"Yes, from its master down to the very horses in the stable and dogs in the kennel," laughed Mr. Travilla, coming softly up and stealing an arm about his wife's waist.
Everybody laughed.
"No, sir; I don't like to contradict you," retorted Elsie, coloring but looking lovingly into the eyes bent so fondly upon her, "but I am—nothing to you but your little wife;" and her voice sank almost to a whisper with the last word.
"Ah? Well, dear child, that's enough for me," he said, in the same low tone.
"But, Lottie," she remarked aloud, "you are tying on your hat. Won't you stay?"
"Not to-night, thank you, Mrs. Travilla," answered the gay girl in her merry, lively tones.
"You are to be at the Oaks to-morrow, and perhaps I—well, we can settle the time there."
"And you, auntie?"
"Why, dearie, I think you'd better get your housekeeping a little used to your ways first. And it's better for starting out that young folks should be alone."
Mr. Dinsmore had stepped into the hall for his hat, and while the other ladies were making their adieus to her new mother, Elsie stole softly after him.