At length they reached the rustic seat where they had sat while Mr. Dinsmore told his story, and he inquired of Rose if she would like to stop and rest.
She assented, recognizing the place with a smile and a blush, and they sat down.
"Papa," said Elsie, "I am not tired, mayn't I run on to the top of that hill yonder?"
"Yes, if you will not go out of sight or hearing, so that I can see that you are safe, and within call when I want you," he replied, and she bounded away.
Rose was sitting thoughtfully, with her eyes upon the ground, while those of her companion were following the graceful figure of his little girl, as she tripped lightly along the road.
"Mr. Dinsmore," Rose began.
"I beg pardon, but were you speaking to me?" he asked, turning to her with a half smile.
"Certainly," she replied, smiling in return; "there is no one else here."
"Well then, Rose, dear, please to remember that I don't answer to that name from your lips, at least not when we are alone. I am not Mr. Dinsmore to you, unless you mean to be Miss Allison to me," he added, taking her hand and gazing tenderly into her blushing face.
"Oh! no, no; I would not have you call me that!"