"The latter, by all means," answered Travilla, Elsie's sparkling eyes saying the same, even more emphatically.
"Take Selim home, and see that both he and the family carriage are at Ion by nine this evening," was Mr. Dinsmore's order to his servant.
"Ah, papa! so early!" Elsie interposed, in a tone that was half reproach, half entreaty.
"We must not keep you up late after your journey, my child," he answered, following her into the carriage, Mr. Travilla stepping in after.
"The seats are meant for three; let me sit between you, please," requested Elsie.
"But are you not afraid of crushing your dress?" asked her father jocosely, making room for her by his side.
"Not I," she answered gayly, slipping into her chosen place with a light, joyous laugh, and giving a hand to each. "Now I'm the happiest woman in the world."
"As you deserve to be," whispered her husband, clasping tight the hand he held.
"Oh, you flatterer!" she returned. "Papa, did you miss me?"
"Every day, every hour. Did I not tell you so in my letters? And you? did you think often of me?"