shouldn't wonder. And Mr. Dins-
more's come after his daughter, too."
" What's that got to do with it? " he muttered.
But she had left the room and was out of hear-
ing.
Before closing his eyes in sleep that night,
Egerton resolved to make a moving appeal to El-
sie herself. He would write and find some means
by which to get the letter into her hands. Di-
rectly after breakfast he sat down to his task,
268 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
placing himself in a position to constantly over-
look Miss Stanhope's house and grounds. He
was hoping to get sight of Elsie, and anxious to
watch Mr. Dinsmore's movements. Mrs. Schil-
ling had informed him that " Miss Stanhope's
friends didn't expect to leave till sometime a
Monday; so she had learned from Phillis, through
Lenwilla Ellawea., who had been sent over for a
little of Phillis's light'ning, to raise some biscuits
for breakfast/' yet he had some fear that the in-
formation might prove unreliable, and Mr. Dins-
more slip away with his daughter that day.
That fear was presently relieved by seeing Si-
mon bringing out the horses for the young ladies,
and shortly after a livery-stable man leading up
two fine steeds, evidently intended for the use of
the gentlemen. He now laid down his pen, and
kept close watch for a few moments, when he was
rewarded by seeing the whole party come out,
mount, and ride away; Mr. Dinsmore beside his
daughter, Mr. Travilla with Lottie. Elsie, how-
ever, was so closely veiled that he could not so
much as catch a glimpse of her face.
With a muttered oath, he took up his pen again,
feeing more desirous than ever to outwit " that
haughty Southerner," jand secure the prize in
spite of him.
Half an hour afterward Simon, who was at
work gathering corn and tomatoes for dinner in
the garden behind the house, heard some one
calling softly to him from the other side of the
fence. Turning his head, he saw Mr. Egerton
standing there, motioning to him to draw near.
" Good-mornin', sah. What you want, sah ? "
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 269
inquired the lad, setting down his basket, and
approaching the fence that separated them.
" Do you know what this is ? " asked Egerton,
holding up a small glittering object.
" Yes, sah; five-dollar gold piece, sah," replied
the negro, bowing and chuckling. "What de
gentleman want dis niggah do for to am 'em? "
" To put this into Miss Dinsmore's hands," an-
swered Egerton, showing a letter; " into her own
hands, now, mind. If you do that, the five dollars
are yours; and if you bring me an answer, I'll
make it ten. But you are to manage it so that
no one else shall see what you do. Do you under-
stand?"
" Yes, sah, and I bet I do it up about right,
sah."
Very anxious to win the coveted reward, Si-
mon was careful to be on hand when the riding
party returned. He stationed himself near El-
fiie's horse. Her father assisted her to alight, and
as he turned to make a remark to Lottie, Simon,
being on the alert, managed to slip the note into
Elsie's hand, unperceived by Mr. Dinsmore, or
the others.
She gave a start of surprise, turning her eyes
inquiringly upon him, the rich color rushing all
over her fair face and neck; as he could see, even
through the folds of her th,ick veil.
Simon grinned broadly, as, by a nod and wink
toward the opposite side of the street, he indi-
cated whence the missive had come.
She turned and walked quickly toward the
house, her heart beating very fast and loud, and
her fingers tightly clasping the note underneath
270 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
the folds of her long riding-skirt, as she held it
up. She hurried to her room, shut and locked the
door, and, throwing off her hat and veil, dropped
into a seat, trembling in every limb with the agi-
tation and excitement of her feelings. She
longed intently to know what he had said to her;
but she had never deceived or wilfully disobeyed
her father, and should she begin now? The temp-
tation was very great, and perhaps she would have
yielded; but Mr. Dinsmore's step came quickly
up the stairs, and the next moment he rapped
lightly on the door.
She rose and opened it, at the same time slip-
ping the note into her pocket.
"Why, my darling, what is the matter?" he
asked, looking much concerned at the sight of
her pale, agitated countenance.
" Oh, papa, if you would let me! if you only
would! " she cried, bursting into tears, and put-
ting her arms coaxingly about his neck.
" Let you do what, my child? " he asked, strok-
ing her hair.
" Eead this," she said, in a choking voice, tak-
ing the note from her pocket. " Oh, if you knew
how much I want to! Mayn't I, papa?^do, dear
papa, say yes."
" No, Elsie; it grieves me to deny you, but it
must go back unopened. Give it to me."
She put it into his hand and turned away with
a sob.
"How did it come into your hands?" he in-
quired, going to her writing-desk for an envel-
ope, pen and ink.
" Must I tell you, papa? " she asked, in a tone
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 271
that spoke reluctance to give the information Eei
required.
" Certainly."
" Simon gave it to me a few moments since."
He touched the bell, and, Chloe appearing in
answer, bade her take that note to the house on
the opposite side of the street.
" Thre is no message," he added; " it is di-
rected to Mr. Egerton, and you have nothing to
do but to hand it in at the door."
" Yes, sah." And with a sorrowful, pitying
glance at the wet eyes of her young mistress, the
faithful old creature left the room.
" My poor little daughter, you feel now that
your father is very cruel," Mr. Dinsmore said
tenderly, taking Elsie in his arms again, " but
some day you will thank me for all this."
She only laid her face down on his breast and
cried bitterly, while he soothed her with caresses
and words of fatherly endearment.
" Oh, papa, don't be vexed with me," she mur-
mured at length. " I'm trying not to be rebel-
lious, but it seems so like condemning him un-
heard."
" No, my child, it is not. I gave him the op-
portunity to refute the charges against him, but
he has no proof to bring."
" Papa, he said it would break his heart to lose
me," she cried with a fresh burst of grief.
" My dear child, he has no heart to break. If
he could get possession of your property, he would
care very little indeed what became of you."
Mr. Dinsmore spoke very decidedly, but, though
silenced, Elsie was not convinced.
S72 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Egerton, watching through the half-closed
blinds of his bed-room, had seen, with a chuckle
of delight, the success of Simon's manoeuvre, and
Elsie hurrying into the house; for the purpose
he had scarcely a doubt of secretly reading and
answering his note. He saw Chloe crossing the
street, and thought that her young mistress had
sent him a hasty line, perhaps to appoint the time
and place of a clandestine meeting; for such con-
fidence had he in his own powers of fascination
for all the fair sex, that he could not think
it possible she could give him up without a
struggle.
Lenwilla went to the door, and in his eagerness
to receive the message he ran out and met her
on the landing. What was his "disappointment
and chagrin at sight of the bold, masculine char-
acters on the outside, and only his own handwrit-
ing within!
" Sent back unopened! The girl must be a
fool!" he cried, fairly gnashing his teeth with
rage. " She could have managed it easily enough;
she had the best chance in the world, for he didn't
see her take it, I know."
He considered a moment, put on his hat, and,
walking over to Dr. King's, inquired for Miss
Lottie.
" Jist walk intil the parlor, sir," said Bridget,
" an' I'll call the young lady."
Lottie came to him presently, with her kind
face full of regret and sympathy.
He told his tale, produced his note, and begged
her to be his messenger, saying he supposed Mr.
Dinsmore had come upon Elsie before she had
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 273
time to read it, and he thought it hard for both
her and himself that she should not have the
chance.
" Yes/' said Lottie, " but I am very sure she
would not read it without her father's permission,
and you may depend upon it, she showed it to
him of her own accord."
He shook his head with an incredulous smile.
" Do you really think she has so little sense? Or
is it that you believe she too has turned against
me?"
" No, she has not turned against you, she be-
lieves in you still; nor is she wanting in sense;
but she is extremely conscientious about obeying
her father, and told me she meant to be entirely
submissive, whatever it cost her."
" I can hardly think you are right," he said,
with another of his incredulous smiles, " but even
supposing she was silly enough to hand my note
over to her father, I should like to give her an
opportunity to retrieve her error, so won't you
undertake "
" Don't ask me to carry it to her," interrupted
Lottie. " It would go against my conscience to
tempt Elsie to do violence to hers, I do assure
you, though I have no idea I should be success-
ful. So you really must excuse me."
He tried argument and persuasion by turns,
but Lottie stood firm in her refusal, and at length
he went away, evidently very angry.
Lottie spent the evening with her friend, and
when a fitting opportunity offered gave her an
account of this interview with Egerton, Elsie
telling her in return something of what had
974 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
passed between her father and herself in regard
to the note.
That Egerton had desired to tempt her to dis-
obedience and deception did not tend to increase
Elsie's esteem and admiration for him, but quite
the reverse.
" I think he'll not prevent me from getting
sight of her to-day," muttered Egerton, station-
ing himself at the front window the next morn-
ing, as the hour for church drew near.
He had not been there long, when he saw Miss
Stanhope and Mr. Travilla, then Mr. Dinsmore
and Elsie, come out of the house and cross the
lawn. He made a hasty exit and was in the act
of opening Mrs. Schilling's front gate as the lat-
ter couple reached the one opposite.
" Put down your veil, Elsie; take my arm; and
don't look toward that man at all," commanded
her father, and she obeyed.
Egerton kept opposite to them all the way to
the church, but without accomplishing his object.
He followed them in and placed himself in a pew
on the other side of the aisle, and a little nearer
the front than Miss Stanhope's, so that, by turn-
ing half way round, he could look into the faces
of its occupants. But Elsie kept hers partly con-
cealed by her veil, and never once turned her eyes
in his direction.
She was seated next her father, who seemed to
watch her almost constantly not with the air
of a jailer, but with a sort of tender, protecting
care, as one keeping guard over something be-
longing to him, and which he esteemed very sweet
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 275
and precious, while now and then her soft eyes
were lifted to his for an instant with a look of
loving reverence.
" Poor Elsie was well watched to-day," re-
marked Nettie King to her sister as they walked
home together; " her father scarcely took his eyes
off her for five consecutive minutes, I should
think; and Mr. Egerton stared at her from the
time he came in till the benediction was pro-
nounced."
"Yes, I thought he was decidedly rude."
" Isn't Mr. Dinsmore excessively strict and ex-
acting? "
" Yes, I think so; yet he dotes on her, and she
on him. I never saw a father and daughter so
completely wrapped up in each other."
They were now within sight of their own home,"
and Miss Stanhope's.
" Just look! " cried Nettie, " I do "believe Eger-
ton means to force himself upon their notice and
compel Elsie to speak to him."
He was crossing the street so as to meet them
face to face, just at the gate, giving them no
chance to avoid the rencontre.
" Good-morning, Miss Dinsmore," he said in
a loud, cordial tone of greeting, as they neared
each other.
Elsie started and tightened her grasp of her
father's arm, but neither looked up nor spoke.
" My daughter acknowledges no acquaintance
with you, sir," answered Mr. Dinsmore, haughtily,
and Egerton turned and strode angrily away.
2?6 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" There, Elsie, you see what he is; his behavior
is anything but gentlemanly," remarked her
father, opening the gate for her to pass in. " But
you need not tremble so, child; there is nothing
to fear."
CHAPTEE XIX.
Oh, what a feeble fort's a woman's heart,
Betrayed by nature, and besieged by art.
FAKE'S "LovE IN THE DARK."
" DEAH child, what shall I do without you? "
sighed Miss Stanhope, clasping Elsie in her arms,
and holding her in a long, tender embrace; for
the time of parting had come. " Horace, will you
bring her to see me again? "
" Yes, aunt, if she wants to come. But don't
ask me to leave her again."
" Well, if you can't stay with me, or trust her
yourself, let Mr. Vanilla come and stand guard
over us both. I'd be happy, sir, at any time when
you can make it convenient for me to see you
here, with Horace and the child, or without
them."
" Thank you, Miss Stanhope; and mother and
I would be delighted to see you at Ion."
" Come, Elsie, we must go; the carriage is wait-
ing and the train nearly due," said Mr. Dinsmore.
" Good-bye, Aunt Wealthy. Daughter, put down
your veil."
Egerton was at the depot, but could get neither
a word with Elsie, nor so much as a sight of her
face. Her veil was not once lifted, and her father
never left her side for a moment. Mr. Travilla
bought the tickets, and Simon attended to the
877
278 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
checking of the baggage. Then the train came
thundering up, and the fair girl was hurried into
it, Mr. Travilla, on one side, and her father on
the other, effectually preventing any near ap-
proach to her person on the part of the baffled
and disappointed fortune-hunter.
He walked back to his boarding-house, cursing
his ill luck and Messrs. Dinsmore and Travilla,
and gave notice to his landlady that his room
would become vacant the next morning.
As the train sped onward, again Elsie laid her
head down upon her father's shoulder and wept
silently behind her veil. Her feelings had been
wrought up to a high pitch of excitement in the
struggle to be pefectly submissive and obedient,
and now the overstrained nerves claimed this re-
lief. And love's young dream, the first, and
sweetest, was over and gone. She could never
hope to see again the man she still fondly imag-
ined to be good and noble, and with a heart full
of deep, passionate love for her.
Her father understood and sympathized with
it all. He passed his arm about her waist, drew
her closer to him, and taking her hand in his,
held it in a warm, loving clasp.
How it soothed and comforted her. She could
never be very wretched while thus tenderly loved
and cherished.
And, arrived at her journey's end, there were
mamma and little brother to rejoice over her re-
turn, as at the recovery of a long-lost, precious
treasure.
" You shall never go away again," said the little
fellow, hugging her tight. " When a boy has onl^
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 279
one sister, he can't spare her to other folks, can
he, papa?"
" No, son," answered Mr. Dinsmore, patting
his rosy cheek, and softly stroking Elsie's hair,
" and it is just the same with a man who has but
one daughter."
" You don't look bright and merry, as you did
when you went away," said the child, bending a
gaze of keen, loving scrutiny upon the sweet face,
paler, sadder, and more heavy-eyed than he had
ever seen it before.
" Sister is tired with her journey," said mamma
tenderly; " we won't tease her to-night."
" Yes," said her father, " she must go early
to bed, and have a long night's rest."
"Yes, papa, and then she'll be all right to-
morrow, won't she? But, mamma, I wasn't teas-
ing her, not a bit; was I, Elsie? And if anybody's
been making her sorry, I'll kill him. 'Cause she's
my sister, and I've got to take care of her."
" But suppose papa was the one who had made
her sorry; what then?" asked Mr. Dinsmore.
" But you wouldn't, papa," said the boy, shak-
ing his head with an incredulous smile. " You
love her too much a great deal; you'd never make
her sorry unless she'd be naughty; and she's never
one bit naughty, always minds you and mamma
the minute you speak."
"That's true, my son; I do love her far too
well ever to grieve her if it can be helped. She
shall never know a pang a father's love and care
can save her from." And again his hand rested
caressingly on Elsie's head.
| She caught it in both of hers, and laying her
280 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
cheek lovingly against it, looked up at him witii
tears trembling in her eyes. " I know it, papa,"
she murmured. " I know you love your foolish
little daughter very dearly; almost as dearly as
she loves you."
" Almost, darling? If there were any gauge
by which to measure love, I know not whose would
be found the greatest."
Mr. Dinsmore and his father-in-law had taken
adjoining cottages for the summer, and though
"the season" was so nearly over that the hotels
and boarding-houses were but thinly populated
and would soon close, the two families intended
remaining another month. So this was in some
sort a home-coming to Elsie.
After tea the Allisons flocked in to bid her
welcome. All seemed glad of her coming, Kieh-
ard, Harold, and Sophy especially so. They were
full of plans for giving her pleasure, and crowd-
ing the greatest possible amount of enjoyment
into the four or five weeks of their expected so-
journ on the island.
" It will be moonlight next week," said Sophy;
" and we'll have some delightful drives and walks
along the beach. The sea does look so lovely by
moonlight."
"And we'll have such fun bathing in the
mornings," remarked Harold. " You'll go in with
us to-morrow, won't you, Elsie? "
"No," said Mr. Dinsmore, speaking for his
daughter; " she must be here two or three days
before she goes into the water. It will be alto-
gether better for her health."
Elise looked at him inquiringly.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 281
"You get in the air enough of the salt water
for the first few days/' he said. " Your system
should become used to that before you take
more."
" Yes, that is what some of the doctors here,
and the oldest inhabitants, tell us," remarked Mr.
Allison, " and I believe it is the better plan."
