“My father! It is my dear father!” she cried, as she started up and dashed from the room.
“Yes! it is he!” said Elfie.
The drawing-room door stood wide open.
Erminie flew in and was folded in the arms of her father.
He sank down on the sofa and drew her on his lap; and she dropped her head upon his bosom and wept for joy.
And he clasped her in a closer embrace, and for the first few minutes not one word was spoken between them.
Then the first syllables her lips could frame were of gratitude to Heaven.
“Thank the Lord! Oh, thank the Lord!” she said.
“Amen,” solemnly responded the Lutheran minister.
“My father! Oh, my beloved father!”