She expressed her gratification, appealing to Mr. Travilla for his approval, which was cordially given; said she had brought a little gift for each of the people, and desired they should be sent up to the house about sunset the next evening to receive it.
The chaplain promised that her order should be attended to, then retired, leaving husband and wife alone together.
"All very satisfactory, my little friend, was it not?" said Mr. Travilla.
"Yes, sir, very. I'm so glad to have secured such a man as Mr. Mason to look after the welfare of these poor helpless creatures. And you like the house, Mr. Travilla, do you not?"
"Very much, so far as I have seen it. This is a beautiful room, and the dining-room pleased me equally well."
"Ah, I am eager to show you all!" she cried, rising quickly and laying her hand on the bell-rope.
"Stay, little wife, not to-night," he said, "you are too much fatigued."
She glided to the back of the easy chair in which he sat, and leaning over him, said laughingly, "I'm not conscious of being fatigued, but I have promised to obey and——"
"Hush, hush!" he said flushing, "I meant to have that left out; and did I not tell you you were to have your own way that night and ever after? You've already done enough of obeying to last you a lifetime. But please come round where I can see you better." Then, as she stepped to his side, he threw an arm about her and drew her to his knee.
"But it wasn't left out," she said, shyly returning his fond caress; "I promised and must keep my word."