" And in the meantime we can take some rides
and drives, down to Diamond Beach, over to the
light-house, and elsewhere," said Edward Alli-
son, his brother Eichard adding, " and do a little
fishing and boating."
Mr. Dinsmore was watching his daughter. She
was making an effort to be interested in the con-
versation, but looking worn, weary, and sad.
" You are greatly fatigued, my child," he said.
" We will excuse you and let you retire at once."
She was very glad to avail herself of the per-
mission.
Kose followed her to her room, a pleasant,
breezy apartment, opening on a veranda, and look-
ing out upon the sea, whose dark waves, here and
there tipped with foam, could be dimly seen roll-
ing and tossing beneath the light of the stars
and of a young moon that hung like a golden
crescent just above the horizon.
Elsie walked to the window and looked out.
"How I love the sea," she said, sighing, "but,
mamma, to-night it makes me think of a text
'All Thy waves and Thy billows have gone over
me.' "
" It is not so bad as that, I hope, dear," said
Rose, folding her tenderly in her arms; "think
how we all love you, especially your father. I
282 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
don't know how we could any of us do without
you, darling. I can't tell you how sadly we have
missed you this summer."
" Mamma., I do feel it to be very, very sweet
to be so loved and cared for. I could not tell you
how dear you and my little brother are to me,
and as for papa sometimes I am more than half
afraid I make an idol of him; and yet oh, mam-
ma," she murmured, hiding her face in Eose's
bosom, " why is it that I can no longer be in love
with the loves that so fully satisfied me?"
" ' Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he
shall rule over thee/ It is part of woman's curse
that she must ever crave that sort of love, often
yielding to her craving, to her own terrible undo-
ing. Be patient, darling, and try to trust both
your heavenly and your earthly father. You
know that no trial can come to you without your
heavenly Father's will, and that He means this
for your good. Look to Him and he will help you
to bear it, and send relief in His own good time
and way. You know He tells us it is through
much tribulation we enter the kingdom of God;
and that whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ' If
ye be without chastisements, whereof all are par-
takers, then are ye bastards and no sons! "
"Ah, yes, mamma; better the hardest of
earthly trials, than to be left out of the number
of his adopted children. And this seems to be
really my only one, while my cup of blessings is
full to overflowing. I fear I am very wicked to
feel so sad."
" Let us sit down on this couch while we talk;
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 283
you are too tired to stand," said Rose, drawing
her away from the window to a softly-cushioned
loungt. " I do not think you can help grieving,
darling, though I agree with you that it is your
duty to try to be cheerful, as well as patient and
submissive; and I trust you will find it easier as
the days and weeks move on. You are very
young, and have plenty of time to wait; indeed,
if all had gone right, you know your papa would
not have allowed you to marry for several years
yet."
"You know all, mamma?"
" Yes, dear; papa told me; for you know you
are my darling daughter too, and I have a very
deep interest in all that concerns you."
A tender caress accompanied the words, and
was returned with equal ardor.
" Thank you, best and kindest of mothers; I
should never want anything kept from you."
" Your father tells me you have behaved beau-
tifully, though you evidently felt it very hard to
be separated so entirely and at once fr "
" Yes, mamma," and Elsie's lip quivered, and
her eyes filled, " and oh, I can't believe he is the
wicked man papa thinks him. From the first he
seemed to be a perfect gentleman, educated, pol-
ished, and refined; and afterward he became at
least so I thought from the conversations we had
together truly converted, and a very earnest,
devoted Christian. He told me he had been, at
one time, a little wild, but surely he ought not
to be condemned for that, after he had repented
and reformed."
" No, dear; and your father would agree with 1
284 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
you in that. But he believes you have been de-
ceived in the man's character; and don't you
think, daughter, that he is wiser than yourself,
and more capable of finding out the truth about
the matter?"
" I know papa is far wiser than I, but, oh, my
heart will not believe what they say of of him! "
she cried with sudden, almost passionate vehe-
mence.
"Well, dear, that is perfectly natural, but try
to be entirely submissive to your father, and wait
patiently; and hopefully too," she added with a
smile; " for if Mr. Egerton is really good, no doubt
it will be proved in time, and then your father
will at once remove his interdict. And if you are
mistaken, you will one day discover it, and feel
thankful, indeed, to your papa for taking just
the course he has."
"There he is now!" Elsie said with a start,
as Mr. Dinsmore's step was heard without,
and Chloe opened the door in answer to his
rap.
"What, Elsie disobeying orders, and mamma
conniving at it! " he exclaimed in a tone that
might mean either jest or serious reproof. " Did
I not bid you go to bed at once, my daughter? "
"I thought it was only permission, papa, not
command," she answered, lifting her eyes to his
face, and moving to make room for him by her
side. "And mam^o-has been saying such sweet,
comforting things to me."
"Has she, darling? Bless her for it! I know
you need comfort, my poor little pet," he said,
taking the offered seat, and passing his arm round
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 285
her waist. "But you need rest too, and ought
not to stay up any longer."
" But surely papa knows I cannot go to bed
without my good-night kiss when he is in the
same house with me," she said, winding her arms
about his neck.
" And didn't like to take it before folks? Well,
that was right, but take it now. There, good-
night. Now mamma and I will run away, and
you must get into bed with all speed. No mis-
take about the command this time, and disobedi-
ence, if ventured on, will have to be punished,"
he said with playful tenderness, as he returned
her embrace, and rose to leave the room.
" The dear child; my heart aches for her," he
remarked to his wife, as they went out together,
" and I find it almost impossible yet to forgive
either that scoundrel Jackson or my brother Ar-
thur."
" You have no lingering doubts as to the iden-
tity and utter un worthiness of the man?"
" Not one; and if I could only convince Elsie of
his true character she would detest him as thor-
oughly as I do. If he had his deserts, he would
be in the State's Prison; and to think of his dar-
ing to approach my child, and even aspire to her
hand! "
Elsie lay all night in a profound slumber, and
awoke at an early hour the next morning, feeling
greatly refreshed and invigorated. The gentle
murmur of old ocean came pleasantly to her ear,
and sweetly in her mind arose the thought of
Him whom even the winds and the sea obey; of
His never failing love to her, and of the many
286 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
great and precious promises of His word. She
remembered how He had said, "Your Father
knoweth that ye have need of all these things/'
and, content to bear the cross He had sent her,
and leave her future in His hands, she rose to
begin the new day more cheerful and hopeful than
she had been since learning her father's decision
in regard to Egerton.
Throwing on a dressing-gown over her night
dress, she sat down before the open window with
her Bible in her hand. She still loved, as of old,
to spend the first hour of the day in the study of
its pages, and in communion with Him whose
word it is.
Chloe was just putting the finishing touches
to her young lady's toilet when little Horace came
running down the hall, and rapping on Elsie's
door, called out, " Sister, papa says put on a
short dress, and your walking shoes, and come
take a stroll on the beach with us before break-
fast."
"Yes, tell papa I will. Ill be down in five
minutes."
She came down looking sweet and fresh as the
morning; a smile on the full red lips, and a faint
tinge of rose color on the cheeks that had been so
pale the night before.
" Ah, you are something like yourself again,"
said Kose, greeting her with a motherly caress,
as they met in the lower hall. " How nice it is
to have you at home once more."
" Thank you, mamma, I am very glad to be
here; and I had such a good restful sleep. How
well you look."
ELSIES GIRLHOOD. 287
"And feel too, I am thankful to be able to
say. But there, your father is calling to you from
the sitting-room."
Elsie hastened to obey the summons, and found
him seated at his writing desk.
" Come here, daughter," he said, " and tell me
if you obeyed orders last night."
" Yes, papa, I did."
" I am writing a few lines to Aunt Wealthy, to
tell her of our safe arrival. Have you any mes-
sage to send?" and laying down his pen he drew
her to his knee.
" Only my love, papa, and and that she must
not be anxious about me, as she said that she
should. That I am very safe and happy in the
hands of my heavenly Father and those of the
kind earthly one He has given me," she added
in a whisper, putting her arms about his neck, and
looking in his face with eyes brimful of filial ten-
derness and love.
"That is right, my darling," he said, "and
you shall never want for love while your father
lives. How it rejoices my heart to see you look-
ing so bright and well this morning."
" I fear I have not been yielding you the cheer-
ful obedience I ought, papa," she murmured with ;
tears in her eyes, " but I am resolved to try to do \
so in future; and have been asking help where I
know it is to be obtained."
" I have no fault to find with you on that score,
my dear child," he said tenderly, " but if you
can be cheerful, it will be for your own happiness,
as well as ours."
She kept her promise faithfully, and had her
288 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
reward in much real enjoyment of the many pleas*
ures provided for her.
Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore were still youthful in'
their feelings, and joined with great zest in the
sports of the young people, going with them in
all their excursions, taking an active part in all
their pastimes, and contriving so many fresh
entertainments, that during those few weeks life
seemed like one long gala day.
Mr. Travilla was with them most of the time.
He had tarried behind in Philadelphia, as Mr.
Dinsmore and his daughter passed through, but
followed them to Cape Island a few day,* later.
The whole party left the shore about the last of
September, the Allisons returning to their city
residence, Mr. Travilla to his Southern home,
and the Dinsmores travelling through Pennsyl-
vania and New York, from one romantic and pic-
turesque spot to another; finishing up with two
or three weeks in Philadelphia, during which Rose
and Elsie were much occupied with their fall and
winter shopping.
Mr. Dinsmore took this opportunity to pay
another flying visit to his two young brothers.
He found Arthur nearly recovered, and at once
asked a full explanation of the affair of Tom
Jackson, alias Bromly Egerton; his designs upon
Elsie, and Arthur's participation in them.
"I know nothing about it," was the sullen re-
joinder.
"You certainly were acquainted with Tom
Jackson, and how, but through you, could he
have gained any knowledge of Elsie and her
whereabouts?"
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" I don't deny that I've had some dealings with
Jackson, but your Egerton I know nothing of
whatever."
"You may as well speak the truth, sir; it will
be much better for you in the end," said Mr. Dins-
more, sternly, his eyes flashing with indignant
anger.
" And you may as well remember that it isn't
Elsie you are dealing with. I'm not afraid of
you."
" Perhaps not, but you may well fear Him
who has said, ' a lying tongue is but for a mo-
ment.' How do you reconcile such an assertion
as you have just made with the fact of your hav-
ing that letter in your possession? "
" I say it's a cowardly piece of business for you
to give the lie to a fellow that hasn't the strength'
to knock you down for it."
" You would hardly attempt that if you were
in perfect health, Arthur."
"I would."
"You have not answered my question about
the letter.
" I wrote it myself."
"A likely story; it is in a very different hand
from yours."
" I can adopt that hand on occasion, as I'll
prove to your satisfaction.
He opened his desk, wrote a sentence on a scr^p
of paper, and handed it to Mr. Dinsmore. The
chirography was precisely that of the letter.
While slowly convalescing, Arthur had prepared
for this expected interview with Horace, by spend-
ing many a solitary hour in laboriously teaching
290 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
himself to imitate Jackson's ordinary hand, in
which most of the letters he had received from
him were written. The sentence he had first
penned was, " I did it merely for my own amuse-
ment, and to hoax Wai."
" I don't believe a word of it," said Mr. Dins-
more, looking sternly at him. " Arthur, you had
better be frank and open with me. You will gain
nothing by denying the hand you have had in
this disgraceful business. You can hardly sup-
pose me credulous enough to believe an asser-
tion so perfectty absurd as this. I have no doubt
that you sent that villain to Lansdale to try his
arts upon Elsie; and for that' you are richly de-
serving of my anger, and of any punishment it
might be in my power to deal out to you.
" It has been no easy matter for me to forgive
the suffering you have caused my child, Arthur;
but I came here to-day with kind feelings and in-
tentions. I hoped to find you penitent and ready
to forsake your evil courses; and in that case, in-
tended to help you to pay off your debts and begin
anew, without paining father with the knowledge
that his confidence in you has been again so
shamefully abused. But I must say that your
persistent denial of your complicity with that
scoundrel Jackson uoes not look much like contri-
tion, or intended amendment."
Arthur listened in sullen silence, though his
rapidly changing color showed that he felt the
cutting rebuke keenly. At one time he had re-
solved to confess everything, throw himself upon
the mercy of his father and brother, and begin
to lead an honest, upright life; but a threaten-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 291
ing letter received that morning from Jackson
had led him to change his purpose, and determine
to close his lips for a time.
Mr. Dinsmore paused for a reply, but none
came.
Walter looked at Arthur in surprise. " Come,
Art, speak, why don't you?" he said. "Horace,
don't Jook so stern and angry, I know he means
to turn over a new leaf; for he told me so. And
you will help him, won't you? "
" I ask no favors from a man who throws the
lie in my teeth," muttered Arthur angrily.
" And I can give none to one who persists in
denying his guilt," replied Mr. Dinsmore. " But,
Arthur, I give you one more chance, and for our
father's sake I hope you will avail yourself of it.
If you go on as you have for the last three or four
years, you will bring down his gray hairs with
sorrow to the grave. I presume you have put
yourself in Jackson's power; but if you will now
make a full and free confession to me, and prom-
ise amendment, I will help you to get rid of the
rascal's claims upon you, and start afresh. Will
you do it?"
" No, you've called me a liar, and what's the
use of my telling you anything? you wouldn't be-
lieve it if I did."
CHAPTEE XX.
She is not sad, yet in her gaze appears
Something that makes the gazer think of tears.
MRS. EMBURY.
THE family at Eoselands were gathered about
the breakfast-table. A much smaller party than
of yore, since Horace had taken Elsie and set up
an establishment of his own, and the other sons
were away at college and two daughters married;
leaving only Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, Adelaide
and Enna to occupy the old home.
" I presume you have the lion's share as usual,
papa," observed the last named, as her father
opened the letter-bag which Pomp had just
brought in.
" And who has a better right, Miss Malapert ? "
retorted the old gentleman. " Yes, here are sev-
er&l letters for me; but as there is one apiece for
the rest of you, nobody need complain. Here,
Pomp, hand this to your mistress. From Walter,
I see."
" Yes," she answered, opening it, " and a few
lines from Arthur too. I'm glad he's able to
write again, poor fellow! "
"Yes," said Adelaide. "Kose says Horace
has been up there and found him nearly recov-
ered. She writes that they are coming home."
"When? "asked Enna.
"Why, to-day! the letter has been delayed,"
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 293
said her sister, looking at the date. " I shall ride
over directly, to see that all is in order for them
at the Oaks."
" There is no need," remarked her mother.
" Eose will have written to Mrs. Murray."
" I presume so, still I shall go; it will be pleas-
ant to be there to welcome them when they
arrive."
" How fond you are of Rose," said Mrs. Dins-
more in a piqued tone; " you wouldn't do more
for one of your own sisters, I believe, than for
her."
" I wouldn't do less, mamma, and I am very
fond of her; we are so perfectly congenial."
" And Elsie's a great pet of yours, too," said
Enna sneeringly. " Well, I shall put off my call
till to-morrow, when the trunks will have been
unpacked, and I shall have a chance to see the
fashions. Elsie will have loads of new things;
it's perfectly absurd the way Horace heaps
presents upon her, and pocket-money too. Such
loads of jewelry as she has, two or three gold
watches, and everything else in proportion."
" He may as well; she can never spend the half
of her income," remarked Mr. Dinsmore. " Un-
less she takes to gambling," he added, in a tone
that seemed to say that his purse had suffered
severely from some one's indulgence in that vice.
Mrs. Dinsmore winced, Enna looked vexed and
annoyed, and Adelaide sad and troubled; but
when she spoke it was in answer to Enna.
" Yes, Elsie will have a great many beautiful
things to show us, of course; but, though she
wears nothing outre, she has never been, and I
294 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
think never will be a mirror of fashion. It would
suit neither her own taste nor Horace's; and you
know, fond of her as he is, he will never allow her
to have a will of her own in dress or anything
else. So it is well their tastes harmonize."
"I wouldn't be his child for all her money,"
said Enna.
" There would be some fighting if you were,"
said her father, laughing.
" I never could tell whether he tyrannized orer
Rose in the same style or not," observed MBS.
Dinsmore interrogatively.
