"Come hither, child," he said.
She came up and stood before him.
"Sit down by my side."
"For what good, father? Speak, I am listening," she answered.
The squatter was visibly embarrassed; he knew not how to commence the conversation, but, after some moments' hesitation, he said:
"You are ill, Ellen."
The maiden smiled sadly.
"Did you not notice it before today, father?" she replied.
"No, my child; I have noticed your sadness for a long time past. You are not suited for a desert life."
"That is true," was all she said.