“What is the game?” he asked. “May I take part in it?”
“It’s consequences, and we’re having fine fun. Of course we’ll be glad to have you join us, sir,” answered several voices.
So he stayed and took part in that and several succeeding games, apparently enjoying the sport as thoroughly as the youngest of them all.
When the time came for the refreshments to be served, he conducted Elsie and Annis to the supper-room and waited upon them there.
Elsie was glad her father happened to be so near at hand as to be able to tell her what she might eat; and Annis was wise enough to follow her cousin’s example in avoiding rich and indigestible food.
Their party were among the first to leave, yet it was so late that the two mothers felt anxious about their babes, and the little girls were conscious of fatigue; Elsie especially so.
Her father perceived it with concern as she came down from the dressing-room and he caught sight of the pale, tired little face half concealed by her hood.
He handed Rose to the carriage, then lifted Elsie tenderly and placed her in it, seated himself by her side, and took her in his arms.
“There, darling, lay your head down on father’s shoulder,” he said. “You must go to bed as soon as we get home, and lie there as long as you like to-morrow morning. There shall be no lessons; nothing to prevent my tired little girl from taking all the rest she needs.”
“Papa, you’re so good to me!” she murmured, dropping asleep almost before the words had fairly left her lips.