"They had to be cut off when I was so sick.

You were not vexed, papa ?" she asked, raising her eyes timidly to his face.
"No, darling, not _vexed_ certainly, though very sorry indeed that it was necessary," he said in a kind, gentle tone, passing his hand caressingly over her head.
"Ah, well," remarked Mrs.Murray cheerfully, "we winna fret about it; it will soon grow again, and these little, soft rings of hair are very pretty, too." "I thought you were in Scotland, Mrs.Murray; when did you come back ?" asked the little girl.
"I came to this place only yesterday, darling; but it is about a week since I landed in America." "I am so glad to see you, dear Mrs.Murray," Elsie said, holding fast to her hand, and looking lovingly into her face.

"I haven't forgotten any of the good things you taught me." Then turning to her father, she said, very earnestly, "Papa, you won't need now to have me grow up for a long while, because Mrs.Murray is such an excellent housekeeper." He smiled and patted her cheek, saying pleasantly, "No, dear, I shall keep you a little girl as long as ever I can; and give Mrs.Murray plenty of time to make a good housekeeper of you." "At what hour will you have dinner, sir ?" asked the old lady, turning to leave the room.
"At one, if you please," he said, looking at his watch.

"I want Elsie to eat with me, and it must be early, on her account." Elsie's little face was quite bright with pleasure.

"I am so glad, papa," she said, "it will be very delightful to dine together in our own house.
May I always dine with you ?" "I hope so," he said, smiling.