Through all her play that evening she was conscious of a burden on her heart; and every now and then her eyes were turned wistfully in the direction from which she expected him to come.

But the clock struck eight, and there were no signs of his approach, and soon it was half-past, and she found she must go to bed without seeing him.

She sighed several times while Chloe was undressing her, and just as she was about leaving her, said, "If papa comes home before I go to sleep, mammy, please ask him to let me come to him for one minute." "I will, darlin'; but don't you try for to stay awake; kase maybe massa ain't gwine be home till berry late, an' den he might be vexed wid you." It was nearly ten o'clock when Mr.Dinsmore returned, and he was talking on the piazza with Mr.and Miss Allison for nearly half an hour afterwards; but Chloe was patiently waiting for him, and meeting him in the hall on the way to his room, presented Elsie's request.
"Yes," he said, "see if she is awake, but don't disturb her if she is not." Chloe softly opened the door, and the little girl started up, asking in an eager whisper, "Did he say I might come, mammy ?" "Yes, darlin'," said Chloe, lifting her in her arms and setting her down on the floor.

And then the little fairy-like figure in its white night-dress stole softly out into the hall, and ran with swift, noiseless steps across it, and into the open door of Mr.Dinsmore's room.
He caught her in his arms and kissed her several times with passionate fondness.

Then sitting down with her on his knee, he asked tenderly, "What does my darling want with papa to-night ?" "I wanted to tell you that I was very naughty this afternoon, and didn't get home until just as the tea-bell rang." "And you were very glad to find that papa was not here to make you sup upon bread and water, eh ?" "No, papa, I didn't eat anything else," she said in a hurt tone; "I wouldn't take such a mean advantage of your absence." "No, dearest, I know you would not.