You do not mind about it, papa, dear, do you?
You don't think it was _very_ naughty in me ?" she asked anxiously.
"No, darling, no; it was very right and kind, and much more than I deserved," he answered with emotion.
"I am glad you are not angry, papa," she said in a relieved tone, "and, indeed, I did not mean to be naughty or disobedient." John was just bringing in the lights, and Mr.Dinsmore took a note from his pocket, saying, "I will read this to you, daughter, as it concerns you as well as myself." It was an invitation from Mrs.Howard--the mother of Elsie's friend, Caroline--to Mr.Dinsmore and his little girl, to come and spend the Christmas holidays with them.
"Well, my pet, what do you say to it?
would you like to go ?" he asked, as he refolded the note and returned it to his pocket.
"I don't know, papa; it seems as if it would be pleasant, as we are both invited; but home is so sweet, and I am so happy just alone with you that I hardly want to go away; so if you please, papa, I would much rather just leave it all to you." "Well, then, we will stay quietly at home," he said, with a gratified look; "and I think it will be much the better plan, for you are not strong enough yet for gayety, and it would be very little pleasure for you to be there while unable to join in the sports, and obliged always to keep early hours.
"But we might have a Christmas dinner at home, and invite a few friends to help us eat it.

Whom would you like to have ?" "Mr.and Mrs.Travilla, and Aunt Adelaide, and Lora, if you please, papa, and anybody else you like," she replied, looking very much pleased.

"I should like to have Carry Howard, but of course I can't--as she is going to have company of her own; and I believe nearly all the little girls I am acquainted with are to be there." "Yes, I suppose so.

Well, we will ask those you have mentioned, and I hope they will come.

But there is the tea-bell, and I shall carry my dolly out to the dining-room," he said, rising with her in his arms.
"Papa," she said, when they had returned to their seats by the study fire, "may I give mammy a nice present this Christmas ?" "Yes," he replied kindly, "I supposed you would want to give some presents, and I have just been thinking how it might be managed, as you are not fit to shop for yourself.