“That is well; I could hardly have consented to let you go on any other condition, because you are not strong enough to bear much loss of sleep. It is quite possible I may not be near you in the refreshment-room at Pinegrove, so I tell you now that you are not to eat any rich cake or preserves, or any salad.”
Elsie laughed. “Why, papa,” she said, giving him a hug, “you never let me eat such things at any time!”
“No, that is true, and yet I thought it as well to remind you lest you should be tempted to yield to hospitable urgency.”
“Papa, I would not dis—” But a sudden recollection made her pause and drop her eyes, while a crimson tide swept over the fair face and neck.
“I have not a doubt that my dear little girl fully intends to be perfectly obedient,” he said kindly, lifting the sweet, downcast face and pressing a kiss upon the ruby lips.
At that instant the door opened and Rose entered in full evening-dress.
“Will I do, my dear?” she asked; “does your wife’s attire meet your approval?”
“I am altogether satisfied with both it and her,” was the gallant rejoinder. “Are the others ready?”
It was Annis, just coming in at the door, who answered. “Milly says they will be down in five or ten minutes, Cousin Horace. Elsie, sha’n’t we go and put on our wraps?”
Mrs. Dinsmore was hurrying away. Her husband called after her. “My dear, wrap up well; for the night is cold. I have ordered the two close carriages, but wraps will not come amiss.” Then taking Elsie’s hand, he went with her and Annis to their rooms to see that they were warmly clad for the ride.