“Yes, if you please, Dick. I may perhaps stay some little time.”
“Oh, yes, sir, you must stay to tea!” Elsie said. “You have not been here for several days, and we cannot let you leave us after a call only.”
“Thank you, my dear,” he returned, with a pleased look. “You are setting out for a walk? I wish you would invite me to go with you.”
“Oh, we should be glad, very glad to have you!” both answered, in a breath.
So he went with them and made himself very entertaining, telling them several amusing anecdotes, and giving them various items of useful information.
When they returned to the house Mr. Dinsmore met them on the veranda, shook hands with his friend, and stood talking with him for several minutes.
While her father was thus engaged Elsie drew quietly near his side, and taking unobserved possession of his hand carried it to her lips.
He paused an instant in his talk, bent down and kissed her, looking with tender, loving eyes into hers, that were half filled with repentant tears. “My darling!” he said softly, then straightening himself went on with what he had been saying, but kept her hand in a close, loving clasp.
“You will, of course, stay and take supper with us, Travilla?” he said, leading the way into the house, still with Elsie’s hand in his.
“And oh, Mr. Travilla!” exclaimed Annis, “don’t you want to see our party dresses? They’re finished, and are just the loveliest things that ever you saw!”