Elsie thought a moment.
"Dear papa, you are very kind," she said, "but if you please, I would much rather have you decide for me, because I am only a silly little girl, and you are so much older and wiser."
He smiled, and stroked her hair softly, but said nothing.
"Are you going to stay at home, papa?" she asked presently.
"Yes, daughter, I expect to spend the evening either in this room or the library, as I have letters to write."
"Oh, then, papa, please let me stay with you! I would like it much better than going to the party; will you, papa? please say yes."
"But you know I cannot talk to you, or let you talk; so that it will be very dull," he said, pushing back the curls from the fair forehead, and smiling down into the eager little face.
"Oh! but if you will only let me sit beside you and read one of my new books, I shall be quite contented, and sit as quiet as a little mouse, and not say one word without leave. Mayn't I, papa?"
"I said you should do as you pleased, darling, and I always love to have my pet near me."
"Oh, then I shall stay!" she cried, clapping her hands.