"All I know about it is that they seem per-
fectly happy in each other," answered Adelaide;
"but I don't suppose Horace considers a hus-
band's authority by any means equal to a
father's."
Something delayed Adelaide, and it was nearly
two hours after they rose from the table ere she
was fairly on her way to the Oaks.
" Why, they are here before me! " she exclaimed
half aloud as she came in sight of the house.
There were piles of luggage upon the veranda,
and the whole family, including all the house
servants, were gathered round a large open trunk
from which Mrs. Dinsmore and Elsie were deal-
ing out gifts dresses, aprons, bonnets, hats, gay
handkerchiefs, etc., etc.; the darkies receiving
them with a delight that was pleasant to see.
Mr. Dinsmore too was taking his part in the
distribution, and as Adelaide rode up little Hor-
ace was in the act of throwing a gay shawl about
the shoulders of his nurse, who caught him in her
arms and hugged and kissed him over and over,
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 295
calling him "honey," and "pet," and "you ole
mammy's darlin' ole chiF ! "
So much engaged were they all that no one per-
ceived Adelaide's approach till she had reined in
her horse close to the veranda, and throwing her
bridle to her attendant, sprung lightly to the
ground.
But then there was a shout of welcome from
little Horace, followed instantly hy joyous excla-
mations and embraces from the others.
" Dear me, what a long stay you made of it! "
said Adelaide. " You can have no idea how I
missed you all; even down to this little man/'
patting Horace's rosy cheek. "You look re-
markably well, Eose; and the two Horaces also;
but Elsie, I think, has grown a little pale, thin,
and heavy-eyed. What ails you, child? Pining
for your native air no, home air I presume.
Is that it?"
" Hardly pining for it, auntie, but very glad to
get back, nevertheless," Elsie answered, with a
blush and a smile.
"And you are not pale now. But don't let
me interrupt your pleasant employment. I wish
I had been in time to see the whole of it."
" You are in season for your own gifts. Will
you accept a trifle from me?" said her brother,
putting a jewel-case into her hand.
"Coral! and what a beautiful shade!" she
cried. "Thank you; they are just what I
wanted."
"I thought they would contrast prettily with
this, auntie," said Elsie, laying a dress-pattern of
heavy black silk upon her lap.
29G ELSIE'S GlttLHOOD.
"And these are to be worn at the same time,
if it so pleases you/' added Rose, presenting her
with collar and undersleeves of point lace.
" Oh, Rose, how lovely! and even little Horace
bringing auntie a gift! " as the child slipped
something into her hand.
" It's only a card-case; but mamma said you'd
like it, Aunt Adie."
" And I do; it's very pretty. And here's a hug
and a kiss for the pet boy that remembered his
old-maid auntie."
" Old maid, indeed! Adelaide, I'll not have you
talking so," said Rose. " There's nothing old-
maidish about you; not even age yet; a girl of
twenty-six to be calling herself that! it's perfectly
absurd. Isn't it, my dear? "
" I think so, indeed," replied Mr. Dinsmore.
" Here, Jim, Cato, and the rest of you carry in
these trunks and boxes, and let us have them un-
packed and put out of sight."
"Oh, yes!" said Adelaide, "I want to see all
the fine things you have brought, Rose. Mamma,
Enna, and I are depending upon you and Elsie for
the fashions."
" Yes, we had all our fall and winter dresses
made up in Philadelphia; we prefer their styles to
the New York; they don't go to such extremes,
you know; and besides hailing from the Quaker
city as I do, it's natural I should be partial to her
plainer ways but we brought quantities of pat-
terns from both places; knowing that nothing was
likely to be too gay for Enna. We will let Elsie
display hers first. I feel in a special hurry, dear,
to show your aunt those elegant silks your papa
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 297
and I helped you to select. I hope you will see
them all on her, one of these days, Adelaide.
"That child's complexion is so perfect, that
she can wear anything," she added in an aside,
as they followed Elsie to her apartments; " there's
a pale blue that she looks perfectly lovely in; a
pearl-color too, and a delicate pink, and I don't
know how many more. One might think we ex-
pected her to do nothing but attend parties the
coming season."
Elsie seemed to take a lively interest in dis-
playing her pretty things to her aunt, and in look-
ing on for a little, while Eose did the same with
hers; but at length, though the two older ladies
were still turning over and discussing silks, satins,
velvets, laces, ribbons, feathers, and flowers, her
father noticed her sitting in the corner of a sofa,
in an attitude of weariness and dejection, with a
pale cheek, and a dreary, far-off look in her eyes
that it pained him to see.
" You are very tired, daughter," he said, going
to her side, and smoothing her glossy brown hair
with tender caressing motion, as he spoke; "go
and lie down for an hour or two. A nap would
do you a great deal of good."
" I don't like to do so while Aunt Adie is here,
papa," she said, looking up at him with a smile,
and trying to seem fresh and bright.
"Never mind that; you can see her any day
now. Come, you must take a rest." And draw-
ing her hand within his arm, he led her to her
boudoir and left her there, comfortably estab-
lished upon a sofa.
"A hat trimmed in that style would be very
298 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
becoming to Elsie," remarked Adelaide, continu-
ing the conversation with Rose, and turning to
look at her niece as she spoke. " Why, she's not
here."
" Papa took her away to make her lie down/'
said little Horace.
" Rose, does anything ail the child? " asked
Adelaide, in an undertone.
" She does not seem to be out of health; but
you know we are very careful of her; she is so
dear and sweet, and has never looked very
strong."
" But there is something wrong with her, is
there not? she does not seem to me quite the gay,
careless child she was when you went away. Hor-
ace," and she turned to him, as he re-entered the
room, "may I not know about Elsie? You can
hardly love her very much better than I do, I
think"
" If that is so, you must love her very much
indeed," he answered with a faint smile. " Yes,
I will tell you." And he explained the matter;
briefly at first, then more in detail, as she drew
him on by questions and remarks.
Her sympathy for Elsie was deep and sincere;
yet she thought her brother's course the only
wise and kind one, and her indignation waxed hot
against Arthur and Egerton.
"And Elsie still believes in the scoundrel?"
she said inquiringly.
" Yes, her loving, trustful nature refuses to
credit the proofs of his guilt, and only her sweet,
conscientious submission to parental authority
has saved her from becoming his victim."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD, 299
" She is a 7ery good, submissive, obedient child
to you, Horace/'
"I could not ask a better, Adelaide. I only
wish it were in my power to make obedience al-
ways easy and pleasant to her, poor darling."
" I hope you have something for me there, my
dear," Eose remarked to her husband at the break-
fast-table the next morning, as he looked over
the mail just brought in by his man John.
" Yes, there is one for you; from your mother,
I think; and, Elsie, do you know the handwriting
of this?"
" No, papa, it is quite strange to me," she an-
swered, taking the letter he held out to her, and
which bore her name and address on the back,
and examining it critically.
" And the post-mark tells you nothing either? "
" No, sir; I cannot quite make it out, but it
doesn't seem to be any place where I have a cor-v
respondent."
" Well, open it and see from whom it comes.
But finish your breakfast first."
Elsie laid the letter down by her plate, and put-
ting aside, for the present, her curiosity in re-
gard to it, went on with her meal. " From whom
can it have come? " she asked herself, while list-
ening half absently to extracts from Mr. Allisons
epistle; " not from him surely, the hand is so very
unlike that of the one.he sent me in Lansdale."
" You have not looked at that yet," her father
said, seeing her take it up as they rose from the
table. " You may do so now. I wish to know
who the writer is. Don't read it till you have
found that out," he added, leading her to a sofa!
800 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
in the next room, and making her sit down there^
while he stood by her side.
She felt that his eye was upon her as she broke
open the envelope and, taking the letter from it,
glanced down the page, then in a little flutter of
surprise and perplexity turned to the signature.
Instantly her face flushed crimson, she trembled
visibly, and her eyes were lifted pleadingly
to his.
He frowned and held out his hand.
" Oh, papa, let me read it! " she murmured
low and tremulously, her eyes still pleading more
eloquently than her tongue.
" No/' he said, and his look and gesture were
imperative.
She silently put the letter into his hand, and
turned away with a low sob.
" It is not worth one tear, or even an emotion
of regret, my child," he said, sitting down beside
her. " I shall send it back at once; unread, un-
less you prefer to have me read it first."
" No, papa."
" Very well, then I shall not. But, Elsie, do
you not see now that he is quite capable of imi-
tating the handwriting of another?"
"Yes, papa; but that does not prove that he
did in the case you refer to."
" And he has acted quite fairly and honestly
in using that talent to elude my vigilance and
tempt you to deception and disobedience, eh?"
"He is not perfect, papa, but I can't believe
him as bad as you think."
" There are none so blind as those that won ? t
see, Elsie; but, remember " and his tone changed
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 301
from one of great vexation to another sternly
authoritative " I will be obeyed in this thing."
" Yes, papa," she said, and rising, hastily left
the room.
" Try to be very patient with her, dear," said
Rose, who had been a silent, but deeply interested
spectator of the little scene; " she suffers enough,
poor child! "
" Yes, I know it, and my heart bleeds for her;
yet she seems so wilfully blind to the strongest
proofs of the fellow's abominable rascality that
at times I feel as if I could hardly put up with it
at all. The very pain of seeing her suffer so
makes me out of all patience with her folly."
"Yes, I understand it, but do not be stern
with her; she surely does not deserve it while she
is so perfectly submissive to your will."
" No, she does not, poor darling," he said with'
a sigh. " But I must make haste to write some
letters that ought to go by the next mail."
He left the room, and Mrs. Dinsmore, longing
to comfort Elsie in her trouble, was about to go
in search of her, when Mrs. Murray, who was still
housekeeper at the Oaks, came to ask advice or
direction about some household matters.
Their consultation lasted for half an hour or
more, and in the meanwhile Mr. Dinsmore fin-
ished his correspondence and went himself to loek
for his daughter. She was in the act of opening
her writing-desk as he entered the room.
" What are you doing, daughter? " he asked.
" I was about to write a letter to Sophy, papa."
" It would be too late for to-day's mail; so let
it wait, and come with me for a little stroll into
302 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
the grounds. Aunt Chloe, bring a garden Hat
and sunshade. You would like to go, daughter? "
"Yes, sir. Papa, you are not vexed with me?
You don't think I want to be disobedient or wil*-
ful? " There were tears in her voice and traces
of them on her cheeks.
" No, darling! " he said, drawing her to him,
" and you did not in the least deserve to be spoken
to in the stern tone that I used. But can you
understand it? my very love for you makes me
angry and impatient at your persistent love for
that scoundrel."
" Papa, please don't! " she said in a low, pained
tone, and turning away her face.
" Ah, you do not like to hear a word against
him! " he sighed; " I can't bear to think it, and
yet I fear you care more for him than for me, your
own father, who almost idolizes you. Is it so ? "
" Papa/' she murmured, winding her arms
about his neck, and laying her head on his breast,
" if I may have but one of you, I could never hesi-
tate for a moment to choose to cling here where
I have been so long and tenderly cherished. I
know what your love is, I might be mistaken
and deceived in another. And besides, God com-
mands me to honor and obey you/'
He held her close to his heart for a moment, as
something too dear and precious ever to be given
up to another, then drawing her hand within his
arm, while Chloe placed the hat on her head, and
gave her the parasol, he led her out into the
grounds.
It pained him to notice the sadness of her
countenance, sadder than he had seen it for
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 303
days, and he exerted himself to entertain her and
divert her thoughts, calling her attention to some
new plants and flowers, consulting her taste in
regard to improvements he designed making, and
conversing with her about a book they had been
reading.
She understood his thoughtful kindness, was
grateful for it, and did her best to be interested
and cheerful.
"It is so nice to have you treat me as your,
companion, and friend as well as your daughter,
papa/' she said, looking up at him with a smile.
" Your companionship is very dear and sweet
to me, daughter," he answered. " But I think
we had better go in now; the sun is growing
hot."
" Oh, here you are !" cried a girlish voice as
they turned into a shaded walk leading to the
house. " Fve been looking everywhere and am
glad to have found you at last. Really, if a body
didn't know your relationship, he or she might
almost imagine you a pair of lovers."
" Don't be silly, Enna. How do you do? " said
Mr. Dinsmore, shaking hands with her and giv-
ing her a brotherly kiss.
" As usual, thank you," she answered, turning
from him to Elsie, whom she embraced with toler-
able warmth, saying, " I'm really glad to have
you here again. I missed you more than I would
have believed. Now come in and show me all
your pretty things. I'm dying to see them.
Adelaide says you've brought home such quanti-
ties of lovely laces, silks, velvets, ribbons, flowers,
feathers and what not, that one might imagine
804 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
you'd nearly bought out the Philadelphia mer-
chants."
" No, they had quite a stock still left," replied
Elsie, smiling; " but, as mamma says, papa was
very indulgent and liberal to us both; and I shall
take pleasure in showing you his gifts."
"How do you like my present to Adelaide?
asked Mr. Dinsmore.
" Oh, very much; but when my turn comes
please remember I want amethysts."
" Ah, then I have been fortunate in my selec-
tion," he said, quite unsuspicious of the fact that
Enna had instructed Elsie beforehand in regard
to her wishes, should Horace intend making her
a present. Elsie had quietly given the desired
hint, but merely as though the idea had originated
with herself. *
The jewelry was highly approved, as also a rich
violet silk from Eose, and a lace set from Elsie.
Adelaide had been intrusted with quite as rich
gifts for her father and mother; nor had Lora
been forgotten; Elsie had a handsome shawl for
her, Mr. Dinsmore a beautiful pair of bracelets,
and Eose a costly volume of engravings.
"Do you think Aunt Lora will be pleased?"
asked Elsie.
" They're splendid! It must be mighty nice to
have so much money to spend. But come now,
show me what you got for yourselves."
She spent a long while, first in Eose's apart-
ment, then in Elsie's, turning over and admiring
the pretty things, discussing patterns, and styles
of trimming, and what colors and modes would
be becoming to her, trying on some of the dresses,
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 305
laces, sacques, shawls, bonnets, and hats without
so much as saying by your leave, when the article
in question belonged to her niece that she might
judge of the effect; several times repeating her
remark that it must be delightful to have so much
money, and that Elsie was exceedingly fortunate
in being so enormously wealthy.
" Yes; it is something to be thankful for,"
Elsie said at length, " but, Enna, it is also a great
responsibility. We are only stewards, you know,
and sometimes I fear it is hardly right for me to
spend so much in personal adornment."
"That wouldn't trouble me in the least; but
why do you do it, if you are afraid it's wrong? "
" Papa does not think so; he says the manu-
facturers of these rich goods must live as well as
others, and that for one with my income, it is no
more extravagant to wear them than for one with
half the means to wear goods only half as ex-
pensive."
" And I'm sure he's perfectly right; and of
course you have no choice but to obey. Well, I
presume I've seen everything now, and I'm actu-
ally weary with my labors," she added, throwing
herself into an easy-chair. " You've grown a
little pale, I think, and your eyes look as if you'd
been crying. What ails you? "
" I am not at all ill," returned Elsie, flushing.
" I didn't say you were, but something's wrong
with you, and you can't deny it; you don't seem as
gay as you used to before you went away."
She paused, but receiving no reply, went on.
" Come now, it isn't worth while to be so close-
mouthed with me, Miss Dinsmore; for I happen
306 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
to know pretty much all about it already. You've
fallen in love with a man that your father thinks
is a scamp and though you don't believe it, you've
given him up, in obedience to orders, like the
cowardly piece that you are. Dear me, before I'd
be so afraid of my father! "
" No, you neither fear nor love your father as
I do mine; but fear of papa has very little to do
with it. I love him far too well to refuse to sub-
mit to him in this, and I fear God, who bids me
obey and honor him. But, Enna, how did you
learn all this?"
" Ah, that is my secret."
Elsie looked disturbed. " V r on't you tell me? "
"Not I."
" Is it generally known in the family? "
" So far as I am aware, no one knows it but
myself."
" Ah! " thought Elsie, " I did not believe Aunt
Adelaide or Walter would tell her; but I wonder
how she did find it out."
" I wouldn't give up the man I loved for any-
body," Enna vent on in a sneering tone. " I
say parents have no business to interfere in such
matters; and so I told papa quite plainly when he
took it upon him to lecture me about receiving
attentions from Dick Percival, and threatened
to forbid him the house."
