The little one stood before the lady, with her chin down on her bosom, and her soft brown eyes turned shyly up to her hostess.
“Make your courtesy now to the lady,” said her mother.
The little creature obeyed and dropped her courtesy, still turning her soft brown eyes, full of reverence and admiration, up to her hostess’ face.
“So this is my little namesake?” said Mrs. Force, lifting the child upon her lap.
“Yes, named Elfrida, for you and Elva; but we call her Effie, and she calls herself Essie,” said the young mother.
“Ah! is that your name, little one?” inquired the lady, stroking the child’s curls.
“Es, ma’am—Essie,” replied the baby.
“And what else besides Essie?”
“Essie—Indy, ma’am.”
“Oh, Essie Ingle—is that it?”