"No, Don; but perhaps that was only because he never thought of your asking me."
"O Elsie, Elsie, do go!" entreated Annis. "I won't go without you, and I can't bear to lose the row."
"Didn't Cousin Horace leave you in mother's care!" asked Cyril.
"Yes."
"Well, then, what need of hesitation? Mother lets Annis go, and of course she would let you."
Elsie stood for a moment, silently weighing the question in her mind. Certainly her papa had great confidence in "Aunt Marcia's" opinion, for had he not said she might read whatever Aunt Marcia recommended? and he had left her in her care; also, he did teach her to be considerate of the wishes of others; he had told her only last night not to be selfish in little things. Surely he would not have her spoil the afternoon's pleasure of these three cousins.
Ah, but he was never willing to have her exposed to unnecessary danger! But Cyril said there was really no danger, and—she did so want to go! it looked so pleasant on the water!
The scales were almost evenly balanced, and finally she allowed inclination to decide her, gave Cyril her hand, and was quickly seated in the canoe with the delighted Annis by her side.