" Oh, Enna! "
" You consider it wickedly disrespectful and
rebellious no doubt, but I say I'm no longer a
child, and so the text, 'Children obey your
parents ' which I know is just on the end of
your tongue doesn't apply to me."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 30?
" The Bible doesn't say obey till you are of age,
then do as you please. You are not seventeen
yet, and Isaac was twenty when he submitted to
be bound and laid upon the altar.' 7
" Well, when I go to the altar, it shall be lean-
ing on Dick's arm," said Enna, laughing. "I
don't care if he is wild; I like him, and intend to
marry him too."
" But are you not afraid? "
"Afraid of what?"
"That he will run through his property in ft
few years, and perhaps become an habitual drunk-
ard and abusive to his wife."
"I mean to risk it anyhow," returned Enna
sharply, " so it is not worth while for my friends
to waste their breath in lecturing me on the sub-
ject."
" Oh, Enna! you can't expect a blessing, if you
persist in being so undutiful; I think it would be
well for you if your father were more like mine/'
"Indeed! I wouldn't be your father's daughter
for anything."
<e And I am glad and thankful that I am."
CHAPTER XXI.
The human heart! 'tis a thing that lives
In the light of many a shrine ;
And the gem of its own pure feelings gives
Too oft on brows that are false to shine ;
It has many a cloud of care and woe
To shadow o'er its springs,
And the One above alone may know
The changing tune of its thousand strings,
MRS. L. P. SMITH.
MR. AND MRS. HORACE DIXSUORE were moet
anxious to promote Elsie's happiness, and in order
to that to win her to forgetfulness of her un-
worthy suitor. Being Christians they did not
take her to the ball-room, the Opera, or the
theater (nor would she have consented to go had
they proposed it), but they provided for her every
sort of suitable amusement within their reach.
She was allowed to entertain as much company
and to pay as many visits to neighbors and friends
as she pleased.
But a constant round of gayety was not to her
taste; she loved quiet home pleasures and intel-
lectual pursuits far better. And of these also
she might take her fill, nor lack for sympathiz-
ing companionship; both parents, but especially
her father, being of like mind with herself.
They enjoyed many a book together, and she
chose to pursue several studies with him. )
And thus the weeks and months glided away
308
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 309
not unhappily, though at times she would be pos-
sessed with a restless longing for news from Eger-
ton, and for the love that was denied her; then
her eyes would occasionally meet her father's
with the old wistful, pleading look that he found
BO hard to resist.
He well understood their mute petition; yet it
was one he could not grant. But he would take
her in his arms, and giving her the fondest,
tenderest caresses, would say, in a moved tone,
-' My darling, don't look at me in that way; it al-
most breaks my heart. Ah, if you could only be
satisfied with your father's love! "
" I will try, papa," was her usual answer, " and
ph, your love is very sweet and precious! "
Such a little scene, occurring one morning in
Elsie's boudoir, was interrupted by Chloe coming
in to say that Miss Carrington had called to see
her young mistress and was waiting in the draw-
ing-room.
" Show her in here, mammy," Elsie said, dis-
engaging herself from her father's arms, and
smoothing out her dress. " She used to come
here in the old times without waiting for an invi-
tation."
The Carringtons had not been able quite to
forgive the rejection of Herbert's suit, and since
his death there had been a slight coolness be-
tween the two families, and the girls had seen
much less of each other than in earlier days; their
intercourse being confined to an occasional ex-
change of formal calls, except when they met at
the house of some common acquaintance or
friend. Still they were mutually attached, and
310 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
of late had resumed much of their old warmth of
manner toward each other.
" Ah, this seems like going back to the dear old
times again," Lucy said when their greetings
were over, and sending an admiring glance about
the luxuriously furnished apartment as she spoke.
" I always thought this the most charming of
rooms, Elsie, but how many lovely things, per-
fect gems of art, you have added to it since I
saw it last."
" Papa's gifts to his spoiled darling, most of
them," answered Elsie, with a loving look and
smile directed to him.
"Petted, but not spoiled," he said, returning
the smile.
"No, indeed, I should think not," said Lucy.
" Mamma says she is the most perfectly obedient,
affectionate daughter she ever saw, and I can't
tell you how often I have heard her wish I was
more like her."
"Ah," said Elsie, "I think Mrs. Carrington
has always looked at me through rose-colored
spectacles."
After a little more chat Lucy told her errand.
Her parents and herself, indeed the whole family,
she said, had greatly regretted the falling off of
their former intimacy and strongly desired to
renew it; and she had come to beg Elsie to go
home with her and spend a week at Ashlands in
the old familiar way.
Elsie's eye brightened, and her cheek flushed.
"Dear Lucy, how kind!" she exclaimed; then
turned inquiringly to her father.
"Yes, it is very kind," he said. "Use your
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 311
own pleasure, daughter. I think perhaps the
change might do you good."
" Thanks, papa, then I shall go. Lucy, I ac-
cept your invitation with pleasure."
They were soon on their way, cantering briskly
along side by side, Lucy in gay, almost wild
spirits, and Elsie's depression rapidly vanishing
beneath the combined influence of the bracing air
and exercise, the brilliant sunshine, and her
friend's lively sallies.
Arrived at Ashlands, she found herself received
and welcomed with all the old warmth of affec-
tion. Mrs. Carrington folded her to her heart
and wept over her. " My poor boy! " she whis-
pered; " it seems almost to bring him back again
to have you with us once more. But I will not
mourn," she added, wiping her eyes; "for our
loss has been his great gain."
Tender memories of Herbert, associated with
nearly every room in the house, saddened and
eubdued Elsie's spirit for a time, yet helped to
banish thoughts of Egerton from her mind.
But Lucy had a great deal to tell her, and in
listening to these girlish confidences, Herbert was
again half forgotten. Lucy too had spent the
past summer in the North, and had there "met
her fate." She was engaged, the course of true
love seemed to be running smoothly, and they ex-
pected to marry in a year.
Elsie listened with interest, sympathizing
warmly in her friend's happiness; but Lucy, who
was watching her keenly, noticed a shade of deep
sadness steal over her face.
" Now I have told you all my secrets," she said s
312 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"won't you treat me as generously, by trusting
ine with yours ? "
" If I had as happy a tale to tell," replied Elsie,
the tears filling her eyes.
" You poor dear, what is wrong? Is it that
papa refuses his consent."
Elsie nodded; her heart was too full for speech.
"What a shame!" cried Lucy. "Does he
really mean to keep you single all your life? is he
quite determined to make an old maid of you? "
" No, oh, no! but he does not believe my friend
to be a good man. There seems to be some sad
mistake, and I cannot blame papa; because if Mr.
Egerton really was what he thinks him, it would
be folly and sin for me to have anything to do
with him; and indeed I could not give either hand
or heart to one so vile, a profane swearer, gam-
bler, drunkard, and rake."
" Oh, my, no! " and Lucy looked quite horri-
fied; " but you don't believe him such a villain? "
" No; on the contrary I think him a truly con-
verted man. I believe he was a little wild at one
time; for he told me he had been; but I believe,
too, that he has truly repented, and therefore
ought to be forgiven."
" Then I wouldn't give him up if I were you,
father or no father," remarked Lucy, with spirit.
" But, Lucy, there is the command, ' Children,
obey your parents.' "
" But you are not a child."
<e Hardly more, not of age for more than two
years."
"Well, when you are of age, surely you wilt
consider a lover's claims before those of a father."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD, 313
" No," Elsie answered low and sadly. " I shall
never marry without papa's consent. I love him
far too dearly to grieve him so; and it would be
running too fearful a risk."
" Then you have resigned your lover entirely? "
" Unless he can some day succeed in convincing
papa that he is not so unworthy."
" Well, you are a model of filial piety! and de-
serve to be happy, and I am ever so sorry for
you," cried Lucy, clasping her in her arms, and
kissing her affectionately.
" Thank you, dear," Elsie said, " but oh, I can-
not bear to have my father blamed. Believing as
he does, how could he do otherwise than forbid
all intercourse between us? And he is so very,
very kind, so tenderly affectionate to me. Ah, I
could never do without his dear love! "
After this, the two had frequent talks together
on the same subject, and though Lucy did not
find any fault with Mr. Dinsmore, she yet pleaded
Egerton's cause, urging that it seemed very unfair
in Elsie to condemn him unheard, very hard not
to allow him even so much as a parting word.
" I had no choice," Elsie said again and again,
in a voice full of tears; " it was papa's command,
and I could do nothing but obey. Oh, Lucy, it
was very, very hard for me, too! and yet my father
was doing only his duty, if his judgment of Mr.
Egerton's character was correct."
One afternoon, when Elsie had been at Ash-
lands four or five days, Lucy came flying into her
room; " Oh, I'm so glad to find you dressed! You
see I'm in the midst of my toilet, and Scip has
just brought up word that a gentleman is in the
314 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
parlor asking for the young ladies Miss Dins*
more and Miss Carrington. Would you mind
going down alone and entertaining him till I
come? do, there's a dear."
"Who is he?"
" Scip didn't seem to have quite understood the
name; but it must be some one we both know,
and if you don't mind going, it would be a relief
to my nerves to know that he's not sitting there
with nothing to do but count the minutes, and
think, ' What an immense time it takes Miss Car-
rington to dress. She must be very anxious to
make a good impression upon me.' For you see
men are so conceited, they are always imagining
we're la}dng ourselves out to secure their admira-
tion."
" I will go down then," Elsie answered, smil-
ing, " and do what I can to keep him from think-
ing any such unworthy thoughts of you. But
please follow me as soon as you can."
The caller had the drawing-room to himself,
and as Elsie entered was standing at the centre-
table with his back toward her. As she drew
near, he turned abruptly, caught her hand in his,
threw his arm about her waist, and kissed her
passionately, crying in a low tone of rapturous
delight, "My darling, I have you at last!
Oh, how I have suffered from this cruel separa-
tion."
It was Egerton, and for a few moments she
forgot everything else, in her glad surprise at the
unexpected meeting.
He drew her to a sofa, and still keeping his arm
about her, poured out a torrent of fond loverlike
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 315
words, mingled with tender reproaches that she
had given him up so easily, and protestations of
his innocence of the vices and crimes laid to his
charge.
At first Elsie flushed rosy red, and a sweet light
of love and joy shone in the soft eyes, half veiled
by their heavy, drooping lashes; hut as he went
on her cheek grew deathly pale, and she struggled
to free herself from his embrace.
" Let me go! " she cried, in an agitated tone of
earnest entreaty, " I must, indeed I must! I can't
stay I ought not; I should not have come in, or
allowed you to speak to, or touch me. Papa has
forbidden all intercourse between us, and he will
be so angry." And she burst into tears.
" Then don't go back to him; stay with me,
and give me a right to protect you from his anger.
I can't bear to see you weep, and if you will be
mine my own little wife, you shall never have
cause to shed another tear," he said, drawing her
closer to him and kissing them away.
" No, no, I cannot, I cannot! You must let me
go; indeed you must! " she cried, shrinking from
the touch of his lip upon her cheek, and averting
her face, " I am doing wrong, very wrong to stay
here! "
"No, I shall hold you fast for a few blissful
moments at least;" he answered, tightening his
grasp and repeating his caresses, as she struggled
the harder to be free. " You cannot be so cruel
as to refuse to hear my defence."
" Oh, I cannot stay another moment I must
not hear another word, for every instant that I
linger I am guilty of a fresh act of disobedience
316 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
to papa. I shall be compelled to call for help if
you do not loose your hold."
He took his arm from her waist, but still held
fast to her hand. " No, don't do that," he said;
" think what a talk it would make. I shall de-
tain you but a moment, and surely you may as
well stay that much longer; ( in for a penny, in for
a pound/ you know. Oh, Elsie, can't you give me
a little hope."
"If you can gain papa's approval, not other-
wise."
" But when you come of age."
" I shall never marry without my father's con-
sent."
" Surely you carry your ideas of obedience too
far. You owe a duty to yourself and to me, as
well as to your father. Excuse my plainness, but
in the course of nature we shall both outlive him,
and is it right to sacrifice the happiness of our
two lives because he has unfortunately imbibed a
prejudice against me?"
" I could expect no blessing upon a union en-
tered into in direct opposition to my father's
wishes and commands," she answered with sad
and gentle firmness.
" That's a hard kind of obedience; and I don't
think it would answer to put in practice in all
eases," he said bitterly.
" Perhaps not; I do not attempt to decide for
others; bat I am convinced of my s-Tra duty; and
know too that I should be wretched indeed, if I
had tc live under papa's frown. And oh, how I
am disobeying him now! I imist go this instant!
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 317
Release m3 r hand, Mr. Egerton." And she tried
with all her strength to wrench it free.
" No, no, not yet," he said entreatingly. " I
have not given you half the proofs of my inno-
cence that I can bring forward; do me the simple
justice to stay and hear them."
She made no reply but half yielded, ceasing her
struggles for a moment. She had no strength
to free her hand from his grasp, and could not
bear to call others upon the scene. Trembling
with agitation and eagerness, she waited for his
promised proofs; but instead he only poured forth
a continuous stream of protestations, expostula-
tions and entreaties.
" Mr. Egerton, I must, I must go," she re-
peated; " this is nothing to the purpose, and I
cannot stay to hear it."
A step was heard approaching; he hastily drew
her toward him, touched his lips again to her
cheek, released her, and she darted from the room
by one door, as Lucy entered by another.
"Where is she? gone? what's the matter?
wasn't she pleased to see you? wouldn't she
stay?"
Lucy looked into the disappointed, angry, cha-
grined face of Egerton, and in her surprise and
yexation piled question upon question without
giving him time to answer.
" No, the girl's a fool! " he muttered angrily,
and turning hastily from her, paced rapidly to
and fro for a moment; then suddenly recollecting
himself, " I beg pardon, Miss Carrington," he
eaid, coming back to the sofa on which she sat re-
318 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
garding him with a perturbed, displeased counte-
nance., " I I forgot mj'self ; but you will perhaps,
know how to excuse an almost distracted lover."
" Keally, sir," returned Lucy coolly, " your
words just now did not sound very lover-like; and
would rather lead one to suspect that possibly Mr.
Dinsniore may be in the right."
He flushed hotly. " What can you mean, Miss
Carrington?"
" That your love is for her fortune rather- than
for herself."
"Indeed you wrong me. I adore Miss Pins-
more, and would consider myself the happiest of
mortals could I but secure her hand, even though
phe came to me penniless. But she has imbibed
the most absurd, ridiculous ideas of filial duty
and refuses to give me the smallest encourage-
ment unless I can gain her father's consent and
approval; which, seeing he has conceived a violent
dislike to me, is a hopeless thing. Now can you
not realize that the more ardent my love for her,
the more frantically impatient I would feel under
. such treatment?"
" Perhaps so; men are so different from women;
but nothing could ever make me apply such an
epithet to the man I loved."
"Distracted with disappointed hopes, I was
hardly a sane man at the moment, Miss Carring-
ton," he said deprecatingly.
" The coveted interview has proved entirely un-
satisfactory then? " she said in a tone of inquiry.
" Yes; and yet I am most thankful to have had
Bight and speech of her once more; truly grateful
to you for bringing it about so cleverly. But
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 319
fi, Miss Carrington, could you be persuaded To
assist me still further, you would lay me under
lasting obligations! "
" Please explain yourself, sir," she answered
coldly, moving farther from him, as he attempted
to take her hand.
" Excuse me," he said. " I am not one in-
clined to take liberties with ladies; but I am
hardly myself to-day; my overpowering emotion.
my half distracted state of mind "
Breaking off his sentence abruptly, and put-
ting his hand to his head, " I believe I shall go
mad if I have to resign all hope of winning the
sweet, lovely Elsie," he exclaimed excitedly, " and
I see only one way of doing it. If I could carry
her off, and get her quite out of her father's
reach, so that no fear of him need deter her from
following the promptings of her own heart, I am
sure I could induce her to consent to marry me at
once. Miss Carrington, will you help me? "
" Never! If Elsie chooses to run away with
you, and wants any assistance from me, she shall
have it; but I will have nothing to do with kid-
napping."
