"But, my dear Mrs.
Dinsmore, don't let us keep you." "Thanks, no; but I, too, prefer another half hour in this pleasant company." The half hour flew away on swift wings, to Elsie especially.
"But why leave us at all to-night, auntie and Lottie ?" she asked, as the ladies began their preparations for departure.

"You are to be my guests for the rest of the winter, are you not ?" Then turning, with a quick vivid blush, to Mrs.Travilla, "Mother, am I transcending my rights ?" "My dearest daughter, no; did I not say you were henceforth mistress of this house ?" "Yes, from its master down to the very horses in the stable and dogs in the kennel," laughed Mr.Travilla, coming softly up and stealing an arm about his wife's waist.
Everybody laughed.
"No, sir; I don't like to contradict you," retorted Elsie, coloring but looking lovingly into the eyes bent so fondly upon her, "but I am--nothing to you but your little wife;" and her voice sank almost to a whisper with the last word.
"Ah?
Well, dear child, that's enough for me," he said, in the same low tone.
"But, Lottie," she remarked aloud, "you are tying on your hat.

Won't you stay ?" "Not to-night, thank you, Mrs.Travilla," answered the gay girl in her merry, lively tones.
"You are to be at the Oaks to-morrow, and perhaps I--well, we can settle the time there." "And you, auntie ?" "Why, dearie, I think you'd better get your housekeeping a little used to your ways first.

And it's better for starting out that young folks should be alone." Mr.Dinsmore had stepped into the hall for his hat, and while the other ladies were making their adieus to her new mother, Elsie stole softly after him.
"My good-night kiss, papa," she whispered, putting her arms about his neck.
"My dear darling! my precious, precious child! how glad I am to be able to give it to you once more, and to take my own from your own sweet lips," he said, clasping her closer.

"God bless you and keep you, and ever cause His face to shine upon you.".