He urged, entreated, used every argument he
could think of, but with no other effect than rous-
ing Lucy's anger and indignation; " underhand
dealings were not in her line," she told him, and
finally upon his intimating that what she had
already done might be thought to come under
that head almost ordered him out of the house.
He went, and hurrying to her friend's room,
she found her walking about it in a state of great
agitation, and weeping bitterly.
*20 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"Oh, Lucy, how could you? how could you?"
ehe cried, wringing her hands and sobbing in
pitiable distress. " I had no thought of him
when I went down; I did not know you knew him,
or that he was in this part of the country at all.
I was completely taken by surprise, and have dis-
obeyed papa's most express commands, and he
will never forgive me, never! No, not that
either, but he will be very, very angry. Oh, what
ehall I do! "
" Oh, Elsie, dear, don't be so troubled! I am as
sorry as I can be," said Lucy, with tears in her
eyes. " I meant to do you a kindness; indeed I
did; I thought it would be a joyful surprise to
you.
" I met him last summer at Saratoga. He
came there immediately from Lansdale, and some-
how we found out directly that we both knew
you, and that I was a near neighbor and very old
friend of yours; and he told me the whole story
of your love-affair, and quite enlisted me in his
cause; he seemed so depressed and melancholy at
your loss, and grieved so over the hasty way in
which your father had separated you, not even
allowing a word of farewell.
" He told me he hoped and believed you were
still faithful to him in your heart, but he could
not get to see or speak to you, or hold any corre-
spondence with you. And so I arranged this way
of bringing you together."
" It was kindly meant, I have no doubt, Lucy,
but oh, you don't know what you have done! I
tremble at the very thought of papa's anger when
he hears it; for I have done and permitted thingp
ELSIE'S OFRLHOOD. 321
te said he would not allow for thousands of
dollars."
"Well, dear, I don't think you could help it;
and I'm so sorry for my share in it," said Lucy,
putting her arms round her, and kissing her wet
cheek. " But perhaps your father will not be so
very angry with you after all; and at any rate you
are too old to be whipped, so a scolding will be
the worst you will be likely to get."
"He never did whip me, never struck me a
blow in his life; but I would prefer the pain of a
dozen whippings to what I expect," said Elsie,
with a fresh burst of tears.
"What is that, you poor dear?" asked Lucy.
"I can't imagine what he could do worse than
beat you."
" He may put me away from his arms for weeks
or months, and be cold, and stern, and distant to
me, never giving me a caress or even so much as a
kind word or look. Oh, if he should do that, how
can I bear it!"
" Well, don't tell him anything about it. I
wouldn't, and I don't see any reason why you
should."
Elsie shook her head sorrowf ulty. " I must;
I never conceal anything any secret of my own
from him; and I should feel like a guilty thing,
acting a lie, and could not look him in the face;
and he would know from my very look and man-
ner that something was wrong, and would ques-
tion me, and make me tell him all. Lucy, I must
go home at once."
" No, indeed, you must not. Why, you were to
stay a week two days longer than this; and if
822 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
you were ready to start this minute, it would "Ke
quite dark before you could possibly reach the
Oaks."
Elsie looked at her watch, and perceiving that
her friend was right, gave up the idea of going
that day, but said she must leave the next morn-
ing. To that Lucy again objected. " I can't
bear to lose those two days of your promised
visit," she said, " for if you are determined to tell
your papa all about this, there's no knowing when
lie will allow you to come here again."
" Never, I fear," sighed Elsie.
"I haven't been able to help feeling a little
iiard to him on poor Herbert's account," Lucy
went on, " and I believe that had something to
do with my readiness to help Egerton to outwit
him in obtaining an interview with you. But I'll
never do anything of the kind again; so he needn't
be afraid to let you come to see us."
She then told Elsie what had passed in the
drawing-room between Egerton and herself his
request and her indignant refusal.
It helped to shake Elsie's confidence in the
man, and made her still more remorseful in view
of that day's disobedience; for she could not de-
ceive herself into the belief that she had been
altogether blameless. " As I said before, I can't
bear the idea of losing you so soon," continued
Lucy, "but there is still another reason why I
must beg of you to stay till the set time of your
leaving. Mamma knows nothing about this
affair, and would be exceedingly displeased with
me, if she should find it out; as of course she must,
if you go to-morrow; as that would naturally call
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 323
fcut an explanation. So, dear, do promise me*
that you will give up the idea."
Elsie hesitated, but not liking to bring Lucy
into trouble, finally yielded to her urgent entrea-
ties, and consented to stay.
All the enjoyment of her visit, however, was
over; she felt it impossible to rest till her father
knew all, shed many tears in secret, and had
much ado to conceal the traces of them, and ap-
pear cheerful in the presence of the family.
But the two wretched days were over at last,
and declining the urgent invitations of her
friends to linger with them a little longer, she
bade them an affectionate farewell, and set out
for home.
Jim had been sent to escort her, another serv-
ant with the wagon for Chloe and the luggage.
Struck with a sudden fear that she might meet
or be overtaken by Egerton, Elsie ordered Jim to
keep up close in the rear, then touching the whip
to her horse, started off at a brisk canter. Her
thoughts were full of the coming interview with
^her father, which she dreaded exceedingly, while
at the same time she longed to have it over. She
drew rein at the great gates leading into the
grounds, and the servant dismounted and opened
them.
" Jim," she asked, " is your master at home? "
" Dunno, Miss Elsie, but the missus am gone
ober to Ion to spend the day, an lef little Marse
Horace at Boselands." ,
" Why, what's tho matter, Jim? "
" De missus at Ion little bit sick, I b'lieve, Miss
Elsie."
324 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"And papa didn't go with them?"
" Yes, miss; but he corned right back again, and
I 'spect he's in de house now."
" Dear papa! he came back to receive me," mur-
mured Elsie to herself, as she rode on, and a
scalding tear fell at the thought of how the lov-
ing look and fond caress with which he was sure
to greet her, would be quickly exchanged for dark
frowns, and stern, cold reproofs.
" Oh, if I were a child again, I believe I should
hope he would just whip me at once, and then for-
give me, and it would be all over; but now oh,
dear! how long will his displeasure last? "
It was just as she had expected; he was on the
veranda, watching for her coming hastened for-
ward, assisted her to alight, embraced her ten-
derly, then pushing aside her veil, looked search-
ingly into her face.
" What is the matter? " he asked, as her eyes
met his for an instant with a beseeching, implor-
ing glance, then fell beneath his gaze while her
face flushed crimson.
She tried to answer him, but her tongue re-
fused to do its office, there was a choking sensa-
tion in her throat and her lips quivered.
He led her into his private study, took off her
hat and threw it aside, and seating her on a sofa,
still keeping his arm about her for she was
trembling very much asked again, " What is the
matter? what has gone wrong with you, my
daughter? "
His tone, his look, his manner were very gentle
and tender; but that only increased her remorse
and self-reproach.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 325
" Papa, don't be so kind," she faltered; " I I
don't deserve it, for I have disobeyed you."
"Is it possible! when? where? and how? Can
it be that you have seen and spoken with that
scoundrel, Elsie ? "
"Yes, papa." Her voice was very low and
tremulous, her heart throbbed almost to suffoca-
tion, her bosom heaved tumultuously, and her
color came and went with every breath.
He rose and paced hurriedly across the room
two or three times, then coming back to her side,
" Tell me all about it," he said sternly" every
action, every word spoken by either, as far as you
can recall it."
She obeyed in the same low, tremulous tones
in which she had answered him before, her voice
now and then broken by a half-smothered sob,
and her eyes never once meeting his, which she
felt were fixed so severely upon her tearful, down-
cast face.
He cross-questioned her till he knew all that
had passed nearly as well as if he had been present
through the whole interview, his tones growing
more and more stern and angry.
"And you dared to permit all that, Elsie?"
he exclaimed when she had finished; " to allow
that vile wretch to put his arm around you, hold
your hand in his, for half an hour probably, and
even to press his lips again and again to yours or
to your cheek; and that after I had told you I
would not have him take such a liberty with you
for half I am worth; and "
" Not to my lips, papa."
" Then it is not quite so ba'l as I thought, but
326 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
"bad enough certainly; and all this after I had
positively forbidden you to even so much as ex-
change the slightest salutation with him. What
am I to think of such high-handed rebellion? "
" Papa," she said beseechingly, " is not that too
hard a word? I did not disobey deliberately I
don't think anything could have induced me to
go into that room knowing that he was there.
I was taken by surprise, and when he had got
hold of my hand I tried in vain to get it free."
" Don't attempt to excuse yourself, Elsie. You
could have escaped from him at once, by simply
raising your voice and calling for assistance. I
do not believe it would have been impossible to
avoid even that first embrace; and it fairly makes
my blood boil to think he succeeded in giving it
to you. How dared you so disobey me as to sub-
mit to it ? "
" Papa, at the moment I forgot everything but
but just that he was there."
The last words were spoken in a voice scarcely
raised above a whisper, while her head drooped
lower and lower and her cheek grew hot with
shame.
"Did I ever take forgetfulness of my orders
as any excuse of disobedience?" he asked in as
stern a tone as he had ever used to her.
" No, papa; but oh, don't be very angry with
me!"
" I am exceedingly displeased with you, Elsie!
so much so that nothing but your sex saves you
from a severe chastisement. And I cannot allow
you to escape punishment. You must be taught
that though no longer a mere child, you are not
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 327
yet old enough to disobey me with impunity.
Hush!" as she seemed about to speak, "I will
not have a word of reply. Go to your own apart-
ments and consider yourself confined to them
till you hear further from me. Stay! " he added
as she rose to obey, "when did all this occur?"
She told him in her low, tearful tones, her ut-
terance half choked with sobs.
" Two days ago, and yet your confession has
been delayed till now. Does that look like peni-
tence for your fault?"
She explained why she had not returned home
at once; but he refused to accept the excuse, and
ordered her away as sternly as before.
She obeyed in silence, controlling her feelings
by a great effort, until she had gained the privacy
of her own apartments, then giving way to a fit
of almost hysterical weeping. It was years since
'her father had been seriously displeased with her,
and loving him with such intense affection, his
anger and sternness nearly broke her heart.
Her tender conscience pricked her sorely too,
adding greatly to her distress by its reproaches
on account of her disobedience and her delay in
confessing it.
It came to her mind at length that her heav-
enly Father might be more tender and forbear-
ing with her, more ready to forgive and restore
to favor, than her earthly one. She remembered
the sweet words, " There is forgiveness with thee,
that thou mayest be feared." " If any man sin,
we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous." She went to Him with her sin
and sorrow, asking pardon for the past and help
328 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
for the future. She asked, too, that the anger of
her earthly parent might be turned away; that
the Lord would dispose him to forgive and love
her as before.
She rose from her knees with a heart, though
still sad and sorrowful, yet lightened of more than
half its load.
But the day was a very long one; with a mind
so disturbed she could not settle to any employ-
ment, or find amusement in anything. She
passed the time in wandering restlessly from
room to room, starting and trembling as now and
then she thought she heard her father's step or
voice, then weeping afresh as she found that he
did not come near her.
When the dinner-bell rang she hoped he would
send, or come to her; but instead he sent her meal
to her; such an one as was usual upon their table
both luxurious and abundant, which com-
forted her with the hope that he was less dis-
pleased with her than at other times when he had
allowed her little more than prison fare. But ex-
citement and mental distress had brought on a
severe headache; she had no appetite, and sent
the food away almost untasted.
It was mild, beautiful weather in the early
spring; such weather as makes one feel it a trial
to be compelled to stay within doors, and Elsie
longed for her favorite retreat in the grounds.
In the afternoon some ladies called; Mr. Dins-
more was out, and she dared not go to the draw-
ing room without permission; but her headache
furnished sufficient excuse for declining to see
them, and they went away.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 329
Shortly after, she heard her father's return.
He had not been off the estate, or out of sight of
the house; he was keeping guard over her, but
still did not come near her.
Just at tea-time she again heard the sound
of wheels; then her father's, mother's, and little
brother's voices.
" Mamma and Horace have come home," she
thought with a longing desire to run out and em-
brace them.
" Oh, papa, has sister come home?" she heard
the child's voice ask in eager tones.
" Yes."
" Oh, then I must run into her room and kiss
her! "
" No, you must not; stay here."
" But why mustn't I go to sister, papa? " -
" Because I forbid it."
Every word of the short colloquy reached El-
sie's ear, adding to her grief and dismay. Was
she, then, to be separated from all the rest of the
family? did her father fear that she would exert
a bad influence over Horace, teaching him to be
disobedient and wilful? How deeply humbled
and ashamed she felt at the thought.
Eose gave her husband a look of surprised, anx-
ious inquiry. "Is Elsie sick, dear?" she asked.
" No, Eose, but she is in disgrace with me,"
he answered in an undertone, as he led the way
into the house.
"Horace, you astonish me! what can she have
done to displease you? "
" Come in here; and I will tell you," he said,
throwing open the door of his study.
330 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Eose listened in silence, while he repeated to
her the substance of Elsie's confession, mingled
with expressions of his own anger and indigna-
tion.
" Poor child! " murmured Eose, as he con-
cluded; " Horace, don't be hard with her; she
must have suffered a great deal in these last three
days."
" Yes," he answered in a moved tone; " when
I think of that, I can scarcely refrain from going
to her, taking her in my arms, and lavishing
caresses and endearments upon her; but then
comes the thought of her allowing that scoun-
drel to do the same, and I am ready almost to
whip her for it." His face flushed hotly, and his
dark eyes flashed as he spoke.
" Oh, my dear! " exclaimed Eose, half fright-
ened at his vehemence, "you cannot mean
it?"
" Eose," he said, pacing to and fro in increas-
ing excitement, " the fellow is a vile wretch,
whose very touch I esteem pollution to a sweet,
fair, innocent young creature like my daughter.
I told her so, and positively forbade her to so
much as look at him, or permit him to see her
face, if it could be avoided, or to recognize, or
hold the slightest communication with him in
any way. Yet in defiance of all this, she allows
him to take her hand and hold it for, I don't
know how long, put his arm around her waist
and kiss her a number of times. Now what does
such disobedience deserve?"
"Had she no excuse to offer?"
"Excuse? Yes, she did not disobey deliber-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 331
ately was taken by surprise forgot everything
but that he was there."
"Well,, my dear," and Eose's hand was laid
affectionately on his arm, while a tender smile
played about her mouth, and her sweet blue eyes
looked fondly into his. "You know how it is
with lovers, if you will only look back a very few
years. I think there were times when you and I
forgot that there was anybody in the wide world
but just our two selves."
A smile, a tender caress, a few very lover-like
words, and resuming his gravity and seriousness,
Mr. Dinsmore went on: " But you forget the
odious character of the man. If I had objected
to him from mere prejudice or whim, it would
have been a very different thing."
" But you know Elsie does not believe "
"She ought to believe what her father tells
her," he interrupted hotly; " but believe or not,
she must and shall obey me; and if she does not
I shall punish her."
" And to do that, you need only look coldly on
her, and refrain from giving her caresses and
endearing words. Such treatment from her
dearly loved father would of itself be sufficient,
very soon, to crush her tender, sensitive spirit."
His face softened, the frown left his brow, and:
the angry fire his eye. " My poor darling! " he
murmured, with a sigh, his thoughts going back
to a time of estrangement between them long
years ago. "Yes, Eose, you are right; she is a
very tender, delicate, sensitive plant, and it be-
hooves her father to be exceeding gentle and
forbearing with her."
332 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Then you will forgive her, and take her to
your heart again?"
" Yes if she is penitent; and tell her that
she owes it to her mother's intercession; for I
had intended to make her feel herself in disgrace
for days or weeks/'
Chloe was at that moment carrying a large sil-
ver waiter, filled with delicacies, into the apart-
ments of her young mistress. " Xow, darlin', do
try to eat to please your ole mammy," she said
coaxingly, as she set it down before her. " I'se
taken lots ob pains to fix up dese tings dat my
pet chile so fond ob."
Elsie's only answer was a sad sort of smile;
but for the sake of the loving heart that had
prompted the careful preparation of the tempt-
ing meal the loving eyes that watched her as
she ate, she tried to do her best.
Only half satisfied with the result, Chloe bore
the waiter away again, while Elsie seated herself
in a large easy-chair that was drawn up close to
the glass doors opening upon the lawn and laying
her head back upo!i its cushions, turned her eyes
toward the outer world, looking longingly upon
the shaded alleys and g^y parterres, the lawn with
its velvet carpet of emerald green, where a foun-
tain cast up its cool showers of spray, and long
shadows slept, alternating with brilliant patches
of ruddy light from the slowly sinking sun.
She sighed deeply, and her eyes filled with tears.
" How long should she be forbidden to wander
there at her own sweet will? "
A soft, cool hand was gently laid upon her
aching brow, and looking up she saw her father
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 333
standing by her side. She had not heard his ap-
proach, for his slippered feet made no noise in
passing over the rich velvet carpet.
His face was grave, but no longer stern or an-
gry. " Does your head ache, daughter? " he asked
almost tenderly.
" Yes, papa; but not half so badly as my heart
does," she answered, a tear rolling quickly down
her cheek. " I am so sorry for my disobedience.
Oh, papa, will you forgive me?" And her eyes
sought his with the imploring look he ever found
it well-nigh impossible to resist.
" Yes, I will I do," he said, stooping to press
a kiss upon the quivering lips. " I had thought
I ougEt to keep you in disgrace some time longer,
but your mamma has pleaded for you, and for her
sake and for the sake of a time, long ago, when
I caused my little girl much undeserved suffer-
ing," he added, his tones growing tremulous with
emotion, " I forgive and receive you back into
favor at once."
She threw her arm about his neck, and as hfc
drew her to his breast, laid her head down there,
weeping tears of joy and thankfulness. " Dear,
kind mamma! and you too, best and dearest of
fathers! I don't deserve it," she sobbed. "I am
afraid I ought to be punished for such disobedi-
ence."
"I think you have been," he said pityingly,
"the last three days can hardly have been very
happy ones to you."
" No, papa; very, very wretched."
" My poor child! Ah, I must take better care
of my precious one in future. I shall allow you
334 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
to go nowhere without either your motEer or my-
eelf to guard and protect you. Also, I shall break
off your intimacy with Lucy Carrington; she is
henceforth to be to you a mere speaking acquaint-
ance; come, now we will take a little stroll
through the grounds. The cool air will, I hope,
do your head good."
CHAPTER XXII.
Twas the doubt that thou wert
That wrung my heart with pain ;
But now I know thy perfidy,
I shall be well again.
BRYANT.
ELSIE submitted without a murmur to her
father's requirements and restrictions; but
though there was nothing else to remind her that
she had been for one sad day in disgrace with
-him his manner toward her having again all the
old tender fondness she did not fully recover
her spirits, but, spite of her struggles to be cheer-
ful and hopeful, seemed often depressed, and
grew pale and thin day by day.
Her father noticed it with deep concern and
anxiety. " Something must be done," he said
one day to his wife; "the child is drooping
strangely, and I fear will lose her health. I must
try what change will do for her. What do you say
to a year in Europe? "
"For all of us?"
" Yes, for you and me and our two children."
" It might be very pleasant, and Elsie has never
been."
"N"o; I have always meant to take her, but
found home so enjoyable that I have put it off
from year to year."
Elsie entered the room as he spoke.
336 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" Come here, daughter," he said, making room
for her on the sofa by his side. "I was just
saying to mamma that I think of taking you all
to Europe for a year. How should you like
that?"
" Oh, very much, papa! " she answered, look-
ing up brightly; " I should so enjoy seeing all the
places you have told me of, all the scenes of
your adventures when you travelled there before."
" Then I think we will go. Shall we not,
mamma ? "
" Yes; but I must pay a visit home first, and
do some preparatory shopping in Philadelphia.
Can we go on in time to spend some weeks there
before sailing?"
" You might, my dear; but I shall have to stay
behind to arrange matters here; which will take
some time, in contemplation of so lengthened an
absence from the estate."
" Then I suppose we must have a temporary
separation," said Rose, in a jesting tone; " I had
better take the children and go home at once, so
that Elsie and I can be getting through our shop-
ping, etc., while you are busy here."
" No, Eose; you may go, and take Horace with
you, if you like; but Elsie must stay with me. I
cannot trust her even with you! "
' " Oh, papa! " And the sweet face flushed crim-
son, the soft eyes filled with tears.
"I think you misunderstand me, daughter/'
he said kindly; " I do not mean that I fear you
would fail in obedience to my commands or my
wishes: but that I must keep you under my pro-
tection. Besides, I cannot possibly spare all my
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 337
treasures wife, son, and daughter at once.
Would you wish to go and leave me quite alone? "
" Oh no, no, indeed, you dear, dearest father! "
she cried, putting her arm round his neck, and
gazing in his face with eyes beaming with joy and
love.
" Yours is the better plan, I believe, my dear,"
said Eose. " I would rather not have you left
alone, and I think I could do what is necessary
for Elsie, in the way of shopping and ordering
dresses made, if she likes to trust me."
So it was arranged; three days after this con-
versation Mrs. Dinsmore left for Philadelphia,
taking little Horace with her, and a fortnight
later Mr. Dinsmore followed with Elsie.
Dearly as the young girl loved Eose and her
little brother, it had yet been an intense pleasure
to her to have her father all to herself, and be
everything to him for those two weeks; and
she was almost sorry to have them come to an
end.
It was late at night when they reached the
City of Brotherly Love. Mr. Allison's residence
was several miles distant from the depot, but his
carriage was there in waiting for them.
" Are the family all well, Davis? " inquired Mr.
Dinsmore, addressing the coachman, as he placed
Elsie in the vehicle.
"All well, sir; Mrs. Dinsmore and the little
boy too."
" Ah, I am thankful for that. You may drive
on at once. My man John will call a hack and
follow us with Aunt Chloe and the bf ggage."
" Did you give John the checks, papa-? " asked
838 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Elsie, as he took his seat by her side, and Davis
shut the carriage door.
" Yes. How weary you look, my poor child!
There, lean on me," and he put his arm about
her and made her lay her head on his shoulder.
They drove on rapidly, passing through several
comparatively silent and deserted streets, then
suddenly the horses slackened their pace, a bright
light shone in at the carriage window and the
hum of many voices and sound of many feet at-
tracted the attention of the travellers.
Elsie started and raised her head, asking,
"What is it, papa?"
" We are passing a theatre, and it seems the
play is just over, judging by the crowds that are
pouring from its doors."
Davis reined in his horses to avoid running
over those who were crossing the street, and
Elsie, glancing from the window, caught sight
of a face she knew only too well. Its owner was
in the act of stepping from the door of the thea-
tre, and staggered as he did so would have
fallen to the ground had he not been held up by
his companion, a gaudily dressed, brazen-faced
woman, whose character there was no mistak-
ing.
" Ha, ha, Tom! " she cried, with a loud and
boisterous laugh, " I saved you from a downfall
that time; which I'll be bound is more than that
Southern heiress of yours would have done."
" Now don't be throwing her up to me again,
Bet," he answered thickly, reeling along so close
to our travellers that they caught the scent of
his breath; "I tell you again she can't hold a
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. So.
candle to you, and I never cared for her; it was
the money I was after."
Mr. Dinsmore saw a deadly pallor suddenly
overspread his daughter's face; for a single in-
stant her eyes sought his with an expression of
mute despairing agony that wrung his heart;
then all was darkness as again the carriage rolled
rapidly onward.
" My poor, poor darling! " he murmured, draw-
ing her close to him and folding his arms about
her as if he would shield her from every danger
and evil, while hers crept around his neck and
her head dropped upon his breast.
The carriage rattled on over the rough stones.
Elsie clung with death-like grasp to her father,
shudder after shudder shaking her whole frame,
in utter silence at first, but at length, as they
came upon a smoother road and moved with less
noise and jolting, " Papa," she whispered, " oh,
what a fearful, fearful fate you have saved me
from! Thank God for a father's protecting love
and care! "
" Thank Him that I have my darling safe."
he responded in a deeply moved tone, and caress-
ing her with exceeding tenderness.
In another moment they had stopped before
Mr. Allison's door, which was thrown wide open
almost on the instant; for Rose and Edward were
up, waiting and listening for their coming.
" Come at last! glad to see you! " cried the lat-
ter, springing down the steps to greet his brother-
in-law as he alighted. Then, as Mr. Dinsmore
turned, lifted his daughter from the carriage,
and half carried her into the house, " But what's
uAO ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
the matter? Elsie ill? hurt? have you had an ac-
cident?"
Eose stood waiting in the hall. "My dear
husband! " she exclaimed in a tone of mingled
affection, surprise, and alarm. "What is it?
what is wrong with our darling? Come this
way, into the sitting-room, and lay her on the
sofa."
"She has received a heavy blow, Eose, but I
think I hope it will turn out for her good in
the end," he said low and tremulously, as he laid
her down.
She seemed in a half-fainting condition, and
Edward rushed away in search of restoratives.
Eose asked no more questions at the time, nor
did her husband give any further information,
but in silence, broken only now and then by a
subdued whisper, they both devoted their energies
to Elsie's restoration.
" Shall I go for a doctor? " asked Edward.
" No, thank you. I think she will be better
presently," answered Mr. Dinsmore.
" I am better now," murmured Elsie feebly.
" Papa, if you will help me up to bed, I shall do
very well."
" Can't you eat something first? " asked Eose,
" I have a nice little supper set out in the next
room for papa and you."
Elsie shook her head, and sighed, 'I don't
think I could, mamma; I am not at all hungry."
"I want you to try, though," said her father;
" it is some hours now since you tasted food, and
I think you need it," and lifting her tenderly in
his arms lie carried her into the supper-room,
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 341
where he seated her at the table in an easy-chair
which Edward hastily wheeled up for her use.
To please her father she made a determined
effort, and succeeded in swallowing a few mouth-
fuls. After that he helped her to her room and
left her in the care of Kose and Chloe.
Having seen with her own eyes, and heard
with her own ears, Elsie could no longer doubt
the utter unworthiness of Egerton, or his identity
with Tom Jackson; of whose vices and crimes
she had heard from both her father and Walter,
with whom she still kept up a correspondence.
She loved him no longer; nay, she had never loved
him; her affection had been bestowed upon the
man she believed him to be, not the man that he
was. But now the scales had fallen from her
eyes, she saw him in all his hideous moral de-
formity, and shrank with horror and loathing
from the recollection that his arm had once en-
circled her waist, his lip touched her cheek. She
could now appreciate her father's feelings of an-
ger and indignation on learning that she had per-
mitted such liberties, and felt more deeply hum-
bled and penitent on account of it than ever be-
fore.
She slept little that night, and did not leave
her room for several days. The sudden shock had
quite unnerved her; but the cause of her illness
remained a secret between herself and her par-
ents, who watched over her with the tenderest
solicitude, and spared no effort to cheer and com-
fort her. She seemed at this time to shrink from
all companionship but theirs, although she and
her mamma's younger brothers and sisters had
342 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
always entertained a warm friendship for each'
other.
On the fourth day after their arrival her father
took her out for a drive, and returning left her
resting on the sofa in her dressing-room, while he
and Rose went for a short walk.
The door-bell rang, and presently Chloe came
up with a very smiling face to ask if " Marse Wal-
ter " might come in.
" Walter ? " cried Elsie, starting up. " Yes, in-
deed! "
She had scarcely spoken the words before he
was there beside her, shaking hands, and kissing
her, saying with a gay boyish laugh, " I suppose
your uncle has a right? "
" Yes, certainly; though I don't know when
he ever claimed it before. But oh, how glad I
am to see you! and how you've grown and im-
proved. Sit down, do. There's an easy-chair.
" Excuse my not getting up; papa bade me lie
and rest for an hour."
" Thanks, yes; and I know you always obey or-
ders. And so you're on the sick list? what's the
matter?"
An expression of pain crossed her features and
the color faded from her cheek. " I have been
ailing a little," she said, "but am better now.
How is Arthur? "
" H'm! well enough physically, but in hor-
rible disgrace with papa. You've no idea, Elsie,
to what an extent that Tom Jackson has fleeced
him. He's over head and ears in debt, and my
father's furious. He has put the whole matter
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 343
into Horace's hands for settlement. Did he tell
you about it? "
" No, he only said he expected to go to Prince-
ton to-morrow to attend to some business. He
would have gone sooner, but didn't like to leave
me."
" Careful of you as ever! that's right. I say,
Elsie, I think Horace has very sensible ideas about
matters and things.''
" Do you? I own I think so myself," she an-
swered with a quiet smile.
"Yes; you see Arthur is in debt some thou-
sands, a good share of it what they call debts of
honor. Papa had some doubt as to whether they
ought to be paid, and asked Horace what was
his opinion. Adelaide wrote me the whole story,
you see. Here, I'll give it to you in his exact
words, as she reports them," he added, taking a
letter from his pocket and reading aloud,
"' Father, don't think of such a thing! Why,
surely it would be encouraging gambling, which
is a ruinous vice; and paying a man for robbing
and cheating. I would, if necessary, part with
the last cent to pay an honest debt; but a so-called
debt of honor (of dishonor would be more cor-
rect) I would not pay if I had more money than
I could find other uses for.' And I think he was
right. Don't you? " concluded Walter.
" I think papa is always right."
" Yes? Well, I was afraid you didn't think he
was in regard to that fellow you met out in
Lansdale; I've been wanting to see you to tell
you what I know f the scoundrelism of Tom
344 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD
Jackson, and the proof that they are one and the
same."
"Yes, I know, I I believe it now, Walter, and
But don't let us speak of it again," she faltered,
turning deathly pale and almost gasping for
breath.
" I won't; I didn't know you'd mind; I I'm
very sorry," he stammered, looking anxious, and
vexed with himself.
" Never mind; I shall soon learn not to care.
Now tell me about Arthur. Will he stay and
finish his course?"
"No; papa says his patience is worn out, and
his purse can stand no more such drains as Ar-
thur has put upon it two or three times already.
So he is to leave and go home ,as soon as Horace
has settled up his affairs."
"And you?"
"I hope to go on and to graduate in another
year."
" Oh, Wai, I'm so glad! so thankful you have'nt
followed in poor Arthur's footsteps."
" He wouldn't let me, Elsie; he actually
wouldn't. I know I'm lacking in self-reliance
and firmness, and if Art had chosen to lead me
wrong, I'm afraid he'd have succeeded. But he
says, poor fellow! that it's enough for one to be
a disgrace to the family, and has tried to keep me
out of temptation. And you can't think how
much my correspondence with you has helped to
keep me straight. Your letters always did me so
much good."
<f Oh, thank you for telling me that! " she cried,
with bright, glad tears glistening in her eyes.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 345
"No, 'tis I that owe thanks to you," he said,
looking down meditatively at the carpet and
twirling his watch-key between his finger and
thumb.
" Poor Art ! this ought to have been his last
year, and doubtless would if he had only kept out
of bad company."
" Ah, Wai, I hope that you will never forget
that ' evil communications corrupt good man-
ners.' "
" I hope not, Elsie. I wish you could stay and
attend our commencement. What do you say?
Can't you? It comes off in about a fortnight."
" No, Wai. I'm longing to get away, and papa
has engaged our passage in the next steamer.
But perhaps we may return in time to see you
graduate next year."
" What, in such haste to leave America! I'm
afraid you're losing your patriotism," he said
playfully.
" Ah, it is no want of love for my dear native
land that makes me impatient to be gone! " she
answered half sadly.
" And are you really to be gone a year? "
" So papa intends, but of course everything in
this world is uncertain."
" I shall look anxiously for my European let-
ters, and expect them to be very interesting."
" I'll do my best, Wai," she said languidly, " but
I don't feel, just now, as if I could ever write any-
thing worth reading."
" I think I never saw you so blue," he said in
a lively, jesting tone. " I must tell you of the
fun we fellows have, and if it doesn't make you
346 ELSIE '8 GIRLHOOD.
wish yourself one of us Well," and he launched
out into an animated description of various prac-
tical jokes played off by the students upon their
professors or on each other.
He succeeded at length in coaxing some of the
old brightness into the sweet face, and Mr. and
Mrs. Dinsmore, mounting the stairs on their re-
turn from their walk, exchanged glances of de-
lighted surprise at the sound of a silvery laugh
which had not greeted their ears for days.
Walter received a hearty welcome from both.
His visit, though necessarily short, was of real
service to Elsie, doing much to rouse her out of
herself and her grief; thus beginning the cure
which time and change of scene dulling the keen
edge of sorrow and disappointment, and giving
pleasant occupation to her thoughts would at
length carry on to completion.
CHAPTER XXIII.
** The shaken tree grows firmer at the roots ;
So love grows firmer for some blasts of doubt."
IT was two years or more since the Oaks had
Suffered the temporary loss of its master and mis-
tress, yet they had not returned; they still lin-
gered on foreign shores, and Mrs. Murray, who
had been left at the head of household affairs,
looked in vain for news of their home-coming.
She now and then received a short business let-
ter from Mr. Dinsmore or of directions from
Rose; or a longer one from the latter or Elsie, giv-
ing entertaining bits of travel, etc.; and occa-
sionally Adelaide would ride over from Rose-
lands and delight the old housekeeper's heart by
reading aloud a lively gossipy epistle one or the
other had addressed to her.
How charmed and interested were both reader
and listener; especially when they came upon one
of Rose's graphic accounts of their presentation
at court in London, Paris, Vienna, or St. Peters-
burg wherein she gave a minute description of
Elsie's dress and appearance, and dwelt with
motherly pride and delight upon the admiration
everywhere accorded to the beauty and sweetness
of the lovely American heiress.
It was a great gratification to Adelaide's pride
in her niece to learn that more than one coronet
had been laid at her feet; yet she was not sorry to
348 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
hear that they had been rejected with the gentle
firmness which she knew Elsie was capable of
exercising.
" But what more could the bairn or her father
desire? would he keep the sweet lassie single a'
her days, Miss Dinsmore?" asked Mrs. Murray
when Adelaide told her this.
" No," was the smiling rejoinder; " I know he
would be very loath to resign her; but this is
Elsie's own doing. She says the man for whom
she would be willing to give up her native land
must be very dear indeed, that her hand shall
never be given without her heart, and that it still
belongs more to her father than to any one else."
" Ah, that is well, Miss Adelaide. I hae been
sorely troubled aboot my sweet bairn. I never
breathed the thoct to ither mortal ear, but when
they cam hame frae that summer in the North,
she was na the blythe young thing she had been;
and there was that in the wistfu' and hungered
look o' her sweet een when she turned them
whiles upon her father that made me think
some ane he didna approve had won the innocent
young heart."
"Ah, well, Mrs. Murray, whatever may have
been amiss then, is all over now. My sister writes
me that Elsie seems very happy, and as devotedly
attached to her father as ever, insisting that no
one ever can be so dear to her as he."
Mrs. Dinsmore's last letter was dated Naples,
and there they still lingered.
One bright spring day they were out sight-
seeing, and had wandered into a picture-gallery
which they had visited once or twice before.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 349
Rose had her husband's arm. Elsie held her lit-
tle brother's hand in hers.
" Sister," said the child, " look at those ladies
and gentlemen. They are English, aren't
they?"
" Yes; I think so," Elsie answered, f ollowiag
the direction of his glance; " a party of English
tourists. No, one of the gentlemen looks like
an American."
" That one nearest this way? I can only see his
side face, but I think he is the handsomest.
Don't you?"
"Yes; and he has a fine form too, an easy,
graceful carriage, and polished manners," she
added, as at that moment he stooped to pick up
a handkerchief, dropped by one of the ladies of
his party, and presented it to its owner.
Elsie was partial to her own countrymen, and
unaccountably to herself, felt an unusual interest
in this one. She watched him furtively, wonder-
ing who he was, and thinking that in appearance
and manners he compared very favorably with
the counts, lords, and dukes who in the past two
years had so frequently hovered about her, and
hung upon her smiles.
But her father called her attention to some-
thing in the painting he and Rose were examin-
ing, and when she turned to look again for the
stranger and his companions, she perceived that
they were gone.
" Papa," she asked, " did you notice that party
of tourists?"
"Not particularly. What about them?"
" I am quite certain one of the gentlemen was
350 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.^
an American; and I half fancied there was some-
thing familiar in his air and manner."
" Ah! I wish you had spoken of it while he was
here, that I might have made sure whether he
were an old acquaintance. But come," he added,
taking out his watch, " it is time for us to return
home."
The Dinsmores were occupying an old palace,
the property of a noble family whose decayed for-
tunes compelled the renting of their ancestral
home. In the afternoon of the day of their visit
to the picture-gallery Mr. Dinsmore and b.
daughter were seated in its spacious saloon, she
beside a window overlooking the street, he at a
little distance from her, and near to a table cov-
ered with books, magazines, and newspapers.
That day had brought him a heavy mail from
America, and he was examining the New York
and Philadelphia dailies with keen interest.
Elsie was evidently paying no heed to what
might be passing in the street. A bit of fancy
work gave employment to her fingers, while her
thoughts were busy with the contents of a letter
received from her Aunt Adelaide that morning.
It brought ill news. Arthur had been seri-
ously injured by a railroad accident and, it was
feared, was crippled for life. But that was not
all. Dick Percival whom Enna had married
nearly two years before had now become utterly
bankrupt, having wasted his patrimony in rioting
and drunkenness, losing large sums at the gam-
ing-table; and his young wife, left homeless and
destitute, had been compelled to return to her
father's house with her infant son.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 351
Mr. Dinsmore uttered a slight exclamation.
"What is it, papa?" asked Elsie, lifting her
eyes to meet his fixed upon her with an expres-
sion of mingled gratitude and tenderness.
" Come here," he said, and as she obeyed he
drew her to his knee, passing his arm ahout her
waist, and, holding the paper before her, pointed
to a short paragraph which had just caught his
eye.
She read it at a glance; her face flushed, then
paled; she put her arm about his neck, and laid
her cheek to his, while tears trembled in the
sweet eyes, as soft and beautiful as ever.
For a moment neither spoke; then she mur-
mured in low, quivering tones the same words
that had fallen from her lips two years ago,
" Thank God for a father's protecting love and
care! "
" Thank Him that I have my daughter safe in
my arms," he said, tightening his clasp about her
slender waist. " Ah, my own precious child, how
could I ever have borne to see you sacrificed to-
that wretch! "
They had just learned that Tom Jackson had
been tried for manslaughter and for forgery,
found guilty on both charges, and sentenced to
the State's Prison for a long term of years.
They were quiet again for a little; then Elsie
said, " Papa, I want to ask you something."
" Well, daughter, say on."
" I have been thinking how sad it must be for
poor Enna to find herself so destitute, and that I
should like to settle something upon her say tea
or twenty thousand dollars, if I may "
352 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
" My dear child," he said with a smile, " I have
no control over you now as regards the disposal
of your property. Do you forget that you passed
your majority three weeks ago? "
"No, papa, I have not forgotten; but I don't
mean ever to do anything of importance without
your approval. So please make up your mind
that I'm always to he your own little girl; never
more than eighteen or twenty to you. Now
won't you answer my question about Enna? "
" I think it would be quite as well, or better, to
defer any such action for the present. It won't
hurt Enna to be made to feel poor and dependent
for a time; she needs the lesson; and her parents
will not allow her to suffer privation of any sort.
Ah, here comes mamma in walking attire. We
are going out for perhaps an hour; leaving house,
servants, and the little ones in your charge. Hor-
ace, be careful to do just as your sister tells you."
" Yes, papa, I will," answered the child, who
had come in with his mother, and had a book in
his hand. "Will you help me with my lesson,
Elsie, and hear me say it when it is learned? "
" Yes, that I will. Here's a stool for you close
by my side," she said, going back to her seat by
the window.
" Good-bye, dears, we won't be gone long." said
Rose, taking her husband's arm.
Elsie and Horace watched them till they had
passed out of sight far down the street, then
returned to their employments; her thoughts now
going back, not to Eoselands, but to Lansdale,
Ashlands, and Philadelphia; memory and imagi-
nation bringing vividly before her each scene of
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 353
her past life in which Egerton had borne a part.
Did any of the old love come back? No, for he
was not the man who had won her esteem and
affection; and even while sending up a silent peti-
tion for his final conversion, she shuddered at the
thought of her past danger, and was filled with
gratitude to God and her father at the remem-
brance of her narrow escape.
Her brother's voice recalled her from her mus-
ings. " Look, sister/' he exclaimed, glancing
from the window, " there is the very same gentle-
man we saw this morning! and see, he's crossing
the street! I do believe he's coming here."
Elsie looked, recognized the stranger, and
perceived, with a slight emotion of surprise and
pleasure, that he was approaching their door.
That he was her countryman, and perhaps direct
from her dear native land, was sufficient to make
him a welcome visitor.
The next moment John threw open the door of
the saloon and announced, "A gentleman from
America! "
" One who brings no letter of introduction; yet
hopes for an audience of you, fair lady," he said,
coming forward with smiling countenance and
outstretched hand.
"Mr. Travilla! can it be possible!" she cried,
starting up in joyful astonishment, and hastening
to bid him welcome.
" You are not sorry to see me then, my little
friend?" he said, taking her offered hand and
pressing it in both of his.
" Sorry, my dear sir! what a question! Were
you not always a most welcome guest in mj
354 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD
father's house? and if welcome at home, ho^f
much more so here in a foreign land."
Mr. Travilla looked into the sweet face, more
beautiful than ever, and longed to treat her with
the affectionate freedom of former days, yet re-
frained; the gentle dignity of her manner seem-
ing to forhid it, pleased and cordial as was her
greeting.
He turned to Horace and shook hands with
him, remarking that he had grown very much.
" I am very glad to see you, sir," said the boy.
" You have not forgotten me then? "
" Ah, no, indeed; and I can't think how it was
that sister and I did not know you yesterday in
the picture-gallery; though we knew you were an
American! "
" Ah, were you there? How blind I must have
been! " and he turned to Elsie again.
" "We were there for but a few minutes before
your party left; and quite at the other end of that
long gallery," she said. " But I am surprised
that I failed to recognize you, even at that
distance. But I had no thought of your being in
the country. How delighted papa will be to see
you. He has often spoken of the old times when
you and he travelled over Europe together, and
wished that you were with him on this trip. He
and mamma have gone out, but will be in pres-
ently."
Elsie had many inquiries to make in regard to
the health and welfare of relatives and friends,
and the old family servants at the Oaks; Mr. Tra-
villa numerous questions to ask concerning all
that she had seen and done since leaving America.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 355
But in the midst of it all she exclaimed, " Ah,
you must see our little Frenchwoman! such a dar-
ling as she is! "
" I'll ring the bell, sister," said Horace, seeing
her glance toward it.
John appeared in answer, was ordered to tell
the nurse to bring the baby, and a neatly dressed
middle-aged woman presently entered the room,
carrying a lovely infant a little more than a year
old.
" See, is she not a darling? " said Elsie, taking
it in her arms. " She has mamma's own sweet
pretty blue eyes, and is named for her. Our
Rosebud we call her. Papa gave her the name,
and he says she is as much like her mother as I
am like mine. You don't know, Mr. Travilla,
how glad I was when she came to us; it was some-
thing so new and delightful to have a sister of
my own. Ah, I love her dearly, and she returns
my affection. There, see her lay her little head
down on my shoulder."
Mr. Travilla admired and caressed the little
creature, coaxed her to come to him for a mo-
ment, and the nurse carried her away.
" When do you return home, Elsie ? " he
asked.
"In the fall. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris, mamma's
grandparents, have their golden wedding in Octo-
ber. Sophy expects to be married at the same
time, and of course we wish to be present on the
occasion. We have yet to visit Turin, Venice,
and Munich. After seeing these places we in-
tend to spend the rest of the summer in Switzer-
land, sailing for America some time in September.
356 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
Ah, here are papa and mamma ! " she added as
the two entered the room together.
"Tra villa! what favorable wind blew you
here?" cried Mr. Dinsmore, shaking his friend's
hand in almost boyish delight.
" A westerly one, I believe," answered Travilla,
laughing and shaking hands with Eose, who
looked scarcely less pleased than her husband.
" They think at Eoselands and the Oaks that your
year is a very long one, or that you have lost your
reckoning, and were anxious to send a messenger
to assist you in recovering it; so I volunteered my
services."
" Ah, that was kind! but to be able to do so to
advantage you will need to take up your abode
with us for the present, and to make one of our
party when we start again upon our travels."
" Of course you will," added Eose; " we always
consider you one of the family; a sort of brother
to us and uncle to the children."
" Thank you, you are most kind," he said, a
slight flush suffusing his cheek for an instant,
while his eyes involuntarily sought Elsie's face
with a wistful, longing look.
Her father turned laughingly to her. " Is this
your stranger of the picture-gallery? ah, are you
not ashamed of failing to recognize so old a
friend? "
"Yes, papa, but I did not catch sight of his
full face, and he was at quite a distance, and I
never thinking of the possibility that he could be
anywhere out of America."
"And time makes changes in us all is fast
turning me into a quiet middle-aged man."
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 357
" You are very kind to furnish another excuse
for my stupidity/' said Elsie, smiling, " but I
really cannot see that you have changed in the
least since I saw you last."
"And no stranger would ever think of pro-
nouncing you over thirty," added Kose.
" Ah, you flatter me, fair ladies," returned Mr.
Travilla, smiling and shaking his head.
"No, I can vouch for the truthfulness and
honesty of both," said Mr. Dinsmore.
Mr. Travilla did not hesitate to accept his
friend's invitation, knowing that it was honestly
given, and feeling that he could not decline it
without doing violence to his own inclination.
He made one of their party during the rest of
their stay in Europe and on the voyage to
America.
His presence was most welcome to all; he saw
no reason to doubt that, and yet Elsie's manner
sometimes saddened and depressed him. Not
that there was ever in it anything approaching to
coolness, but it lacked the old delightful famil-
iarity, instead of which there was now a quiet re-
serve, a gentle dignity, that kept him at a dis-
tance, and while increasing his admiration for the
fair girl, made him sigh for the old childish days
when she was scarcely under more constraint with
him than with her father.
Our little party reached Philadelphia a fort-
night before the golden wedding. They found
the handsome city residence of the Allisons occu-
pied by the family, and full of the pleasant stir
and bustle of preparation for the eventful day
which was to witness the celebration of the
358 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of Mr. ana
Mrs. Ferris, and the marriage of their grand-
daughter.
Sophy, while paying a visit to Rose in her
Southern home, had won the heart of Harry Car-
rington, and they had been engaged a year or
more. Harry had once indulged in a secret pen-
chant for Elsie; but now he would not have ex-
changed his merry, blue-eyed Sophy for her, or
for any other lady in the land.
The young couple were married at church, very
early in the evening, Elsie acting as first brides-
maid. Eeturning to the house the bridal party
were ushered into the drawing-room, which they
found richly ornamented with evergreens and
flowers. In the centre rose a pyramid of rare and
beautiful blossoms, filling the air with their deli-
cious perfume. Above that was a wide arch of
evergreens bearing the monograms of Mr. and
Mrs. Ferris, placed between the dates of their
marriage and of this anniversary.
The old bride and groom sat together beneath
the arch on one side of the pyramid, while the
newly-married pair took up a similar position
upon the other.
Only the family and near connections were
present for the first half hour. The eldest son of
Mr. and Mrs. Ferris made a short address, thank-
ing his aged parents for their unselfish love and
devotion to their offspring, and exhorting the
youthful bride and groom to follow in their foot-
steps. Upon the conclusion of this little speech,
gifts were presented by children and grandcktl-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 359
3ren, and letters of congratulation, in both poetry
and prose, from absent friends were read.
After this the doors were thrown open to the
invited guests, and for the remainder of the even-
ing the house was thronged with the elite of the
city, and with friends and acquaintances from
other parts of the country.
Among the latter were Adelaide and "Walter
Dinsmore, and Mr. Travilla and his mother. The
last named was seated in the corner of a sofa, her
eon standing by her side.
He heard a low-breathed sigh, noted the quiv-
ering of her lip and the gathering tears in the
gentle eyes, as she turned them upon the gray-
haired bride and groom, and he knew that her
thoughts were with the early dead, the husband
and father whose image he could scarcely recall.
His heart swelled with tender pitying, protecting
love, as he thought of her long, lonely widowhood,
and of all that she had been and still was to him.
But her gaze wandered to the pair standing
just upon the threshold of married life; and smil-
ing up at him, " They are a handsome couple," she
said; "how proud and happy Harry looks! Ah,
Edward, when will your turn come? "
He shook his head with a rather melancholy
smile.
" It is your own fault, I am sure," she continued
in a playful tone; " there are plenty of pretty
girls and charming young widows who would like
well to be mistress of Ion, and I am growing old,
and sometimes feel that I would be glad to resign
the sceptre to younger hands."
360 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
He gave her a glance of affectionate concern.
" I shall look for a housekeeper immediately. I
ought to have thought of it before."
" No, no, it is a daughter I want," she returned
still playfully. "I have often wondered how it
has come to pass that my warm-hearted boy
seems so perfectly invulnerable to Cupid's
darts."
"All seeming, mother," he answered lightly,
but with a wistful yearning look in his eyes which
were fixed upon a little group on the farther side
of the room; " to tell you a secret," and he bent
down, that the low-breathed words might catch
her ear alone, " I have been hopelessly in love for
many years."
She started with surprise, for there was the
ring of deep, earnest feeling beneath the jesting
tone then following the direction of his glance,
and perceiving that the group upon which it
rested was composed of Adelaide and Elsie Dins-
more, with some half dozen gentlemen who had
gathered about them, she looked greatly pleased.
" And why hopeless? " she asked.
"Ah, the evidences of indifference are so
patent that I cannot hope she will ever learn to
care for me."
"And pray what may they be? "
" Constraint and reserve, where formerly there
was much warmth and cordiality of manner."
" You foolish boy! if that be all, you may take
heart. I would not ask for better symptoms.
And remember the old proverb Taint heart
itever won fair lady.' You do not fear that she
still clings to the old love? "
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 361
No, ah no!"
" I never saw Adelaide look better than she
does to-night/' was Mrs. Travilla's next remark;
" what a queenly presence, and noble face she has,
and how very lovely our little Elsie is! She seems
to have gained every womanly grace without
losing a particle of her sweet childish simplicity
and freshness."
Her son assented with a slight sigh, and
wandered off in their direction. But before he
reached the little group, Elsie had taken Harold
Allison's arm and was being led away toward the
conservatory. Harold had a rare plant to show
her, and was glad of the excuse to get her to him-
self for a few moments.
For the rest of the evening Mr. Travilla de-
voted himself to Adelaide, his mother looking on
with beaming countenance, and thinking how
gladly she would welcome the dear girl to her
heart and home.
It was past twelve when the company dispersed.
Harry and his bride having started an hour before
upon their wedding tour.
" Get to bed as soon as you can, my dear child;
you are looking sadly fatigued," Mr. Dinsmore
said, putting his arm about his daughter as she
came to him for her good-night kiss.
" I will, papa/' she answered, clinging to him
with more than her usual warmth of affection.
" Dear papa, what could I ever do without you
to love me?"
" My darling, if it please the Lord, may we
be long spared to each other," he whispered,
clasping her close. " Now, good-night, and may
362 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
He bless yon, and keep you, and ever cause His
face to shine upon you."
Elsie turned away with eyes full of tears,
and her pillow was bedewed with them ere
she slept that night. But the morning found
her apparently her own bright, sunny self
again.
She was in her mamma's dressing-room soon
after breakfast, chatting with her and Adelaide,
Mr. Dinsmore sitting by with Eosebud on his
knee. Of course they were discussing the wed-
ding, how lovely the bride and her attendants
looked, how handsome the groom, how tasteful
and becoming was the dress of this lady and that,
how attentive was Mr. Such-an-one to Miss So-
and-so, etc., etc. Rose making a little jesting
allusion to " the devotion of a certain gentleman
to Adelaide;" and saying how delighted she was;
nothing could please her better than for them
to fancy each other; when in the midst of it all,
a servant came up with a message. " Mr. Tra-
villa was in the drawing-room asking for Miss
Dinsmore, Miss Adelaide."
She went down at once, and as the door closed
upon her, Eose turned to her husband with the
laughing remark, " It would be a splendid match!
they seem just made for each other. I wonder
they didn't find it out long ago, and I begin to
quite set my heart upon it."
" Better not, my dear, lest they disappoint you,
and allow me to advise you to let match-making
alone; 'tis a dangerous business. Elsie, my child,
you are looking pale this morning; late hours do
not agree with you. I think I shall have to take
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 363
to sending you to bed at nine o'clock again, when
once I get you home."
"Won't ten be early enough, papa?" she an-
swered with a faint smile, a vivid color suddenly
suffusing her cheek.
" Well, we will see about it. But I can't have
you looking so. Go and put on your hat and
shawl, and I will take you and mamma out for an
airing?"
" Looking so? " said Kose, with an arch glance
at the glowing cheeks, as she stooped to take
Rosebud in her arms, " she is not pale now."
"No, certainly not," he said. "Come back,
daughter," for Elsie had risen to obey his order,
and was moving toward the door, "come here
and tell me what ails you? "
" I am quite well, papa, only a little tired from
last night, I believe," she answered, as he took
her hands in his and looked searchingly into her
face.
" I hope that is all," he said a little anxiously.
"You must lie down and try to get a nap when
we return from our drive; and remember you
must be in bed by ten o'clock to-night."
" I shall do just as my father bids me," she
said, smiling up at him, " my dear father who is
so kindly careful of me." Then as he let go her
hands, she tripped lightly from the room.
Mr. Travilla had come on an errand from his
mother; she begged Adelaide's advice and assist-
ance in a little shopping.
Adelaide was at leisure, and at once donned
bonnet and shawl and went with him to the
Girard House, where the old lady awaited tiieir
364 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
coming, and the three spent the remainder of the
morning in attending to Mrs. Travilla's pur-
chases and visiting the Academy of Fine Arts.
In driving down Chestnut street, the Dinsmores
passed them on their way to the Academy.
Adelaide did not return to Mr. Allison's to
dinner, but Mr. Travilla called presently after,
to say that she had dined with his mother and
himself at the hotel, and would not return until
bed-time, as they were all going to hear Gough
lecture that evening.
He was speaking to Mrs. Allison. Several of
the family were in the room, Elsie among them.
She was slipping quietly away, when he turned
toward her, saying: " Would you not like to go
with us, my little friend? I think you would
find it entertaining, and we would be glad to
have you."
"Thank you, sir, you are very kind, but a
prior engagement compels me to decline," she
answered, glancing smilingly at her father.
" She has not been looking well to-day, and I
have ordered her to go early to bed to-night,"
Mr. Dinsmore said.
" Ah, that is right! " murmured Mr. Travilla,
rising to take leave.
The Travillas staid a week longer in the city.
During that time Adelaide went out with them
quite frequently, but Elsie saw scarcely anything
of her old friend; which was, however, all her
own fault, as she studiously avoided him; muck
to his grief and disturbance. He coul'd not im-
agine what he had done to so completely estrange
ber from him.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 365
Mr. Dinsmore felt in some haste to be at homa
again, but Mrs. Allison pleaded so hard for an-
other week that he consented to delay. Adelaide
and Walter went with the Travillas, and wanted
to take Elsie with them, but he would not hear
of such an arrangement; while she said very de-
cidedly that she could not think of being sepa-
rated from her father.
She seemed gay and happy when with the
family, or alone with him or Rose; but coming
upon her unexpectedly in her dressing-room, the
day after the others had left, he found her in
tears.
" Why, my darling, what can be the matter? "
he asked, taking her in his arms.
" Nothing, papa," she said, hastily wiping away
her tears and hiding her blushing face on hia
breast " I I believe I'm a little homesick/'
" Ah, then, why did you not ask to go with the
others?"
"And leave you? Ah, do you not know that
my father is more a great deal more than half
of home to me? "she answered, hugging him close.
" And you wouldn't have let me go? "
"No, indeed, not I; but Fm afraid I really
ought to read you a lecture. I daresay you miss
Sophy very much, but still there are young peo-
ple enough left in the house to keep you from
feeling very dull and lonely, I should think; and
as you have all your dear ones about you, and ex-
pect to go home in a few days "
"I ought to be cheerful and happy. I know
it, papa/' she said, as he paused, leaving his sen-
tence unfinished, " and I'm afraid I'm very wicked
366 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
and ungrateful. But please don't be vexed witE
me, and I will try to banish this feeling of de-
pression."
" I fear you are not well," he said, turning her
face to the light and examining it with keen scru-
tiny; " tell me, are you ill? "
" No, papa, I think not. Don't be troubled
about me."
" I shall send for a doctor if this depression
lasts," he said decidedly, " for I shall have to con-
elude that it must arise from some physical cause,
since I know of no other; and it is so foreign to
the nature of my sunny-tempered little girl."
He saw no more of it, though he watched her
carefully.
Great was the rejoicing at the Oaks when at
last the family returned. Adelaide was there to
welcome them, and Elsie thought she had never
seen her look so youthful, pretty, and happy,
Chloe remarked upon it while preparing her
young mistress for bed, adding that the report in
the kitchen was that Miss Adelaide and Mr. Tra-
.villa were engaged, and would probably marry
very soon.
Elsie made no remark, but her heart seemed
to sink like lead in her bosom. " Why am I
grieving so? what is there in this news to make
me sorry?" she asked herself as she wetted her
pillow with her tears. " I'm sure I'm very glad
that dear Aunt Adie is so happy, and and I used
often to wish he was my uncle." Yet the tears
would not cease their flow till she had wept her-
self to sleep.
But she seemed bright and gay as usual in the
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 367
morning, and meeting her parents at the break-
fast-table, thought they looked as though some-
thing had pleased them greatly.
It was Rose who told her the news, as an hour
later they sauntered around the garden together,
noting the changes which had taken place there
in their absence.
" I have something to tell you, dear," Rose said,
and Elsie shivered slightly, knowing what was
coming; " something that pleases your father and
me very much, and I think will make you glad
too. Can you guess what it is? "
"About Aunt Adelaide, mamma?" Elsie
stooped over a plant, thus concealing her face
from view, and so controlled her voice that it be-
trayed no emotion. "Yet; I know; she is en-
gaged."
"And you are pleased with the match, of
course; I knew you would be. You used so often
to wish that he was your uncle, and now he soon
will be. Your papa and I are delighted; we think
there could not have been a more suitable match
for either."
" I am very glad for her dear Aunt Adie
and for for him too," Elsie said, her voice grow-
ing a little husky at the last.
But Rose was speaking to the gardener, and
did not notice it, and Elsie wandered on, pres-
ently turned into the path leading to her arbor
and seeking its welcome privacy, there relieved
her full heart by a flood of tears.
Mr. Travilla called that day, but saw nothing
of his " little friend," and in consequence went
away very sorrowful, and pondering deeply the
368 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
question what he could have done to alienate her
affections so entirely from him.
The next day he came again, quite resolved
to learn in what he had offended, and was over-
joyed at hearing that she was alone in her favour-
ite arbor.
He sought her there and found her in tears.
She hastily wiped them away on perceiving his
approach, hut could not remove their traces.
" Good-morning," she said, rising and giving
him her hand; but with the reserved manner
that had now become habitual, instead of the
pleasant ease and familiarity of earlier days;
" were you looking for papa? I think he is some-
where on the plantation."
" No, my dear child, it was you I wished to
see."
"Me, Mr. Tra villa?" and she cast down her
eyes, while her cheek crimsoned; for he was look-
ing straight into them with his, so wistful and
tender, so full of earnest, questioning, sorrowful
entreaty, that she knew not how to meet their
gaze.
" Yes, you, my little friend, for I can no longer
endure this torturing anxiety. Will you not tell
me, dear child, what I have done to hurt or
grieve you so? "
" I I'm not hurt or gri you have always been
most kind," she stammered, " most But why
should you think I I was "
The rest of the sentence was lost in a burst
of tears, and covering her burning cheeks with
her hands, she sank down upon the seat from
which she had risen to greet him.
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 369
" My dear child, I did not mean to pain yon
so; do not weep, it breaks my heart to see it. I
was far from intending to blame you, or complain
of your treatment," he said in an agitated tone,
and bending over her in tender concern, " I only
wanted to understand my error in order that
I might retrieve it, and be no longer deprived of
your dear society. Oh, little Elsie, if you only
knew how I love you; how I have loved you, and
only you, all these years as child and as woman
how I have waited and longed, hoping even
against hope, that some day I might be able to
win the priceless treasure of your young heart."
Intense, glad surprise made her drop her hands
and look up at him. "But are you not I I
thought I understood Aunt Adelaide "
"Your Aunt Adelaide! " he cried, scarcely less
astonished than herself, " can it be that you do
not know that you have not heard of her en-
gagement to Edward Allison? "
A light broke upon Elsie at that question, and
her face grew radiant with happiness; there was
one flash of exceeding joy in the soft eyes that
met his, and then they sought the ground.
" Oh, my darling, could you? is it can it
He took her in his arms, folded her close to
his heart, calling her by every tender and en-
dearing name, and she made no effort to escape,
or to avoid his caresses; did nothing but hide her
blushing face on his breast, and weep tears of
deep joy and thankfulness.
It might have been half an hour or an hour
afterward (they reckoned nothing of the flight of
370 ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD.
time) that Mr. Dinsmore, coining in search of his
daughter, found them seated side by side, Mr.
Travilla with his arm about Elsie's waist, and
her hand in his. So absorbed were they in each
other that they had not heard the approaching
footsteps.
It was a state of affairs Mr. Dinsmore was far
from expecting, and pausing upon the threshold,
he stood spell-bound with astonishment. " El-
sie! " he said a,t length.
Both started and looked up at the sound of
his voice, and Mr. Travilla, still holding fast to
his new-found treasure, said in tones tremulous
with joy, "Will you give her to me, Dinsmore?
she is willing now."
"Ah, is it so, Elsie, my darling?" faltered
the father, opening his arms to receive her as she
flew to him. " Is it so? have I lost the first place
in my daughter's heart?" he repeated, straining
her to his breast, and pressing his lips again and
again to her fair brow.
" Dear papa, I never loved you better," she
murmured, clinging more closely to him. " I
shall never cease to be your own dear daughter;
can never have any father but you my own dear,
dear papa. And you will not be left without a
little girl to pet and fondle; darling Kosebud will
fill my place."
" She has her own; but neither she nor any
one else can ever fill yours, my darling," he an-
swered with a quivering lip. " How can I how
can I give you up ? my first-born, my Elsie's child
and mine."
"You will give her to me, my friend?" re-
ELSIE'S GIRLHOOD. 371
peated Travilla. " I will cherish her as the apple
of my eye; I shall never take her away from you,
you may see her every day. You love her ten-
derly, but she is dearer to me than my own soul."
"If you have won her heart, I cannot refuse
you her hand. Say, Elsie, my daughter, is it so? "
" Yes, papa," she whispered, turning her blush-
ing face away from his keen, searching gaze.
" I can hardly bear to do it. My precious one,
I don't know how to resign you to another," he
said in a voice low and tremulous with emotion,
and holding her close to his heart; " but since it
is your wish, I must. Take her, my friend, she
is yours. But God do so to you, and more also,
if ever you show her aught brut love and tender-
ness."
He put her hand into Travilla's, and turned to
go. But she clung to him with the other.
" Yours too, papa," she said, looking up into his
sad face with eyes that were full of tears, "al-
ways your own daughter who loves you better
than life."
"Yes, darling, and who is as dearly loved in
return," he said, stooping to press another kiss on
the ruby lips. " Let us be happy, for we are
not to part." Then walking quickly away, he
left them alone together.
University of California Library
Los Angeles
This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.
to DATE SEIJIT
NOV 1 8 1996
DATE RECEIVED
UCLA URUll|A-
EW
o
E-UNi
RENEWABLE
MAY oj 1998
U,-lllf
m&$ m DATE KtUtiVEO
II
3 V
g 3^
ftfc*
" ^
I!
m
,li *
g
s i
3
i 1
i,l
-n '
O ..'
^3 O
^lOS-ANGElfj:>
